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Skies of Dripping Gold
In an angry, frightened world where the Poison claims many lives, a young man’s belief in Paradise has collapsed into a distant dream. Gabriel can no longer place his trust in the existence of such a place. Not when his sister’s pain continues to sap her strength. Not when prayers for her healing go unanswered.As the Poison progresses, eating away at Lilly’s life, Gabriel sets off on a desperate climb to save her from death. Struggling to discover the truth behind a world where the skies drip gold, Gabriel tries to maintain his disbelief in God while clutching after hope for his sister’s salvation. But, as he climbs the cliff that is said to lead to Paradise, he begins to if he can’t bring himself to believe in a place of peace and golden skies, then how can he possibly hope for his sister’s rescue? How can he possibly hope for his own?Skies of Dripping Gold, Hannah Heath's debut short story, is a YA Christian dystopian about a young man's struggle to save his sister's life and rescue his own soul.
57 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 27, 2019
This short story is awesome. I've heard the author is a bit weird, though.
June 23, 2018
You know what's beautiful? This. This is beautiful. Simple, heartfelt, lovely, and real. I cried in the bathroom over it.
February 19, 2021
I never really know how to rate or review short stories. I'm very accustomed to novels and all that you can expect from them, so it's difficult for me to not want more out of a short story than is given. But here goes.
Skies of Dripping Gold was a moving story. The setting was very interesting, and I really felt for all of humanity in this world, but especially the main character. As a Christian, the situation really tugged at my heartstrings and made me want to climb in the book and tell Gabriel everything I know about Jesus.
The only gripe I can think to have with this story is how Gabriel came to decide to climb the cliff. It seemed rather out of the blue on the surface because I as a reader didn't spend much time with him and Lilly beforehand, but after thinking about the situation in a bit more depth I could see how it made sense.
That's just how short stories are really, so it's not much of an issue. Just like how it isn't an issue that it's so short, though I do want more (this could be a full-length novel with the majority of it just being Gabriel's thoughts as he climbs up the cliff and I'd happily read it, even with already knowing the ending).
All-in-all I enjoyed this short story and I do recommend it. And if you don't think you'll like it, it's only 42 pages with a fairly large font; it won't take much of your time so you should read it anyways.
Skies of Dripping Gold was a moving story. The setting was very interesting, and I really felt for all of humanity in this world, but especially the main character. As a Christian, the situation really tugged at my heartstrings and made me want to climb in the book and tell Gabriel everything I know about Jesus.
The only gripe I can think to have with this story is how Gabriel came to decide to climb the cliff. It seemed rather out of the blue on the surface because I as a reader didn't spend much time with him and Lilly beforehand, but after thinking about the situation in a bit more depth I could see how it made sense.
That's just how short stories are really, so it's not much of an issue. Just like how it isn't an issue that it's so short, though I do want more (this could be a full-length novel with the majority of it just being Gabriel's thoughts as he climbs up the cliff and I'd happily read it, even with already knowing the ending).
All-in-all I enjoyed this short story and I do recommend it. And if you don't think you'll like it, it's only 42 pages with a fairly large font; it won't take much of your time so you should read it anyways.
August 27, 2017
Skies of Dripping Gold is told from the point of view of Gabriel, a young man living in a dystopian hell, whose sister, Lilly, is suffering the ill effects of "the Poison". Gabriel struggles with his lack of faith in a paradise or heavenly afterlife. In contrast, his sister's belief is unwavering even in the face of her incredible pain.
This story was not really about the dystopia, or the poison. The reader's questions about the surrounding circumstances are only answered as far as is strictly necessary to forward the plot. I didn't mind this, as I have read enough dystopian novels to easily fill in the blanks.
Instead, the story is about faith. Faith in the unseen, the unproven, the benevolent. Gabriel's struggle is painful to read, because I think many of us would feel similarly if we found ourselves in the same situation. It makes you question the strength of your own faith. Faced with hell on earth, would you stay strong in your conviction, or would you falter and lose hope?
Warning: Here there be minor spoilers.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this story was the bond between Gabriel and Lilly. Many novels these days concentrate on rivalry or animosity between siblings. In this case, it was clear that extreme adversity had fused the siblings even more tightly together. The love that they have for each other is so pure and unwavering it is inspiring.
Gabriel's literal climb up a sheer cliff was an interesting element, you were rooting for him to succeed and find what he needed at the top, but at the same time, I think that would have been a disappointing end. Instead, when he arrives and finds nothing, his agonized shouts toward a God he doesn't really believe in anymore are an emotional blow after the struggle that came before.
The end caught me off guard, I turned a page and suddenly, it was over. The reader is left to ponder what really happened, and what Gabriel will do. I was sucked in enough that I was truly ready to go down this rabbit hole. You could sell me this concept as a full length novel easily. This would also make a good part one to a serial.
However, though abrupt, I liked the open end because it put my imagination into overdrive.
Overall, this was a good read. The imagery was excellent, the characterization on point. My favorite thing about it was the character, Cole. A young man with a child-like view of the world but a similarly blind faith. It's the kind of faith we should all strive to have.
This story was not really about the dystopia, or the poison. The reader's questions about the surrounding circumstances are only answered as far as is strictly necessary to forward the plot. I didn't mind this, as I have read enough dystopian novels to easily fill in the blanks.
Instead, the story is about faith. Faith in the unseen, the unproven, the benevolent. Gabriel's struggle is painful to read, because I think many of us would feel similarly if we found ourselves in the same situation. It makes you question the strength of your own faith. Faced with hell on earth, would you stay strong in your conviction, or would you falter and lose hope?
Warning: Here there be minor spoilers.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this story was the bond between Gabriel and Lilly. Many novels these days concentrate on rivalry or animosity between siblings. In this case, it was clear that extreme adversity had fused the siblings even more tightly together. The love that they have for each other is so pure and unwavering it is inspiring.
Gabriel's literal climb up a sheer cliff was an interesting element, you were rooting for him to succeed and find what he needed at the top, but at the same time, I think that would have been a disappointing end. Instead, when he arrives and finds nothing, his agonized shouts toward a God he doesn't really believe in anymore are an emotional blow after the struggle that came before.
The end caught me off guard, I turned a page and suddenly, it was over. The reader is left to ponder what really happened, and what Gabriel will do. I was sucked in enough that I was truly ready to go down this rabbit hole. You could sell me this concept as a full length novel easily. This would also make a good part one to a serial.
However, though abrupt, I liked the open end because it put my imagination into overdrive.
Overall, this was a good read. The imagery was excellent, the characterization on point. My favorite thing about it was the character, Cole. A young man with a child-like view of the world but a similarly blind faith. It's the kind of faith we should all strive to have.
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July 26, 2016"As far as he(Gabriel) was concerned, there were only two all-important laws on earth: 1. don't murder people 2. don't swear in front of Lilly."-Skies of Dripping Gold, Hannah Heath.
So, this line made me giggle. in the midst of a thirty-page book about darkness, hope, and faith, there was somehow room for some humor too. Skies of Dripping Gold has a tremendous range of emotion, put down in ethereal prose that serves as stark contrast to the bleakness of its dystopian city world.
