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alkora's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
betwixt_the_pages's review
4.0
They’re always watching. They’re always waiting. They’re always starving…
Ten years ago, the sky shattered and the Hellions emerged. No one was able to keep them from destroying the city of Westraven. Now that the bloodthirsty monsters rule the skies and have forced the few remaining humans underground, Claire Abernathy lives in a nightmare. She survives by using her skills as an engineer for a ruthless tyrant connected to her mother and father’s past failure.
Then Claire’s world is torn apart when her sister Abby is kidnapped by the Hellions, and Claire herself is taken by dangerous sky pirates known as marauders. But Claire will not be intimidated by them while her sister’s life hangs by a thread, and so she strikes a deal with them: If they help rescue Abby, she will fix their ship and give them the chance to take the revenge they desperately seek.
As Claire fights for her sister’s life, she begins to realize that the Hellions are not the only dangers she’ll face. Burdensome secrets and devastating betrayals threaten her at every turn, and if she loses herself to them, it won’t just be her life that is destroyed…
Rating: 4/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: vampires versus pirates!; steamy, sexy romance turned into icky love triangle--what?!; I mean really, these characters are STUBBORN!; lots of snark and sass, especially between our main duo; interesting, though slightly confusing, world-building; steampunk stacked on horror; special snowflake MC
HUGE thanks to Amy Braun and Giselle @ Xpresso Book Tours for sending me a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
My heart pinched in my chest. I absorbed the pain, pushed it away, and glanced at the shadows Sawyer had disappeared into.
Where my fear blinded my rage, the opposite was true for Sawyer. Whatever--or whoever--he lost to the Hellions had pushed him beyond the point of pain.
So, if you look above to my "quick reasons" blurb, you'll note that this book had three things that GREATLY intrigued me throughout: vampires, pirates, and steampunk/dystopian. It sounds like an odd mix, doesn't it? A little bit off-the-wall, perhaps a LOT weird? Well, rest assured, dear penguins: it was all of that, and more...and it was BRILLIANT.
Let me just get this out of the way right quick: this book? is not the easiest of things to read. There are a LOT of grammatical errors/missing words. It didn't make the book any more difficult to read--it was pretty easy to fill in the blanks and figure out which words were meant to be where, etc....but it did get a bit frustrating, hence the slightly lower rating than I would have otherwise given it. Like I said: not really a hindrance to the read, but an annoyance. Alas, such is how things go, right?!
"Well?" snapped Sawyer.
I shot him a piercing glare. "Give me a minute."
"I don't have enough bullets to buy you minutes," he snapped back. "You have seconds."
But let's put grammatical issues aside and focus on the things that REALLY count, shall we? This story is SUCH an entertaining, horrifying, interesting read! While I was slightly disappointed with the world-building (like...we know almost nothing about the Hellions, save they came through some sort of gap in space/time and are, at least in my opinion, rather a lot like giant mosquitoes--no, seriously, that's what I imagined throughout the entire book!), the read itself is fast-paced and easy to fall into. So while some of the finer details slipped through the cracks...in the end, I could NOT put this book down or stop reading to save my life. I was just too interested in finding out what happened next!
The characters are just as vibrant and unique as the rest of the story--with their own mixed bag of secrets and pressure points. I almost immediately jumped on the Sawyer/Claire ship...only to be HUGELY disappointed and full of rage, only to jump back on it...only to be even MORE disappointed and full of rage. These two characters are going to be the end of me, I swear it--seriously, guys, stop being stubborn and let things happeeeeeen! The snark and sass flung between them is electrifying (and not always in a good way); they push each other, they help each other grow... I just. OY with the poodles already!
Every survivor believed in the impossible to stay alive. Hopes and dreams were too often crushed by the harsh reality of our world and lives.
Yet as I stood in the clouds under the moon, feeling the cool wind caress my face and hair, whispering of freedom and adventure, I knew I wouldn't give up. I was determined to risk the impossible.
