This is a neat perspective of five characters. This is told in a third person POV. The narration style if your not used to third person can be a bit taxing at fist however it does start feeling more natural the more you read through it. The world is split between upper earth and lower earth. The upper earth states that they want peace and unity, the lower earth has rebels that does not think that the upper earth is trying to oppress the lower Earth.

There is an arranged marriage between Rasia of lower earth and Lein of upper earth. The marriage is to bring upper and lower earth together. As their story unfolds , things get a tad more complicated for not just them but both Upper and Lower Earth.

This is clearly a dystopian novel, but not similar to ones Ive read before. The characters are pretty well flushed out and they feel original.
I wouldn't recommend for middle school readers due to violence and some adult suggestive material that happens "off book" but it would be appropriate for high school students. The world building is well done, and doesn't feel like you need an endless explanation of what's going on, the plot and the world speak very well for themselves. The world and characters draw you in so you want to read more. This is a great start to a series or a duology.

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Kokila for the Digital ARC.

SK Ali can write everything! This is one the best YA fantasy novels I’ve read in a long time! So excited to see where this series goes next!

Unfortunately this one just ended up not being for me! I was really excited about the premise but I just struggled to get into it. I enjoyed the world and overall vibes

A big thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for proving an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don't know why but that cover is giving strong Assassin's Creed vibes, and I am here for it.

Fledgling by S. K. Ali is a YA dystopian novel that gives strong Red Rising vibes. Would you trade love for peace? Raisa of Upper Earth has only lived a life of privilege and acquiescence. Ever dutiful, she accepts her father’s arrangement of her marriage to Lein, Crown Prince of the corrupt, volatile lands of Lower Earth. Though Lein is a stranger, Raisa knows the wedding will unite their vastly different worlds in a pact of peace: an infusion of Upper Earth technology will usher in the final age of enlightenment, ending war between humans forever. Or is justice more urgent? Newly released from imprisonment, Nada of Lower Earth has found her own calling: disrupting the royal wedding. Convinced her cousin Lein’s alliance with Upper Earth will launch an invasive, terrifying form of tyranny, Nada sets out undercover to light the spark of revolution. When Raisa goes missing a week before the wedding, all eyes turn to the rebels, including Nayf, Nada’s twin brother, a fugitive on the run. In Nayf and Raisa meeting, the long-simmering animosity between their worlds slowly burns away into something unexpected. But the Crown Prince wants his bride — and future — back. And he will go to the ends of the earths to reclaim them.

I loved everything about this book, the worldbuilding, the characters, the plot. It's just all *Chef's kiss* I need book two immediately.

I absolutely loved Love from A to Z but Ali so when I saw she was taking a foray into SFF and dystopian, I was super excited. This book did not disappoint and I could not put it down. I can’t wait for the next book.

DNF @52%

If I'm this far into an over 500 page fantasy book, and I'm still confused about everything, then it's not getting better from here. I just don't fully understand the point. The world building was ok, the plot and characters weren't.

“By our records, we shall resist. In our past, we find our future.”

Fledgling is a book that will stay with me for a long time. A dystopian world where we see the result of how we destroyed the earth.

At its heart, it’s about hope, about resistance & fighting for a better life & world for everyone.
The parallels to the world we’re living in now & you can truly connect the dots from certain things happening now to the consequences that the characters face in the book. And that’s what made me love it so much.

A story that shows us the power of words, the power of knowledge & knowing our own histories. To find the truth & justice

There is a big cast of characters but each is so distinct that you can immediately tell which character we’re following. They are all so well fleshed out & truly feel like real people. Even the ones I hated felt so real.
I adored Nada from the moment we meet her, her bravery, her resilience & how deeply passionate she is about fighting for change.
Raisa is a character that grew on me & I loved her story arc. I also loved Nayf & Khalda’s story arcs too & how they grew as people despite everything they faced.
I don’t want to spoil but Lein, when I see you, it’s on sight!

One thing I absolutely adored in the book was how islam & our beliefs were woven into the story, despite the world no longer having any proper religion.
From the story of the people of the cave, to the teachings of Nada & Nayf’s grandma, it was so beautiful to see.

This book is intense from the start, the suspense builds as we’re introduced to new characters & learn more about the history of the world.
The plot twists had me screaming, even though you think you have an inkling of what will happen, the whole reveal? Absolutely shook.

And the way this story ended, with the safety of my faves uncertain? I need the sequel like yesterday 😭

There’s so much more I want to say but I don’t want to spoil. Please go buy & read this incredible, timely book.

