Rating: 4.8/5

Review: This is one of the highest ratings I have given this year and it is well deserved.

I did not think I would like this novel based on how much I cannot stand YA drivel. "Gee I am 10-16 yo and know everything about anything and even adults follow me as a leader blah blah". Purest bullshjt genre ever invented by greedy publishers.

Where Gregson diverges from the masses is that he takes the time to build believable YA characters and grows them up despite their stupid choices. Conrad gets tossed out on his ear, lives like a feral in the gutters and seeks revenge in a myriad of ways. His choices are generally missteps and the ones he settles on are the result of coersion as he is under the onus of a programmatic system.

The world building is epic and highly creative. Floating islands and giant metallic snakes are some of the visuals that conjoin with an almost steampunk aesthetic. The first 2/3 of this novel kept me up until early in the morning. The ending is a slight disappointment as the novel slides in a direction that promotes Conrad to a status that does not marry well with the base story line. To go through hell and back and suddenly become a prince is an easy out for a series continuance.

For now, enjoy this first installment until the series turns into YA shjt.

This was a 4.5-5 star review!

Words can't begin to describe this book. All I can say is if you're a fan of Attack on Titans with a dash of Hunger Games and Kingdom Hearts.... Read this. The unique world building is what kept me hooked and the characters dragged me to the end.

I was left speechless countless times reading this and it blew me away in the best way. The world building is unique and beautiful. The characters are likeable and so badass. Moving through each chapter developed a story I never knew I needed. I am so eager to read more from Marc G.

This was one of my most anticipated reads ever since I found his viral TT of his cover reveal at his school.

I absolutely loved this book! It started off fast and kept a steady pace! I have a hard time keeping up with books if they become slow and take too long to get anywhere! There were also a few characters that were so hateable I wanted to quit reading, (just to get away from them) it had plenty of action, betrayal, plot twists, and everything else you could ask for in fantasy! I cannot wait for Book 2 and I know it’s so far off.. 😭

an incredible debut novel, filled to the brim with action, high stakes, competition, and teenage angst. The plot has some Hunger Games vibes, but it’s more than that. The story features a government that is a complexly simple meritocracy, which means that whoever fights the hardest, ethically or not, will rise to the top. The characters grow throughout the story and I found myself loving the antiheroes (there are a number of them) and the family they begin to build amongst themselves. I am happy to know this is the beginning of a longer series, because I’m just not done living in this fantasy world yet.

This is one of those books that surprised me in the best way possible. Sky's End is an action-packed, fast-paced story that follows sixteen-year-old Conrad as he embarks on the Hunter's Gauntlet, a deadly competition between skyships racing to kill the most gorgantauns. From the start, I was absolutely hooked. The worldbuilding is incredibly immersive, and I flew through the battle scenes. Immediately, you get a sense of the gritty, violent world, one reminiscent of other dystopian novels while remaining completely fresh and exciting. The world is so easy to fall into with its floating islands, metal gorgantauns, and cane dueling system. There seriously isn't a dull moment in this book. Also, I really adored the found family aspect. For me, the character work is what really made this story super compelling. I was really impressed with their growth. All of the character arcs were memorable and gripping, and I was always invested in their journeys.

If this came out when I was younger, it definitely would've been up there with my other YA favorites—like Collins' "The Hunger Games" or Marie Lu's "Legend"—in middle school. I would definitely recommend this book to all fantasy lovers, especially if you love a good underdog story. Conrad is a great protagonist to follow, and this first book promises an epic continuation of this series. I'm super excited for the next book, and I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for it.

Thank you Peachtree Teen and NetGalley for providing me with this digital ARC!

Fantastic pacing and amazing world building kept me hooked on this book. Great found family story with enemies to friends and excellent antagonists that really drive the character development of the protagonist Conrad. I quickly fell in love with the world Gregson created and can't wait to explore more of it in future books which will definitely be an insta-buy for me.

