3.5 stars

thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

scorched skies was a great romantasy read. i love how this book utilises the enemies to lovers trope, presenting it in a "two people on opposing sides" way rather than just two people who hate each other.

zolya and tanwen were also interesting protagonists, although i do wish we saw more sides to zolya as a person. he did have a really strong character arc however, with his whole realisation of the atrocities him and his people have been complicit in.

the plot was okay although it did really pick up around the 70% mark. that point when everyone came to the conclusion that they all had the same goal was really strong and kept me invested.

overall it was a pleasant read although not something i would reread. i think the main issue is this story falls into the issue of being readable but quite mediocre and forgettable.

Okay, so Scorched Skies was one of those books where I went in thinking, “This sounds fun,” and came out emotionally wrecked and completely obsessed. I don’t even know where to start because this book has everything. Forbidden romance? Check. Enemies-to-lovers slow burn? Oh, absolutely. An incredible world in the clouds inspired by the Icarus myth? Yup. And let’s not forget a prince with wings and a heroine with horns—literally.

First off, the worldbuilding is amazing. The split between the winged Volari and the earthbound Süra felt so vivid and real, and the political tension was handled beautifully. I loved how the story slowly peeled back the layers of this society—both the magic and the injustices—while still keeping the focus on the characters.

Speaking of characters, Tanwen and Zolya were everything I wanted them to be and more. Tanwen’s determination to save her family (and maybe burn the entire system down in the process) made her an easy character to root for. Zolya, meanwhile, is the classic "duty-bound prince" trope, but he’s so much more than that—complex, conflicted, and utterly magnetic. The chemistry between them was next-level, full of stolen glances, slow-building tension, and moments that had me screaming and giggling.

The writing itself is gorgeous. E.J. Mellow has a way with words that’s equal parts lyrical and accessible. It flows so well that you almost don’t realize how deeply invested you are until you’re fully spiraling into the emotions of these characters. And when the romance finally happens, it hits like a thunderstorm—it’s intense, emotional, and so worth the wait.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say there were a few moments where I wanted a little more depth from the side characters, but with a sequel coming, I’m hopeful we’ll get more of their stories. As for the ending… let’s just say it’s an emotional gut punch (in the best way), and now I’m counting the days until the next book.

If you’re into romantasy with rich worldbuilding, unforgettable characters, and a love story that will make your heart ache in the best way, Scorched Skies is for you. I couldn’t put it down.

Scorched Skies is the first book in a romantic fantasy duology inspired by the myth of Icarus. Featuring forbidden love, a pantheon of petty gods, a world ripe for revolution, and a tiny mouse companion, this book kept me turning (digital) pages for hours on end! The plot centers around Tanwen, who has spend her life in hiding because she is Mütra, a child born from a forbidden union between one of the divinely-descended Volari and an earthly Süra. When her father and brother are arrested by the Volari prince, Zolya, she must infiltrate the palace and find a way to save them (while also ignoring her blossoming feelings for the prince).

The worldbuilding in this novel was one of it highlights. I was fascinated by the gods, both high and low, and the physical effects they had on the world whenever they appeared. The descriptions of these portions were vivid and lush, as were the descriptions of various fashions, both in fabric and in wing and horn decorations.

In terms of characters and relationships. I enjoyed Tanwen’s POV and was pleasantly surprised by her father’s, which I had not been expecting. Tanwen's familial relationship is the beating heart of this novel, and it was nice to see it explored in two different perspectives. Although the novel centers on a forbidden romance between the two main POV characters, Tanwen and Zolya, I found the most compelling parts of the novel to be interactions between Tanwen and the various side characters, my favorites being her tiny mouse companion, Eli.

My favorite romantic relationship in the book was Princess Azla’s romance with the Lady Esme, which I found to be sweet and passionate. It also allowed the text to juxtapose the main romance in an interesting way, as the queer relationship is not considered to be legitimate, though it is allowed to be explored while Tanwen and Zolya’s is forbidden on every front.

Unfortunately, I did not find the central romance to be engaging as Azla’s and Esme’s. While I enjoyed Tanwen as a character, I found her immediate attraction to Zolya to be a bit over the top. As a result, I found myself rooting against the romance at times when I should have been all for it. Most of this might have been due to the reservations I had about Zolya as a character. In an otherwise very well-rounded cast of characters, Zolya felt a bit flat. His development focused on him balancing his duty to his father with the injustices faced by the women in his life. Because Zolya’s relationship with his father was underdeveloped, this journey did not feel satisfying. I felt as though Zolya only ever needed a brief conversation to suddenly be able to overcome all of his previous prejudices.

