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jgnoelle 's review for:
The Surviving Sky
by Kritika H. Rao
The Surviving Sky is a fascinating epic fantasy that blends a Hindu mythology- and philosophy-based magic system with strong themes of environmentalism, the impacts of climate change, and the energy crisis the both fuels and results from both. The descriptions of the flying city of Nukshar and its lush plant magic were incredibly visual, and several of story's core conflicts—the need for an alternative energy source to power the city's flight; disagreement as to how address the energy shortfall; the reluctance of those in power to cede any to so-called lesser citizens with differing skills, ideas, and perspectives—are relatable to our modern-day environmental crisis.
I enjoyed reading a story about a couple who are both middle-aged and already in a established relationship—Iraven and Ahilya being husband and wife—since we don’t often see this in a fantasy setting. I knew going in from having seen the author's tweets that the two of them were having marital problems, and I had a perception of what I thought that meant. But these two were having serious, next-level Marital Problems, and I was not prepared for at times how terribly they treated each other, to the point that for a moment I seriously questioned if one of them was meant to be the story's villain. Neither of them is especially likeable as a person (probably the reason they have Problems) and I fully agreed when a key character told Ahilya, unflatteringly, “You two deserve each other.”
But the two of them are incredibly passionate about the city and culture and their divergent efforts to solve the crisis—which represents an existential threat to the survival of humanity as they know it—and that self-absorbed, relentless drive makes them incredibly interesting to read about. Plus they did have their romantic moments, with the line “You made me possible” being incredibly vulnerable and swoony.
So too was the magic system and the truths that are revealed about it along the way fascinating to read. I’m not overly well-versed in Hindu philosophy, but the bits I do understand were cleverly employed, while the bits I didn’t broke my brain a little, but in an enjoyable and horizon-expanding kind of way. I look forward to the continuation of this series.
I enjoyed reading a story about a couple who are both middle-aged and already in a established relationship—Iraven and Ahilya being husband and wife—since we don’t often see this in a fantasy setting. I knew going in from having seen the author's tweets that the two of them were having marital problems, and I had a perception of what I thought that meant. But these two were having serious, next-level Marital Problems, and I was not prepared for at times how terribly they treated each other, to the point that for a moment I seriously questioned if one of them was meant to be the story's villain. Neither of them is especially likeable as a person (probably the reason they have Problems) and I fully agreed when a key character told Ahilya, unflatteringly, “You two deserve each other.”
But the two of them are incredibly passionate about the city and culture and their divergent efforts to solve the crisis—which represents an existential threat to the survival of humanity as they know it—and that self-absorbed, relentless drive makes them incredibly interesting to read about. Plus they did have their romantic moments, with the line “You made me possible” being incredibly vulnerable and swoony.
So too was the magic system and the truths that are revealed about it along the way fascinating to read. I’m not overly well-versed in Hindu philosophy, but the bits I do understand were cleverly employed, while the bits I didn’t broke my brain a little, but in an enjoyable and horizon-expanding kind of way. I look forward to the continuation of this series.