First off, wow.

I’ve been dying to read this book ever since I saw the viral video of Gregson revealing the cover of this book to his middle school students, along with his publishing story, and saw it compared to Attack on Titan and The Hunger Games, which are two of my favorite things. I was thrilled when I saw this book on NetGalley and when I got approved. Besides the knowledge of the comps, I went in completely blind and was blown away over and over.

Already, I am so excited for the next book in this trilogy. Sky’s End felt like an amalgamation of The Hunger Games, Attack on Titan, Red Rising, Divergent, Fourth Wing, and many other golden-era YA giants of the 2010’s. This book was so nostalgic to me at the ripe old age of 24, but was complex enough and written wonderfully that it pulled its weight for an “adult” reader.

Gregson created a wonderful cast of characters who were very real and went through tumultuous character arcs. There were many twists and turns I had no idea were coming, and some parts of the book were so stressful that I was holding my breath with my hand over my mouth.

Gregson constantly created vivid imagery inside my head- with the Skylands, ships, and gargantuans. Despite being so reminiscent (in the best way possible) of all the previously mentioned titles, Sky’s End was fresh and exciting.

I highly recommend Sky’s End if you enjoyed any of the comp titles, and want something to bring you back to the 2010’s YA genre, but without something that’s been recycled over and over.

If you like:
-Political intrigue and conspiracy
-Found family
-2010’s YA
-Epic battle scenes
-Giant metal flying beasts

I’d highly recommend checking out Sky’s End when it releases on January 2nd, 2024.

Thanks again to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for the e-arc of Sky’s End!

Oh this was cool as HECK.

I am the biggest fan of vast worlds filled with lore that only gets bigger the deeper you dig, and this book delivers on all levels. It's most certainly a fantasy, but it's dinged with a dystopian feel that is entirely welcome. Gritty and violent, it's a book filled with the desperate clawing of those wanting to rise, but the warm swell of compassion that can be found even in the face of the jaws ready to devour everything in their path. Truly, just super freaking cool.

SKY'S END by Marc Gregson
Release Date January 2nd 2024

I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review and opinion.  Thank you NetGalley and author Marc Gregson for the opportunity to read this debut novel.

Sky's End is book one of the Above the Black trilogy.  It is a YA/Fantasy/Sci-Fi following 16-year-old Conrad who was exiled by his devious Uncle six years ago along with his mother after his killing his father and taking over Conrad's High legacy he was to inherit from his family.  Not only did they get thrown out of their mansion in the High, but he tossed them with no money or anything of value but the clothes on their backs.  Worse yet, since his Uncle did not have children of his own to make heir, he kept Conrad's sister to raise as his own.  None of the High families reached out to help them.  They were on their own and although he was bitter, his mother's kind heart would always speak to him.

"Pushing others down doesn't solidify you. True Highs life others while still remaining on top."

Conrad's father fought for his status and now that it was taken, he has to fight to get it back.  In a world similar to Divergent, there are different classes of people.  You can win in a duel to be in a higher class against a higher person than yourself, or join one of the 12 trades.  The only option Conrad has to get out of Low is to win a competition in the gauntlet of the most dangerous trade Hunter, and become captain. 

Hunter is commissioned to rid all the sky islands of the most dangerous creatures threatening the sky islands.  The gauntlet takes new recruits to Hunter competing with other skyships for the most kills, but each one has a crew that wants to be captain.  He has to fight for the top spot while also trying to not be killed by ginormous flying metal beasts called gorgantauns that are a threat to all the islands. 

Some die during the gauntlet to win the chance to have their own skyship and crew.  Not only is the competition dangerous, but his peers are blood thirsty to become Captain of the ship and rise in title and wealth.  Some will do most anything to get there.  Especially one particular person who is from a family that has bad blood between them and Conrad's for centuries. 

Can Conrad survive fighting these sky beasts, ruthless manipulative peers, and overcome his lack of trust to become Captain? 


