The Endless Skies

For decades, the Leonodai, winged lion shape-shifters who inhabit the floating city known as the Heliana, have protected the three other magical races of Vyrinterra from the constant threat of humans who dwell on the continent of Balmora. But when a deadly disease strikes the Leonodai’s children, the sky kingdom must send warriors to Balmora to retrieve the only known cure at any cost. Dark-haired, dark brown–eyed warrior-elect Rowan An’Talla, 17, hopes to join that mission alongside her crush Ox and best friend Callen, both already warriors, but the warrior-elects are ordered to remain behind and protect the city. Stumbling across vital information, Rowan sets forth on her own, only to discover that the humans are harboring a terrible secret that could doom all of Vyrinterra. Price (A Thousand Fires) shifts between the perspectives of Rowan; her blonde, blue-eyed, 24-year-old sentinel sister Shirene; and light brown–haired Callen to focus both on the questers abroad and the plight of the Heliana’s inhabitants. A love triangle subplot feels formulaic, but Price’s fantastical world is complex and intriguing, especially the conflict between tradition and technological progress, in this ambitious epic adventure. Ages 13–up. Agent: Elana Roth Parker, Laura Dail Literary. (Aug.)