I fell in love with the characters, Gabriel especially. Unlike the generic tall, dark and handsome heroes of most YA fiction, Gabriel is a young man of mixed emotions, shifting doubts, and very human flaws, as well as great courage and an undying loyalty to his pain-wracked sister, Lilly.
also I found the ideas of the dystopian world itself, with its mysterious diseases and tales of a glorious Paradise, both unusual and intriguing.
overall, this is an immensely enjoyable story, and one I'll most likely read more than once :)
So, this line made me giggle. in the midst of a thirty-page book about darkness, hope, and faith, there was somehow room for some humor too. Skies of Dripping Gold has a tremendous range of emotion, put down in ethereal prose that serves as stark contrast to the bleakness of its dystopian city world.
I fell in love with the characters, Gabriel especially. Unlike the generic tall, dark and handsome heroes of most YA fiction, Gabriel is a young man of mixed emotions, shifting doubts, and very human flaws, as well as great courage and an undying loyalty to his pain-wracked sister, Lilly.
also I found the ideas of the dystopian world itself, with its mysterious diseases and tales of a glorious Paradise, both unusual and intriguing.
overall, this is an immensely enjoyable story, and one I'll most likely read more than once :)
February 10, 2017
(WOW. For some reason I never put up my review of this book on Goodreads and it came out more than a year ago. What is my mind doing.)
I think all of us have important questions regarding Life, the Universe, and Everything. How did we get here? Why are we here? What is our purpose? I think the biggest question in this category would be, Why do we live in a world of pain and suffering?
This story, only 35 pages long, is a beautifully written dark dystopian, but full of inspiration and encouragement, unlike most dystopian novels seen in the YA section of your library. Guys, this is a very short story, but it is so well written that it will leave you amazed with mind whirring. This little book gets a 5-star rating from me, hands and feet down.
Every word was put together beautifully. The story was fantastically well done with an unexpected twist. The characterization is amazing, featuring only three characters: Gabriel (main character), who will do anything to make sure his sister Lilly (secondary character) gets to her Paradise she hopes for, and Cole (third main character), Gabriel’s friend whose friendship and loyalty to the brother and sister make the story possible. The sequence of events were put together efficiently and with full effect. Bam, bam, bam. The ending is heart-wrenching and yet full of encouragement and hope. DANGER: CLIFFHANGER. The end is unexpected, and left me at a loss for words or thoughts and wishing for just one sentence more.
There are a couple things in this story that I feel should be made aware of. The first is regarding language. Language in general does not bother me (unless it happens in every other sentence), but here the word “damn” was used a few times and “bastard” only twice in two necessary situations. Why language? My answer: Put yourself in Gabriel’s shoes. The story is also very dark, but this dramatic writing style is highly necessary for the story and for the right effect.
So, to be honest with you, I can’t remember when I last read a story quite like this one. I could tell by only reading it that the author was trying to get something across, and it came across very clear. The message in the story not only aroused my interest, but made me think deeper about other personal aspects of my life. It posed questions that made me wonder. And when a 35-page-long story makes you think seriously about the meaning of life, you know you’ve hit upon a one-of-a-kind, a story that should not be merely skimmed, as every word has a meaning. (And the answer is not 42.)
The author is a very close friend of mine, a beautiful person who has encouraged and inspired me in multiple ways. This makes the story personally special to me, and it is with pride that I support her and her story. But this story in and of itself is specifically outstanding. Outstanding. (You do know the meaning of that word.)
I think all of us have important questions regarding Life, the Universe, and Everything. How did we get here? Why are we here? What is our purpose? I think the biggest question in this category would be, Why do we live in a world of pain and suffering?
This story, only 35 pages long, is a beautifully written dark dystopian, but full of inspiration and encouragement, unlike most dystopian novels seen in the YA section of your library. Guys, this is a very short story, but it is so well written that it will leave you amazed with mind whirring. This little book gets a 5-star rating from me, hands and feet down.
Every word was put together beautifully. The story was fantastically well done with an unexpected twist. The characterization is amazing, featuring only three characters: Gabriel (main character), who will do anything to make sure his sister Lilly (secondary character) gets to her Paradise she hopes for, and Cole (third main character), Gabriel’s friend whose friendship and loyalty to the brother and sister make the story possible. The sequence of events were put together efficiently and with full effect. Bam, bam, bam. The ending is heart-wrenching and yet full of encouragement and hope. DANGER: CLIFFHANGER. The end is unexpected, and left me at a loss for words or thoughts and wishing for just one sentence more.
There are a couple things in this story that I feel should be made aware of. The first is regarding language. Language in general does not bother me (unless it happens in every other sentence), but here the word “damn” was used a few times and “bastard” only twice in two necessary situations. Why language? My answer: Put yourself in Gabriel’s shoes. The story is also very dark, but this dramatic writing style is highly necessary for the story and for the right effect.
So, to be honest with you, I can’t remember when I last read a story quite like this one. I could tell by only reading it that the author was trying to get something across, and it came across very clear. The message in the story not only aroused my interest, but made me think deeper about other personal aspects of my life. It posed questions that made me wonder. And when a 35-page-long story makes you think seriously about the meaning of life, you know you’ve hit upon a one-of-a-kind, a story that should not be merely skimmed, as every word has a meaning. (And the answer is not 42.)
The author is a very close friend of mine, a beautiful person who has encouraged and inspired me in multiple ways. This makes the story personally special to me, and it is with pride that I support her and her story. But this story in and of itself is specifically outstanding. Outstanding. (You do know the meaning of that word.)
January 20, 2018
I rarely enjoy Christian Fiction. There are a lot of different reasons. One of the big ones is because a lot of Christian books are scared to genuinely and honestly deal with real pain. It's always tempered with cliche "Christianese" and pat answers. And this is a travesty to me, because it's not the experience I've had with fellow Christians. The Christians I know are brave enough to face the pain head on and believe in God even still.
This short story is a raw, unflinching look at true pain and grief from a Christian perspective. It's a blend of allegory and realism, blending dystopia and the experience of the every-day man with symbolism in order to shoot straight to the heart of the topic.
For me, it's especially potent, as it deals with (spoiler alert?) a young man watching his sister suffering from a painful, fatal illness due to poison. I have felt like Gabriel more than once in the past two years, watching my mother's battle with breast cancer.
As soon as I finished this, I recommended it to a close friend and I pass that recommendation on to you. Even if you aren't a Christian, I think this book and its themes will be just as impactful.
This short story is a raw, unflinching look at true pain and grief from a Christian perspective. It's a blend of allegory and realism, blending dystopia and the experience of the every-day man with symbolism in order to shoot straight to the heart of the topic.
For me, it's especially potent, as it deals with (spoiler alert?) a young man watching his sister suffering from a painful, fatal illness due to poison. I have felt like Gabriel more than once in the past two years, watching my mother's battle with breast cancer.
As soon as I finished this, I recommended it to a close friend and I pass that recommendation on to you. Even if you aren't a Christian, I think this book and its themes will be just as impactful.
March 29, 2018
After I read Hannah Heath's most recent publication, Colors of Fear, I knew I had to get my hands on this story ASAP. I had high expectations, and I was not disappointed!
