[DNF] The Sky On Fire is a standalone romantasy heist story with dragons, and sounds right up my alley! I was so looking forward to reading this new release. In a world ruled by dragons, Anahrod and a team of misfits travel to the cloud cities to steal from a dragon's hoard.

I really wanted to love this story. The concept sounds great, but I DNFed at 40% due to the pacing being so slow. The world building was not enough for a standalone and needed a little bit of help. I would have liked to get history of the cloud cities and how they came to be, comparable to the "deep" where the humans live. We are introduced with too many characters right off the bad, and not enough stubstance to get to know them, therefore leaving me without that connection to keep reading. I was struggling to understand the main character, Anahrod, because should be a badass, yet she keeps getting caught by different groups of people! The repetition was off-putting.

I really liked how Jenn Lyons incorporated "garden rings" so humans can declare this sexual identity, status and sexual preference. I thought that was quite unique! I liked the start of our main character's queer romance, but the interactions were not even enough for a slow burn.

I stopped reading because after 40% of the way through, I was just not excited to keep going. I liked the idea of continuing but overall, this story fell a little flat. Maybe I'll continue in a few months, but maybe not.

The Sky on Fire is a triumphant standalone epic fantasy from Jenn Lyons. I am a huge fan of Jenn Lyons’ A Chorus of Dragons series, so I was thrilled to read The Sky on Fire. Jenn Lyons does such a fantastic job with character growth, world-building, and LGBTQ+ rep. Anahrod is a very lovable character who is fighting to stay alive and possibly save the world while she’s at it. The cast of characters is diverse, hilarious, and exist in a beautifully queer normative world. I loved the elegant system of rings to indicate status, preferences, and attractions.

Lyons is well-known for world-building and she absolutely delivers. I’m almost disappointed it’s a standalone, because I would like more stories from this world. The amber harvesting was so creative and reminded me of the lightning pirates from Neil Gaiman’s Stardust. The politics and magic of the dragons was fascinating.

Readers who enjoy excellent world-building, LGBTQ+ rep, dragons, and characters that will stick in your mind long after the last page should read The Sky on Fire. I can’t wait to see what Jenn Lyons writes next!

Thank you to Jenn Lyons, Tor Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc.

This book seemed like everything I wanted in a fantasy book, but for some reason I had a very time connecting to the characters. The cast of characters is very diverse and the pacing of the story is very well done, I just couldn't get immersed enough to care about the characters. I don't think that is the author's fault, just rather my own. Overall I do think the book was very good and narrator for the audiobook was great!

Okay I loved the world in this book! First of all, it's a world where dragons aren't just human pets, they have immense power and actually exploit humans. It just felt so realistic to what dragons would most likely do if they had that power (rather than just existing to serve human purposes). I loved how morally grey the dragons were. That was a major plus of the world. Second of all, I loved how queernormative the world was! It was so fun to see trans and poly characters accepted as a natural part of the world. I will say I felt like the story took a bit to get started. For a heist novel there was a lot of deliberating and very little action for the first half of the story. Once it got going (and once I switched to audio) I had a much better time. The audio really helped me feel more connected to the characters and feel the tension more which I greatly appreciated. I definitely recommend reading this book that way.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons is an epic high fantasy adventure following Anahrod, who is wanted by warlords and regents alike. While she just wants to fly under the radar, she's instead swept up with a group of misfits who have plotted a dangerous heist to steal a dragon's hoard.

Something I loved about the author's storytelling was her world-building. It really balanced the line of being intricate and lush without overloading the reader with too much information or slowing the pace of the book. I also thought each of the characters were distinct and interesting in their own way, which just added to how engaged I was while reading.

Overall, I gave this book four-stars because I loved the world the author created and the queer normative narrative taken. I think anyone who enjoys high fantasy will love this and even those who struggle with it, might find this is a good gateway book into the genre.

2.5 starts from me. I was so incredibly excited to start this book. It was built of everything that I love, dragons, heists, romance and a new fantasy world to dive into. Upon starting the book it really felt unpolished. I was surprised at how clunky the beginning felt and I almost DNFed it 20 pages in because it was rough. It fell into a decent cadence after that. I wanted to continue but I did eventually DNF the book in full transparency because I didn't like the direction of the romance being a poly relationship which is a personal preference. Overall I think the start of this book could have been smoother if I had read A Chorus of Dragons.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review.

This was a very compelling story for those of you looking for more books with dragons and high stakes. I liked the characters and the world was fascinating. However, since I didn't read the previous series set in this world, I often found myself feeling like I was missing something that would give a broader view of the world and the plot. The pacing of this story was well done and overall, I don't think I HAD to read the previous series, but it definitely would've made the plot broader and expansive.

