I loved this! The slow burn, interesting story line, world building, and language used. It started slow in my opinion but really took off from then on. I'm already desperate to read more from E.J Mellow! Highly recommend Scorched Skies.

There was so much to love about this book! The worldbuilding was phenomenal—an incredibly detailed and unique setting for the narrative. Tanwen is an inspiring heroine, both in her courage and compassion. Zolya is made my heart flutter every time he appeared on the page. The notable elements of the Icarus retelling are still present without being overwhelming—the story is still its own. I was a bit disappointed in what should have been the emotional gut punch of the book, perhaps after similar tragedies already having occurred, and the ending was a bit rushed to my taste, but the positive elements of the novel outweigh this and make it one to watch out for this year. I will definitely be looking out for book 2!

This book had no business being this good. this is E.J Mellow’s best work, and I never thought anything would top my love for dance of a burning sea. But damn, this book blew me away. The world building was so unique to anything I’ve read before. I seamlessly connected with almost all the characters (main & side), and I swooned for the romance between Tanwen and Zolya. As a big Greek mythology fan, she did the Icarus myth well while still spinning her own interpretation just everything about this book was truly amazing, and I can’t wait for the second part of this duology,

This was my first book by E.J. Mellow; I absolutely adored it! I can't wait for the second installment. This is a fantasy/romance novel that will tug at the heartstrings.

This book was amazing. The Icarus retelling, the hierarchical society, power imbalances and female rage were so well done in Scorched Skies. I was raging right alongside Tamwen throughout the book. She is such a strong female protagonist and a nice change from the dagger wielding warrior type.

I don't tend to get emotional when reading books, but there were two specific instances in this novel where I was misty and overwhelmed with emotion with how E.J. Mellow described the circumstances. My heart broke for Tamwen over and over again.

It was very interesting with the structure of the high and low gods and the thought that perhaps what was happening was actually not in anyone's control at all. The influences these gods had could have been exerting may have been even more than what was apparent.

The love story was beautiful and heartbreaking. Two people on two separate sides of a kingdom who just wanted to be together, unable to be due to circumstance and duty. I suspect our hearts will break further in book 2 before being put together again. Highly recommend reading when it comes out April 2025.

Starting off the year strong with this wonderful book!

It is so refreshing to read a book where even the side-characters are well-developed so you can connect with them as well. I particularly liked the dual POV aspect, as it highlighted the depth of each character.

The forbidden romance element was well paced and I loved how it encapsulated the shared hatred of the flaws of the current world order and the desire to work together to fix it. This brings me to my favourite aspect of the book; the politics and power dynamics. I loved the initial setting up of the High Gods and Low Gods, and how their whims and desires influence the actions of the characters. The conflict between the Volari and the Süra as well as the detrimental effects of the patriarchy are explored in-depth, and offer a shocking parallel to the real world today. I also really liked how the constraining effects of power were explored through Zolya.

Overall I highly recommend this well-constructed, gripping fantasy tale, it was a pleasure to read!

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

E.J. Mellow’s “Scorched Skies” is an immersive and masterfully crafted romantasy that blends forbidden love and political intrigue into a sweeping tale set in the beautifully brutal world of Cādra. With its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and emotional stakes, this book is a must-read for fans of slow-burn romance and a unique high fantasy world.

The world of Cādra is divided between the winged and magically gifted Volari, who dominate the skies, and the earthbound Süra, horned beings without magic who are relegated to the land below. At the heart of the story is Tanwen, a resilient and determined young woman born into the forbidden race of Mütra—half-Volari, half-Süra—who possesses the rare ability to communicate with animals. When her father and twin brother are abducted by Zolya, the Volari Crown Prince, on orders from his tyrannical father, Tanwen sets out on a desperate mission to rescue them. Along the way, she finds herself drawn into a dangerous dance with Zolya, whose sense of duty is at odds with his desire for a better world. Their relationship, fraught with tension and yearning, forms the emotional core of the story as they grapple with their allegiances and shared longing for change.

Mellow’s world-building is both intricate and accessible, painting a vivid picture of a divided society steeped in mythology and tradition. The inclusion of gods—both high and low—adds depth and resonance to the story without overwhelming it, and a handy glossary helps readers navigate the lore effortlessly. I found the world building to be clear and descriptive. While I sometimes have difficult diving into high fantasy stories, I found the lore within the book to be easy to digest and understand.

