This book was a little confusing at first with all the different and unique words, but I really did enjoy it. I thought the way the author wrote the book was very poetic and beautiful.

The cover for Scorched Skies caught my eye first, and since I’ve been reading A LOT of romantic fantasy lately, I decided to add it to my reading list. I’ve never read E.J. Mellow before, but I have seen other books by this author while searching and doing deals and new release posts, so I was excited to dive in. This is one of those books that I really, really wanted to like it more than I did. The premise is interesting, and the world building is well done. I think it all boils down to pacing.

Cādra is a world where the winged Volari are the ruling class and the Süra are forced to be earthbound and subjugated. Tanwen is a woman who was born from an outlawed union, her father was once a great Volari engineer and her mother a Süra healer. They fell in love and had twins, Tanwen and her brother. Since that time, the family has moved from town to town, always avoiding attention and deeply aware that they aren’t really safe anywhere.

Zolya is the Crown Prince who always follows his father’s orders. He comes across Tanwen while searching for her father. Not realizing her actual identity, he is intrigued, and their meeting leads to him and his soldiers locating her father and capturing him and Tanwen’s brother to take back to his father. The family now wrenched apart, Tanwen decides to infiltrate the city in the sky by signing up to be a worker. She is determined to save her father and brother.

I think I anticipated more action and less low-key political maneuvering. The worldbuilding is interesting to be sure, and I really enjoyed the secondary characters and how they fit into the world. I think my issues rise from Tanwen’s actions once she reaches the city. Which is pretty much nothing, to me there didn’t seem to be any real sense of urgency. Oh, she does end up locating her family members with the help of her mouse friend, but in the meantime, she works around the palace and discovers she has sexual feelings for the crown prince, and skulks around. All while her father is a broken man, watching his son being tortured by the king and his minions, trying to balance his need to resist creating another dangerous situation for the vulnerable in the city but still keeping his son safe.

I wasn’t a big fan of Zolya, he is a weak man who isn’t proactive about keeping those he loves safe. He only does the right thing after being confronted by his sister and Tanwen and their dire situations. And his actions are more inaction than anything. He is drawn to Tanwen, and his forming a connection with her seems to be the only thing he really does to rebel against his father. The relationship between Tanwen and Zolya feels kind of like instalove, but there seems to be an underlying theme of Volari and Süra being fated, which would explain their instant attraction to each other and being unable to resist that attraction.

All in all, this was an okay read. I was more invested in Tanwen’s father and brother’s situations and Zolya’s sister’s despair at her upcoming nuptials. I do plan on reading the next book in the series, the ending of this book leads me to believe there will be quite a bit more involvement between the higher and lower gods, and I’m hoping the Zolya grows a spine and ends up being a true romantic hero.

Trigger warnings for: child abuse, attempted sexual assault, torture, suicide, animal death

This was a grimmer and more brutal book than I expected! Tanwen and her twin brother have been raised all their lives knowing that they are both loved by their parents, and abominations in the eyes of everyone else for being a mix of Sura (horned, wingless, earth bound) and Volari (winged, magical, and the ruling class). They must hide themselves and their parents identities at any cost, and to this end their father spent time torturing them, teaching them to endure pain and suffering and not break.

When her Volari’s father’s past catches up with him and he is captured, along with her twin brother, Tanwen decides to do the noble thing and rescue them. Selling herself into bondage to the palace — floating in the sky — she falls in love with the prince, befriends the princess, and finds her father and brother only to realize that her brother is being brutally tortured by the king himself while her father is being forced to build a mineral mine so the king can get richer, a mine using Sura labor that will doubtless cost dozens if not hundreds of lives. And doing so only to keep his son alive.

Tanwen … doesn’t really seem to care about what’s happening to her brother and father. She knows where they are, and that’s fine, but she has feelings about the prince. Hot, tingly feelings. Her father is living in despair as he watches his son break more and more each day while he sells his soul to keep him alive, and Tanwen doesn’t spare them a thought until the plot needs her to. She’s emotionally distant from them, and it felt more like they were people she knew, not people she, in theory, loved and would give her own life to save.

However, her relationship with Zolya, the prince is decent enough. He’s a weak man, carefully broken by his father to be dutiful, obedient and frightened, to feel powerless so that he acts powerless, leaving him to the disdain and disinterest of court and advisors, so his father can look down at him and the cycle continues. Wanting Tanwen is one of the few things he does of his own volition — and the way love is presented here, between Sura and Volari feels magical, like fated mates or something with how all consuming it is; be it Tanwen’s parents to a couple being executed for their cross species love, to the instalove she feels for Zolya.

The world building is vague, and the religion unexplained which, frankly, I think works in the books favor. There are hints of conflicts between the low gods — the gods of the wingless Sura — and the high gods, of various alliances and divine power struggles, but it’s mostly hinted at in between other moments. All in all, the writing is strong, the pace is decent, but I really didn’t feel anything for Tanwen. I was more invested in her poor twin, her father, and even the princess who struggled to break free of her father’s hold on her.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!

4.5 stars
I loved this so much, I don't ever highlight in my books but this one I had to. So many beautiful lines that made me cry. This book broke my heart and put it back together. I can't wait until the next one!

