Dragons, Heists, and Found Family—My Thoughts on The Sky on Fire

Today’s book is one I’ve requested from NetGalley a long time ago (months). Considering it was from TOR and they have rejected previous requests from me, I was convinced I wouldn’t get it. I know it has something to do with publishing rights. Imagine my surprise when I received an email saying that my request was approved. So stay tuned to read my thoughts on "The Sky on Fire" by Jenn Lyons.

What I Loved

The world-building in "The Sky on Fire" is nothing short of incredible. Jenn Lyons crafts a fantasy realm ruled by dragons, where humans are considered inferior and serve the dragons to prevent them from succumbing to madness caused by their magic. The setting is immersive and captivating, from bogs that could erupt into an all-consuming fire to the dangerous yet rewarding task of harvesting precious stones from flying creatures. I was hooked from the beginning (well, almost), eager to explore every corner of this fantastic world.

The characters are another highlight. Lyons excels in creating a diverse cast of quirky, distinct, and brash individuals. Anahrod, the independent and willful protagonist capable of communicating with animals, stands out as a strong lead. The dynamics within her group of misfits, who plan to rob the dragon queen’s hoard, are fun, bold, and compelling. Characters like Ris, the flirty and badass dragon rider, and Sicaryon, the charming rogue, add layers of charm and excitement to the story. Their rapid-fire banter and the relentless pace of the plot kept me engaged throughout.

The character development is exceptional, and the plot twists and betrayals add depth to the narrative. Lyons doesn’t shy away from making her villains truly annoying and well-crafted, which only enhances your investment in the heroes’ journey. The heroine’s ability to call the shots and save herself at the end of the day is particularly satisfying.

What Didn’t Resonate with Me

Despite its many strengths, “The Sky on Fire” has a few drawbacks. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m impatient and love fast-paced stories. Well, this story starts rather slowly, and it took me quite a while to get into it. However, once the plot picks up speed, it becomes hard to put down. So, all in all it was worth it.

Another issue is the main character’s portrayal. Although Anahrod is supposed to be in her 30s, she often acts more like a teenager or someone in their early 20s, which can be jarring and inconsistent with her supposed age and experiences. Keep in mind that this is a subjective opinion, and you might not feel the same way.

For instance, I did not enjoy TOG for the same reason. I felt the MC who was supposed to be a hardened assassin, acted like a regular teenage girl and whined a lot. I know she was sixteen, but she didn’t give me the assassin vive I expected. But I digress. This is a pet peeve of mine.

Tropes to look forward to in The Sky on Fire

This novel takes a few classic fantasy tropes and gives them a fresh twist.

- Humans who bond with dragons

- Found family

- “Why choose” romance

- A heist

The story’s unique twists and turns are woven together with these elements, creating a seamless and thrilling narrative.

Conclusion

This is my first book by Jenn Lyons, but I don’t think it’ll be my last. “The Sky on Fire” is a thrilling, imaginative fantasy with strong character development, rapid-fire dialogue, and a richly detailed world. Despite a slow start and some inconsistencies with the main character’s portrayal, the book ultimately delivers a satisfying and engaging read. I think it’s a great fit for those who loved Fourth Wing. If you enjoy epic romantic fantasies with dragons, found family, and daring heists, this book is definitely worth picking up.