alisoninbookland's Review of The Other Side of the Sky (The Other Side of the Sky, #1)

by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Two worlds, two hearts and a choice that will shape their fate forever.

Janus is a world divided: above the surface float the gleaming sky-cities held aloft by massive, technologically advanced engines. In the shadows beneath is an older, darker world, full of flooded byways and ancient temples governed by magic and faith.

When Prince North of Ciel falls from the sky in a terrible glider malfunction, one person sees his fiery descent like a falling star: Nimh, a goddess incarnate, searching for a way to save her struggling people. His fall fulfils an ancient prophecy in the world Below, and the two strike up a wary alliance – Nimh, so that she can fulfil her destiny and save her people, and North so that he can return to the other side of the sky and take his place as heir to the throne.

As North struggles to believe in the superstition and spellcraft rampant on the world’s surface, Nimh discovers a terrifying truth about the prophecy binding them together: that North’s fall may foretell the end of both worlds. With renegade magicians and fanatic cultists out for Nimh’s blood, and the ever-looming question of whether North’s fall was accident or betrayal, the two must stay alive long enough to seek the truth about both their worlds. Forbidden by divine law to touch, but bound together by fate and the increasingly strong pull of their own hearts, they forge a path together toward the fate of the world: to save it, or to end it.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperTeen for the review copy.

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I quite enjoyed the blend of fantasy with science fiction. I particularly enjoyed the ongoing discussions of what is magic vs what is science. So many YA books walk that very weird line of science fiction and fantasy. So what exactly makes it one or the other? [There’s no real answer but the closest we came is: science, you can explain; magic, you can’t.]

The story is just a delightful blend of so many things I enjoy in books: a chosen one forced into a situation not of their choosing; a world of technology vs a different and perhaps more primitive world; fate, destiny, & prophecy; an isolated person (royal figure or religious figure) finally meeting someone who truly knows and understands their struggle. The story really explores those ideas in a wonderful way.

Amie and Meagan sure know how to write a story. I quickly grew to love & care for North and Nimh. I understood their struggles and cheered for them even though that meant some opposition to the other party. There’s no way for them both to win.

The story is perfectly plotted. Each side of the story kept moving along at a great pace. I didn’t grow bored or annoyed at having to switch perspectives. The revelations towards the end were a great way to elevate the stakes in a way I hadn’t seen coming.

Even though the story was pitched as a forbidden romance, I didn’t find the romance to be overbearing as a non-romance fan. Sure, there’s some tension between our leads but nothing over the top or ridiculous. It’s realistic & relatable. North & Nimh found someone who truly understand their struggle. Who wouldn’t want to hold on to that?

The bottom line? Delightful read. Don’t let the romance keep you away if it’s not your thing

The Other Side of the Sky (The Other Side of the Sky, #1)

by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Reviewed by alisoninbookland on Aug 17, 2020

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