I enjoyed some aspects of this, such as the unique strands of worldbuilding, but I found the character work, including the main relationship to be unengaging. Plot-wise, it was somewhat stale, and the “fal-marriage” slant was never developed in a way that felt as if it added significantly to the overall vibe of the book.

The Surviving Sky is a brilliant debut, set in a world where humanity has had to take to the skies and live in airborne cities called ashrams, which are described much like that on the cover.

The genius comes in with the how this happens; some are born with the ability to become ‘architects’, able to manipulate plants around them through plants’ consciousness.

Of course, with such an important role it brings about a bit of a power play between citizens, and this is an important theme in the book as it’s part of what causes a rift between our two married main characters, Ahilya (a non-architect archeologist) and Iravan (an extremely talented senior architect).

Ahilya is determined to find another way for humanity to survive, studying the land they left behind due to tremendous earth rages, whilst Iravan wants to be the best architect he can possibly be, he doesn’t see any other way than how things are managed already.

They argue, a lot, but with every instance of them finding common ground you can’t help but hope they’ll make it through and be stronger for it.

The concepts involved in the world building, such as consciousness, may take some getting used to at first but Rao has included a glossary at the back which comes in handy! There’s a lot more to The Surviving Sky than I’ve mentioned here, and it’s a fantastic start to a new trilogy that I can’t wait to continue.

Go grab this from your nearest bookstore if you’re after a book that will fill you with emotions whilst giving you a lot to think about! And DEFINITELY grab it right this instance if you’re a fan of intricate world building

The Surviving Sky...a book that may not have been my on my radar initially that captivated my attention much more than I could have ever expected it to do, I have always been in love with mythology though Hindu Mythology was never something that I have ever even looked into. That in itself made reading this a bit challenging in the beginning until I was entranced by the world building.

In the beginning I was unsure which of the two main characters I could relate to and often found myself siding with one of them in the early chapters. Then like any good character development, I found myself switching teams often as more and more details of the character came out. In the end I think I appreciate both of them and felt it in my heart how things were left off between the two...hopefully a decision that will be beneficial for both of them as we continue their journeys. Very excited for the continuation of this universe.

Thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for the chance to read this before being published. Sorry for the delay on the review!

I really tried with this one, I read up to 30% but I just couldn't get into the flow. It felt very long winded with not much happening and I wasn't invested enough in any of the characters to put the work in to keep going.

In a world where the earth's surface is ravaged by jungle storms and humanity has fled to floating, living cities in the sky, the architects who control the plants that make these cities are revered above everyone else. When their cities begin to fall, archaeologist Ahilya and her architect husband, Iravan must put aside their differences if they want to save their home.

This book genuinely blew me away, it gave me absolutely everything I could want out of a sci-fantasy. This world is rich and beautifully explored through the lens of both our main characters. It's so interesting to see how their place in society, Iravan as a highly revered and powerful architect, and Ahilya as someone without an architect's abilities pursuing a career that no one else has in centuries, shape their views of their world, their driving forces, as well as their relationship with one another. They perfectly encapsulated the push and pull between architects and non architects, allowing us as the reader to see and empathise with both perspectives.
The blend of science-fiction and fantasy in this book was fascinating, the idea of these plant-constructed cities flying through the sky is just an incredible image, and the process of "trajecting" is so interesting to explore.
This narrative will carry you along at break-neck speed as Ahilya and Iravan fight to figure out how to save their city from falling into the earthrages below them.

I devoured this and am already ridiculously excited and impatient for the next instalment.

Thank you NetGalley and Titan Books for my e-arc of this title, received in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the setting, the world building and the magic system. My one complaint was the characters. They were not fully developed and were incredibly annoying. I also felt that we only got half the story with Iravan and Ahilya. I could not understand their dynamics at all. But the plot and the last quarter of the book definitely made it worth it to finish this book. I would definitely read the second book and would suggest everyone to check it out for the incredible setting, magic system and that thrilling climax

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

The Surviving Sky, as well as having one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen, also includes some of the best world-building, descriptive writing and queer norm society building that I’ve ever seen.

