- Monsters
- Floating cities
- That cover
- Man/Woman vs. nature themes
- Romance (lowkey)
- A rebellion
- Villainous fiancee
- Interesting mythology
Why? Let's delve into it shall we?
I am going to try very hard to describe my mixed feelings for this book and why it was a miss. There were parts I loved and then some that just left me confused? There was so much potential for the story to completely blow us away but in the end there was some essential ingredient missing.
Great concept: Kali is the future heir to a floating kingdom in the sky. She is a true believer of the ancient phoenix that brought them all up there. She is ready to burn for her people and light the way for them. Then things take a turn. A secret she learns leads her to become one of the fallen. Leaving behind the comforts and securities of home, she now has to battle the monsters that plague the earth, if she is to survive.
Okay, so as far as I can remember I have not read many, if any, books about floating continents. Which is why I really dig the idea. While I wanted to enjoy the journey with Kali desperately, I felt myself becoming very detached from her situation. Her thought process irked me because it was very black and white. Very basic, I guess. Her character, especially through the first half of the novel came across as flat. Everything was either good or bad.
I really liked how she was "trained?" by Griffin and his sisters to become equipped to handle danger, but I totally didn't buy HOW good she got in such little time. I mean Griffin had trained all his life to be slaying monsters the way he was. This sheltered little princess comes along and saves him several times giving him a run for his money?
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| Wait what? |
Griffin and Sisters: these were the characters I wanted more of. While Griffin's attraction for Kali was too close to insta-love I found the majority of his reactions pleasantly surprising. Not to mention, he was super at kicking some monster butt. The sisters also surprised me. I don't know why, but I was expecting hostility from all of them. Instead they displayed kindness, compassion, and understanding. Even offered Kali gifts and helped her understand her world and the politics of it.
The Romance: It was merely an afterthought. The book could have benefited from a deeper chemistry between the pair, but I didn't mind too much. I would much rather have a simple lighter romance that takes a backseat and does not offend then a misplaced heavy handed one that is all about life and death but fails to convince me of its authenticity. Also, no love triangles, thankfully.
The action: I enjoyed all of the monster kills. Esp. the last one Yay! #nospoilers
The revelations: there were some good moments I didn't see coming, which is always neat. Mostly though,the plot was predictable and kinda benign because for the type world Kali lived in the stakes should have been higher.
The ending: too quick and tidy, but then again I am used to reading trilogies/series. For a standalone, I guess it was to be expected. Still, I think the climax could have been heavier...should have made me feel more. I kind wanted to pour out my emotions by the end. Meh. But as I mentioned, the action near the end was particularly hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I found myself fascinated by that scene.
Overall: Of course, I would not read again (I rarely do except my favs). Might read a follow up if one was available, purely for more Griffin and the Benu which I found didn't get the attention they deserved. Also, Jonash seemed like a character with sooooo much potential. But again....standalone.
I wish other people can enjoy this book more than I did. For me though, it was not as exciting as I had hoped. In another universe I am sure this book is somehow more powerful.
Have you read Heir To The Sky? What were your thoughts on it? Liked the romance? Hated it? Which monster was your favourite? Leave a comment below and let's talk!
Also looking for some nice book recommendations. Young adult/ sci-fi/ fantasy. Something like The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. My fav!
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