Very cool novella alert!!

I really enjoyed this story, although it is much more character driven than I expected. The tone is almost reflective when considering the relationship between humans and animals and I really liked how Lee handled that aspect. I also liked the way the story is structured into distinct parts that align with our mc's progress alongside her companion.

The worldbuilding feels unique to this story and while I would love to read a full-length novel set in this space, I think Lee handled the novella format very skillfully. Readers get just enough worldbuilding to know what is going on and to be invested, while holding back a lot of the little details that would bog down the shorter format. The balance is perfect.

I don't want to say more for fear of giving things away, but I definitely recommend this one. It's a quick read that will take you on a wild adventure and make you feel a wide range of unexpected emotions along the way. Definitely need to check out Lee's other work now!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Tor for an ARC in exchange for review.

Untethered Sky is such a beautifully written fantasy. The world-building is outstanding. The story is well written with an enchanting storyline and well-developed characters that engage from start to finish. The world is atmospheric and feels real with vivid descriptions and rich imagery. I cannot get enough. Highly recommended. Be sure to check out Untethered Sky today.

I tend to approach novellas with a healthy dose of wariness, since too often I find them lacking in character or story development (or both). My preference for rich and immersive fantasy books and spending lots of time reading about the people and places in them means that the novella format rarely gives me what I’m looking for, though from time to time, I find myself surprised. Every once in a blue moon, a novella will come along that is just right, and Untethered Sky by Fonda Lee is one of them.

The book takes us to a world where monsters of myth are real, and rukhers like our protagonist Ester hunt with rocs to keep the kingdom’s countryside safe from deadly manticore attacks. It’s a difficult and dangerous job, but Ester has never doubted that this was her calling. Rocs have fascinated her ever since she was a little girl, and later on, becoming a victim and survivor of a manticore attack only made her even more determined to work with these giant birds of prey.

The story begins with Ester recounting the early days when she had just been accepted into the Royal Mews, where rukhers are stationed and trained. But first, every new apprentice must prove they have what it takes to handle a roc. Ester is presented with her very own fledgling, Zahra, with whom she will need to bond and raise to be a fearsome hunter. Gradually, we follow Ester and Zahra as they rise through the ranks, meeting other rukhers and learning about their ways. But as the king’s armies continue to expand his territory, more areas are becoming prone to manticore attacks, humans being their preferred prey. Only a roc can take out these vicious beasts, but rukhers are relatively few and can’t be everywhere at once. The enormous birds too can be unpredictable and fickle in their attentions, complicating matters at times, for at the end of the day, rocs are wild animals themselves.

Unlike the author’s Green Bone Saga, which is a sprawling epic trilogy, Untethered Sky feels almost barebones in its simplicity and tight focus, no doubt because Lee recognizes the limiting constraints of a novella and wisely chose to keep the scale modest. Despite the smallness of its scope though, the story packs no less a punch. Ester is our focal point, leaving little attention to spare for anyone else, but that’s okay, for it means readers are immediately able to form an emotional connection to this headstrong young woman and to better understand her commitment to her work. To achieve this, the plot relies on a handful of standard tropes—family killed by a manticore leading to a lifelong hatred for them and a hunger for vengeance, for instance—but that also gets us quicker to the meat of the story, which is the unique partnership between Ester and her roc, Zahra.

Sacrifices also had to be made to world-building, often leaving it up to readers to infer certain details about the wider world rather than spelling it all out, but here is where a narrower scope is advantageous to the story. The author can spend more time developing the culture and customs of rukhers when they’re socializing in the Royal Mews or when they’re on the hunt, going into fascinating detail into everything from training methods to the proper care of rocs.

Lest you get the wrong idea though, this is far from your cutesy How to Train Your Dragon type story with a heartwarming ending where everyone gets to go home happy. Ester is ever aware that the love she has for Zahra can never be returned, for no matter how well they are trained, rocs are nature’s creatures bound by instinct. And yet, I found this situation bittersweet and touching in its own way, watching the protagonist give her whole heart to Zahra even knowing full well the roc may break it one day.

The length of this novella was also just right, which is not something I get to say often. But just as Lee knew to keep the story simple, she also knew exactly how to pace it and when to end it. The plot flowed smoothly, moving naturally from scenes of thrilling action and adventure to softer, more sorrowful moments without feeling rushed or experiencing any lulls. Perhaps the only exception to this was the ending, but I can’t decide if it was actually too abrupt or if I’m just letting my emotions get the better of me! Admittedly, it wasn’t the most satisfying conclusion, but I can also accept that it was appropriate given the overall themes and tone of the book.

If you’re a fan of Fonda Lee, this is a must-read. I was amazed how much she was able to pack into this slim volume, and even though I finished the book wanting more, it was in the best way possible. Overall, Untethered Sky was a gripping and all-consuming read, a rare novella that I was able to devour in a single evening and yet did not feel too sparse. But if the author ever decides to expand the world with more stories in the future, I do not think I would mind at all.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.