Josie Moore has given the opposite sex—and love—plenty of chances. Four exactly, if you count all her failed engagements, and five if you include her no-longer-absentee father. Nonetheless, when the influential man decides to announce his retirement with a splashy magazine piece and Josie learns that her romantic history isn’t great PR for the family, she jumps at the chance to offer a solution.
Matthew Flanagan is in the mud. Literally. Not only has he been fired from his job, but after taking a wrong turn on his way to Green Oak, North Carolina, his car is stuck. So, he grabs a duffel bag with his essentials and goes in search of a place to crash until he gets his life (and vehicle) back on track. But instead, he stumbles upon his best friend’s sister, Josie, greeting him as her fiancé.
What starts as a big misunderstanding quickly turns into a fake engagement, with Matthew playing the role of the doting fiancé as he and Josie are swept into a PR whirlwind. The ring on Josie’s finger makes her stomach turn, but she knows this is only temporary. They have rules in place, and one of them is that no matter what, there will be no exchange of “I dos.” But that’s easier said than done, as lines soon start to blur, and the rest of the small town comes to believe the fifth fiancé is truly The One.

"The Sky on Fire" by Jenn Lyons was a wonderful adventure through a world filled with dragons, heists, and magic. Jenn creates a vibrant setting where dragons coexist with the rich and powerful in high society within the mountain peaks, while the less fortunate struggle in the lawless jungles below. Her imaginative depiction of dragon society, complete with complex politics, adds layers of intrigue to the narrative.

The novel’s plot-driven approach maintains a fast-paced and exciting rhythm, though its characters, while distinct and colorful, often rely on familiar archetypes without much exploration of their depths. The heist storyline unfolds with constant surprises and swift changes. I liked the idea of the garden rings and liked the LGBTQ representation within the story and, but the romantic dynamics between Anahrod, Ris, and Sicaryon felt hurried and lacked emotional resonance throughout the story. Despite these minor things, The Sky on Fire was a great high fantasy/heist adventure.

*Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Rated 2.5, rounded up.

I had a hard time with this book. For me I think it was because I had not read A Chorus of Dragons by Lyons, and perhaps if I did I might not have been so confused. I found myself re-reading many parts trying to understand the terminology and world this book was set in. This took me out of the book just too much. The writing itself was great and the plot was interesting, I just couldn't get into like I would have hoped. I plan on reading A Chorus of Dragons, and then trying this again. I have hopes that that might change my review!

In this standalone novel, we delve into a world where dragons reign supreme, and danger lurks at every turn. Our protagonist, Anahrod, possesses a rare gift—the ability to control animals—but she’s been living in hiding since defying the draconian rulers years ago. Fate intervenes when she’s kidnapped by a band of cunning misfits, embarking on a daring mission to pilfer from a dragon’s hoard.

Lyons’ writing is masterful, weaving intricate character arcs that remain both complex and endearing. Anahrod’s transformation from a survivor to a world-changer is compelling, and the diverse cast adds depth and authenticity.

The world-building felt very well thought through. From sweeping landscapes to ancient magic, Lyons painted a vivid tapestry of that world. And the dragons are not just mere mythical creatures; they’re awe-inspiring forces of nature.

Also, amid the fantasy heist, there’s romance—a tantalizing blend of passion and restraint, so be prepared for some interesting romantic moments.

“The Sky on Fire” is a perfect read for those seeking escapism, adventure, and a touch of magic.

The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons is a fantasy read that hooked me from the start. The plot centers around a thrilling heist for a magical artifact, with dragons playing crucial roles as actual characters, not just props.

One of the book's standout features is its rich world-building. Lyons has crafted a society ruled by tyrannical magical beasts, creating a compelling and immersive setting. The characters are quirky and distinct, each with their unique backgrounds and motivations, contributing to a delightful band of misfits vibe. There is also so much diversity in age, species, motive, life experience, and skills, that make it such an interesting dynamic.

Anahrod, the main character, is fiercely independent and stubborn, making her a standout. The romance element is fresh too, with a love triangle turning into a polycule—something you don't see often and was done well. !!Publishers and Authors!! We want more of this in our books!

However, there was a bit of a lack of chemistry, and I think that is largely due in part to having so much packed into such a short story. Some of the romantic aspects felt a bit juvenile at times, with playful teasing about who likes who. It was apparent what Lyons was trying to do, but for me, it missed the mark ever so slightly. I also struggled a little with pacing. Another small issue was pacing. At times, the narrative moves too quickly, glossing over scenes that could benefit from more detail, while at other points, it slows down too much, reminiscent of the pacing issues in The Priory of the Orange Tree.

My recommendation; The Sky on Fire is a must-read for fantasy fans. Its rich world, engaging characters, and innovative take on romance make it a standout in the genre. Jenn Lyons has delivered a story that is both enchanting and thought-provoking, that left me wanting more. It can easily be read as a standalone, but the epilogue does hint a little more

I read a lot of (primarily) fantasy books. Of course I enjoy dragons. But would I be so inclined if many of them were jerks? Say, society only really existing because they allow it, we do come up with clever things. So when I was able to get my paws on "The Sky on Fire" by Jenn Lyons (out July 9th, 2024) who made some nutty dragons in her series, A Chorus of Dragons, I was as pleased as a wyrm in its lair. Did get audio as well so I didn't have to stop reading once I started.

