I've had this book for years, I still haven't, unfortunately, got to it, so this is a placeholder review to reduce my shelf for my own sanity, but will read this book

I ordered this book not knowing it was a sequel, so ... Shame on me.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I did not realise this was a sequel. I have not read the first book in the series so do not think it would be fair to read and review this.

I didn't realise this was a follow-up book. That has happened a lot recently and I know it's not just me reading descriptions too fast - Netgalley really needs to make it clear when a book is a sequel or part of a series as it's really misleading otherwise

Avian is the sequel to Skeletal in this series and while it can be read as a stand-alone, it will take a while to catch up with who and what are who.

Skyla is wanted by several factions, the government and gangs, after events in the previous book and which are covered in this sequel. There is a reward for her capture and she makes it to the desert, searching and hiding with companions Andia, Cara and Dove.

In sheer desperation Skyla joins a gang completing their initiation and meets Mutils, some of the most disgusting creatures you will ever meet. There are also flesh eating crows, a Kraken, skinned animals, cannibalism and just evil people..

Avian is full of lies, secrets and lots of blood and gore. If you like dark, dark dystopian fiction then this is for you. A truly original tale. Loved it.

I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

This is the sequel to 2017’s Skeletal, and while they are not linked as a series on Goodreads, I strongly recommend reading them in order, as the story picks up straight after the events of the first book, and many aspects of the dystopian world Pullar has created, including names of things and types of people, are not explained. I only read it a month ago and struggled to remember who was who at times. I’ve noticed this a lot with YA compared to “grown-up” fiction series, which tend to always have a fairly comprehensive recap. I’m not sure if this reflects the fact that younger adults have better memories, or are more willing to read books multiple times since they have so many more reading years ahead of them?

Warning, spoilers for Book 1 ahead.
Megan Skyla is on a quest for revenge, against Clover and Central, Morbian society, the guards who have mistreated her, and most acutely, against the Morb girls who raped her lover Bunce, to gain the sexually transmitted cure for their genetic morbid obesity. After a killing spree, she is wracked with guilt, and has to run and hide within the slums of Gale City, alongside new friends Dove, Cara and Anda. Captured by one evil drug-dealing gang after another, she makes and breaks whatever deals she can to stay alive, then realises that the only possible freedom lies out in the desert.

I struggled with this for the same reasons I didn’t overly enjoy Skeletal, and I think my 3 stars reflect my own tastes and prejudices, because this certainly has a lot of rave reviews. It is extremely dark, with gratuitously brutal violence, filth, and gross-out episodes thrown in like grenades for shock value. Skyla is obnoxious, arrogant, narcissistic and convinced that only her way is right. Being in her head while she ruthlessly murders three young woman, who did not deserve it, no matter what they did to her friend, is deeply uncomfortable, and her regret does not make it forgivable. She is furious at a perceived betrayal, while she is running exactly the same scam with another of her friends. The best thing that I can say about her is that she Does Not Give Up, despite all the beatings she takes, but I took so many breaks from this in the first half, that my NetGalley to-read list has blown out, from browsing new books to distract me from the horror.

I enjoyed the second half a lot more, and finished it within a day, as the team head into the desert and less revolting, more original adventures ensue, and the climactic battle and revelations bring the plot to a satisfying conclusion. It is unclear whether this will continue as a series, and I’m not sure whether my perpetual need to know “what happened next” will win over my relief to have finished this. Pullar is certainly a talented writer with a powerful imagination - I note she also writes children’s books! As with many dystopian novels, there’s a lot that just doesn’t make sense in the world created, although a Martian would probably say the same about our world, so I’m not really holding that against her. These books were just too much for my delicate sensibilities, but if you have a strong stomach then go for it. 3.5 rounded down for the irritation of present tense narration, again, a personal peeve.

My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the ARC, and apologies for missing the publication deadline. Avian is available now.

This is the second book in the series, book one Skeletal was released at the end of last year, but can be read as a standalone book, which I did so can vouch for this.  Even though it can be read as a standalone I think it would be advisable to read book 1 first (I have since gone back and read book one)

I love Dystopian novels so was really looking forward to reading this one as well.

There is a lovely recap from book one at the beginning of the book, which helped me to catch up with the storyline and what has happened previously.

Currently, I am working on broadening my reading interests. After reading the blurb on the book I thought id give it a go. However, unfortunately, I was just unable to get into the story. It is a sci-fi book.
Sadly I was unable, to finish it

I really enjoyed this story and couldn’t wait to see where the author was going to take me with the story! The blurb really drew me in and I couldn’t wait to get started.

