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CloudWorld
Imagine a planet entirely covered in clouds. . . .
Imagine peaks rising out of the cloudscape. . . .
Imagine a citadel standing on each peak. . . .
Heliopolis. A citadel divided into five layers, every citizen sure of their place and purpose. But there is one uncertainty that haunts all Heliopolitans. What lies beneath the thick ocean of cloud? A vast abyss? The fiery realm of the gods?
Fourteen-year-old Marcus is about to find out.
When his father fails to return from a diplomatic mission, Marcus joins an expedition across the cloudscape in search of him. But he discovers too late that danger lies closer to home—somebody wants him dead. And when his airship is attacked, Marcus is plunged into a terrifying new world beneath the clouds. . . .
Imagine peaks rising out of the cloudscape. . . .
Imagine a citadel standing on each peak. . . .
Heliopolis. A citadel divided into five layers, every citizen sure of their place and purpose. But there is one uncertainty that haunts all Heliopolitans. What lies beneath the thick ocean of cloud? A vast abyss? The fiery realm of the gods?
Fourteen-year-old Marcus is about to find out.
When his father fails to return from a diplomatic mission, Marcus joins an expedition across the cloudscape in search of him. But he discovers too late that danger lies closer to home—somebody wants him dead. And when his airship is attacked, Marcus is plunged into a terrifying new world beneath the clouds. . . .
353 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
3 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
David Cunningham
2 books1 followerDavid McAlpine Cunningham has written two well-received children's fantasy novels: "CloudWorld" (Faber & Faber, 2006), which was nominated for the 2007 Manchester Book Award, and "CloudWorld At War" (2008). The CloudWorld story has been acclaimed as "a heart-pumping tale set in a vividly-imagined world" by the best-selling author and Oscar-nominated screenwriter William Nicholson ("Shadowlands", "Gladiator", "The Wind Singer"). David was born in Ayrshire and educated at Glasgow University, from which he has an M.A. in English Literature and a Ph.D. in Scottish Literature. His short stories have appeared in various magazines and anthologies (most recently the "London Magazine") and have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4. He has also written and reviewed for "The Scotsman", "The Herald" and "The Spectator". At various times he has worked as a University tutor, a bookseller, an administrative assistant, a literary editor and a web developer.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 19, 2023
DNF at 200 pages in. The author has made a really cool world but it’s the only thing the book has going for it. All the characters were just meh and the story was also meh.
The writing feels a bit clunky and simple and the whole thing just seems to lack oomph. I stopped as I don’t care about the characters or the story and it’s pointless forcing myself through to the end.
Everything just seemed to lack depth. I think the author could have gone further into this world and the characters themselves to give a bit of life to everything. There’s elements of politics and religion which could be interesting but things just aren’t fleshed out enough and sadly it shows why this book is rated so low.
I don’t hate this book at all but it’s boring and not executed well.
February 11, 2017
Bear with me. I complain a lot at first but also go over the positives. I found that this book had a lot of potential. While Cunningham is certainly not the first to write about a world above the clouds, he did do it in a refreshing way. I found their world fascinating, but there were so many flaws with it. I understand that building a new world, especially such a fantastical one such as one above the clouds, is challenging, but Cunningham made some very big mistakes. The biggest peeve for me as I read this was this: they live on mountain tops. Cunningham very explicitly describes Heliopolis. It is made up of an agricultural sector, an artisan one, the bureaucrats, and then royalty and lords. HE COMPLETELY FORGOT THE MINES. Most of their city is built of stone. Their ships are built of metal and wood. The Cloudfarers wear shiny metal armours. They have many metal weapons. Marcus literally says that they brought the "iron age" to the world below. Cunningham in no way accounted as to how this metal was acquired. You certainly cannot mine a mountain top. At least, not one you are living with. There is no place they could have gotten enough metal and stone to build the citadel. The architectural side might have made sense if Heliopolis had been built done into the mountain rather than on top of it. The only possible explanation is that there are uninhabited mountains that are mined and that they get their metal and stone through trade but this seems like a very expensive and untrustworthy method of acquiring materials.
