Reviews

Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin

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c_potter's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

roseleebooks's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Rebel Skies is the first book in a series by Ann Sei Lin. This book is an action filled first installment that introduces a unique magic system. Kurara, a girl with the ability to magically control paper, goes on a journey of self-discovery as she seeks to save her friend Haru. From the airships, to the paper shikigami, to the levitated sky-cities, the world building is exquisite. We are seeing this world through Kurara's eyes and discovering secrets about her past and that of the other paper crafters. All the characters felt like real people, well realized and dimensional. There are multiple point of views but they serve to further the story and reveal more about the characters and their motivations.

This is appropriately categorized between middle-grade and YA. There are many unanswered questions at the end of the story and I does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. I will be looking forward to the next installment in the series.

nightshade_novels's review

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

shaelinsans's review against another edition

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4.0

this was more like a 4.25 to me... i adore this book so much.

rebel skies is set in a world where chosen ones have the ability to bring paper to life and work as crafters - people who hunt wild paper spirits called shikigami. i was interested because the magic system but after finishing this, not only did i fell in love with the world but also with the characters. it definitely has that Studio Ghibli vibes which I really adore!! the fantasy is light and magical, and like most Studio Ghibli movies, this also has friendships and characters that are so easy to root and love for.

i think this is targeted for teens/YA, but i also think it's also suitable for middle grade readers as well! the writing is very easy to follow but still very much full of plot and ideas. definitely would recommend y'all to add this to the tbr if you're looking for a light hearted fantasy to pick up.

thank you to netgalley and walker books for providing me with an e-arc. so glad i decided to request this one hehe i had so much fun!

release date: May 5th 2022