My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Holiday House; Peachtree Teen. All opinions are my own, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: YA Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Dystopian
Gore Level: Low-Medium (appropriate for teens in my opinion)
Language: Medium (cursing but not constant—mostly with variations of sh*t)
Representation: The character names led me to believe there is racial diversity, but that isn't emphasized. Gay relationships are on the periphery with secondary characters.

You won't believe this is a debut novel. I feel like there is a good blend of science with this fantasy novel. See if you think it should land more in sci-fi or fantasy.

I have read A LOT of fantasy. And let me tell you, I'm impressed!

Here's why:

- I cared about individual characters, and I like them
- The characters are unique to themselves, not relying on stereotypes
- World building is interesting with the metal creatures, the islands, the clouds, etc.
- The world and politics expands with the main character's awareness (this feels so authentic to being a teen)
- Family and honor motivate people in this society as much as meritocracy
- Classic themes of revenge, forgiveness, betrayal, sacrifice flow naturally with the characters' decisions
- I can draw parallels to this world that are relevant
- Clips along at a great pace
- I can't wait for the next book (If I'm excited to read more, I know it has staying power)
- Romance is on the periphery instead of the entire world circling around the romance (I find this refreshing)

I highly recommend reading this one!

Happy reading!

Thank you, Peachtree Teen, for a digital ARC!

Sky's End breaches a rare group of excellence among young adult fiction. Its revenge-laden fusion of Attack on Titan and the Hunger Games brings an inventive, fresh concept and a fascinating web of characters that will cement author Marc J. Gregson as a must-follow. It’s doubly impressive as a debut, weaving delicate themes with a strong character voice that balances entertainment with an intent to educate beautifully.

The early—in particular—prose is thick with personality that grants the novel's hero, Conrad, a distinct voice unique to the genre. That voice mostly sticks through the novel, even as the prose must trade some of its artfulness for functionality as the world grows in enormity and brings its cast of characters along.

The world's meritocracy, its political systems, and the lessons it brings with it are thoughtful, relevant, and fascinating to explore. Gregson masterfully integrates these elements into his words, bringing an intentionality to every page that speaks to the richness of the systems he's developed.

That intensity to the book's worldbuilding does nothing to slow its story down, with the tale of Conrad moving at breakneck speed that makes this an enthralling page-turner. The core, smaller-scale narrative of this story is when the novel is at its best, delivering a constant output of tender character moments even among the novel's bulleting pace.

Gregson's biggest achievement—in a novel filled with many—is the strength of his cast. Nearly every character is a page-stealer; each member of the cast possesses a complex backstory, a vibrant and realistic personality, and motivations that all deserve the spotlight. The interactions between them, the dialogue they share, and the decisions they make have significant impact on the story that kept me clamoring for more. These are among the most memorable characters I can recall reading in the first installment of any young adult novel.

The action is similarly breathtaking and is often easy to follow despite its grandiose scale. The tightening of some prose, dialogue, and a cleaning of dialogue tags will make the book's punchy moments an even more exciting blast to follow along.

The book's occasional lack of specificity sometimes separates itself from its near-constant stream of excellence, however. Though this criticism should be noted with the knowledge of publishing a debut's difficulty and the common wordcount constraints necessitated by the YA market, I found a few moments to fall flat when the book was unable to build to them in a way that provided appropriate context. A few settings (most notably in the early book and in some building interiors) and some characters are difficult to visualize because we spend so little time exploring what they look like and how they feel. Plans and strategies are often skimmed over or are intentionally not described so as to provide mystery to the reader, yet the book's best tension occurs when the reader is left guessing as to how the outstanding cast will react to events and interact with one another in their wake rather than guessing the mechanics of how an event will unfold. Occasional decisions and changes in position by the book's secondary cast, most notably in the final act, can feel sudden because we haven't been able to explore the events that lead to heel-turns.

