The Cerulean, by Amy Ewing

Sera Lighthaven has always felt as if she didn’t quite belong among her people, the Cerulean, who live in the City Above the Sky.

She is curious about everything—especially the planet that her City is magically tethered to—and can’t stop questioning things. Sera has always longed for the day when the tether will finally break and the Cerulean can move to a new planet.

But when Sera is chosen as the sacrifice to break the tether, she feels betrayed by everything in which she’d been taught to trust. In order to save her City, Sera must end her own life.

But something goes wrong, and Sera survives, ending up on the planet below in a country called Kaolin. Sera has heard tales about the dangerous humans who live here, and she quickly learns that these dangers were not just stories.

Meanwhile, back in the City, all is not what it seems, and the life of every Cerulean may be in danger if Sera is not able to find a way home.

 

Ewing’s confident and unique world building, appealing characters, and innumerable mysteries will entice readers. (ALA Booklist)

“Fast pace and constant action make for an interesting read.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)

“Part high fantasy, part mystery, with a whole lot of feminism, this inventively explores gender, nonconformity, self-acceptance, and family.” (School Library Journal)