I was worried whenI first started that it was going to take a while to understand the world and the language and the names used. I was a bit confused in the first few chapters as to which characters we were following or whose storyline we would be following the most. The names are also tricky but honestly I just gave them nicknames and it made it easier for me.

Everything else was freaking EPIC!

Once I got my bearings, which honestly for any fantasy book isn’t uncommon the story was captivating, fast paced, action packed and the world building became more and more transparent the further on I read.

The dragon and rider dynamic was so refreshing, and the politics between the dragons was something I thoroughly enjoyed and I am glad was explored. The concept of dragon hordes, and that the different types of hordes were a debate and discussions between the dragons to make sure that no two in a territory were the same. Ah! I don’t know why this made me so happy. It drew upon a very traditional concept of dragons but was a subtle twist.

The main storyline follows a group of misfits trying to steal a hidden dragon horde from the Queen Regent who has meddled in the lines of succession between the dragons. The character dynamic is full of banter, angst and tension. Though do not expect anything explicitly spicey, the innuendo in some sections was not lost. The banter between characters was done well and I enjoyed there witty conversations.

Dragon riders are now not an uncommon feature in the current fantasy genre, but the idea of a dragon transferring consciousness between rider and dragon was next level. So we got to know the depths of personalities between both characters.

The world building, the clever dialogue and characters that evolve was all very well done.

The Sky on Fire is a whirlwind adventure with dragons, warlords, misfits, heists, and romance. Readers looking for something that evokes Fourth Wing meets Six of Crows should give The Sky on Fire a try!

Sky on Fire by Jen Lyons - eBook ARC
2.5 Stars

Sky on Fire by Jen Lyons, a book that had all the makings of an epic fantasy but ended up leaving me with mixed feelings.

~The Good
Let's start with what worked. Lyons' world-building is impressive. The rich, detailed universe is teeming with magic, politics, and lore that fantasy enthusiasts like us live for. The author has a knack for creating vivid settings and complex societies, and I found myself getting lost in the intricate tapestry she wove. The characters, for the most part, are intriguing. There are moments where their depth shines through, especially in the backstories and the interplay of personal motivations. Lyons does a commendable job in giving us heroes who are flawed and villains who have relatable reasons for their actions.

~The Bad
Now, onto the not-so-great parts. For a book that's supposed to be an epic fantasy, *Sky on Fire* felt surprisingly disjointed. 🧩 The narrative jumps around too much, making it hard to follow the main plot thread. Just when you start to get invested in one storyline, the perspective shifts abruptly, leaving you scrambling to keep up with the new developments.

The pacing is another issue. Some sections drag on with unnecessary details, while pivotal moments that should have been gripping and intense feel rushed. This uneven pacing made it difficult to stay engaged, and I found myself skimming through parts that didn’t hold my interest.

~The Verdict
Sky on Fire isn’t a bad book by any means, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. As an epic fantasy fan, I expected a more cohesive and tightly-woven story. Lyons has a lot of great ideas and a fascinating world, but the execution fell flat in this installment. 😕

I enjoyed reading this book. I think the main characters were interesting and the plot was okay. I’m excited to read more from this author

Received as an ARC, thank you so much Tor Publishing and Jenn Lyons for this opportunity!

Dragons, dragon-riders, and heists all in one book? What more could you possibly wish for? This fun, fast-paced standalone fantasy was just what I needed! Anahrod and her mismatched gang of thieves, dragon riders, sorcerers and a plethora of other rowdy individuals sucked me in immediately. Jenn Lyons does an amazing job at character development and engaging the reader in a twisty plot. Plus, what isn’t there to love about a girl who can talk with animals?

My only complaint is that the ending felt a bit too “perfect” and came together rather seamlessly which seemed to clash with the rest of the novel’s hectic nature. That being said, I absolutely ate this book up and I highly recommend it to anyone who loved Fourth Wing and needs some more witty dragons in their life!

