BOOK REVIEW: THREATS OF SKY AND SEA by Jennifer Ellision (YA fantasy)

Hi readerfriends,

Okay, so I read Jennifer Ellision’s THREATS OF SKY AND SEA, a new YA high fantasy, and it felt like a momentous thing because this is the first book I’ve read about Elementals. I feel like everybody I know is all “ELEMENTALS YESSSSS” and I’m sitting in the corner waving my tattered geek card, going “yeah, like…air—movers? And fire makers? Right? Kind of?” So this YA was my official intro, and it was the PERFECT one, because debut author Ellision already writes like a seasoned pro.

So here’s a little about the story: 16-year-old Breena’s spent her whole life working in her father’s unassuming little tavern, living a life that’s ordinary in every way. But after a run-in with a sinister group of Elementals (or “Adepts,” as they’re called here), everything changes: she finds out her father is a nobleman and a legendary traitor to the throne, and dad and daughter are marched off to the palace for a reckoning with the ruthless, power-hungry king. Her world overturned, Bree struggles to adapt to palace life as she untangles the mystery of who her father really is and befriends the king’s son (who’s fortunately NOTHING like his dad). She’s put to the ultimate test when she finds out she’s not just a regular girl—her own secret powers are the valuable weapon the king’s been seeking.

Here are five reasons to give this one a read, whether or not you’re a fantasy fan:

Strong main character: Breena’s voice is well developed and refreshing. She’s neither a paint-by-numbers “kickass heroine” nor a weak-willed sap—she’s an ordinary girl in an extraordinary circumstance, which makes her real and relatable despite the high-fantasy setting. Her narration has a quiet, clear-eyed feel to it, like someone who’s grown up too fast (though her stubborn streak and touches of dry humor keep things from getting too staid). I believed her. And I liked her a lot.

Smart worldbuilding: A Song of Ice and Fire aside, I’m not a big reader of high fantasy, so I don’t have tons of experience with fantasy worldbuilding. But for me, TOSAS did exactly what a fantasy novel should do: it took me to another time and place, set me in the middle of an adventure laced with mystery, and gave me just enough detail along the way to keep me surprised and fascinated. The too much/too little worldbuilding continuum is tricky to navigate, and I think this book pulls it off really well. If there’s a feast scene, Ellision puts us right there without describing the embroidery on the napkins, you know? (The religion is especially interesting—characters worship “the Makers,” two gods imagined as Father and Mother. It’s woven delicately into the fabric of the story; because I’m A NERD, I almost wished for an appendix with more background and detail.)

Romance that simmers, then sizzles (sweetly): Look elsewhere for bodice rippers; this book has a lovely, gentle romance that takes its time unfolding. The love interest, Caden, is nicely developed—he’s torn between his own values and the ones his father tried to instill, which is a great foundation for a strong character. He and Bree have real, substantial encounters that deal with meaningful issues: family, identity, loyalty. (SPOILER ALERT: They also have a way hot, toe-curling kissing scene, and there’d better be a sequel with MORE.)

Villainess: Oh, do I love my villainesses. TOSAS gives us a great one in stone-cold Katerine, the fierce countess in league with the king–you can never quite guess where she’s coming from or what she’ll do next, so she’s both intriguing and hissable. The only thing I love more than villains are their backstories, and I found myself wishing we got more of Kat’s (but then Ellision put out the SISTERS OF WIND AND FLAME short prequel, which is ALL KAT BACKSTORY, and my wish was granted).

Bree + Aleta = WIN. I really enjoyed the Caden-Bree romance, but I found the tentative, evolving friendship between the two girls even more interesting. Aleta’s the king’s ward, unhappily betrothed to Caden (they bicker like siblings, but there’s no romantic heat). Aleta blames Bree’s father for her parents’ death, so she’s outright hostile to Bree at first, which makes for some amusing lines—“If Aleta doesn’t stop interrupting people and treating me like a rat she found in her wardrobe, I’m going to throttle her.” But the two girls bond: first out of necessity, and then in a more genuine way. You sense the tension between them might never fully dissipate, but it’s greatly satisfying to see them join forces because their peace is so hard won. I won’t give away the context, but there’s a moment late in the book where they’re both heading into danger, and Aleta says “Tonight we’re both unbreakable.” I may have done a spontaneous fist-pump. Always nice to see a YA that gives its female friendships as much (if not more) weight as its central romance.

All this plus elegant writing, strong action scenes, some eleventh-hour twists and reveals, and a wide-open ending that begs for a sequel. Pick this one up if you’re looking for a well-paced, exciting YA fantasy—it’s an awesome summer read, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next!

Where to get THREATS OF SKY AND SEA: