OBSESSED! Could not put this down!! The slow burn. The tension. The devastation and masterful writing. Loved loved loved!!!

My sincerest gratitude to NetGalley and Montlake for this eARC of Scorched Skies. In exchange for the eARC, I leave my honest review.

High fantasy/epic fantasy stories have been lackluster lately, with little to no real valuable risks or characters with high stakes at risk. Fortunately, Scorched Skies doesn't fall into this category.

Before I begin, I think it’s very important to state that there are a number of trigger warnings I think everyone should read closely and thoroughly. Such as: mature language, violence, SA, substance abuse, death, animal cruelty, racism, classism, explicit content, grief. All of which are given at the beginning of the book.

Another element in the book that I appreciated is the glossary of terms at the beginning of the book, aswell. It helped me get comfortable with the story and the culture behind it. I loved that we got snippets of Greek mythology inside a completely original story. It elevated the experience for me, especially since Greek mythology was my hyperfixation when I was a teenager.

Also, it seems like Greek mythology is a theme many books are exploring as of late and I absolutely loved how this setting played out in this book. But what caught my attention immediately and kept me hooked is the political intrigue and of course the main characters. Tanwen and Zolya are such rich and complex characters and I felt genuine empathy for them. E.J. Mellow did not hold back regarding certain discussion points, such as classism, sexism, racism. Especially in regards to Zolya’s father and side of the story. The character development for Zolya is great to see, especially with who his father is and the way that he thinks. Zolya’s indecisiveness is very apparent and takes center stage in mind. Should he be who his father wants him to be? Or should he be his own person?

Also, I think another piece of the story that deserves recognition are the side characters. They have their own charm to them and I loved that they’re not filler characters. They have a purpose in the story and they push the stories forward without dragging it down. The side characters garner their own element that does not diminish the flow of the story, which I appreciated very much.

A final point I need to make for anyone who considers reading this book is, since this is a high fantasy/epic fantasy story, there is a lot, and I really mean A LOT, of world building and details that may seem slow paced at first. However, the conflict and the character arcs do shine through as the story develops. Which is something that I tend to keep a close eye on in any book. While the first half of the book is slow paced, I was so enthralled into the story and I wanted to learn more of the characters and the life they live. With that being said, the book may not be suitable for anyone dealing with a reading slump. However, if you want to try a high fantasy/epic fantasy book, I highly suggest Scorched Skies.

I really enjoyed Scorched Skies, and I cannot wait to see where we will travel to in the next book.

If you’re a fan of sweeping romantasy, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, and a bit of mythological flair, Scorched Skies is going to hit all the right notes for you. As someone who adored E.J. Mellow’s Mousai series, I was already excited about her new duology, but this Icarus-inspired tale took things to a whole new level.

The world of Cādra is richly layered, torn by class divisions, corruption, and the ever-looming presence of both high and low gods. It’s a setting that feels fresh yet rooted in familiar fantasy tension—and right in the middle of it are Tanwen and Zolya. She’s a commoner driven by desperation and fury, he’s a crown prince bound by his father’s cruelty. Their relationship unfolds with such compelling angst; it’s slow, messy, and deliciously complicated. You feel every barb, every glance, every shift in their dynamic—and you believe it.

Tanwen is such a strong and refreshingly different heroine. She’s not the typical blade-wielding fighter, but her strength lies in her determination, her fire, and her quiet rage. Honestly, I was right there beside her, fuming at the injustice, grieving her losses, and rooting for her even when things got heartbreakingly bleak. And yes—this book gets dark. It doesn’t shy away from pain, from tough choices, or from putting its characters through hell. (Trigger warnings are important here, especially for animal lovers.)

Zolya, meanwhile, is the kind of complex love interest who toes the line between enemy and ally, captor and protector. Watching him unravel, watching Tanwen fight the pull she feels toward someone who represents everything she’s come to hate—it’s that good kind of torture. The romance is both beautiful and tragic, full of longing, tension, and impossibility.

Also, can we talk about the emotional depth? There were a couple of scenes that truly got me misty-eyed, which almost never happens. The way Mellow captures grief, rage, and helplessness—it’s visceral. And the way the mythology weaves into it all? Subtle, but fascinating. There’s a creeping sense that the gods might be pulling more strings than anyone realizes, which adds a layer of fate vs. free will that I can’t wait to see explored further in book two.

This isn’t a fluffy fantasy. It’s raw, gutting, and filled with characters who bleed for what they love—but that’s what makes it so compelling. Scorched Skies is a phenomenal first entry in what promises to be a heart-wrenching, high-stakes duology. Just brace yourself: I have a feeling book two is going to hurt in the best way possible!

This book was way too long, maybe it could have benefited if it was a part of a series and not a duology. The only reason I requested this book was due to loving the Mousai Trilogy and loving the first book in particular but I struggled with this one so much, it was too slow for me, didn't really like the characters.

