I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have a really strong feeling that this book is going to be huge next year. I have said before that I tend to stay away from fantasy because it intimidates me, but this is one that I was able to slide into very easily. The world is completely unique (hello, floating islands and miles-long steel-plated sky serpents!). This one is fresh and exciting and definitely left me craving the next installment. From the very first page, I was captivated by the engaging characters and the unique and creative world-building.
The story follows Conrad, a sixteen-year-old who once lived amongst the upper class but has since been exiled with his mother to live as a Low on the floating island of Holmstead. Determined to enact revenge on his murderous uncle and save his sister, Conrad finds himself thrown into a dangerous competition called the Selection of the Twelve Trades. Conrad is selected into the Hunter trade, and over the course of the next several weeks, he must endure grueling training, navigate manipulative peers, and ultimately face the Gauntlet, a brutal test that pits skyship crews against monstrous gorgantauns.

What sets Sky’s End apart from other fantasy novels is its fresh and imaginative world. The concept of floating islands and sky serpents made of steel plates is utterly captivating. I also loved the concept of the skyships and how they were used to protect the islands from the gorgantauns. Gregson’s vivid descriptions breathe life into this fantastical realm, making it feel tangible and real. As a reader, I was swept away by the visual imagery and found myself completely immersed in the world of Holmstead. The battle scenes are top-notch and left me breathless.

The characters in this novel are equally compelling. Conrad, our scrappy underdog protagonist, is someone you can’t help but root for. His determination, resilience, and unwavering love for his family make him a relatable and endearing hero. What I liked most is that throughout the story, Conrad undergoes intense character growth, transforming from a naive teenager to a confident and capable young man. He also learns to work as part of a team, and honestly, his growth as a leader (and as a friend) was one of the most endearing parts of the book.

Conrad’s journey is not just about survival or revenge but also about discovering his own identity and fighting for what he believes in. The whispers of rebellion that Conrad overhears in the dark add an additional layer to the story, suggesting that there is more at stake than just the outcome of the Gauntlet.

The supporting characters are equally well-developed. Each member of Conrad’s skyship crew brings something unique to the table, and their interactions and dynamics add depth to the story. There were some very skeezy villains, unexpected allies, and some truly loyal teammates. I couldn’t help but root for this ragtag team of underdogs.
The pacing of Sky’s End is relentless. Gregson’s writing is fast-paced and action-packed, with each chapter leaving readers eager to know what happens next. The Gauntlet, in particular, is a thrilling and heart-pounding sequence that had me on the edge of my seat. The stakes are high, and Gregson skillfully ratchets up the tension to keep readers engaged from start to finish.

With its fresh world-building, compelling characters, and breakneck pacing, this book has all the ingredients of a future hit. I highly recommend diving in and joining Conrad on his dangerous quest. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.