I was super interested in this because everyone is loving this, but unfortunately this wasn't mindblowing for me. I did have a good time and I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the characters but I've definitely been outgrowing YA fantasy. The politics in this world were super interesting and it was refreshing to see something I haven't seen very often! While, author did a great job describing the politics and the class system within this world, I was still left with a lot of questions. And because this was a YA novel I found myself getting annoyed with characters for making decisions I didn't necessarily agree with despite liking them as people. I'm certain that when I reread this to read the sequel it'll work better for me!

Fledging is my first experience with S.K. Ali, but it surely won't be my last. I also have to comment on that gorgeous cover - kudos to the designer.

This novel is a lot - sophisticated, well-structured world-building, an extensive character list (the character guide is much appreciated), and multiple storylines and POVs. Even with all that, it took me no time to immerse myself in this world and its people. Raisa, the princess of Upper Earth who's led a sheltered life, Lein, crown prince of Lower Earth and accustomed to getting his way, twins Nayf and Nada, members of the royal family of Lower Earth and imprisoned for their beliefs, and Musaid, desperately in love with Nada and an aide to Prince Lein who quickly became my favorite character.

The marriage of Raisa and Lein is expected to unite their vastly different worlds and create a pact of peace. But not everyone wants their union to happen for various reasons. After Raisa goes missing, she's not sure who to trust. The stories she's told lead her to believe she may have been a pawn all along and everything she thought she knew to be lies. Her eyes are opened by the end of the novel.

Certain plot developments in the last 20% of the novel had me gasping in surprise. I'm going to need that sequel very soon. This novel is elevated YA and easily a crossover novel for adults, so don't pass on it because of the genre. Recommended for readers who enjoy complex story lines, exceptionally strong characterization, and well-crafted dystopian worlds.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thanks to Penguin Teen & Netgalley for the arc.

There is a LOT to unpack in this ya fantasy novel. Is dystopian back? I think it just might be. Looking forward to the sequel.

it’s the year of romance authors writing fantasy and absolutely KILLING IT! i did not expect this from the author of ‘Love from A to Z’ and it was so phenomenal. the action and world building was written so well and not overwhelming or confusing, it was a great dystopian/fantasy debut and starter to a new epic series. I loved the many POVs, in fantasy sometimes they can get muddled and not have a different voice behind it but i felt i could differentiate it. I highly recommend this, especially if you were a fan of Shatter Me and Red Rising!

Fledgling is a compelling story about classism and technology, that doesn't seem as speculative as it may once have.

Ali takes some familiar tropes and makes them explosive and heartwrenching. The alternating POVs are all the more captivating, as the reader experiences life as citizens of both Lower and Upper Earth.

The reading level is definitely for upper YA ages, though I enjoyed the story as an adult, and frankly, it's a perfect discussion book to bridge the gap between teens and parents/guardians.

If you enjoy dystopian sci-fi with rich world-building, this one is for you. Perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir. I struggled to keep some of the characters straight at the beginning, but the payoff at the end was worth it.. I'm looking forward to the next installment!

I hope Sk Ali continues to writing dystopian because this is her best work yet. Fledgling is intriguing, it’s horrifying, and everything in between. The characters draw you in with every line, you can’t help but connect to them. Every single chapter leaves you wanting more. I will definitely be rereading this because my hunger will not be satiated. SK Ali managed to write some of the best dystopian work I’ve seen yet and despite having such a large cast, it’s not hard to follow along. It has you making predictions and then does the exact opposite. It’s entertaining while still managing to warn us about the future. This is the road we heading down if we continue to act as we are. If we choose profits over people. If we choose consumption over environment. It’s terrifying to think that someday the air may be completely unbreathable or that most of our species may go extinct. To think that we may be living in the end of times. The Islamic references in this book were done phenomenally. It was still easy for non Muslims to read, but those that knew the references got it. Even the way the start of Lower and Upper Earth were written reminded me of what earth is supposed to be like on Yawm ul Qiyamah.

Thank you Penguin Teen and Netgalley for the e-ARC of Fledgling, The Keeper’s Records of Revolution book one, by S.K. Ali. Unfortunately, I was unable to read this ARC before it’s on sale date, but that wasn’t due to any fault of the book! This allegorical future dystopia was one of the more unique books I’ve read in the past year as it’s told through a collection of records the characters recorded with some fictional prose interspersed–because of the varied storytelling, it actually has POV switches as well. While this might sound confusing or disorienting, it wasn’t at all. Ali’s story comes through very naturally.

