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BLACK WINGS BEATING

Alex London

The Skybound Saga #1

Black Wings Beating is the first book in acclaimed children's book author Alex London's new epic Skybound trilogy, a fantasy series set in a world of cut-throat falconry.

The people of Uztar have long looked to the sky with hope and wonder. Nothing in their world is more revered than the birds of prey and no one more honored than the falconers who call them to their fists.
Brysen strives to be a great falconer?while his twin sister, Kylee, rejects her ancient gifts for the sport and wishes to be free of falconry. She's nearly made it out, too, but a war is rolling toward their home in the Six Villages, and no bird or falconer will be safe.

Together the twins must journey into the treacherous mountains to trap the Ghost Eagle, the greatest of the Uztari birds and a solitary killer. Brysen goes for the boy he loves and the glory he's long craved, and Kylee to atone for her past and to protect her brother's future. But both are hunted by those who seek one thing: power.

In this first young-adult fantasy novel in a trilogy, Alex London launches a soaring saga about the memories that haunt us, the histories that hunt us, and the bonds of blood between us

Synopsis for RED WINGS RISING (October, 2019) and untitled book three (October 2020) available upon request.
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Published 2018-09-01 by Farrar Straus Giroux

Comments

[...] With political intrigue, epic battle sequences, jolts of romance, and strong female and queer characters, there's a lot to pique readers' interests here. But it's the unique worldbuilding and beautifully complex sibling relationship that make this a must-read. Readers will be swept away in this book's talons. -- starred review Read more...

A fantasy unlike anything you've seen before, Alex London's Black Wings Beating circles on two twins: Brysen, who wants nothing more than to be a great falconer, and Kylee, who would prefer to leave behind the sport altogether. But a war is coming to their land, and no falconer is safe. -- Bustle

Enter the gritty culture of cutthroat falconry in Alexander London's Black Wings Beating and prepare to be riveted. This book has so much to recommend it that I don't know where to begin: clever writing, boisterous, endearing characters, and threats coming from every direction, be they dark wings in the sky or a band of nomadic zealots with a reputation for slaughter. You'll be caught up in the adventure from the first chapter. And did I mention the falcons? You'll fall in love with the falcons. -- Kendare Blake, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Three Dark Crowns

A ferocious fantasy world coupled with two formidable protagonists, Black Wings Beating is a heart-pounding story that lures readers deep into the high-stakes tradition of falconry, and challenges them to examine what they'd be willing to do in order to protect those they love. Stunning and arresting; a must-read. -- Dhonielle Clayton, author of The Belles and the Tiny Pretty Things series

Black Wings Beating takes the fantasy genre to soaring new heights with its epic thrills, heart-punching romance, and a marvel of a hero. -- Adam Silvera, New York Times bestselling author of They Both Die at the End

Spain: Urano / Puck (2 books); Turkey: Yabanci (2 books)

Enter the gritty culture of cutthroat falconry in Alexander London's Black Wings Beating and prepare to be riveted. This book has so much to recommend it that I don't know where to begin: clever writing, boisterous, endearing characters, and threats coming from every direction, be they dark wings in the sky or a band of nomadic zealots with a reputation for slaughter. You'll be caught up in the adventure from the first chapter. And did I mention the falcons? You'll fall in love with the falcons. -- Kendare Blake, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Three Dark Crowns

With dynamic world building that offers nods to Tibetan cultural traditions, this trilogy opener is a captivating, layered adventure that explores the bonds of siblings in an unforgiving world. Stock up—this one will make the rounds. -- Booklist