The characters shine in this story, particularly Tanwen, whose bravery and determination drive the plot forward. Her journey is as much about personal growth as it is about rescuing her family. The supporting cast, including Zolya and Tanwen’s father Gabreel, add richness and complexity to the narrative. The forbidden romance between Tanwen and Zolya is a slow burn that beautifully underscores the broader themes of division and reconciliation. Mellow also tackles weighty themes, such as oppression, genocide, and rebellion, grounding the fantastical elements in real-world parallels. The tension between the Volari and Süra is explored with nuance, and the book challenges traditions and hierarchies in a way that feels timely and impactful. I did feel that Zolya’s character development lags behind Tanwen’s. His introspection and angst occasionally make him feel like a passive participant in the story compared to Tanwen’s relentless drive.

The ending, while not a cliffhanger, leaves many threads unresolved, particularly in the political arena. This sets the stage for a sequel and makes sense with the overall story. I definitely can’t wait to read more of Tanwen and Zolya’s story. E.J. Mellow has definitely delivered a captivating and thought-provoking tale that stands out in the romantasy genre.

Overall, with its richly developed world and morally complex characters, “Scorched Skies” is a journey worth taking. Fans of slow burns and high stakes will be eagerly counting down the days until the sequel.

A slow burn romantasy with star crossed lovers and such a poignant story! I flew through this one and cannot wait for the next installment. 4.5 stars

4.5⭐️ Okay i loved this book so much. The world is unique. The characters so well fleshed out. The found family aspect of it all tugs at your heartstrings—im still recovering from some of the events of this book. The ending is so well done. The story is complete but it leaves you wanting more.

I'm such a huge E.J. Mellow fan. I've never met a book by her that I didn't like and SCORCHED SKIES is no exception. This story is some of her best work to date.

A wonderful new addition to the romantasy world. The FMC faces difficult social and political challenges while building up the courage to do what's right. The world building is impressive; with a highly developed social hierarchy, history, and lore. This is a spicy, slow burn, enemies to lovers. It ends leaving you in disbelief that you have to wait so long for the next book.

ARC Review of Scorched Skies by E.J. Mellow

"Scorched Skies" by E.J. Mellow is an intricate and expansive romantasy that weaves forbidden love, political intrigue, and a dash of mythology into a story as rich as it is action-packed. The world of Cādra, with its winged Volari ruling over the earthbound Süra, is a fascinating and beautifully brutal backdrop for this tale.

There’s a lot going on in this book—court politics, rebellion, romance, and characters navigating complex choices and relationships. If you’re a fan of prince x commoner tropes or forbidden love stories, you’ll find much to enjoy here. The romance does have some spice, but it thankfully doesn’t overshadow the bigger narrative. I personally appreciated the well-rounded cast of characters and the challenges they faced, even when their decisions weren’t easy.

That said, I didn’t feel a deep connection to the story. I’ve realized books with gods and goddesses as central elements just aren’t my personal favorite, which made it harder for me to fully immerse myself. But that’s a personal preference, and I know plenty of readers will love this book for its mythology and layered storytelling.

If you enjoy rich world-building, morally complex characters, and stories that blend romance with political intrigue, Scorched Skies might be perfect for you. Even if it wasn’t my ideal read, I can see how it would resonate with others.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I think the author flew a little too close to the sun with this one.

✰ 3 stars, incredible, in-depth world building ruined by weak plot progression and underdeveloped romantic development

thank you to Montlake for the ebook in exchange for an honest review

‘Scorched Skies’ unfolds like a high fantasy read: characters too fabulously different in appearance to be human (they resemble illusory figures that might be in a psychedelic space instead) pepper the pages, while the world they live in is roughly split between the ground and the skies, each realm inhabited by a type of species that mingle but can never really be together. The Süra and the Volari are just that—two chalk-and-cheese types of creature-characters that might dally but whose union is forbidden and their supposedly-unruly, magically-unpredictable offspring a cursed blight on the landscape.

Because what can be more transgressive than being a mixed-blood outcast indeed, in a realm where the division occurs between the winged-people and the horned-ones who work the earth? But the presence of that very appendage and the forbidden greyness lying in between is the constant question asked in ‘Scorched Skies’ and that bears a very close and uncomfortable resemblance to the many sharp and jagged lines that divide the world in our own reality.

Because all it takes sometimes, is a triggering event and a person determined to run against the tide of fate to upend unquestioned traditions. Add the repeated but rather literal imagery of the clipping of wings and a layered retelling on the Icarus myth starts to emerge.

These are the issues that E.J Mellow carves deep into ‘Scorched Skies’ but above all, it’s also a Süra’s desperate race to save her family whose capture is orchestrated by the Volari Crown Prince she finds herself crossing paths with with increasing frequency.

