APRIL 2021 - AudioFile
In the final book of the Skybound Saga trilogy, narrators Michael Crouch and Brittany Pressley bring the necessary intensity to main characters Brysen and Kylee—siblings who have struggled to survive in a chaotic world who are now at odds over the best way to protect humanity. Crouch and Pressley’s pacing complements the action of the story in this last installment, and they present different energies in their narration, strengthening the character development that has been building in the plot. While Crouch’s narration is a touch forlorn, with pleasingly crisp enunciation, Pressley’s is more passionate, poetic even. These differences make the siblings seem like two fully formed individuals as listeners hear how their exciting story ends. E.J.S. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
"Following the battle-heavy Red Skies Falling (2019), this final entry effectively ties up many of the loose threads while maintaining a constant wingbeat of danger and intrigue." —Kirkus Reviews
"Gold Wings Rising wraps up Alex London’s intense, evocative Skybound Saga with a deeply satisfying conclusion that both builds on the established world and subverts its very foundations. Brutal, evocative, and brimming with heart and hope, Gold Wings Rising is a triumph of a final installment." —Tor.com
APRIL 2021 - AudioFile
In the final book of the Skybound Saga trilogy, narrators Michael Crouch and Brittany Pressley bring the necessary intensity to main characters Brysen and Kylee—siblings who have struggled to survive in a chaotic world who are now at odds over the best way to protect humanity. Crouch and Pressley’s pacing complements the action of the story in this last installment, and they present different energies in their narration, strengthening the character development that has been building in the plot. While Crouch’s narration is a touch forlorn, with pleasingly crisp enunciation, Pressley’s is more passionate, poetic even. These differences make the siblings seem like two fully formed individuals as listeners hear how their exciting story ends. E.J.S. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2020-06-25
Feathers fly in this conclusion to the Skybound Saga trilogy.
The war between earth and sky continues as hundreds of ghost eagles terrorize the Six Villages. Pieced-together nets and caves offer some protection, but the Six Villages have become overcrowded. Enemies are trapped in the same metaphorical cage, fighting for food and territory as Uztari society verges on collapse. Though everyone seems to be a pawn or prey in the ghost eagles’ game, twins Kylee and Brysen are at the center of it all. The birds communicate with the siblings through nightmares and visions, eventually leading them to find the giant egg of a black eagle. Brysen wants to protect it. Kylee wants to destroy it. Whoever gets their hands (or talons) on it, will it really bring an end to this war? Following the battle-heavy Red Skies Falling (2019), this final entry effectively ties up many of the loose threads while maintaining a constant wingbeat of danger and intrigue. As in previous books, London’s omniscient third-person narration glides in and out of characters’ heads to keep the intricate plot moving. Readers expecting compelling character arcs may come away disappointed, as the twins start to feel like broken records. The biggest disappointment, however, is the ending. While the revealed fantasy history draws strong emotional parallels to real-life history, the conclusion ultimately nose-dives into mixed messages about justice.
A skittering end to an ambitious series. (Fantasy. 13-18)
