Updraft

In the city of living bone towers that rise above the clouds, citizens navigate between spires using mechanical wings. Young Kirit Densira trains to become a trader like her mother, but her preparations are disrupted when she breaks a law of the mysterious Singers who govern the city. The world exists in a constant state of upward growth, with new levels being built as lower ones become uninhabitable. Citizens must learn to fly early or risk death, while invisible monsters known as skymouths hunt in the air between towers. The rigid social hierarchy and ancient laws maintain order in this precarious society. Beyond its unique vertical setting, Updraft explores themes of tradition versus progress and the price of challenging established systems. The story raises questions about the relationship between truth, power, and the stories societies tell themselves to maintain control.

Readers praise the unique world-building of bone towers and invisible air creatures, with many highlighting the flying sequences as thrilling. The coming-of-age story and female protagonist resonated with YA fantasy fans. Common criticisms include slow pacing in the first third, confusing politics/social structures, and underdeveloped secondary characters. Several readers found the world-building complex without enough explanation. One reader noted "I spent too much time trying to visualize the towers and how everything connected." What readers liked: - Original concept and setting - Flying sequences - Strong female lead What readers disliked: - Slow start - Unclear world mechanics - Thin character development Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (180+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (150+ ratings) The book earned stronger reviews from YA readers compared to adult fantasy readers, who found the world-building insufficient for the premise.

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel This steampunk adventure follows a cabin boy aboard a luxury airship in a world where air travel depends on gas-filled vessels rather than towers.

Above World by Jenn Reese The story presents a future Earth where humans have bioengineered themselves to survive in different environments, including underwater cities and aerial settlements.

The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi In a future Bangkok where calories function as currency and megacorporations control food production, characters navigate a world transformed by climate change and genetic engineering.

The Bone Universe by Fran Wilde Set in the same world as Updraft, this companion novel expands the universe of bone towers and wing technology while exploring new territories within the city.

City of Light by Keri Arthur In a post-apocalyptic city, characters must navigate vertical spaces and face flying creatures while protecting their community from outside threats.

🔸 The towers in Updraft are made of living bone that grows continuously upward, forcing the residents to constantly build and adapt their city in the sky. 🔸 Author Fran Wilde is not only a writer but also a technology consultant and former sailing instructor, experiences that influenced her world-building of wind-based civilizations. 🔸 The novel began as a short story called "Bone Arrow" before expanding into the full-length book that would become Updraft. 🔸 The distinctive wing designs in the book were partially inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's flying machine sketches and early hang glider designs. 🔸 Updraft won the Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy, and was nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 2015.