Cities of Cloud and Earth: Fifth Class

by A. Jane Dove

Naelani is a 5th Classer, her place in society forever on display thanks to the red tattoo around her wrist. It means that, like every 5th Classer, her world is small and dating her childhood friend and working as a servant for a 2nd Class couple on the cloud city Nebula each day to make sure there’s food on her family’s table. Until a refugee Prince from another city appears in her employers’ apartment, hiding from the assassins who killed his parents. Now, her life is getting much dragged into a world of lies, family secrets, and a potential government conspiracy. Not to mention a pair of honey-brown eyes that she tries to evade. Because a 5th Classer could never be with a 1st Classer, no matter how attracted they are to each other. No matter how enticing his idea of creating a classless city is.

262 pages, Paperback

Published June 11, 2022

About the author

A Jane Dove is the author of spicy fantasy and dystopian novels featuring FMCs searching for themselves, slow burn romances, and dresses with pockets.

An American expat based in New Zealand, she spends her time pondering questions about feminism, elitism, and the state of the world...if there were dragons and book boyfriends in it.

Reviews

[Cally Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

I really enjoyed this read and can’t wait to find out what happens next. I’m so glad the next book is available!

[Heidi Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Little bit naughty, good story, sucks you in and hard to put down. Suprised to find its their debut novel, its very well written. Looking forward to more from this excellent author. Already pre-ordered the next book.

[Amy Dove · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling first novel that examines social, political and moral issues woven into a suspenseful young romance novel. My favorite character is Naelani, the protagonist, who does what society & family expect of her without sacrificing her ideals and dreams. I so want her vision to be realized.
5th Class gives us a glimpse of a possible future, if we don't listen to the voices of the many who know how the to make our world a better place for all.
I was hooked until the end and was left wanting for more. Fortunately we will be able to continue the journey in book 2!

[Brett Maguren · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to reading, Fantasy is not genre I venture into very often. I decided to give this a go and am glad I did. The way the tale is told made it accessible by the way recognisable items, environments and character behaviour are blended with the futuristic settings. As a fan of history I was able to mentally manage the structure and consequences of the class system. The key protagonists are engaging and eminently believable. This is a highly readable introduction to the genre.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong introduction into a dystopian world with immersive world-building and well-developed characters. Through Naelani's perspective, the story explores social, political, and moral issues in a personal and compelling way. I especially enjoyed learning about the different social classes, though I wish the distinctions between the third, fourth, and fifth classes had been explained in more detail.

[Macaelagh Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page Turner. I need more!

This is an exciting debut novel in a series that I'm so eager to continue reading! If you are looking for an easy reading page turner and have enjoyed series like The Hunger Games or The Divergent series, this should be your next read. I'm fully invested in the world that A. Jane Dove has created.

[Erin Mayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Relatable and well written characters that you cant help but get attached to. Well balanced between suspenseful action and teenage romance with some intense and highly rereadable scenes. Read it cover to cover without pause and I can't wait for the second!

[Stephanie Gammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely captivating, thrilling and sexy read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this amazing book and couldn't put it down until I had finished it! I am eagerly waiting for the next book to come out 😍 A 10/10 romance/thrilling novel.

[samantha • insomniabungalow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in shock, this book was so unexpected and utterly amazing. The story, the dystopian setting, the characters and the naughtiness. One of my favourite books of 2023 and under 300 pages so a quick read for me! 💖

[A.R. Broxham · Rating 5 out of 5]

sci fi Cinderella!

A futuristic Cinderella retelling ! But instead of her going to a ball to meet him, the prince goes into the slums and finds her! It took me a while to get into it but once I was there I was hooked - definitely need the next instalment

[Erin Mayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start of an incredible series...

Awesome book! Compelling characters that made it hard to put down. Can't wait for the next one to come out!
This was one hell of a debut novel.

[Jason Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to book 2!!!

[Shanae Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excited for more!

A. Jane Dove really knows how to create a scene! Felt like I was along for the ride, and what a ride it is!

[Amie Fong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was part of my Book Clubs 2023 reads, but I only got around to it this year. I have no idea why I put it off, it's a fantastic book! Great Pacing and a great character range.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love new adult books in a dystopian setting with a great plot, excellent characters, plus a slowburn with forced proximity of class gap which leads to mutual pining romance?
I have the book for you!!!
Fifth Class is the first book in the COMPLETED trilogy Cities Of Cloud And Earth.
It was so great I read it so quickly, and Am very excited to read everything this author has ever written.

[A J · Rating 5 out of 5]

If u want to read about a modern world with a social system like Mortal instruments, filled with the suspension of "Bella just kiss Jacob already and be done with it" with a splash of 50 shades of grey....then u better read this!
Totally not what I would normally read but omg I cant wait for book 2!

[Lexi Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Give it a solid 5 stars.
I finished it on 21/5/25, completed in just over a day as I couldn't put it down for long.
The writing is brilliant, I could feel the suspense and the chemistry between the characters through the pages. The characters felt realistic, which I really need in my main characters.
It set up the world and the characters really well for the rest of the series. Straight onto the next one!