Into the Skies by Kay Humphreys follows twenty-one-year old Jaylyn living in the human realm below the Star Kingdom - a society of Fae living in their floating city in the sky above Jaylyn’s village. Humans are expected to serve Fae and are “placed” (assigned jobs) once they’ve come of age. Having never been deemed acceptable for placement, Jaylyn spends her days teaching her younger brothers and working in the village tavern.
A chance encounter with a Fae head hunter of sorts brings Jaylyn up to the Starlight Kingdom where she is asked to dance for the Fae court. After a mesmerizing performance, Jaylyn is informed that she’s been found worthy of placement and will take part in a ceremony. She’s placed under the watchful eye of grumpy, silent sentry Kal. Along the way, Jaylyn is enchanted by the Star Kingdom’s Prince Aster Raellen and after completing the ceremony, learns he’s her destined mate. However, Jaylyn also learns that she will never be allowed to marry the prince (as he’s expected to marry a royal), and she’ll be his fated “play thing.”
Jaylyn is devastated but has little time to come to terms with her new reality before unforeseen circumstances take her away from Prince Aster and is swept away by Kal. A series of gripping events brings the pair closer together as they make their way - along with their new friends, Min and Goody - to safety. Jaylyn must fight the tug she feels inside herself to her “fated mate” while also struggling with her growing attraction and feelings for Kal.
I absolutely devoured this book! The world building was intricate and well-written. Despite a somewhat slow start to the book, it quickly built and then kept a great pace for the remainder of the novel. The characters in the book were relatable, engrossing and drew me deeper into the story. They had me laughing out loud, frustrated, and even produced some tears at certain points - everything a great novel should do! I loved Goody and Min’s addition to Kal and Jaylyn’s duo and the “found family” aspect to the plot.
I won’t give away too many spoilers but I could not get enough of Jaylyn and Kal! When she has her “a-ha” moment about him - it is EVERYTHING! (Alright, mini spoiler - he’s ready to lay the world at her feet and his feelings had me in a grip the entire time!)
Into the Skies is the perfect dystopian, romantasy and will appeal to fans of ACOTAR (it was even giving mild The Giver vibes!). I am heartbroken that the sequel doesn’t come out until mid-February 2024, but I eagerly await the next chapter in Jaylyn and Kal’s story!
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