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.

I love her Veronica help incorpate real life issues but put a magical fantasy spin on this book. it gives hope and admiration well shinning a light on issues that is happening and I love it. Thanks for an amazing book.

I requested this book not realizing it was the 2nd of 2 books, but I read the 1st book to give a fair review of A Breathless Sky. I enjoyed this book more than the first book. However, I was not a big fan of the writing style. I am aware this is my downfall as a reader, but the story did not seem to flow well in my opinion and found myself having to reread several sentences for them to make sense. I did not always look forward to picking the story up and struggled with getting through the first book and first half of the second book. I did really enjoy the overall theme of nature vs man and the struggle the main character had with her brother and following the desires of her heart to figure out where she wanted to ultimately end up. Being a tree and National Park lover, I also really enjoyed the reverence held for these giants of the Earth. I enjoyed the world building and felt like Henry did a good job of infusing our real world with a fantasy world. There was some great character development between Syrah and Romelo, Syrah and her parents/uncle and Syrah with the Rhiza. Overall, while I did enjoy this book, I feel like the 2 books could have been condensed into one book and it would have been a more enjoyable read. It was just too long and lulled a bit for my tastes. Ultimately, it does what a good book should....it made me think and made me want to be more conscientious of our environment. I would recommend.

I received, graciously, an ARC copy from Netgalley.

A climate change, based fantasy set in the (not too distant) future, where a woman is faced with viciously protecting the trees (and the secret society of fantastical beings who protect the trees) and the humans who are not nearly as respectful to nature as they should.

This series explores the complicated relationship between family. More specifically between the family we share blood with and the family we choose (or those who choose us). It also explores grief, betrayal, love and finding one's self.

The way this series engages the climate crisis is absolutely gripping. The disasters that take place and how we are watching diseases run rampant and the dying off of species, all due to human nature and greed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think the author did a wonderful job with the characters and capturing the complexity of human emotions and how those emotions fuel our decisions and ultimately the paths we choose!

This series is good.

I love how the author blends real world issues and fantasy elements, which can be hard to do at times and I've read many books that it didn't turn out well. However, I really enjoy Henry's writing. The cover is breathtaking. Young adults and adults will love this book.

This book / series has a great balance of real world problems and fantasy/magical elements. Veronica Henry wrote an excellent book which tells the consequences of humans damaging the earth and how the earth and its magical creatures fight back against them. Syrah is stuck in the middle between saving the human race and knowing they are the very ones killing the planet and the trees she holds dear.

3 out of 4 stars.

A Breathless Sky (The Scorched Earth) by Veronica G. Henry is a fantasy fiction for young adults and adults alike. It continues the story of Syrah who is now a guide for the Sequoia National Park. This enables here to be able to be close to the giants and Rhiza - a world as ancient as the Earth they lived beneath.

Can I just say, first of all, that the cover provided is stunning and perfectly fits Syrah and her fungi. Perfect.

I struggled with the first half of this book. It was boring for me, but in saying that there was a lot of good character building, so I get it and the authors need for it. I pushed on and found myself drawn into the book at about 60 percent.

After that I couldn't put it down and read the rest in one sitting.

There's a few errors, but nothing that pulls away from the story. Another run through with an editor will get those.

The prose throughout was lovely and we'll through out, however, I feel like it pulled from the layout and the kindle versions layout is less than ideal.

This series is an absolute gem and I really enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the fantastic world building. I am not sure if I would read again, but I would recommend it to others to read. Fantastic job.

**A Breathless Sky** is a riveting and thought-provoking novel that plunges readers into a high-stakes conflict between nature and humanity, encapsulated in a gripping battle between two siblings. As the author of *The Canopy Keepers*, [Author's Name] once again demonstrates their talent for crafting a compelling narrative that intertwines personal stakes with grand environmental themes.

The novel centers on Syrah Carthan, a devoted tour guide at Sequoia National Park, who feels a deep, almost spiritual connection to the ancient giants she protects. Syrah's role as the Keeper of Rhiza—a subterranean realm as old as the Earth itself—places her at the heart of a critical struggle to maintain equilibrium between humanity and nature. Her mission is clear: to preserve the delicate balance and ensure that both worlds coexist harmoniously.

Contrastingly, Syrah’s brother, Romelo, represents a radical and destructive force. Disillusioned with humanity’s disregard for nature, Romelo has already incited violence in his quest to protect the forests, leading to chaos and death. His next, more drastic plan involves collaborating with the sequoias themselves to achieve a dramatic, possibly catastrophic, reversal of human impact. Romelo’s vision is to make humanity face the dire consequences of its actions, a plan that could leave the world reeling.

The novel's strength lies in its exploration of the sibling rivalry that underscores the larger environmental conflict. Syrah and Romelo’s opposing ideologies create a tension that drives the narrative forward, making their battle not just a physical confrontation but also a clash of deeply held beliefs about the role of humanity in the natural world.

The duality of the worlds above and below adds a fascinating layer to the story. The rich descriptions of the ancient forest and the subterranean realm of Rhiza are vividly rendered, creating an immersive experience that highlights the novel’s environmental themes. The tension between these worlds and the high stakes involved keep readers on the edge of their seats, as the fate of both the human race and the natural world hangs in the balance.

The character development is robust, with Syrah and Romelo portrayed as complex individuals driven by their convictions and personal experiences. Their motivations are well-crafted, allowing readers to empathize with both sides of the conflict despite their divergent methods and goals.

**A Breathless Sky** is a powerful and evocative novel that challenges readers to consider the consequences of humanity’s actions on the environment. It’s a gripping read for anyone interested in environmental issues, sibling dynamics, and the enduring struggle to reconcile human progress with the preservation of the natural world. [Author's Name] has created a thought-provoking and emotional journey that underscores the urgency of addressing climate crises while exploring the profound connections between people and the planet.

This book had amazing world building! It was so atmospheric and immersive. The characters are great and opposing siblings is always interesting!

This book was written in a way that translates to reality but also lets the reader imagine a more complex, mythological, magical world. World building is a very important part of a read for me and the author nailed that aspect. The characters are likably unlikeable. Overall, i really enjoyed this read and am going to rate it 4 stars.

I loved to read this book so much. I rated it 5 stars because I couldn't put it down for a second. I really reccommend this book for everyone.