The Cerulean

By: Amy Ewing

Narrated by: Kim Mai Guest

From New York Times bestselling author Amy Ewing (The Jewel) comes the exciting first book in a new fantasy duology. Rich, vivid world-building and ethereal magic combine in an epic tale that’s perfect for fans of Snow Like Ashes, These Broken Stars, or Magonia.

Sera Lighthaven has always felt as if she didn’t quite belong among her people, the Cerulean, who live in the City Above the Sky. She is curious about everything—especially the planet that her City is magically tethered to—and can’t stop questioning things. Sera has always longed for the day when the tether will finally break and the Cerulean can move to a new planet.

But when Sera is chosen as the sacrifice to break the tether, she feels betrayed by everything in which she’d been taught to trust. In order to save her City, Sera must end her own life.

But something goes wrong, and Sera survives, ending up on the planet below in a country called Kaolin. Sera has heard tales about the dangerous humans who live here, and she quickly learns that these dangers were not just stories.

Meanwhile, back in the City, all is not what it seems, and the life of every Cerulean may be in danger if Sera is not able to find a way home.

Queer representation… almost

The story was really intriguing, it was fun to see a group of poly women reproducing by themselves, in a society of lesbians. I was excited for the possibility of our main character being ace or even just demisexual, however it turns out she’s straight. Though it was done well, I was hoping for something a little different.

That aside! The book is very fun, introducing a new culture and it clashing with a world like ours. I recommend giving it a try, I will certainly be reading the next book.

Pretty good!

The narrator was great and the story was fun. I am looking forward to the second book!

It was ok

I wish this book didn't use so much strong language. I almost stopped at the beginning. I like the story concept and finished it because of this but it would have been easy enough to omit the harsh language entirely. It added nothing to the story and just distracted from the characters. I can deal with some but pull out the G D word, with a teenager saying it, just why?

pleasantly surprised

I loved this. it had some slow bits and some bits that felt rushed, but overall great story and great performance!

First book I've chosen not to finish

I had such high expectations based on other readers reviews, but this story was just too weird and disorganized. There is so much going on at once and not enough character building, I was not able to adequately follow the story line and juggle the characters. Reading should feel effortless, the pieces of the story should fit like a puzzle but this felt like jamming a square through a circle, just impossible. the only thing that kept me hanging on longer was the narrators wonderful voice and annunciation. I think the author had the right idea with this story but rough execution.