Past mysteries and present crises collide in a whirlwind adventure that explores family, friendship, and standing up for what you believe in.

The Quinn Family Circus is in need of a new headline act. Ever since Bastjan’s mother died in a terrible aerobatic accident, ticket sales have been declining. Now, in desperation, the ruthless ringmaster is looking to Bastjan to revive his mother’s act.

Far away and a long time ago, Ester disobeys her parents to explore the mysterious Silent City, where the last of a half-mythical race of strange, shapeshifting creatures are rumoured to be hiding.

Meanwhile, Alice – a girl born into a privilege but subjected to contempt because of the way she looks – runs away and gets caught up in a dangerous gang of railway thieves.

In Skyborn,  the vivid descriptions of the circus as seen from the backstage totally immerse you into the mystery of the Bastjan’s mother and the residents of the Silent City. Without compromising on pace and quality, the multiple perspectives offered by the different characters and the time the author gives to properly dig into the themes gives this book it’s real strength.

Skyborn is the prequel to The Eye of the North, but can also be read as a standalone novel.

(Review by Tim)