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.

Wow this was a jam packed dystopian novel with so many moving parts and character POVs, I don’t even know where to start.

The world building is very straightforward. Earth has been separated into four levels: upper earth, the bridge, lower earth, and underground. Each level is indicative of an economic + social class. Upper earth has been constructed in the sky and is filled with the wealthy. They are the main ruling class and live a pristine opulent life. The bridge is what connects upper and lower earth and is filled with merchants, which is very symbolic of the middle class. Lower earth is the lower class, living on land that been poisoned by humanity. Despite having a royal family, they largely live in squalor. And then there is the underground. Those who live in even further poverty, who do not even have access to fresh air. And from their depths a revolution is born.

Our characters are varied and plenty. The character list was a necessary resource the further the story progressed. We have Nada and Nayf, the royal twins raised by their visionary grandmother and imprisoned after her death. Lein, their cousin, has taken on the title of crown prince in their place and has negotiated a political marriage to ensure a partnership between lower and upper earth. Raisa, his soon-to-be wife, was born on lower earth but raised on upper earth by her diplomat father. She has unknowingly become a symbol of a revolution. Musaid, undergrounder and close friend to the royal family, has climbed through the ranks to a position as a pilot. Khalda, the last record keeper who has been in hiding after the destruction of her family. And finally Hasuf, a man of many masks. A chameleon with motivations unknown.

Something this book does really well as a dystopian is keep you on your toes. You are never certain of who exactly you can trust, or what exact motivations people have. Each character, each organization, has their own flaws and agendas. Who are the “good” guys? Can you be both an oppressor and the oppressed? I see a lot of conceptual similarities to The Hunger Games in this book as they both offer a critique of government, but also of revolution. Of the need to be critical of any who hope to gain power or governance as corruption can seep into any group.

I wish this was going to be a longer series rather than just a duology. Even though this first book was brimming with events and information, I often felt like it was lacking in a lot of set up. Despite the world building being fairly simple to grasp, I wish we got to spend more time with it before we were thrown into the action. I wanted to see more of the day to day operations and interactions in order to get a feel for the world’s culture and history before the change.

This author is so exquisite with her writing. She could write a grocery list, and I would read it! This dystopian book had me thinking of all the ways I need to prepare! It also she's so much light on how different types of people would be 'used' during such a time.

Yes, there were a few different POVs and it was tough to keep them straight. But once I got them straight: YES TO THIS BOOK!

Thank you netgalley for the eARC!

Rating: 4/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

What a great YA dystopian novel. I loved that within the first chapter I was drawn in and I couldn’t put the book down. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, the interesting levels of hierarchy and the resistance, revolution and seeing the justice for the world that they live in to be better for all. This is told with multiple POVs that are all weaved together to create a wonderful book. This would be perfect for anyone who wants to dip their toes into a dystopian novel.

I found the plot to be different from any dystopian novel that I have read with it having different tiers to the hierarchy and overall, the world building to make different places and to have all the reasons why their cities were made and what really happened behind the scenes. I found the action scenes in the book to be great for anyone who likes dystopian novels and for the ones who might just want to give them a try. The tension building between characters in this book will have you devouring this book and be ready you might find yourself needing a box of tissues with you for the last half of the book. It was the multiple characters that really made this book special though.

I thought at first that I wouldn’t like having this book told by multiple characters, but the way that the author wrote this just flowed. I didn’t have any issues with understanding who was talking in the different scenes, I loved getting to know each of the characters more. I know for me I didn’t like a character but after understanding his POV more I found myself liking him, and even feeling heartbroken for him. I found Nada and Nayf to be great characters and to really shine throughout the book, a lot with their character development. I liked that these siblings have gone through so much already, but they will not stop until they have reached their goal. Their love for their family, friends, and world; you will see their determination to achieve that goal. I really enjoyed Raisa and her sweet personality, but when she was allowed to shine wow. I can’t wait to see what is next with her. Musaid, Lein and Khalda. I enjoyed them so much and I can’t wait to see what is next for them as well. I am not sure about Hasuf, I feel like we will get a can of worms opened in the next book.

I know for anyone who enjoys YA novels or dystopian novels you will like this book, even with it being told in multiple POVs. The story is easy to follow and understand. With the author’s attention to details you will find yourself not being able to put it down.