I mean, my heart was viciously shattered into a million pieces, but I enjoyed every second of it! Heath's writing style is an absolute joy to read! Her description is vivid, her characterization is phenomenal, (especially considering the length of the story) and her portrayal of emotions is spot on.
The struggles experienced by the characters are representative of Heath's own struggle with Lyme Disease and fighting to keep her faith. And let me tell you, it is done so obviously, but so subtly at the same time. It is absolutely stunning! Everyone needs to read this story!!!
I mean, my heart was viciously shattered into a million pieces, but I enjoyed every second of it! Heath's writing style is an absolute joy to read! Her description is vivid, her characterization is phenomenal, (especially considering the length of the story) and her portrayal of emotions is spot on.
The struggles experienced by the characters are representative of Heath's own struggle with Lyme Disease and fighting to keep her faith. And let me tell you, it is done so obviously, but so subtly at the same time. It is absolutely stunning! Everyone needs to read this story!!!
October 30, 2016
A very engaging Christian dystopian short story that is amazingly complex. What I have to say about this book is really just the tip of the iceberg.
The Characters
This story is very much-character driven, with three characters being the focus of the book. Gabriel is the protagonist, and the most developed of the three. He is a man that has lost his faith. He also loves his sister, Lily, more than anything else in the world. While Gabriel doesn’t believe in Paradise, he doesn’t try to dissuade Lily from her faith. He also admits that he’s not 100% certain about his disbelief. Gabriel keeps catching himself hoping that Paradise is real. Lily is Gabriel’s sister, who is suffering from an incurable disease known as the “Poison.” Lily is Gabriel’s motivation in the story. While Lily is arguably the least developed character, I’d say the characterization is there, just more subtle. She is kind, patient, discerning, and I personally think a little feisty. Gabriel remembers a time, before the Poison took a strong hold, when she called all the teachers liars because they thought Gabriel wouldn’t be able to learn how to read. I think that would have taken some guts. Cole has a mental illness, which I have not encountered before. He’s loyal to both Lily and Gabriel, and has a child-like faith which gives him wise insights. For me, all three characters are complex, and 3D, but it takes a little work to see the complexity of Cole and Lily. Part of me wishes that they had been given more screen time for their traits to be more obvious. On the other hand, that may have detracted from the story. Hannah gives us enough to appreciate each character, especially Gabriel, while keeping the story moving at a very steady pace.
The Plot
Gabriel climbs a cliff that is next to the elevator that supposedly leads to Paradise. A climb that no one has survived. But he wants to make sure that whatever is at the top is good enough for his sister. What he finds at the top, and what he finds when he comes back down, forces him to consider what he believes.
The Ending
It’s a cliffhanger, yet it also makes the story seem complete somehow. I will admit, I actually cried at the ending. Why? Because I could completely relate to Gabriel in that moment. I’ve never cried when reading a book, so that is a testament to how powerful Hannah wields words to make such a fantastic story.
Every word in Skies of Dripping Gold has a purpose. Yes, there is some language, but it’s only done in places where it feels natural. Gabriel is a bitter, angry young man who is desperate to save his sister. The language is there because it makes sense to the character of Gabriel. Yet Hannah manages to achieve a rare balance in keeping characters realistic, while also keeping the story clean. I counted five, maybe six swear words in the entire story. That was the dirtiest it got.
Hannah manages to create an engaging world, complex characters, and a truly well-crafted work, all in 31 pages. Quite a feat. Definitely looking forward to more from this author.
The Characters
This story is very much-character driven, with three characters being the focus of the book. Gabriel is the protagonist, and the most developed of the three. He is a man that has lost his faith. He also loves his sister, Lily, more than anything else in the world. While Gabriel doesn’t believe in Paradise, he doesn’t try to dissuade Lily from her faith. He also admits that he’s not 100% certain about his disbelief. Gabriel keeps catching himself hoping that Paradise is real. Lily is Gabriel’s sister, who is suffering from an incurable disease known as the “Poison.” Lily is Gabriel’s motivation in the story. While Lily is arguably the least developed character, I’d say the characterization is there, just more subtle. She is kind, patient, discerning, and I personally think a little feisty. Gabriel remembers a time, before the Poison took a strong hold, when she called all the teachers liars because they thought Gabriel wouldn’t be able to learn how to read. I think that would have taken some guts. Cole has a mental illness, which I have not encountered before. He’s loyal to both Lily and Gabriel, and has a child-like faith which gives him wise insights. For me, all three characters are complex, and 3D, but it takes a little work to see the complexity of Cole and Lily. Part of me wishes that they had been given more screen time for their traits to be more obvious. On the other hand, that may have detracted from the story. Hannah gives us enough to appreciate each character, especially Gabriel, while keeping the story moving at a very steady pace.
The Plot
Gabriel climbs a cliff that is next to the elevator that supposedly leads to Paradise. A climb that no one has survived. But he wants to make sure that whatever is at the top is good enough for his sister. What he finds at the top, and what he finds when he comes back down, forces him to consider what he believes.
The Ending
It’s a cliffhanger, yet it also makes the story seem complete somehow. I will admit, I actually cried at the ending. Why? Because I could completely relate to Gabriel in that moment. I’ve never cried when reading a book, so that is a testament to how powerful Hannah wields words to make such a fantastic story.
Every word in Skies of Dripping Gold has a purpose. Yes, there is some language, but it’s only done in places where it feels natural. Gabriel is a bitter, angry young man who is desperate to save his sister. The language is there because it makes sense to the character of Gabriel. Yet Hannah manages to achieve a rare balance in keeping characters realistic, while also keeping the story clean. I counted five, maybe six swear words in the entire story. That was the dirtiest it got.
Hannah manages to create an engaging world, complex characters, and a truly well-crafted work, all in 31 pages. Quite a feat. Definitely looking forward to more from this author.
October 20, 2018
Out of all the ones I've read on Christian indie-fiction, besides Child of The Kaites, this one is the most obvious in terms of its message and allegoric themes, and on that note, it's pretty basic.
The world's citizens are infected and dying by a disease known as The Poison (sin), with a building named The Cliff which holds an elevator that supposedly, takes people to a place of peace and hope where skies drip gold, just through a press of a button.
(Heaven through faith in salvation.)
But that's where it differs from the rest; in a way that left me both enjoying it but also wishing it continued for just a page more! For a short story that takes a familiar path with its genre, the place where Skies of Dripping Gold ends up is beyond satisfying in a good way.
I really related to Gabriel's personality and his struggles in trying to find faith in the stories he tells to his ill sister Lily, even though he's more or less survived the Poison and is unsure in himself of the future.
And, as a plus, is a character who actually isn't the stereotypical "atheist" whose reasoning behind not believing in God is more than just "oh yeah, because my mom died."
That said, his journey to find the truth is quite the roller - coaster of emotions, through doubt, heartbreak and fear all at once. I also like the side-character Cole, whose mental disability doesn't hold back his optimism which he brings to clash on his depressed friend.
The only character that doesn't get a lot of huge moments is Lily, Gabriel's ailing sister, though while she is a Beth March archetype, her presence is very much there in the story. So, on that note, I can say this is one of the best Christian short stories I've read in a long time, as well as an awesome short story by itself!
For her debut, it's a great one, and I really recommend it!