I enjoyed the story, characters, and writing overall. However, I did find parts of the story to be a bit slow, so it was hard for me at times to push through.

Having finished the book only moments ago, I struggle with getting my thoughts in order and the urge to tell everyone about this book immediately. First and foremost, if you read nothing else past this, this was a 6-star read and a new favourite.

I would classify this book as more of a romantic fantasy. The fantasy elements are the core focus of the book, while the romance itself is supportive of the overall plot. While there are a handful of intimate scenes, they do not feel like they are for fan service but rather for the logical growth and development of the relationship.

If you come to the romantic fantasy/fantasy romance genre with more of a high or epic fantasy background, you may find this is an easier entry point. The world-building is well done and is the focus of the first portion of the book. Stay with it though, even if you think the book is moving too slowly or if the world-building and character-building feel too confusing. You will settle in in the 30-50% mark. After that, the plot completely takes over and you won't be able to turn the pages fast enough. I can honestly say that I don't remember the last time my heart was beating that quickly through the final chapters.

Tanwen is one of my new favourite FMCs. We all have that one superpower that we wish we could have. Such as invisibility, flying, etc. Mine is communicating with animals. So when I realized that this was Tanwen's magic, I was SOLD. Immediately. The scene in the orchard (IYKYK) was one of my favourite scenes I've ever read and is burned in my memory.

I cannot recommend this book enough. If you are looking for a romantic fantasy that steers clear of silly goofy territory, modern language, and simple writing styles, and want something a bit more lyrical without being purple, realistic characters who don't make face-palm choices, and a rich world of magic, political intrigue, and commentary on real-world issues (namely, misogyny, racism, and classism), then please do not hesitate to pick this book up.

Big thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for a digital advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The forbidden romance made this book! The slow burn, the tension, the perfect amount of spice—it was everything.

Tanwen and Zolya were meant for each other, and I loved getting to know them. The beginning was a little slow, but that’s okay—it takes time to really connect with characters! 🙂
And then… beyond the romance, Tanwen’s fight for her family and her stand against injustice made for an intense read.

This book gave me all the feels! ❤️‍🩹
I absolutely loved it and can not wait for the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley & Montlake!

Scorched Skies was my first introduction to E.J. Mellow’s writing, and I was immediately captivated by the world of Cādra. From the first page, the intricate world-building sets this book apart—dividing the land into the earthbound Süra and their winged overlords, the Volari. Deep-rooted prejudice fuels their conflict, with the Volari believing in the divine supremacy of their Higher Gods while the Süra are protected by the Lower Gods, who challenge the status quo.

At the heart of the story is Tanwen, the daughter of a forbidden union between a Süra woman and a Volari man. Her very existence is considered treason, forcing her to live in hiding. But when her brother and father are captured by Crown Prince Zolaya and taken to the kingdom in the skies, she has no choice but to infiltrate the Volari stronghold disguised as a servant. What she doesn’t expect is the undeniable pull between her and Zolaya—one that could change everything.

The world-building was mesmerizing, weaving together rich mythology, divine politics, and an immersive magic system. As someone who loves fantasy worlds filled with intricate power dynamics and lush settings, this book completely satisfied that craving.

Tanwen is a strong, determined protagonist, and her journey of survival and defiance is both emotional and inspiring. She constantly challenges the injustices around her, making her an easy character to root for. Zolaya, on the other hand, surprised me with his depth. His internal conflict—torn between duty, personal beliefs, and his growing feelings for Tanwen—is explored beautifully through dual POVs, making their slow-burn, forbidden romance all the more compelling. Their chemistry is fire, and the tension between them is palpable.

Beyond the romance, Scorched Skies also explores ambition, oppression, and the cost of challenging fate, adding layers of depth to the story. While the romance sizzles, the stakes remain high, making this a gripping read from start to finish.

If you love romantasy with lush world-building, divine conflicts, and slow-burn tension, Scorched Skies is one to add to your TBR!

Thanks again, NetGalley, for the ARC!

I reply like rh book
The world building, the characters and the plot were really food.
Highly recommend

Despite some technical flaws in the writing like frequent use of passive voice, I loved this storytelling style, the strong sense of plot, the complex characters, and the magical world.

This was my first book by this author, but will absolutely be reading her previous titles.

Thank you netgalley and publisher for the arc.

I'm giving this 4.5 stars. I was worried after reading the trigger warning about animal cruelty, but do feel that it was handled well. The deaths in this book are what takes the half star away for me.

This is a romantasy featuring ground dwelling süra and sky flying volari - also mütra the forbidden result of süra and volari procreating.

Tanwen and her family have been living in the forest undetected for many years now after having to hide and relocate for their safety.

Zolya is the prince with white wings, searching for Tanwen's father. Acting on the orders of his father, the king, he steals her father and brother away to the island in the skies.

Tanwen finds her way to the island in search of her father and brother. She must act as a servant and not be found out for who and what she is. She catches the eye of the prince and a forbidden relationship slowly begins between them.

This book has gods, magic, forbidden relationships, power struggles, treason, loss and more.