I liked this book, but I didn't feel as connected to the unfolding of the story, to some extent at first I felt a bit lost. I loved the characters, especially that it was a retelling of Icarus, you hardly see any of him. I look forward to reading the next books in the series.

I went through this title twice because I felt like I didn't give it a fair chance the first time. I'm glad I did. For a romantasy, this felt fairly fresh. Not so much so that it was trying too hard but it was a good, well-paced story. I liked the interactions between the FMC and MMC and it felt more like a "forbidden" romance than most with this trope.

I didn't really care for two small events that happened, I won't spoil it but they involved minor characters I didn't feel emotionally attached to. I am curious to see what happens in the next book.

I received this title as an ARC and attest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.

Scorched Skies had a strong start. EJ Mellow builds a rich, imaginative world with an elemental magic system that immediately drew me in. The setting and political dynamics were compelling, and I enjoyed getting to know the different factions.

That said, the story started to lose momentum around the halfway point. The pacing slowed, and I didn’t feel as connected to the characters or invested in where the plot was going. Some moments felt repetitive, and the tension just didn’t hold. Overall, I did like this, and I would read the next book!

I can barely read books due to busy life, but Scorched Skies made me read books again this year! I've outgrew YA but Fantasy books will always have a spot in my shelf. I loved this one and would do a re-read again together with the audiobook.

The romance is definitely a slow burn that will make you crave for more interactions of Tanwen and Zolya. The side characters are also lovable and really stands out on their own as well. Worldbuilding was good and while reading I can clearly see everything in my head.

This one is my favorite line and hopefully this will also make you read this wonderful novel!

"In all my years, I have never been so bewitched. You are the brightest constellation in my sky, and I forever find myself searching for a way home, to you.”

Thank you to Montlake, Net Galley and specially to E.J Mellow for letting me review this book. It was such a wonderful read and can't wait to do a reread soon. I am leaving this review voluntarily and happily. :)

The characters on their own are so likeable, that i fear i was pretty upset when the book ended.
The romance is pure delight….. the forbidden part, both of them from different worlds and with a lot to carry on their shoulders THE LONGING IT WAS SO GOOD, we may have a new book boyfriend on the horizon, and he is yearning yearning
You don’t even know when it’s over, you’re left scrambling for more. I am looking forward to finding out what is in store for the next instalment, my heart was in pieces at the end
4.5 amaaaazing

4.5 ⭐️

This is the first book in E.J. Mellows new series Way of Wings and I think we have a new epic fantasy to keep an eye on.

There is definitely some world building at the beginning (which I sometimes struggle with) but once the plot is moving I couldn’t put it down. It has all the tropes needed for a fantasy series. Enemies to lovers, slow burn, forbidden love and of course wings and magic.

I do appreciate that it doesn’t have a cliffhanger (you can tell where things might progress for the series) but I’m not emotionally deviated not knowing how quickly the series will be completed. I do plan to keep my eye out on this one.

I highly recommended checking it out and joining along in the journey.

I LOVED this. Scorched Skies is the first book in the Way of Wings duology inspired by the Icarus myth. It’s a beautifully written fantasy romance with intricate world-building and a delicious slow-burn, forbidden romance between a Prince and a commoner.

It’s told through multiple POVs with a focus on Zolya, the Volari Prince and Tanwen, a Mütra - the forbidden child of a magical winged Volari and a non- magical horned Süra. Tanwen and Zolya were perfection. Torn between love and duty, the yearning and angst between them was so good.
I loved Tanwens ability to communicate with animals and am excited to learn more about the magic and the gods in the next book.
Thankfully there’s no crazy cliffhanger but after that ending, I CANNOT wait for book two!
And can we take a second to appreciate this GORGEOUS cover? I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy for my shelves!

If you love romantasy, this needs to be on your TBR!

𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨.

Where do I even go from here?! 😩 now, there wasn’t really a cliffhanger, but after everything that happened, I feel so lost. And I have no idea how things will go in book two!

I admired Tanwen so much!! She was so strong & I loved how she was willing to do anything to get her father and brother back home. I loved her relationship with her brother & how much he believed in her.

Zolya.. well I have mixed feelings about him. I can see the way he wants to do more/be more but under his father’s rule, it’s hard for him to find his way right now. I’m really excited to see how he’ll step up in the next book!

The forbidden relations between Tanwen & Zolya were EVERYTHING. I loved seeing those little moments they found together and I loved how Zolya started to open up to the things Tanwen had to say.

I’ll be rooting for these two, but I have a feeling EJ will put me through it till the end of this series.

𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝. 𝙏𝙤𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙢.

A beautiful book that offers a glimpse into a reimagining of the Icarus myth and what happens when the life you are living is full of secrets and lies.

