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Tales from Adia #1
Kingdom Above the Cloud
What if the nine Fruit of the Spirit and the Seven Deadly Sins were locked in a battle for control?
Abandoned as infants, Tovi and her twin brother were raised by an eclectic tribe of warm, kind people in a treehouse village in the valley. After her brother’s sudden disappearance Tovi questions her life and her faith in an invisible King. Ignoring her best friend Silas’ advice, she decides to search for her brother in the kingdom on top of the mountain.
Above the cloud, the Council of Masters receives their orders. Tovi and her brother are the objectives. King Damien has a plan and Tovi is the key. The Council of Masters want her, but will she remain unscathed?
Amidst the glamour of the kingdom above the cloud Tovi is torn between her own dark desires and unanswered questions. It starts with a snake and a crown. When the ring is complete, will her life be over?
Abandoned as infants, Tovi and her twin brother were raised by an eclectic tribe of warm, kind people in a treehouse village in the valley. After her brother’s sudden disappearance Tovi questions her life and her faith in an invisible King. Ignoring her best friend Silas’ advice, she decides to search for her brother in the kingdom on top of the mountain.
Above the cloud, the Council of Masters receives their orders. Tovi and her brother are the objectives. King Damien has a plan and Tovi is the key. The Council of Masters want her, but will she remain unscathed?
Amidst the glamour of the kingdom above the cloud Tovi is torn between her own dark desires and unanswered questions. It starts with a snake and a crown. When the ring is complete, will her life be over?
295 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 15, 2020
Thank you Fantastic Flying Fiction for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Kingdom Above The Cloud
By: Maggie Platt
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
Kingdom Above The Cloud is an allegorical fantasy story and is truly unique. Allegory often refers to religion, and in this case, Christianity is not specifically named but is implied in numerous ways. The heroine, Tovi, is a confused lost young woman. She knows nothing of her parentage, her brother is missing, and she is questioning her belief in a benevolent creator. Tovi lives in Adia, a lovely peaceful place of treehouses at the bottom of the mountain under the cloud. Above the cloud is Mount Damien, a place of vice, degradation and immorality, ruled by a king who lives for pleasure and fun. Basically, Tovi is tempted to go to the top of the mountain, so she does. It's a timeless tale of good versus evil. When faced with all sorts of temptations, what does Tovi believe? Has she been abandoned by everyone? Does the creator actually exist, or is her belief misplaced? Tovi ponders the tough questions and must decide for herself. This story is utterly absorbing, sharp and insightful. Certainly, anyone who reads this will look at things differently, for a bit, at least. The story beckons you to examine your life. I realize this type of story is not for everyone. If you decide to try Kingdom Above The Cloud, I don't think you'll regret the decision.
Kingdom Above The Cloud
By: Maggie Platt
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
Kingdom Above The Cloud is an allegorical fantasy story and is truly unique. Allegory often refers to religion, and in this case, Christianity is not specifically named but is implied in numerous ways. The heroine, Tovi, is a confused lost young woman. She knows nothing of her parentage, her brother is missing, and she is questioning her belief in a benevolent creator. Tovi lives in Adia, a lovely peaceful place of treehouses at the bottom of the mountain under the cloud. Above the cloud is Mount Damien, a place of vice, degradation and immorality, ruled by a king who lives for pleasure and fun. Basically, Tovi is tempted to go to the top of the mountain, so she does. It's a timeless tale of good versus evil. When faced with all sorts of temptations, what does Tovi believe? Has she been abandoned by everyone? Does the creator actually exist, or is her belief misplaced? Tovi ponders the tough questions and must decide for herself. This story is utterly absorbing, sharp and insightful. Certainly, anyone who reads this will look at things differently, for a bit, at least. The story beckons you to examine your life. I realize this type of story is not for everyone. If you decide to try Kingdom Above The Cloud, I don't think you'll regret the decision.
April 26, 2020
Kingdom Above the Clouds features a complex society. The book starts off a little slow as the culture and people are introduced. It picks up speed as Tovi is introduced to the kingdom above the clouds. There she finds all kinds of vices and depravity.
She is forced to decide if she believes in the creator of their world or if she wishes to follow the beliefs of the King and look at greed and fulfilling your desires as the proper way to live. She is torn because she feels as if she has been abandoned when her twin brother left their home. She grew up with foster grandparents because she and her brother were brought to the simple and beautiful village as infants.
The descriptions of life in a village where everyone lives in a treehouse are beautiful. I could picture the stream, the trees, and the large mountain. It is idealistic and sounds like a lovely way to live. I could also picture the harsh life of the residents of the mountain.
I found a lot of symbolism for Christianity. A loving creator who doesn't force your decisions but asks for you to follow him. He loves unconditionally. The book was a great contrast between good and evil, the consequences of living in a corrupt society.
I look forward to the next installment following Tovi as she fights between good and evil.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
She is forced to decide if she believes in the creator of their world or if she wishes to follow the beliefs of the King and look at greed and fulfilling your desires as the proper way to live. She is torn because she feels as if she has been abandoned when her twin brother left their home. She grew up with foster grandparents because she and her brother were brought to the simple and beautiful village as infants.
The descriptions of life in a village where everyone lives in a treehouse are beautiful. I could picture the stream, the trees, and the large mountain. It is idealistic and sounds like a lovely way to live. I could also picture the harsh life of the residents of the mountain.
I found a lot of symbolism for Christianity. A loving creator who doesn't force your decisions but asks for you to follow him. He loves unconditionally. The book was a great contrast between good and evil, the consequences of living in a corrupt society.
I look forward to the next installment following Tovi as she fights between good and evil.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
May 21, 2020
I'm excited to be a part of the KINGDOM ABOVE THE CLOUD blog tour with The Fantastic Flying Book Club from May 14th - May 20th, 2020!
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! In no way does this affect my rating or review.
All included quotes have been taken from an ARC and may not match the finished publication.
