Cielo’s search for the source of the earthquakes quickly becomes something much larger. The standout for me was O.G. He was entertaining from the moment he appeared, and the truth behind him completely caught me off guard. The worldbuilding is another strength, with each continent feeling unique while still carrying a familiar fantasy charm. This is one of those books that’s difficult to discuss without spoiling what makes it special, but the emotional payoff made the journey worthwhile.

The Sanderson inspiration is easy to spot, like the author said. Yeah, I see it.

The story quickly develops its own identity through its distinct continents, memorable characters, and unique mystery (and an even more unique twist). Melo was a standout side character, and the reveal surrounding The Shell and O.G. genuinely caught me off guard. Cielo’s journey occasionally reminded me of Tress of the Emerald Sea, while the climax gave me Mistborn vibes through its use of Valemancy. A fun fantasy adventure that wears its influences proudly while telling a story all its own.

I really enjoyed reading this I loved getting to know the magic system of this world and going on this journey overall. Irvin Embalsado does a great job in building the world and creating characters that feel like they belong in this world. It was everything I was expecting from the description and from the genre and I was glad I got to read this because it was really well done. I enjoyed the fantasy adventure element of this book and thought it was so well done, and the characters worked perfectly and felt like people you would go on adventures with.

A Particular Boy Among Air Particles ARC Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨✨ 4.71, rounded up

🎼Eclipse by Delta

I stumbled onto this book on Reddit (r/NetgalleyCommunity). This sub is both amazing and terrible - amazing because it helps me find books like this as well as books I'm desperate to read that pop up as 'Read Now.' Terrible because it's singlehandedly obliterated my Netgalley ratio, repeatedly. 😅

📓 Some fantasy novels throw reads straight into war, while others invite them to wonder first. A Particular Boy Among Air Particles by Irvin Embalsado chooses the latter, weaving a story fueled by curiosity, quiet courage, and the irresistible desire to explore the unknown. With a coming of age heart, a slowly unfolding magical mystery, and a world that feels both whimsical and meticulously constructed, this debut captures the same sense of awe as classic adventure fantasies while carving out an identity wholly its own. If you love stories where discovery is every bit as thrilling as the destination, this is one you'll want to read.

Overall, A Particular Boy Among Air Particles feels like it sits at the intersection of epic adventure and cozy fantasy: a story driven less by battles than by curiosity, friendship, and the joy of uncovering how a beautifully imagined world truly works with a thoughtful blend of wonder, mystery, and heartfelt exploration.

✨ I loved the title from the moment I first saw it, but now that I know what I know - seriously, the title is genius.

📘 Sixteen year old Cielo has spent years fascinated by the journal of the only explorer to cross the seas separating the world's isolated continents. When mysterious tremors threaten the stability of his home, he abandons the future others have planned for him and embarks on an impossible journey toward the nescience, perilous continent known only as Ruin. Along the way, strange companions, hidden truths, and a magic system women into the very air challenges everything he thought he knew about his world. And himself.

"Will he find a way to get there in time? Well. Perhaps don’t hold your breath."

🫵🏼 A Particular Boy Among Air Particles is for readers who enjoy:
• fantasy that gradually grows to epic scale and almost has an air of cozy to it
• character-driven coming of age stories
• exploration, ancient mysteries, and hidden civilizations
• gentle humor balanced with emotional depth
• softly unfolding LGBTQIA+ rep
• adventure games and/or animated series like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Castle in the Sky.

✨ LGBTQIA+ rep could be me overthinking or seeing something that isn't there as it isn't stated explicitly as far as I can recall.

❓QOTD:

❗AOTD:

📖 Plot 5/5
I love that the novel focuses on discovery, exploration, and unraveling the mysteries of the world. Leaning the magic system as Cielo does was fun and interesting. I enjoyed that embraced the adventure-driven structure and found it rewarding. It creates an exciting sense of wonder as Cielo explores and discovers the world at large. The mystery unfolds naturally as the stakes gradually increase. I loved the feeling of discovery with each new thing or area Cielo visits or learns.

📘 Themes, Metaphors, & Deeper Meaning 5/5
At its heart, the novel explores curiosity vs fear, growing beyond the expectations placed upon us, identity, the pursuit of knowledge, environmental balance, human connection, and how history shapes the present. It discusses how even seemingly insignificant (to the world as a whole) people can change the entire world. It's rich with symbolism (ha, once you read it you can't help but notice symbols) and the themes emerge organically. I adore that the emotions resonanate without becoming preachy and that it manages to keep an optimistic tone despite the dangers. I enjoyed the subtle metaphors, but I can see some readers preferring them to be more overt.

✍🏼 Prose 4.5/5
Embalsado writes with an almost lyrical, almost whimsical style that emphasizes atmosphere and imagination. It offten lingers on richly imagined scenery, emotions, and wonder.