This is my first Fonda Lee. I want to read the Jade Bone Sage but have yet to get to it. If it is written like this novela than I'm going to really enjoy that trilogy. This may have been short but the world felt lived in. The characters felt fleshed out. I want more.

4.5/5

Untethered Sky is a powerful story I would wholeheartedly recommend to pretty much any fan of adult fantasy. It’s a short, snappy read that nonetheless feels epic and timeless, with fantastic character development, worldbuilding, and a fascinating animal/human relationship.

Please see the link for my full review!

Untethered Sky is another classic from Fonda Lee. I think that Novella’s done well are really very clever and must be much harder to write. We get great world building, character development and plot resolution in one tiny little package.

Because it’s Fonda Lee you also get emotional damage from getting your heart ripped out, stomped on and squished back in to be patched up. I love it.

𝚄𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚂𝚔𝚢 is my very first Fonda Lee book - I am impressed!

Set in a fantastical world where manticores hunt humans and only the majestic birds called rocs are strong enough to triumph over them, 𝚄𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚂𝚔𝚢 has thrill, love for a creature as a partner and the camaraderie of people in the same profession.

Ester comes to the King’s Royal Mews as an apprentice, hoping to be a roc trainer. Her past is marred by the tragedy of losing her mother and brother to a manticore attack. This led to a rift between her and her father and the place that she calls home has not felt like home in a long time. So she journeys to be a ruhker and meets Zahra, her roc. Like Ester, I wanted to be with Zahra, flying in the sky.

Rocs are territorial and solitary hunters. Anything can go wrong on a hunt and 𝚄𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚂𝚔𝚢 beautifully expresses the bitter sweetness of being a trainer. There are fights in this book that are captivating to read and then there are consequences that bring tears and heartbreak. I was reading up about the author: Fonda is a black belt martial artist! She knows the pressure in combat and discipline of training. It shows in the writing.

𝚄𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚂𝚔𝚢 was hard to put down. I loved the world and I am truly looking forward to reading more from the author. If you would like to join me in reading the Green Bone Saga, let me know! Stories are made better with buddy reads. 🥰

Thank you to B2Weird, Tor dot com and Fonda Lee for the review copy.

This new novel by Fonda Lee was nothing like what I was expecting. Ester’s family was killed by a Manticore, so she pins her life’s ambitions on flying Rocs, giant mythical birds that are the only known defense against Manticores. Except being, this career has its own dangers.

The world-building and characters were solidly written. It just seemed like they could have been richer. Maybe it is just that I do not have a penchant for mythical creatures or falconing that allowed me to really connect to this book. Although, I think I mostly was put off by the constant foretelling. If I could have just lived in the moment without having the anxiety of the future pushed on me, then I think I would have enjoyed the story so much more.

But Fonda Lee is still amazing, and to have captured so much in these pages is impressive. If you enjoy mythical creatures or Fonda Lee as a writer then you should absolutely read this novella.

This novella follows Ester as she begins her career as a roc handler, a mythological bird of prey, in a world plagued by man-eating minotaurs. It's a simple and straightforward story with few surprises or character development. Ester cares for virtually nothing outside of her obsession for roccing - which is essentially the saw thing as falconry, but the birds go after larger, scarier prey - an obsession shared by just about every other member of the cast. This book is not kind to animals, as roc training is described in a way that if it were done to a human would be described as brainwashing, and all animals are only considered for their value as workers. Perfectly understandable and consistent with hunting and farming mentalities, but not common in mainstream American fantasy.

The storytelling felt stuck in Ester's head, with minimal space for plot or atmosphere. I'm still not sure how to picture where the story takes place - it's a fantasy landscape filled with sand, dirt, and trees, populated by wolves and lions in the same territory. At one point a minotaur is described as having an ape-like face, which doesn't match any minotaur mythology I've ever read. As I finished the novella, I didn't feel like I was walking away having gained anything - either strong feelings for any character, care for this imaginary land, Ester's home which may be part of a conquering empire - nor did I feel a need to demand back the time of my life spent reading. The feeling was just blah and boring.

Only 152 pages, but this short story didn’t feel all that short. Really enjoyed it!
Lee is still capable of painting a luscious picture that felt so personal it was as if I were reading Ester’s journal. Written in 4 parts we follow the life of Rukers - people who work with huge birds calls ruks that are used as weapons, but their handlers are close to them like their parents. We follow Ester’s time being an apprentice, then a full fledged ruk handler and the day everything changes.
I noticed some people saying this was too short, but honestly I enjoyed this shorter story! It isn’t to be compared to Jade Bone Saga, but after reading a long 3 book series it’s nice to read a shorter book that she still managed to make me feel like i had read a book with 350 pages or so,

I’m absolutely ENTHRALLED by this novella. UNTETHERED SKY features straight-forward writing that effortlessly immerses you into the world. It’s ominous and foreboding; we, as readers, are given hints that bad things are on the horizon, and this drizzling of mystery keeps you reading and simultaneously satisfied. Believe it or not, this is my first introduction to Fonda Lee’s writing (trust me, Jade City is GLARING at me from across the room as I write this 😂), and now I’m even more looking forward to eventually reading her acclaimed series. I’m excited (and hope) to see Fonda Lee craft more novellas; she certain has a knack for crafting succinct and measuredly paced stories that are satisfying and stoic.