Kingdom Above the Cloud is a unique find in the current Young Adult fantasy genre. Beautifully allegorical, this story is inspired from the seven deadly sins and nine fruits of the sprirt. It is set in a land split between Mount Damien and Adia below the cloud. At odds with their beliefs and ambitions, the Council of Masters pursues to attain Tovi and her twin brother Tali by the order of King Damien himself. Haunted by murals left by the elusive creator Adwin, the King seeks to understand the prophesies hidden in the paintings adorning the walls of his castle, and to ultimately thwart his nemesis, Adwin.
Built upon beautiful allegories, numerous quotable passages, and a uniquely complex concept, Kingdom Above the Cloud is a read that you won't want to miss, whether religious or not.
Vulgarity: None.
Sexual content: Minimal.
Violence: Minimal.
My Rating: ★★★★1/2
My Blog ¦ Bookstagram ¦ Twitter ¦ Pinterest ¦ Facebook
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! In no way does this affect my rating or review.
All included quotes have been taken from an ARC and may not match the finished publication.
Kingdom Above the Cloud is a unique find in the current Young Adult fantasy genre. Beautifully allegorical, this story is inspired from the seven deadly sins and nine fruits of the sprirt. It is set in a land split between Mount Damien and Adia below the cloud. At odds with their beliefs and ambitions, the Council of Masters pursues to attain Tovi and her twin brother Tali by the order of King Damien himself. Haunted by murals left by the elusive creator Adwin, the King seeks to understand the prophesies hidden in the paintings adorning the walls of his castle, and to ultimately thwart his nemesis, Adwin.
Built upon beautiful allegories, numerous quotable passages, and a uniquely complex concept, Kingdom Above the Cloud is a read that you won't want to miss, whether religious or not.
Vulgarity: None.
Sexual content: Minimal.
Violence: Minimal.
My Rating: ★★★★1/2
My Blog ¦ Bookstagram ¦ Twitter ¦ Pinterest ¦ Facebook
May 24, 2020
Kingdom Above the Cloud is a story of twins raised by a couple from their infancy. Their next door neighbor is a boy about the same age and is best friends with the boy. The man died and the twin boy disappeared and his twin sister struggles with a myriad of questions. Her brother's best friend tries to be a loyal friend, but she rejects his many efforts to show his support and desire s for her to trust him.
The twin girl extensively searches for her brother until, one day, a stranger befriends her. She is entranced by him and in spite of the caring warning of her friend, she continues to associate with him. Little did she know where this would lead her.
This is a coming of age story where one is so self absorbed, their choices becomes "clouded". Iyt is a time and place in a different hemisphere.
There are symbolic similarities between the biblical Christ and Satan and the King Damian and Adwin.
In the beginning of the tale, I was unsure if I was going to feel a connection to this story, but soon my interest increased and continued to do so until the end. This is a first in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. However, it references an upcoming event, the reader will surely want to read about.
The characters are unique and created with immense imagination. They are well defined and realistic. The events are described well so the reader can feel he/she is there. There are some intense scenes.
This would be a great tale to be made into a movie series.
The twin girl extensively searches for her brother until, one day, a stranger befriends her. She is entranced by him and in spite of the caring warning of her friend, she continues to associate with him. Little did she know where this would lead her.
This is a coming of age story where one is so self absorbed, their choices becomes "clouded". Iyt is a time and place in a different hemisphere.
There are symbolic similarities between the biblical Christ and Satan and the King Damian and Adwin.
In the beginning of the tale, I was unsure if I was going to feel a connection to this story, but soon my interest increased and continued to do so until the end. This is a first in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. However, it references an upcoming event, the reader will surely want to read about.
The characters are unique and created with immense imagination. They are well defined and realistic. The events are described well so the reader can feel he/she is there. There are some intense scenes.
This would be a great tale to be made into a movie series.
May 14, 2020
I was unsure if I would like this at first after a large cast of characters were introduced in the first couple of chapters, but I came to really like the uniqueness of the story and was even able to keep the characters straight.
5 stars
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
5 stars
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
May 5, 2020
This fantasy story was better than I was expecting. The characters are human but with different eye and hair coloring than typical and I was a little slow to catch on if or why that was important. Set in both the kingdoms above (Mount Damien) and below (Adia) the clouds with different cultures and aspirations. Both kingdoms were created by the same person, an ever elusive Adwin.
The traits the people of Mount Damien strive to achieve are: power, perfection, adoration, prosperity, pleasure, wisdom, and control. Mastery of those lessons become a visible marking on backs. King Damien gives his select Council of Masters a game; bring back a citizen of Adia with their brand and earn the opportunity to rule over Adia when they conquer that country below.
Adventurous Tovi catches the eye of multiple Masters as an easy target. She often spends time alone feeling abandoned and is missing her brother. She also questions the existence of a benevolent Adwin even though she pursues a relationship with him.
Fantasy + political intrigue + elements of faith = a book I completely enjoyed. I plan on making my daughers read the book. Its both entertaining and shows consequences for doing things on your own.
The beginning was a little slow because the author did a lot of world building I didn't understand.
Add on the multiple POVs- I was a little confused. After I understood what was happening and realized what was important vs supporting details I read the book quickly and enjoyed every part. Multiple POVs, settings, he plot and characters. Romance was NOT a big part of the story but I did like how adoration was described.
I completely enjoyed learning about the people of Mount Damien with Tovi and being tempted by their culture. The Masters explained and taught their traits in such a compellingly realistic way. I know I've been attracted to glittery things that turn out not to be as valuable as gold. Or justifying my actions or desires in a way that make unacceptable behaviors okay.
Kingdom Above the Clouds is a fun story with building morals that resonates after the last page. Even though Christianity isn't explicitly mentioned the theme is woven through the main character's thoughts and obstacles. Tovi's questioning faith and anger at situations beyond her control made me really connect with her. Its okay to not understand and seek answers. Even if you run away, God is waiting for us to come back.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own, any review is voluntary.
