About this book
New England Book Award Finalist “A top-notch dragon story…Both nuanced and real.” —Shelf Awareness (starred review) “I absolutely devoured it.” —Mackenzi Lee, bestselling author of The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue “Perfect for fans of Tamora Pierce, Renée Ahdieh, and Cindy Pon.” —Saundra Mitchell, author of All the Things We Do in the Dark and editor of YA anthology All Out A determined young woman sets out to rescue her kidnapped girlfriend by stealing a dragon from the corrupt emperor in this stunning fantasy debut that’s perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson, Rae Carson, and Rachel Hartman. Raised among the ruins of a conquered mountain nation, Maren dreams only of sharing a quiet life with her girlfriend Kaia—until the day Kaia is abducted by the Aurati, prophetic agents of the emperor, and forced to join their ranks. Desperate to save her, Maren hatches a plan to steal one of the emperor’s coveted dragons and storm the Aurati stronghold. If Maren is to have any hope of succeeding, she must become an apprentice to the Aromatory—the emperor’s mysterious dragon trainer. But Maren is unprepared for the dangerous secrets she uncovers: rumors of a lost prince, a brewing rebellion, and a prophecy that threatens to shatter the empire itself. Not to mention the strange dreams she’s been having about a beast deep underground… With time running out, can Maren survive long enough to rescue Kaia from impending death?
Censorship history
In 2024, "Shatter the Sky" by Rebecca Kim Wells was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States due to concerns over its themes and content, categorized under "Other." Specific details regarding the challengers or formal complaints have not been publicly documented, but the ban reflects a growing trend of restricting access to books that feature LGBTQ+ relationships and fantasy elements. The book's removal from school libraries has sparked discussions among educators and parents, with ongoing debates about its appropriateness for young readers.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | LGBTQ+Moral |