Despite this being also billed as a romance however, much of it reads like Tanwen’s story from start to end. It’s more about her tenacity and determination to save her brother and father by any means possible, with her run-ins with Zolya looking almost incidental to this driving plot line, given how much of a passive seat Zolya takes in comparison to what Tanwen achieves throughout the book. In fact, their interactions feel too superficial given their opposing alliances and their own secrets; as a result, both Tanwen and Zolya seem too unequally-matched when Zolya is too much of a compliant prince caught up in his own (helpless but selfish?) angst to add more to the story. He simply remains a tortured piece of eye-candy for most of it; it’s mostly Tanwen caught in the thick of action though there’re too many rough times ahead for me to hope there'll be more promising character growth for him in the future.

‘Scorched Skies’ doesn’t end on a traditional cliffhanger but there are still secrets to be revealed and a political mess to sort through. More than Zolya/Tanwen however, I’m actually keen to see how the other characters get on and to say I’m eagerly awaiting what comes in the aftermath of sacrifice is quite the understatement.

“You are the brightest constellation in my sky, and I forever find myself searching for a way home, to you.”

I ignored nearly every responsibility I had to keep reading this book. I was instantly immersed into its unique world of Cādra.

The Volari (who have wings and magic) are seen as the superior race in the sky while the Süra (who have horns and no magic) live on land. We have high gods of the sky and low gods of the earth and they make an appearance every now again as well. There’s a handy glossary of the gods in the book but honestly the story gives a subtle reminder who each god is as you read.

Tanwen and her twin brother are Mütra (Volari and Süra offspring) which is the forbidden race and considered an abomination because they are born with unique magic. In turn Tanwen and her family have spent their entire 22 years in hiding. And guess what Tanwens power is? She can communicate with animals!

Zolya, the crown prince, kidnaps Tanwens father and brother on the kings orders. Tanwen sees this happen and vows to go to the kingdom in the sky to save them.

This book is so well crafted. I just want everyone that enjoys Romantasy to read this book. I was initially drawn in by its beautiful cover (naturally) but over the moon happy that it turned out so perfect! We have family, forbidden love, enemies to lovers, slow burn, an evil king, oppression, magic, genocide and some amazing side characters that I absolutely fell in love with. Plus we get 3 POVs- Tanwen, Zolya and Gabreel (Tanwens dad).

The only thing that bothered me was the insane amount of times the term sister-cousin was used.

This was a great story! The world building was very good and the plot was so interesting and very well thought out! Would highly recommend!

5/5 stars

absolutely devoured this book. writing was outstanding with solid plot and immersive worldbuilding. great characters and a beautiful love story.
would recommend to anyone who loves fantasy/romantasy.

This is a gorgeously written book full of rich imagery and I truly enjoy the depth at which the author has built her world that the characters live in. Reading through, it felt so well considered and as if she had fleshed out every character so fully that each one could have their own book.

The plot develops quickly, perfectly paced so as not to leave you dragging, and the E.J. is able to bring a very traditional trope and breathe fresh air into it. The writing isn't overdone and gives as much detail as possible without being excessive.

There is so much back story, but it is given so clearly and in such a concise way that I had no issue picking up the vocabulary she's integrated into her world.

I look forward to reading her future works.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this arc ahead of publication. EJ Mellow is a new author to me, and oh BOY am I excited to have found her! This story was excellent. It was a unique take on some common themes including forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, and a slow burn, plus the beautiful references to the Icarus myth. The world-building was unique and very well done - intricate without feeling heavy or slow. The story was gripping from the very first page and it built in a way that made sense, with the action speeding up as we went along. By the time we got to the crescendo my heart was POUNDING because I was so invested in the story. There was a little more telling than showing in some areas, and I wish we had gotten to know some of the side characters better. I am excited to see where this goes in the next book (how am I going to wait for that?!) and hopeful that we'll get to see some of the supporting characters and their motivations.

Absolutely loved this book, hooked immediately, I could not put it down. 📖

After re-reading Forth Wing and Iron Flame I was genuinely worried about finding a book that would give me the same feeling of fantasy adventure, good versus evil and slow burn spice. This book delivered! 🔥

EJ Mellows had me from "His wingspan was as terrifying as it was magnificent" 🪽🪽

The world building is weaved throughout which makes the complexity of the High and Low gods easy to understand and enhances your exploration of the world and development of the plot. The story moved at a quick pace, the tension and danger had me wanting to know what was going to happen next.

Eek! The yearning, slow burn, the spice (which is perfect) and the wings 🪽😉 Can you tell I love a book boyfriend with wings?

Tanwen is a relatable, imperfect FMC who is smart, stubborn, determined and fiercely loyal.
New book boyfriend Zolya 🪽 is delicious, torn between following his heart or obeying his father, you feel his inner conflict throughout.

Stealing the show from the incredible FMC and gorgeous MMC is our animal friend Eli 💕 showing us how the tiniest of characters can still take up the biggest space in our hearts. 🐁❤️