A light in the sky was a really pleasant and refreshing read. While the plot structure and storyline isn't uncommon for a YA novel (chosen one has to save the world and fight against the darkness), the plot shines in the pacing. There aren't any lulls and it was difficult to put down, and it keeps compelling you to keep reading. Despite its target demographic it also doesn't pull any punches in letting characters experience loss and failure, while remaining age appropriate. Thanks to that it feels like there are actual stakes and it's very engaging to read.
I enjoyed the character, especially the cast of skilled and powerful women, however I could have done without the two love interests huffing and puffing at each other.

Altogether this warmed my horse girl heart and I really enjoyed reading it, I'm looking forward to any upcoming sequels and will make sure to follow this author's work.

I'm struggling to rate this but will actually go high with a four because I know many will truly love this book. The idea of horses magically being changed into something resembling Pegasus from myth was great but I am undecided how I feel about them seemingly understanding speech.
This does move at a fair old clip ( sorry couldn't resist ) and I liked that we weren't bogged down with tournaments or training academies which are frankly overdone in YA fantasy. I hate to say there is that old triangle situation here which honestly I don't think it needed because our protagonist and the dynamics in her family were actually interesting enough.
I will say I feel the ending was something of a damp squib and very frustrating but then again gaping holes throughout when it came to world building frequently left me guessing so maybe no surprise there. An interesting story that perhaps could have been polished up a bit but still enjoyable and I wonder how the author will proceed with the follow up ?
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

A high-flying adventure A Light in the Sky is a fight for freedom, a tale of betrayal and a story of hope.

Aluma is the daughter of a retired Empyrean Rider and she wants nothing more than to follow in her Father’s footsteps and protect her kingdom from the sky atop a winged horse. Denied the chance to compete to become a Rider, Aluma feels crushed by the laws of her Kingdom, confused by her brother’s fawning affection for the selfish King, and curiously suspicious of the strange behaviour of her father and his friends.

When betrayal leaves Aluma’s father near death, he urges Aluma to take the the reins and become a Rider – to be the light. Suddenly, Aluma’s entire world is changing and nothing is quite as it seemed.

What I liked: The world building was thorough but comprehensive. While it could be a little confusing following the names of the Kingdoms and cities at first, it starts to come together and form a history.

The story is well paced – the focus is on the action, but Reynolds makes it clear that time is passing and the tension starts to build. By the time we’re in the belly of the whale, figuratively, relationships have developed between our main characters and it is easy to understand where (and why) their loyalties lie.

The flying horses. They are some beautiful, magical flying horses. At times, the book really paints a picture of what it is like to ride a flying horse.

‘His long, feathered wings branch out stiffly on either side as we coast, allowing us to surf the air like invisible waves in the sky.’

What I didn’t like: I’m showing my age here a little, but these characters felt very hormonal. There is a lot of looking at firm abs, strong chests and chiselled jaws. Not to mention fuzzy tummies and blushing cheeks. It wasn’t bad but the typical YA love triangle feels cliched and unnecessary to the progression of the story.

While I enjoyed the book (enjoy to read it in an afternoon!), I do feel like the language could have been tighter. In trying to paint a detailed picture of the world, some passages get quite wordy:

The crowds have diminished as I rush down the main street through Cintrenia. I’m later than I thought – only a few people are still filtering in through the giant arena arches. I break into a run when I hear the inaugural opening trumpets sound from inside, a brazen reminder of my constant tardiness.

A Light in the Sky, Chapter 7
The crowds have diminished – only a few people.
I’m later than I thought – my constant tardiness.
Inaugural – opening.
While the paragraph paints a picture of the streets and Aluma, it also felt very repetitive and took me out of the moment.

Conclusion: A fun read, a daring adventure and the perfect introduction to the Clashing Skies series.

2.75 stars

DNF @61%

This book is just a bit too young for me. It's also a bit too basic. Evil for the sake of being evil. Plot holes. No character development. Not a gripping story. The writing is actually not bad, but the story is not good. Some of these reviews are like.. WOW BEST BOOK I EVER READ, and I'm like...

wat?

