Two young girls. Two distinct, opposite worlds. Cettie of the Fells lives in a dark world, a world of poverty, hunger and disease. Her clothing is threadbare and there are holes in her shoes. Stealing food is the only way to obtain nourishment. Sera Fitzempress lives in a floating manor in the upper world of wealth and privilege. Beautiful waterfalls are found on her estate in the clouds. The water turns to mist before it reaches the underbelly of society, the home of the poor and wretched. The floating manors and estates are controlled by the Mysteries. Neither Cettie nor Sera is comfortable in her world and each seeks freedom and control over her destiny.

Cettie hopes to qualify for the lottery through hard work. She yearns for a position in one of the floating manors. A chance meeting with Lord Fitzroy might be her way out. She attempts to speak to him, with deference, while begging him to adopt her. The first step would be for Fitzroy to buy her deed. Children down below are frequently signed away by their parents. Deeds can be transferred from owner to owner.

Sera lives a lonely life with only her governess, Hugilde, for companionship. She is an only child with no playmates. Her father has never let her experience life outside the manor. Sera is unable to focus on her studies. Why learn about life outside if she cannot experience it? Upon learning that Lord Fitzroy has brought Cettie home to his manor at Willow Fog, Sera is anxious to meet her. Sera's efforts are thwarted.

At age fourteen, privileged children are sent to school to learn the Mysteries. What are the Mysteries and how are they used? Why would Lord Fitzroy, a decorated hero, take waiflike Cettie aboard his skyship and fly her to his manor?

Determined citizens from down below strive for a better life. If successful they might have their time in the sun, their floating estate. Seemingly successful, well dressed members of society however can easily topple from grace. Despite the long hard climb to the top, a rapid decline can follow when other businessmen plot your economic destruction. They relish it! They relish your tumble back to the tenements.

I did not expect to be so captivated by this Sci Fi/ Fantasy read! "Storm Glass (Harbinger #1)" by Jeff Wheeler is the first book in a planned five book series. I anxiously await Harbinger #2! An excellent read.

Thank you 47North and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Storm Glass".