The world's citizens are infected and dying by a disease known as The Poison (sin), with a building named The Cliff which holds an elevator that supposedly, takes people to a place of peace and hope where skies drip gold, just through a press of a button.
(Heaven through faith in salvation.)
But that's where it differs from the rest; in a way that left me both enjoying it but also wishing it continued for just a page more! For a short story that takes a familiar path with its genre, the place where Skies of Dripping Gold ends up is beyond satisfying in a good way.
I really related to Gabriel's personality and his struggles in trying to find faith in the stories he tells to his ill sister Lily, even though he's more or less survived the Poison and is unsure in himself of the future.
And, as a plus, is a character who actually isn't the stereotypical "atheist" whose reasoning behind not believing in God is more than just "oh yeah, because my mom died."
That said, his journey to find the truth is quite the roller - coaster of emotions, through doubt, heartbreak and fear all at once. I also like the side-character Cole, whose mental disability doesn't hold back his optimism which he brings to clash on his depressed friend.
The only character that doesn't get a lot of huge moments is Lily, Gabriel's ailing sister, though while she is a Beth March archetype, her presence is very much there in the story. So, on that note, I can say this is one of the best Christian short stories I've read in a long time, as well as an awesome short story by itself!
For her debut, it's a great one, and I really recommend it!
March 12, 2016
This was so satisfying on so many levels... (THAT ENDING, MAN.) It was such a beautiful story, full of meaning & depth. It was a lovely reminder & a huge blessing to read!
A full review will be coming on my blog very soon!
A full review will be coming on my blog very soon!
June 4, 2018
Skies of Dripping Gold is a beautiful, haunting story. I read a lot, yet it is rare to find something that really touches you, in your heart and soul. But this story did. The sibling relationship between Gabriel and Lilly was unique. The concept of faith was illustrated in a way I've never read before. The themes of pain, suffering, special needs, and love were powerful. There is really no reason why this story shouldn't be read widely. I loved it.
March 16, 2016
Despite being a Christian, I’m much harder on Christian literature and movies than secular ones, so giving this a five star rating is no small thing. The reason I’m so hard on Christian stories is because I hold them to a higher standard. If you’re going to wright something religious themed, you better darn well get it right, or you’re going to end up turning more people away then bring them in. Unfortunately, many, if not most, Christian stories end up doing the latter and result in several cringe worthy moments. Thankfully, this book was a far cry from cringe worthy. And thanks to its short length and powerful message, I know it’s one I will be returning to it when I need a pick me up. Thank you Hannah Heath, for writing this gem. Now, lets get to the review.
Characters: Gabriel, our main character, is a bitter soul. Not uncommon to the realm of Christian fiction, the bitter soul is often a mean, spiteful atheist with a hard heart, who treats everyone nastily and goes around crusading against God. In short, it’s easy for them to become one dimensional stereotypes. Not so with Gabriel. Gabriel has a rough life, and he uses coping methods to deal with it: one being his issue with swearing, another being his anger. But we see that he’s not bitter to the bone, as he sacrifices himself constantly to take care of his sister, and also has a best friend who he seems to treat like family. Also, in contrast to what we usually see from this type of character, Gabriel keeps his opinions on God to himself, internalizing his hatred, and instead tells his sister, who has a terminal illness, what he thinks are sweet but empty lies about a Paradise waiting for her. This contradiction adds immensely to his depth of character.
Lilly, Gabriel’s sister, has a terminal illness known as the Poison, which renders her homebound and leaves her in constant pain. She relies on her brother for every thing, from emotional comfort to food and medicine. Lilly is a kind and gentle spirit, who bears her illness with graceful strength and brings light to the people in her life. Gabriel remarks several times that she is too good for the world, too good, even, for any God that might exist. Lilly’s main function is to give Gabriel motivation in the plot, and she serves her purpose well as character. However, she’s lacking in any sort of flaw, and I would have liked to see her get into some small conflict with Gabriel, use sarcastic humor, or something like that, to make her a bit more human. There is one point where she remarks that she is not yet ready for Paradise, but no explanation is given as to why. It would have been nice to see some development from that, but I do realize this is a short story and only so much can addressed.
Cole seems to be the best friend character, but with an twist, as he has a mental illness. He’s an interesting character that I would have liked to see more of, and there is a very touching moment, where he gives Gabriel money for Lilly’s medicine, that I loved. He doesn’t serve a very big role in the story, but he constantly echoes a central them. I would say more, but no spoilers.
Plot: The plot is very much character driven. There is a large elevator that goes up into the sky, to where no one knows, but on it is inscribed one word “Faith” and it only takes a few lucky people. Exactly where the elevator goes is a big topic of controversy, but Gabriel ignores the debate, until Lilly starts talking about taking the elevator. Gabriel is determined to reach its top make sure what’s up there is good enough for his sister by climbing a cliff right next to the elevator. However, everyone who has tried to climb the cliff has died.
It’s a creative concept and I found it intriguing. I don’t know that I’ve seen anything like it before, with perhaps the acceptation of Pilgrim’s Progress, which uses analogies like this heavily (but is a total snooze fest). I enjoyed the concept and the execution. I loved how it mirrored our world so clearly. Some say nothing is up there, others say it’s any number of gods, others that it’s one God. I love the exploration of this idea of getting to heaven from an elevator.
Core Message: The message is defiantly the gem of this book. Regardless of if you're Christian, it speaks to everyone, which I think it very important in Christian literature. It’s a simple message, but powerful and I would love to say more, but no spoilers.
Conclusion: It’s an inexpensive buy. It’s short (I read in one sitting). And there is no reason for you to be reading this review anymore. Look, if you read this gigantic thing, in the time it took you could have already bought the book. Maybe Amazon takes awhile to ship, but don’t worry. It will come.
My site: http://katierebekahlynn.wix.com/kathe...
Characters: Gabriel, our main character, is a bitter soul. Not uncommon to the realm of Christian fiction, the bitter soul is often a mean, spiteful atheist with a hard heart, who treats everyone nastily and goes around crusading against God. In short, it’s easy for them to become one dimensional stereotypes. Not so with Gabriel. Gabriel has a rough life, and he uses coping methods to deal with it: one being his issue with swearing, another being his anger. But we see that he’s not bitter to the bone, as he sacrifices himself constantly to take care of his sister, and also has a best friend who he seems to treat like family. Also, in contrast to what we usually see from this type of character, Gabriel keeps his opinions on God to himself, internalizing his hatred, and instead tells his sister, who has a terminal illness, what he thinks are sweet but empty lies about a Paradise waiting for her. This contradiction adds immensely to his depth of character.
Lilly, Gabriel’s sister, has a terminal illness known as the Poison, which renders her homebound and leaves her in constant pain. She relies on her brother for every thing, from emotional comfort to food and medicine. Lilly is a kind and gentle spirit, who bears her illness with graceful strength and brings light to the people in her life. Gabriel remarks several times that she is too good for the world, too good, even, for any God that might exist. Lilly’s main function is to give Gabriel motivation in the plot, and she serves her purpose well as character. However, she’s lacking in any sort of flaw, and I would have liked to see her get into some small conflict with Gabriel, use sarcastic humor, or something like that, to make her a bit more human. There is one point where she remarks that she is not yet ready for Paradise, but no explanation is given as to why. It would have been nice to see some development from that, but I do realize this is a short story and only so much can addressed.
