Book Review: Smoke Sky by Amy Braun

It seems like it was just last week that I reviewed another prequel novella of Amy’s: Amber Sky. It was actually a month ago, and now there’s Smoke Sky, which takes place after Amber, but before Crimson Sky, first in the Dark Skies trilogy.

To survive in a horrific world overseen by bloodthirsty monsters, young thief Gemma will do whatever she must to see another day. Even though that means working for a damaged man convinced to make her a permanent member of this thuggish family.

So when her employer tells her that he’ll release her from his clutches, Gemma is obviously skeptical. Especially since the job is easy enough– recruit the two marauders that the gang has been spying on to take her place.

But as Gemma lies to Nash and Sawyer, she commits the greatest mistake a spy can make–– she begins to see them as friends, and perhaps more. Soon, she will have to choose: Sacrifice two strangers to ensure freedom from a brutal future, or risk her life to save them…

Set two years before the events of CRIMSON SKY, this prequel novella tells the story of how Gemma met Nash and Sawyer, and what prompted her to chose their safety over her own. While best enjoyed before reading CRIMSON SKY, this bonus story can be read at any time or enjoyed as a standalone.

While I enjoyed Amber Sky, I might like Smoke Sky just a bit better. Gemma is a wonderful protagonist; Braun specializes in writing these badass, yet intensely human female characters. As always the action scenes are amazing, and I found myself holding my breath more than once.

The Hellions- particularly unlikable monsters who feed on humans- are super scary, but the human bad guys are worse. At least to me, the element of psychologically toying with their victims is especially unpleasant. Which makes Fletcher, the main bad guy, bad in a super-creepy sort of way. Fun!

Though I’m not a big fan of romance, I adored Gemma and Nash’s burgeoning relationship. They seem extremely well-suited to each other, and his sweetness was the perfect way to meet her cautious vulnerability. I also enjoyed the verbal sparring between Gemma and Sawyer. These guys will make a great crew!

The story pulled me along so effectively, I read this in almost one sitting. Always a sign of a great read!