This book has an absolutely gorgeous cover. I really hate how I feel about this book, because I want to like it! I felt no connection to the characters, though. Many new words and names were used so I couldn’t jump in from my reality into the book’s fantasy.

The incomparable Jenn Lyons has done it again, only this time it's with a standalone fantasy, so if you've been reluctant to immerse yourself in the gloriously bewildering saga that is A Chorus of Dragons, The Sky on Fire is your chance to see what you've been missing.

The cover blurb will tell you this is a story about a rescue from a warlord and a heist from a dragon, but don't let that deceive you - nothing about this is that simple. It's also a story about regrets, resentment, and revenge, with personal motives driving the narrative. Nobody is all good or all bad, it's just that their objectives are sometimes violently at odds with one another - so much so that even villains can end up becoming heroes.

The world-building here is simple but nicely detailed and well thought-out. Below, we have the jungles of the Deep, humid lands where air, foliage, and danger all lie thick and heavy. Above hang the cloud cities, home to the ruling classes, merchants, nobility, and dragons. So many dragons! This isn't just a book with dragons, it's very much a book about dragons - their history, their mythology, and their overbearing presence in the lives of tiny humans. While we don't get too deeply into human politics, we do explore a lot of dragon politics, which makes sense because everything in this world is subservient to their whims.

Very much like A Chorus of Dragons, The Sky on Fire is wonderful in its casual, no-big-deal, assumed diversity in gender, sexuality, and relationships. Characters wear garden rings and social that communicate their identity, preferences, and personality, and I loved the way it's done as much as I loved the language around it: a ring to denote "male, both by birth and inclination"; another to show "a committed, monogamous relationship"; and yet another to communicate a preference for "both feminine and masculine partners." Anahrod, our protagonist and POV, is a bisexual woman who begins exploring a polyamorous triad, and all people can say about it is that it's about time they admit their feelings for one another. There are also some casual kink references sprinkled throughout that, again, aren't a big deal for the characters, but refreshing to see as a reader.

If I were to have one complaint about the book it would be that it flounders for direction in the middle, with the pacing suffering as goals, alliances, and agendas are established. However, at this point, I know Lyons never does anything accidentally, never just fills pages for the sake of exposition, so I trusted that it would all come together and that we'd see how and why it all fits together - and we do. Along those lines, there were some questions I had early on about aspects of the story that seemed too simple, too convenient, but they're all satisfyingly explained by the end as well.

The Sky on Fire doesn't feel as grand or as poetic as A Chorus of Dragons, but that may actually play in its favor for new readers. It's a narrative style that fits the urgency of the tale, and had I not read anything else by Lyons, I'd never notice anything missing.

Dragons rule – literally.

Anahrod lives in a world governed by dragons, and the reagent Neveranimas wants her dead. Why? Well, Anahrod has a talent that has scared the First Dragon to her core – She can communicate with animals and dragons.

The Sky on Fire is an ambitious tale about dragons, politics, revenge, and secrets. Intricate societal details like ‘garden rings’ add vivid colour to the various communities, which makes them a rich and tangible part of the novel.

I absolutely love the queer normative world Jenn Lyons has created. It was a very appropriate book to dig into during Pride Month. With so many prejudices ingrained in our own society, it’s difficult to find books that treat queerness in such a way that feels accepting but not hypersexualised.

While there is a heist, it really isn’t the main focus of the narrative. Instead, there’s a heavy lean on revenge. The comeuppance for Neverainmas is sought by a lot of characters, and it’s reminiscent of Game of Thrones in that whenever there has been a longstanding ruler, they’re likely to have an enemy or two.

Speaking of Game of Thrones, I really feel that this book would have benefitted from being more than one book. There was a significant volume of characters, locations, and plot points that made for a dense read. And I really think the character connections and relationships suffered due to the cramped pacing. The singular explicit scene felt abrupt. I was so taken aback that I felt like I was intruding rather than seeing sexual tension coming (aha) to a head.

