The first thing that struck me was that the author absolutely didn't bury the lede here. Within the prologue, you get a detailed explanation of the "bad guys" as well as who is behind those bad guys. They also introduce a few of the mechanics that will be used in conflict with them (how they sense the world, how you can be warned of their presence, how they can be killed or not killed, etc.) So many books make you discover this through the narrative, but this prologue sets up the baddies nicely. Finally, you're introduced to the Hero/Protagonist, their background, and the basic premise of the story to come. All around, great prologue.
This mentality also pushes into the story itself, where we're not wound through an convoluted selection program or unfortunate choosing event or training montage to bring the protagonist into the story. Rather, Talin has agency from the very beginning and within the first few chapters we're into the story proper. This is such a relief from so many of the other YA titles out there.
Chapter 3 has a great use of dreams to further build the world and Talin's character, allowing a glimpse into the past but also into their psyche; rather than just a normal flashback.
Some aesthetic notes: Great title typeface. It is easy to read while being just otherworldly enough to pique my interest. The Front cover is bright and grabs my attention, but the shadowy bird motif in the bottom looks a little out of place. I get "Skyhunter" is implying a bird-like creature, and this could even relate to Early Ones machines with wings, but so far, I don't get the connection. (The bird image itself looks a little misplaced, beyond just the thematic issues.)
All that's to say, I love a post-apocalyptic story as much as the next person, and I think that Skyhunter's intense and brutal action certainly pushes the line of "YA". Additionally, the author understands that drawing out the introduction and placesetting can usually end up losing the interest of readers, and instead opts for playing the cards face up for the reader, making it more enticing!
This mentality also pushes into the story itself, where we're not wound through an convoluted selection program or unfortunate choosing event or training montage to bring the protagonist into the story. Rather, Talin has agency from the very beginning and within the first few chapters we're into the story proper. This is such a relief from so many of the other YA titles out there.
Chapter 3 has a great use of dreams to further build the world and Talin's character, allowing a glimpse into the past but also into their psyche; rather than just a normal flashback.
Some aesthetic notes: Great title typeface. It is easy to read while being just otherworldly enough to pique my interest. The Front cover is bright and grabs my attention, but the shadowy bird motif in the bottom looks a little out of place. I get "Skyhunter" is implying a bird-like creature, and this could even relate to Early Ones machines with wings, but so far, I don't get the connection. (The bird image itself looks a little misplaced, beyond just the thematic issues.)
All that's to say, I love a post-apocalyptic story as much as the next person, and I think that Skyhunter's intense and brutal action certainly pushes the line of "YA". Additionally, the author understands that drawing out the introduction and placesetting can usually end up losing the interest of readers, and instead opts for playing the cards face up for the reader, making it more enticing!