RATING: 3.5 Stars

I’ve always loved pegasus since the 1997 animated film Hercules came out, so when I saw the cover and read the premise of A Light in the Sky by Shina Reynolds I knew I had to jump at the chance to read the book. The author did not disappoint - once I started reading, I could not stop (I think I finished it in about 5 hours or so?)

Aluma Banks has always dreamed of the freedom the sky offers, gliding on the backs of Empyrean Steeds (essentially a fancy name for pegasus). Flying is in her blood, as her father was a war hero who has since retired from service. She thought she would never get the chance to prove her worth, but when disaster strikes her father she is thrust into training to join the ranks of the Empyrean Calvary and swear her allegiance to the king. Long-held secrets come to light and Aluma must realize her own strength and become a light to save her people from the threatening dark.

I wasn’t a big fan of the budding love triangle in the book. It was a bit cliche, and I didn’t feel like it was necessary to move the story forward. I want a strong female protagonist who doesn’t need a love interest. I don’t know if I’m just burnt out by love triangles (I’m looking at you, Twilight) but I was more invested in how Aluma is driven by her father-daughter bond.

While the blurb compares the book to Red Queen and The Scorpio Races, I was actually reminded more of The Hunger Games. Both books are led by very strong female protagonists and both involve governments where most of the population is suppressed in favor of the ruling class living in luxury. The prince definitely reminds me of President Snow - I love when an author creates a layered villain that you both hate and want to learn more about.

I definitely recommend that young adult fans of the fantasy and dystopian genres check this book out. There is some violence in the book, but I would be open to suggesting it for some more mature middle-grade readers on a case-by-case basis. I’m eager to hear news about when the next book in the series will come out because I really want to know what’s next for Aluma and the others. Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Wink Road Press for allowing me to read A Light in the Sky early. I voluntarily read and reviewed the book; this does not affect my opinion of the book or the context of my review in any way.

This was a pretty good book that did get me out of a reading slump! It was quite enjoyable for me, and I really liked the plot.

Thank you to Netgalley and Wink Road Press for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Flying horses? Yes, please! Everything else? Meh.
A Light in the Sky has a great premise, with the main character Aluma having to venture out on her own and find her power. While I loved the story the author was trying to tell, it was hard for my to stay tuned in. I know a popular trope for YA novels is the love triangle, but I found this one to be cringey at times. It didn't feel earned given how much time each of the characters knew each other.
Some of the dialogue (mainly of the antagonist) was so stereotypical I was waiting for him to do the evil 'mwhaha" laugh. I kept being told how bad of a guy he was, but I didn't feel like it was shown enough to make me feel his true evil.
If you like the YA device of normal girl finds love triangle with old friend and new love interest, a gorgeous high cheek boned girl as the friend and flying horses (which were honestly the best part) then give this book a try.

This was an ARC I got from Netgalley and while I enjoyed the book, it was looooooong. However the pacing was good and a LOT happens in the story. It was an interesting world, story premise, and gotta love flying horses that understand everything the riders say. Lol

It does read like a debut novel though in that there are a lot of holes, a really weak love triangle, and it ends on a cliffhanger of sorts.

The first thing that compelled me to want to ead this book was the title, it sounded very poetic, like something you could incorporate into the lyrics of a song. Also the picture of a Pegasus type creature is equally attractive. I mean who doesn't want to read about about horses that can fly?
True enough, the story doesn't disappoint. It follows the main character called Alumna, whose been secretly flying her father's horse across the forbidden border to collect special fruit for her and her friend's Thayer's family. The fruit has unique properties and can only be found on the other side of the border . Risk taking and protecting her family fiercely is in her nature, so when she is thrust into a world which she always secretly wanted to be a part off but not quite in the way she expected or wanted, she realises she's not the only one that's been keeping secrets. Now left with a cryptic message from her injured farther and his plea for her to join the King's army as a rider, she has to leave her life as she knew it behind, to solve the message and become who he wanted her to be.
I love the whole fantasy, adventure genre of the book but I did feel that mystery aspect, wasn't quite a mystery. I would have liked to be kept guessing for a little longer. Also I didn't really enjoy the love triangle here. It was a little weak because it felt like their was clearly no competition between who had a heart.
Overall though, it was a wonderful story and had everything you would expect on a fantasy adventure novel and I would definitely recommend it to everyone with similar tastes.

