Let the Sky Fall (1)

LET THE SKY FALL by Shannon Messenger is a new take on the paranormal romance novel. Entirely unique in its presentation of a "magical" wind-controlling people, LET THE SKY FALL soars above other paranormal stories in many, many ways, but in other ways it simply hovers - just skimming above the surface...I was definitely intrigued by the premise of LET THE SKY FALL. But I feel that it is important to lay one detail on the table right off the bat: I adore the author and her first "middle grade" book, Keeper of the Lost Cities. Therein lies the main issue I have with the "young adult" novel, LET THE SKY FALL: I imagined the character's voices to be a few years younger than "young adult".Sadly, this is especially the case with the hero, Vane. Maybe it's all the "Vane-isms" (which were quite humorous, I might add) or maybe it's the redundant and repetitive use of certain words and phrases throughout the book, I simply couldn't help but forget that Vane was supposed to be seventeen as I read. Instead, I imagined Vane as a 12-14 year old boy. I also felt the same thing about Audra. She may have the "hot body" of a seventeen year old, as Vane so conveniently reminds us every time he sees her (again with the repetition), but her maturity is what of a pre-teenager. Audra is wound up so incredibly tight throughout the majority of the novel. Initially, we learn little about her except that she's been living in a shack, following Vane around and doing little else for most of her life. (Woah, girl... Get a life! It'll also earn you more of a personality!) But then again, her responsibility to Vane was the whole purpose of her roll within the novel, so I totally get why Shannon presented Audra this way...I did not care for the constant reminder of certain facts and details while I read. These characters had a lot of inner-dialogue in their alternating perspectives, and they were both thinking the same things over and over. Foreshadowing is always present in LET THE SKY FALL. I think it may have been used a little too frequently. By the time I reached the climax, certain things had been stressed so frequently throughout the novel that I already had a pretty good idea what the outcome would be. I was right in most counts. Not all, but most. Totally killed the element of surprise for me, but it was still fun to watch things unfold.That being said (you would think that I did not like LET THE SKY FALL based on everything I have mentioned thus far) I did enjoy reading this novel very much. I liked Vane's personality and found his thoughts to be quite realistic in light of his "situation" (though I did see him as an emotionally immature protagonist for the reasons stated above) and Audra loosened up enough to make me care for her. Am I completely invested in their relationship? No, not as much as I am in other fictional "ships", but I am intrigued by the Windwalkers and their hidden society. Shannon's descriptions of this unique people are beautifully written and engrossing. I want to learn more about their world, and since I have a feeling that Vane and Audra will continue to grow within it, I am excited to see how their story plays out.While never fully reaching the greatness that is Keeper of the Lost Cities, LET THE SKY FALL is still a highly enjoyable start to this new young adult series. Recommended to fans of contemporary paranormal romances, such as Unearthly, Revived and Grasping at Eternity.