Cole seems to be the best friend character, but with an twist, as he has a mental illness. He’s an interesting character that I would have liked to see more of, and there is a very touching moment, where he gives Gabriel money for Lilly’s medicine, that I loved. He doesn’t serve a very big role in the story, but he constantly echoes a central them. I would say more, but no spoilers.
Plot: The plot is very much character driven. There is a large elevator that goes up into the sky, to where no one knows, but on it is inscribed one word “Faith” and it only takes a few lucky people. Exactly where the elevator goes is a big topic of controversy, but Gabriel ignores the debate, until Lilly starts talking about taking the elevator. Gabriel is determined to reach its top make sure what’s up there is good enough for his sister by climbing a cliff right next to the elevator. However, everyone who has tried to climb the cliff has died.
It’s a creative concept and I found it intriguing. I don’t know that I’ve seen anything like it before, with perhaps the acceptation of Pilgrim’s Progress, which uses analogies like this heavily (but is a total snooze fest). I enjoyed the concept and the execution. I loved how it mirrored our world so clearly. Some say nothing is up there, others say it’s any number of gods, others that it’s one God. I love the exploration of this idea of getting to heaven from an elevator.
Core Message: The message is defiantly the gem of this book. Regardless of if you're Christian, it speaks to everyone, which I think it very important in Christian literature. It’s a simple message, but powerful and I would love to say more, but no spoilers.
Conclusion: It’s an inexpensive buy. It’s short (I read in one sitting). And there is no reason for you to be reading this review anymore. Look, if you read this gigantic thing, in the time it took you could have already bought the book. Maybe Amazon takes awhile to ship, but don’t worry. It will come.
My site: http://katierebekahlynn.wix.com/kathe...
December 12, 2015
I have nothing negative to say. At all. Every word was put together beautifully. The story was fantastically well done with an unexpected twist. The characterization is amazing, featuring only three characters: Gabriel (main character) who will do anything to make sure his sister Lilly (secondary character) gets to her Paradise she hopes for and Cole (third main), Gabriel's friend whose friendship and loyalty to the brother and sister make the story possible. The sequence of events were put together efficiently and with full effect. Bam, bam, bam. The ending is heart-wrenching and yet full of encouragement and hope. DANGER: CLIFFHANGER. The story ends abruptly, and left me at a loss for words or thoughts and wishing for just one sentence more.
There are a few things in this story that I feel should be made aware of. The first is regarding language. Language in general does not bother me (unless it happens in every other sentence), but here the word "damn" was used a few times and "bastard" only twice in two necessary situations. Why language? My answer: Put yourself in Gabriel's shoes. The story is also very dark, but this dramatic writing style is highly necessary for the story and for the right effect. Sex and violence? None. Besides the language, the story is completely clean.
So, to be honest with you, I can't remember when I last read a story quite like this one. I could tell by only reading it that the author was trying to get something across, and it came across very clear. The message in the story not only aroused my interest, but made me think deeper about other personal aspects of my life. It posed questions that made me wonder. And when a twenty-page-long story makes you think seriously about the meaning of life, you know you've hit upon a one-of-a-kind, a story that should not be merely skimmed, as every word has a meaning. (And the answer is not 42.)
There are a few things in this story that I feel should be made aware of. The first is regarding language. Language in general does not bother me (unless it happens in every other sentence), but here the word "damn" was used a few times and "bastard" only twice in two necessary situations. Why language? My answer: Put yourself in Gabriel's shoes. The story is also very dark, but this dramatic writing style is highly necessary for the story and for the right effect. Sex and violence? None. Besides the language, the story is completely clean.
So, to be honest with you, I can't remember when I last read a story quite like this one. I could tell by only reading it that the author was trying to get something across, and it came across very clear. The message in the story not only aroused my interest, but made me think deeper about other personal aspects of my life. It posed questions that made me wonder. And when a twenty-page-long story makes you think seriously about the meaning of life, you know you've hit upon a one-of-a-kind, a story that should not be merely skimmed, as every word has a meaning. (And the answer is not 42.)
December 31, 2016
I'm biased for two reasons. One, I follow Hannah's blog. She is amazing and if you aren't following her you should go look her up right now. Seriously. Do it.
Two (and this actually counteracts the first one), I struggle with a lot of Gabriel's problems...and I haven't come to EXACTLY as satisfying a conclusion. Just throwing that out there.
Oh, and three (I'm not sure this one counts) - I hate it when the name "Lilly" is spelled with three 'l's. It reflects nothing on the quality of the book, it's just a pet peeve. So there's that. (Deepest apologies to all Lilly's out there.)
So the reason I only gave this three stars is because I felt as though I'd already read this story. As much as Heath tries to resist cliche, I still thought there was a lot in here. Where else do you go with a story about why pain exists? There's only so many answers. The character Lilly seems cliche (and not just because she has three 'l's) - she's the typical in-pain-but-angelic-girl. She didn't seem to have any flaws. Perhaps that's poetic, but it bothered me. I would have liked it better if she were a bit of a cynic herself, at least for the first part of the story.
I don't exactly remember how the story ends, so I'll probably be revising this review after I get back to my dorm where the book is. As I recall, it didn't answer any questions for me. It just rehashed things I'd heard before.
That's not to say it wasn't a pretty story! And Hannah's still a beautiful person! Kudos to you if you're reading this, Hannah!
(I'm just a fan. She probably doesn't know I exist. Kudos anyway.)
Two (and this actually counteracts the first one), I struggle with a lot of Gabriel's problems...and I haven't come to EXACTLY as satisfying a conclusion. Just throwing that out there.
Oh, and three (I'm not sure this one counts) - I hate it when the name "Lilly" is spelled with three 'l's. It reflects nothing on the quality of the book, it's just a pet peeve. So there's that. (Deepest apologies to all Lilly's out there.)
So the reason I only gave this three stars is because I felt as though I'd already read this story. As much as Heath tries to resist cliche, I still thought there was a lot in here. Where else do you go with a story about why pain exists? There's only so many answers. The character Lilly seems cliche (and not just because she has three 'l's) - she's the typical in-pain-but-angelic-girl. She didn't seem to have any flaws. Perhaps that's poetic, but it bothered me. I would have liked it better if she were a bit of a cynic herself, at least for the first part of the story.
I don't exactly remember how the story ends, so I'll probably be revising this review after I get back to my dorm where the book is. As I recall, it didn't answer any questions for me. It just rehashed things I'd heard before.
That's not to say it wasn't a pretty story! And Hannah's still a beautiful person! Kudos to you if you're reading this, Hannah!
(I'm just a fan. She probably doesn't know I exist. Kudos anyway.)
July 4, 2016
Meet Gabriel. He’s a young man working long hours for little pay in order to buy medicine for his sister, Lilly. She’s chronically ill with a disease called the Poison that leaves her in constant pain.
Lilly dreams of a paradise where the skies drip gold; Gabriel believes that there is no God, and no Paradise, but he keeps his thoughts to himself rather than hurt his sister.