As the title suggests, this book is the story of a revolution–not the first for this world, but the characters are fighting for it to hopefully be the last. The story is replete with sociopaths, underground groups, political intrigue, and betrayal. Of course there is also found family, family bonds, friendship, and romance. All of these things set the stakes super high, and Ali holds nothing back.

Loads can be said of the allegorical nature of the book, I loved every single drop of commentary; books are political, always have been and always will be. I highly recommend this book, it was absolutely five stars, and I can’t wait for the conclusion!

S.K. Ali delivers a gripping dystopian fantasy with political intrigue, rebellion, and deeply personal stakes. The layered world of Upper and Lower Earth is immersive, and the power struggles feel both timely and timeless. The shifting perspectives—Raisa, Nada, Nayf—each bring unique viewpoints, making the conflict even more compelling.

The character work is a highlight. Nada and Nayf’s resilience, Raisa’s internal battle between duty and freedom, and even the morally gray figures like Lein add depth to the story. The emotional stakes are high, and the betrayals hit hard. The pacing builds steadily, leading to an explosive final act that leaves you desperate for the sequel.

The only drawback is that some world-building elements, like the role of the record keepers, felt a bit underexplained. But overall, this is a fantastic addition to the dystopian genre, perfect for fans of Red Rising and Shatter Me. I can’t wait to see where book two takes us!

A captivating story with rich characters and a plot full of twists. Really enjoyed getting lost in this world.

A fascinating story set in a different world, but one where the true nature of humans remains the same with one group of people determined to exploit the other group and their resources.
A timely book!

Dearest Madam S. K. Ali, with all due respects, YOU'VE DONE IT AGAIN. Yes, please write more sff!!! The potential is there and it's well executed 👌🏾

The idea about toppling down tyrannical government, bodily autonomy, free will, freedom in general, and how the faults is in the system was well delivered.

I love the characters development <spoiler>(Raisa, especially!!! And I'm down bad for Musaid and Nayf corruption arc. You can never make me love Lein, tho.)</spoiler>. Loving how their train of thought differentiate how they will take actions. Characters with personality and SHORT CHAPTERS never goes wrong.

The world building is... probably is a bit hard to get into but once you do, it's not very hard to follow.

The story revolved around an abduction of the daughter from the Upper Earth's council member daughter, Raisa, who is about to be married with the son of Lower Earth's leader, Lein. This marriage will also seal the agreement in which people of the lower earth will be "knitted" and "scalplinked" in the name of civilization and modernization. The Enlightenment from the Upper Earth. The scalplink is able to control one's mind. Thus, the erasure of free will, free mind. Of course there is a rebellion organisation that opposed this agenda, that leads to the abduction. Turned out, it revealed more intricts, plays, hidden agendas, questioning trust and demand huge amount of sacrifices.

As a sci-fi debut, the story was great. It's hard but also gentle in it's writing. It doesn't shy away from the shitocery of the world. How it reflects what we're going through in reality.

The plot is neatly written, meanwhile, with that many characters and their alias, and who their fledge for, it might be hard to comprehend as a whole and borderline all over the place. For me personally, I enjoy this so much. But I can see how it may be a problem for some people.

However, it's been a long while I've read a good dystopian book!!! This is such a fresh air amidst the usual fantasy I'm reading. Love it!

If you're into a book about resistance, "the necessity of violence", revolution, freedom, political and kingdom intricts, laced with immersive world building and its unique invention, give this book a go!!!

5/5☆

A little into the book, I felt like I was being taken back into the dystopian era, where I couldn’t read enough of the books in the genre. And towards the end, I found myself thinking that it’s different from all the other dystopian books I’ve read. In the best way possible.

Fledgling explored oppression and other important topics with more nuances than any other dystopian novel I’ve read. I found myself pausing so many times, seeing links to our reality — to be more specific, realities that are painful, infuriating, horrifying.

I love the whole idea of record keeping- of documenting your lives in spaces that can’t be manipulated. The author wrote it the process of record keeping in such a way that it resembled art to me. Art that’s necessary for the survival of a nation.

The writing was fast paced and sets you right on the edge of your seat. There were so many narrators in the story, but every single one of them had a distinct voice. Every single one of them were important. While I didn’t connect to Raisa and Lein(something I’m happy about), their voices were pivotal to the way the story unfolded. To keep this spoiler free, I’m not going to say much about the rest of the characters but Nayf, Nada, Musaid and Khalda have my whole heart.

S K Ali’s ‘Flegling’ may be a new addition to the dystopian genre, but it is one that needs to be heard, spoken anbout and remembered. I highly recommend this.