The magic system and the world that this book is set in both captured my attention so quickly, and I fell into the world.

Unfortunately I found most of the main characters quite unlikable and I didn’t vibe with the main romantic pairing at all. This took away quite a bit of enjoyment since their “will they won’t they” back and forth repetition soon grated on my nerves. It’s very much down to my personal tastes though, and I’m sure other people wouldn’t mind that aspect of it at all.

If I was rating the world and magic and writing style it would be a solid 5, characters and relationships is probably more like a 2 for me and so it lands at about 3.5 overall. I enjoyed it, I just really wish I’d have liked the characters more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kritika H. Rao for providing me with an ARC of this book.

The Surviving Sky by Kritika H. Rao takes readers on a breathtaking journey through a world teetering on the edge of catastrophe. Set in a lush and imaginative world filled with cataclysmic storms, floating cities, and captivating magic, this debut science fantasy novel introduces readers to a unique blend of Hindu themes and ecological concepts. The story revolves around the complex relationship between Ahilya and Iravan, a married couple whose personal and professional lives become entangled when a jungle expedition goes awry. As their city faces imminent danger and their marriage hangs in the balance, Ahilya and Iravan must confront their own flaws and work together to save their reputations and their civilization.

Kritika H. Rao's world-building is a standout feature of The Surviving Sky, immersing readers in a vividly imagined setting filled with stunning visuals and intricate details. The concept of floating cities and the interconnectedness between architecture and the natural world are expertly woven into the narrative. The magic system, centered around plant manipulation and the power of the architects, adds depth and originality to the story. The author tackles big themes, such as power dynamics, societal hierarchy, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, while incorporating elements of reincarnation and Hindu philosophy, creating a thought-provoking and layered reading experience.

At the heart of the story is the troubled relationship between Ahilya and Iravan, which Rao explores with complexity and nuance. The couple's flaws and conflicting desires are expertly portrayed, making them flawed yet compelling characters. The toxic nature of their relationship adds tension and drama, although at times it may be uncomfortable for readers. However, the dynamic between them drives the narrative forward, and their struggles reflect larger issues within their society. While the conclusion may leave some questions unanswered, the story remains captivating and promises further exploration in the upcoming sequels.

Overall, The Surviving Sky is an ambitious and imaginative debut that seamlessly blends science fiction and fantasy elements with Hindu themes and ecological commentary. With its lush world-building, compelling characters, and thought-provoking concepts, it offers a captivating reading experience for fans of N.K. Jemisin, Tasha Suri, and Martha Wells. Kritika H. Rao's storytelling prowess shines through, leaving readers eager to embark on the next installment of this enthralling trilogy.

Fantasy sci-fi. Adult. LGBTQIA+. Dual POV. Debut author. POC author. 2023 release.

A broken earth. A floating city. A failing magic. Sabotage, betrayal, madness!
The Surviving Sky follows a married couple, Ahilya and Iravan, in their 30’s, who live above the jungle in a floating city. This is because the earth has been wracked by storms called earthrages. They survive through a combination of arcane science and architecture (i.e. plant/earth magic), landing their cities only when it’s safe. And because architects are so essential to their survival, architects always come first. Iravan is a senior architect, who’s moved quickly through political ranks to become one of the most powerful men in the city and the bastion of everything his wife detests. Ahilya is an archeologist with zero magical ability and a disdain for anyone who makes her feel less because of it. When Iravan is accused of misusing his abilities, he approaches his estranged wife to help clear his name.

Now, this for me, was a chaotic read. There were so many things to love about it: the lush world; the intriguing marital dynamics (which normally isn’t my thing, but here had me entranced); the political-social intrigue! That’s not even mentioning the magic system, which although, not necessarily original, was done up in a new suit that just worked. What hoked me though was the deeply flawed, morally grey characters. This was one of those books where I was considerably invested in the characters even though they were terrible human beings, who hurt each other as a pastime and infuriated me to no end. I just wished they’d been more consistent—but more on this later. I thought the cultural nuances were well-done. I enjoyed the yaksha creature-feature. Then, there was the reveal at the end of Chapter 26 (sabotage betrayal betrayal, and that’s all I’ll say)! And although I had my issues with this story, I felt the ending was fitting.

