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Tales of Ciel Book 1: Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies
Effie Strait dreams of Leviathan
Born on the Island of Volturnus in the remote Zephyr Archipelago, Effie knows little of the world beyond her local isles, but that fact hasn’t throttled her ambition. When she was young, her homeland came under assault by the notorious pirate, Maug the Butcher. Effie’s people were saved from enslavement by the timely intervention of the Celestial Armada, but that salvation came at a price. The Celestials remained on the archipelago, imposing a tithe in exchange for their ongoing protection and importing a strict caste system that elevates the Gifted above their mundane peers.
Once a year, the Celestials come down from their palace on Aquilon to test the most promising young Zephyri against a pod of wild Leviathan. Those identified as potential pilots are whisked away to the Celestial homeland far across the open sky, never to be heard from again. Effie yearns to prove herself in the testing, but not every Zephyri shares her disposition. When a rebellion against the Celestials erupts on the neighboring Isle of Aeolus, the fighting draws in Zephyri from around the archipelago–including Effie’s sister Vanna and her best friend Kai. With Effie’s own time of testing approaching, she finds herself caught between her closest friends and family and the only power on Ciel that can make her piloting dreams a reality.
Behind the Cover
The Jokai are tricksters. It takes a special kind to master their ways. To learn the craft, you need to be hard as stone and soft as down. You have to be steadfast and compromising, logical and obtuse. You need to be just and capricious, merciful and cruel. To work the craft, you need to lie truthfully. You need to be honest and false, mysterious and bare. You need to bend in half without breaking. How many men do you know capable of containing so many contradictions?
Critical Acclaim
Intriguing
“This is a politically intriguing and morally challenging story, a coming-of-age, a reckoning with colonialism and corruption—and it’s rooted in authentic sibling energy.”
★★★★★
Independent Book Review
Riveting and Unpredictable
“A timely tale of lofty dreams, destiny, and revolution.”
★★★★★
SPR
Absorbing
“A wholly absorbing, otherworldly tale of family, magic, and astonishing creatures.”
Kirkus Reviews
Magnificent
“This genre-blurring read synthesizes a spectrum of timeless themes and adventurous motifs, from young love between heroes and cultural disillusionment to mystical beast lore and conspiratorial payback.”
★★★★★
SPR
Highly Recommended
“I frequently paused in awe of the author’s vivid descriptions…Z. Bennett Lorimer has a gift for not only imagining spectacular, staggering drama, but writing these moments with searing emotion.”
★★★★★
Independent Book Review
Fascinating
“A bevy of curious elements crop up, including the Long Drop…
Leviathan…and glimpses at the harrowing pirate life”
Kirkus Reviews
Rich Characterization
“In the intriguing fantasy novel Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies, sisters come of age, growing apart but into themselves, while living among the clouds.”
Foreword Clarion Reviews
Rich and Intriguing
“The contrasts between the Strait sisters make these intriguing characters even richer.”
Kirkus Reviews
A Vibrant Series
“Throughout the novel, the prose is clean and clever, allowing Lorimer’s linguistic dexterity to shine without veering into verbosity or excessive exposition. All in all, this opening installment sets a magnificent stage for a vibrant series, ending with a major twist that will leave readers eager for the sequel.”
★★★★★
SPR
Reader Reviews
Fantastic Concept
“The premise is fresh, the Leviathans are irresistible, and I’m definitely interested in where the story will go in book two.”
★★★★
NetGalley Review
Captivating
“For fans of clever and determined heroes, fantastical creatures, rebellion-fomenting pirates, and the complicated politics of colonizing powers in a land of scarcity and magic. Get your hands on the first installment of this captivating series!”
★★★★★
Goodreads Review
Whimsical
“Super interesting and unique idea. Such a great whimsical read…Thank you for this experience!”
★★★★
NetGalley Review
Intriguing
“Effie’s desperation as the novel unfolds is palpable…I feel like the story is only starting to ramp up into something much bigger.”
★★★
Goodreads Review
Fantastic
“This was a strong start to the Tales of Ciel series, it had that element that I was wanting from the description. Z. Bennett Lorimer does a fantastic job.”
★★★★★
NetGalley Review
Too Short
“Overall, the writing and the pacing were great. This book is on the short side at 192 pages, which was a shame because I was left with so many questions about the magic system and the worldbuilding.”
★★★
Goodreads Review
Fantastic Debut
“I’m eager to get my hands on the second book in the series to see what happens next for the sisters, their island, and see what more is in this new world that Z Bennett has created for us.”
★★★★★
Goodreads Review
Vivid Storytelling
“I for one can’t wait to see the next adventures in book two. I would give eight thumbs up, but I am not an octopus 👍👍”
★★★★★
Goodreads Review
Full of Energy
“Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies is bold, heartfelt, and imaginative… a sky-high adventure with plenty of heart. Even with its breakneck pacing, it’s a story that soars and leaves you wanting more time in its world.”
★★★★
Goodreads Review