Ann Sei Lin's debut novel "Rebel Skies" is a fantasy adventure novel that readers will enjoy. Kurara has only her friend Haru onboard the flying shiip, the Midori, where they work as servants and she is hiding a secret; she can make things out of paper that come to life and will be feared for it. When a wild paper animal destorys the Midori and Haru with it, Kurara begins a quest to get her only friend back by getting information from the Imperial Princess's private library. Who will be her friends along the way and who will turn into an enemy when they learn Kurara's secrets?

This book was categorized as YA, but I feel it would be better labeled as middle grade. The story is fast paced and the characters are engaging. Anyone that is interested in Japanese mythology or fans of Japanese animation will love this story as will anyone who enjoys a good fantasy adventure. ( )

The pros:
- Interesting world
- Cool magic
- A few lovely characters
- Lots of action/very fast moving plot

The not so great:
- Needed more editing
- Clunky/juvenile writing

I really wanted to love this - the story and the world are so interesting and fun, but it wasn't executed very well. The writing is stilted and awkward, especially when attempting to solidify the misogyny of the men. The internal monologues from several male POVs are exceptionally cringey, and high stakes moments lose their emotional momentum in the poor writing.

TBD on if I continue the series. I wouldn't try to persuade anyone out of reading it, and younger audiences probably won't notice much of what bogged it down for me; a disappointing read for me, though.

The story telling was Really great! It’s young adult so not my genre but I’m happy to share it with others. ( )

This book grew quite a lot on me. The first few pages seemed like I might be getting a poorly executed excellent idea, but by a third of the way through I was enjoying myself quite a lot, and appreciating the craft of its structure. ( )

Rebel Skies" by Ann Sei Lin is a captivating debut that whisks readers away to a mesmerizing world of adventure, magic, and intrigue. Set in a realm of floating cities and skyships, this action-packed tale follows Kurara, a servant aboard the Midori, who possesses a remarkable secret: the ability to bring folded paper figures to life. Lin's storytelling prowess shines as she weaves a narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The dynamic characters, particularly Kurara and the gruff yet endearing Himura, leap off the page with their depth and complexity, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested in their journey. It's giving Studio Ghibli vibes. From the bustling floating cities to the ethereal shikigami spirits, every detail is meticulously crafted, immersing readers in a world brimming with magic and wonder. While "Rebel Skies" delivers on its promises of action and intrigue, it also delves into deeper themes of identity, trust, and the consequences of power. As Kurara grapples with her newfound abilities and the political machinations surrounding her, readers are drawn into a thought-provoking exploration of morality and self-discovery. Overall, "Rebel Skies" is a spellbinding adventure that will appeal to anyone who appreciates a gripping tale of courage and resilience. With its captivating storyline, richly drawn characters, and enchanting world-building, this debut is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ( )