This book slams you right into a dragon-ruled world, tosses in a high-stakes heist, and sprinkles on just enough queer romance so you might forget to blink. I’ll admit, the world-building is a riot—mountain sky-cities, swampy Deep jungles, magical rings showing your preferences, and dragons who don’t just tolerate humans but straight-up rule them. The banter’s snappy, the action rarely pauses, and when it revs up—boom!—you’re hanging on for dear life. I loved the political tension between riders and dragons and the way the heist plot unfolds: there’s real prep, clever setbacks, and satisfying betrayals that keep the momentum blazing.

But don’t fool yourself—it’s not perfect. It starts off bumpy, with too many introductions that blur together, making the first half feel aimless. By the midpoint I paused, wondering “where're we even going?” Characters beyond the leads get kinda flattened—some vanish, others exist just to die. The romance? Ambitious, sure, but it drags sudden spicy scenes into serious moments, and some emotional beats crash too fast for me to feel anything deep. And while the magic rings and world details are cool, too many loose threads linger at the end, begging for answers that never come. So yeah: a thrilling, dragon-packed joyride with real flair—but bruising in spots and emotionally undercooked where it counts.

⭐️: 3.75/5
🌶️: 1/5
Format: 📱 arc

Writing this review like a month after reading the book, I've really had the opportunity to gain some perspective, because this has one of the most unique fantasy worlds I've read in quite awhile.

Anahrod is a Skylander, except she's been hiding in the Deep, as a Deeper, for a long time--ever since she was tossed into the Deep from very, very high up. She is spunky and no-nonsense and very pragmatic. And unlike me, when she's kidnapped, she's pretty chill about it.

The standout of the story, however, is really the description of the Skylands, the Deep, and their cultures. Lyons painted such a cool picture of this world I haven't seen anything like. The ships that mine in the sky, the creatures that roam the Deep, the races that inhabit the world, I loved it all, and I literally can't stop thinking about it.

There were some twists, our spiky heroine you couldn't help but like, and I really enjoyed this!

I did enjoy this book, I liked the magic, the dragons, and the characters.

The politics between dragons and humans were confusing, but I eventually got the gist.

I almost gave up on the book but I persisted and it was definitely worth it!

The pacing stumbles in the middle. Just when the stakes are building, the story detours into slower scenes that undercut the urgency. The ending, though thrilling, feels compressed—like it’s racing to the finish instead of letting the tension simmer. A duology might’ve let everything unfold more naturally.

Still, this is a solid standalone. The dragons are a highlight. The heist setup is fun. The group dynamic works. And even with its flaws, The Sky on Fire delivers a satisfying mix of fantasy, action, and sarcasm. If you’re tired of 6-book sagas and want a self-contained ride with dragons at its center, this is worth picking up.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
ARC provided to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

From the very first chapter, Lyons immerses you in a world teetering on the edge of ruin. Her prose is sharp and lyrical, never overindulgent, but filled with the kind of vivid detail that makes you feel like you’re right there—on the back of a dragon, racing against fate. The worldbuilding is layered and imaginative, especially if you're a fan of morally complex power systems, ancient secrets, and high fantasy with a pulse.

What truly stands out, though, are the characters. Lyons excels at creating people you care about—even when they make questionable choices. There’s emotional vulnerability, witty banter, intense trauma, and genuine moments of hope and connection tha

I was so excited for this book because man, nobody does dragons like Jenn Lyons!

And then....

Over 150 pages in, I had no idea who anyone was, what anyone was doing, and where anyone was, beyond an incredibly vague sense of "jungle, dragonrider(s?), something about revenge maybe?" I just couldn't keep reading when there are so many other books that don't make me feel completely lost, especially when I didn't care about a single character (probably because I couldn't discern a single character's motivation).

So I decided to DNF, for the first time EVER on one of Lyons' books. There was sooooo much there--but this read like five different authors wrote five different plots in five different settings using the same characters.


***Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book to review.***

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Books for sending me an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

If you need another dragon book to sate your new obsession, here's the intriguing new book for you! I love the way the worldbuilding makes everything feel so unique despite the newfound "dragon renaissance" we've had going. The separation of the two worlds/cultures is the first intriguing part, and it just keeps going from there.

My one issue was that it took way too long to actually get to the heist part and then get me hooked in the story. Once Anahrod was with the others, it became super enjoyable, but before that, I couldn't find the point in it and it kept feeling like there was no plot, just a lot of worldbuilding for no reason.

My favorite part of this was the found family aspect. The characters were really loveable, even when they were flawed. The romance was also really well done and made everything feel so much more special even in the middle of a lot of chaos. Not to mention the plot twists that were beautifully crafted and added to all the excitement!

I can't wait to see where this series goes, I know it's going to be a great journey!

I had such a hard time getting through this book. There were some phrases that weren’t explained and were hard to figure out. The world itself was a bit off to me. I enjoyed the dragons, but I felt like they were also missing something. Not my favorite fantasy book.

I dont know a single thing that was going on in this. I'm not sure there was enough story building for me. It's like the author was trying to do one of those keep the mystery until the end but it wasn't holding my interest at all.

One of the best books I've read this year! I'm recommending this to anyone who will listen. The queer representation is amazing. I love how none of the language took you out of the world that was crafted. I loved how the author addressed sexuality and trans people. No notes. I just need more.

The book has an attention-grabbing premise and started off great. The pacing, however, was atrocious. I felt like I should have whiplash with the speeding up and then suddenly slowing down. There was also a lot of telling me and not much showing me. The first 20 chapters are mostly dialogue with a bit of action here and there. Stop telling me and just show me. Also, I was completely confused for the first 15 chapters about who the main character actually was. It wasn’t explaining it very well.

Imma say 3.75 rounded up. the story had some trouble for me attention wise but when I was pulled in I was in but I drifted too often to go to a full 4 star. Definitely enjoyable and the dialogue especially was very fun. This is kind of what I wanted from fourth wing but didn’t get. There’s actually reasons for the human/dragon bond which I greatly appreciate and the overall story is very engaging but a LOT was going on and I think it’s my brain that struggles lately with my move and stuff

Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons Review
Star rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

As someone who loves dragon-centered fantasy, I was eager to see how Sky on Fire would portray them—and I wasn’t disappointed. The dragons in this world are not just powerful; they are intelligent, prideful, and often terrifying, each with unique magical abilities and distinct personalities. Their relationships with their riders go beyond the typical bond, adding layers of tension and intrigue that kept me invested.

At its core, this is a high-stakes heist story with a team of unlikely allies forced to work together. The ensemble cast is full of engaging personalities, and their interactions are one of the book’s highlights. The witty banter and evolving friendships give the story heart, making the team feel like a true found family rather than just a group thrown together for a job.

However, while the group dynamic shines, Anahrod, the main character, felt somewhat passive. Given her history, I expected her to be more driven or distinct in personality, but much of the time, she seems to be following others’ plans rather than shaping the course of events herself. While this didn’t take away from my enjoyment in the moment, it stood out more in hindsight.

The pacing is another aspect that felt uneven. The setup moves quickly, and just as the tension ramps up, the story slows with a series of delays that stall the heist. Then, the finale, though exciting, feels rushed in comparison. I can’t help but think the story might have benefited from being a duology, giving the characters and world more space to breathe. Still, I do appreciate a well-contained standalone in a genre filled with long series.

One aspect that didn’t quite work for me was the romance. While Anahrod has great chemistry with her love interests, the relationships don’t feel fully developed. The romantic tension is introduced early but then fades into the background, only to reappear with dramatic confessions that don’t feel entirely earned. One of the love interests is a rekindled past romance, but it’s given little time to develop on the page. There are also a few steamy moments that feel oddly placed, disrupting the flow rather than enhancing the story. While I liked that the romance didn’t overshadow the main plot, it would have been stronger if it had been more naturally woven into the narrative.