Tanwen is tired of hiding who she is, tired of having to worry about leaving her home behind. However, as a Mürta, the forbidden offspring of a Süra and a Volari, her life is always at risk. When the Volari prince comes seeking her father, her entire world turns upside down especially when a god offers the opportunity to save her father and brother in exchange for a favor.

The world that Mellow crafts feels real and vivid including its cruelties. It becomes clear that even the loveliest of cities hides the most dangerous of intentions. With such a mess to sort out at the end, the second book promises to be as fast-paced and daring.

Tanwen shouldn't exist, and if she and her brother are discovered, they will be killed just for being born. But when her father and brother are taken prisoner by the wicked King, Tanwen sets off to do what she can to save them, even if it means walking straight into a vipers den.

This was such a beautiful book, with amazing characters and phenomenal world building. The romance was brilliantly done, and the ending was devastating. I can't wait to know what happens next!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was pleasantly surprised as to how much I actually enjoyed this. This is a 3.5-star-rated book, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, which I'll get to in a little bit.

Tanwen Coslett is a Mütra, the daughter of a winged Volari father and a horned Süra mother. She lives in Cādra, where the rich Volari and their High Gods rule the skies and live decadent lives while the Süra and their Low Gods live on the earth and work for the Volari. Mütras are the result of a forbidden relationship, and if anyone finds out that she and her twin brother, Aberthol, are Mütra, they could be sentenced to death.

The Crown Prince of the Volari, Zoyla, has been raised to become a carbon copy of his father, the king. When he has orders to find a former Volari court engineer that's allegedly been disguised as a Mütra--aka Tanwen's father, Gabreel--he takes both her father and Aberthol as captive for the king to make him design a new mine for the Süra to work in. It's up to Tanwen to infiltrate the once place she said she would never go to rescue her family.

Scorched Skies was everything I've been looking for in a high/epic fantasy. Greek mythology-inspired? Check. Royal courts and political intrigue? Check. Headstrong FMC? Check. MMC who respects women? Check. Lovable side characters that care about Tanwen? Also check. Forbidden romance? Check, check, check.

In case you haven't figured out already from my version of the synopsis of the story, I want to emphasize that this is an epic/high fantasy. Sure, E.J. Mellow based this story off of the classic Icarus myth from Greek mythology, but you can tell that it was merely a baseline idea that the story was based on and a lot of the plot and worldbuilding were completely original, as with any typical high fantasy story. I was intimidated by the whole glossary of terms, a whole list of the High and Low Gods in the story, a map, and even pictures of what horns the Süra have based on what clan they're from. These were all found at the beginning of the eARC before the story even started!

With that being said, it was VERY difficult to get into at first. I found the beginning to be very slow and dry; admittedly, I almost DNF'ed the eARC but pushed through because I know that with any new fantasy series, you have to push through the worldbuilding to get to the action. For me, I didn't really feel like the plot picked up until around the 35-40% mark of the story, so you have to commit and push through the worldbuilding and exposition to get to the good parts. But holy crap, once I pushed through, I felt like I couldn't stop turning the pages. (Well, swiping them, since I was reading the eARC on my phone. You get the idea.)

E.J. Mellow did NOT hold back when it came to the character development with Tanwen and Zolya. Both, in their own ways, felt held back and were taught to do as they were told because society told them to. Tanwen was raised not to draw attention to herself because she could be exposed as a Mütra at any point while Zolya was raised to follow in his tyrannical father's footsteps. Both had to break their molds of obedience to make a change and take charge of their own fates: Tanwen infiltrating the Volari's society and lifestyles to rescue her family and Zolya breaking the mold to do what was best for his sister, Azla, and the sexist, oppressive, society his father created by silencing Volari women. There was a lot of good discussion about classism, racism, and sexism. all of which are rampant under Zolya and Azla's father's rule, and it was so interesting to see Zolya's character development throughout the story as he struggles with his cognitive dissonance to obey his father's wishes but also knowing that if he were king, that things would be totally different because he doesn't agree with his father's morals.

The only thing I have a critique on is Tanwen and Zolya's relationship. Sure, it's a forbidden romance, so if you like that trope, it's there! The only thing about it though is that there was no buildup to their relationship at all. Zolya's so busy with his royal duties while Tanwen is busy with the duties of her job and trying to figure out a plan to rescue her father and brother that they hardly have any meaningful interactions with each other that deepen and develop their relationship until about the halfway point of the book, which I feel like is way too far into the book for something like that to develop. Even with that, the relationship felt like it came out of nowhere. I can't go into that further without spoiling part of the plot, but all I'll say is that at no point did I go through a "giggling and kicking my feet in the air" phase where I was swooning over their interactions with each other. I actually stopped reading and went, "Huh?" before continuing because that's how out of left field it came.

