Review goes Live January 6
DNF @ 16%
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I love the concept of this book, but this book was just not enacting it well. Like the first book, it feels like nothing is happening as we move through the book. I couldn't get invested in the story in order to keep reading.

This book starts a few months after the first one ends. Syrah has agreed to a new position at the NP that was created for her. She is in the middle of a tour, when she lets an idiot antagonizer rile her up. Then she gets cornered and questioned by a scientist and she literally runs away in the middle of the conversation. Definitely not suspicious. And that's pretty much all that happens in the first 16%.

The world that this author created in this scorched earth series was fascinating. It made me look at nature and trees differently than I have before. I loved the times Syrah spent in Rhiza and learning the ways of the canopy keepers. It did start a little slow after the events that ended the last book but I liked how it spent that time developing Syrah’s character even more while introducing what will be a main conflict for Syrah moving forward. The politics of the Rhiza world and the sides that its people had to choose between added great tension. I loved what the canopy keepers did affect the humans without them realizing what was going on. Syrah had so much passion and fight in her and she used it to her advantage in the best of ways. I liked it just as much as the first book.

Thank you @thewordslinger @netgalley for the gifted copy.

A Breathless Sky is book two in The Scorched Earth series by Veronica G. Henry.
I just loved this story.
It was so wonderfully written and with well developed characters.
She has written yet another amazing novel.

(so I didn't know this was a sequel until I opened it. Oops. Haha. I picked up the events of the first easily enough, but I may have missed some of the world building details.)

I found the concept of this fascinating. The idea of an in underground society protecting nature, the battle of nature with humans and our destructiveness, effects of climate change, the lattice and sharing of info between tres and mycorrhizae .... I'm a biologist so I absolutely love all of that. I also appreciate the ending (don't want to get into spoilers but it went in an unexpected direction and didn't take the easy way, and I can respect that). Syrah is likeable enough. I would have liked Romelo to be a little less stupid, arrogant, blind. I think the conflict between them and the two sides could have been better if he had been more reasonable or understandable. But overall the concept of this was really something I liked.

With such a slow start I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this book. Lots of character building in the beginning and then it gets a little better. I love the fight for the natural world but the slow pace made it challenging to keep focus.

I want to thank Net Galley and the Publisher for this ARC. I enjoyed this series so much. I originally found book 1 through Amazon's First Read and the blurb sold me. It has such a unique concept. The fact that the book takes place in Sequoia National Park and Three Rivers is a major plus because I too am a black woman who loves those places. My daughter is named after this forest. We left book 1 with some unanswered questions that get answered in this one. The writer's concept of The Mother was my favorite. I loved the inner monologues from Vice. The world building felt real to me because I have been to many of the places described.

CW: racism, sexism, general bigotry that comes with the territory of a Black FMC in a position of power, violence, family-related issues and violent sibling conflict.

So, I don't involve spoilers in reviews for the book I'm reviewing. But since this is a sequel, I am going to be spoiling Canopy Keepers.

Henry's writing style really needs a shoutout, it reminds me a lot of Octavia E. Butler and NK Jemison, and other SciFi/Fantasy giants. I got similar vibes from Speech Sounds by Butler. But Henry breathes her own touch to it. It doesn't feel like she's trying to copy their writing style, the prose isn't overly flowery or extravagant and she's not using the kind of language that can lose the reader.

While I don't think this is exactly an introductory book to the genre, I think it isn't too far off either. The concept of the entire series is REALLY inventive. But because it is so out there, and leans on speculative fiction (similar to The Power by Naomi Alderman) I think there is still a bit of a learning curve with the concept. I, personally, like that.

The concept is incredibly refreshing and mixes a message with good world-building. I think part of the charm of the first book is that it has this one aspect of figuring-it-out-as-we-go with Syrah and "outsider living within" with Romelo. I think the second book loses a bit because the world-building isn't the same.

I like Syrah's development and Romelo's lack therefore-of (in a stubborn way) by the start of book two. Romelo not learning his lesson, and seeing his SISTER as a traitor rather than, like, just not wanting all of humanity to die is an extremely in-character (and realistic) thing to do.

And I think it's a credit to Henry that I honestly wasn't THAT mad at Romelo. Like, all right, Diva, you're right, humanity kinda sucks. But babe, there's a way to fix things that isn't "burn the world" but you know what? Your hatred is fair.

