Conrad, now a squadron commander, embarks on a perilous secret mission amidst militant chaos and family betrayal in a world of vertical division and monstrous threats, testing his leadership and loyalty in a high-stakes battle for survival and power. Filled with fast-paced action, intricate character dynamics, and thought-provoking themes of nationalism and classism, this sequel delivers a thrilling and intense journey through a dystopian fantasy realm where alliances are fragile, secrets are deadly, and the price of power is steeped in blood.

Reader Review Summary

"Among Serpents" is a phenomenal follow-up to Marc J. Gregson's captivating "Sky's End." This second installment in the Above the Black trilogy immerses readers even deeper into the rich, imaginative world of the floating Skylands and the perilous world below the poisonous black clouds.

With relentless pacing and unremitting action, Gregson has crafted an absolute thrill ride of a book. The action sequences are breathtakingly intense, vividly rendering battles against massive, sentient metal beasts and edge-of-your-seat airship combat. Gregson's skills in conveying kinetic movement shine as readers will feel transported into the fray of each chaotic, high-stakes encounter.

However, Among Serpents proves to be far more than just mindless action. Gregson adeptly balances the rapid-fire battles with poignant character moments and thought-provoking themes around power, morality, family bonds, and personal identity. Conrad's emotional journey and maturation as a leader in the face of escalating adversity is wonderfully portrayed, his internal conflicts deeply resonating.

The worldbuilding expands marvelously, peeling back layers of mystery surrounding the warring factions and hinting at even greater revelations to come about the history and future of this unique setting. Gregson has crafted a lore-rich world that feels simultaneously original and nostalgic.

Supporting characters shine just as brightly, each one distinct and multi-faceted. From the fiery Ella to the delightfully scrappy Pound, the cast is brought to vivid life, their relationships and interpersonal dynamics endlessly engaging. And villains like the utterly loathsome Uncle and Sebastian crackle with menacing presence.

Gregson's masterful handling of shocking twists, heartrending casualties, and agonizing moral dilemmas will keep readers furiously devouring pages. The ending is immensely satisfying while delivering a tantalizing tease of greater upheavals and mysteries to be explored in the final volume.

In summary, "Among Serpents" is a tour de force of imaginative world-building and non-stop thrill ride pacing, bound together by a profound emotional core of flawed, achingly human characters. Gregson has not just avoided the dreaded sophomore slump - he has elevated his craft to soaring new heights with this exemplar of gripping, thought-provoking YA fantasy/sci-fi. Readers who were enthralled by the trilogy's opening act will be rocketed into a whole new stratosphere of awe and investment. Simply put, "Among Serpents" is an absolute must-read.