This was my first time reading an E.J. Mellow novel, and I’ve already added a few more of her books to my TBR. While Scorched Skies wasn’t the perfect read for me, there was a lot to like about this book. Based on where this book left off, I think that many of the things I hoped to see more of (like Mütra magic and the conflicts between the gods) might be better explored in the sequel, and I will definitely be reading it when it comes out!

Scorched Skies by E.J. Mellow masterfully blends myth, romance, and political intrigue in a story that soars as high as the winged Volari who rule over the divided world of Cādra.

Tanwen, the brave and determined heroine, risks everything to infiltrate the royal court and save her family, while Crown Prince Zolya grapples with duty and forbidden love. Their electrifying chemistry and star-crossed romance anchor this richly imagined tale.

With vivid world-building, gripping twists, and a poignant exploration of love and courage, Scorched Skies is a must-read for fantasy lovers. A stunning opening to what promises to be an unforgettable duology!

If you love a slow burn, forbidden romance, this is FOR YOU! What a fantastic book! So much yearning. The plot and characters were solid and I am so happy that I got the chance to read this.

"Scorched Skies" by E.J. Mellow took me completely by surprise. I went into it blind, without even reading the synopsis, and I’m so glad I did—it exceeded all my expectations. The world-building was masterfully done, and the pacing was absolutely spot-on. I was captivated from start to finish and found it impossible to put down.
The forbidden romance and enemies-to-lovers dynamic felt fresh and original, which is impressive given how saturated the market is with these tropes. They often feel overdone, but this story brought a fresh perspective. The tension between Tanwen and Prince Zolya was pure perfection—absolutely chef's kiss! This is an absolute must-read for fans of romantasy.
Thank you to NetGallery and Montlake for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed the story and the writing and I liked the characters, and I would definitely like to continue. The reasons why it’s not a perfect 5 star is purely subjective, but I think if it sounds intriguing to you you should definitely read it.

✨ Book Review: Scorched Skies by E.J. Mellow ✨
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for this advanced reader’s copy!

From the divided world of Cādra to the soaring Volari skies, Scorched Skies is a mesmerizing blend of forbidden love, court intrigue, and high-stakes action. E.J. Mellow delivers a spellbinding reimagining of the Icarus myth with Tanwen, an outcast fighting to save her family, and Zolya, a prince caught between duty and desire. Their chemistry? Electric. Their dilemmas? Heart-wrenching.

Admittedly, the heavy use of third-person references to Tanwen was a little jarring at first, but the narrative found its stride halfway through—and WOW. Zolya’s lines had me absolutely swooning! I loved the tension, the stakes, and the vivid worldbuilding.

Trigger warnings: There are some scenes involving unwanted physical touch and an attempted assault, so please read mindfully.

I’m already counting the days until book two of this duology because I NEED to know what happens next! If you’re a fan of slow-burn romance, winged princes, and epic stakes, don’t miss Scorched Skies. E.J. Mellow has outdone herself!

I loved this! The slow burn, interesting story line, world building, and language used. It started slow in my opinion but really took off from then on. I'm already desperate to read more from E.J Mellow! Highly recommend Scorched Skies.

There was so much to love about this book! The worldbuilding was phenomenal—an incredibly detailed and unique setting for the narrative. Tanwen is an inspiring heroine, both in her courage and compassion. Zolya is made my heart flutter every time he appeared on the page. The notable elements of the Icarus retelling are still present without being overwhelming—the story is still its own. I was a bit disappointed in what should have been the emotional gut punch of the book, perhaps after similar tragedies already having occurred, and the ending was a bit rushed to my taste, but the positive elements of the novel outweigh this and make it one to watch out for this year. I will definitely be looking out for book 2!

This book had no business being this good. this is E.J Mellow’s best work, and I never thought anything would top my love for dance of a burning sea. But damn, this book blew me away. The world building was so unique to anything I’ve read before. I seamlessly connected with almost all the characters (main & side), and I swooned for the romance between Tanwen and Zolya. As a big Greek mythology fan, she did the Icarus myth well while still spinning her own interpretation just everything about this book was truly amazing, and I can’t wait for the second part of this duology,

This was my first book by E.J. Mellow; I absolutely adored it! I can't wait for the second installment. This is a fantasy/romance novel that will tug at the heartstrings.

This book was amazing. The Icarus retelling, the hierarchical society, power imbalances and female rage were so well done in Scorched Skies. I was raging right alongside Tamwen throughout the book. She is such a strong female protagonist and a nice change from the dagger wielding warrior type.

I don't tend to get emotional when reading books, but there were two specific instances in this novel where I was misty and overwhelmed with emotion with how E.J. Mellow described the circumstances. My heart broke for Tamwen over and over again.