And thus, my most significant criticism of the novel becomes its biggest complement, as I routinely found myself desperate to learn more about the world, its history, its mechanics, and its characters. Gregson has crafted a decadent world full of details I was desperate to experience, and I long to pick up the story's sequel and spend time with its characters again.

Sky's End is a powerhouse of a debut, and Marc J. Gregson has delivered a thrilling statement that he's here to stay in the literary world. With some more space to play in and a tad bit of refinement, I have no doubt he will long be considered one of the genre's greats.

Thank you, again, Peach Tree Teen for the digital ARC. Please, keep your cover artist close. That of Sky's End is one of the genre's most stunning.

Such a stellar book. This is the type of novel that you want to stay up reading. It's a page-turner with exciting action, high stakes, and intense emotion. I loved every second of it, and can't wait for the next book.

Specifically, I love Conrad as a protagonist. I was rooting for him from page one, even if he is an antisocial asshole with daddy issues. I love him. I also love all the other characters, especially how Gregson slowly built a beautiful found-family relationship.

Also, I really like the causal queer representation, even if it was not the center romance. Normal queer romances in YA SFF are so rare, and when they're there, it's usually didactic. Gregson really did a good job of normalizing queerness.

My ONE complaint is "cuss." I respect Gregson for trying to cut out swearing, but having Roderick use "cuss" in place of, well, cusses became very, very annoying. It took me out of the moment.

Other than that, this is a fantastic novel and an exceptional debut. Gregson is going to be a breakthrough in YA.

Thanks for the opportunity to read this book! My review will post to my blog on 1/1/24 and I will also showcase the book on my Instagram that same week.

Review:
I have a really strong feeling that this book is going to be huge next year. I have said before that I tend to stay away from fantasy because it intimidates me, but this is one that I was able to slide into very easily. The world is completely unique (hello, floating islands and miles-long steel-plated sky serpents!). This one is fresh and exciting and definitely left me craving the next installment. From the very first page, I was captivated by the engaging characters and the unique and creative world-building.

The story follows Conrad, a sixteen-year-old who once lived amongst the upper class but has since been exiled with his mother to live as a Low on the floating island of Holmstead. Determined to enact revenge on his murderous uncle and save his sister, Conrad finds himself thrown into a dangerous competition called the Selection of the Twelve Trades. Conrad is selected into the Hunter trade, and over the course of the next several weeks, he must endure grueling training, navigate manipulative peers, and ultimately face the Gauntlet, a brutal test that pits skyship crews against monstrous gorgantauns.

What sets Sky's End apart from other fantasy novels is its fresh and imaginative world. The concept of floating islands and sky serpents made of steel plates is utterly captivating. I also loved the concept of the skyships and how they were used to protect the islands from the gorgantauns. Gregson's vivid descriptions breathe life into this fantastical realm, making it feel tangible and real. As a reader, I was swept away by the visual imagery and found myself completely immersed in the world of Holmstead. The battle scenes are top-notch and left me breathless.

The characters in this novel are equally compelling. Conrad, our scrappy underdog protagonist, is someone you can't help but root for. His determination, resilience, and unwavering love for his family make him a relatable and endearing hero. What I liked most is that throughout the story, Conrad undergoes intense character growth, transforming from a naive teenager to a confident and capable young man. He also learns to work as part of a team, and honestly, his growth as a leader (and as a friend) was one of the most endearing parts of the book.

Conrad's journey is not just about survival or revenge but also about discovering his own identity and fighting for what he believes in. The whispers of rebellion that Conrad overhears in the dark add an additional layer to the story, suggesting that there is more at stake than just the outcome of the Gauntlet.

The supporting characters are equally well-developed. Each member of Conrad's skyship crew brings something unique to the table, and their interactions and dynamics add depth to the story. There were some very skeezy villains, unexpected allies, and some truly loyal teammates. I couldn't help but root for this ragtag team of underdogs.