All of that said, there were several things that did not work for me with this book. Had I only read this first 50-55% of this, I’d likely have given it a higher rating. I think Chapter 31 was where things started to go downhill for me. It had been bothering me for a while, but, the toxic romance—the constant back-and-forth between Ahilya and Iravan—completely overshadowed the story in a lot parts. Also (I said I’d come back to this), Iravan and Ahilya, while complex, also proved chronically indecisive and inconsistent in their choices in a way that completely turned me off at multiple points. Their love-hate relationship was one thing, but they’d make make a decision to trust or change one second, and then do the complete opposite in the same breath! It gave me migraine-flavored whiplash. I’m not saying they have to make good choices, but their’s just weren’t even believable/conceivable sometimes. And the death/murder (or whatever you wanna call it) that happens is baffling in how little an effect it had on Iravan. It was almost like it didn’t even happen. No grief. No guilt. No nothing…

My other gripe with the story was the world building, or rather info-dumping in the latter half of the book. It was heavy handed and almost seemed to drag the story to a halt. [This is, of course, when Iravan and Ahilya leave the city. (hide spoiler)] At this point, the pacing kind of goes on vacation, and we get a history lesson and a warped attempt at spiritual enlightenment. It went philosophical AND waxed poetic in a way meant to tie up loose ends, but that fell flat.

Despite my frustrations with the characters and questionable pacing of the end, the story was compelling, and I would be interested in reading the sequel I can’t think of anything like it that I’ve read before, but if you enjoy severely flawed characters in fantasy/sci-fi rich worlds and/or appreciate political intrigue and nuanced social commentary, maybe give this a go.

It’s going to be a long summer full of novels with the word sky in them. It won’t be long before you see reviews of The Deep Sky and The Splinter in the Sky from yours truly. Though I would be lying if I said I weren’t excited by the prospect of reading each and every one of them. The first one, The Surviving Sky, by Kritika Rao, is one I have been looking forward to for a long time. Suffice it to say, The Surviving Sky is a pure delight as it soars through a conglomeration of deteriorating and damaged relationships between people, the planet, and the inner workings of the world.

The Earth rages, turning soil and quaking the land, making life generally impossible for humans. So they took to the sky, in flying, living cities known as ashrams. These ashrams are built and guided by the architects, a select group of people who have a special ability to manipulate the consciousness of various life forms around them, though their powers are relegated to mostly affecting the plant life. Iravan is one of the most powerful architects on the scene, and even he is beginning to feel that his connection to the world around him is waning. Ahilya, his wife, sees his power and the ashram’s reliance on the architects to be a disaster in waiting. But when Iravan is accused of being an ecstatic, taking his powers beyond the limits society deems tolerable, he needs Ahilya to help him clear his name. But as they both dig deeper into the mysteries of the earth-rages and their possible connection to the architects, what they may find might not only endanger their marriage, but the fate of the ashrams across the sky.

The Surviving Sky is a lush and inviting debut from Rao. The novel’s world is vibrant and populated by people who feel whole and are devoted to understanding its mysteries, even as they try to flatten it for their own survival. The main protagonists are rich with emotion, dreams, anxieties and scorn. They can’t help but oscillate between their various states of being as the small physical reactions and lilt of their words form traps that spiral into interpersonal strife. The political regimes feel fostered and earned, with decades if not centuries worth of momentum and history pushing them forward. The magic/technology is awe inducing, with Rao painting vivid scenes of living, floating cities and starry double visions that cloud as much as they reveal the essential nature of the world. It is a world defined by strife, both between its characters, and the characters and the world itself. It’s intoxicating in its complexity.

