Sky on Fire

Aether Saga #2

by E.K. Johnston

A fast-paced and thought-provoking queer sci-fi/fantasy novel from #1 New York Times bestseller E. K. Johnston.

Morgan Enni has things to do. A science prodigy in a university full of mage-scientists, she’s notable for having no magical ability, which only increases her ambition and drive to prove herself. Her research has the potential to devastate every aetherworker in the galaxy and shake the crumbled foundations of the Stavenger Empire. It's no wonder she can't find anyone who wants to listen to her, much less fund her expedition.

But Morgan is stubborn, and eventually her work catches the attention of a group of rebels, who hope it might turn the tide in their favour. When they try to recruit the young scientist, they get much more than they bargained for. Morgan Enni has secrets of her own.

Set in the world of Aetherbound, E. K. Johnston continues to entwine Arthurian myth and the history of North Atlantic fisheries in a clever, character-driven space fantasy.

Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Queer, LGBT, Space, Speculative Fiction, Fantasy

260 pages, Hardcover

First published July 22, 2025

About the author

E.K. Johnston had several jobs and one vocation before she became a published writer. If she’s learned anything, it’s that things turn out weird sometimes, and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Well, that and how to muscle through awkward fanfic because it’s about a pairing she likes.

You can follow Kate on Twitter (@ek_johnston) to learn more about Alderaanian political theory than you really need to know, or on Tumblr (ekjohnston) if you're just here for pretty pictures.

Reviews

[Jennybeast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. The kind of book you fall into and only come up for air under duress. Morgan Enni is a wonderful addition to the existing characters in this universe, and I love how science focused she is, how awkward and yet growing, how clearly her interests define her until they don’t. It stands alone — I think it helps to know Pendt’s story, and Ned and Choria’s story, but it isn’t integral to this story. I’ve tagged it as romance, but it’s more like the edge of a romance that’s starting and that might be ace and might be found family and might be something as yet unrealized. I love that. I hope we get to know what happens next.

Advanced Readers Copy provided by edelweiss

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my bookish red flags is that even though I know nothing about Arthurian legend, I still come running any time a book has any references to it at all.

I saw Sky on Fire on Netgalley and requested it immediately because of aforementioned mild Arthurian legend obsession. I'm going to be honest right away and say I did not realize this was book 2 in a series until after I'd already downloaded my e-ARC. I thought maybe I could make sense of it because it didn't appear to follow the same characters as book one (and I think it was fairly understandable without the context of the first book), but I would highly recommend reading the first book first, even if they're not listed as a series. In theory, it can stand alone, but I'm not sure that it should.
Morgan Enni is a young scientist with a secret, so it's no surprise when she catches the attention of a handful of rebels. The book starts with a quick summary of a rebellion that acts as a backstory of sorts, which is helpful in some sense. I've seen a few reviews saying they found this book to be very worldbuilding-heavy, but honestly, I felt a bit lost. Things were described, but they weren't clarified (either that, or I somehow missed it), and I'm hoping they were explained in book one because I really didn't understand the importance of gene-mages until the very end of the story. The pacing started a bit slow but was pretty quick by the end. However, I also felt the ending was a bit rushed, and all of the action was resolved in about two chapters. Again, the stakes might be higher if you've read the first book, so I don't think this book should be read as a standalone.
I thought Morgan was a very compelling narrator. She's introverted, intelligent, and innovative. I enjoyed seeing her growth as she began to spend time with those who truly appreciated her, and I really liked seeing her dynamic with Ned (especially with her being ace!). Most of the side characters felt a bit flat, but I think that a lot of them were probably developed in book one. I found the tangled web between Pendt, Fisher, and Ned to be quite intriguing, and I liked Pendt and Ned on their own, too. I thought Jonee was interesting, so I'm glad she was relevant for most of the book. I wish I had read the first book before this because I think it would have enhanced the experience.
I wouldn't recommend Sky on Fire as a standalone, but if you read Aetherbound, you won't want to miss this thrilling sequel that brings back old friends and introduces some new ones.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!