The pacing of Sky's End is relentless. Gregson's writing is fast-paced and action-packed, with each chapter leaving readers eager to know what happens next. The Gauntlet, in particular, is a thrilling and heart-pounding sequence that had me on the edge of my seat. The stakes are high, and Gregson skillfully ratchets up the tension to keep readers engaged from start to finish.

With its fresh world-building, compelling characters, and breakneck pacing, this book has all the ingredients of a future hit. I highly recommend diving in and joining Conrad on his dangerous quest. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Preorder a copy now. I did.

I received an advance copy of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sky’s End Review

I requested to read this book on NetGalley because, admittedly, the cover piqued my interest - a first for me. I was expecting a book reminiscent of Hunger Games with dragons thrown in there (Fourth Wing readers, I’m looking at you), but was pleasantly surprised to find it was not that at all.

Conrad, a sixteen year old living in the Sky Lands, is exiled from the Highs and into the Lows with his mother. When an attack by the gargantuan’s leaves him homeless and orphaned, he is forced to examine his options. Left with no other choice, he decides to join the Selection.

As Marc J Gregson guides us through the Sky Lands, we meet an entire crew of characters - some easier to love than others, but you’re attached to them all the same. Through every twist and turn of the Gladian and facing off with gorgantuans of varied sizes, I was hooked. I loved everything about this book; from the enticing cover art, the writing style and the general story. This book is a 5 star read to anyone drawn to sci-fi/fantasy and fast paced, non-stop adventure. Hats off to Marc J Gregson - I will anxiously be waiting for the books to follow and with any luck, a future movie or tv show adaption.

Like many others I saw the TikTok and found myself searching for the title here. Knowing absolutely nothing about this book except that it seems to have dragons in it seemed like a good opener. I understand this is an advanced copy and therefore not finalized, however a content warnings page would have been appreciated. The abuse sustained by our main character at the hands of his father was not expected and is also incredibly cruel.
I currently would not recommend this book to anyone and would suggest more edits or work on this book before publishing.

Sometimes in writing, it is necessary to pull your punches, for fear of making a story too gritty or driving readers away. However, other times, it is necessary to let every one of your punches connect, and let the readers know what type of story you’re going to be telling— and with Gregson’s “Sky’s End,” the hits just keep coming. I say this as a ringing endorsement as well. “Sky’s End,” and the Skylands where the story is set, are not places where one can easily or comfortably rest on their laurels— or at least, never for long. It is essential, both for the plot and for the establishment of the setting, that the action of this story be near constant, that the drama be continuous, that the threat, if it isn’t right in front of you, be lurking somewhere on the horizon. The characters do not have time to rest, and subsequently neither do the readers. This is a book you pick up and do not put down until you’ve flipped the final page— and even then you’re left wanting more. This is clearly the beginning of an epic, no doubt about that.

Funnily enough, my main critique of the book ties in with my main praise— I think it took a bit too long to get started. The beginning of any fantasy novel is going to be a bit slow, there’s a whole new world to learn about after all, but I wished we’d gotten to the meat of the story quicker. It was a slow ramp up, like the clicking of an old rollercoaster, but by god once that coaster took off, it was a constant whirlwind from that point on. Stick with this book, wait as the tension builds, and I promise you will enjoy the ride.

Sky's End is an amazing dystopian fantasy about Conrad, an underdog determined to rise through the ranks of a harsh meritocracy to reunite with what little family he has left by any means necessary.

I have nothing but amazing things to say about this book. Everything from the world-building and creatures to the Character development and plot kept me enthralled from start to finish. I devoured the majority of this book in a single session because I just could not put it down. The combat scenes were especially well-written.

I would recommend this book to Teenager 15+ and older readers who loves dystopian fantasy books like The Hunger Games,Maze Runner,and The 5th wave.

Probably like many others, I saw the video of the cover reveal on social media, and then was pleasantly surprised to find an ARC on NetGalley. Gregson excels at writing the action sequences, even if some of the emotion beats, particularly at the beginning, miss the mark. I wasn’t sold until the Gauntlet competition starts, but then it really picks up and doesn’t let up for the rest of the book. It’s fast-paced but not rushed, and while a lot happens, it’s not overwhelming.