Raging love-triangle hormones aside, I had a TON of fun reading this and cannot wait to dive into book two (which is conveniently waiting for me patiently--yay, ARCs!) The characters are bright and individualized, the plot is entertaining (if a bit confusing on the world-building front), and the snark is enough to detonate at least a hundred Hellion airships. This is steampunk/dystopian goodness at it's best...with pirates and vampires thrown in for good measure. I definitely recommend to lovers of...pretty much anything I said above! Seriously, if this review piques your interest at all, you should let the book speak for itself--you're bound to love the journey!
nelljustice's review
5.0
One word to describe this book: “In-freaking-credible”!! I admit I don’t give out many 5 stars, but this one is it. It is a “one-sit” wonder. I started reading after work and didn’t put it down until the very end.
Claire’s world is harsh. When you think of electricians and engineers, I’m sure you don’t think of wicked evil warlords. Electricians and Engineers is the primo occupation during this time. If you control the electricity or can fix any complicated machine, you are fairly safe. Not entirely, though. Everyone has an agenda and everyone wants to be the king of the mountain.
Claire lives within a colony of humans who lives below ground in very poor accommodations. Think of peasants in the medieval times with access to small steampunk like tools and generators powering big airships. The creatures that are the most savage are the Hellions – vampire like demons that suck dry any human they can find above ground. Claire is vulnerable because she wants to protect her 8 year old sister (a sister who has never known a world without monsters) so she has to work for the warlord. The warlord beats her within an inch of her life more often than not, but she can’t run away. Where would she go? The warlord controls food, shelter, electricity – everything. It’s a vicious circle.
The adventure starts when 8 year old Abby is stolen by the Hellions. Claire is “captured” by pirates and has to convince this crew of marauders to help her save her sister. She makes a deal with them and commences the fight of her life. Her side of the deal isn’t impossible, but what she wants in exchange….wowzer…that in all reality has very slim chances of success.
badge5v4When you start this book, be sure you have time to finish. It is fast paced and sometimes I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what happened next. Once Abby is taken, the adventure is ON. I couldn’t look away, I couldn’t get anything to eat. It was THAT good. OH, and there is no cliffhanger, but there is indication there will be more books.
Claire’s world is harsh. When you think of electricians and engineers, I’m sure you don’t think of wicked evil warlords. Electricians and Engineers is the primo occupation during this time. If you control the electricity or can fix any complicated machine, you are fairly safe. Not entirely, though. Everyone has an agenda and everyone wants to be the king of the mountain.
Claire lives within a colony of humans who lives below ground in very poor accommodations. Think of peasants in the medieval times with access to small steampunk like tools and generators powering big airships. The creatures that are the most savage are the Hellions – vampire like demons that suck dry any human they can find above ground. Claire is vulnerable because she wants to protect her 8 year old sister (a sister who has never known a world without monsters) so she has to work for the warlord. The warlord beats her within an inch of her life more often than not, but she can’t run away. Where would she go? The warlord controls food, shelter, electricity – everything. It’s a vicious circle.
The adventure starts when 8 year old Abby is stolen by the Hellions. Claire is “captured” by pirates and has to convince this crew of marauders to help her save her sister. She makes a deal with them and commences the fight of her life. Her side of the deal isn’t impossible, but what she wants in exchange….wowzer…that in all reality has very slim chances of success.
badge5v4When you start this book, be sure you have time to finish. It is fast paced and sometimes I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what happened next. Once Abby is taken, the adventure is ON. I couldn’t look away, I couldn’t get anything to eat. It was THAT good. OH, and there is no cliffhanger, but there is indication there will be more books.
raeanne's review
3.0
Received a free copy to review from Xpresso Reads
The Good:
• Interesting take on vampires
• Liked the Gaslamp factors and Claire’s engineering magic
• Liked the character progression and reveals
The Bad & The Other:
• Took some time to become engaged & warm up to Claire
• Predictable
• Knew Sawyer’s secret immediately
Claire, our reluctant heroine, was annoying at times in the beginning and felt off. I was very tired of hearing “I don’t know and don’t wanna.” It was also hard hearing her think she’s no one and nothing when that’s so clearly wrong. I was just waiting for her to get her shit together.