The discussion of race in conservation continues. Syrah's arch is grounded in and out of the "fantasy world"/"SciFi-world" they're in. She starts as a Black Female firefighter, now she's a Black Female NPS Park Ranger. Henry manages to balance both worlds, and both struggles, really well and draws parallels for this struggle for both Romelo and Syrah.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

This series has an amazing concept and at times the writing and plot really peaked my interest and I thought parts were well done. However I can't decide if this book just wasn't for me or if the slow pacing and predictable outcomes made this miss the mark for me. I definitely feel that there is an audience for this series. And it will definitely be one that I will recommend if asked for recommendations of this genre.

Very good book that I enjoyed! There was some continuity errors, as in book one it was the general with the hole that got burned, and in book two they changed it to the president. Also small spelling error on last page of ch 43 I think it was? Says mother was exited instead of excited. I would recommend to friends who enjoy fantasy, especially ones who have an interest in environmental health or post apocalyptic books. I would read the third if another comes out!

I do honestly still enjoy this book despite I don’t realize that this is a second book of the series. As for things i like from this book, the core problem of this book is truly interesting, i like the character development and world-building as well. But maybe, this kind of story isn’t really made for me (just personal preference) and the writing style could be improved to make sure well-developed characters and tension. Overall, i still enjoy this book. Thank you so much for providing me the ARC copy 🫶🏻

This was a very well written book. It flowed from page to page. It kept me thinking about it all day long. This just made me want to read the first book as soon as I can.

The characters are well developed. I fell in love with some of the characters, human and other creatures. And didn't care for others.

I enjoyed it very much. This book deserves a second read.

Veronica G. Henry's A Breathless Sky is a compelling story that skilfully intertwines environmental themes with the intensity of sibling rivalry. The strained dynamics between the central characters bring tension and depth, as personal ambition clashes with familial loyalty. Henry’s vivid prose highlights the beauty and fragility of the natural world, creating a powerful backdrop for the story’s emotional and moral conflicts. While the pacing slows at times, the complex relationships and thought-provoking environmental message make this an engaging and memorable read.

A Breathless Sky is book 2 in The Scorched Earth duology.

Syrah is a tour guide at Sequoia National Park but she's also the heir and expected to be the next Keeper in the ancient subterranean world of Rhiza. But her brother is hell-bent on becoming the Keeper himself and will go to great lengths to make that happen.

So I requested this book because I loved the cover, only to find out it's the second in a series and I hadn't read the first! So of course it took me a while to get into it and at about 40% the story had me hooked too. However, I didn't find any suspense and it was a bit obvious what was going to happen. There were betrayals that Syrah should have expected. But this book also makes you realise the real world problems that humans create for themselves and the wild life.

Like a few other readers, I requested *A Breathless Sky* without realising it was the second book in a duology, and that's my bad, so I'll leave related issues out of this of course!

I couldn't completely get into the writing style. While I recognise this might be more of a personal preference, I felt the narrative didn’t flow smoothly. As a result, I didn’t always look forward to picking the book up and had difficulty pushing through.

That said, I really appreciated the central theme of nature versus humanity, especially the main character’s struggle with her brother and the pursuit of her own desires to figure out where she truly belongs. I also enjoyed the character development and world-building.

Overall, I did enjoy the book, but it felt a bit long at times and lost momentum. That said, it did what a good book should: it made me reflect on important issues, particularly about the environment.

3.5/5

I was absolutely delighted to be invited to read the second book in this series by Veronica G Henry. A Breathless Sky picks up where the first book left off, deep in the subterranean world of Rhiza. With increasing climate disasters fuelled by humanity’s irresponsibility threatening the forest, two siblings are at loggerheads over how to stop the threat. Syrah believes in educating people, but her Brother Romelo is set on taking more radical and sinister action.

I cannot rate this author highly enough. Veronica G Henry’s writing is beautiful, thought provoking and lyrical. This series unapologetically tackles some very serious and relevant topics. It’s amazing how real the world of Rhiza feels and how seamlessly it integrates with the world we know.

This fantastic title will be out on 17th December so be sure to get this on your Christmas list quick!!

