Book Review: The Other Side of the Sky by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

The Other Side of the Sky is Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner’s third collaboration on a young adult series. This new duology is a genre-bending story that blends science fiction and fantasy. It’s an imaginative, romantic tale of a mystical goddess and a lost prince trying to save their respective worlds from imminent destruction. The Other Side of the Sky is brimming with magic and a hint of romance for fantasy lovers, and the futuristic sky city and inventive technology will appeal to fans of science fiction.

Nimh is a living goddess whose divine power has yet to manifest. She is a leader and beacon of hope for the people of Below. The toxic mist storms that have been plaguing the land for years have worsened. The infected are suffering and dying with no hope for a solution. Uncertainty and fear are on the rise. Nimh discovers a prophecy that could be the key to unlocking her power and saving her people. North is the crown prince of Alciel, a massive island city in the sky built with advanced technology. Alciel is in danger of crashing Below as the engines keeping it afloat are slowly failing. North believes his city’s survival lies within its origins Below and desires to travel there for answers. He gets his wish when he unexpectedly crash lands on the surface and meets Nimh. Together, they embark on a dangerous quest for the truth and discover that maybe salvation for their realms lies with each other. 

The Other Side of the Sky is narrated in dual points of view from Nimh and North. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. Both are fleshed out with complex histories and life experiences that make it easy to care about them.

Nimh bears a heavy responsibility as a leader. Plucked from her family at a young age to be trained for her divine role, Nimh has led a lonely life. As a result, she is socially awkward and doesn’t have any companions except for a mercurial bindle cat. However, she has a good heart, serves with humility, and strives to be the kind of leader her people deserve. Nimh has a quiet strength and determination about her that I was drawn to. 

North is smart, brave, and a born leader. He’s daring and a risk-taker which is how he ends up Below and crosses paths with Nimh. Though completely out of his element Below, North is a survivor and meets the challenges of this new world head on. He is a man of science, but as he learns more about Nimh and her world, he begins to open his mind to new possibilities. 

Amie and Meagan just knock it out of the park by creating two distinct worlds that actually share an origin. Alciel felt more familiar with its technology, a society grounded in science, and led by a council and royalty. Majority of the story takes place Below as Nimh and North are searching for answers regarding The Prophecy that will save both of their worlds. Below is a place cloaked in mystery, magic, mythology, and many secrets. The people have a strong sense of faith and believe in their Gods/Goddesses unequivocally. However, there is a small rebellion brewing which threatens Nimh’s leadership and divinity. I also really liked how Amie and Meagan slowly unravel the history and mythology behind the creation of Below and Alciel. It’s quite a plot twist!

There is a forbidden/star-crossed love story building between Nimh and North. As a Living Goddess, Nimh cannot be touched by another human or she will lose her divinity. This added complication only heightens the tension, longing, and chemistry as Nimh and North fight their growing bond and feelings for each other.  The romance never takes center stage as both characters are focused on saving their homes. But it’s there, steadfastly, quietly simmering in the background.

Final Thoughts: The Other Side of the Sky has creative world-building, an elaborate plot that takes many unexpected turns, well-developed protagonists, and an ending that will leave you scrambling for the sequel.

The Other Side of the Sky is available now. The sequel Beyond the End of the World goes on sale January 18, 2022.