Rao presents the reader with grandeur, but mediated through the eyes of a failing relationship. Ahilya and Iravan feel like a couple that has been through the ringer, time and again. A latent tension has built up between them, a strain that both have seen grow. It’s a tension they both had a hand in cultivating as well. Rao navigates a jungle of emotions that lets you sympathize with both sides, never allowing the reader to sit comfortably with either one. They aren’t fully shitty people, but they have been shitty to each other. They can be incredibly sweet as well, but their own ambitions and dreams have chipped away at their love for so long, it’s hard to see whether any foundation is left at all. It’s brutally and beautifully captured by Rao’s ability to convey the chain of emotions within both Ahilya and Iravan. They each have their own triggers, their own observations of each other that can set off the bombs that their tempers have become. Their relationship is fraying at an exponential rate, even as they try to find moments of stability and “normalcy” within it.

But she also cleverly reveals how they can forgive each other in the smallest ways that allow them to see the person they fell in love with. Again and again, in these small, but exponential, cycles. The negative outweighs the good through most of the story, burdened by small physical reactions, and the unspoken argument between them about the city’s future. Ahilya believes that the city depends too much on the architects, and leaves little room for the regular people who live in the shadow of the temple. Iravan feels that the architects aren’t lionized enough for what they do, even as their abilities start to wane. He sits on the council, reminding Ahilya that no one else contributes to the success of Ishkar the way that architects do. He has ossified in his position of power, especially after achieving his heights at such a young age, and it drives Ahilya mad. Mad because he used to want to change up the council and distribute the power more evenly so that everyone has a little more to say when it comes to the future of Ishkar.

The stress between the two play well into the long arc of the story as well. Yes, these are people with power, the ability to literally change the world around themselves (in Iravan’s case). Their arguments bleed out into the world, and push and shove against the council and the long standing traditions of the community. They create disturbances among their peers just as they rage against each other.

The surrounding mystery is interwoven into this marital strife as well. The earth-rages are growing longer, with less time for reprieve between them. It weakens the resolve and the abilities of those able to keep the city afloat. Ahilya and Iravan’s influence on their respective factions also creates a paralytic stress amongst them. There is a lack of balance and strong communication about what is happening. Dark secrets are kept by the architects, hidden from the public in the name of protection. These secrets chip away at the community in the same way that it degrades Ahilya and Iravan’s relationship. Rao strongly reinforces the theme of connection over and over again showing how even this one relationship, given its particular location within the city and society, causes great disruption.

And while it’s readily apparent in the verbal confrontations between the two, Rao magnifies this theme through the magic/technology with The Surviving Sky. Iravan, as an architect, can tap into the consciousness of the world. He views the world through a double vision, seeing a constellation of stars that he can connect at will. This allows him to manipulate the plants of the city, opening and closing doors, repairing damage, and landing it when a rage has subsided. And Iravan is very good at trajecting, he knows it on a deep level and though it’s about connections it also separates him from the world in many ways. He starts to see everything as a tug, a nudge here and there and as his power wanes, it also affects his power in the material world as the council and his wife begin to question his position and intent.

And while it is cool to see the magic/technology that Rao has envisioned, her limits on it are doubly profound. It is not about a physical limitation, but instead a reinforcement through societal values. Whether they are good values is up for debate (though they are pretty strong foundations), but they exist not because of some ethereal limit of the world, but because people recognized the dangers of such power. They recognize the chance that someone may get lost in sauce, and they have tests that allow them to ferret out the dangerous slide into being “ecstatic,” lost in the power. And it’s not a series of bells and whistles, but something that runs deeper, and digs into the core of who someone is. The scenes where this test is employed are magnificent and tense. Emotions roll through them like waves beating against a shoreline. It’s a reminder that technology is a tool, and the only ones who can truly recognize its sharpness are those who hone it.

Rao’s novel is a jungle. It’s dark, and in some areas you can’t see that far ahead of you. It is a place full of potential terror, imagined or real. But it is also vibrant, lush and full of life. There are flows and balances that are never fully accounted for, nor will they ever be. It’s contradiction and fury butting against remediation and retribution. It is full, messy and though it can be mean, it can be generous. The Surviving Sky offers so much, and refrains from taking anything away. So put down your machete, take a deep breath, and take a journey into the jungle that is Rao’s The Rages.

Rating: The Surviving Sky 10/10
-Alex

An ARC of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts on this book are my own.

The Surviving Sky took me on a ride through the sky that I didn’t see coming.

