Let the Sky Fall (edition 2013)

2.5 stars and... I think that's a bit generous.
Le sigh. ( )

"I donā€™t know where Iā€™m going. But itā€™s time to find my peace."
ā€”Audra

The things that caught my interest the first time I saw this book was mainly its title.
It kind of reminded me of Adele's song for James Bond film, and since that song was quite catchy, this book stuck in my head as well.

Then, there was the cover. Couple, hugging, and orange. A real, bright orange.
I didn't see many books supporting orange cover and looking great this day, but this book definitely did.
Lastly, there was an uncommon mythical creature being told here.
Not faery, not vampire, not werewolf, and not all of their overly-told YA creature friend. And that was a definite huge plus point that made me picked this book up almost immediately.

Let the Sky Fall told us about Vane Weston, the so-called 'Miracle Child' who survived a tornado that killed his entire family with barely a scratch.
Remember nothing about his past, the only thing he ever seen from before his parent's death was a girl.
A dark haired, dark eyed girl who had haunted his dreams ever since.
But when hisā€”literallyā€”dream girl turned out to be a real person, Vane's life was about to take a drastic turn as he learned his true heritage . . . And a deep-buried secret that could shatter them both.

The opening of this book was gripping, and it was really easy for me to delve into the world of Let the Sky Fall. The world building was well-told, and really imaginable.
The concept of wind-controlling sylph who can't eat and drink to get their full ability was interesting as well, and it really was a fresh read on today's YA Fantasy dominated by common myth creature.
The plot line was fast-paced, and the PoV switch between Vane and Audra was woven well enough that made the story flowed with ease, and still be detailed and informative.
The twist in the end of the book was really shocking and unpredictable as well, and it really opened up many possibilities for the next book.

The character of this book, however, was not as brilliant as the plot.
There were some strong and memorable character, such as Vane. But the secondary character, even the important ones, lacked development and tended to feel flat and not so believable.
Vane Weston, as our main character, was surprisingly hilarious and very likable. I didn't read many books told mainly from a boy PoV, but Vane's strong and unique personality, as well as his distinct voice and inner thought made this book really enjoyable to be read even by the people who were not really fond of boy's PoV.
I also love how he was not all flat and able to master this and that in a blink of an eye, but rather had to work his way to achieve it. His personality really stood out as well, and by not having an all-nice-and-heroic character, he was actually able to stood out more.
Audra, our other main character as well as Vane's counterpart, though, was a different case. It was not like she was boring or annoying or irritating, but rather . . . bland.
She was portrayed as a tough and hard girl, but at first, she came out a bit too flat and stereotypical.
Nearing the end of the book, she eventually developed some characteristic that made her quite interesting, but I personally thought that even when the book ended, she was still not strong and memorable enough as a main character.

Some things, other than Audra, that I'm not quite fond of this book, was its antagonist, Raiden.
He was first introduced when Audra told Vane what really happened the day his parents died, what he was looking for, and what he was capable of.
Even though he was mentioned a lot on this book, Raiden never actually made an appearance. And, well, okay, even though he wasn't there at all, the climax was quite great to keep the reader flipping the pages and wanting to know more.
But I thing what was lacking from this book are the tension, the stakes, and what would Vane lose if he failed. Sure, Audra told him this and that, but that didn't actually make the readers feel they should root for Vaneā€”because the threat was simply not real enough, and didn't quite hit. And Raiden was just a mere name, which really didn't help.

Overall, even though this book didn't really have a strong supporting character, I think the concept was really great and unique.
If you are looking for a YA Fantasy to be read, and would like to try something new and not your ordinary mythical creatures, you should definitely give this one a try. ( )

Shannon Messenger, welcome to my favorite authors list!

I really, really enjoyed 'Let the Sky Fall' and I think it had a lot to do with loving the writing style. Similar to what I experienced when reading 'Keeper of the Lost Cities', Messenger started 'Let the Sky Fall' off with a bang, created fantastic characters, and crafted a very easy to read story.

