Untethered Sky by Fonda Lee

From World Fantasy Award-winning author Fonda Lee comes Untethered Sky, an epic fantasy fable about the pursuit of obsession at all costs. Ester’s family was torn apart when a manticore killed her mother and baby brother, leaving her with nothing but her father’s painful silence and a single, overwhelming need to kill the monsters that took her family. Ester’s path leads her to the King’s Royal Mews, where the giant rocs of legend are flown to hunt manticores by their brave and dedicated ruhkers. Paired with a fledgling roc named Zahra, Ester finds purpose and acclaim by devoting herself to a calling that demands absolute sacrifice and a creature that will never return her love. The terrifying partnership between woman and roc leads Ester not only on the empire’s most dangerous manticore hunt, but on a journey of perseverance and acceptance.

I've been having a very hard reading these days, so all my arcs and books have fallen on the wayside. But when I found an audiobook for this book, I thought it would be a good short one to accompany me during my resting periods. And it worked very well.

For a novella, this book is emotionally very strong, evoking so many feelings in me like joy, shock, despair and more. The writing is just sublime and very easy to read, while also getting to know the details of this world full of monsters, where you can't be sure of even the monsters that are supposed to be on your side. The relationship between the rocs and the ruhkers was shown very beautifully, through multiple characters and their companions, but ultimately it was the fact that the animal companions are never gonna feel the same as their human handlers was what made this a heartfelt but ultimately bittersweet tale of unlikely friendships.

This book shows that Fonda Lee is amazing in any format of books, capturing so much in such a short book and leaving a strong impression on the reader. And it was strongly supported by very emotional narration by Nikki Massoud. Definitely recommend this if you wanna be carried away into a new world but are short on time.

3,5 stars.

The author manages the story very well aware of the limits she has. She knows where she has to focus: what to tell and what not to tell. It was an enjoyable read, but for me too short to have a good grasp on the world. The characterization was done very well instead I got affectionated to Ester pretty quickly. It also has a little of a bittersweet end.

Different from her other works, but a nice well written novella that was good, quick read.

I'm a sucker for books about birds – so when a favorite author of mine pens a novella about giant hunting birds – I jump on board. In Untethered Sky, Fonda Lee's words bring life to the majesty and power of the rocs, legendary birds of prey who keep the countryside clear of the monstrous manticores.

Because of its short length, the story doesn't have room to be overly complex, but Lee has managed to make a simple story poignant and affecting. She made me care deeply for these beautiful winged beasts and the bond they share with their keepers. I'd absolutely sign up for more stories set in this world.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

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