Once the pirates crash the scene it gets interesting. However, there was hamhanded foreshadowing throughout. Every time someone said “it’ll be fine” or ignored their instincts it bit them in the ass. Plus, there’s no self-awareness or fake outs. While I wasn’t 100% right about how, I was right about what would happen.
Even with all that, Claire grew on me as did Sawyer. For me, even if it was strained at times, the action and romance saved Crimson Sky. While the worldbuilding was interesting, I didn’t start caring until the characters showed up.
Towards the end, there’s a…complication, a romantic complication. While I went “Noooooo! But Sawyer!”, I didn’t hate him or the situation. It was fitting and Claire’s realization at the end was touching.
3 Stars: Solid. A rocky thus slow beginning led to predictable but enjoyable action and a budding romance I can cheer for. Finally engaged, I look forward to reading Midnight Sky. I think it’ll pay off and the unique worldbuilding will get to shine.
The Good:
• Interesting take on vampires
• Liked the Gaslamp factors and Claire’s engineering magic
• Liked the character progression and reveals
The Bad & The Other:
• Took some time to become engaged & warm up to Claire
• Predictable
• Knew Sawyer’s secret immediately
Claire, our reluctant heroine, was annoying at times in the beginning and felt off. I was very tired of hearing “I don’t know and don’t wanna.” It was also hard hearing her think she’s no one and nothing when that’s so clearly wrong. I was just waiting for her to get her shit together.
Once the pirates crash the scene it gets interesting. However, there was hamhanded foreshadowing throughout. Every time someone said “it’ll be fine” or ignored their instincts it bit them in the ass. Plus, there’s no self-awareness or fake outs. While I wasn’t 100% right about how, I was right about what would happen.
Even with all that, Claire grew on me as did Sawyer. For me, even if it was strained at times, the action and romance saved Crimson Sky. While the worldbuilding was interesting, I didn’t start caring until the characters showed up.
Towards the end, there’s a…complication, a romantic complication. While I went “Noooooo! But Sawyer!”, I didn’t hate him or the situation. It was fitting and Claire’s realization at the end was touching.
3 Stars: Solid. A rocky thus slow beginning led to predictable but enjoyable action and a budding romance I can cheer for. Finally engaged, I look forward to reading Midnight Sky. I think it’ll pay off and the unique worldbuilding will get to shine.
chyina's review
4.0
Sewer dwellers. Pirates. And strange monsters that appeared out of a void in space. What's not to love?
brokebybooks's review
3.0
Received a free copy to review from Xpresso Reads
The Good:
• Interesting take on vampires
• Liked the Gaslamp factors and Claire’s engineering magic
• Liked the character progression and reveals
The Bad & The Other:
• Took some time to become engaged & warm up to Claire
• Predictable
• Knew Sawyer’s secret immediately
Claire, our reluctant heroine, was annoying at times in the beginning and felt off. I was very tired of hearing “I don’t know and don’t wanna.” It was also hard hearing her think she’s no one and nothing when that’s so clearly wrong. I was just waiting for her to get her shit together.
Once the pirates crash the scene it gets interesting. However, there was hamhanded foreshadowing throughout. Every time someone said “it’ll be fine” or ignored their instincts it bit them in the ass. Plus, there’s no self-awareness or fake outs. While I wasn’t 100% right about how, I was right about what would happen.
Even with all that, Claire grew on me as did Sawyer. For me, even if it was strained at times, the action and romance saved Crimson Sky. While the worldbuilding was interesting, I didn’t start caring until the characters showed up.
Towards the end, there’s a…complication, a romantic complication. While I went “Noooooo! But Sawyer!”, I didn’t hate him or the situation. It was fitting and Claire’s realization at the end was touching.
3 Stars: Solid. A rocky thus slow beginning led to predictable but enjoyable action and a budding romance I can cheer for. Finally engaged, I look forward to reading Midnight Sky. I think it’ll pay off and the unique worldbuilding will get to shine.
