Thank you so much for this ARC. When I requested this, I didn't know it was a 2nd book so I had to first go find the 1st books and read that. I recently finished the 1st book and enjoyed it quite alot! I loved the literary fiction feeling it gave off even though I knew there was a fantasy element. It was regular life with 1 fantasy element about the trees. I did not love the 2nd book as much but it still was an okay read. Overall 3 stars!

Real world problems intertwined with fantasy. This is the second book of The Scorched Earth series. Well written and worth the time. Be patient with the slow start because it is worth it!

Thank you Net Galley, Brilliance Audio, and Veronica G. Henry

I learned reading this book that living fungi really creep me out. A Breathless Sky is moody and compelling while passionately environmental. I hadn't encountered a novel like this before although parts of the plot were predictable and it felt deeply influenced by N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth triology. The relationship between the siblings at the heart of the story was a bit flat but it was also very compelling. I loved the narrator and I listened to the audiobook really quickly. It's one where I would recommend reading the first chapter. If it appeals to you, then definitely continue with it. I probably won't return to the sequel but I would recommend this to other people.

I found this book a little hard to get into at first because I haven't read the first book in the series, but the writing style is entertaining and it gradually drew me in. The story is unique and I appreciated the author's dedication to environmental issues and our responsibility to be a good steward of our planet. I find Sequoia's fascinating and I enjoyed the way they are connected and the theme that we are all part of this world. The audiobook is a great way to enjoy this story.

Ａｕｄｉｏｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
3 ☆
As climate disasters wreak havoc, a sister and brother take opposing sides on the fate of the human race.

I'm a mood reader, and honestly, I just wasn't in the mood for this book. It has a slower pace, which made it a little difficult for me to get into or finish quickly! This book does pick up where book 1 leaves off. So I highly recommend reading book 1 before this book.

The audiobook was okay; the narrator did a good job. She was a little robotic, but it was an easy listen, and I could totally understand her. Listened at 2x speed.

Thank you, Netgellay, and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

The narrator made it pretty difficult to get into, it was a bit robotic. I liked the theme of this book but I found it to be slow paced and repetitive at times. I didn’t know this was the second in a series at the time that I requested it, but when I found out that it was book number two I read the first one and quickly realized I was not a fan of the writing style, unfortunately.

Thankyou for the opportunity to receive and ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.

A Breathless Sky was a really beautifully narrated eco horror, eerie and interesting story with humanoid fungi creatures that leave your skin crawling.

Absolutely loved this and would happily read again and would recommend to anyone.

I really liked the narrator for this, I thought that her voice was perfect for the story and pleasant to listen to.


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.

𐙚 Eco-conscious Fantasy
𐙚 Self-Discovery
𐙚 Family Dynamics

Veronica G. Henry’s A Breathless Sky blends fantasy and environmental themes in a futuristic setting. This was a unique and thought-provoking listen for me. The story follows Syrah, now a guide at Sequoia National Park, as she navigates a hidden world of ancient beings protecting Earth’s natural wonders. The book explores family dynamics, betrayal, grief, and self-discovery while weaving in commentary on the climate crisis. Overall, the imaginative world-building and emotional depth kept me invested. Fans of eco-conscious fantasy will enjoy this.

Rating: ✰✰✰ /5

Thank you for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. ・❥・

🌳 ARC REVIEW 🌳

A BREATHLESS SKY by Veronica G. Henry
3.75/5 🌟
Pub date 🇺🇸: Dec 17th

This book was the second in The Scorched Earth series. I enjoyed the book, though it really made me think about the future of our planet, particularly our national parks. I loved the narrator, Robin Miles. She also narrated the Broken Earth trilogy.

The book starts a few months after the first book left off, with the main character working as a national park ranger while dealing with the aftermath of her newfound biology.

Please read if you like the following:

🍄 Climate change driven apocalypse (cli-fi fiction)
🍄 Betrayal by those closest to you
🍄 Human-fungi hybrids
🍄 Super powerful sentient trees

Thank you to @netgalley and @brilliancepublishing for the free advanced review copy.

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I’m giving this book a 3.5 stars rounded up.

I was initially excited for the synopsis of this book, it touches on many themes I’m passionate about, so I had high hopes. I realised this was the second book so went ahead and read the first one as well so I had the context needed.

Following on from the first book, A Breathless Sky continues to follow the turmoil faced by Siblings Syrah and Romelo as they continue to fight to protect the Giant Sequoias they both love so much, while also fighting each other over how to do it.

Overall I thought the story was pretty good, and the writing was ok. There were moments I thought the story became repetitive, and moving too slowly. From the synopsis I guess I was expecting more action than what was delivered. I did enjoy the clarity that came with the change of POV, while not announced as such, it was clear which siblings perspective I was reading.

Overall I do recommend giving this series a read, especially if you love nature and enjoy books from a futuristic perspective of the planet.