The universe in Sky on Fire is a complex and intriguing place brimming with dragons, magic, and culture. There’s a diversity to the characters. There’s a powerful theme of consent. Karma isn’t the guy on the screen – it’s the girl you tried to kill seventeen years ago.

The Sky on Fire is a great fantasy adventure, where we follow Anahorad, a survivor in a solitary existence. After being rescued, her rescuers need her assistance to pull off a heist: stealing from a powerful dragon, who also has a vendetta against Anahorad.

What a great read for lovers of unique fantasy worlds, heists and dragons! It is fast-paced with fun and well-crafted characters, with rich worlds and their own powers and cultures. The main cast of characters are diverse and really make the whole story, even though the story is definitely more plot-focused than character-focused.

I really enjoyed this! Thank you for an e-arc, all opinions are my own.

The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons is an exhilarating fantasy adventure that plunges readers into a world brimming with dragons, magic, and high-stakes heists. The story follows Anahorad, a fierce and independent survivor living in the harsh jungles of the Deep alongside her titan drake. Her solitary existence is disrupted when a band of misfit adventurers rescues her from a local warlord's clutches. However, this is no mere rescue mission—these quirky characters, led by a charming dragonrider, need Anahorad's help to pull off an audacious heist: stealing from the hoard of the powerful dragon regent Neveranimas, who has a deadly vendetta against Anahorad.

Jenn Lyons' The Sky on Fire is a must-read for fans of dragons, adventure, and intricate world-building. The novel masterfully combines elements of fantasy and heist genres, creating a fast-paced, action-packed narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The world-building in The Sky on Fire is unique and immersive. Lyons introduces readers to a richly detailed setting where societal structures and identities are intricately linked to magical rings. These rings reveal personal information about their wearers, adding a fascinating layer to character interactions and societal dynamics. The novel also explores various worlds, each with its own distinct powers and cultures. The presence of dragons and dragonriders adds an exciting dimension to the story, with their magical abilities playing a crucial role in the plot.

Anahorad is a compelling protagonist whose strength and resilience immediately capture the reader's sympathy. Her journey from a solitary survivor to a member of a diverse and dynamic group is engaging and heartwarming. The adventuring party, with their varying ages, motives, skills, and identities, forms a lively and entertaining ensemble. Lyons excels at creating quirky, distinct characters who bring humor and depth to the narrative.
However, while the characters are fun and interesting, they sometimes feel a bit flat. The story is heavily plot-driven, often focusing on actions rather than delving deeply into the characters' thoughts and emotions. This lack of character growth and transformation can make the emotional stakes feel less impactful, though the vibrant interactions and humor among the group compensate for this to some extent.

The plot of The Sky on Fire follows a classic heist structure, which, although predictable, is executed with flair and creativity. The stages of assembling the crew, planning the heist, and dealing with inevitable complications are all present, providing a satisfying and familiar framework for the story. The heist itself is thrilling, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The action sequences are well-written, and the constant movement ensures that there is never a dull moment.

Lyons' writing style leans towards the young adult side, with a light, cheeky tone that makes the book an easy and enjoyable read. The descriptions are vivid, bringing the world and its magical elements to life. However, the inclusion of a sudden spicy scene late in the book feels somewhat out of place, disrupting the otherwise consistent tone. While not necessarily detrimental, this abrupt shift can be jarring for readers.

The novel touches on themes of survival, identity, and belonging. Anahorad's struggle to reconcile her past and her place in the world is a central thread, as is the concept of found family among the misfit adventurers. The heist plot adds a layer of excitement and tension, while the magical elements and dragons enrich the thematic depth of the story.
Overall, The Sky on Fire is an entertaining and action-packed fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of dragons and heist stories. While the character development could be deeper and the romantic elements more seamlessly integrated, the book's strengths lie in its imaginative world-building, dynamic plot, and quirky characters. For those looking for a standalone adventure filled with magic, dragons, and daring escapades, The Sky on Fire is a highly recommended read.