The traits the people of Mount Damien strive to achieve are: power, perfection, adoration, prosperity, pleasure, wisdom, and control. Mastery of those lessons become a visible marking on backs. King Damien gives his select Council of Masters a game; bring back a citizen of Adia with their brand and earn the opportunity to rule over Adia when they conquer that country below.
Adventurous Tovi catches the eye of multiple Masters as an easy target. She often spends time alone feeling abandoned and is missing her brother. She also questions the existence of a benevolent Adwin even though she pursues a relationship with him.
Fantasy + political intrigue + elements of faith = a book I completely enjoyed. I plan on making my daughers read the book. Its both entertaining and shows consequences for doing things on your own.
The beginning was a little slow because the author did a lot of world building I didn't understand.
Add on the multiple POVs- I was a little confused. After I understood what was happening and realized what was important vs supporting details I read the book quickly and enjoyed every part. Multiple POVs, settings, he plot and characters. Romance was NOT a big part of the story but I did like how adoration was described.
I completely enjoyed learning about the people of Mount Damien with Tovi and being tempted by their culture. The Masters explained and taught their traits in such a compellingly realistic way. I know I've been attracted to glittery things that turn out not to be as valuable as gold. Or justifying my actions or desires in a way that make unacceptable behaviors okay.
Kingdom Above the Clouds is a fun story with building morals that resonates after the last page. Even though Christianity isn't explicitly mentioned the theme is woven through the main character's thoughts and obstacles. Tovi's questioning faith and anger at situations beyond her control made me really connect with her. Its okay to not understand and seek answers. Even if you run away, God is waiting for us to come back.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own, any review is voluntary.
May 29, 2020
Kingdom Above The Cloud has been a pleasant read. It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but it's mainly because there are quite a few characters introduced at once. It takes a bit to get everything moving, but when it does, the story turns into a great adventure. I would say halfway through the book, it picks up because the mystery unfolds, which makes it nice to read about.
If you are religious, the story can make it or break it. I'm completely impartial to it and personally read it as a young adult fantasy novel. While this book has been a nice read, I struggled with a couple of things I'll explain in a bit.
I really enjoyed the different points of view. It gave a better understanding of the world, the characters, and what was going on. I also enjoyed the world itself and how it was developed. I thought it was very well done. I enjoyed reading about the marks and the way of living both above and below the cloud, and I truly enjoyed that aspect.
My only issue though is that I did not quite connect with Tovi and I may not have cared too much when I should have. I did enjoy her journey though and how her character grew in the story. I very much enjoyed reading about all the characters. The mystery and schemes were great and kept me going. Overall, it was a nice read.
I will definitely read book, especially because with that ending, I really want to know what comes next.
If you are religious, the story can make it or break it. I'm completely impartial to it and personally read it as a young adult fantasy novel. While this book has been a nice read, I struggled with a couple of things I'll explain in a bit.
I really enjoyed the different points of view. It gave a better understanding of the world, the characters, and what was going on. I also enjoyed the world itself and how it was developed. I thought it was very well done. I enjoyed reading about the marks and the way of living both above and below the cloud, and I truly enjoyed that aspect.
My only issue though is that I did not quite connect with Tovi and I may not have cared too much when I should have. I did enjoy her journey though and how her character grew in the story. I very much enjoyed reading about all the characters. The mystery and schemes were great and kept me going. Overall, it was a nice read.
I will definitely read book, especially because with that ending, I really want to know what comes next.
November 30, 2020
I was intrigued by a fantasy/epic young adult fiction coming from a faith based perspective. When I first started reading it as an ebook, I felt the beginning was rather slow. But when I had the book in my hands and started it over, I didn’t feel that way. Was it because I knew where the first quarter of the book was heading? Perhaps. Either way, you might feel that as well, but it picks up quickly. I really enjoyed the characters Silas (he has my heart forever), Eryx and Xanthe. Damien is one that you are glad to dislike, I’ll just say that. As the book progressed, I had a harder time putting it down. And when I reached the end, I was sad and excited and wanting to read the next book! I really enjoyed the symbolisms of the deadly sins in people and …well, I don’t want to spoil anything. If you’re a fan of fantasy or are just thinking of dipping your toes in, I think you’ll enjoy this book.
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May 17, 2020won't be rating this one because I purely read it as a YA fantasy and although I enjoyed the different themes at play and the allegory to stories from the Bible but on the other hand the characterization was noticeably underwhelming and I couldn't fall in love with Platt's writing either.
I think it'd be best if read by people belonging to the religion or/and having prior knowledge of the stories that the tales were inspired from.
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July 13, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/13/2020)! 🎁
April 19, 2020
Fantasy with a touch of allegory. It had my attention from the beginning. A girl who knows nothing of her family, missing her brother, full of questions about everything, conflicting emotions. The character off Tovi is convinced to leave all that is familiar for the hope of love and answers to questions that she has. As she experiences new things, there is more questions about what is true and what is lies. Really enjoyed it.
May 10, 2020
In the first book in Maggie Platt’s Tales from Adia series, the author spends the first several chapters setting the scenes and introducing many of the characters (aka world building). While that makes the book seem like it’s moving somewhat slowly at first, it quickly picks up as the reader connects with Tovi, Silas, and more.
There is so much symbolism and many faith lessons sprinkled throughout this story. From the temptation of sin and how easy it is to give in to it, to free will, to God’s sacrifice to save us. They enhance Tovi’s journey as she travels to a new place that is beautiful and filled with delights on the surface but dark and dangerous underneath.
Platt throws some unexpected twists in to keep readers on their toes. And while the story does have more violence than I expected, this is a book about sin and the damage it has done to the world and those who dwell in that world.
Fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Chronicles of Narnia will enjoy this book. Put even if you’re not a huge fan of fantasy, this story (like Narnia) is one you will enjoy. I look forward to finding out what’s next for Tovi, Tali, and the others when the battle will begin.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
There is so much symbolism and many faith lessons sprinkled throughout this story. From the temptation of sin and how easy it is to give in to it, to free will, to God’s sacrifice to save us. They enhance Tovi’s journey as she travels to a new place that is beautiful and filled with delights on the surface but dark and dangerous underneath.
Platt throws some unexpected twists in to keep readers on their toes. And while the story does have more violence than I expected, this is a book about sin and the damage it has done to the world and those who dwell in that world.
Fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Chronicles of Narnia will enjoy this book. Put even if you’re not a huge fan of fantasy, this story (like Narnia) is one you will enjoy. I look forward to finding out what’s next for Tovi, Tali, and the others when the battle will begin.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
July 8, 2020
Maggie Platt's debut novel Kingdom Above the Cloud (ISBN: 978-1-62020-588-4) is a beautifully constructed story that reminds readers that they are worthy of God's love. I finished this book in three days, and would have finished it even sooner if life had allowed it. Maggie Platt just might be my new favorite author, and I wait with much anticipation for Book Two of Tales From Adia.
Kingdom Above the Cloud opens with King Damien, an evil king obsessed with painted prophecies and destroying Adwin and those that possess his symbol. Adwin, the creator of the world, was run off the mountain, the kingdom above the cloud, by Damien and his followers. Adwin, and those that followed him, established the treehouse village of Adia. Adians love and follow Adwin, and they come to know him in the forest when they seek him. That is most Adians come to know him - Tovi Tivka has never met Adwin, and she only wants to find him to tell him how much she hates him. How can she have faith in an invisible king who allowed so much pain and suffering in her life?
Tovi and her twin brother Tali grew up with guardians in Adia rather than their birth parents. They aren't even originally from Adia. They don't know of their true origin. And now, Tali has disappeared and has been gone for 6 months. Tovi has much anger and resentment that she directs towards Adwin. Her best friend Silas offers her a listening ear, but as she lets darkness consume her, she pushes him further and further away.
Meanwhile, on the mountain, King Damien summons his Council of Masters and gives each member a task of marking an Adian and bringing them above the cloud. Tovi becomes the prey of several Masters. What will become of Tovi? What will she decide? Who will she become?
Platt had me on the edge of my seat with each page. You quickly fall in love with Adia and the members of HH [read to find out what that stands for ;)], and you quickly develop disdain for King Damien and several of the Masters. I will say that, for me, Tovi's hard exterior made it difficult to like her at first, though her questions and struggles with faith are relatable. However, you can't help but cheer for Tovi and hope with each turn of the page that she will realize the truth and seek redemption. I hope to see more development with this character as the series continues.
My favorite part of this book was the Christian allegory woven seamlessly into the plot. Adwin (who also has a new name) reminds me of C. S. Lewis's Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia. Yet, this was not a rehashing of Lewis's work. It is new and refreshing, but it still holds a meaningful message. The message that we are worthy of God's love, that we are worthy of God's forgiveness, and that we can be born again through God's grace is so eloquently delivered that I found myself with tears on my face as I read.
I HIGHLY recommend Kingdom Above the Cloud to readers of Young Adult fiction. Also, readers of Christian fiction, who enjoy fantasy spins, will greatly enjoy this book. I personally give it 5/5 stars, and, like I said before, I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Add The Kingdom Above the Clouds to your TBR - you will not be disappointed!
Kingdom Above the Cloud opens with King Damien, an evil king obsessed with painted prophecies and destroying Adwin and those that possess his symbol. Adwin, the creator of the world, was run off the mountain, the kingdom above the cloud, by Damien and his followers. Adwin, and those that followed him, established the treehouse village of Adia. Adians love and follow Adwin, and they come to know him in the forest when they seek him. That is most Adians come to know him - Tovi Tivka has never met Adwin, and she only wants to find him to tell him how much she hates him. How can she have faith in an invisible king who allowed so much pain and suffering in her life?
Tovi and her twin brother Tali grew up with guardians in Adia rather than their birth parents. They aren't even originally from Adia. They don't know of their true origin. And now, Tali has disappeared and has been gone for 6 months. Tovi has much anger and resentment that she directs towards Adwin. Her best friend Silas offers her a listening ear, but as she lets darkness consume her, she pushes him further and further away.
Meanwhile, on the mountain, King Damien summons his Council of Masters and gives each member a task of marking an Adian and bringing them above the cloud. Tovi becomes the prey of several Masters. What will become of Tovi? What will she decide? Who will she become?
Platt had me on the edge of my seat with each page. You quickly fall in love with Adia and the members of HH [read to find out what that stands for ;)], and you quickly develop disdain for King Damien and several of the Masters. I will say that, for me, Tovi's hard exterior made it difficult to like her at first, though her questions and struggles with faith are relatable. However, you can't help but cheer for Tovi and hope with each turn of the page that she will realize the truth and seek redemption. I hope to see more development with this character as the series continues.
My favorite part of this book was the Christian allegory woven seamlessly into the plot. Adwin (who also has a new name) reminds me of C. S. Lewis's Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia. Yet, this was not a rehashing of Lewis's work. It is new and refreshing, but it still holds a meaningful message. The message that we are worthy of God's love, that we are worthy of God's forgiveness, and that we can be born again through God's grace is so eloquently delivered that I found myself with tears on my face as I read.
I HIGHLY recommend Kingdom Above the Cloud to readers of Young Adult fiction. Also, readers of Christian fiction, who enjoy fantasy spins, will greatly enjoy this book. I personally give it 5/5 stars, and, like I said before, I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Add The Kingdom Above the Clouds to your TBR - you will not be disappointed!