The Good:
• Interesting take on vampires
• Liked the Gaslamp factors and Claire’s engineering magic
• Liked the character progression and reveals
The Bad & The Other:
• Took some time to become engaged & warm up to Claire
• Predictable
• Knew Sawyer’s secret immediately
Claire, our reluctant heroine, was annoying at times in the beginning and felt off. I was very tired of hearing “I don’t know and don’t wanna.” It was also hard hearing her think she’s no one and nothing when that’s so clearly wrong. I was just waiting for her to get her shit together.
Once the pirates crash the scene it gets interesting. However, there was hamhanded foreshadowing throughout. Every time someone said “it’ll be fine” or ignored their instincts it bit them in the ass. Plus, there’s no self-awareness or fake outs. While I wasn’t 100% right about how, I was right about what would happen.
Even with all that, Claire grew on me as did Sawyer. For me, even if it was strained at times, the action and romance saved Crimson Sky. While the worldbuilding was interesting, I didn’t start caring until the characters showed up.
Towards the end, there’s a…complication, a romantic complication. While I went “Noooooo! But Sawyer!”, I didn’t hate him or the situation. It was fitting and Claire’s realization at the end was touching.
3 Stars: Solid. A rocky thus slow beginning led to predictable but enjoyable action and a budding romance I can cheer for. Finally engaged, I look forward to reading Midnight Sky. I think it’ll pay off and the unique worldbuilding will get to shine.
novelbloglover's review
5.0
Book Review
Title: Crimson Sky
Author: Amy Braun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Steam Punk/Dystopian
Rating: *****
Review: This book was sent to me by the author; Amy Braun and this is book 1 in the Dark Sky Series, so I can’t wait to read the follow up novels. I loved the opening sentence “The sky used to hold hope for me”, as it gives off a major sense of foreboding before the book has even really begun. A lot of books have great first chapters but the first line or page isn’t great, but Amy Braun got this opening so right.
I loved the Hellions they are scary and provide an epic survival scene on the first page, they also reminded me of the abbies from the Wayward Pines series by Blake Crouch which I absolutely loved.
I also enjoyed the fact Braun uses things we take for granted everyday like light and food are used as ways of maintaining secondary power and what I mean by this is the Hellions hold the primary power as they are the dominant force but the Electricians hold secondary power over everyone else and in their distress they create order in some way but overall its a dictatorship not a democracy.
We follow Claire and her younger sister Abbey, we look at their struggles underground. Claire is an engineer and is trying to escape for the Electrician; Garnet mainly for her sister. We learn that if Claire doesn’t get herself and Abbey out in the next 4 years (by the time Abbey is 12), she will be used for the repopulation program run by Garnet himself and Claire will end up dead. So immediately we sympathize with her cause and are counting on her to win, but in dystopian novels with a superior force like the Hellions it doesn’t really work that way so I’m intrigued to see what Braun does with this genre.
We can also see in this time of need Claire has a plan to figure out what her mother meant when she saved them and what the strange key on her necklace is for. This is great because Claire is struggling to unravel the secrets of her past while staying mental and physical present in the here and now and no one knows what the future will hold, if there is a future at all.
I loved the fight scenes, there are bloody battles one after another between the humans and Hellions and there are some Marauders thrown into the mix as well. I also like the romance feel between Claire and Sawyer, especially his nickname for Claire “firecracker”.
I also loved how the friendships bloomed between the four with the hatred of the enemy and their unity in their quest for survival and freedom from the tyranny of Garnet and the Hellions. I also loved how Amy Braun has weaved some absolutely elegant backstories into Crimson Sky despite it only being just over a hundred pages long.
My favourite thing about this novel is there is hardly any fluffiness, all the characters have tragic backstories, they are all broken and can’t be restored but they can accept their lives and move on. For a sci-fi/steam punk novel it is very real, it is almost similar to the Hunger Games.