( )

This story was definitely more interesting than I was prepared to give it credit for. I especially enjoyed the back and forth POV from Audra to Vane. This not only helped me feel more connected with both characters but also built the suspense as you awaited to return to the other charater's POV. It was refreshing to read something new amongst the typical YA paranormal but it still followed the expected formula along the way. As a first in a series and one of Messenger's first novels I suppose it makes sense to do so. Vane was awesome. I love Messenger's take on the teenage boy and being inside his thoughts were great! Audra was a tough cookie to crack and her self sacrifice and guilt were beginning to irritate me and yet all at the same time I understood it well. This was not one of my favorites, the story moves at a snail's pace and there was much more I would have preferred to see/read but it was still a solid read all around. I'll definitely be checking in on the second part. ( )

There is a lot predictable about this paranormal YA coming of age book; a lot that is creative; and lot that is funny - intentionally.

When Vane Weston was seven, he lost his parents in a category five tornado in Nebraska. He miraculously and inexplicably survived, but with little memory of what happened. He can only remember the face of a girl, and that girl has been appearing to him in his dreams ever since.

Now Vane is seventeen, living in ā€œthe hottest freaking place on the planetā€ in Californiaā€™s Coachella Valley, where his adoptive parents took him when he was eight. Suddenly, on yet another abortive attempt at a date, he sees the girl ā€œof his dreamsā€ and everything changes, including Vaneā€™s understanding of who he really is.

The Good:

The power of a kiss (as opposed to, say, way more than that)

Sense of humor of the author ā€“ both overt and subtle

Creativity ā€“ itā€™s nice to see paranormal characters who arenā€™t angels, devils, werewolves, vampires, necromancers, harbingers, witches, faeries, and the like, but rather something a bit more original.

The Bad:

Plodding predictability of boy-girl romance.

The evil character (Arella) is too cardboardy.

Not Sure:

Popular culture or product placement? The Cheesecake Factory, McDonaldā€™s, and In-N-Out Burgers are probably sending the author royalties as we speak. Especially In-N-Out Burgers: imagine the power of these burgers if they can break the willpower of someone who hasnā€™t eaten in ten years!

Evaluation: This is book one of a trilogy (of course) but I probably won't be returning to the series. It has its good points, but for me, it doesn't really measure up to the competition enough for my limited reading time. I recommend it, however, for tweens, and parents looking for some "cleaner" paranormal coming of age materials. ( )

WOAH! Where do I even begin? How about the awesome plot? Or the HOT guy? Or how about the forbidden love that changes everything?

Let me tell you that I was completely wrong about this book. At first glance, I thought it was another angel book. WRONG! Instead, I am lead into a whole new world that is engaging and dangerous. Full of deadly secrets and lost language, Ms. Messenger wrote a fantastic plot. I love it. It was non-stop action from start to finish, leaving me very little time to catch my breathe. Each chapter brought new light to what really happen. I loved that this world is so new to me. I read many different stories before and this one is off the charts. Different and standing out of the crown, the plot brings real attention to detail.

The love interest! AHHHH! What can I say other that I am a sucker for love. And this love pulls me in fast. It's has all my favorite elements. It's forbidden, dangerous, and quite amusing. I like that these characters has so much to live for and fight for. The harsh reality of their past is coming upon them fast. They make hasty decisions which fuels more action. I can't wait to read the second book to see where this little development will go.

Let The Sky Fall is a beautifully written story that I want to read again. Solid and moving plot, Let The Sky Fall is impossible to resist. Dark and romantic, Let The Sky Fall is stunning! ( )

Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger
Published by: Simon Pulse, ARC received via trade
Release Date: 3-5-2012
Reviewed by: Middle Sis Jenn
The Sisters Say: A tempest of turmoil, treachery and tethered loyalties

In a world full of gales, tempests, and squalls
The sylphs live in secret, within closed walls
But thereā€™s one with the power to change their fate
Can he take back his life before itā€™s too late?