April 15, 2020
I loved the concept of this book (What if the nine Fruit of the Spirit and the Seven Deadly Sins were locked in a battle for control?) but was worried that the book might not live up to such a lofty concept. However, this book definitely exceeded my expectations! After a few chapters, I found myself drawn into the world that Maggie writes about. I could easily imagine the treetop houses of Adia to the beautiful houses on the mountain, and it's easy to see the appeal of both worlds. I love the Adian traditions that Maggie writes about, which give the world a sense of history and depth.
The characters are complex, yet easy to relate to. I will admit that it took me a few chapters to connect to the characters because the first few were each told from a different point of view, but once I was invested in the characters, I couldn't wait to keep reading because I couldn't predict what they would do next. The part where Silas went into the house with Tovi while Avi was disappearing? Oh. My. Gosh. I had no idea what was actually happening - much like Tovi at that point in the book - but I knew that it was important and I had to pay attention. Coincidentally, Silas specifically tells Tovi “You are going to see and hear things that you won't understand. I want you to think about them after this is over. Promise me you will pay attention,” which is also a note to the reader to pay attention. Such smart writing!
The Christian references are evident throughout the book, but never too contrived. The reader is allowed to grow in their understanding of faith and the world at the same time as Tovi. As one of the characters explains, “the only way you are able to understand me is through your own experiences. When you are a child, with simple wants and simple needs, you see me as a child. A friend and playmate. As you grow up, you get more complicated. Because you get more complicated, your understanding of me gets more complicated too."
This book also provides a lot of insight into the struggle between faith and doubt that many of us deal with. It tackles big topics - like the existence of death and pain - in ways that are personal and easy to relate to. You can tell that the author has considered a lot of the questions that Tovi struggles with throughout the book. And the "answers" that are provided those questions are not easy ones, but they still make sense. As one of the characters clearly explains, "I always do what’s best for you, even when that means I have to allow you to experience something painful.”
I plan to read the rest of the books in the series and will probably reread this first one while I wait for the rest to come out!
The characters are complex, yet easy to relate to. I will admit that it took me a few chapters to connect to the characters because the first few were each told from a different point of view, but once I was invested in the characters, I couldn't wait to keep reading because I couldn't predict what they would do next. The part where Silas went into the house with Tovi while Avi was disappearing? Oh. My. Gosh. I had no idea what was actually happening - much like Tovi at that point in the book - but I knew that it was important and I had to pay attention. Coincidentally, Silas specifically tells Tovi “You are going to see and hear things that you won't understand. I want you to think about them after this is over. Promise me you will pay attention,” which is also a note to the reader to pay attention. Such smart writing!
The Christian references are evident throughout the book, but never too contrived. The reader is allowed to grow in their understanding of faith and the world at the same time as Tovi. As one of the characters explains, “the only way you are able to understand me is through your own experiences. When you are a child, with simple wants and simple needs, you see me as a child. A friend and playmate. As you grow up, you get more complicated. Because you get more complicated, your understanding of me gets more complicated too."
This book also provides a lot of insight into the struggle between faith and doubt that many of us deal with. It tackles big topics - like the existence of death and pain - in ways that are personal and easy to relate to. You can tell that the author has considered a lot of the questions that Tovi struggles with throughout the book. And the "answers" that are provided those questions are not easy ones, but they still make sense. As one of the characters clearly explains, "I always do what’s best for you, even when that means I have to allow you to experience something painful.”
I plan to read the rest of the books in the series and will probably reread this first one while I wait for the rest to come out!
June 1, 2020
Will her search for answers lead only to danger?
I picked up Kingdom Above The Cloud just because of the first line of the back cover blurb. The idea of the Fruits Of The Spirit battling it out with the Seven Deadly Sins in a fantasy world intrigued me. I do have to say right off that this story was, at least to me, a little more on the allegory side than the fantasy side. I'm one of those people who has a hard time picking up on allegory in a book but Maggie Platt's writing style is such that I picked up on it fairly quickly which left me enjoying the story more as I had a bit of and idea what to expect.
While I found the story to be a bit simple for an adult, though there were a few older YA scenes, it's one that I think might make good reading aloud material for parents kids. There's a lot in there that parents can use for teaching moments, things like Satan's use of our doubts and anger against us, to subtly lure us down the wrong path, that God is big enough to handle those doubts, that when we have questions and fears, when we feel like God is silent, that's the time to run TO Him. Hmmm, I also think this tale might make a pretty good audiobook.
I think my favorite thing about Kingdom Above The Cloud was Maggie Platt's very imaginative descriptions of her characters and their physical features. Nearly every one is different, from navy blue hair to lemon yellow with an aqua stripe to brown, not to mention everything from blue eyes to purple to black. And the markings that indicate their allegiance are quite striking as well.
Kingdom Above The Cloud, author Maggie Platt's first book in her Tales From Adia series, was a fairly quick read and a much different take on fantasy than usual. If you have kids or grandkids in the right age group you should check this story out.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I picked up Kingdom Above The Cloud just because of the first line of the back cover blurb. The idea of the Fruits Of The Spirit battling it out with the Seven Deadly Sins in a fantasy world intrigued me. I do have to say right off that this story was, at least to me, a little more on the allegory side than the fantasy side. I'm one of those people who has a hard time picking up on allegory in a book but Maggie Platt's writing style is such that I picked up on it fairly quickly which left me enjoying the story more as I had a bit of and idea what to expect.
While I found the story to be a bit simple for an adult, though there were a few older YA scenes, it's one that I think might make good reading aloud material for parents kids. There's a lot in there that parents can use for teaching moments, things like Satan's use of our doubts and anger against us, to subtly lure us down the wrong path, that God is big enough to handle those doubts, that when we have questions and fears, when we feel like God is silent, that's the time to run TO Him. Hmmm, I also think this tale might make a pretty good audiobook.
I think my favorite thing about Kingdom Above The Cloud was Maggie Platt's very imaginative descriptions of her characters and their physical features. Nearly every one is different, from navy blue hair to lemon yellow with an aqua stripe to brown, not to mention everything from blue eyes to purple to black. And the markings that indicate their allegiance are quite striking as well.
