Sky on Fire, E.K. Johnston
Sky on Fire, E.K. Johnston
List: $25.00 | Sale: $17.50
Club: $12.50

Sky on Fire

Author: E.K. Johnston

Narrator: Louisa Zhu

Unabridged: 7 hr 41 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/22/2025

Synopsis

A fast-paced and thought-provoking queer sci-fi/fantasy novel from #1 New York Times bestseller E.K. Johnston.

Morgan Enni has things to do. A science prodigy in a university full of mage-scientists, she’s notable for having no magical ability, which only increases her ambition and drive to prove herself. Her research has the potential to devastate every aetherworker in the galaxy and shake the crumbled foundations of the Stavenger Empire. It's no wonder she can't find anyone who wants to listen to her, much less fund her expedition.

But Morgan is stubborn, and eventually her work catches the attention of a group of rebels, who hope it might turn the tide in their favour. When they try to recruit the young scientist, they get much more than they bargained for. Morgan Enni has secrets of her own.

Set in the world of Aetherbound, E.K. Johnston continues to entwine Arthurian myth and the history of North Atlantic fisheries in a clever, character-driven space fantasy.

About The Author

E.K. JOHNSTON is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several YA novels, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist The Story of Owen and Star Wars: Ahsoka. Her novel A Thousand Nights was shortlisted for the Governor General's Award. The New York Times called The Story of Owen "a clever first step in the career of a novelist who, like her troubadour heroine, has many more songs to sing" and in its review of Exit, Pursued by a Bear, the Globe & Mail called Johnston "the Meryl Streep of YA," with "limitless range." E.K. Johnston lives in southwestern Ontario.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Jennybeast on December 09, 2024

Fantastic. The kind of book you fall into and only come up for air under duress. Morgan Enni is a wonderful addition to the existing characters in this universe, and I love how science focused she is, how awkward and yet growing, how clearly her interests define her until they don’t. It stands alone......more

Goodreads review by Abby on April 30, 2025

One of my bookish red flags is that even though I know nothing about Arthurian legend, I still come running any time a book has any references to it at all. I saw Sky on Fire on Netgalley and requested it immediately because of aforementioned mild Arthurian legend obsession. I'm going to be honest ri......more

Goodreads review by Lila (teawithalibra) on July 15, 2025

Thank you to Penguin Teen for the eARC of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review! Morgan Enni is a scientific prodigy in a university full of mage-scientists, having no magic herself, but is having trouble getting anyone to listen to her research because it may disrupt everything......more

Goodreads review by Sarai on July 14, 2025

This sequel burns bright, balancing political drama, high stakes tension, and emotional growth with Johnston's signature poetic prose. While it took a few chapters to find its rhythm, once it hit its stride, I was hooked. The character arcs deepen beautifully, and the worldbuilding expands in meanin......more

Goodreads review by Taylor on March 26, 2025

A very charming sci-fi, mystery, romance. Morgan Enni reads as neurodivergent, asexual, and frankly..very adorable. I admired that their determination to complete their research never crossed moral boundaries. They are loyal, inquisitive, and self-sacrificing. I will admit that I didn’t know this wa......more

Quotes

"Full of heart and hope, this book invites you to join a found family you'll never want to leave. A fierce but gentle reminder of the ways we can always choose who we'll be."—Amie Kaufman, New York Times bestselling author of Aurora Rising

"Beautiful character work, lightness, precision… and hope."—Reactor.com

"Chock-full of space battles and forms a solid companion…Space opera mixed with resilience and determination in an upended world.”—Kirkus

"Morgan’s growth as a character over such a short novel is impressive as she realizes the importance of connection, especially when you’re reliant on networks andcompanionship to survive. Set within the world of Aetherbound (2021), the story's hidden secret related to the previous work will entrance readers, especially those familiar with Johnston’s work."—Booklist

“This short space opera covers a surprising amount of lore and worldbuilding in a queer-normative society accepting of Morgan’s asexual identity, with a creative magic system and interesting technology to boot...There’s plenty of intrigue...[G]eneral sci-fi aficionados and readers of the previous book have plenty to peruse here withlovable characters and a fascinating universe.” —BCCB

“As a fully developed character, Morgan is the novel’s greatest strength...Recommended for libraries with fans of Aetherbound or Johnston’s ‘Star Wars’ novels.” —SLJ

“A space fantasy that combines Arthurian myth and the history of North Atlantic fisheries — two things I bet you didn’t think could combine to compellingeffect, but here we are! For readers of queer sci-fi/fantasy tales.”—Autostraddle

“[An] action-packed and humorous novel that is easy to get into. Detailed world-building will help you completely get immersed in the novel, as well asunique concepts and worlds. I am all for it!”—Fully Booked

“[E.K. Johnston’s] Aetherbound novels are space fantasy drawing inspiration from Arthuriana, so another adventure from that universe sounds like an excellent summer read.”—LitHub

A Locus Awards Top Ten Finalist

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