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

I really wanted to love this book, but I simply could not get hooked!

Chapter one started off so good for me and I felt like there was a true direction as to where the rest of the book was going. The problem is that after that you are thrown into the middle of action, in a different location, with a bunch of different characters. There’s no time to build the characters and learn about them and the complexities. There isn’t even time to fully grasp the world itself, which is such a shame because written correctly it would have been amazing.

The premise in itself was really good. The rag-tag team of heroes, adding a new layer to a typical dragon bonding, a world build by mythical beasts and monsters, the first fantasy I’ve read that explores a poly relationship in the romance.

I think there is a good group of people that would be able to get into this book if they didn’t care for the world building aspect and wanted to get straight to the action. For me, I was just unable to build it in my head and grasp what was happening, or feel any emotion to the characters. I wasn’t very invested.


*Thank you NetGalley and Tor for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Loved this! Nothing better than a good fantasy and dragons! But it also felt very unique and the characters were intriguing! Will be recommending for sure.

Note: I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

I *loved* this book. I am not much of a DND player, but I couldn’t help but imagine this book as a DND party adventuring through the wild. Anahrod made for a compelling heroine in her growth, as she went from hiding her life away to claiming the power that is rightfully hers. I loved our supporting side cast as well, who were all fleshed out and felt like real people. Lyons does an amazing job of reminding the reader that these characters are humans first before they are heroes, and I loved each person’s character arc. I only wished we had a bit more of Sicaryon’s story, as I felt his past was not shared enough. Sicaryon’s past would make for an amazing prequel, hint hint!

The dragons. I am in love with Peralon, and I was dying to see more of him each chapter! How wonderful, to have a godlike creature who never lost sight of what makes life worth living. Neveranimas is an incredible villain, and realistic aside from the whole being a dragon thing. Her motivations and desires mirror those who are corrupt and in-power in the real world.

I adored this book, and I know every fantasy reader and dragon-lover would too. 5/5 stars for me!!!

All I saw were dragons, and this was a must-read. I have never read Lyons before, but I own her other series. I can’t wait to start it now! I loved that this was a standalone! I didn’t even realize it until about halfway through the book. I was pleasantly surprised. I need more standalone fantasy books!

I’m going to start with the world-building because I thought it was unique. There are many things going on that took me a while to figure out. There are rings that people wear that disclose their identities – career, gender, sexual preferences, and so on. There are also a few different worlds that we are exploring. On top of that, we have the dragons and dragon riders. We have worlds with separate powers. There is a point in the book when we join the dragon riders’ magical school. We have a varied group of misfits that have become our core group and join to do a heist. The dragons have a lot of power and magic. A lot going on in this book, but it all fits somehow. The writing style in this book was a little on the YA side. It was an easier writing style, and a little cheeky at times.

I loved the main character- Anahrod. Her story is interesting from the get-go! You can’t help but root for her. She’s alone and in hiding, but finds a mismatched family. All the characters in this group were so fun and interesting. There is a lot of different personalities, and it made for some good humor at times. The romances were nice, even if there was some Insta-love. There is a moment in this book that confused me a bit. We have some closed-door romantic instances, which is fine. Later on in the book, there’s a very spicy scene. It threw me because it was not in any other aspect of this book! It was as if she threw it in there to hit the “spicy” crowd, but it did not fit. It’s not terrible or anything, but more perplexing.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I loved how easy it was, and it was so full of action. We are constantly on the go, and we get a lot of dragons! They are the main focus of this book, and I loved that. The magic was interesting too. I enjoyed the group that came together and their interactions with each other. If you like dragons, then you should read this book! 🙂

Thank you to Tor and Netgalley for an e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

This was a really fun read. Not my absolute favorite of the year but it got bonus points for being a standalone. At the end of the day, all that matters is enjoying the books and I enjoyed this one.