Second problem I had was how they never discovered the world below. This was never addressed. Sure, there are huge predatory birds that probably killed those that have attempted to hike down, but that still does not explain how aerocruisers never made it down. Also even if the Heliopolitans never made it down, how come some other citadel never discovered it? I find it difficult to believe that there would be dangerous predators on every single mountain. It also seems like a useless secret to keep if another citadel discovered it. I also feel like he tried to make the cloud dwellers seem very intelligent but ???? Many of the technological advances we made were because we discovered the Earth was round and could account for gravity and such. At some point, we do find out that they do know that their world is round - they mention the equator. I just feel like it was supposed to be this /big/ reveal that there was something beneath the clouds but it just seems so improbably that they never made it lower than the clouds with their technology. Obviously, the ornithopter dude saw it and then flew back up. Also, I understand that their world is apparently made up of a lot more water than ours because the clouds are always very dense. The world under is always gray, however, which means that the plants there must have found some other source of nutrition other than photosynthesis. I just feel like there's so much that was unaccounted for.
The ending felt kind of like I was being flipped off. The climb was very boring. I know nothing of mountain terminology so I didn't even know what was happening half the time. The worst was the mapmaker just dying out of nowhere. That was so extra. I really wished it had a more conclusive ending, or at least switched perspective so that we could also know what was happening in Heliopolis, perhaps from Marcus' tutor's POV. The characters were also all very 2D. Cunningham focused so much on their actions and their world that he completely forgot that he was supposed to be writing realistic and relatable characters. Also I find it very odd that the underdwellers were not more advanced. They have access to more resources and the struggle to survive seems greater there.
POSITIVES: Honestly, I thought the story was a very interesting read. Would have read it all in one seating if I could've afforded too. While the world was flawed, I did think it was very interesting. I especially enjoyed the underworld and how they have different races of people. I liked that he accounted for gravity and the air being different below and above the clouds. I really liked the Nullmaurs. I found them fascinating. While they could use a lot more development, I like that Cunningham considered the lack of vision in the underworld and gave them reflective eyes like a cat's. Other than the fact that it feels like the story was cut short, I really liked the plot.
Overall, there was a lot of potential. While I really enjoyed this book, it feels like it's just the rough draft.
Second problem I had was how they never discovered the world below. This was never addressed. Sure, there are huge predatory birds that probably killed those that have attempted to hike down, but that still does not explain how aerocruisers never made it down. Also even if the Heliopolitans never made it down, how come some other citadel never discovered it? I find it difficult to believe that there would be dangerous predators on every single mountain. It also seems like a useless secret to keep if another citadel discovered it. I also feel like he tried to make the cloud dwellers seem very intelligent but ???? Many of the technological advances we made were because we discovered the Earth was round and could account for gravity and such. At some point, we do find out that they do know that their world is round - they mention the equator. I just feel like it was supposed to be this /big/ reveal that there was something beneath the clouds but it just seems so improbably that they never made it lower than the clouds with their technology. Obviously, the ornithopter dude saw it and then flew back up. Also, I understand that their world is apparently made up of a lot more water than ours because the clouds are always very dense. The world under is always gray, however, which means that the plants there must have found some other source of nutrition other than photosynthesis. I just feel like there's so much that was unaccounted for.
The ending felt kind of like I was being flipped off. The climb was very boring. I know nothing of mountain terminology so I didn't even know what was happening half the time. The worst was the mapmaker just dying out of nowhere. That was so extra. I really wished it had a more conclusive ending, or at least switched perspective so that we could also know what was happening in Heliopolis, perhaps from Marcus' tutor's POV. The characters were also all very 2D. Cunningham focused so much on their actions and their world that he completely forgot that he was supposed to be writing realistic and relatable characters. Also I find it very odd that the underdwellers were not more advanced. They have access to more resources and the struggle to survive seems greater there.
