ARC Review of Scorched Skies by E.J. Mellow

"Scorched Skies" by E.J. Mellow is an intricate and expansive romantasy that weaves forbidden love, political intrigue, and a dash of mythology into a story as rich as it is action-packed. The world of Cādra, with its winged Volari ruling over the earthbound Süra, is a fascinating and beautifully brutal backdrop for this tale.

There’s a lot going on in this book—court politics, rebellion, romance, and characters navigating complex choices and relationships. If you’re a fan of prince x commoner tropes or forbidden love stories, you’ll find much to enjoy here. The romance does have some spice, but it thankfully doesn’t overshadow the bigger narrative. I personally appreciated the well-rounded cast of characters and the challenges they faced, even when their decisions weren’t easy.

That said, I didn’t feel a deep connection to the story. I’ve realized books with gods and goddesses as central elements just aren’t my personal favorite, which made it harder for me to fully immerse myself. But that’s a personal preference, and I know plenty of readers will love this book for its mythology and layered storytelling.

If you enjoy rich world-building, morally complex characters, and stories that blend romance with political intrigue, Scorched Skies might be perfect for you. Even if it wasn’t my ideal read, I can see how it would resonate with others.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I think the author flew a little too close to the sun with this one.

✰ 3 stars, incredible, in-depth world building ruined by weak plot progression and underdeveloped romantic development

thank you to Montlake for the ebook in exchange for an honest review

‘Scorched Skies’ unfolds like a high fantasy read: characters too fabulously different in appearance to be human (they resemble illusory figures that might be in a psychedelic space instead) pepper the pages, while the world they live in is roughly split between the ground and the skies, each realm inhabited by a type of species that mingle but can never really be together. The Süra and the Volari are just that—two chalk-and-cheese types of creature-characters that might dally but whose union is forbidden and their supposedly-unruly, magically-unpredictable offspring a cursed blight on the landscape.

Because what can be more transgressive than being a mixed-blood outcast indeed, in a realm where the division occurs between the winged-people and the horned-ones who work the earth? But the presence of that very appendage and the forbidden greyness lying in between is the constant question asked in ‘Scorched Skies’ and that bears a very close and uncomfortable resemblance to the many sharp and jagged lines that divide the world in our own reality.

Because all it takes sometimes, is a triggering event and a person determined to run against the tide of fate to upend unquestioned traditions. Add the repeated but rather literal imagery of the clipping of wings and a layered retelling on the Icarus myth starts to emerge.

These are the issues that E.J Mellow carves deep into ‘Scorched Skies’ but above all, it’s also a Süra’s desperate race to save her family whose capture is orchestrated by the Volari Crown Prince she finds herself crossing paths with with increasing frequency.

Despite this being also billed as a romance however, much of it reads like Tanwen’s story from start to end. It’s more about her tenacity and determination to save her brother and father by any means possible, with her run-ins with Zolya looking almost incidental to this driving plot line, given how much of a passive seat Zolya takes in comparison to what Tanwen achieves throughout the book. In fact, their interactions feel too superficial given their opposing alliances and their own secrets; as a result, both Tanwen and Zolya seem too unequally-matched when Zolya is too much of a compliant prince caught up in his own (helpless but selfish?) angst to add more to the story. He simply remains a tortured piece of eye-candy for most of it; it’s mostly Tanwen caught in the thick of action though there’re too many rough times ahead for me to hope there'll be more promising character growth for him in the future.

‘Scorched Skies’ doesn’t end on a traditional cliffhanger but there are still secrets to be revealed and a political mess to sort through. More than Zolya/Tanwen however, I’m actually keen to see how the other characters get on and to say I’m eagerly awaiting what comes in the aftermath of sacrifice is quite the understatement.

“You are the brightest constellation in my sky, and I forever find myself searching for a way home, to you.”

I ignored nearly every responsibility I had to keep reading this book. I was instantly immersed into its unique world of Cādra.

The Volari (who have wings and magic) are seen as the superior race in the sky while the Süra (who have horns and no magic) live on land. We have high gods of the sky and low gods of the earth and they make an appearance every now again as well. There’s a handy glossary of the gods in the book but honestly the story gives a subtle reminder who each god is as you read.

Tanwen and her twin brother are Mütra (Volari and Süra offspring) which is the forbidden race and considered an abomination because they are born with unique magic. In turn Tanwen and her family have spent their entire 22 years in hiding. And guess what Tanwens power is? She can communicate with animals!

Zolya, the crown prince, kidnaps Tanwens father and brother on the kings orders. Tanwen sees this happen and vows to go to the kingdom in the sky to save them.

This book is so well crafted. I just want everyone that enjoys Romantasy to read this book. I was initially drawn in by its beautiful cover (naturally) but over the moon happy that it turned out so perfect! We have family, forbidden love, enemies to lovers, slow burn, an evil king, oppression, magic, genocide and some amazing side characters that I absolutely fell in love with. Plus we get 3 POVs- Tanwen, Zolya and Gabreel (Tanwens dad).

The only thing that bothered me was the insane amount of times the term sister-cousin was used.

This was a great story! The world building was very good and the plot was so interesting and very well thought out! Would highly recommend!

5/5 stars

absolutely devoured this book. writing was outstanding with solid plot and immersive worldbuilding. great characters and a beautiful love story.
would recommend to anyone who loves fantasy/romantasy.

