Sky Breaker

April 2, 2021

Gr 9 Up-This is the thrilling conclusion to the duology that began with Night Spinner. It continues the story of Imperial Army Commander Ghoa and Enebish, who is still reeling from the betrayals of everyone she held dear. Trekking across tundra with just her best friend Serik and a small group of Shepherds, Enebish is determined to make a stand against the Sky King, ruler of the Zemya nation. Meanwhile, Ghoa is facing Zemyan forces at the Ashkarian capital. After failing to escape, Ghoa is imprisoned and tortured. Each of these two young women seeks to bring peace to their nation while facing seemingly insurmountable odds. As with the first, this book is lyrically written. Enebish, who has the nickname Enebish the Destroyer, bears the scars that came with her warrior life through a disfigured arm and leg. Readers continue to see development in Ghoa's characterization and find meaning behind her actions. This installment moves at a faster pace than the first and continues to develop the unique world found within. The magic system remains unique and the underlying themes of magic and religion prove to be the backbone of the plot. VERDICT A well-written conclusion that will not disappoint fans of the first book.-Zoe Leonarczyk, Florida State Univ., Tallahassee

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2021
On the heels of Night Spinner (2020), Enebish leads a ragtag band against the Sky King while Ghoa's beliefs are challenged. Although Night Spinner Enebish and newly awakened Sun Stoker Serik successfully led the desperate shepherds to Verdenet, finding the hiding king is far more difficult. Enebish's psychological wounds from being betrayed in the past are still raw, resulting in behaviors that don't do her any favors when dealing with her increasingly reluctant followers. In Ghoa's parallel narration, she is forced to reckon with her own feelings of being betrayed, especially as Zemya's trap springs into action and she takes the brunt of it. Enebish seeks out logical allies while Ghoa strikes an odd partnership, all the while keeping her eye on the prize. Uniting both storylines is the common enemy--Kartok--and the reveal of the full extent of his scheme. Their stories are gracefully balanced, enabling readers to explore more of the lavishly painted worldbuilding and internal mythologies. Characters' past hurts inform their present decisions, good and bad, creating tension in relation to decisions of trust and forgiveness. The geopolitical situation blends well with the cultural. Ethnicity follows national lines, with Zemyans being very pale and blond; Verdenese like Enebish dark-haired with golden skin; and Ashkarians like Ghoa and her cousin, Serik (Enebish's love interest in a sweetly romantic subplot), falling in between, with tanned skin and freckles. The conclusion thoroughly wraps up the duology. An expansive, highly rewarding read. (Fantasy. 14-18)

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March 26, 2021
Grades 9-12 Enebish, who now leads the rebellion against the Imperial Army, has lost everyone she cares about except her friend Serik. He begs her to trust the cadre of shepherds she's trying to lead, but after so much betrayal, Enebish can't even consider it. On the other side of the fight, Enebish's sister and ex-friend, Commander Ghoa, has similar problems. When Enebish happens upon the missing King Minoak and his daughter, Ziva, she has hope for the first time in weeks, even if the shepherds don't. But on a quest to unite the Protected Territories and fight the Sky King, Enebish encounters the former friend who once stole some of her night-spinning magic. Battles are everywhere and so are kings, leaving the fates of many in the balance. Who will be the true ruler when the night settles? A bit slowly paced throughout, this will be most appealing to those who loved Night Spinner (2020), the first in the duology. Recommended for dedicated fantasy readers.

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