I initially discovered this series through Amazon First Reads, and really enjoyed reading the first book, The Canopy Keepers. And, I am happy to say that A Breathless Sky was a great continuation of the story. Henry continues the struggle of Syrah and Romelo’s place among the Rhiza, their own conflict as siblings and Syrah’s ongoing decision to choose a life above ground or below ground.

The book deals with a lot of heavy subject matter, and takes place about 20 years in the future. I have a deep love for Yellowstone National Park, so this story really tugs at my heartstrings, showing the battle that the flora, fauna and wildlife face at the hands of humans. Henry really drives home how important it is for us to be caretakers and good stewards of our planet. We also see Syrah navigate her way through difficult relationships, and impossible decisions that she has to face, all while dealing with the physical changes that have been taking place since her arrival among the Rhiza.

I also love the contrast of the human population with the Rhiza. The magical realism of the two worlds is done really well. And even though the Rhiza are protectors of the Giant redwoods, they still deal with their own internal struggles of what are the best ways to accomplish their purpose. Humans and Rhiza are both shown to have their flaws and their great moments.

The first part of the book’s pacing was a bit slow, but things do pick up, and the story becomes harder to step away from. I love that Henry makes the trees important characters in the book, and gives glimpses into their thoughts and feelings. It brings great personification to the story and shows a glimpse of the communication that exists between the mycorrhizal network.

If you are a fan of magical realism, family relationships and found family, and have a love for the National Parks, then I would highly recommend A Breathless Sky. I would also recommend reading The Canopy Keepers, before reading A Breathless Sky, because it would be hard to follow the story as a stand alone read.

I requested this "A Breathless Sky" because I enjoyed reading "The Canopy Keepers" and this did not disappoint, I think I actually enjoyed this book more than the last. The beginning of the book was a bit slower moving as we went through all of the character development but it was well worth it getting to know Syrah.
The book gave so many things that I love in books; great relationship exploration of born and found family, grief, self-discovery (my personal favorite), and so much more. All while being thought provoking regarding the on-going climate crisis and the impact humanities choices continually have on the environment around us. It was a wonderful example of magical realism getting to explore a magical world while putting the reader into a place that greatly mirrors our reality.
I would highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what else Veronica G. Henry writes!

I have to admit I was a little skeptical as to how Veronica was going to carry on the story as the last one felt a bit final. Again she smashed it out the park and felt like a movie was being played in my head. Soemthing that I haven’t experience in reading in a long time! I really enjoyed this duology, so different to what is available at the moment and something that I think a wide range of people will enjoy!

Kept seeing this book on goodreads so I was so happy to be picked to read it. Loved this book, very interesting and keeps you hooked until the very end.

A Breathless Sky by Veronica G. Henry is a captivating blend of fantasy and real-world issues, set in a not-too-distant future where the consequences of climate change have begun to unravel. This series follows Syrah, now a guide at Sequoia National Park, as she becomes entwined in a hidden world of ancient beings dedicated to protecting the Earth’s remaining giants and their secrets.

At its core, this book is an exploration of the complex relationships we have with both the families we’re born into and the ones we choose. It delves into themes of grief, betrayal, love, and self-discovery, all while drawing a vivid connection to the ongoing climate crisis. Henry’s portrayal of natural disasters, rampant diseases, and the extinction of species serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s impact on the world—a sobering backdrop to this enchanting fantasy.

The first half of the book, though slower-paced, is rich with character development, laying a strong foundation for the intense and gripping second half. Once the story picks up, it becomes impossible to put down, with a narrative that pulls you in and holds you tight until the very end.

Henry’s prose is beautifully crafted, bringing the world of Rhiza and the ancient Sequoias to life with vivid imagery and a deep respect for nature. Despite some minor editorial oversights and layout issues in the Kindle version, the storytelling remains strong and immersive. The cover art, too, is a stunning representation of Syrah and her connection to the ancient world she’s come to protect.

In A Breathless Sky, Henry masterfully intertwines fantasy with pressing environmental themes, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels. It’s a must-read for both young adults and adults who appreciate fantasy that speaks to real-world concerns. This series is a gem, and while it may not be one I revisit often, it’s certainly one I’ll recommend to others. Henry has done a fantastic job, and I look forward to seeing where she takes us next.