Kingdom Above The Cloud, author Maggie Platt's first book in her Tales From Adia series, was a fairly quick read and a much different take on fantasy than usual. If you have kids or grandkids in the right age group you should check this story out.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
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May 19, 2020Kingdom Above the Cloud is one of those achingly beautifully written stories. You’re just immediately taken into the story and the writing is so intricately beautiful that you instantly fall in love. Plus there is a lot of world building, and if you know me you know I salivate at the thought of that. I blame it on my love for Lord of the Rings. This is definitely a story that is going to make you think about how we grow as a person.
Now, this book is listed as an allegorical fantasy. And, if you’re like me, you might have to admit to not knowing what the genre allegory is (you know, until I looked it up). Basically it’s quite simple and means that there will be themes of morality and often religion. Reading Kingdom of the Cloud while knowing this I was able to pick up themes of Christianity throughout, but there was nothing explicitly stated and I think it worked really well with the overarching style of the book.
I really enjoyed this story and found myself plunging into the world. The characters were all really intriguing and I enjoyed seeing how they developed and grew throughout the story. Because there is a lot of world building, some might find that the beginning had a slow start. I personally didn’t feel that way because I like finding everything out about the world and not feeling confused about how everything works, but I know that not everyone likes that type of stylization. But even still, the story is amazing and it does “pick up” in pace.
You can view my full review & giveaway on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
Now, this book is listed as an allegorical fantasy. And, if you’re like me, you might have to admit to not knowing what the genre allegory is (you know, until I looked it up). Basically it’s quite simple and means that there will be themes of morality and often religion. Reading Kingdom of the Cloud while knowing this I was able to pick up themes of Christianity throughout, but there was nothing explicitly stated and I think it worked really well with the overarching style of the book.
I really enjoyed this story and found myself plunging into the world. The characters were all really intriguing and I enjoyed seeing how they developed and grew throughout the story. Because there is a lot of world building, some might find that the beginning had a slow start. I personally didn’t feel that way because I like finding everything out about the world and not feeling confused about how everything works, but I know that not everyone likes that type of stylization. But even still, the story is amazing and it does “pick up” in pace.
You can view my full review & giveaway on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
April 17, 2020
Once I started this book, it took me several chapters to get acquainted with all of the characters and to fully understand and start to picture the setting in my own mind. After these first few chapters, I was hooked. I read this book all in one day, finding it impossible to put down. If you don’t read between the lines this is a lovely and captivating story about Tovi, going on the journey of a lifetime to find her twin brother, Tali, and determine what she wants for herself and her life. However, if you do read between the lines, this book is a beautiful and refreshing metaphor centered around the idea of the Lord’s forgiveness, love for us, and open arms no matter the circumstances. It offers real substance and addresses questions that are impossible to answer such as why does God allow us to hurt, and why does it feel like He is turning His back on us when we are really turning our back on Him. This book described that when we run to what we think will complete us, we are usually running in the complete and opposite direction from the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.
Since I don’t often find myself reading fantasy, this book reminded me of how I felt while reading The Hunger Games and Divergent simply captivated in a world that was no longer my own. Although the plot is different from those books, I felt simply transported into the beautiful Land of Adia and Mount Damien. I would recommend this book to anyone ready to dive into this new world, become captivated by beautiful and descriptive storytelling, and think deeply about the faith-driven metaphors within the book, and also within their own faith.
Since I don’t often find myself reading fantasy, this book reminded me of how I felt while reading The Hunger Games and Divergent simply captivated in a world that was no longer my own. Although the plot is different from those books, I felt simply transported into the beautiful Land of Adia and Mount Damien. I would recommend this book to anyone ready to dive into this new world, become captivated by beautiful and descriptive storytelling, and think deeply about the faith-driven metaphors within the book, and also within their own faith.
May 25, 2020
In this engaging YA fantasy, Platt explores themes of doubt, faith, and identity through relatable characters in a unique world.
The world-building of the story creates a unique setting full of beauty. From houses in the tree tops, to a golden-roofed city, to the vibrant forest in between, the landscape is captivating from start to finish.
The characters deal with doubt and faith, trust and deception, and issues of identity that are relatable to most any reader. Their inner struggles hold as much importance to the story as the outward conflict, as the main character Tovi's search for her heritage interweaves with the king's ongoing scheme to prevent his prophesied destruction.
The Christian themes and representations in the story are subtle enough that the events don't become predictable, but the themes are still clear and meaningful. Platt skillfully and naturally weaves the Biblical images into her world, in a way that brings a fresh perspective to familiar truths.
Overall, the story is well told and will leave the reader ready and eager for the next book to come out.
(If you'd like to read a more in-depth review, check out my post on LitWyrm:http://litwyrm.com/2020/05/book-revie...)
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Ambassador International in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.*
The world-building of the story creates a unique setting full of beauty. From houses in the tree tops, to a golden-roofed city, to the vibrant forest in between, the landscape is captivating from start to finish.
The characters deal with doubt and faith, trust and deception, and issues of identity that are relatable to most any reader. Their inner struggles hold as much importance to the story as the outward conflict, as the main character Tovi's search for her heritage interweaves with the king's ongoing scheme to prevent his prophesied destruction.
The Christian themes and representations in the story are subtle enough that the events don't become predictable, but the themes are still clear and meaningful. Platt skillfully and naturally weaves the Biblical images into her world, in a way that brings a fresh perspective to familiar truths.
Overall, the story is well told and will leave the reader ready and eager for the next book to come out.
(If you'd like to read a more in-depth review, check out my post on LitWyrm:http://litwyrm.com/2020/05/book-revie...)
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Ambassador International in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.*
May 4, 2020
Tovi Tivka is an innocent young woman who longs for answers. Answers about her past, her brother, and who the mysterious Adwin is. And when a mysterious man shows up and tells her that all of her answers can be found on Mount Damien, home of the king, she jumps at the chance.