I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group for the opportunity to review this book.

that was phenomenal for a dystopian sci-fi debut. clearly well-thought.

the setting was futuristic but seemed realistic. the earth couldn't bear the weight on the surface any longer, so visionaries built a hovering city up in the sky, called Upper Earth. meanwhile Lower Earth was ruled by a tyrant monarch. as the time went by, people of lower earth started to resent upper earth and tried to sabotage their way of living, like blocking the supply of farm produce since they couldn't grow it on their own. the council who ruled upper earth was displeased so they want to control lower earth by forcing the people to wear a tech that attached to their brain, which can provide some help for the individuals but also making them controllable. in short the council wanted to seize free will.

the concept of the book was a collection of personal records of the characters. there were Nada and Nayf, a princess and a prince of the lower earth who were imprisoned since they were 12 because they loved their grandma; Raisa the princess of upper earth, musaid the royal pilot, khalda the last record keeper, and several other characters that didn't have many POV but still important to the story. actually this made the book felt a little patchy, the jumping from scene to scene was drastic.

the main timeline of the whole book happened in just 2 weeks, but there's a lot of flashbacks that slowed the pace and made the story felt long. but it was dense, everything was important and clear and made sense and understandable, though it required a lot of focus too because if i zoned off even for several seconds i'd lost the context.

this book made me reflect on the state of this world today. i felt anxious the whole time reading it. the world was cruel, the main characters were suffering, everything went wrong, hope is almost gone and there were no sign that the story would take turn for the better. it was stressful. the tension was constant, and i had no choice but to follow for the impending doom.

i didn't notice the Ashabul Kahf reference at first until my friend mentioned it and after that i couldn't stop thinking about it. it's genius.

this book ended in a cliffhanger and left me with a lot of questions. felt like this book was just the warm-up for the big main event that i'm sure will happen in the sequel. so yes i'm definitely anticipating the sequel. i hope it'll come with a map because honestly i found it hard to imagine the layout of the setting.

I was not in any way ready for the way this book flayed me open and tore me apart. I had heard incredible things, and I had a feeling it was going to be a powerful allegory for colonization, oppression, and living under occupation, something that is all too real. What I didn’t prepare for was just how close some of it would hit. How a few instances in the novel didn’t even FEEL like it was a story, so much as it was a headline from real life with the names just changed. How absolutely unforgivably EVIL some of the characters were, how despicable and unforgivably cruel to those they had power over.

The novel alternates between all these different POVs, all of which demonstrate people who exist in various positions of power and oppression within the hierarchy of the world Ali creates. She demonstrates complicity, the brainwashing of power, the fire and rebellion of the powerless, and the people in the process of unlearning what they’ve been told their whole life. I was moved to tears numerous times, moved to rage in others. The end of the novel gave me chills, a healthy dose of fear, a small glimmer of hope–which is so unbelievably crucial in a tale such as this–and I am on the edge of my seat to see what comes next. I could go on forever, but I’ll just end with this: easiest 5⭐️s in a long time. Do yourself a favor and read this.

*Thank you again to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

this book takes a while to build up but when it does??? It’s like watching puzzle pieces fall perfectly into place, the last parts of this book had me completely captivated and I CRIED my eyes out at the end. SK Ali proves that she can write any genre with this one and I will be eagerly awaiting the sequel!

** 4.5 Stars **

Rasia is the daughter of the leader of Upper Earth, and is essentially betrothed to Lein, crown prince of the Lower Earth. Rasia is brought up to believe that the people of Lower Earth are dirty and corrupt, and that her marriage to Lein will help bring about an age of Peace and Enlightenment.
Nada & Nayf, Lein's cousins, have vowed to do whatever they can to stop the wedding between Rasia & Lein from happening. They believe this Enlightenment is just a way to control those from Lower Earth to keep funneling the last of their resources to Upper Earth and prevent any uprising.

This a beautifully written dystopian novel that really packs a punch. Dystopian novels took a nosedive as it felt like the genre was trying to ride off the coattails of series such as The Hunger Games or Divergent, but Fledgling was like a breath of fresh air. It was unique, but still brushes upon topics that are prevalent today. We are sucking the earth dry of her resources, the rich are getting richer at the expense of the poor, and our world-leaders are in on it. I also saw another review that drew parallels about the erasure of records by the murder of healthcare workers and journalists in the genoc1de against Palestine, and the killings of the Record Keepers of this universe and now I can't unsee it! Ali did a really good job touching upon horrific topics of our world today, and what our government would do to us if they could.

I really liked the idea of the scalplinks, and how for those of Upper Earth they're just a nice piece of technology that enhances their day to day. But we also see how ALIGN uses this technology for their own benefit - by means of torture and slavery, and their true and nefarious reasoning for bringing about the Enlightenment for those on Lower Earth.

Thank you to A. K. Ali, Penguin Group, & NetGalley for the eARC! I would LOVE to be considered for the sequel!