The action-packed ending of the story came with so many twists and turns that it left me wanting more. Not only did E.J. Mellow keep her characters on their toes, but she kept ME on my toes as well! The book doesn't end on any major cliffhangers, but I have so many questions that I need answered. I'll be patiently waiting for the second book in the duology to come out!

Thank you to E.J. Mellow, Net Galley, and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

There are some slight spoilers ahead - more focused on general tropes I dislike in similar fantasy/romance books which could spoil a key interaction between the MCs.



Oh. My wow. This is PERFECTION. The minute I read the blurb in the newsletter I knew - this is going to be my cup of tea (especially as E.J. does not lead me astray). And it in fact was.

The character work in this piece of fantasy heaven is immaculately done. I was already intrigued by the plot described with all the political tension and divisions between the Voluri and Süra but I immediately fell in love with these characters. Tanwen and Zolya are the type of characters I adore reading. The emotional depth displayed whilst still having human flaws (I know they're dragon-y/angel-y but this works here) was balanced just how I like it. Aka: they didn't fall out and have that third act breakup when all is revealed or do foolish miscommunication. Their love is more important to them - GIVE ME FOURTEEN OF THESE RIGHT NOW. I powered through the page count or slightly (and I do mean only slightly) slower sections because I adore these two.

Plot wise this bad boy is JUICY. You like a little espionage for a secret family that shouldn't exist in the worst place they could be kept? Tanwen is your girl. You like a little Prince becoming disillusioned with the world he knows (because he's falling in love)? Zolya is your boy. You like a villain who you have NO reason to like because he's a piece of shit? Read this book.

And if you like a series but you're worried about a cataclysmic cliffhanger clawing your heart and soul to shreds? Don't worry because whilst the ending is beautiful and juicy you won't live in total fear (just a bit of tension but it’s fine - I swear, as they drag me away from my kindle) until the next addition is released.

And did I mention the Icarus fantasy retelling aspect to this? If those other things hadn't sold you, let the Icarus retelling grab you PLEASE this part of the book is INSANE.

I actually just finished my reread before it's published hence why this is being put up now. And it's still five stars. And I cannot wait for book two.

So. There. Read it. And thank you SO much again to the people who decided to put this into my grubby little hands.

Scorched Skies is a great reimagining of the Icarus myth, weaving together forbidden love and political intrigue with some great magical elements. Mellow creates a vivid world split between sky and land, where social divides are as sharp as the wings of the Volari who rule from above.

This was undoubtedly a 4.5 star read for me. I loved the world building, the characters and the whole premise of this book. I was a bit worried at the beginning as to whether I’d end up liking Tanwen, but she really grew on me. She’s cunning, resourceful, and full of heart. Then there’s our MMC, Prince Zolya, a prince bound by duty but boy does he yearn….and to be fair I’m a sucker for a pining Prince. The supporting cast were also really compelling and I loved learning more about them as the story unfolded. I’m very interested to see where things go in the second book.

I devoured this book and it left my heart in pieces. I can’t wait for book two, and book one isn’t even published yet!

A definite recommendation if you’re a fan of star-crossed lovers, immersive world-building, political intrigue, mythology or, dare I say it, if you were a fan of maximum ride in your youth 😅

Thank you as always to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Scorched Skies is a wonderful representation of why I always come back for EJ's new releases. I have been one of her diehard readers since her debut and I am still constantly amazed at hiw beautiful her writing is.

Scorched Skies is such an amazing Romantasy novel & that is coming from someone that hardly reads fantasy. The story was well paced even if the romance was slow to burn. The changes & growth of each main character was perfection. The tragic parts of the novel had me gasping outloud and even getting a little teary eyed. I have never had an author hit me in the feels so hard for a side character (or two)

I am so beyond excited for the world to read Scorched Skies & for the second half of this duology!

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing the ARC.

A forbidden love enemies-to-lovers slow burn romantasy? Sign me up.

This book was immaculate. I absolutely loved the story and world building. It is where Mellow's prose truly shines. It is so evocative and lush, it draws you in and you can't help but stay in the liminal space that this book creates. It is that addictive.

The characters are also fantastic. The absolutely delicious tension and yearning between Prince Zolya and Tawen is really a treat. There are longing glances from across the room, the slightest finger brushes. Add that into the really amazing writing and the world that Mellow created and this book becomes something truly amazing.

Outstanding opener. Can't wait to see what happens in book two!

⭐️: 4
Already a fan of EJ Mellow, I was excited to get an arc of her newest series. Like her other works, ‘Scorched Skies’ features a detailed fantasy world, this time with floating cities and Gods actively meddling in the affairs of the mortals. Also, I love the story of Icarus so reading any book with ties to this myth is an added delight.

In general, a peeve of mine is insta-love, and there was a tad of this, but it did not fully detract my enjoyment of the book.

I plan on continuing the series when the time comes.