Kritika H. Rao tackles the matter of exposition for a new and immersive world with skill, never giving the reader more than they need to know but still just enough for them to get a sense of where they stand in the scene from moment to moment.

The dual perspective of the narration from both Ahalia and Iravan’s point of view adds a richness and depth to the story that we wouldn’t see had it focused on one rather than the other, but also doesn’t dilute the story with unnecessary hops from one to the other, instead focusing on unpacking the narrative progression one piece at a time.

The building revelations of the world itself through the eyes of our two POV characters makes for a gripping journey and when I tell you the big reveal at the end? I was screaming!

The Surviving Sky is a 5/5 read and I cannot wait for its sequel.

This book was fascinating. The setting of this book and how it embraced the Hindu themes of reincarnation was fantastic, the philosophy and themes of the book left me with much to think about, but the main thing that had me interesting in this book was Iravan and Ahilya's marriage and how each one viewed the other so differently.

Iravan and Ahilya have problems, big problems. They aren't communicating properly and it's having an impact. This book really leaned into the the biases that people can have and how they can affect the way they see one another. Actions that are understandable for Ahilya to make from her perspective, are completely different for Iravan and vice versa. It gave me so much to think about!

The only problem with this is that when being introduced to Iravan it was through the lense of Ahilya's pain and anger. He made a huge mistake and it came across as controlling and manipulative. So I just didn't warm to him. I'm honestly still not sure what to feel about his actions at the start of the book. I wasn't rooting for this couple at all.

That was only a minor thing to me, but if you need a really strong romance to get behind this isn't the book for you.

The vibes of this one are everything, I didn't expect it to go where it went at all and I'm so pleasantly surprised. The cover is the perfect depiction of this story and I had a great time. It was so intricate that I did have to concentrate to understand everything but it was definitely worth the effort that I went through!

The characters are fascinating and well rounded when I would say the plot was supposed to be the forefront, they didn't suffer as a result at all. I can't wait to see where this goes in the second book!

The Surviving Sky is a complex and imaginative debut novel, packed full of big themes. The concept is brilliant - floating city-islands called ashrams protect humanity from the jungle-destroying earthrages. Architects are able to manipulate plants for various effects, including flying the ashrams. As they can *traject*, the Architects are the ones with the power in the society. Everyone else is... lesser. So far, so magical plant flying cities. The worldbuilding is gorgeous. The Ashrams are beautifully imagined, growing and shrinking as needed, whereas the jungle is steamy and claustrophobic. The use of plant manipulation as a magic system is innovative and works extremely well in this setting. As a setting, it's gorgeous. The story itself is also complex. The story is primarily about Ahilya and Iravan, a married couple trying to save their Ashram. But is is really? Hindu philsophy is woven throughout the text. Ecological themes are high on the agenda. Add in a dash of dystopia to complete the trifecta, and there is The Surviving Sky. Yes, it is about the married couple and their trials but it is also about much more.

Ah, the married couple. Iravan is a Senior Architect in the Ashram whereas Ahilya cannot traject. Ahilya is trying to resurrect archaeology to understand the earthrages, whereas everyone else thinks she is wasting her time. They are roughly 30 or a bit older, which is lovely to see (nothing like a bit of age in a protagonist!). However, if these were real people, I would describe their relationship as toxic. They love each other to the point of obsession. They are capable of punishing each other with extreme measures. There is obviously a massive power unbalance in their relationship. It comes across as dysfunctional and it gave me the ick. However, this is glossed over for much of the story. There is one very telling section near the end from Dhruv but I don't think this is enough to justify much of the interactions between the couple. Also, miscommunication is an overused trope in my opinion. This relationship forms the spine of the story and it was difficult to continue at times. The ending could be used to justify the means but this in itself was confusing. I get the overall result but I couldn't explain what happened in any great detail.

In short, The Surviving Sky was a mixed bag for me. I loved the setting; floating cities that were a joy to read and a very different magic system. It was also lovely to have a world view that was no western-focused for a change. However, this fabulous backdrop was marred (for me) by a relationship that had me cringing at times and a confusing conclusion. This is the beginning of a trilogy and I'm not completely sure I will carry on. It depends where the author takes it from here. Saying that, if the cover is half as lovely as this one, I imagine I could be swayed! I would give this 3.5 stars, so rounded up to 4.