Things are quickly turned on their heads as Tovi is exposed to a whole new, dangerous world. Platt weaves with the world with allegorical finesse, teaching valuable lessons along the way.
Kingdom Above the Cloud was a quick and satisfying read, bringing to mind one of my childhood favorites, The Mirror of N'de by L. K. Malone. The characters were very well developed and the world was painted with symbolism. Tovi's character arc was beautifully rendered, and I found myself seeing aspects of myself in the character.
This is one solid book that left me feeling both sad and hopeful. I would recommend it to anyone who loves allegories such as The Chronicles of Narnia, fantasy lovers, and anyone wanting a good, comforting read.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Prism Book Tours for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Things are quickly turned on their heads as Tovi is exposed to a whole new, dangerous world. Platt weaves with the world with allegorical finesse, teaching valuable lessons along the way.
Kingdom Above the Cloud was a quick and satisfying read, bringing to mind one of my childhood favorites, The Mirror of N'de by L. K. Malone. The characters were very well developed and the world was painted with symbolism. Tovi's character arc was beautifully rendered, and I found myself seeing aspects of myself in the character.
This is one solid book that left me feeling both sad and hopeful. I would recommend it to anyone who loves allegories such as The Chronicles of Narnia, fantasy lovers, and anyone wanting a good, comforting read.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Prism Book Tours for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 3, 2021
Oh, my gosh! What a great book! If you love allegorical fantasy, you won't be disappointed with this one, so don't pass up a chance to read it.
This book is the first in a series or set so there /is/ a cliff hanger. I don't usually read series books unless I'm certain I can get the following books fairly quickly, or at least have the certainty that the author is working on them and will be publishing them. I won this one in a contest and wasn't sure what to expect. I'm happy to say I was very satisfied and enjoyed it enough to read it again in the future.
I love how the author portrays each character so vividly and has woven her book world in such a clear way. I was moved to tears at different points as Tovi struggled through some of the things she was learning.
I don't think there was anything I didn't like about this story. I didn't notice any typos, either because there weren't any, or because the story had me totally wrapped up and they weren't bad enough to hijack my progress.
Kingdom Above the Cloud is an inspirational fantasy like no other I've read and I hope she will keep up the good work. I can't wait to read the next book!
This book is the first in a series or set so there /is/ a cliff hanger. I don't usually read series books unless I'm certain I can get the following books fairly quickly, or at least have the certainty that the author is working on them and will be publishing them. I won this one in a contest and wasn't sure what to expect. I'm happy to say I was very satisfied and enjoyed it enough to read it again in the future.
I love how the author portrays each character so vividly and has woven her book world in such a clear way. I was moved to tears at different points as Tovi struggled through some of the things she was learning.
I don't think there was anything I didn't like about this story. I didn't notice any typos, either because there weren't any, or because the story had me totally wrapped up and they weren't bad enough to hijack my progress.
Kingdom Above the Cloud is an inspirational fantasy like no other I've read and I hope she will keep up the good work. I can't wait to read the next book!
July 13, 2020
I went in to this read without any expectations or knowledge of what the book was truly about, other than having read the synopsis.
I was so pleasantly surprised!
This book definitely seems to be based on the belief of Christianity. Tovi struggles internally whether she believes in her higher being or whether she would rather give in to what the King above the cloud offers and forget her God.
I have not read many religious books in my time other than the Bible, 90 minutes in Heaven, 23 minutes in hell, and several others I read through out my time at University, but this read particularity spreads a light on faith and good vs. evil in such a unique and captivating way that it was such a breeze to get through. It is a great read for young adult readers looking to expand their thought on religion and the universe that surrounds them.
It's also just a super rad fantasy read!!
Recommend!
I was so pleasantly surprised!
This book definitely seems to be based on the belief of Christianity. Tovi struggles internally whether she believes in her higher being or whether she would rather give in to what the King above the cloud offers and forget her God.
I have not read many religious books in my time other than the Bible, 90 minutes in Heaven, 23 minutes in hell, and several others I read through out my time at University, but this read particularity spreads a light on faith and good vs. evil in such a unique and captivating way that it was such a breeze to get through. It is a great read for young adult readers looking to expand their thought on religion and the universe that surrounds them.
It's also just a super rad fantasy read!!
Recommend!
April 17, 2020
The idea behind this book is so different from anything I have read, it was so refreshing! I was a little weary of Christian Fantasy, because it is different from what I usually read, and Christian books can get a little too cheesy for my taste, BUT this book had me hooked from the very first page. The detailed descriptions and intriguing plot transported me to a completely different world, and I couldn't put the book down. I also fell in love with the characters and missed them once the book was over! It is not very common to encounter a book like that. Finally, the Christian aspect of this book was so beautifully woven into the story that it is so clear at times but still surprised me (like with that ending! wow!). Do yourself a favor and get this book in your hands ASAP. You won't regret it.
April 24, 2020
Because this was my first experience with Christian fantasy, I really did not know what to expect. This book, however, provided a welcome distraction in chaotic times, offering respite from the pandemic's anxieties and disruptions.
The story flows easily, the characterizations are good, the descriptions sharp and the questions Tovi, the main character, faces are universal: What do I believe? How can I believe in something or someone that I cannot see? What do my beliefs mean for my life and the way I live it? Why do bad things happen to good people? Where's the reason, or the justice, in that? How can I continue to believe in spite of these challenges? Tovi faces all these questions and more: Who and where are her parents? How and why did she get to Adia? Where is her missing twin brother? What is her place in the world?
Looking forward to Adia, Book Two!
The story flows easily, the characterizations are good, the descriptions sharp and the questions Tovi, the main character, faces are universal: What do I believe? How can I believe in something or someone that I cannot see? What do my beliefs mean for my life and the way I live it? Why do bad things happen to good people? Where's the reason, or the justice, in that? How can I continue to believe in spite of these challenges? Tovi faces all these questions and more: Who and where are her parents? How and why did she get to Adia? Where is her missing twin brother? What is her place in the world?
