- Paperback: 608 pages
- Publisher: Gollancz; Trade paperback edition (24 July 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0575083719
- ISBN-13: 978-0575083714
- Product Dimensions: 23.2 x 15.2 x 4.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,233,092 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Wingless Boy
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
Amory's ethereal descriptions of the 'world above the clouds' in the opening chapters are wonderful, and he manages to paint the sky cities in an entirely believable light. Amory's real skill is in crafting inventive action sequences, and from the high-powered explosion of the Deacon's Chancel in book one to the epic airship battle in the skies at the end of the second, these scenes are a real pleasure to read. (Alice Wybrew DREAMWATCH )
Book Description
Fast-paced fantasy of the highest order
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I do get frustrated with books that are not clear as to their target audience. This one sat on the SF/Fantasy shelf but was not clear that it was aimed mainly at 'young adults' which (as I knock on the door of the big 5-0) is clearly not me.
Having said that, this was easy reading and while a little simplistic for an old git like myself, would probably appeal to the younger audience. Very short and engaging chapters, quite fast paced and with an interesting range of characters.
The story is around a society of winged humans that live in sky cities connected to the ground by a central coumn. They are oblivious to the 'groundlings', non flying beings, who provide most of their food and supplies. In turn the Groundlings think of the winged race as Gods and aspire to join them after death. Into this mix we have Az who is a rarity because he was born in a sky city but has no wings and as such is seen as almost disabled. This does however, make him ideal to investigate what life is like 'down below'.....
So we have a fast moving adventure as the two cultures discover each-other and how this will change the status quo. Bang in some very gentle insight on disability and religion/faith and this is a not taxing but entertaining read.
This book is a collection of the first two books in the series, The Fledging of Az Gabrielson and Pirates of the Relentless Desert
I should add that having bought this almost by mistake, the characters were sufficiently engaging that I am considering buying the follow up.
Having said that, this was easy reading and while a little simplistic for an old git like myself, would probably appeal to the younger audience. Very short and engaging chapters, quite fast paced and with an interesting range of characters.
The story is around a society of winged humans that live in sky cities connected to the ground by a central coumn. They are oblivious to the 'groundlings', non flying beings, who provide most of their food and supplies. In turn the Groundlings think of the winged race as Gods and aspire to join them after death. Into this mix we have Az who is a rarity because he was born in a sky city but has no wings and as such is seen as almost disabled. This does however, make him ideal to investigate what life is like 'down below'.....
So we have a fast moving adventure as the two cultures discover each-other and how this will change the status quo. Bang in some very gentle insight on disability and religion/faith and this is a not taxing but entertaining read.
This book is a collection of the first two books in the series, The Fledging of Az Gabrielson and Pirates of the Relentless Desert
I should add that having bought this almost by mistake, the characters were sufficiently engaging that I am considering buying the follow up.
Format:Paperback
I read the other review on this page, and despite being concerned by the warning about its target audience, went ahead and bought the book because I really liked the premise. I reasoned that having enjoyed reading all the Harry Potter books, there was no reason why I shouldn't also enjoy another book aimed at youngsters.
However, this really is a book for young adults, both in terms of the style of the prose and the characterisation and plot development. I had to stop reading it in the end, because I just found it too frustrating, but I'm sure that the target audience would love it. This is my reason for giving it a low star rating.
A real shame though that this wasn't written for an adult audience as I think the overall concept is fantastic.
However, this really is a book for young adults, both in terms of the style of the prose and the characterisation and plot development. I had to stop reading it in the end, because I just found it too frustrating, but I'm sure that the target audience would love it. This is my reason for giving it a low star rating.
A real shame though that this wasn't written for an adult audience as I think the overall concept is fantastic.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
1 review
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Page turner for young adults
6 Jan 2009
Format:Paperback
I do get frustrated with books that are not clear as to their target audience. This one sat on the SF/Fantasy shelf but was not clear that it was aimed mainly at 'young adults' which (as I knock on the door of the big 5-0) is clearly not me.
Having said that, this was easy reading and while a little simplistic for an old git like myself, would probably appeal to the younger audience. Very short and engaging chapters, quite fast paced and with an interesting range of characters.
The story is around a society of winged humans that live in sky cities connected to the ground by a central coumn. They are oblivious to the 'groundlings', non flying beings, who provide most of their food and supplies. In turn the Groundlings think of the winged race as Gods and aspire to join them after death. Into this mix we have Az who is a rarity because he was born in a sky city but has no wings and as such is seen as almost disabled. This does however, make him ideal to investigate what life is like 'down below'.....
So we have a fast moving adventure as the two cultures discover each-other and how this will change the status quo. Bang in some very gentle insight on disability and religion/faith and this is a not taxing but entertaining read.
This book is a collection of the first two books in the series, The Fledging of Az Gabrielson and Pirates of the Relentless Desert
I should add that having bought this almost by mistake, the characters were sufficiently engaging that I am considering buying the follow up.
Having said that, this was easy reading and while a little simplistic for an old git like myself, would probably appeal to the younger audience. Very short and engaging chapters, quite fast paced and with an interesting range of characters.
The story is around a society of winged humans that live in sky cities connected to the ground by a central coumn. They are oblivious to the 'groundlings', non flying beings, who provide most of their food and supplies. In turn the Groundlings think of the winged race as Gods and aspire to join them after death. Into this mix we have Az who is a rarity because he was born in a sky city but has no wings and as such is seen as almost disabled. This does however, make him ideal to investigate what life is like 'down below'.....
So we have a fast moving adventure as the two cultures discover each-other and how this will change the status quo. Bang in some very gentle insight on disability and religion/faith and this is a not taxing but entertaining read.
This book is a collection of the first two books in the series, The Fledging of Az Gabrielson and Pirates of the Relentless Desert
I should add that having bought this almost by mistake, the characters were sufficiently engaging that I am considering buying the follow up.
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