My favourite character was Claire because not only is she an awesome character and developed well throughout the novel but she also serves a far higher purpose. She also does the impossible on a regular basis like fighting the Hellions on their ship, at first I though she was insane but then you realise it is the one move the Hellions won’t be expecting. It gives them the element of surprise and that makes Claire a genius.
And the ending was amazing. I honestly believe Amy Braun could have written Crimson Sky as a 300+ page novel with more detail on the world, the Strom and delving in deeper to the characters backstories especially that of Claires parents and Sawyers family. But the 100+ pages is a great length for this story as it allows something to always be happening whether its an action packed fight scene or a slightly romantic one. It always the story to be fast paced and gripping through its entirety and I loved it, I am definitely going to be reading more by Amy Braun.
If you liked the Hunger Games or the Wayward Pines Series read Crimson Sky. It just like these only with more steam punk!
Title: Crimson Sky
Author: Amy Braun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Steam Punk/Dystopian
Rating: *****
Review: This book was sent to me by the author; Amy Braun and this is book 1 in the Dark Sky Series, so I can’t wait to read the follow up novels. I loved the opening sentence “The sky used to hold hope for me”, as it gives off a major sense of foreboding before the book has even really begun. A lot of books have great first chapters but the first line or page isn’t great, but Amy Braun got this opening so right.
I loved the Hellions they are scary and provide an epic survival scene on the first page, they also reminded me of the abbies from the Wayward Pines series by Blake Crouch which I absolutely loved.
I also enjoyed the fact Braun uses things we take for granted everyday like light and food are used as ways of maintaining secondary power and what I mean by this is the Hellions hold the primary power as they are the dominant force but the Electricians hold secondary power over everyone else and in their distress they create order in some way but overall its a dictatorship not a democracy.
We follow Claire and her younger sister Abbey, we look at their struggles underground. Claire is an engineer and is trying to escape for the Electrician; Garnet mainly for her sister. We learn that if Claire doesn’t get herself and Abbey out in the next 4 years (by the time Abbey is 12), she will be used for the repopulation program run by Garnet himself and Claire will end up dead. So immediately we sympathize with her cause and are counting on her to win, but in dystopian novels with a superior force like the Hellions it doesn’t really work that way so I’m intrigued to see what Braun does with this genre.
We can also see in this time of need Claire has a plan to figure out what her mother meant when she saved them and what the strange key on her necklace is for. This is great because Claire is struggling to unravel the secrets of her past while staying mental and physical present in the here and now and no one knows what the future will hold, if there is a future at all.
I loved the fight scenes, there are bloody battles one after another between the humans and Hellions and there are some Marauders thrown into the mix as well. I also like the romance feel between Claire and Sawyer, especially his nickname for Claire “firecracker”.
I also loved how the friendships bloomed between the four with the hatred of the enemy and their unity in their quest for survival and freedom from the tyranny of Garnet and the Hellions. I also loved how Amy Braun has weaved some absolutely elegant backstories into Crimson Sky despite it only being just over a hundred pages long.
My favourite thing about this novel is there is hardly any fluffiness, all the characters have tragic backstories, they are all broken and can’t be restored but they can accept their lives and move on. For a sci-fi/steam punk novel it is very real, it is almost similar to the Hunger Games.
My favourite character was Claire because not only is she an awesome character and developed well throughout the novel but she also serves a far higher purpose. She also does the impossible on a regular basis like fighting the Hellions on their ship, at first I though she was insane but then you realise it is the one move the Hellions won’t be expecting. It gives them the element of surprise and that makes Claire a genius.
And the ending was amazing. I honestly believe Amy Braun could have written Crimson Sky as a 300+ page novel with more detail on the world, the Strom and delving in deeper to the characters backstories especially that of Claires parents and Sawyers family. But the 100+ pages is a great length for this story as it allows something to always be happening whether its an action packed fight scene or a slightly romantic one. It always the story to be fast paced and gripping through its entirety and I loved it, I am definitely going to be reading more by Amy Braun.
If you liked the Hunger Games or the Wayward Pines Series read Crimson Sky. It just like these only with more steam punk!
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