14 must-read SFF releases that will make your September magical

The Other Side of the Sky – Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

The latest novel from YA writing duo Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner – who penned the popular “Starbound” trilogy – The Other Side of the Sky is a story of star-crossed love, faith, and duty.

Prince North’s home is in the sky, in a city that’s held up by intricate engines and unknown technology that his people no longer understand – or remember how to fix. The denizens of the Alciel sky archipelago now believe that the world below is deserted, left abandoned by its former residents (i.e., their ancestors).

Therefore, imagine North’s surprise when his glider crashes and he is not only rescued, but shown a society that exists entirely different from his own.

On the surface, lives a civilization that still believe in prophecies, destines and magic. Nimh, North’s rescuer, is a consider a holy vessel – one in a long line of beings touched by divinity, who serve as living incarnations of their goddess. And thanks to a prophecy about a falling star that is the key to rebuilding her world, she’s convinced that Noah’s flaming arrival in her world is destiny. He’s just hoping she’ll be able to help him go home.

The official synopsis describes the story in much more dramatic terms.

"Prince North’s home is in the sky, in a gleaming city held aloft by intricate engines, powered by technology. Nimh is the living goddess of her people on the Surface, responsible for providing answers, direction—hope. North’s and Nimh’s lives are entwined—though their hearts can never be. Linked by a terrifying prophecy and caught between duty and fate, they must choose between saving their people or succumbing to the bond that is forbidden between them."

The Other Side of the Sky is available on September 8.