Looking forward to Adia, Book Two!
May 3, 2020
Maggie Platt has crafted a well-written allegory. Kingdom Above the Cloud is a story that shows Silas’ love for his people in much the same way God shows His love for us - even when we rebel against His ways and view ourselves as unlovable. Through the character of Damien, the story also illustrates how Satan tries to deceive and tempt people to follow his ways Platt goes an excellent job with characterization - there are characters to love and characters to hate. There are fantasy elements in this allegory, making it a good book for fantasy lovers. Kingdom Above the Cloud is book one in the Tales from Adia series. I look forward to reading future books.
Kingdom Above the Cloud would be a heat addition to a k-12 Christian school library.
I want to thank Prism Tours for the complimentary e-copy of Kingdom Above the Cloud. This is my honest review.
Kingdom Above the Cloud would be a heat addition to a k-12 Christian school library.
I want to thank Prism Tours for the complimentary e-copy of Kingdom Above the Cloud. This is my honest review.
May 15, 2020
It took me a little bit to get into the book, and I think that was because there were so many characters to keep track of from the start. Once I got into the book, I enjoyed it.
The whole concept is unique. It’s not the same old thing you see in every YA book, and I liked that. I also liked the symbolic way the author used hair/eye coloring. You can see Tovi’s growth throughout the story which I think helps the reader connect with her. There’s a whole cast of unique characters, but there were so many, it sometimes was hard to keep straight who was who.
The worldbuilding for the treehouse valley was great. I could immediately picture it in my mind, and I wanted to go there.
The whole allegory aspect of the story was intriguing and not something you see much in YA. Fans of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien would enjoy the book.
The whole concept is unique. It’s not the same old thing you see in every YA book, and I liked that. I also liked the symbolic way the author used hair/eye coloring. You can see Tovi’s growth throughout the story which I think helps the reader connect with her. There’s a whole cast of unique characters, but there were so many, it sometimes was hard to keep straight who was who.
The worldbuilding for the treehouse valley was great. I could immediately picture it in my mind, and I wanted to go there.
The whole allegory aspect of the story was intriguing and not something you see much in YA. Fans of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien would enjoy the book.
July 28, 2020
This book! It’s everything that I love about fantasy and dystopia! She dropped me into the beautiful land of Adia and Mount Damian. I never wanted to leave!
This is the story of Tovi and her twin brother who live in a valley village amongst the people who fled Mount Damian to follow their leader, Adwin. When her brother disappears her faith is shook. Meanwhile, King Damian believes she is a threat to his throne, so he sends out his best and brightest to bring her to him.
The characters are human but they have vibrant hair colors unique to a typical human. There are brilliant, faith driven metaphors that left me feeling hopeful! I can’t think of a better book to read considering the challenges we are facing today! Add this one to your TBR list!
This is the story of Tovi and her twin brother who live in a valley village amongst the people who fled Mount Damian to follow their leader, Adwin. When her brother disappears her faith is shook. Meanwhile, King Damian believes she is a threat to his throne, so he sends out his best and brightest to bring her to him.
The characters are human but they have vibrant hair colors unique to a typical human. There are brilliant, faith driven metaphors that left me feeling hopeful! I can’t think of a better book to read considering the challenges we are facing today! Add this one to your TBR list!
April 27, 2020
I love all the imagination throughout this story. Adia sounds like a great place to live. It was fun to follow Tovi through all of her adventures. The fantastical places in the story were interesting and great to hold the attention of the reader.
The characters are all well-developed and were great to get to know. It is easy to feel their emotions.
The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along.
I highly recommend this story to other readers who enjoy a great adventure.
The characters are all well-developed and were great to get to know. It is easy to feel their emotions.
The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along.
I highly recommend this story to other readers who enjoy a great adventure.
June 13, 2020
FULL DISCLOSURE: I worked with the author many summers ago.
With that said, what a wonderful read! Christian contemporary fiction is a difficult genre to begin...Christian fantasy even more so. How do you transmit concepts of sin, sacrifice, and redemption in Christian theology without coming off preachy? Ms. Platt found a way and nails it with this novel. Although the beginning chapters take some time for world-building and character development, the last quarter of the book flies by with action, suspense, and some twists for which I was not prepared. Looking forward to the next one!
With that said, what a wonderful read! Christian contemporary fiction is a difficult genre to begin...Christian fantasy even more so. How do you transmit concepts of sin, sacrifice, and redemption in Christian theology without coming off preachy? Ms. Platt found a way and nails it with this novel. Although the beginning chapters take some time for world-building and character development, the last quarter of the book flies by with action, suspense, and some twists for which I was not prepared. Looking forward to the next one!
April 17, 2020
This was a very heartfelt Christian fantasy novel. I admit, I'm not big on
Christian fiction because it tends to be either preachy or predictable. This book was neither. It grabs you from the first page and keeps your interest until the end. I would describe at as like The Hunger Games but less depressing and more fantasy. It's also a book that made me feel a lot of emotions, especially towards the end. And that is a mark of a good story. A wonderful debut novel!
Christian fiction because it tends to be either preachy or predictable. This book was neither. It grabs you from the first page and keeps your interest until the end. I would describe at as like The Hunger Games but less depressing and more fantasy. It's also a book that made me feel a lot of emotions, especially towards the end. And that is a mark of a good story. A wonderful debut novel!
May 19, 2020
The world-building , the writing, the characters, and the various mysteries are all done beautifully in the book. I was able to finish the book in less than a day as the story was too intriguing from the beginning. I could relate to the thoughts on faith, pain & suffering and in unconditional love as it aligns with my personal beliefs but it is not too hard to ignore that and read it as a normal fiction. I am eagerly looking forward to meeting Tovi & Adwin again in next book.
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