This was an exciting dystopian novel introducing new savage creatures to battle in a dog-eat-dog world.  Floating islands in the sky, battle skyships defending their lands, found family in the most unlikely of people, and discovering a history lost in time that was hidden from most of the floating islands people.  A young protagonist fighting for his family honor to take back all that was lost while navigating who to trust while trying to stay alive.
"No matter how High we rise in life, in the end, we all fall."

I am looking forward to the other books in this trilogy to see who wins.  Will it be the flying metal beasts or all the people they seek to destroy.

I have no words, and yet I have so many. I'm gobsmacked. I've been waiting for a story like this. First and foremost, HOLY SMOKES this book is utterly an action packed, redemption, slow climb from crew to family. You know what's better than "from enemies to lovers"? Going from "enemies to friends"! And the change is monumental. (Think Legolas and Gimli, lifetime of hatred and then friends!!! SO SATISFYING!!!) It takes you on the ride of your life. I've felt like this with Brandon Sandersons Skyward and even Six of Crows and can I say "The Hobbit?!! But Conrad is a character everyone can get behind. He is constantly struggling down two choices of how to rise up in this world. Cruel and no mercy like his father, or mercy and compassion like his mother. Turns out he will need both if he is to survive. I was crying by page 38 and on the edge of my seat with every battle in the sky. What a ride! And as a teacher, not only just a lover of storytelling, but as a middle school teacher, there is an untapped audience. Boys. While many will say, "All books are for everyone" the sad reality is most boys will not pick up a book if there isn't a boy main character. They are far and few between and this makes me so excited for the boys who want action packed, great message of family, friends, fighting for what is right and everything in between. I cannot thank the author enough for gifting us this incredible story. I can't wait for more!

As of right now, at almost 3am, I have no words. I read this in almost one sitting. This was an incredible debut! It is very easy to tell all the thought and hard work that went into this. Greyson is able to masterfully weave a tale that is well paced, with characters that are easy to like (or dislike), and detailed battle scenes that leave a desire for more. Conrad developed from a mindset of not needing anyone, to realizing that he needs friends and allies in order to make it as Captain in the Hunters. One of these being his lifelong family rival Pound. I was shocked the most with the development of Pound, who goes from being a big ol' bully to a weirdly likable character, and arguably Conrad's most trusted friend. Gregson writes his characters in a way that even nearly all his characters are relatable and have beautifully written character development. The themes of found family and finding one's footing in the world they live in will resonate greatly with many readers. Never overlook those who tend to be more quiet, as even they can become a powerful force to reckon with. The biggest strength in this book are the battle scenes against the gorgantuans. They are written with so much detail they essentially played out in my head similarly to what you would see in a movie. I had the Top Gun and Attack on Titan theme songs alternating in my head each time one played out! The plot twists towards the end were enthralling to figure out as well. Especially the biggest ones of them all: how did their floating islands come to be, and what are the origins of the gorgantuans and other similar creatures? Even after about 400 pages, I still wanted more. I cannot wait for the next installment in this trilogy!

An absolutely amazing book that deserves all the recognition it is getting, and I cannot wait for more people to have the opportunity to read it when it comes out next year. Trust me, you don't want to miss this!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy I exchange for my honest review.

SKY'S END delivers on its promise of a non-stop, vengeance-fueled thrill ride. Conrad, the main character, is relatable with a strong central growth arc, and the themes will resonate with teen readers hungry to find their footing in the world. I found the way Gregson approaches—and deconstructs—power systems interesting: that mercy can be as strong a tactic as being merciless, and a good leader is one who makes the effort to connect to those they lead. Although I was initially skeptical of the idea that power and status are rights and that hard work will always be rewarded fairly—because the world we live in is anything but a meritocracy—I think Gregson ultimately wraps it into messaging that teens will connect with and glean insight from, particularly the themes of teamwork, vulnerability, and navigating interpersonal conflict.