3.25/5

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sky on Fire is the long-awaited sequel to Aetherbound

While not required reading, and structured to be a stand-alone, I do recommend reading Aetherbound first. The series takes place in the Stavenger empire which is the remnants of a collapsed space superpower (after depleting their natural resources) with individual remote space stations struggling to break free. The magic system is based on caloric intake allowing certain individuals to manipulate the aether in certain ways (electricity, navigation, biochemistry) if they are provided with enough food.

In Sky on Fire, we are following Morgan Enni, and not the trio from Aetherbound (although there are appearances!). Morgan is everything Pendt is not - loved by her immediate family, provided resources for her growth, and free to make her own decisions. She is also an outsider, uniquely talented and under-utilized, and unafraid of questioning authority - exactly like Pendt. Morgan is unique in YA heroines in that she wasn't born with a special world-saving ability, nor has immense personal tragedy occurred to her immediate family to drive her towards vengeance. She wants to do research and purse knowledge for the greater good - something the political players involved in cannot fathom.

I've now read Sky on Fire twice and I will freely admit that I struggled with the pacing on the first time through. Johnston creates such an immersive atmosphere and fantastic relationships with the crew aboard the Marquis and Morgan undergoes such transformative personal growth when removed from the confines of her social expectations that I had a hard time when it became apparent that Morgan's scientific research on the Marquis was not the entire point of Sky on Fire. It's a bit selfish, but I'd love a book where the scientist does the research and then the establishment believes the research and steps up to do their job.

Sky on Fire requires the reader to sit uncomfortably with themselves, follow Morgan's journey and ask themselves why they are choosing the comfortable option. Morgan isn't the child of a prophecy or justifiably angry; she's just another cog in the wheel who keeps on getting roadblocks put in her way. She continually tries to make the easy choices which, in a book plot, the reader can tell are wrong, but don't differ from the choices readers make in their daily lives. The middle of the book, when Morgan is presented with only bad options, is the most important part of Sky on Fire, even if it's the most uncomfortable.

Make the choice. Change the course.

[Chelsea]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

Sky on Fire by E.K. Johnston is a third person multi-POV YA Queer science fantasy. Morgan is a magicless prodigy at a university for mage-scientists and her work could break new ground. When a group of rebels recruit Morgan, they take on more than they thought they would.

This was very fast-paced; not only in terms of what is happening on the page, but in how easy it was to just fly through the prose. The prose is propulsive and is formatted in a way that makes me believe this is closer to 60k despite the page count. There are pros and cons to this as it is a quick read that a read can finish in two or three hours but it doesn’t leave a ton of room to linger on worldbuilding or character arcs. A reluctant reader who is really struggling with anything slower paced would probably find this to be just right.

Morgan and Ned are in an Aspec relationship that maybe could be defined as a QPR but I’m not quite sure. Morgan is very explicitly Aspec and Ned mentions that while he enjoyed the physical side of relationships, he doesn’t enjoy the embarrassment of it and isn’t willing to experience it again. There is a point where Ned even wonders why people equate ‘love’ with ‘physical relationships.’ Teen readers need examples of not only how to start decoupling physical love from romantic love (because it’s OK to want one and not the other), but also different ways that being Aspec can manifest.

The worldbuilding did feel very Star Wars so when I saw that E.K. Johnston has written Star Wars IP, it made sense. It’s that same sort of science fantasy ‘fantasy in space’ sphere that is so hard to pull off and Star Wars does beautifully and so does Sky on Fire. It almost felt like reading a Star Wars AU that is a bit more focused on the magic system.

I would recommend this to fans of Star Wars looking for new worlds to explore and readers struggling to get into slower-paced books.

