Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Untethered Sky is a beautifully lyrical and well written adventure fantasy novella by veteran fantasist Fonda Lee. Released 11th April 2023 by Macmillan on their Tor/Forge imprint, it's 160 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.
The pacing in this very pared-down story was odd and it wasn't always satisfyingly filled out. That being said, it's a short very well written story about a roc handler and her charge, Zahra. It's a traditional fantasy setting, and the characters are well rendered and believable (in context). I don't think the author has ever produced a bad piece of writing, and this is no exception. She's outstanding at character and setting and this short novel is enjoyable.
Four stars. Odd pacing, short in stature, and spare, it's nonetheless worthwhile to seek out.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reviewed by annieb123 on
Reading updates
- 5 September, 2023: Started reading
- 5 September, 2023: Finished reading
- 5 September, 2023: Reviewed