One of the last refuges of humanity soars above the storms that consume the planet, powered by the plants it is made of and the will of the architects who control them. Architect Iravan and his fellows have been working hard, with fewer and fewer pauses between the great storms, and his wife Ahilya the distance between them, and between the architects and other residents, grow nearly too great to bear. A tragedy sparked by uncontrolled powers sets the spouses against one another, and into a growing conflict for the future of humanity. Roa's work is lovely and deep, with elements from Indian folklore, like the great yaska spirits that roam the Earth, that elevate this work of solarpunk to a must read. An older couple, dealing with a relationship that needs tending and not just sparking, is also a lovely addition, and the passion Iravan and Ahilya bring to their careers and to each other is a frightening force. Rao is a debut author to be watched - her work sparkles and shines, and is nearly impossible to summarize without going into incredible detail.

The Surviving Sky is the debut novel by Kritika H. Rao, newly released yesterday. What hooked me right from the start is the worldbuilding. It is set on a lush jungle planet where storms are so severe, humans live on floating cities controlled by architects. Isn't it intriguing?

Not only is the magic and the world so unique, we follow two characters who are married but their relationship is on the edge of a precipice. I wanted to root for both of them, both are equally complex, flawed and so interesting to follow.

This book is filled with politics, secrets, class privileges (architects vs others). It is action-packed, fast paced and enchanting. I've never read something like it! I was a bit confused by the magic system at first but you get it eventually, it is totally worth it!

This was such an interesting and unique read! Thank you @titanbooks for sending me a copy ! 💕

Enter a lush world of cataclysmic storms, planet-wide jungles, floating cities and devastating magic in this first book of an explosive new science fantasy trilogy, perfect for fans of N.K. Jemisin, Tasha Suri and Martha Wells.

I had high hopes for this book but unfortunately I just couldn't get into it and struggled throughout. The book touched on a lot of high level philosophical theories that I admit I skimmed over. However, the book was very well written and has a highly unique premise. Although, it wasn't for me, it may be right for others.

I appreciate @netgalley and @titanbooks for letting me review this book and give my honest review.

Loved It, 4.5 Stars

The Surviving Sky by Kritika H Rao was a blast! I had no clue what was going on half the time at the end, but I still loved it! In this world, the jungle is ravaged by earthrages, making it uninhabitable for human beings. Long ago, humanity acquired the ability to traject, and they were able to use this magic to create flying ashrams, supported by a sacred tree. Architects are able to control plant life through trajection, and this is how humanity has survived. However, the earthrages are getting longer, and trajection is becoming more difficult. We follow an estranged, married coupe, Iravan and Ahilya. Iravan is an architect, a member of the council, and one of the most revered citizens in Nakshar. Ahilya is his wife and she is an archeologist. She dislikes the power that architects hold and has dedicated her life to finding a way that humanity can return to the jungle to diminish the power of the architects.

The Surviving Sky starts off with the ashram getting ready to land during a lull between earthrages, and Ahilya preparing to leave on an expedition to find the elephant yaksha (an absolutely monstrously large animal) that she had tagged with a tracker on a previous expedition into the jungle. Iravan accompanies her, and events occur while they are in the jungle that set off the chain reaction over the rest of the book. There is a mystery element as the two work together to uncover answers to the mysteries behind what occurred in the jungle and attempt to keep everything from falling apart.

I'm going to start with the characters because they are a big part of what made me enjoy this book so much! Both Iravan and Ahilya are deeply flawed, but I felt like that made them so much more believable. I was frustrated by some of their communication throughout this book, but it is to be expected as we know they are experiencing marital difficulties. I felt like their interactions made sense for their characters, and I really appreciated how we got to see a couple a decade into their relationship. It's a nice change of pace from typical relationships that are depicted in fantasy, and I really enjoyed rooting for them to come back together.

