Cloudbound

Cloudbound continues the story that began in Updraft, following Nat as he navigates life in the towers high above the clouds. The city's political landscape shifts as new leaders emerge and old alliances fracture. The bone towers reach toward the sky, connected by bridges of silk and tradition, while their citizens glide between them on mechanical wings. Nat must balance his new role as a city leader with uncovering the truth about changes occurring in his elevated world. Hidden secrets about the towers' past begin to surface as Nat and his companions search for answers about their civilization's foundations. Their quest reveals questions about leadership, loyalty, and the price of maintaining order in their precarious society. The novel explores themes of power, truth, and the complex relationship between progress and tradition in a society built on carefully maintained hierarchies. Through its unique vertical world, it examines how communities respond to change and upheaval.

Readers found Cloudbound slower-paced than its predecessor Updraft, with more political intrigue and less action. The world-building and politics received attention in reviews, though some felt overwhelmed by the complex social structures and alliances. Liked: - Expansion of the tower-based world and its technology - Character development, especially Nat and Kirit - Detailed descriptions of flight mechanics - The mystery elements Disliked: - Pacing in first half called "sluggish" by multiple reviewers - Some found the political focus less engaging than Updraft's adventure - Several readers noted confusion about character motivations - Multiple reviews mentioned difficulty keeping track of alliances Ratings: Goodreads: 3.76/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (50+ reviews) One consistent thread in reviews was that this book requires reading Updraft first, as new readers struggled with the established world and relationships.

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🌥️ Cloudbound is the second book in Fran Wilde's award-winning Bone Universe series, following her debut novel Updraft. 🏗️ The series takes place in a world of living bone towers that rise above the clouds, where people use mechanical wings to travel between structures. 🏆 The first book in the series, Updraft, won the Andre Norton Award and was nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel. 🎨 Fran Wilde is not only an author but also a technology consultant and artist who has created interactive fiction and game narratives. 🔬 The author's background in technology and engineering influenced the detailed mechanics of flight and tower construction in the series, lending scientific credibility to the fantastical setting.