Despite a few missteps, Sky on Fire is an entertaining read with an exciting mix of action, magic, and camaraderie. The dragons are a definite highlight, and the team’s dynamic makes the heist fun to follow. While it doesn’t quite hit every mark, it delivers a solid adventure that’s worth picking up—especially for fans of fast-paced fantasy with a unique take on dragons.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*ARC provided to me via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review*

In The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons delivers a thrilling blend of high-stakes heists, dragons, and unexpected alliances, crafting an unforgettable fantasy adventure. The story follows Anahrod, a lone survivor navigating the treacherous jungles of the Deep with her loyal titan drake. Her solitary existence is disrupted when a band of unlikely adventurers rescues her from a local warlord, but this isn’t just any rescue—it’s a pull into a larger scheme involving the dragon-ruled sky cities.

The adventurers, led by a charismatic and frustratingly attractive dragonrider, need Anahrod’s expertise to pull off a daring heist: stealing from the hoard of the powerful dragon regent, Neveranimas. The catch? Neveranimas wants Anahrod dead. As the plot unfolds, Lyons crafts a world filled with treacherous political intrigue, conniving dragons, and complex characters whose motivations remain unclear until the last page.

With her signature mix of witty dialogue and heart-pounding action, Lyons creates a world that’s both rich in lore and unpredictable in its twists. The Sky on Fire is a fast-paced, action-packed standalone that will captivate fans of dragon-filled fantasy. Its compelling characters and tight plotting make it a must-read for those who enjoy stories of heists, dragons, and rebellion.

A special thanks to Tor Books for providing the opportunity to experience this epic adventure.

Strong start, loved the characters and the pacing of the book itself. The plot was nice, and I loved the dragon/rider dynamic. Not the strongest read I’ve had, but it was very good.
I did go buy a physical retail copy for my sister however as it seemed like something she would love.

This took me forever to start but honestly what a surprise! I really enjoyed this. It's got dragons, heist, and an amazing group of characters. Love it!

The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons is a bold and thrilling fantasy heist that immerses readers in a world where dragons rule the skies and survival is a delicate dance between cunning, courage, and loyalty. With its intricate world-building, snappy dialogue, and high-stakes adventure.

This is a fantastic, high-flying adventure that will leave you breathless! Jenn Lyons, the master of dragon lore, delivers a captivating heist story with a unique twist. Anahrod, a fierce and independent woman, is forced to confront her past when she's rescued by a charismatic group of dragonriders. Their mission? To steal from a dragon's hoard, a dangerous proposition that puts Anahrod squarely in the crosshairs of the powerful and ruthless Regent Neveranimas.

Lyons masterfully weaves together thrilling action sequences with moments of quiet reflection, allowing the reader to truly connect with Anahrod and her magnificent drake. The banter between the characters is sharp and witty, adding a layer of humor that keeps the story lighthearted even as the stakes rise.

While some might find the plot predictable at times, the sheer scale of Lyons's world-building and the intricate relationships between the characters more than compensate. This is a must-read for fans of dragon fantasy, offering a thrilling escape with unforgettable characters and a touch of romantic intrigue.

I particularly enjoyed the way Lyons explores themes of freedom, loyalty, and the complexities of power. "The Sky on Fire" is a captivating and entertaining read that will leave you wanting more.

I loved the idea of dragon lords, a heist, and the group of misfits!
The prologue is AMAZING! I found myself sucked into this book

I could not connect to these characters or the story itself. While I've heard a lot of good things about the book I could not get into it and I found the story quite boring.

I am very thankful and grateful to everyone who has allowed me the opportunity to read and review this book. I wish for nothing but success. This book was just not for me. Thank you!