Rebel Skies Series by Ann Sei Lin

Teen fantasy adventure set in a world of flying ships and sky cities, where chosen ones have the ability to bring paper to life and work as Crafters - people who hunt wild paper spirits called shikigami. Inspired by Asian culture and exploring themes of empire, slavery and freedom... moreTeen fantasy adventure set in a world of flying ships and sky cities, where chosen ones have the ability to bring paper to life and work as Crafters - people who hunt wild paper spirits called shikigami. Inspired by Asian culture and exploring themes of empire, slavery and freedom.Kurara has never known any other life than being a servant on board the Midori, but when her party trick of making paper come to life turns out to be a power treasured across the empire, she joins a skyship and its motley crew to become a Crafter. Taught by the gruff but wise Himura, Kurara learns to hunt shikigami - wild paper spirits who are sought after by the Princess. But are these creatures just powerful slaves for the Crafters and the empire, or are they beings with their own souls - and yet another thing to be subjugated by the powerful Emperor and his Princess? less

The second book in Ann Sei Lin's Rebel Skies fantasy YA series, set in a world of flying ships, sky cities and rebel uprisings. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Lim, Kalynn Bayron and the films of Studio Ghibli. Kurara has barely escaped the grasp of Princess Tsukimi. Reeling from her Crafter mentor's grim betrayal, Kurara and her friends are desperate to catch up with their old airship, even if it means they have to do it on foot... moreThe second book in Ann Sei Lin's Rebel Skies fantasy YA series, set in a world of flying ships, sky cities and rebel uprisings. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Lim, Kalynn Bayron and the films of Studio Ghibli. Kurara has barely escaped the grasp of Princess Tsukimi. Reeling from her Crafter mentor's grim betrayal, Kurara and her friends are desperate to catch up with their old airship, even if it means they have to do it on foot. But after everything she's been through, Kurara refuses to give up on understanding and freeing the shikigami, origami creatures enchanted to life, nor will she stop at anything to understand her mysterious past, no matter who tries to interfere . . . or what dark truths about her role in the war may surface, the farther south she goes. Her goal is the Grand Stream, where Suzaku, the greatest shikigami of all, lies in furious wait. But Kurara isn't the only one searching for Suzaku. Traveling through forests, seas and the ruins of an underground Crafter city, there is no shortage of enemies who wish to control Kurara and the shikigami of the world for their own ends. When a bloody confrontation leads to horrifying revelations about the true nature of shikigami and Kurara's past, Kurara will need all the support she can muster just to carry on. In this sequel to the breathless Rebel Skies, listeners will return to the soaring heights, incredible twists and dark depths of Ann Sei Lin's vivid fantasy world. less

The third and final book in a pacy, lyrical and vivid fantasy adventure set in a world of flying ships, sky cities and powerful paper spirits.Kurara and her friends have found the key to releasing shikigami from their bonds and granting them eternal freedom – if they can unlock its power. The answer lies in Kurara’s homeplace, deep in the mountains of Mikoshima... moreThe third and final book in a pacy, lyrical and vivid fantasy adventure set in a world of flying ships, sky cities and powerful paper spirits.Kurara and her friends have found the key to releasing shikigami from their bonds and granting them eternal freedom – if they can unlock its power. The answer lies in Kurara’s homeplace, deep in the mountains of Mikoshima. But can the crew reach it before the imperial forces catch up with them, or their own internal battles break them apart for ever?Excellent world-building, a dramatic and pacy plot, and an array of deep and believable characters – explored through multiple perspectives – make for a thrilling final instalment in this masterful fantasy adventure. less