Updraft

Starred review from June 1, 2015
Extraordinary worldbuilding and cascading levels of intrigue make Wilde’s debut fantasy novel soar. Kirit Densira has no greater wish than to become a trader like her mother, bargaining for exotic goods and flying through their unnamed city of spires on silken wings. But when she illegally leaves shelter during an attack by the monstrous skymouths, Kirit reveals a rare ability and finds herself under pressure from the mysterious Singers, who rule the city from the Spire at its center: she must join them, or she—and her loved ones—will be punished. With nowhere else to turn, Kirit eventually accepts her new place among the Singers, where she will learn the best-kept secrets of her beloved city and the lies that are told in the name of peace. The beginning is languid, but once Kirit takes the plunge and begins to unravel the stories of the Singers, readers will be riveted. The setting is marvelously unusual, a city grown from living bone and populated by everyday people who have left the ground far behind; though Wilde leaves many questions unanswered, this only adds to the mystery and delight, encouraging the reader to suspend disbelief and become immersed in Kirit’s story. This well-written and fascinating exploration of a strange land is an extremely promising start for an exciting new writer. Agent: Rachel Kory, Scovil Galen Ghosh Literary Agency.

Starred review from July 1, 2015

On the eve of the wing test that will finally allow her to take her place alongside her mother as a trader between the towers, Kirit Densira breaks tower law and attracts a skymouth. In a panic, she finds an unexpected skill: her voice can control the invisible predators that roam the skies around the towers. This talent brings her to the attention of the Singers, those in charge of enforcing tower laws and protecting the people. Forced to train with the Singers, Kirit soon uncovers secrets about her own family and about the Singers that could endanger the towers at risk. VERDICT The world of the towers grown from bone, where residents strap on wings and soar the air currents, is captivating. As a coming-of-age story, Kirit's journey to find her place is satisfying, but the real draw is a world that readers will be anxious to revisit in future volumes of this exciting new series.--MM

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2015

Gr 6-9-Kirit is ready to take her wing test and apprentice as a trader in her sky-bound world of living bone towers. However, her heritage gives her a unique talent that the Singers, who are the ruling class of the City, want to make use of. Kirit is ultimately forced to become a novice in the Spire. There, she learns that the history of her world is different than she has been taught. The misinformation spread to the populations living in the Towers is for their protection, she learns. Over time, Kirit begins to see that the power held within the Spire is damaging to the City and begins to take steps to overthrow the Singers from within. The world of Updraft is complex and unique. The low-tech society set in the sky is both agoraphobic and claustrophobic in nature. Those who own silk wings have mobility and access to information, but those who do not are trapped in their towers. While the world is fascinating, the plot is overly complex. Fortunately, the themes of a corrupt central governing body being challenged by a teen who is able to stand up for what she believes is not new. Readers will be comfortable enough with these tropes to ignore the parts of the plot that are confusing. Lots of aerial fight scenes make for a fast-paced read. Refreshingly, Kirit has close relationships with friends and family, but there is no romance. VERDICT Fans of dystopian fiction who don't require romance will enjoy this unique setting.-Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.