The plot is excellent, I love this genre of books and how they have me thinking – personally I think they are one of the hardest genres to write about and Emma has done a great job yet again with Avian. The characters were great, very well developed and they really helped to carry the story forward.

I read the previous book by this author, Skeletal immediately before I read this one and I would definitely say that I enjoyed the story more reading them back to back. You could read it as a stand alone as the background is covered in this one but if you get an opportunity to read them in order, definitely do!

4.5 stars from me for this one rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon – a really enjoyable story that had me thinking!

Before I start my review of Avian I would like to take the time to suggest that you read the first book Skeletal, reading these two books in order will give you an understanding of the whys and hows of the story.

Things for Skyla have changed since meeting her in the first book, changes mentally and also physically as well as being a person of interest for different groups for various different reasons. Skyla has built up a reputation, it is dangerous not only for herself but, also for her companions as the next stage of her journey starts.

This story continues as well as finishes the story of Skyla, though I do hope that at some point the author will write more about this fiery and feisty character. Skyla continues her fight against Central, it is something she is passionate about and is determined to destroy the cruel and unjust ruling body. This puts herself in even more danger and testing her to the limit, oh boy does the author put this character through the mill!

As well as dealing with her self-imposed mission to destroy Central, Skyla also has her own problems to deal with, she is riddled with guilt, and thoughts that niggle as well as fear of what she is doing.

This is another brilliant read from this author as she does such a fantastic job with vivid descriptions and a compelling story line. This is a brutal and harsh place that I am happy to visit from the pages of a book and no further. The journey Skyla and her companions take is very much one that is “from the frying pan and into the fire”, it got bad, then it got worse and then the truth finally reveals itself.

This is a two book series that I would absolutely recommend for readers who like brutal, harsh and regime ridden dystopian fiction. It is descriptive, addictive and looks at a different way of life.

Thank to a Netgallery and Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book

Following on from Skeletal, Avian is the second in the series from author Emma Pullar. I would recommend you read the first book to get the full benefit of the story .

Once more Skyla takes the central stage and fans of the first book won't be disappointed. Life hasn’t got any betterfor our heroine if anything life has become more complicated for her. If want to find why you will have to read the book because I don't like giving away spoilers.

Emma is a fantastic writer with a great imagination well done on a another great success can't wait for the next one.

Dystopian fiction has always been a favourite genre of mine and I couldn’t wait to get back into Skyla’s world in Avian. Skeletal is the first book in this series and I recommend reading it first although the author has done an excellent job in refreshing my memory of previous events which is important with this kind of book with SO much happening.

As we rejoin Skyla she is still reeling over the events of Skeletal and is more determined than ever to break free of Gale City, the only problem is it seems everyone wants a piece of her! There is a reward for her capture and she is caught between a rock and a hard place (or Gale City and the desert), as well as looking out for her own safety she has the added complication of her companions Andia, Cara and Dove who aren’t the easiest people to look after. In desperation Skyla joins a gang which involves completing life threatening rituals of initiation. During these trials she encounters the Mutils – hands down the most disgusting, depraved creatures you will ever meet! Enough so that I coined the phrase #mankymantils at a certain chapter and that was my PG rating version. *shudders* I loved the introduction of some mysterious new characters in Avian who Skyla and friends encounter in the desert, with their appearance comes more illumination on the facts Skyla thought she knew.

The Mutils aren’t the only abhorrent creatures you will meet in Avian, those flesh eating crows are back, there’s a Sand Kraken and some particulary vile Scrabs. Now I love this type of thing and the author’s descriptions really grabbed my imagination; I can totally see this series of books on the big screen….maybe not in 3D, even I have my limits.

We are also reaquainted with Crow who has now become my new book boyfriend, his and Skyla’s friendship isn’t as straight forward as she’d like to believe and life is about to get a whole lot more complicated for the pair of them. Knowing the author I won’t hedge my bets on a happy ending, I’ve been burnt too many times.

Avian features lies, deception, shocks, guts and gore. If you’re looking for a REALLY dark dystopian here it is and it’s definitely a firm favourite for one of my books of the year. I can’t wait to see what Emma Pullar thinks of next!

After reading Skeletal I was eager to pick up book two in the series and see what Skyla would be getting up to next. It's safe to say that there is danger, action and plenty of trouble all waiting for Skyla to get caught up in!