There is a famous cliff, and going up this cliff there is an elevator. In the elevator is one button, and above it is inscribed the word “Faith.” Lilly believes the elevator will take her to paradise when she is ready. But nobody who’s gone up in the elevator—and it will only go up for a few—has ever returned. Anything could be at the top.
Gabriel decides to climb the cliff and make sure that whatever’s waiting there is worthy of Lilly.
But can he accomplish this task on his own? What does the inscription on the elevator truly mean?
This book is amazing. The characters are real and well-developed; I became attached to them within a few pages. Each one was different, and had different flaws and strengths and speech patterns. No small feat for a short story! The actual writing is beautiful, and Hannah describes things so well, I could actually see them. The plot is original, and it’s not your typical dystopian world. And by the way, did you see the gorgeous minimalist cover art?
Lilly dreams of a paradise where the skies drip gold; Gabriel believes that there is no God, and no Paradise, but he keeps his thoughts to himself rather than hurt his sister.
There is a famous cliff, and going up this cliff there is an elevator. In the elevator is one button, and above it is inscribed the word “Faith.” Lilly believes the elevator will take her to paradise when she is ready. But nobody who’s gone up in the elevator—and it will only go up for a few—has ever returned. Anything could be at the top.
Gabriel decides to climb the cliff and make sure that whatever’s waiting there is worthy of Lilly.
But can he accomplish this task on his own? What does the inscription on the elevator truly mean?
This book is amazing. The characters are real and well-developed; I became attached to them within a few pages. Each one was different, and had different flaws and strengths and speech patterns. No small feat for a short story! The actual writing is beautiful, and Hannah describes things so well, I could actually see them. The plot is original, and it’s not your typical dystopian world. And by the way, did you see the gorgeous minimalist cover art?
January 2, 2018
This is a beautiful story. It is beautifully told, the words woven together intentionally.
This story epitomizes what I love about fantasy: The creative backdrop to wrestle with themes in a unique way. I enjoyed reading it, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since--and it's been almost a month. The theme of faith that this story explores is poignant and refreshing to find in fiction. Even more, the internal struggle each character faces--Gabriel's dyslexia, Lilly's illness, Cole's cognitive difficulty--made these characters more real in the short space of this short story than many characters in full-length novels.
I really loved this story. The symbolism in it was clear without being overpowering, the writing style is lovely, and the characters are realistic and completely lovable. I'm eager for more stories of Gabriel's journey.
This story epitomizes what I love about fantasy: The creative backdrop to wrestle with themes in a unique way. I enjoyed reading it, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since--and it's been almost a month. The theme of faith that this story explores is poignant and refreshing to find in fiction. Even more, the internal struggle each character faces--Gabriel's dyslexia, Lilly's illness, Cole's cognitive difficulty--made these characters more real in the short space of this short story than many characters in full-length novels.
I really loved this story. The symbolism in it was clear without being overpowering, the writing style is lovely, and the characters are realistic and completely lovable. I'm eager for more stories of Gabriel's journey.
December 29, 2018
Gabriel works hard to keep his sister, Lilly, in medicine. Her faith in the place where skies drip with gold keeps Lilly strong though her health continues to decline. But Gabriel knows once she's gone he won't have anything left to live for. So Gabriel decides to climb to Paradise and see for himself where Lilly's belief will take her.
Short and bittersweet, Skies of Dripping Gold is a quick read with huge impact. Thoughtfully written and gut-wrenchingly honest, the story explores pain, faith, determination, love, and grief in the span of its 30-ish pages without ever missing a beat.
My favorite thing about Skies of Dripping Gold is the characters. In such a short story, it can be hard to get emotionally attached, but Gabriel, Lilly and Cole broke my heart and I love them for it.
Short and bittersweet, Skies of Dripping Gold is a quick read with huge impact. Thoughtfully written and gut-wrenchingly honest, the story explores pain, faith, determination, love, and grief in the span of its 30-ish pages without ever missing a beat.
My favorite thing about Skies of Dripping Gold is the characters. In such a short story, it can be hard to get emotionally attached, but Gabriel, Lilly and Cole broke my heart and I love them for it.
August 7, 2018
Reread: Definitely enjoyed this short story more the second time around. But I may be biased because I have a signed copy! But in all seriousness, wow. I like Cole even more now. And Gabriel. And just the writing style!
(Initial Read: review originally found on Word Storm.)
I’d started following Hannah Heath’s blogt. a couple months ago, and if you’re a writer, you should definitely check it out! Anyway, Heath did such a good job promoting “Skies of Dripping Gold” recently that I just had to read it.
I was really impressed. Heath presents a typical dystopian society with relevance to situations today. Instead of your typical, catastrophic “the world is ending!” dystopian, this story is up-close-and-personal with the lives of the characters, Gabriel, Lilly, and Cole.
Told from Gabriel’s perspective, the world seems hopeless. Or at least it would be without his older sister, Lilly. The way that Gabriel desperately cares for her reminds me a bit of C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce. And Gabriel’s emotions are so real that I could easily picture the story and feel his pain along with him.
Without giving too much away, one of the main themes of the story is how a good God could exist in a world with so much pain. I appreciate how Heath handles such an issue without resorting to deus ex machina.
Another quality I really enjoyed was Heath’s writing style, which is typical of YA. Here’s one of my favorite lines:
I gave this story 4/5 stars for its well-told narrative but some vague descriptions. But because this is a short story, I recognize that there is only so much a writer can do with a limited amount of space. Because of the instances of profanity, I’d have to go with Heath’s own “rating” and recommend it to anybody older than 13. I look forward to reading more stories from Heath.
(Initial Read: review originally found on Word Storm.)
I’d started following Hannah Heath’s blogt. a couple months ago, and if you’re a writer, you should definitely check it out! Anyway, Heath did such a good job promoting “Skies of Dripping Gold” recently that I just had to read it.
I was really impressed. Heath presents a typical dystopian society with relevance to situations today. Instead of your typical, catastrophic “the world is ending!” dystopian, this story is up-close-and-personal with the lives of the characters, Gabriel, Lilly, and Cole.
Told from Gabriel’s perspective, the world seems hopeless. Or at least it would be without his older sister, Lilly. The way that Gabriel desperately cares for her reminds me a bit of C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce. And Gabriel’s emotions are so real that I could easily picture the story and feel his pain along with him.
Without giving too much away, one of the main themes of the story is how a good God could exist in a world with so much pain. I appreciate how Heath handles such an issue without resorting to deus ex machina.
Another quality I really enjoyed was Heath’s writing style, which is typical of YA. Here’s one of my favorite lines:
“As far as Gabriel was concerned, there were only two all-important laws on earth:
1. Don’t murder people.
2. Never swear in front of Lilly.”
I gave this story 4/5 stars for its well-told narrative but some vague descriptions. But because this is a short story, I recognize that there is only so much a writer can do with a limited amount of space. Because of the instances of profanity, I’d have to go with Heath’s own “rating” and recommend it to anybody older than 13. I look forward to reading more stories from Heath.
November 16, 2016
This was one of my favorite short stories I read in a while. The characters were interesting, the plot and symbolism were unique, and it was just a solid overall solid. I do have to say though. If you're looking for a nice lighthearted story, then this is not the book for you.
