Sky's End (Above the Black, #1)

by Marc J. Gregson

Her cane, like mine, bears the scars of her family’s rise.

But I don’t make promises that I can’t keep.

The one promise I do make is the one that’ll be the most difficult to achieve. But I won’t fail.

“The Song of Falling.”

Tell of how everyone lives to rise, gain status and riches. But in the end, we’re all equal. In the end, we all fall.

hoping that wherever the winds take her, she’ll find peace.

This is the system. The Meritocracy. Only the strong can remain High, and the rest fight over the crumbs.

He mentioned that there was a reason these islands are in the sky. A reason for the black clouds beneath us.

The battle between us will never end. He’ll hunt me to sky’s end.

Art, Order, Agriculture, Scholar, Waterworks, Disposal, Mercantile, Explorer, Law, Architect, Politics, and Hunter.

“If you survive in Hunter, though, you will be built of gorgantaun steel. We, the Hunters, are hardened by fire. We rush toward death while others flee. We are the fearless who hold back the gorgantaun threat.”

“The world wants you to be something you’re not,”

Remember, having power over someone isn’t strength. Pushing others down doesn’t solidify you. True Highs lift others while still remaining on top.”

And I cannot allow compassion to weaken my resolve.

Those who wish to rise, Father says, will chase it to sky’s end. Let nothing stand in the way of your ambition, son, and you’ll cradle lightning in your arms.

One of the newer ships I’ve been hearing about. Predator-class. Also known as a Sword of the Sky.

I am the son of the former Archduke. The boy who stood in bitter winds with nothing but a tattered shirt. I’ll become Captain. And I’ll prove rising is in my blood.

she crouches beside Roderick and whispers, “It appears you have inherited your father’s talents.” She points at the target. “A gorgantaun’s much larger than that. Your shot would’ve hit.”

A beast with an organic heart but the armor of a machine.

eyes. I’m still not sure why it didn’t end me then.

have a ravenous hunger for human flesh.

the beast casually flicked its long steel tail a...

There’s Eldon of Bartemius, a lanky boy who’s often Sebastian’s shadow.

Keeton of Jonson. She has a bright smile and dark brown skin.

“This ship is rubbish. What is wrong with Hunter? Can’t afford anything better? When my mother learns how far Hunter has fallen, she’ll demand King Ferdinand remove it as one of the Trades.”

“Samantha of Talba,”

“Relax.” Eldon touches Sebastian’s forearm. “It is not worth it.”

Sebastian’s face twists with fury.

He wanted to do it.

Samantha tosses her napkin.

Erin follows her, reaching to hold her hand.

“You do have an insider.

Your aunt told you.”

“His aunt is Master Koko’s assistant. Feeds him info from time to time.”

“All I can say is, it’s neither of you,”

She looks me up and down and smiles. “You’re strong. It’s possible.” “Maybe I’d choose you.”

I’ve seen you run from the Stick.” She laughs.

“I noticed you still have that necklace, by the way,”

and we step onto a small stone balcony overlooking the hills of Venator’s jungles.

fireflies buzz over the canopy, creating moving constellations of gold.

little jets of light, zoom into t...

neighboring islands float, suspended in air as if held up b...

“Do you ever jus...

“The stars.”

“I’m from Westray.” “Westray? Never heard of it.” “Told you. No one has.”

“Poor. Crops hardly grow. Many are sick.” She stops, hesitating.

She bites her lip. “Can I trust you?”

I’m not here for myself.

Save them before that hunger turns them all into beasts.”

“Why hasn’t King Ferdinand helped?