Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin

First of all I would like to thank the lovely folks over Tandem Collective UK, Walker Books YA, Walker Books UK and the lovely Sukhy Cookes for being so kind and providing me with a copy of this beautiful book as part of a readalong campaign (#AD-PR Product).

Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin centres on (official blurb): “Teen fantasy adventure set in a world of flying ships and sky cities, where chosen ones have the ability to bring paper to life and work as Crafters – people who hunt wild paper spirits called shikigami. Inspired by Asian culture and exploring themes of empire, slavery and freedom. Kurara has never known any other life than being a servant on board the Midori, but when her party trick of making paper come to life turns out to be a power treasured across the empire, she joins a skyship and its motley crew to become a Crafter. Taught by the gruff but wise Himura, Kurara learns to hunt shikigami – wild paper spirits who are sought after by the Princess. But are these creatures just powerful slaves for the Crafters and the empire, or are they beings with their own souls – and yet another thing to be subjugated by the powerful Emperor and his Princess?“

My first thoughts when finishing this book was where can I sign up for book 2?! One of the first things I noticed when reading this book is the fact it gives off major Ghibli and anime vibes!!!

I absolutely adored Rebel Skies it was exactly everything I wanted in a YA Fantasy! It was full to the brim with Asian Folklore, Culture, Magic, Origami and some of the best plot twists I’ve ever read!!!

One of my favourite themes within this book was friendship especially between Kumara and Haru. It showed how important, impactful and powerful a friendship can be and I loved that! I really wish other books portrayed friendship like Ann Sei Lin does with Rebel Skies because let’s face it she did an outstanding job!