Anahrod has a problem. That problem being her past has crashed into her current life. When a meeting goes absolutely sideways and she ends up being absconded with by a crew from the sky cities (did I mention they are down in the jungles) to carry out a plan based on her (alleged) crimes, and require her (alleged) knowledge to do so. See, she was tossed out/executed years ago, but didn't exactly die. Now they need her to steal from the hoard of a dragon. One who is kind of in charge of all the other dragons. And is incredibly magically competent. And is the one who had Anahrod executed (didn't take though).

Narrated by Lauren Fortgang, always a pleasure. Fantastic vocalizing of banter. Why does spice on audio always start when I'm in the grocery store???

Reasons to read:
-Big dragons doing stuff with crazy powers, just fire breathing is boring
-Banter
-Overbite
-BPPT confirmed!
-Sometimes folks just need a good stabbing
-Did magic grammar save the day?
-The characters are fantastic

Cons:
-No dholes, but I already knew they weren't in the story before I started

You are going to need to take several seats after finishing this book. The concept… A WORLD RULED BY DRAGONS… I couldn’t ask for something more intriguing. The beginning gripped me so hard I could not stop reading, because I needed to know what happened. Ris and Anahrod were my favorite characters and really the only ones that I connected to. I definitely got Fourth Wing vibes at times but it was completely new and refreshing.

This book was so great.
I loved the character. The dragons.
I also loved the twist with the dragon roders-dragon relationship .
The characters where well developed and the storyline was great.
Highly recommend for fantasy readers

This book was absolutely wonderful. I have to say when I was halfway through I went to Waterstones app and pre-order it because god. One of the best books I've read this year. It is a chunky one and took me a few days to read. I usually read at night and I would spend the whole day checking how long until it was time for bed again. 
I fell like the characters are old friends I will terribly miss after finishing the book. They are so likeable, I just want to feel my studio with character fan art, I need it so much. 
The representation is fabulous, there are all kinds of queerness and disability rep that made it a joy. 
I love that this is a stand alone, it has complex world building beautifully explained along with the plot without info dumping, it made you want to keep reading not only to know what would happen but also to know more about the world. And specifically to know what the garden rings mean!! I love the rings, both social and Garden, and I think we should use them in our society. It will make life much easier, and fun too, actually. 
At the epilogue a door opens where there is a possibility of further books in this world and I have to say I would absolutely love to read more.

This book was slow for me to get into but I really enjoyed the pacing, the depth of the characters and how the author wove the story together!

Anahrod is believed to be dead, instead she is hiding in the jungles of the Deep. When the local warlord tries to capture her she is saved by an adventuring group, but her past catch up to her and the group of misfits need her help to steal from a dragon who wants her dead.
I have mixed feelings about this book. There were times when I felt the plot was too fast paced and other times when it was too slow. Something I really liked was the world building and the author's creativity.
This world has so much potential, but it still didn't meet my expectations. My biggest criticism is that I did not connect with the characters. We are introduced to too many characters at once, which not only confused me but also made it difficult to get to know them individually. Compelling characters are really important to me, so when the characters are lacking, I also lose interest in the plot.
There were times when I wanted to DNF, but the story was engaging enough for me to finish the book.
Overall, I liked the world, and I can understand how some people will like this book, but I also can't say I'm not disappointed.

Epic High Fantasy about a woman with the magical ability to control animals who's kidnapped by a party of cunning misfits to help them steal from a dragon's hoard.

4/5 stars: This is Lyons' Epic High Fantasy stand-alone that features a woman with the magical ability to control animals who has been living in hiding after escaping a death sentence 17 years ago for defying the dragons that rule her world is kidnapped by a party of cunning misfits to help them steal from a dragon's hoard and winds up upending her world. Lyons' writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded, complex and yet remain incredibly likable. Anahrod's a complex character who's just trying live her life but finds herself changing the world. Lyons' cast contains a diverse array of 2SLGBTQIA+ characters who hold their own and have distinct voices. Additionally, the world building is extensive, inclusive and well-done. Oh and the dragons are awesome! And while this is very much a fantasy heist story there is some very kinky and steamy fade-to-black off-page sex. Lyons touches on some serious subjects; so take care and check the CWs. A great read!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Man I really wanted to love this but unfortunately let me down. I feel like there was barely any world building and what there was focused on the wrong things (we know all about the sexuality rings barely anything on dragons or magic) plot felt very rushed in some places extremely slow in others. I really loved Jenn Lyons Chorus of Dragons series so this is very sad for me.

Dragons? Heists? This book sounded amazing! I found the world building fascinating and loved the magic/creatures. However, I was disappointed that this book didn't shine for me. I struggled to connect with the characters, and sometimes their interactions with each other felt surface level or forced. The book felt more like watching a movie, which is entertaining, but lacked the depth I turn to books for.