08/09/2021
For decades, the Leonodai, winged lion shape-shifters who inhabit the floating city known as the Heliana, have protected the three other magical races of Vyrinterra from the constant threat of humans who dwell on the continent of Balmora. But when a deadly disease strikes the Leonodai’s children, the sky kingdom must send warriors to Balmora to retrieve the only known cure at any cost. Dark-haired, dark brown–eyed warrior-elect Rowan An’Talla, 17, hopes to join that mission alongside her crush Ox and best friend Callen, both already warriors, but the warrior-elects are ordered to remain behind and protect the city. Stumbling across vital information, Rowan sets forth on her own, only to discover that the humans are harboring a terrible secret that could doom all of Vyrinterra. Price (A Thousand Fires) shifts between the perspectives of Rowan; her blonde, blue-eyed, 24-year-old sentinel sister Shirene; and light brown–haired Callen to focus both on the questers abroad and the plight of the Heliana’s inhabitants. A love triangle subplot feels formulaic, but Price’s fantastical world is complex and intriguing, especially the conflict between tradition and technological progress, in this ambitious epic adventure. Ages 13–up. Agent: Elana Roth Parker, Laura Dail Literary. (Aug.)
Price creates a brilliant and unique world that you won’t want to leave, filled with achingly real characters and heart-wrenching decisions. An unforgettable and adrenaline filled ride from start to finish.”—Alexandra Overy, author of These Feathered Flames
“In this standout fantasy, Price has created an enthralling world that keeps readers engaged from the first page. . . . A wonderful read recommended for all fantasy fans, especially those who enjoy the works of Julie Kagawa, Leigh Bardugo, and Cassandra Clare.”—School Library Journal
“Full of thrilling action, adventure, secrets, and a few surprising twists . . . The writing evokes a constant feeling of desperate last hope, which adds to the suspense . . . A thrilling and fast-paced adventure.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A gripping adventure filled with surprising twists and heart, The Endless Skies captivated from beginning to end.”—KayLynn Flanders, author of Shielded
“The Endless Skies deftly combines all the hallmarks of classic YA with the best of epic fantasy. The result is a perfect blend of sweetly tangled romance and realistic friendship dynamics in an action-packed story with a magical world rich in myth and legend. Fans of fantastical creatures and fast-paced adventures will fly though this.”—Nicki Pau Preto, author of the Crown of Feathers trilogy
“With themes of friendship, family, and loyalty at its core, The Endless Skies is a heartfelt adventure story that looks at the way learned hatred can fester in people, and the strength to be found in community, all against the backdrop of a harrowing race against time. This soaring fantasy is perfect for fans of Sky in the Deep and Wonder Woman.”—Kalyn Josephson, author of The Storm Crow
“Unique world-building, a fast-paced plot, and lion-hearted warrior characters combine to make The Endless Skies a fresh twist in the classic epic fantasy genre. You’ll fly right through it.”—Sarah Henning, author of The Princess Will Save You and Sea Witch
Raves for A THOUSAND FIRES:
“Brutal and beautiful, A THOUSAND FIRES broke my heart. A fast-paced tragedy of love, betrayal, and vengeance.” —Heidi Heilig, author of FOR A MUSE OF FIRE
“A Thousand Fires pulls you in close and shows you the essence of what it means to keep fighting. Shannon Price is one to watch.” —Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds
“Modern, unflinching and filled with haunting, lingering imagery, A Thousand Fires gives the story of the Iliad the bare-knuckled update it deserves.” —Colleen Oakes, author of The Black Coats
06/01/2021
Gr 8 Up—In this standout fantasy, the world is divided into the realm inhabited by humans and the realm shared by the four magical races of Vyrinterra. After a genocidal attack by the humans, the first king and queen of Leonodai used magic to raise their city of Heliana into the air to protect it from human aggression. The Leonodai are a warrior race of shape-shifting winged lions who defend the magical races, with a strict hierarchy and a creed of loyalty above all. Rowan is a Leonodai warrior-elect who has been training to join the warriors for years and only has one more night before her dream finally comes true. Rowan's sister, Shirene, is recently promoted from a sentinel warrior to the position of King's Voice, while Rowan's childhood friend, Callen, another warrior, is coming to terms with an unexpected romantic development. Using multiple points of view, the story centers on the reaction of the Leonodai to a mysterious human disease that has started to kill the young in Heliana. As the story develops, Leonodai leadership decisions of the past impact the present while Price weaves the effect human technological ingenuity has on societies. As the death count rises among the Leonodai children, the tension builds as the Leonodai search for a cure while the humans attempt to overwhelm the magical realm. While relationships are at the core of this novel, Price has created an enthralling world that keeps readers engaged from the first page. Most human characters are coded as white and male. VERDICT A wonderful read recommended for all fantasy fans, especially those who enjoy the works of Julie Kagawa, Leigh Bardugo, and Cassandra Clare.—Susan Catlett, Green Run H.S., Virginia Beach
2021-06-01
When a deadly disease threatens her world, a young warrior-elect risks everything to save her people.
Seventeen-year-old Rowan has trained for years to become a full-fledged warrior. She is ready to prove her loyalty and protect the Heliana, her beloved city in the sky which is home to the Leonodai—magical, shape-shifting, winged lion people. Unfortunately, before the ceremony can take place, Leonodai children are infected with a fatal illness brought by birds from the human world. Soon, full-fledged warriors are sent to the human lands to find a cure. Wanting to do more than wait, Rowan finds her sister, Shirene, who is part of the King’s Council. Shirene lets slip information indicating that the situation is much more dire than anyone is letting on. Conflicted, Rowan must decide whether to stay and obey the rules or risk everything to save her people. Told from the alternating points of view of Rowan, Shirene, and Callen (Rowan’s best friend), this story is full of thrilling action, adventure, secrets, and a few surprising twists. There is some romance, but the primary focus is on loyalty, doing what is right, and bringing about change. Small details incorporated throughout offer just enough worldbuilding for readers to understand the characters and their history. The writing evokes a constant feeling of desperate last hope, which adds to the suspense. Leonodai in their human form have olive skin and a variety of hair colors.
A thrilling and fast-paced adventure. (map) (Fantasy. 13-18)