I also thought that the world and the magic system were incredible. There is a strong element of Hindu philosophy and themes to this book, and while I'm usually not one for philosophy in general, I feel like it worked here. There is a lot of exploration of consciousness, rebirth, nature, and our interaction with the world around us. I am sure some of the deeper meanings escaped me, but I thought it was really well handled and not overly philosophy-ish. I felt like the magic felt almost science-like, and while I didn't fully understand everything that it was able to do, I still greatly enjoyed it.

Overall, it was well=paced and I thought it was a really great book. I am very intrigued to see where we go in future books with all the revelations at the end and where our characters are at. The only reason that this isn't five stars is that I was really confused for a lot of the revelations uncovered towards the end. It didn't diminish my overall enjoyment, but I did feel like I was missing something, and that took me out of the story a bit. However, I was quite content to be a little bit confused!

I received an early review copy from Netgalley and Titan books, but all opinions are my own. The Surviving Sky released June 13, 2023.

I had trouble getting into The Surviving Sky, unfortunately, and I decided not to finish reading it. I thought the world was very interesting and I was intrigued by the magic system, but I struggled to relate to the characters, especially the main couple -- I liked the idea of a story from the perspective of an unhappily married couple, but I just found them too frustrating to read about.

If I have to start with something, I’d say the cover perfectly visualises the setting of this book. The Surviving Sky is an upcoming science fantasy that follows Ahilya, a non-architect who hopes to gain an influence on the matters of the city by finding solutions in the history of their world; and Iravan, her husband and one of the most revered senior architects. Quite a lot of this book impressed me, so let me get to that.

a worldbuilding so detailed and unique
The story of The Surviving Sky primarily takes place on a floating ashram, Nakshar, while the world below is plagued by earthrages. The catch is, these floating cities are kept afloat by architects who “traject” the life forces of plant consciousness and while the earthrages grow frequent, these architects are also growing weaker. I loved reading all scenes containing trajection, it’s so interesting to see what it does and how it impacts the surroundings.

Filled with cosmic energies, interesting technology and a treacherous world left to explore, Rao cleverly builds this world to heighten the stakes. It’s true when she said this book is super nerdy, because there’s a lot to learn about the world and all its workings.

hindu philosophy inspired
There are plenty of philosophical elements I could pick up while reading the book, especially that of duality, rebirth and consciousness. It serves an interesting exploration of how nature and societies evolve over time to write their own histories, or even doom. The way the magic system focuses on manipulating the consciousness of plants but it’s also a reflection of the architect’s own conscience is portrayed by Rao in a smooth way. And that part about duality? You’ll come across many contrasts while reading it, but the one that stood out the most to me was how these humans formed a civilisation floating in the sky with an arcane technology. Also, the reach into archaeology, history of their world and the yakshas to figure out a way to survive the deadly storms is a wonderful addition.

a troubled marriage at the centre of it all
Now this is an element we don’t often see in SFF. Ahilya and Iravan, the somewhere-in-the-30s headstrong and insufferable characters are tied together in a marriage of ups and downs. And since Iravan needs his marital, societal and power related bonds intact to be a capable architect, he needs Ahilya on his side. Their misunderstandings and anger manifests from their understanding of each other for so many years together. Theirs is an interesting dynamic, of imbalance in power opposing ideologies, with Ahilya disliking the architects’ privileged tendencies. It’s even more interesting to see how they’re also similar to each other and weave through the pressures of marriage and duties.

Though we know plenty about their personalities as separate characters, I would’ve liked to be given more depth to their marriage dynamic, outside of their disagreements. Their arguments are a good portrayal of how they can harm one another but I wanted to at least feel their love and understanding of each other through their years of marriage. Secondly, after passing the climax I think it all depended on the reader to put together the pieces of the puzzle that is The Surviving Sky‘s worldbuilding.

Overall, The Surviving Sky is a fresh blend of sci-fi fantasy and apocalyptic setting added to SFF books with a queernormative world, great twist and take on philosophy induced magic. I’d definitely recommend you to read it for yourself if you like any of the aspects mentioned in this review. I’m eager to see where the sequel takes us!