POSITIVES: Honestly, I thought the story was a very interesting read. Would have read it all in one seating if I could've afforded too. While the world was flawed, I did think it was very interesting. I especially enjoyed the underworld and how they have different races of people. I liked that he accounted for gravity and the air being different below and above the clouds. I really liked the Nullmaurs. I found them fascinating. While they could use a lot more development, I like that Cunningham considered the lack of vision in the underworld and gave them reflective eyes like a cat's. Other than the fact that it feels like the story was cut short, I really liked the plot.
Overall, there was a lot of potential. While I really enjoyed this book, it feels like it's just the rough draft.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2025
read as a child - '09-'12
June 14, 2011
This review was originally posted on my blog, Creativity's Corner [creativityscorner.blogspot.com]
When I first picked this book up I was intrigued. I'm always looking for new worlds to read about, and I've only seen a cloud world once before. I was not disappointed. Cunningham's imagination seems endless and the cloudscape is a wonderful place to set it free. The setting is gorgeously painted, combining the new and amazingly imaginative with the little tweaks that you recognize so it isn't completely foreign. It only took the first few pages to convince me that this was a place I wanted to visit (along with Hogwarts and Narnia - ain't gonna happen, but a girl can dream, right?) It took me a bit longer to fall in love with the characters, but for good reason. At the beginning nearly every character is modeled on one archetype or another. With such a gorgeous, imaginative setting, it was quite disappointing to feel like I'd already read every single character a million times over. But, should you decide to read this one and begin to feel the same way, DO NOT give up. No one is who you think they are, I promise. You just have to give them a chance.
Despite how much I want to rave on and on about how pretty this book is, that wasn't even my favorite part. No, the best part about the book is, even with the beautiful setting and characters that grow into surprisingly different people, that's not what it's about. It's about being open minded, learning new things and belief. Everything about the novel (including the fantasy elements) guide you towards his point and help it along.
At this point, anyone who read my review of The Dragonfly Pool is probably grumbling under their breath about my inconsistency and hypocrisy. Let me explain. In The Dragonfly Pool everything obviously led to her conclusion, almost rubbing it in your face, and forcing you to agree with her. In CloudWorld everything guides you to his conclusion, but you must make the final conclusion yourself. Though his views on the subject are clear, he merely provides you with the information that will help you to draw a conclusion on the subject. If you choose, you could take an opposing opinion, or more likely take nothing from the book but an interesting story. This is what makes a well-written novel fabulous, and I am looking forward to finding the sequel!
When I first picked this book up I was intrigued. I'm always looking for new worlds to read about, and I've only seen a cloud world once before. I was not disappointed. Cunningham's imagination seems endless and the cloudscape is a wonderful place to set it free. The setting is gorgeously painted, combining the new and amazingly imaginative with the little tweaks that you recognize so it isn't completely foreign. It only took the first few pages to convince me that this was a place I wanted to visit (along with Hogwarts and Narnia - ain't gonna happen, but a girl can dream, right?) It took me a bit longer to fall in love with the characters, but for good reason. At the beginning nearly every character is modeled on one archetype or another. With such a gorgeous, imaginative setting, it was quite disappointing to feel like I'd already read every single character a million times over. But, should you decide to read this one and begin to feel the same way, DO NOT give up. No one is who you think they are, I promise. You just have to give them a chance.
Despite how much I want to rave on and on about how pretty this book is, that wasn't even my favorite part. No, the best part about the book is, even with the beautiful setting and characters that grow into surprisingly different people, that's not what it's about. It's about being open minded, learning new things and belief. Everything about the novel (including the fantasy elements) guide you towards his point and help it along.