The plot centers mostly around these three characters:
#1. Gabriel, a loyal brother who only cares about buying medicine for his sister Lily to keep the poison from eating away at Lily's life.
#2. Cole a slow, autistic kid.
#3. Lily Gabriel's compassionate sister.
The best part of this short story by far though, is the symbolism. The message is clear. Why did God create the world with so much pain?
Another thing I would like to clear up is the cussing in the book. Normally I would be annoyed if there was cussing in a YA Christian novel, but in this instance it was ok. I mean, what other words could you use to describe how Gabriel felt?
Overall, I thought this was a great story. My one complaint is I felt that we should have gotten a little bit of Gabriel and Lily's back story before they were taken in by the sisters at the Coventry.
December 6, 2015
Wow.
For a short story, it's full of so much truth that is beautifully written. All of the characters have interesting quirks and so much depth to them. I like when I'm able to relate with at least one character. This thing about this story is that Hannah Heath doesn't hide things. She tells it as it is. The raw emotions of the characters are incredibly realistic and they pulled on my heartstrings. Especially Gabriel. Man oh man. He was so well written and there's so much more that can be done with him.
Even the details are well done. Little details like: "She used the piece of charcoal in her hand to brush back her blonde hair, smudging her freckled cheeks." The imagery, though.
Though hard because it makes us think about our own lives and questions and doubts, Skies of Dripping Gold is a story of hope. So much hope.
It will come.
For a short story, it's full of so much truth that is beautifully written. All of the characters have interesting quirks and so much depth to them. I like when I'm able to relate with at least one character. This thing about this story is that Hannah Heath doesn't hide things. She tells it as it is. The raw emotions of the characters are incredibly realistic and they pulled on my heartstrings. Especially Gabriel. Man oh man. He was so well written and there's so much more that can be done with him.
Even the details are well done. Little details like: "She used the piece of charcoal in her hand to brush back her blonde hair, smudging her freckled cheeks." The imagery, though.
Though hard because it makes us think about our own lives and questions and doubts, Skies of Dripping Gold is a story of hope. So much hope.
It will come.
December 9, 2015
Read my review on my website
http://www.writeralina.com/2015/12/09...
My first reaction to reading the last sentence of Skies of Dripping Gold by Hannah Heath was, “Wow.” I had to sit with my feelings for a while before writing my review of this short story. This short story from Hannah was just released on December 5, 2015.
I feel that this is a very powerful debut story for Hannah. The strongest aspect of Skies of Dripping Gold is the story’s message. There is subtly and grace to the theme and really packs a punch as you reach the end. It is a great thinking story. I love stories that stick with me and make me think both during the reading and after. Way to go Hannah!
There are three characters in this story: Gabriel, Lilly, and Cole. The story is told through Gabriel’s third person perspective and we get much of the information about Lilly (Gabriel’s sister) and Cole (Gabriel & Lilly’s friend) through his eyes. Hannah’s writing style is vivid and touches the imagination in unique ways even if there is a lot more telling rather than showing. But the thing is, it didn’t really matter that there was telling because it fit Gabriel’s perspective and gave the reader a strong sense of not only Gabriel’s character but the others as well. So in my opinion, this is actually a good example of how to "tell" the story effectively.
Skies of Dripping Gold is representative of what more dystopian stories should be about. Dystopia shouldn’t always be about saving the world, but about people living in the dystopian world. Sure sometimes that means changing it, but not always and this story shows that. The dystopian society represented in Skies of Dripping Gold is almost like living in our own world now and could be an example to readers how to live life here and now, especially since many people struggle with the very same themes brought up in this story.
I understand that while writing a short story you have limited space and time to work with to convey the story and I believe Hannah utilized the limited space she had. Although I would have preferred a better sense of the story’s setting, the fact that the setting was an environmentally dangerous place and that the world was strict and seemed uncaring was well established. I would have also liked to have had a little more backstory to justify Gabrial’s attitude about the world or have a stronger understanding of what could have shaken his faith so much that he became a disbeliever. I understand that he feels that it’s unfair that his sister is sick, but I didn’t feel that was quite a strong enough reason. Love can make people do things they may not normally do, but I still found myself wondering what Gabrial's motivations were. This is the only part of the “telling” that didn’t really work for me because I didn’t feel like I had sufficient information to make the assumptions I had to make regarding his motivations.
Over all I enjoyed the story and felt moved by it. It’s a story about real people in a real situation. If you are looking for a story that is meaningful, thought provoking, and heart-felt I highly recommend Skies of Dripping Gold by Hannah Heath.
http://www.writeralina.com/2015/12/09...
My first reaction to reading the last sentence of Skies of Dripping Gold by Hannah Heath was, “Wow.” I had to sit with my feelings for a while before writing my review of this short story. This short story from Hannah was just released on December 5, 2015.
I feel that this is a very powerful debut story for Hannah. The strongest aspect of Skies of Dripping Gold is the story’s message. There is subtly and grace to the theme and really packs a punch as you reach the end. It is a great thinking story. I love stories that stick with me and make me think both during the reading and after. Way to go Hannah!
There are three characters in this story: Gabriel, Lilly, and Cole. The story is told through Gabriel’s third person perspective and we get much of the information about Lilly (Gabriel’s sister) and Cole (Gabriel & Lilly’s friend) through his eyes. Hannah’s writing style is vivid and touches the imagination in unique ways even if there is a lot more telling rather than showing. But the thing is, it didn’t really matter that there was telling because it fit Gabriel’s perspective and gave the reader a strong sense of not only Gabriel’s character but the others as well. So in my opinion, this is actually a good example of how to "tell" the story effectively.
Skies of Dripping Gold is representative of what more dystopian stories should be about. Dystopia shouldn’t always be about saving the world, but about people living in the dystopian world. Sure sometimes that means changing it, but not always and this story shows that. The dystopian society represented in Skies of Dripping Gold is almost like living in our own world now and could be an example to readers how to live life here and now, especially since many people struggle with the very same themes brought up in this story.
I understand that while writing a short story you have limited space and time to work with to convey the story and I believe Hannah utilized the limited space she had. Although I would have preferred a better sense of the story’s setting, the fact that the setting was an environmentally dangerous place and that the world was strict and seemed uncaring was well established. I would have also liked to have had a little more backstory to justify Gabrial’s attitude about the world or have a stronger understanding of what could have shaken his faith so much that he became a disbeliever. I understand that he feels that it’s unfair that his sister is sick, but I didn’t feel that was quite a strong enough reason. Love can make people do things they may not normally do, but I still found myself wondering what Gabrial's motivations were. This is the only part of the “telling” that didn’t really work for me because I didn’t feel like I had sufficient information to make the assumptions I had to make regarding his motivations.
Over all I enjoyed the story and felt moved by it. It’s a story about real people in a real situation. If you are looking for a story that is meaningful, thought provoking, and heart-felt I highly recommend Skies of Dripping Gold by Hannah Heath.
