Strap in for a high-octane mission that hurls Conrad and crew toward jaw-dropping discoveries that could trigger total obliteration, in Book Two of the Above the Black fantasy trilogy from the New York Times bestselling author of Sky's End.
It takes guts to rise to the top of Meritocracy. It'll take sheer ruthlessness to stay there. As militants and monsters lay waste to the Skylands, Uncle's lawless tyranny threatens to unravel fragile Trade alliances. Conrad, no longer a mere Captain, now commands a squadron of ships at the order of the King. But Conrad's High status can't protect him from his own turmoil, and the price of power is steeped in blood.
Tormented by tragedies of war and by betrayal from his own family, Conrad must prove his worth to all of the Skylands. Led by an unhinged Explorer, Conrad embarks on a secret expedition to turn the tides of battle—before another island falls at the jaws of the gigataun. It's a journey fraught with peril: Deadly monstrosities. Sabotage. Stowaways. And with friendships pushed to the brink and gentle romance stirring, Conrad will have to muster more than courage to weather the raging storms ahead.
Order your copy of Book Two of the Above the Black trilogy and continue the adventure! Marc J Gregson expands his fast-paced fantasy universe with shocking twists, treacherous battles, and a memorable cast of characters. Fans of Frank Herbert and Jules Verne will appreciate touches of classic science fiction, including speculative frontiers and turbulent political intrigue.
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Release date
January 7, 2025 -
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- ISBN: 9781682637074
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- ISBN: 9781682637074
- File size: 1784 KB
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Table of contents to all chapters of the text via links.
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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Kirkus
November 1, 2024
In the aftermath of the events ofSky's End (2024), Conrad finds himself entrenched in the war against the Below. Now Captain of his Hunter ship and Prince of the Skylands, he faces the challenges that come with his high rank. Conrad's ruthless uncle rules with an iron fist, demanding unwavering loyalty from Conrad and his sister, Ella. Conrad's feelings for Bryce deepen, but his uncle's disapproval of her as a suitable partner puts their relationship in a precarious position. As Conrad navigates the complexities of leadership, he must make tough choices about the future of his family, friends, and the islands under his protection. Meanwhile, the Lantians, the people of the Below, continue to infiltrate the Skylands' ranks, unleashing deadly new creatures in the skies, and Conrad's uncle assigns him a pivotal mission, one that could alter the course of the war. While the book is packed with action, some of the battle scenes become repetitive, and some judicious trimming would have made the story feel punchier. However, readers will gain deeper insights into the worldbuilding, including the roles of the various Trades and the motivations of the Lantians. The ending sets the stage for an exciting trilogy finale. Most characters are cued white. A fast-paced if overlong middle volume that will leave fans eager for the series closer.(Science fiction. 14-18)COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Booklist
January 1, 2025
Grades 7-12 After Prince Conrad Urwin's sky squadron suffers a terrible blow from a torton, an electric breathing, biomechanical tortoise from the Below, his uncle, King Urwin, gives him one last chance to prove himself: a mission to find Weapon's secrets. Although a Lantian ambush, mutiny, a homecoming, epic duels, and nothing short of the almighty gigatuan delay his mission, Conrad's journey leads to a finale packed with revelatory truths and puzzling questions waiting to be explained in book three. While the dizzying battles between the Skylands and the Below keep readers on the edge of their seats, the deeper character and setting engagement allow space to reflect on characters that struggle in the gray area between right and wrong in a surprisingly relatable world. Conrad's unique position as prince and his strong moral path steer him toward situations where his choices will help readers grasp both the challenges and rewards of becoming a strong leader. Overall, Gregson's second entry of the Above the Black trilogy provides a fast-paced story loaded with intense battles and ever-deepening characterization.COPYRIGHT(2025) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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School Library Journal
May 1, 2025
Gr 8 Up-Surviving the Gauntlet and reuniting with his sister Ella are only the beginning of Conrad's problems in this second book of the "Above the Black" trilogy. Conrad's position as his uncle's heir remains tenuous and Ella is unwilling to accept Conrad, suspicious of his compassion for his crew. When Conrad is tasked by his uncle, the king, to stop the Below's most dangerous engineered metallic beast, failure could mean losing Ella forever. Flashy action sequences and vividly described battles keep up the momentum but leave little room for character development. Glimpses at Conrad's interiority in his first-person narration adds complexity but fails to reconcile his deep-seated ambition to rise within the Meritocracy with his repeated disregard for status in the face of doing what he feels is morally right. Conrad is white, and the supporting cast have a variety of skin tones and backgrounds. VERDICT A dramatic installment for fans and a solid comp for battle-centric shonen titles and dystopian novels.
Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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