I really enjoyed this story. The author does a great job of building the world and characters. It doesn't end on a cliff hanger, but does leave unanswered questions leaving it open to the second installment. I found the deaths, at least two of them to be a bit unnecessary.. but I know life in general is not always a HEA reality.

4.5 rounding up to 5

An absolute work of art, so well written! The world building was so dynamic and unique. Forbidden love is my favourite trope and this did not fail to deliver on that😍

I cannot wait for book 2!

This book was great, I fell in love with Zoyla & Tanwen! They were completely made for each other and complimented one another very well. They were supportive and very vulnerable.
Plus, we have Huw and Eli, they deserve the world! Also, I love a book about character growth and this book was full of that with all the characters helping each other.
The pace was perfect for this story and made it fun to read.
Thanks NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC!

I absolutely loved this.
This is inspired by Icarus, but through a female perspective.
The tension, both romantic and otherwise, was so good. The forbidden romance was very well done, and I really liked having POVs from both MCs. There are also some POV chapters from Tanwen's father, which really added to building the world and backstory, but the majority of the book is from Tanwen and Zolya's POV.
The first part of the book is a bit slow, but there's a lot of world/relationship building and character introductions, so it's appropriate. Personally, I prefer a slightly slower start to dive into the world, rather than a mass infodump in a few chapters which makes me feel overwhelmed.
This gave me all the feels, and it made me cry, so you know that's a win for me. I already can't wait for the next book and this one isn't even out yet 🙃

Beautifully written and richly imagined, Scorched Skies is a heartrending story of family, duty, and forbidden love. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, though I did find it a bit meandering. My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance!

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for this arc.

Starting my reading year on a low note.
Unfortunately, Scorched Skies was one of my most anticipated books of the year. and I was delighted to have gotten an arc and didn't think it would be a disappointing read.

Tanwen, our heroine, didn’t shine through. She loses sight of her goals as soon as the prince makes doe eyes at her, her resolves were weak as shit. She was very lacking as a main character. Zolya's, The hero, thirst for his father’s approval made him overlook so many injustices, discriminating laws and even the selling of his own sister as if she was some sort of object to be traded. That was one of the few plot points where I felt there was a an emotional dilemma and looking forward to the unraveling of it. However, Zolya does not act upon what he feels right and just lets things happen around him. Plus, I didn't feel the chemistry between the main couple, it was quite bland.

The MC was SA’ed and that was instantly disregard as if it’s never happened. Makes you think that the point of the scene was to make the hero look good by saving her!!! That was some really effed up shit that happened to her. She should’ve been affected way more than that. Oh and there was a smut scene right after she was nearly R worded. At that point I mentally checked out of the book.

While It definitely took its time with the world building and setting the lore, which were some of the few redeeming parts of the book. It was obvious that the characters were not flushed out and didn't have depths. Lastly, there was an unnecessary death at the end that just didn't make sense and was abrupt.

This is a duology and I don't if I'm intrigued enough to read the sequel.

Scorched Skies in the first book in a romantasy duology inspired by the myth of Icarus. I absolutely adored previous books by EJ Mellow so I had very high hopes for her newest book.

I was completely mesmerized by the beautiful writing style, which pulled me into the story and did not let go. I adored the immersive fantasy world that EJ Mellow created but the stand out of this book for me was the breathtakingly perfect romance, which was a beautiful forbidden slow burn.

Scorched Skies is a flawless example of a romantic fantasy book and although it does not end on a cliffhanger, I am still desperate for more.

I have decided to DNF this book because I feel as if the writing style is a bit over the top for me. It seemed like very simple concepts were made into these long, complex sentences with unnecessarily complicated verbiage. While this is something that may be appealing to some people, it just makes the book less enjoyable to read for me.

This was a strong start to the Way of Wings series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the concept of this world. It was everything that I was hoping for from the description, and that the characters were everything that I wanted. E.J. Mellow wrote this well and left me wanting to read more in this world.

Scorched Skies is a captivating read that swept me off my feet from the very first page! E.J. Mellow introduces us to a vibrant world filled with refreshing characters who feel immediately relatable and engaging. The internal dialogues are skilfully crafted, making it easy for readers to connect with the protagonists and navigate their intricate journeys.

One of the standout elements of the book is Mellow's unique and imaginative magic system, which adds depth and intrigue to the overall world-building. Inspired by the Icarus mythos, this backdrop not only enhances the story but also sets it apart from other fantasy novels.

As I delved deeper into the narrative, my investment in the main characters soared. The suspense throughout the book was palpable, creating a personal kind of torture as I anxiously awaited the unfolding of events. However, the ending felt a touch condensed, which left me yearning for a bit more elaboration, especially regarding certain characters who I felt were underutilised. While I appreciate the path Mellow has chosen for her characters, I can’t help but feel there’s untapped potential that will hopefully be explored in the next instalment.

Overall, Scorched Skies is an exhilarating journey that left me breathless and eagerly anticipating the sequel. Mellow has crafted a world and cast of characters that I am deeply invested in, and I can’t wait to see where she takes them next.

If you’re looking for a fantasy novel that offers a refreshing take on magic and character development, look no further! I await the next book with bated breath!