March 18, 2016
In this interesting and well written short story, we meet the main protagonist Gabriel and his sister Lilly. Gabriel has to work hard for little in return just so he can afford to get medication for his sister who is in constant pain. The two of them dream of Paradise, a place so much more beautiful than the ugly, dirty city they live in. To get to Paradise, you have to take the elevator alongside the cliff, and it shoots skywards into the clouds, but no one has ever returned from Paradise so none of the city dwellers really know where the elevator goes or what it’s like up there. Over time, Gabriel has lost his faith and becomes frightened when Lilly tells him that soon she’ll be ready to go to Paradise. And while she stays at home, lying in immense pain and dreaming of beautiful skies dripping with gold, Gabriel decides to take the elevator and find out once and for all, what is waiting for them in Paradise. But what he finds can either make him or break him.
This is a great Christian dystopian short story, I really enjoyed it. It’s beautifully written and it was easy to empathise with Gabriel and Lilly. There are a few underlying themes in the story but most of all it is original and intriguing. My favourite quote from the story is “It will come.” I think I will always remember this story whenever I hear those three words now.
This is a great Christian dystopian short story, I really enjoyed it. It’s beautifully written and it was easy to empathise with Gabriel and Lilly. There are a few underlying themes in the story but most of all it is original and intriguing. My favourite quote from the story is “It will come.” I think I will always remember this story whenever I hear those three words now.
June 21, 2020
I definitely enjoyed this quick, little read. My only gripe...it was TOO quick! But then, that's usually how I feel about short stories. The length didn't affect the depth of the narrative. If you enjoy intriguing concepts, give this a try!
October 7, 2017
Where to begin?
On my travels for inspiration and helpful tips (because I actually bit the bullet and signed up for NaNoWriMo), I came across Hannah Heaths blog. I knew she had published a book, but to be honest, as someone who is trying to find their faith again, I resisted having a look at it because of it being in the Christian YA genre (I don't know why, considering I adore C.S. Lewis).
Any who... I spent days reading Hannah's posts (they are really helpful - go read!) and came across a post about 'challenging writers to write honestly'. Now, any aspiring writer will know that the key is to write what you know - like Hannah, all I felt I knew was pain because of my Fibro (& PTSD for that matter), and am irked that a supposedly loving God allows his children to suffer in so many painful ways.
How on Earth could I write about that? How could I express my thoughts and feelings in a way that people would actually read?
So, I decided to go for it and downloaded the sample of Skies of Dripping Gold. Two or so minutes later I bought it. 45 minutes later I was laying in bed, processing what I had just read.
The story is about a young man, Gabriel, trying to navigate a world where his sister is dying and he powerless to save her. We join Gabriel as he attempts to find out if the paradise his sister, Lilly, believes in exists.
I confess, it made me cry and while I didn't quite realize it at the time, I saw myself in the 3 key characters and their situations.
I won't go into details as what the book awoke in me as it's personal to me and may be completely different for you. To be honest, I am still processing my thoughts and feelings about it.
It's beautifully written without being heavy with descriptions. You are told what you need to know about the setting and it works perfectly. As I said, it made me cry and it takes a lot to do so. It's not a book with a happy ending, the ending is real and makes the story all the more potent. It shows the resilience of the human spirit, the power of unwavering faith and the strength of love.
Oddly, it brought a line to my head 'Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.' Which I think
May you see a golden flower where nothing else grows*.
*Go read the book.
On my travels for inspiration and helpful tips (because I actually bit the bullet and signed up for NaNoWriMo), I came across Hannah Heaths blog. I knew she had published a book, but to be honest, as someone who is trying to find their faith again, I resisted having a look at it because of it being in the Christian YA genre (I don't know why, considering I adore C.S. Lewis).
Any who... I spent days reading Hannah's posts (they are really helpful - go read!) and came across a post about 'challenging writers to write honestly'. Now, any aspiring writer will know that the key is to write what you know - like Hannah, all I felt I knew was pain because of my Fibro (& PTSD for that matter), and am irked that a supposedly loving God allows his children to suffer in so many painful ways.
How on Earth could I write about that? How could I express my thoughts and feelings in a way that people would actually read?
So, I decided to go for it and downloaded the sample of Skies of Dripping Gold. Two or so minutes later I bought it. 45 minutes later I was laying in bed, processing what I had just read.
The story is about a young man, Gabriel, trying to navigate a world where his sister is dying and he powerless to save her. We join Gabriel as he attempts to find out if the paradise his sister, Lilly, believes in exists.
I confess, it made me cry and while I didn't quite realize it at the time, I saw myself in the 3 key characters and their situations.
I won't go into details as what the book awoke in me as it's personal to me and may be completely different for you. To be honest, I am still processing my thoughts and feelings about it.
It's beautifully written without being heavy with descriptions. You are told what you need to know about the setting and it works perfectly. As I said, it made me cry and it takes a lot to do so. It's not a book with a happy ending, the ending is real and makes the story all the more potent. It shows the resilience of the human spirit, the power of unwavering faith and the strength of love.
Oddly, it brought a line to my head 'Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.' Which I think
May you see a golden flower where nothing else grows*.
*Go read the book.
December 27, 2017
I was super excited to get this book for Christmas this year! Hannah Heath is an author friend of mine, and I've heard a lot about Skies of Dripping Gold, so I was eager to give it a read.
On the surface, Skies of Dripping Gold reminded me of The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis, but Hannah has her own message and story to tell, and it's definitely not any sort of retelling or anything. It just seems to have a similar vibe to The Great Divorce, if that makes any sense. The story, while quite short, is very well fleshed out and thought provoking, and I really liked the characters. They were well thought out and developed, even in such a short story. I can't wait to read whatever Hannah comes up with next! :)
On the surface, Skies of Dripping Gold reminded me of The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis, but Hannah has her own message and story to tell, and it's definitely not any sort of retelling or anything. It just seems to have a similar vibe to The Great Divorce, if that makes any sense. The story, while quite short, is very well fleshed out and thought provoking, and I really liked the characters. They were well thought out and developed, even in such a short story. I can't wait to read whatever Hannah comes up with next! :)
September 1, 2017
This is a richly and well told short story. Heath is a great writer. Her voice is powerful. The pace and plot simple but smooth. Her descriptions and world were interesting. I was so caught up Heath's setting and character that when it ended I was thoroughly upset! I really wanted it to be longer. Anyway, as a story revealing the need for faith, it left me with a profound thought. It also left me with rich words to ponder and even gain from as a writer.
July 19, 2017
Allegories often leave me cold. Maybe I saw this story more as a metaphor, as I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and cannot recommend it highly enough. Beautiful book. I felt like I received a lot of value for my .99 cents. Beautiful writing, beautiful world-building, good characterization.
May 7, 2021
Per certi versi è una storia vista mille volte, e i personaggi sembrano più simboli che persone vere, ma la delicatezza dello stile lo rende un racconto molto autentico, poetico e commovente.
September 5, 2019
Why Did I Wait So Long to Read this?
I'm just in awe of how good this story is and I'm shock that I waited so long to read it. Hannah is a bold writer, tackling difficult topics like faith and pain in this story. The only thing wrong with this is that it was too short. I wish it was longer. I need more!
I'm just in awe of how good this story is and I'm shock that I waited so long to read it. Hannah is a bold writer, tackling difficult topics like faith and pain in this story. The only thing wrong with this is that it was too short. I wish it was longer. I need more!
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