Thank you to Netgalley for sending me a digital ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really wanted to enjoy this book because it's the first in a series and it's about a young girl who joins a pegasi riding army. However, there was just so much that I couldn't get into.
(1) The setting Eirelannia seems to be a post-apocalypse world that went suffered some sort of climatic and human-initiated disaster. There's no explanation of how that happened nor is there any explanation of how magic came to be in this world. Did it always exist? If it did, how did this climate disaster happen? Why do they need solar-powered ships if there was always magic? There are just a lot of world-building questions I have that weren't answered by the story.
(2) This is a horse-girl story through and through. There are so many unnecessary details about horses and horse care that don't add anything to the story, even with it being about pegasi.
(3) The love triangle between the main character Aluma, her best friend, and some new guy she meets is just absolutely ridiculous. There was no reason in the world why she had to all of sudden realize she's in love with her best friend; the story would have been stronger if they just had a platonic relationship. Nevermind the fact that she then "falls in love" with some stranger after knowing him for two days. I understand that it's meant to add to the dynamic of the character but really it just makes her look like a horrible person who'd throw away a years-long solid relationship for something new and exciting.
(4) Aluma was so frustratingly naïve about EVERYTHING. Anything bad that happened was because she didn't know better. Most of the time I just wanted to smack her for being so oblivious.
The only redeeming factors about this novel were the plot and the idea behind a pegasi-riding army. I would have loved to read a book about training in the army and building relationships with fellow soldiers over this trope-y nonsense.

I originally was not going to provide feedback on this book. It was a DNF around 20 percent, as it was extremely YA. I expected more from the world development, and I found the concept a bit boring after I began reading. I just feel I might not be the correct audience! I hate giving below a 3 star review, so I that is what I am giving here - just because I feel it is unfair since it was a DNF for me.

How far would you fly for freedom?

Aluma is the daughter of the most well-known and respected of the Empyrean Riders. The winged Calvary of the king that protects the kingdom of Laithlann.
She's always dreamed of becoming part of the calvary herself. As the autumn tournament approaches, events conspire at an alarming rate and Aluma is thrust into the world of not only the Empyrean riders but one of deceit, political subterfuge, and insane events.

Shina does a wonderful job of keeping this story fresh and at a perfect pace to keep you intrigued at every perfectly planned reveal.
The story was in no way predictable and had me guessing what would happen next....no I was not right.
The characters were easy to relate to. They got hurt and were very much not perfect in any way.

It was a delightful read. I'm very excited to see where Shina will take the story in book two.

Tropes:
friends to lovers
kingdoms at war
love triangle

The blurb and the cover for this book had me biting at the bit so to speak. A YA adventure on a cavalry of flying horses! 12 year old me would have squealed in delight at this.

It's the tale of Alumi, who has to compete in order to become an Empyrean rider and save her family's home. It sets her off on a journey of discovery, adventure and heartbreak.

This is a good YA novel. I liked the characters and adored her relationship with Thayer. I'm unsure why there really needed to be a love triangle in this book as I don't think it added anything to the narrative, unless something significant is going to happen in the following books. There was a good mix of secondary characters and the plot was exciting, I kept the pages turning to find out what was going to happen next.

It's a good start to this series. It reminded me of the hunger games meets a pony book (younger me lived for a good pony book!)

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC in return for an honest review.

Ehhhh I'll probably end up picking it back up and trying again, but this just isn't for me. It's quite predictable honestly. I love a good fantasy, and the idea is intriguing but the execution is lacking a lot. DNF'd around 30% I don't like giving less than 3⭐ simply because it may not be my cup of tea, but someone else will love it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is the perfect introduction to fantasy for young readers. The world building is slow enough that is easily understood and the magic elements are interesting. The fact that FLYING horses are included is a plus. I loved that!
The story follows our main character Aluma Banks, daughter of a famous Empyrean Rider as she discovers the secrets that surround her dystopian world. We have a love triangle, a newly discovered power, a moustache-wielding enemy and a rebel army. Honestly, it feels like a book that should have come out years ago. It reminds me of Divergent with a mix of Shadow and Bone. It is a bit of a cliché but I hope that as the series unfold, we will find some more unique plotlines.
As much as I felt the beginning was kind of slow and hard to get into; once you are on the second half of the book, everything happens so quickly. It kept me hooked and I'll definitely keep an eye out for the sequel which I hope is confirmed by now because TALK ABOUT AN ENDING.