I loved the beautiful descriptions, dreamlike atmosphere, immersive imagery, and sense of almost child-like wonder that matures alongside the protagonist. I love that it matures as the protagonist does - that heightened the immersion for me.

My only qualm was a bit of repetition here and there.

✨ I have aphantasia (no ability to picture things in my mind - it's just a empty void when I try). Embalsado often details character actions in a way that works wonderfully for me - but I can see people who are able to picture things not enjoying this aspect like I did.

🎙️ Dialogue 4.5/5
I thoroughly enjoyed the the dialogue. There's some excellent banter. I especially loved the dry, sardonic sense of humor that tinges it at times. It tends to be more thoughtful than dramatic. Characters often discuss ideas, dreams, and discoveries more than exchange rapid-fire banter (which fits the characters and story well). I love that their conversations feel sincere and emotional moments feel genuine.

I would've loved for the side/supporting characters to have a bit more distinction in their voices.

⏳ Pacing 4.5/5

Deliberately measured pacing that's on thoughtful, immersive, and a bit on the slow side, and feels rewarding. Rather than hurtling from one action scene to the next, the story unfolds like an expedition with each new place, discovery, and conversation gradually revealing a larger picture. The emphasis is on exploration, mystery, and character growth, which encouraged me to linger in the world (rather than rush through it). I loved the steady sense of discovery and that chapter by chapter we learn more pieces of the world's history, geography, and magic. It made the exploration itself feel rewarding. The 'journey before destination' approach takes its time building emotional investment before raising the stakes. I love that the quieter moments deepen both the world and the characters - it makes later developments more impactful. The momentum is consistently forward. There's often a new mystery, location, or revelation pulling the story forward.

The beginning was a tiny bit on the slow side. I was interested, but not quite invested the first few chapters or so. There were a couple of occasions where descriptions and reflective passages slowed momentum.

🗺️ Worldbuilding 5/5
This aspect is a highlight of the novel. It's grand in scope, well developed and richly imagined.

Initially, we're focused on a small part of a world (one continent out of 6). But within a few chapters, the world expands greatly and continues to do so throughout. Every new location introduces fresh cultures, mysteries, geography, and history.

I love that we explore and learn the world and its rich geography alongside Cielo. In the same way, we learn ancient lore and history. These things combined with adventure ste storytelling lead to organic, immersive worldbuilding. The world feels old and lived in.

🔮 Magic 5/5
The magic system is well built and explained. It's deeply connected to the world's natural laws and revealed gradually through exploration. It's not quite a hard nor soft magic system, sitting somewhere in the middle. Magic use has rational, realistic consequences from using it.

I love that the magic is unique (to me, at least, as I've never read magic like this) and feels integrated into the worlds ecology. I love that the discovery of magic mirrors Cielo's journey and consistent internal logic.

👥 Characters 4.5/5
Cielo is a compelling, relatable protagonist whose greatest strength is his curiosity. His growth feels earned. Much of the novel focuses on how travel, friendship, and discovery gradually reshape his worldview. I love that we get strong friendships, emotional growth that feels natural, and character development driven by experience (rather than trauma).

Supporting characters have each contribute meaningfully to the journey, though some receive more development than others. Their arcs are more subtle than Cielo's, which I think works well.

I would've loved for some side characters to be a bit more developed, a bit more page time. I do wonder if the side characters were intentionally limited in order to ensure the focus stayed on the main character - Cielo. Regardless, I would've like just a touch more development of them.

📚 Read if you enjoyed:

BIPOC Comps
Green Bone Saga (Fonda Lee)
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (SA Chakraborty)
The Jasmine Throne (Tasha Suri)
Legendborn (Tracy Deonn)
A Master of Djinn (P. Djèlí Clark)
Raybearer (Jordan Ifueko)

Queer Comps
The Sunbearer Trials (Aiden Thomas)
Witchmark (CL Polk)
The House in the Cerulean Sea (TJ Klune)
The Lightning Struck Heaet (TJ Klune)
In Other Lands (Sarah Rees Brennan)
A Taste of Gold and Iron (Alexandra Rowland)

Indie Comps
The Fall Before Flight (Kristine Castillo Negron)
The Ore Monger (Zaid Hasan)
Of Hoarfrost and Blood (Scarlet Tempest)
The Devil's Apprentice (Kenneth B Andersen)
To Touch a Silent Fury (RA Sandpiper)
Gift of the Shaper (DL Jennings) ✨I think this one is indie but I'm not 100% sure

Trad Pub Comps
Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson)
Tress of the Emerald Sea (BrandoSando)
The Wizard of Earthsea (Ursula K LeGuin)
The Girl who Drank the Moon (Kelly Barnhill)
The Bone Ships (RJ Barker)
The Lies of Locke Lamora (Scott Lynch)


Thank you to Irvin Embalsado, Amazon KDP, and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and freely given.