Pilgrim of the Sky [Paperback]

Natania Barron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 13, 2011

Just when Maddie Angler thinks she's over the death of her longtime boyfriend, Alvin, she discovers that he's not only alive, but he may just be part god. And a killer. Now it's up to her to unite Eight Worlds she didn't even know existed in the first place, before chaos reigns. 

Praise for Pilgrim of the Sky: 

"... a lush, dreamy fable - both vintage gothic, and modern mystery ... lovingly laced with magic and darkness from start to finish." -- Cherie Priest, author of Boneshaker 

"Barron's book is a sexy trek through alternate worlds, with a fascinating and detailed mythology. This one is a steampunk tale that doesn't play by the rules." -- Mur Lafferty, award-winning author and podcaster of Heaven and Hell
 

"A brilliant, eloquent adventure through time, space, and the human heart." -- Jonathan Wood, author of No Hero

Editorial Reviews

Review

Steampunk meets goddess worship in this unusual and highly original story of loves that cross the borders of time and space... Barron's debut is an sf adventure that mixes high action with exquisitely detailed depictions of everyday existence in these alternate worlds. -- Library Journal

Pilgrim of the Sky is an excellent and much recommended pick for fantasy readers. -- Midwest Book Review

It will take you from the present modern world to a world born of an alternate history which parallels our own to a wholly ancient and powerful realm. It has plenty of originality while echoing the elements of other authors such as Neil Gaiman and Phillip Pullman... It's a fun adventure and one I hope you embark on yourself. -- Wired.com's GeekDad 

Product Details

• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: Candlemark & Gleam (December 13, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1936460092
• ISBN-13: 978-1936460090
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,070,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Natania Barron has been traveling to other worlds from a very young age, and will be forever indebted to Lucy Pevensie and Meg Murry for inspiring her to go on her own adventures. She currently resides in North Carolina with her family, and is, at heart, a hobbit--albeit it one with a Tookish streak a mile wide.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not YA and not "just" Steampunk - GREAT! January 8, 2012

By Brigid Ashwood

Format:Paperback

First - full disclosure. I'm the cover artist for this book, and I consider the author a friend, so YES I'm biased. I love this book. But again, considering I am completely biased, take that assessment as you will. I feel compelled to write a review to clear up a few things. This novel is full of rich and detailed worlds and steamy love scenes with compelling characters. BUT, I will say this book is misunderstood as "steampunk". One world within the book can be described as steampunk, and since the book is set in several worlds, assuming that the whole novel is steampunk in nature is doing it a disservice. Additionally as another reviewer noted this is NOT a young adult novel. I'm not sure how that mistake happened, but yeah, very mature scenes are present in this book. Very nicely written and fun mature scenes mind you, but mature non-the-less. A beautiful novel by a beguiling author. Can't wait for a sequel.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic story and very well written January 8, 2012

By J. Day

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I loved this book! It was my first foray into anything steam punky and it did not disappoint. The author gives such rich descriptions of everything and I fell in love with the main character, Maddie. She is such a beautifully flawed character and is easy to relate to. The story is fast paced throughout the book. I enjoyed it so much I plan to read it again. Highly recommend it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars surprising, gripping and somewhat profound January 10, 2013

By Tahlia Newland

Format:Kindle Edition

Pilgrim in the Sky is a surprising, gripping and somewhat profound contemporary fantasy. It begins in our world, takes us on a shocking journey to another, and just when we think we have it all sorted it, we find ourselves one level deeper again.
I loved it, not only because it's a very different story but because it stretches your mind with metaphysical themes--alternate worlds, beings that are connected, the same yet different, linked, like the eight points of a compass through time and incarnations. Pilgrim in the Sky takes you on a journey that gets deeper and more fantastical the further you read, but at its core is the simple but profound premise that love is strength in times of darkness and despair, and that one should never underestimate those we consider challenged.

There's little I can say about the story without spoiling the surprise, so I will instead simply assure you that it is riveting, unpredictable and has a deeply moving end. The pacing is excellent, drawing you seamlessly from one scene to the next but with enough breathing spots to enjoy the scenery. And what wonderful scenery it is, described in evocative detail but never overdone. Second world is like and unlike our own. Imagine a Victorian style America with their own Queen Victoria, an America where the west wasn't won and where the rich have mansions that float in the air held aloft by huge balloons. Yes, the visuals are stunning.

The characters are all richly drawn and Maddie is as gutsy as we want our modern heroines to be. Luckily, she learns quickly.
It's well-written, well thought through and tightly edited, structurally speaking, though it could do with another pass by a proofreader. (Hence the loss of 1 star)

I recommend it for all contemporary fantasy fans especially those who like a touch of the metaphysical in a story or who are into Greek mythology.