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booksfromabiguy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
dragonsbkewl's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
4.0
This book was not what I expected, but I found myself intrigued by the world and the political games it began to craft. Much of the book is centred on the main characters as they learn how to fly (definitely not as easy as it would seem for most of the characters), and understanding the gravity of their choices. I think this book focused a little too much in set up, but I still couldn't help but want to know more.
Most of the characters were great, and I have a soft spot for the side character Brad. As far as Bree and Kael, I think they were great together. Despite being twins, they couldn't be more different. I loved the two of them interacting, though I would have loved to get into their minds and emotions a little more. I also didn't quite buy some of the romances, which led to one of my minor gripes.
Things seemed to happen almost out of the blue. There was one particular moment that should have been huge and impactful and devastating, but just kind of... happened, and I feel like it will be forgotten about. It did play into a larger element, but it didn't carry the emotional weight it needed.
Despite what seems like a lot of complaints, I did enjoy this book. It's unique and fun with its world building, convention, and has some incredible action scenes. Definitely recommended for anyone who would want to know what flying is truly like, and to see islands floating in the skies!
Most of the characters were great, and I have a soft spot for the side character Brad. As far as Bree and Kael, I think they were great together. Despite being twins, they couldn't be more different. I loved the two of them interacting, though I would have loved to get into their minds and emotions a little more. I also didn't quite buy some of the romances, which led to one of my minor gripes.
Things seemed to happen almost out of the blue. There was one particular moment that should have been huge and impactful and devastating, but just kind of... happened, and I feel like it will be forgotten about. It did play into a larger element, but it didn't carry the emotional weight it needed.
Despite what seems like a lot of complaints, I did enjoy this book. It's unique and fun with its world building, convention, and has some incredible action scenes. Definitely recommended for anyone who would want to know what flying is truly like, and to see islands floating in the skies!
a331's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
sheaallyn's review
3.0
3.5⭐️ I really liked this! A bit different from some of the fantasy I usually read. My only real complaints are that the writing could’ve been a bit better with another round of edits and that things felt a little rushed at interesting parts and dragged at the not so exciting parts. But I’ll definitely be reading the next book because I need my questions answered!
fantasyfunk's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this book was really original. Yes it was the generic go-to-the-academy-and-learn-to-fight but the mechanical yet powered by magic wings and the floating islands really brought it up to a different level. Plus I kinda loved the religious bend to the plot with angels and God keeping the islands aloft. Just seemed to be a very intriguing new twist.
So the Worldbuilding, A+. It felt immersive and put together really well. I maybe would have liked more about the war or tragedy that put humanity onto floating islands, but I have a feeling the next books are going to get into that and I never thought it was a hindrance, just more my curiosity.
The characters might have been obvious, twins who are fire and water, and their personalities stick to their elements. However, I thought Kael grew throughout the book and Bree as well, although not to the same extent. I definitely like a character being the same, and yet not, by the time you reach the end of a book. The twins definitely dominate the book, and the side characters don't always have a lot of nuances to their characters.
The action is great. Aerial battles with elemental magic. What's not to love? And the twist at the end was a lot bigger than the first half of the book felt. I will say that's probably my biggest critique of the book. The twist was so big and sudden that I almost felt as if it was two books in a sense. A few more hints/teases during the first half would have smoothed this nicely.
I'm excited for the next installment! Hopefully it only gets better from here.
So the Worldbuilding, A+. It felt immersive and put together really well. I maybe would have liked more about the war or tragedy that put humanity onto floating islands, but I have a feeling the next books are going to get into that and I never thought it was a hindrance, just more my curiosity.
The characters might have been obvious, twins who are fire and water, and their personalities stick to their elements. However, I thought Kael grew throughout the book and Bree as well, although not to the same extent. I definitely like a character being the same, and yet not, by the time you reach the end of a book. The twins definitely dominate the book, and the side characters don't always have a lot of nuances to their characters.
The action is great. Aerial battles with elemental magic. What's not to love? And the twist at the end was a lot bigger than the first half of the book felt. I will say that's probably my biggest critique of the book. The twist was so big and sudden that I almost felt as if it was two books in a sense. A few more hints/teases during the first half would have smoothed this nicely.
I'm excited for the next installment! Hopefully it only gets better from here.
dobsonfly314's review against another edition
3.0
Having read some of the other reviews for this, I was somewhat disheartened. Though I do agree that there are some inherent cliches here. Orphaned twins, one spunky, one studious, both from humble beginnings going through training.... The middle of this book did have a distinct young adult flavor (minus how many people had their brains splattered) to it that wasn't my favorite. The world building does tend to rely on classic plot elements. The seemingly benevolent Capital, oh wait.... Center is hiding corruption and monopolizing the assorted resources of the other distric... oh wait... islands.
That being said, I devoured it. And the conclusion absolutely left me wanting to read the next one. The reading was easy and engaging and the ongoing threads of corruption and intrigue left me with questions that I want answered. Essentially, if you have a voracious appetite for fantasy writing, I say go for it.
That being said, I devoured it. And the conclusion absolutely left me wanting to read the next one. The reading was easy and engaging and the ongoing threads of corruption and intrigue left me with questions that I want answered. Essentially, if you have a voracious appetite for fantasy writing, I say go for it.
dang702's review against another edition
Nothing wrong with the book. I prefer audio books