Emma Pullar has created an interesting and cleverly crafted dystopian world that easily pulled me in. Making me eager to see what would happen to the characters in this story along with seeing if Skylar will succeed in her plans for Central. The writing is descriptive and easily sets the scene for the reader. There are plenty of tense moments and some scenes where you may want to avoid lunch. I have learned my lesson that's for sure! :)

Skylar is experiencing plenty of emotions in this story but I guess the overriding one would be anger which is definitely fuelling her plans for revenge! There is a very dark and tense undercurrent at the heart of this book and I couldn't wait to see how it would all play out. One of the main things I enjoy about this series is that Skylar is a complicated character she is likeable but she is also flawed and that makes her personality so interesting.

Dark, twisty and tense!

Four stars from me!

With thanks to Sarah at Bloodhound Books for my copy.

Skyla has uncovered the truth that Central has been trying so desperately to hide. Everything that they’ve been told about Skels and Mobihans is built on lies and they will stop at nothing to silence her.

Skyla is still reeling from events in the last book Skeletal and is hell bent on revenge but with a bounty on her head it makes it impossible for her to hide. In an attempt to save her friends, Dove, Andia, Crow and Cara she ends up in the hands of a murderous gang who put her through mind bending trials to join their ranks.

But Skyla has another plan, betraying the gang she sets out into the desert to find other survivors cast out of Gale City but they have a traitor in their midst. Will she and her friends survive?

So this is the second in this dystopian series, I would highly recommend reading the first, Skeletal, just because you will miss a lot of background otherwise.

This is one of those books that I found a little creepy and unsettling much like the first but I have to keep on reading because I have to find out what happens next!

I will warn those of you with a sensitive stomach that there are quite a few gut churning scenes within the book, that even a hardened crime fan like myself, feel a little nauseous.

In the first book, the story revolves around Skels (basically the slaves of Gale City) of which Skyla is one and the Morbihans (the overweight humanoid creatures who control them). This book we get to see more of the underbelly of Gale City, focusing on it’s warring gangs and the strange and sick people who control them. Also we get to see outside the dome which everybody lives and the monstrous creatures who lurk in the desert.

Skyla has a really tough journey in this book, the author certainly doesn’t pull any punches throwing her into constant danger. She’s also eaten away by guilt, tortured physically and mentally her grip on reality is getting a little shaky. Yet through that she still remains true to her friends and tries her best to save them. To make things even more complicated, her relationship with Crow her former best friend becomes a little more awkward, he has feeling for her but Skyla’s feeling are definitely in the ‘it’s complicated’ realm.

Overall Avian is an action packed and brutal dystopian tale of revenge, betrayal and friendship but not for the faint of heart.

Following on from Skeletal, Avian is the second in the series and an absolute tour de force - not for the faint-hearted though! Murder, violence, betrayal and suffering wait for the main characters at every turn and I confess, I had to put it aside a couple of times to get a breather from the bleak and relentless world Emma Pullar has designed for us. Yet, there’s much to enjoy - new friends, new horizons, lots of surprises along the way, a reckoning for Gale City and some of the characters finally get a chance to redeem themselves - the ending definitely makes me look forward to the next in the series.

A very interesting book which is a continuation of skelatal. While this is classified as fantasy scifi. It really doesn't have the same feel.

However what it is, is our entertainment and one of the most enriching stories I have read this this year.

Avian is the follow up to Skeletal which was released towards the back end of last year. I would advise reading the books in order though the author does well in giving background information from the previous novel. 

Gale City certainly hasn't improved since I was last transported there by the author. It is a very dark and morbid world and one I was so glad I was only reading about and not being party to.

Avian is very much about revenge and fighting for what's right. Skyla is one kick ass protagonist whose strength never ceased to amaze me. With all that she was going through, I am sure most of us would have easily crumbled at the first hurdle. There is plenty of action of which had me on the edge of my seat as to what was going to happen to the characters next.

The author takes the reader on a very dark journey in a world that is even darker and has an added eeriness to it. I have to say I've been looking forward to seeing what was next for Skyla after finishing Skeletal and the author certainly didn't disappoint. 

Avian is an enthralling and entertaining read that kept me turning those pages. It had me unexpectedly feeling quite touched in places when we get to see glimpses of Skyla's more vulnerable side. I certainly wasn't anticipating the build up of emotions that at times arose but for me it made Sklya more endearing. An action packed thriller that fans of this genre definitely won't want to miss.