[Lila (teawithalibra) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Penguin Teen for the eARC of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Morgan Enni is a scientific prodigy in a university full of mage-scientists, having no magic herself, but is having trouble getting anyone to listen to her research because it may disrupt everything they hold dear. Without anyone willing to listen, her ability to secure funding is at risk. However, her work does eventually catch the eye of a group of rebels, who are eager to hear more about disrupting the aether and, as a result, the weakened bones of the Stavenger Empire.

This was a fun little (and I mean little!) SciFi adventure! Morgan reads somewhere firmly along the grey scale, and I am always going to shout about asexual representation in YA novels. I thought the pacing was a little choppy and the ending feels unfinished, but maybe there will be a book three! I do think it's important to have read Aetherbound before this, and yet the publisher makes no mention of this being a sequel.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

(THIS IS A SEQUEL. Apparently many of the ARC reviewers did not clock that this was a sequel, but the published version makes it EXTREMELY OBVIOUS this is book 2.) So so so thrilled to get more from the world of Aetherbound!! The political machinations (and implications thereof) get fleshed out more here, and I found Morgan a much more insightful narrator compared to Pendt. Her problems and solutions felt real and lived-in. I do not understand why the flap copy pitches the "mix of Arthurian legend and North Atlantic fish hatcheries" angle, though, because that makes it sound wayyyyy more boring than it actually is. Fingers crossed for an announcement of a new book deal including a sequel soon!

[Sarai Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel burns bright, balancing political drama, high stakes tension, and emotional growth with Johnston's signature poetic prose. While it took a few chapters to find its rhythm, once it hit its stride, I was hooked. The character arcs deepen beautifully, and the worldbuilding expands in meaningful ways, answering questions from book one while raising new, compelling stakes. It’s quieter than some sci-fi epics, but no less powerful. A thoughtful, grounded read that earns its fire.

Sara | Book Confessions of an ExBallerina | Instagram

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book, releasing on July 22nd!

Like some other reviewers, I didn’t realize this was a sequel and I think my read suffered for it-you certainly can, as I did, read it as a standalone, but I think it would probably greatly benefit from being read after Aetherbound. Despite feeling like I was playing catch up for much of it because of this, I liked it overall-characters were likable and the story moved along at a good pace.

[caffeinated_reads3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure. I have not read the first book of this saga.

Sky on Fire is about a science prodigy who is driven by her goal to find out why a food source (fish-like in space) and a space station completely shut down and disappeared from their realm. Morgan, the researcher, finds herself changing and enjoying camaraderie on the space ship employed to help her. After Morgan comes back after her initial findings, she discovers the ship is run by the rebellion, who are trying to regain independence from the Empire they are currently beholden to. Morgan also finds herself amongst other key players of the rebellion, and is reveals that her bloodline is key for their success.

Not sure what Book 1 was about, but after reading Sky on Fire, I need to grab a copy of it to consume sooner than later. I enjoyed the quirky, hyper rational and scientific Morgan. She is the epitome and hyper exaggeration of researcher, someone who gets lost in their work and lacks social skills and cues. EK Johnston also explores sexuality as well, but not in the sense of open door scenes. Sky on Fire was surprisingly fun and quick to read. I would recommend this sci fi, space fantasy to others.

Thank you Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Dutton Books for Young Readers for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.

[Chris G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this companion book to Aetherbound, brilliant prodigy Morgan struggles to get her university to support her research on a past sudden disappearance of the magical aether; Morgan believes a similar event is in the near future and is looking for ways to predict and prepare for it. It’s a controversial topic and just as she’s making progress, her grant is cancelled and her only supporters turn out to be a group of rebels. Johnston excels at worldbuilding and deftly weaves the political conflicts of the opposing space stations into Morgan’s story. Johnston also writes unforgettable characters; Morgan initial social isolation is believable as is her slow acceptance of friendship and comradery. It has been years since I read The Story of Owen and Johnston still has that ability to make the reader care about the people and worlds she has made. Hope there will be another book! EARC from Edelweiss.

[Rhiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the E-ARC! This E-ARC was sent to me in exchange for an honest review!

This was fun!
There was a lot of info-dumping, especially in part 3. At some points it was hard to stay focused on the story while my mind was trying to catch up on 5 full pages of world building and backstory. The characters were flat, they didn't have a lot of depth to them. There weren't major plot twists and all the little twists were predictable.
I did enjoy the overall story! Spaceships, rebels, futuristic cities. It was a beautiful world, I just wish it had been described in a more fleshed out way instead of all at once. I need to read more science fiction and I think after this I'm going to pick up some more. The vibes!
I don't know if I'll read any more from this series, but I'll likely pick up another from this author!

[John Rennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You need to read the first book in the series, Aetherbound, to get the most out of this one otherwise the setting and back story will seem rather mysterious.

This book has a similar feel to Aetherbound. Both are built around their central character, and how much you enjoy the book is going to depend on how much you empathise with the central character. I did like them both, and I enjoyed this book just as I enjoyed Aetherbound.

However like Aetherbound this is at the young end of the young adult market. Some of the plotting will strain your suspension of disbelief, and storytelling feels a little superficial. It's a good yarn, and an easy read, so I'd say give the books a try even if (like me) you are well past your young adult years. Just be aware that it's a relatively unsophisticated read.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very charming sci-fi, mystery, romance.
Morgan Enni reads as neurodivergent, asexual, and frankly..very adorable. I admired that their determination to complete their research never crossed moral boundaries. They are loyal, inquisitive, and self-sacrificing. I will admit that I didn’t know this was book two, so I am excited to learn even more about Pendt as I’ve already ordered Aetherbound from my local library. The fantastic part of being a fantasy reader is that we tend to be accustomed to being thrown right into the world building and deducing as we go! I found it easy to follow and fun too.

I imagine oglasa are so gorgeous and shimmery.

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC.

[J R · Rating 4 out of 5]

this one was definitely fun. i did NOT notice this one was a sequel, and it was... kinda hard to understand because of that? like the characters felt underintroduced and the setting felt underexplained? but still, it was a solid novel like this, and if you've read the previous book you'll probably like it even more than I did. 3.5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Galatea Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

it just ends

***** possible spoilers*****

An abrupt ending is a writing cliche I detest.

If the ending was different, I would have rated it three stars.

Morgan had character growth and learned to be an actual member of society. Ned is supportive. Pendt was thoughtless, careless and powerful. Tasia needs to publish the sauce recipe.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review:

DNFed at 28%. Tried to get more into sci-fi, but this one was not it for me. I don’t think it’s a bad book, but there wasn’t anything grabbing my attention.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read, and Storygraph is telling me it's a sequel of Aetherbound, so I'm glad I'd already read it, and it was such a great story!

[Ace✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so intrigued by this book-universe.

[Nicki]

oops read book 2 first

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A space adventure with thorough world-building. The author's detailed descriptions really bring the world to life. The scale of things is still incomprehensible but the gorgeous cover art gives a good idea. I have not read the first book in the series, so this was all new to me. I don't feel like I was missing out though I am sure reading the first book would have given me a richer experience.

The pacing can be a bit slow, especially at the beginning, but is so worth it.
I really enjoyed the main character, Morgan, and their development. Morgan's shift in mentality and maturity was nice to see - also relatable and realistic. Aunt Vianne is what you hope all adults in your life are, but sadly that's not the case. I liked how the author showcased a variety of families as well. Tasia and Jonee are also fast favorites. The humor sprinkled throughout was a nice break from the seriousness.

The end of the book is packed with action. I can't wait to read more about this world.

Thank you Penguin Group Young Readers for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Morgan's story and the saga in general (especially because the books end with possibilities not emotionally unmanageable cliffhangers).

I was able to read an early ARC and will come back and leave a full-updated review once I'm able to read the finished book (it'll most likely the audiobook).