In Veronica G. Henry's A Breathless Sky, the impending destruction of a beloved forest ignites a fierce conflict between siblings Syrah and Romelo. Syrah, a Sequoia National Park tour guide and reluctant Keeper of the ancient Rhiza underworld, strives to maintain a fragile balance between humanity and nature. Her brother Romelo, however, believes humanity deserves its fate and orchestrates drastic measures to protect the forests, even if it means devastating humankind. As climate disasters rage, their opposing views on survival clash in a battle for the fate of both the aboveground world and the mystical Rhiza. This gripping sequel to The Canopy Keepers explores themes of environmentalism, sibling rivalry, and the ultimate price of survival.
Review A Breathless Sky
Wow, "A Breathless Sky" really left me breathless! Picking up where "The Canopy Keepers" left off, Veronica G. Henry delivers another gripping tale, this time ratcheting up the stakes considerably. The impending destruction of the forests isn't just a looming threat; it's the catalyst for a full-blown conflict between Syrah and Romelo, siblings locked in a desperate battle over the fate of humanity and the ancient, magical world of Rhiza.
What struck me most was the book's chilling plausibility. It's not your typical dystopian fantasy; it feels like a stark warning, a possible future mirroring our current environmental crisis. The author doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of climate change, presenting a world where the consequences of human negligence are devastatingly clear. The conflict between Syrah and Romelo, while intensely personal, serves as a powerful metaphor for the conflicting approaches to environmentalism – the desperate attempts to save what's left versus the belief that humanity deserves its fate.
The characters are incredibly well-developed. Syrah, the reluctant Keeper of Rhiza, is a complex character wrestling with her duty, her grief, and her relationship with her brother. Romelo, while undeniably antagonistic, is also driven by a fierce, if misguided, love for the forests. Their relationship is the emotional core of the story, a compelling sibling rivalry fraught with tension, love, and ultimately, sacrifice. The world-building is equally impressive; Rhiza, with its ancient secrets and interconnectedness, feels both magical and entirely believable. The author manages to blend fantasy elements seamlessly with a hard-hitting environmental message, creating a world that's both enchanting and deeply unsettling.
While the pacing felt a bit slower at the beginning as the characters and their motivations were established, it absolutely pays off. The emotional weight of the story builds steadily, culminating in a powerful and emotionally resonant climax. The themes explored are complex and thought-provoking – the importance of environmental stewardship, the consequences of our actions, the power of family bonds, and the ever-present struggle between hope and despair. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page, prompting reflection on our own relationship with the natural world and the choices we make every day.
I found myself deeply invested in the fate of the characters and the world they inhabit. The writing is evocative and immersive, transporting the reader to the heart of the conflict. While the ending provides a satisfying conclusion to this particular arc, it also leaves the door open for further exploration, which I, for one, am eagerly anticipating. If you enjoyed "The Canopy Keepers," you absolutely need to read "A Breathless Sky." And if you haven't read either, start with the first book – you won't regret it. This is a series that deserves to be widely read and discussed, a potent blend of fantasy, environmentalism, and family drama that delivers a powerful message about the urgency of action.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 315
- Publication date: 2024
Preview Book