This book fits right into the Hunger Games era of YA books, in the best way, and I think this series could definitely attract its own dedicated following. I plan to continue the series!

Seeing Conrad evolve over the corse of the book was so heart warming! The way he was so closed off and didn’t want anyone close to letting other competitors in the selection in and bringing back some semblance of light to him was perfect!
I loved so much about this, seeing Conrad fight his way up from being a Low really gave us a in depth view of the world from so many points of view. Not just the wealthy and low, from everyone in between!
I’m excited to see where this will take us in the next book!
Already miss Conrad so much!

Blog Post scheduled for December 26th
Imgur link goes to Instagram graphic scheduled for January 2nd
To be covered in December wrapup

I first heard about Sky’s Edge via Instagram. I believe my husband or myself stumbled upon a reel of the author talking about his journey in writing his novel and his passion for it. This put the book on my radar, there is nothing else like seeing someone excited about their own work. When it came time for a read, I wasn’t sure what to expect but it definitely blew me out of the water - or sky if you will.

The story follows Conrad, who is bent on avenging his family’s fall from high society and finding his sister who has been kept by his uncle. In a desperate deal he agrees to sign up for Selection, which sends him off to the Hunters to begin learning to hunt giant sky serpents called gorgantauns. The story is action packed and explosive in a way I wasn’t expecting. As soon as you get comfortable with the plot and pace something happens to shake it up.

Not everything worked perfectly, but it was so fast and addictive to read that I couldn’t put it down. With a voice like this I cannot wait to see where this story goes. I’m not sure about the newest character we met at the end, and I hope the story doesn’t bend too far into dystopia but otherwise I loved this. Pound was my favorite character by far. I loved to hate him and then I just loved him.

This was one I immediately pre-ordered as I loved it so much and you if you enjoy action adventure YA Fantasy or even indie fantasy, this has a voice and vibe that you’re going to dig.

5 gorgantauns out of 5

DNF: I was really looking forward to this book and was so excited to get an ARC. Unfortunately, I just don't think I am the right audience. I really struggled to get into it, the writing style wasn't for me, and it just didn't hold my attention. I may try again down the road. Thank you for the opportunity to read the ARC.

When I read Mistborn for the first time, I fell in love with the world and the characters; I knew I needed more at the very moment I closed that book. Reading Sky’s End, I had the exact same feeling, with one small problem: the sequel isn’t out yet.
The plot, characters, setting, and overall energy is something I have been craving for quite a while. The action is fast with just enough detail to paint the picture I need until snapping to the next moment. Though, there were times I longed for more, as sometimes the information given was just a bit too quick. More detail, more exploration, more time to just sit and absorb each character and their views in this world would be a nice thing, but it may also hinder the kind of world Gregson has built. These kill-or-be-eaten stakes don’t allow us the time to sit and talk with our characters. Instead, it drives through towards a spectacular end, with even bigger stakes.
In the end, Sky’s End was a fantastic read and great introduction into a new world. This book will forever be rated as one of the books I wish I could read for the first time again.

Actual rating 4.5/5 stars. This is the first instalment in the Above the Black series.

Conrad once resided in wealth but lost it all and became a Low, after his father's death at his uncle's hands. His mother was first weakened by her sickness in the squalor far below his once family home and then fell at the hands of the monstrous gorgantauns who invaded the sector. He made a vow to himself to avenge the death of his parents and kill the one who took them from him. To do so, however, he must first strike a deal with the very same figure, and enter the Selection of the Twelve Trades in his uncle's name.

I loved the blend of fantastical and scientific elements in the unique lands that this author created. Seeing Conrad fight his way through all sections of it allowed the reader to understand what life was life for those living on both ends of the social hierarchy, as well as to the understand the politics that governed them and the horrors that haunted them.