It was very interesting with the structure of the high and low gods and the thought that perhaps what was happening was actually not in anyone's control at all. The influences these gods had could have been exerting may have been even more than what was apparent.

The love story was beautiful and heartbreaking. Two people on two separate sides of a kingdom who just wanted to be together, unable to be due to circumstance and duty. I suspect our hearts will break further in book 2 before being put together again. Highly recommend reading when it comes out April 2025.

Starting off the year strong with this wonderful book!

It is so refreshing to read a book where even the side-characters are well-developed so you can connect with them as well. I particularly liked the dual POV aspect, as it highlighted the depth of each character.

The forbidden romance element was well paced and I loved how it encapsulated the shared hatred of the flaws of the current world order and the desire to work together to fix it. This brings me to my favourite aspect of the book; the politics and power dynamics. I loved the initial setting up of the High Gods and Low Gods, and how their whims and desires influence the actions of the characters. The conflict between the Volari and the Süra as well as the detrimental effects of the patriarchy are explored in-depth, and offer a shocking parallel to the real world today. I also really liked how the constraining effects of power were explored through Zolya.

Overall I highly recommend this well-constructed, gripping fantasy tale, it was a pleasure to read!

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

E.J. Mellow’s “Scorched Skies” is an immersive and masterfully crafted romantasy that blends forbidden love and political intrigue into a sweeping tale set in the beautifully brutal world of Cādra. With its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and emotional stakes, this book is a must-read for fans of slow-burn romance and a unique high fantasy world.

The world of Cādra is divided between the winged and magically gifted Volari, who dominate the skies, and the earthbound Süra, horned beings without magic who are relegated to the land below. At the heart of the story is Tanwen, a resilient and determined young woman born into the forbidden race of Mütra—half-Volari, half-Süra—who possesses the rare ability to communicate with animals. When her father and twin brother are abducted by Zolya, the Volari Crown Prince, on orders from his tyrannical father, Tanwen sets out on a desperate mission to rescue them. Along the way, she finds herself drawn into a dangerous dance with Zolya, whose sense of duty is at odds with his desire for a better world. Their relationship, fraught with tension and yearning, forms the emotional core of the story as they grapple with their allegiances and shared longing for change.

Mellow’s world-building is both intricate and accessible, painting a vivid picture of a divided society steeped in mythology and tradition. The inclusion of gods—both high and low—adds depth and resonance to the story without overwhelming it, and a handy glossary helps readers navigate the lore effortlessly. I found the world building to be clear and descriptive. While I sometimes have difficult diving into high fantasy stories, I found the lore within the book to be easy to digest and understand.

The characters shine in this story, particularly Tanwen, whose bravery and determination drive the plot forward. Her journey is as much about personal growth as it is about rescuing her family. The supporting cast, including Zolya and Tanwen’s father Gabreel, add richness and complexity to the narrative. The forbidden romance between Tanwen and Zolya is a slow burn that beautifully underscores the broader themes of division and reconciliation. Mellow also tackles weighty themes, such as oppression, genocide, and rebellion, grounding the fantastical elements in real-world parallels. The tension between the Volari and Süra is explored with nuance, and the book challenges traditions and hierarchies in a way that feels timely and impactful. I did feel that Zolya’s character development lags behind Tanwen’s. His introspection and angst occasionally make him feel like a passive participant in the story compared to Tanwen’s relentless drive.

The ending, while not a cliffhanger, leaves many threads unresolved, particularly in the political arena. This sets the stage for a sequel and makes sense with the overall story. I definitely can’t wait to read more of Tanwen and Zolya’s story. E.J. Mellow has definitely delivered a captivating and thought-provoking tale that stands out in the romantasy genre.

Overall, with its richly developed world and morally complex characters, “Scorched Skies” is a journey worth taking. Fans of slow burns and high stakes will be eagerly counting down the days until the sequel.

A slow burn romantasy with star crossed lovers and such a poignant story! I flew through this one and cannot wait for the next installment. 4.5 stars

4.5⭐️ Okay i loved this book so much. The world is unique. The characters so well fleshed out. The found family aspect of it all tugs at your heartstrings—im still recovering from some of the events of this book. The ending is so well done. The story is complete but it leaves you wanting more.

I'm such a huge E.J. Mellow fan. I've never met a book by her that I didn't like and SCORCHED SKIES is no exception. This story is some of her best work to date.

A wonderful new addition to the romantasy world. The FMC faces difficult social and political challenges while building up the courage to do what's right. The world building is impressive; with a highly developed social hierarchy, history, and lore. This is a spicy, slow burn, enemies to lovers. It ends leaving you in disbelief that you have to wait so long for the next book.

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!