Audraā€™s the guardian who will stand and fight
But will she fall prey to Raidenā€™s dark might?
Caught in a net of betrayal and lies
How will she fight the storm in the skies?

Itā€™s all up to Vane and the powers he claims
Will he save his world or will it end up in flames?
The winds whisper secrets of a past he once lost
But he will fight for his love, no matter the cost.

ā€œBut I feel a change in the winds. They whip with more urgency, their songs clipped and rushed.
They know.
The Stormers are coming.ā€ ARC, pg 311

Blasted with passion and treachery, Shannon Messenger creates a world that will lift you off your feet. Overblown with suspense, inundated with desire, and riddled with mystery, Let The Sky Fall is tempest of emotion. So close your eyes and throw caution to the wind as it sweeps you away to a place where the air really does whisper in your ear.

Let the Sky Fall was my most anticipated read of 2013, and it did not disappoint. This book starts out with a boom, and from there, itā€™s a steady mix of suspense, action and romance. Shannon blended her world seamlessly with ours, and I canā€™t wait to see whatā€™s in store for us in the next few books.

The writing was peaceful at just the right times and rocky and jagged when the situation called for it. I found myself taking note of quotation after quotation for my Teaser Tuesday because Shannon is one of those authors whose words capture your attention and make you say, ā€œWow.ā€ Her words are rife with ambiguity, but even so, she never gives anything away. I couldnā€™t turn the pages fast enough!
You know I love a book when I gush about the heroine. Like Iā€™ve said before, itā€™s easy to write a swoony guy, but a tough yet vulnerable girl who doesnā€™t annoy or frustrate a reader? That is a rare feat, but Shannon met that storm head on, and the result was the powerful Audra. Bound by oath, broken by her past, and beaten by her circumstances, Audra is a sylph on a mission; and she will complete her mission no matter the consequences. I admired her courage and her determinationā€”she wouldnā€™t give up, and she wouldnā€™t let her heart get in the way. Though I found myself cheering for her to throw caution to the wind, I still admired her bravery to stand in the face of temptation and danger.

Vane was charming and funny, and his personality had me swooning. Not to mention heā€™s got abs of steel! Heā€™s different than other guys in YA. Heā€™s deeply caring and at times a bit wimpy, but when the moments count, he stands up with his armor of bravery. Usually a guy thatā€™s doesnā€™t have a bad boy bone in his body would annoy me, but Shannon pulls it off with Vane. I think itā€™s his charm that does itā€”when he makes a move, itā€™s deliberate and charismatic, and I couldnā€™t help but smile!

And then thereā€™s Audraā€™s mother. GRRRR! She made me so angry with her nonchalant and apathetic attitude toward Audra. Sheā€™s this super powerful sylph, but she has withered away because of the losses in her past. There were times when I just wanted to smack her and scream, ā€œSheā€™s your daughter! Care!ā€ I had an extreme emotional reaction to her, so Shannon definitely did her job.

And
Then
The
Ending!

OMGā€¦I didnā€™t see it coming! I was so swept up in the romance and suspense that the ending caught me completely off guard. It was brilliant and compelling ending, and I really liked that Shannon didnā€™t end it with one of those break-your-heart cliffhangers. It was poignant and answered many questions, but there are still many more things that are left to be revealed in the future books. I was a huge fan of the ending, and it just made me wish the next book would come out sooner.

Let the Sky Fall is perfect for teenagers and adults alike, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA literature. So if youā€™re tired of the same old same old in YA and you need a change in the winds (hehe), then check this one out! Enthralling and chaoticā€”Shannonā€™s world is charged with love, pierced with anger, and overflowing with deceit.

ā€œHer face looks pale as she stares into space, ignoring me. She tosses the dove into the sky, its wings flapping in my face as it flies away..
ā€˜Tell me whatā€™s wrong,ā€™ I beg.
ā€˜We just ran out of time,ā€™ she says, finally meeting my eyes.ā€ ARC, pg 299 ( )

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick and Dirty: A girl has to prove that she isnā€™t a failure, while a guy is coming to grips with being a sylph and learning the girl of his dreams (literally) is real.