This is a gorgeously written book full of rich imagery and I truly enjoy the depth at which the author has built her world that the characters live in. Reading through, it felt so well considered and as if she had fleshed out every character so fully that each one could have their own book.

The plot develops quickly, perfectly paced so as not to leave you dragging, and the E.J. is able to bring a very traditional trope and breathe fresh air into it. The writing isn't overdone and gives as much detail as possible without being excessive.

There is so much back story, but it is given so clearly and in such a concise way that I had no issue picking up the vocabulary she's integrated into her world.

I look forward to reading her future works.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this arc ahead of publication. EJ Mellow is a new author to me, and oh BOY am I excited to have found her! This story was excellent. It was a unique take on some common themes including forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, and a slow burn, plus the beautiful references to the Icarus myth. The world-building was unique and very well done - intricate without feeling heavy or slow. The story was gripping from the very first page and it built in a way that made sense, with the action speeding up as we went along. By the time we got to the crescendo my heart was POUNDING because I was so invested in the story. There was a little more telling than showing in some areas, and I wish we had gotten to know some of the side characters better. I am excited to see where this goes in the next book (how am I going to wait for that?!) and hopeful that we'll get to see some of the supporting characters and their motivations.

Absolutely loved this book, hooked immediately, I could not put it down. 📖

After re-reading Forth Wing and Iron Flame I was genuinely worried about finding a book that would give me the same feeling of fantasy adventure, good versus evil and slow burn spice. This book delivered! 🔥

EJ Mellows had me from "His wingspan was as terrifying as it was magnificent" 🪽🪽

The world building is weaved throughout which makes the complexity of the High and Low gods easy to understand and enhances your exploration of the world and development of the plot. The story moved at a quick pace, the tension and danger had me wanting to know what was going to happen next.

Eek! The yearning, slow burn, the spice (which is perfect) and the wings 🪽😉 Can you tell I love a book boyfriend with wings?

Tanwen is a relatable, imperfect FMC who is smart, stubborn, determined and fiercely loyal.
New book boyfriend Zolya 🪽 is delicious, torn between following his heart or obeying his father, you feel his inner conflict throughout.

Stealing the show from the incredible FMC and gorgeous MMC is our animal friend Eli 💕 showing us how the tiniest of characters can still take up the biggest space in our hearts. 🐁❤️

I absolutely devoured this book and can’t wait to read the sequel to see what comes next!

I completely fell in love with Tanwen and Zolya. They compliment one another so well and their vulnerability was so beautiful. Also, Eli and Huw are the sweetest and deserve everything. I really appreciated seeing how each character learned from the other characters, and became a better person throughout the story.

Mellow’s writing style of crafting fully developed characters, maintaining a fast yet thoughtful pace, and building an intricate extraordinary world made this book so much fun to read. It was the perfect ending to a great year of reading!

Thanks NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I could put this book down – absolutely loved it.

I KNEW I WAS GOING TO LOVE THIS ONE

The world building was intriguing yet easy to comprehend, same with the politics and everything else. The characters were flawed but absolutely well written.

I am desperate for the next one already.

I couldn’t put this down!!!

Brilliantly wrote story that beautifully captures a girl overcoming intolerance and injustice and fighting for her family whatever the cost.

The world building was not confusing nor rushed and the backstory’s provided for characters really helped to create a foundation to understand later motivations and decisions.

It was well paced and full of action, and the love story was beautiful.

I am greatly looking forward to reading further writing from E.J and any sequels to this series that may be written!

4.5⭐️

Scorched Skies by E.J. Mellow is such a masterpiece! So so good. This book is so good. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.

A fresh take on the greek myth of Icarus, with great writing and perfect pacing! I couldn't find a single flaw with this book!

Rating: 3.5 of 5

This book had me SO stressed. But in a good way. Maybe. I think? Because when has stress been good for anyone?!

Scorched Skies was an immensely enjoyable read. The world of Cādra was both beautiful and terrifyingly brutal. The magic system was intriguing. The forbidden love was... forbidding. And the storyline had me hooked from the start. Although it did feel a little too long the last 5%. I still can't accept what happened to *bleep*. It felt so unnecessary. But I can understand how grief and trauma can push people to the extreme.

Tanwen is my kind of FMC. A little reckless, a little brave, who will do anything for family.

I did not agree with some of Prince Zolya's choices. Or lack thereof? I liked him well enough but it seemed to me like being a prince was wasted on him. No hate. I'm just honestly a tiny bit disappointed by the inaction. I really feel bad for him though. He needs a loyal friend he can confide in. Fantasy MCs always have that one true friend who is of no blood relation but is loyal to the core. It is sacrilege that Zolya has no one.

I don't know what the sequel (and finale) will bring. But it isn't easy to change one's century-long way of thinking much less a nation's. Book two is going to be a perfectly chaotic mess I just know it.

I absolutely loved this book. I loved everything about it.

The take on the Icarus myth, the world building, the characters, the politics, the family dynamics. ALL OF IT. I cannot find a single flaw.

The pace was perfect, explaining the world and introducing the players and their thoughts/motivations in the beginning, and then really letting it rip once the stage was set.

The writing was excellent; it flowed incredibly well, the dialogue was realistic, and everything regarding the gods/the magic system/the various races all was very easy to understand.

The love story was beautiful and heartbreaking, two people with the same views and desire for a better world but forced to be on opposing sides of a conflict due to circumstance and duty. And the ending was perfectly realistic.

I can’t even believe this doesn’t come out until April because I’m DYING for the sequel already.