I was immediately intrigued by all that occurred but became enamoured once Conrad entered into the Selection and the competition elements of the novel were introduced. Conrad fought alongside his peers but did not allow himself to care for them, for how much he had already lost in his short life. Seeing him soften to them and allow light into his life again was a wonderful journey to be on with him and I enjoyed reading about it just as much as I did the competition elements.

He was a wonderful central character and I am already eager for more adventures with him, in the second series instalment.

I just finished reading Sky’s End. I wanted to say thank you to Peachtree Teen and Holiday House for allowing me to read this ARC. I am rating this book 3.75/5. At the beginning of this book the story caught my attention with how strong Conrad was as a character. Although, in my opinion, he had very little character development he was still a good main character. I really enjoy reading about main characters who have really good character development and become stronger and a better person. Whereas Conrad stayed the same way the whole book. In my opinion Pound had the BEST character development in this whole book. Sometimes throughout this book, I got annoyed at repeated sentences and short sentences but I think that would have to be my only criticism. Overall, the story was very well thought out. I am excited for this book to publish officially in 2024 to see where it goes.

Um, yes. This is going to be the book for so many people that is going to get them into science fiction.

Typically a book is lucky to have one or two of the following, but Sky's End has all three:
- excellent and unique world building
- character development and social dynamics
- good plot with engaging pacing

The world has Highs, Mids, and Lows for social classes, but after our main character Conrad becomes a part of the Hunter Trade and boards a ship with his crew, there is also a Highs, Mids, and Lows per ship that are out competitively hunting during The Gauntlet - determining your ability to rise within your Trade. The social intricacies that go about this dynamic elevate it above the typical training montage of most stories like this where the character just needs to physically strengthen. You need to know who to trust, and when, and the iterations of their loyalties to all the other crew members. You want to put yourself in a position of power, while keeping those best suited to roles in order to give your ship the best chance to win - and to keep you alive.

Lots of twists and turns, and a whole bunch of fun

I don't usually do sci-fi, and I thought this was going to lean towards more post-apocalyptic fantasy, but it didn't. However, I really enjoyed it. I'm a sucker for anything with a dark academia vibe.

I really enjoyed the characters and seeing their growth and maturity. It felt very natural. I felt the characters were definitely the strongest element of the book.

The plot was quite good as well. There were enough hints throughout to work it out, but it later became all clear what was going on. And it's very morally grey who is good and who is evil. Makes for an interesting moral quandary.

I really look forward to the next one.

"Rise, Conrad, or never come back"

Sky's End is a story that feels well-known but untold, familiar but new, and harsh but beautiful. The character development is perfect blend of mindful insights into the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist as well as descriptive tellings of combat and events. The story urges you to continue to the next chapter even when your head and heart scream for a moment to breathe, a moment to reflect, a moment to grieve, and a moment to celebrate.

The story of Conrad feels like a tale as old as writing itself but comes in a natural and comfortable way where the reader will want, no NEED, him to succeed in his quest and adventure. The adventures that Conrad explores will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what he will try to do next and how he will try to do it.

If you like adventure, action, sacrifice, heroic moments, and even heartbreak, then Sky's End needs to be your next read.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. Sky's End was a unique breath of fresh air, I really enjoyed this debut novel. It scratched the itch I had for a book of Eragon-level adventure, but with a completely unique environment and characters. I loved the fast-pace, and found myself flying through it! Can't wait to read more of Mr. Gregson's works! A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

Sky’s End
A fast paced fantasy that’s sure to enthrall.
Young people vie for improved status, hoping to advance from being a Low to the High. Conrad is reluctant to trust, but needs to form loyal alliances. His goal is to restore his family to High and become a Captain of an airship to fight huge monsters. And then there are the problems…
An attention grabber from the first chapter, I recommend this for young adults. No foul language. These youths are trying to make their way, learn loyalty, and be successful. Alliances and betrayals charge emotions.
(I’d like a sequel)