Opening Sentence: Iā€™m lucky to be alive.

The Review:

Vane Weston has forgotten his entire younger years. After being pulled out of the rubble from a tornado at 8 years old, Vane is completely ignorant to the fact that heā€™s a sylph, someone who can communicate with the winds and convince them to follow directions. Audra is his guardian ā€” and the girl of Vaneā€™s dreams (literally). She is tasked with keeping Vane safe and unnoticeable, while trying to unlock his Westerly breakthrough. Each wind has a different language, and each sylph has a native tongue. Vane is the last Westerly alive, thus the only person who can speak to the western wind. So when Audra accidentally calls attention to themselves, she has only days before Stormers ā€” the evil cronies of Raiden, who is trying to master the languages of all the winds ā€” show up to kidnap Vane. In a battle for time and feelings that are getting harder to ignore, Audra must continue to fight, even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice.

This is your classic young adult paranormal romance. Itā€™s action-packed, angst-ridden, and secret-filled. Snarky narrative and sweet romantic scenes fill the book creating a fast-paced romance that will keep you turning the page (even if it is midnight and you have to wake up early the next day).

Want a classic young adult hero, with a dash of sarcasm? Vaneā€™s your man. Heā€™s cocky, difficult, and extremely faithful (especially to a girl heā€™s only seen in his dreams). Sometimes he makes you want to hug him and squeeze him and call him George. But other times, such as training, he can be so difficult and rebellious that you might want to slap him (or point a sword with thousands of needles called a ā€œWindslicerā€ at him). Heā€™s the last living Westerly, and has the potential to be the most powerful of all the Windwalkers, if he can master all the languages. Heā€™s also the Gale Forceā€™s next king, and therefore is betrothed to the last of the royal line ā€” a Southerly (the most calm of all the winds). But the girl he only has eyes on is an Easterly and might not live to see the end of the week.

Audra has something to prove. Ever since the day of the storm, sheā€™s been carrying around the guilt of killing her father and Vaneā€™s parents. She had to save Gavin, her pet bird, from falling. So she called a Northerly and set off their location to the Stormers. Her mother doesnā€™t care; she blames Audra for killing her husband. Plus sheā€™s the youngest Windwalker with the most important mission ā€” keeping Vane safe. So thereā€™s no pressure. Audra is the most strong-willed and courageous heroine Iā€™ve read about. Although her bravery is due to her lack of self-perseverance, Audra still has to carry on her days, knowing she will likely have to sacrifice herself in order to destroy the Stormers, just like her father did before. She also has to resist Vaneā€™s continuous flirting, even though they both feel the same spark when they touch. But she canā€™t kiss him; heā€™s betrothed. Bonding would mean she would be kicked out of the Gale Force as a traitor, and they are the only thing she has left. But if she only has a few days left to liveā€¦

A swirling romance, sly writing, and a last 50 pages that will knock you off your feet, Messenger is a great debut author, and I cannot wait for more.

Notable Scene:

He reaches into his bad and pulls out another fry, holding it out. ā€œYou can start small.ā€

The whole world fades away, leaving just me, Vane, and that French fry. It looks almost as tempting as the boy holding it.

ā€œYour body is hungry, Audra. Give it one thing it wants.ā€

All my years of training scream at me to resist. To shove his hand away and refuse to prolong my days of weakness.

But deep, deep down, a tiny voice whispers something else. The same words Vane says next.

ā€œWhatā€™s it going to hurt?ā€

Only me, when I have to endure extra months of weakness.

But I probably wonā€™t live through the week. Why not give myself one tiny thing I want?

Before I can change my mind, I grab the fry and shove it in my mouth. My first bite of real food in ten years.

And itā€™s the best thing Iā€™ve ever tasted.

FTC Advisory: Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster provided me with a copy of Let the Sky Fall. No goody bags, sponsorships, ā€œmaterial connections,ā€ or bribes were exchanged for my review. ( )