The Good
I loved the world and the different societal structures within it. The way the magic system worked was so cool and I loved how she incorporated the dragons. And I loved a heist, so the plot really worked for me. Of course when you follow a plot structure like a heist, it does end up making the story a tad predictable but I didn’t mind that. I love being able to recognize all the elements: assemble the crew, explain the plan, execute the plan, the plan goes wrong, make a new plan, execute the new plan. The heist could either successful or unsuccessful (I won’t tell you which this was) but either way, the characters have some consequences to deal with before the story comes to an end. The fun is all in the particular author’s twist on the heist and it really worked for me in this book.

The Less Good
While I did really love several the characters, they felt a little flat. The story was very plot-driven and so focused a lot on what they were doing and I really wish we got a little more of what they were thinking and feeling. None of the characters had a lot of obvious growth or transformation. And even though I shipped the heck out of the little polycule, it didn’t quite have the emotional payoff I was hoping for. It felt a little bit like the author wasn’t really sure how to really commit to the romance storyline and it just ended so up feeling clunky.

I definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a standalone that has magic, dragons, and a heist plot. It didn’t top my charts but at the end of the day it was entertaining and that’s all that matters!

I would give this a 3.5 but I’m the queen of rounding up so final review is 4 stars!

this book had the puzzle pieces to make a perfect book. dragons, sapphic romance and an almost impossible heist!

i think i would have enjoyed this book even more, if it didnt take me almost 50% to be fully emersed in story. i struggled getting into the book. but once i was fully in, i couldnt put it down. i loved the action and the pacing in the later half of the book. also, i was impressed by how fleshed out the characters were, considering jenn lyons only had one book to introduce them to us and give them a proper character arc. the romance felt "natural" and beautifully woven into story, without it ever feeling out of place.

overall a really fantastic book and a near perfect standalone!

Anarhod is a bad ass FMC. She is strong, compassionate and all round a star. I loved reading about her.

And dragons!!! What not to love about dragons. This unfolded so nicely and the story had me intrigued and wondering what was going to happen next the whole time.

The story building was fantastic. It’s such a different idea of a world that you needed it to be able to understand the dynamic between the deep and the sky dwellers!

The live story also was a slow burn and I love the bi-representing with the characters.

I really enjoyed this read

The Sky on Fire was overall a very fun read with an engaging premise - a heist with dragons! It included dragons, heists, magic, developing romances, and a of group misfits. All of those elements were great; alongside the world in which the story unfolds - but I really enjoy descriptive, unique, and intriguing world-building.

The only place were it lost me was that I struggled to really connect to the characters, and felt as though something in their personal character arcs were missing.

So, overall a fun read with an intriguing plot and premise but I needed a bit more from the characters. I rate it a 3.75/5.

The premise of this book really drew me in, what could be better than a heist with dragons?! The characters were an entertainingly brash and quirky group of misfits, and the world building was great. I just struggled to really connect with the characters and the story. It had a great pace set, not too slow. I thought is was a good book overall but I think it would suit better as a stand-alone, not a continuation that is hinted in the epilogue.

Received an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Sky on Fire is the first book in a new series by Jenn Lyons, author of the Chorus of Dragons series. I loved that series. It was crazy and often confusing, but I loved the ride. I was hoping for a repeat with The Sky on Fire. I love heist novels, as well, so it seemed right up my alley.

Unfortunately this book didn’t end up being the hit I was hoping for. It was definitely confusing at times, which I expect with Jenn Lyons, and it is clear there is a lot more about the world to be revealed in future books. The heist was fun and the end actually had me interested in picking up the sequel when it comes out. The beginning, though, was not great. The insta-love between Anahrod and Ris was really jarring. I felt like I kept being told things without any real understanding of how it was happening or why I should care. However, I feel like after the heist’s crew was fully formed and it started that the story was flowing better and it actually engaged me.

Overall, I will give it a 3.25 stars. I may hold off and see what the sequel reviews look like before picking it up, but I hope it takes the momentum from the end of this book and carries it on.

The audiobook narrator did a good job. I greatly enjoyed immersion reading this story.