Captivating, beautiful, and witty, Let the Sky Fall is the perfect mix of so many elements into one whirlwind book. There is so much humor and fun, even with the rougher aspects. From a sweet and totally awkward romance to an intense and even painful story, there is an honesty which completely enamored me from the start.Vane is hilarious, ridiculous in his own way, and the kind of guy who doesn’t take things too seriously yet isn't totally useless either. He’s a bit lazy, but with the right thing to focus on, he’s intense and determined. One of my favorite things about him, though, despite his ever-present wit, is how different he is compared to many other guy characters in the genre. He’s relatable, he’s genuine and nice, he’s a bit clueless…he’s just so real, in that way of the guy who sits next to you in class, rather than the guy across the room who scares you as much as he intrigues you. I fell harder for him with every page. More than that, though, I loved watching him change and grow, watching him step up and face things that are really pretty scary and intimidating at times… and he doesn’t act totally fearless. He wears his emotions on his sleeve much of the time, and he isn't really ashamed of it either. Vane is just one of those characters who blows across the pages, as alluring as he is amusing, with a hint of a mess to him as well and I couldn’t get enough.Then there’s Audra, with an airy, lyrical voice to her that is almost stoic at the start, yet morphs into something so different, and much more empathetic towards the end. She goes through tremendous changes of her own, as equally well done as Vane’s, and the interactions, and play offs between these two is easily my favorite part of this entire book. I love Audra for her loyalty to not only the Gales, but Vane specifically, and I love her for figuring out how to also come into her own person in the midst of everything, even if it isn’t always a breeze. Audra is very much a product of her situation, with some stormy parts of her past that she hasn’t exactly faced, yet it also isn't drowning her in the way often seen.This is definitely one of those read in one sitting kind of books—the plot sucked me in at the start. There are so many elements and layers, as intricate as it is straightforward and fun. From the back story so easily blended into the bigger picture to the seamless worldbuilding, Messenger’s talent shines throughout. This is one of those books that sneaks up on you with everything actually going on, yet doesn’t overload readers at any given time. Creative in so many ways and completely easy to fall into, this book swept me off my feet. The writing is fabulous, with two very distinct voices and styles which not only lend vibrancy to Vane and Audra but makes for vivid action scenes and settings alike. Holding the perfect blend of humor and emotion, Let the Sky Fall is a breath of fresh air and is now on my favorites shelf.

For those who enjoyed reading Under The Never Sky, this book is for you. I'm, yet again, stuck for words to even explain how much I enjoyed this book. The narrations were just so natural and the everything was just tied down so well.The novel bounces from a narration from Vane and Audra. I can't decide if I like Vane or Audra better, but they have a great contrast with one another, as Audra knows little about the human kind with Vane having been brought up as a human all his life. I really liked how they essentially taught one another knowledge about their "worlds" and for Audra, her discovery of feelings. Vane is the perfect swoon-worthy male. Stubborn but determined. Friendly with his sarcastic comments. Annoyingly fictional :(Perfect balance between action and romance. I love the narrations during the training sessions, especially the way they can control the air and how it can also control them. It made everything a whole lot more intense.I was a bit blind whilst reading this book and I found everything really surprising when a new bit of information was shared, especially with Audra's side of the narration. A good bit of unexpected twisting and turning.Oh, the ending! The ending. The ending has left me ripping my hair out with my bare hands! WHY?! It reminds me why I don't like reading series' that aren't finished because of the possible cliffhanger endings.

Wer die Keeper of the lost cities-Reihe gelesen hat und nun fieberhaft auf die Fortsetzung wartet, wird versucht sein, mit dieser Reihe zu überbrücken. Die Geschichte ist tatsächlich ganz nett, aber auch nicht mehr. Die Idee mit der Windmagie ist eigentlich ganz reizvoll und die Charaktere sympathisch. Aber es kommt keine wirkliche Laune auf, es ist sogar streckenweise eher bedrückend. Das Ende des ersten Buches ist befriedigend und für mich gab es keinen Anlass, die zwei anderen Bände der Triologie zu lesen.

Using the wind to awaken our inner selves, and carry us along the path to realise and release who we really are, in concert with those around us. Shannon draws threads from personal and family life as well as friends and newcomers, weaving a tapestry of mythos to bring courage to face our true nature. I enjoyed feeling part of the story. Teens and adults alike will benefit from this story.Shannon, you’re a true Bard.

Let the Sky Fall was just so AMAZING!!! I couldn’t lay this book down. The story is just so captivating and unique.The abilities of the Sylphs and the description of the winds are truly beautifully written. And the characters!!!Gosh could Audra and Vane be any cooler? I don’t think so. They are just so likeable.Vane is witty, hilarious and sometimes immature but still not annoying. He’s lazy but when it matters he can be determined and serious.Whereas Audra is really uptight. She tries to be in control, to be responsible and make her father proud.But she also has this soft side which is really interesting to experience.Overall this book was one of the best in 2013 and I can not wait for the next one.

My daughter is eleven and enjoys this author very much.