In a world where Earth spawns terrifying creatures and the Sky bestows power through Oaths, Overseer Tehran navigates deadly conspiracies and conflicting loyalties to protect his people. As tragedy strikes and bonds are tested, the characters face heart-wrenching choices, exploring themes of sacrifice, friendship, and the consequences of breaking promises.

Reader Review Summary

"Earthbound" is a truly magnificent work of science-fantasy that immerses the reader in a vividly rendered world filled with breathtaking imagination and rich emotional depth. Author Katee Stein has crafted an absolute masterpiece with this first book in the Of Earth & Sky duology.

From the gripping opening pages, Stein instantly pulls you into her meticulously constructed world where the very ground can liquefy and unleash devastating Earthbound creatures upon the land. But it is the complex system of oaths and bonds to the enigmatic Sky that forms the shining core of this spellbinding tale. The magic system is both ingenious and enthralling, with profound implications for the diverse array of characters and their cultures.

The character work is simply sublime, with the three narrative perspectives of Tehran, Knox, and Emilia each feeling remarkably authentic and emotionally resonant. The lifelong friendship shared by this trio forms the pulsing heart of the story, and their bonds are tested in devastatingly heartbreaking ways that will leave readers awash in poignant empathy. Knox in particular emerges as an extraordinarily compelling protagonist - a disavowed hero grappling with conflicting loyalties and the quest to honor the dying wish of his best friend.

Stein excels at rendering complicated relationships and morally grey areas with remarkable nuance. Her characters are deliciously messy and imperfect in their motivations, constantly making difficult choices that challenge the reader's own ethical boundaries. This is a narrative remarkably in tune with raw human emotion, tackling profound themes of grief, sacrifice, corruption, love, duty, and the staggering consequences of both keeping and breaking one's word.

The world of Earthbound is masterfully constructed, feeling both modern and archaic, technological and mystical. Stein's depictions of the Earthbound monsters and the liquefaction phenomenon are visceral and chilling. The blend of fantasy and science fiction elements works wonderfully, feeling innovative while still retaining a comforting sense of the familiar. The immersive worldbuilding provides a suitably epic canvas for the gripping drama to unfold.

With emotional gut-punches galore, jaw-dropping twists and turns, exhilarating action set-pieces, and a bittersweet but poignant conclusion, Earthbound proves to be an absolute page-turner from start to finish. Stein's gorgeous prose intensifies both the high-stakes thrills and heartrending pathos in equal measure. This is touchstone storytelling that will burrow under your skin and take up permanent residence in your soul.

While the compelling romantic elements add intriguing layers, this is far more than just a sci-fi love story. It's an intricate tale of political intrigue and religious upheaval that explores the consequences of fanaticism just as deftly as the bonds of deep friendship. Simply put, Earthbound is a must-read journey that will leave you feeling both gutted and uplifted by the time the final fateful oaths are sworn. Brimming with imagination and heart, this first act is sure to leave readers desperately clamoring for the next chapter in this unforgettable duology.