At this point, anyone who read my review of The Dragonfly Pool is probably grumbling under their breath about my inconsistency and hypocrisy. Let me explain. In The Dragonfly Pool everything obviously led to her conclusion, almost rubbing it in your face, and forcing you to agree with her. In CloudWorld everything guides you to his conclusion, but you must make the final conclusion yourself. Though his views on the subject are clear, he merely provides you with the information that will help you to draw a conclusion on the subject. If you choose, you could take an opposing opinion, or more likely take nothing from the book but an interesting story. This is what makes a well-written novel fabulous, and I am looking forward to finding the sequel!
July 19, 2012
Original review from Little Book Owl
The Short
Cloudworld is set in a fascinating and vivid world, filled with mysterious characters and a quest that is nail-biting and leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat. It is highly enjoyable
The Long
The concept of this story was so unique, the idea of a world up in the clouds! The constant sunshine, endless see of white clouds. I like the sound of that. The unknown, what lies beneath the clouds, and all of the customs and lore associated with it. That part was especially interesting to discover.
For the most part, the descriptions were very effective and helped illustrate the gorgeous cloudscape. At some points the descriptive language slowed down the pace a little, but it didn't exceed a level of over-description which was nice.
Marcus was a great main character. He was brave, intelligent and very empathetic to the people in his kingdom. I like seeing characters in powerful (well soon to be since he is the heir) positions, who aren't solely seeking power and glory. He certainly developed and grew throughout the story. I loved seeing how much he worked towards changing how the people around him see him - acknowledging his personality and who he truly is, rather than the prince. I liked him as a character, but I always have a little trouble connecting with main characters in stories written in third person. Personally, I prefer first person for this reason - I like being able to witness every emotion and reaction and thought.
The other characters were very interesting indeed. Some of the characters are not who you think they are, which was shocking to find out. Certainly did not expect that! Then Marcus' companions on his expedition - it was great to see how close everyone got due to their situation and circumstances. Overall, those involved were amazing, with so much bravery and selflessness.
The ending leaves you satisfied with how things turned out for the characters, yet there is still so much to be explored and resolved. I am eager to continue on and read the sequel.
The Good
Vivid world-building, great character development, shocks and twists!
The Bad
Not a strong connection with the main character.
The Short
Cloudworld is set in a fascinating and vivid world, filled with mysterious characters and a quest that is nail-biting and leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat. It is highly enjoyable
The Long
The concept of this story was so unique, the idea of a world up in the clouds! The constant sunshine, endless see of white clouds. I like the sound of that. The unknown, what lies beneath the clouds, and all of the customs and lore associated with it. That part was especially interesting to discover.
For the most part, the descriptions were very effective and helped illustrate the gorgeous cloudscape. At some points the descriptive language slowed down the pace a little, but it didn't exceed a level of over-description which was nice.
Marcus was a great main character. He was brave, intelligent and very empathetic to the people in his kingdom. I like seeing characters in powerful (well soon to be since he is the heir) positions, who aren't solely seeking power and glory. He certainly developed and grew throughout the story. I loved seeing how much he worked towards changing how the people around him see him - acknowledging his personality and who he truly is, rather than the prince. I liked him as a character, but I always have a little trouble connecting with main characters in stories written in third person. Personally, I prefer first person for this reason - I like being able to witness every emotion and reaction and thought.
The other characters were very interesting indeed. Some of the characters are not who you think they are, which was shocking to find out. Certainly did not expect that! Then Marcus' companions on his expedition - it was great to see how close everyone got due to their situation and circumstances. Overall, those involved were amazing, with so much bravery and selflessness.
The ending leaves you satisfied with how things turned out for the characters, yet there is still so much to be explored and resolved. I am eager to continue on and read the sequel.
The Good
Vivid world-building, great character development, shocks and twists!
The Bad
Not a strong connection with the main character.
July 27, 2014
I read a few chapters of the book. I honestly couldnt get into it at all, i read 5 chapters and read no more as i just couldnt get into it at all.
February 4, 2015
Fascinating different take on the world. The deception of the social classes and difference was well written. Easy reading and i look forward to reading sequel.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews