The Cloud Hunters Series by Alex Shearer

Hunting the skies is not for the faint-hearted. In a world where water is scarce and deadly jellyfish swim through the sky, overprotected Christien dreams of excitement, adventure, and even a bit of danger. When he meets the exotic and alluring Jenine and her family of cloud hunters, he becomes determined to fulfill his dreams and see what this nomadic tribe of people is all about... moreHunting the skies is not for the faint-hearted. In a world where water is scarce and deadly jellyfish swim through the sky, overprotected Christien dreams of excitement, adventure, and even a bit of danger. When he meets the exotic and alluring Jenine and her family of cloud hunters, he becomes determined to fulfill his dreams and see what this nomadic tribe of people is all about.The cloud hunters are set apart from society with their darker, heavily tattooed skin and the distinctive scars on their faces. Christien has been fascinated by them for years, and when Jenine invites him on a hunting expedition, he is only too eager to join her on the sky ship. But this is no ordinary cloud hunting trip—Christien finds that he's been brought along to help rescue Jenine's father, who's being held prisoner on the Forbidden Isles. Will their elaborate rescue plan succeed? Will Christien take up the cloud hunters' offer to become one of them—scars and all? Or will Christien find that there is something even more important to him than adventure in the high skies?In a richly imaginative tale, perfect for both boys and girls as they launch themselves into the world of fiction as independent readers, Alex Shearer creates a Dahl-esque fantasy that roams through realms of magic, wonder, and adventure. less

Peggy Piercy, a 112-year-old crofter, lives on a remote island farm, raising her great-great-grandniece Gemma and her great-great-grandnephew Martin. Eight years ago, Gemma and Martin were brought to Peggy and entrusted to her care, having been orphaned after their parents disappeared while traveling between the Isles of Night. Peggy has enjoyed bringing them up, but now that they are teenagers she wants them to get an education... morePeggy Piercy, a 112-year-old crofter, lives on a remote island farm, raising her great-great-grandniece Gemma and her great-great-grandnephew Martin. Eight years ago, Gemma and Martin were brought to Peggy and entrusted to her care, having been orphaned after their parents disappeared while traveling between the Isles of Night. Peggy has enjoyed bringing them up, but now that they are teenagers she wants them to get an education. To do this, Peggy must transport them in her rickety boat on a long journey across some of the most pirate-infested, dangerous creature�infested, weirdo-infested, and unpredictable sky this side of the Main Drift.One morning, Peggy, Gemma, Martin, and Peggy’s sky-cat, Botcher, set sail. It is an exciting journey for sheltered Gemma and Martin, who have little knowledge of the world around them. Along the way, they encounter a toll-demanding sky-troll; a deadly sky-shark; a crossbow-happy survivor of a child army; an eccentric rat-skinner; a submarine from another dimension; a sky-motel where the customers are made to fit the beds and provide their own dinners; and the seductive Friendly Isle, which few ever manage to leave. Maneuvering all these dangers and desperate characters, the four reach their final destination, only to find more surprises awaiting them. Sky Run is the exciting new adventure by author Alex Shearer, and is sure to capture the interest of action-loving young readers. less