Thank you Netgalley and Tor for providing me this ARC—I am honored to have read this book!
🥺🥺🥺🥺 okay this really tugged at my heart. Our story begins with an absolute tragedy and a tale of revenge, finding strength, and an unorthodox found family.
I now obviously need to run off and become a Ruhker; the Roc’s were just magnificent.
This is a short story but GOODNESS it is packed full of gorgeous imagery, a plot that is well paced, and characters you just absolutely love. I only wish we got to hang onto this world for longer. This was a magnificent read 🥰

Untethered Sky follows the life of Ester whose mother and younger brother were killed by manticores as she goes through the process of becoming a ruhker, the keepers of rocs, giant birds who are the only ones able to hunt and kill manticores. This novella is a fairly short and quickly paced read. I enjoyed the worldbuilding and following the story of Ester as she continues in her growth as a ruhker. This is a plot focused novella following Ester through her journey and the different context of the world she is in. The characters were explored, but could have been examining a bit more deeply. For me, this feels like a full story, but one which could have been expanding beyond a novella. I felt as though different aspects of the story could have spent more time on exploring and developing. That said, there wasn’t anything I would say was lacking and that this story touched on what needed to be touched on, though there could have been more. I would recommend this book if you’re interested in a quick fantasy read following a woman working toward her goals and exploring human’s relationship with animals.

A lovely, engrossing fantasy filled with monsters, devotion, duty, and passion. After Ester's family was killed by a manticore, Ester fought to be chosen as a ruhker, flying the majestic giant birds in hunts for the monsters. She and her ruhk Zarah become fearsome hunters, but political pressure begins to make their mission more dangerous. The relationship between ruhker and ruhk is beautifully portrayed, with Zarah's wildness never worn away and Ester's determination to avenge her family. Serious but not dour, Untethered Sky will make your heart rise and fly free.

First and foremost, I really want to say I wish this story had been longer. The 100 pages we were presented with were just enough to quench my thirst into wanting to explore more about this world and the characters within. The main character Ester has been through so much heartache, loss, and trauma, and yet she seems resilient and determined as she works to make her way as a ruhker or a companion of a roc. Ester’s survivor’s guilt seems to encourage her to take the most dangerous path possible when pursuing her future in this career. I feel as though this glimpse isn’t nearly the full story to be told and I am already anticipating more adventures. I know the way it ends and the way the story plays out, but there’s truly so much more that can be done with this novella. I hope Ester and her roc Zahra have not yet finished flying untethered through the sky.

Here is a link to our published podcast review:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3gT5LJ8uX2pSgBBE70N7ta?si=95Y-s7aMRbSWfyI-W-cQ0w

I loved the worldbuilding and the vivid characters in this beautiful novella. Fonda Lee is quickly becoming one of my favorite fantasy writers, and I'm very much looking forward to whatever she writes next.

Untethered Sky is a coming-of-age story that happens to have giant birds. That said, it is a <i>good</i> coming-of-age story that happens to have giant birds.

You follow Ester, a <i>ruhker</i>-- a keeper of giant hawks trained to hunt man-eating manticores. It is a dangerous profession for those willing to love and care for a creature that will not love you back. This novella touches on themes such as the inevitability of change, growth, and how the tighter you hold to something, the more likely you are to lose it.

This was a great read, perfectly paced and thoughtful.

Wow! Fonda Lee has done it again. I thought I couldn't like a seriess more than Jade War, but seeing that type of skill unfold on Ester's story as well was kind of mind boggling. I have a huge book hangover. This is the book to read this year in high fantasy!

The perfect self-contained fantasy novella is like crack to me. Excellently done story telling here okay! Your in, your out, but everythings changed. The character work is fantastic and the creatures are transfixing.

An authors ability to weave grief, devastation, loss, and the love that persists despite the fact, into a story is something I'm always craving to see done well when I pick up a book and Fonda Lee got the job done okay! There were a few moments that had me wavering but by the end of the novella I was completely satisfied with the glimpse we got into this world.

Actual rating: 3.5/5

Years after her family suffers a devastating manticore attack, Ester joins the ranks of ruhkers, a highly specialized group of roc trainers whose mission it is to hunt and kill the very creature that upended her life. In strikingly understated prose, Untethered Sky follows Ester's progress through the ranks as a ruhker and focuses on the complicated bonds she forms, both with her roc and fellow ruhkers.

Do recommend if you're into:
- Short self-contained fantasy reads
- A falconer meets dragon trainer type vibe
- Thoughtful engagement with ideas of purpose, obsession, and where humans fit into the natural world

I will say I felt there to be a lack of depth and sincerity to the characters and their interpersonal bonds, as well as a bit of a pacing issue, but nothing considerable enough to ruin the reading experience for me.

Culminating in a clever if bittersweet ending, this novella has definite potential both to scratch the itch of fans of quick standalone fantasies and whet the appetite of those who crave a little more exploration of the themes raised.