This was a fascinating new take on a familiar fantasy plot line. Aluma's growth over the course of the book was well developed and I was cheering for her the entire time! I also loved how much Thayer looked out for her (but I'm always going to cheer for the darker, seemingly bad boy). I felt like some of the relationships were a bit rushed and felt unrealistic as a result, but all in all I was a fan.
With so much still left unsolved, I'm really looking forward to the sequel. I'm definitely hoping for more of Wolkenna and a bit more of Kase's story.

This is a wonderful young adult novel for any child who loves a strong female protagonist and horses with wings. Reynolds sets the stage beautiful and her imagination literally soars. I was drawn in and fell in love with the characters. Teen angst is wonderfully done here. Not drawn out at over scripted, but just enough to get the idea that Alumna is torn. You'll have to read to find out what I'm referring to. It's a definite must read. Special thanks to NetGalley and IBPA for giving me an opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. I look forward to the sequel.

TW: blood, death of a parent, harmed animals.

This was basically if "Flicka", "Eragon", and every 2014-2015 YA book had a baby, and um... I'm not really sure what I can say about it other than that. It had every old YA cliché from the "not like other girls" trope to the love triangle between the blond best friend and dark, brooding, high cheek-boned stranger.

I wanted to love this, but it wasn't for me. I could, however, definitely see certain people enjoying it if they're looking for this kind of... derivative story. (This isn't meant to sound condescending! There can be something extremely comforting about revisiting what used to be popular and there's nothing wrong with that.) Especially if you're someone that really loves horses! That was definitely my favorite part of the book, and I honestly found myself wishing I could omit the plot and just read about the Pegasi and regular horses living their best lives.

Overall, definitely not for me. I wish I could have enjoyed it and I wish the author every success, I just couldn't get past my personal (and technical) problems with this story.

Thank you to NetGalley & Wink Road Press for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I feel conflicted about this book because while I love the concept and see a lot of potential here, I found it fell flat in some places and ended up more stereotypically YA fantasy that I expected.

Without spoiling much, I liked the magic, most of the characters, the political intrigue, the overall pacing of the book and of course, the flying horses. It’s a really quick, easy read and I can definitely see some semblance of a found family trope with Aluma & her friends that might progress further in the second book.

I primarily struggled with the introduction of a 2010 style love triangle between Aluma, her childhood friend, and a handsome stranger who saves her. There wasn’t enough time given to the development of either of the love interests, it just portrayed Aluma as a naive teenager who blushes anytime a member of the opposite sex makes eye contact with her, and HOW could she choose between them?

In addition to the above, I found the world building quite confusing at times, and I read a lot of fantasy with more complex backgrounds, it just could have been portrayed more clearly. It might be easier with a physical copy so you can flip back and forth to the map, but I just found it lacking.

Overall, I rated this 3/5 stars and would love to see some more original plot points introduced in the second book, because the flying horses and some of the secondary characters REALLY carried this for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Shina Reynolds's debut YA novel, A Light in the Sky, in exchange for an honest review. The heroine, seventeen year-old Aluma, discovers that loyalty is both more difficult and dangerous than she realized growing up on her father's farm with dreams of becoming an Empyrean rider like her father, a retired war hero. Long-kept secrets assign the heroine a unique role in a hidden struggle against corrupt leaders with unspeakably powerful relics in play. Aluma soon finds herself entangled in well-founded anxiety for her family, her close cadre of friends, and the future Eirelannia. Long-lost tech and magic blur together in a dystopian world with echoes of the Hunger Games. A beautiful cover and the promise of winged horses will be enough to secure the interest of the book's target audience. Add to that a daughter's love for her father, the angst of first love, high fantasy adventure and the horror of war and you have all the components to satisfy genre readers in a story that rates a solid 3.5 stars.