Ten Thousand Skies Above You

May contain spoilers for book one. See my review here.

Ten Thousand Skies Above You Firebird Book Two
Written by Claudia Gray
Time Travel, Romance
Published October 2015
432 Pages
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia
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★★★★☆
Ever since she used the Firebird, her parents' invention, to cross into alternate dimensions, Marguerite has caught the attention of enemies who will do anything to force her into helping them dominate the multiverse, even hurting the people she loves. She resists until her boyfriend, Paul, is attacked and his consciousness scattered across multiple dimensions.

Marguerite has no choice but to search for each splinter of Paul’s soul. The hunt sends her racing through a war-torn San Francisco, the criminal underworld of New York City, and a glittering Paris where another Marguerite hides a shocking secret. Each world brings Marguerite one step closer to rescuing Paul. But with each trial she faces, she begins to question the destiny she thought they shared.
Marguerite is the ultimate traveller. With the aid of her scientific parents' discovery of inter dimension travel, she can visit worlds that exist alongside our own. With the use of her Firebird, Marguerite now finds herself back at home and declining the offers from the head of the Triad organisation, who is attempting to recruit Marguerite to work for Wyatt Conley himself. Wyatt has proven he cannot be trusted in any dimension, attempting to steal the research of her parents and responsible for holding her father hostage. So when Paul travels back through the dimensions to look for a cure for Theo, he is captured and his soul splintered into fragments hidden within four versions of himself in different dimensions... And Marguerite has no other option but to agree to Wyatt's terms.

Wyatt has set Marguerite to task, expecting her to resume the life of her other selves in order to destroy her parents work on the Firebird project. After each task is complete, then Wyatt will release the next set of coordinates in order to retrieve Paul's splinted soul. With Theo along for the ride, it soon becomes clear that ourselves in other dimensions may not be as connected as first thought when Marguerite is taken hostage.

As Marguerite begins to question her relationship with Paul, she returns to the dimension where it all began as the Grand Duchess Marguerite of Russia. But time isn't on her side and Marguerite will be faced with the ultimate decision... To live in the now or risk losing everything.

Kelly's thoughts

Ten Thousand Skies Above You picks up shortly where it's predecessor left off, with Marguerite now back in her own dimension and Theo suffering from the effects of Nightthief, a drug supplied by Wyatt to keep Theo's other self from being discovered in Marguerite's dimension. Paul is visiting the Multiverse, a magnitude of dimensions in which each of themselves already exist, leaping into their bodies in order to find a cure. But when Paul doesn't return and the Triad president himself is pressuring Marguerite to join his organisation, she soon realises that Wyatt Conley is once again holding her family to hostage.

Even though Paul seems to be the only love interest within the storyline, Theo has never been shy when it comes to flirting with Marguerite and when the two discover a dimension where Paul and Marguerite aren't together gives Theo further incentive. Even with Paul never far from her thoughts, I enjoyed that the romance wasn't the main focus of the storyline but rather the adventure of multiverse travel. Flashbacks of Marguerite's relationship with Paul while she searches for fragments of his soul, allows readers to see the bond that formed between the two after the final page of A Thousand Pieces of You. The biggest difference that sets the Firebird series apart from other time travel young adult is it's ability to simplify. There's no long and complicated explanations to confuse readers, but information scattered throughout and making it easier for readers to immerse themselves within the storyline.

It follows a similar storyline as it's predecessor, where most of Marguerite's time is spent with Theo. I loved the dynamic between the two. Even though Theo obviously cares for Marguerite far more than he's willing to admit, it's clear that neither will betray Paul with both characters making it clear that they value their friendship far more and thankfully didn't fall victim to the dreaded love triangle. Incredibly written and although it took me a few chapters to jump back into Marguerite's world, I couldn't seem to put it down.

The final verdict

Wonderfully written, Ten Thousand Skies Above You is a brilliant and adventurous installment in the Firebird series. Shifting the focus from a mild science fiction romance, Claudia Gray has crafted an intense and deeply engaging series that is sure to end in an epic finale to enthrall readers. Absolutely loved it.

Kelly is an Aussie who's love of chocolate milk is only surpassed by her love for Alice in Wonderland. She is currently on a semi hiatus.


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34 comments

  1. I'm glad that you liked this. Ah, I really have to reread the first book and buy this one!
    Kim @ Divergent Gryffindor: BLOG || VLOG
    Most recent posts: Review: Overboard || Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

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    1. Such an incredible series installment that far exceeded my expectations Kim, I loved it. I really enjoyed the shift from a science fiction romance to more of an adventure. There is still a really lovely romance woven throughout, but it's not the main focus. And revelations! Wow. There's enough reminders within the first few chapters where you don't really need to reread actually. Looking forward to seeing what you think of this one Kim.

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  2. oh my goodness, the plotline sounds engaging and Marguerite and Theo sounds so fantastic. Now I am so curious about the writing, I can't believe I have not read this series yet, you really inspire me to try it o.o

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    1. You haven't read it Lily? Oh no, you're completely missing out! If you love those epic and intense type romances, conspiracy, espionage, action and adventure, then you need to pick this series up. The romance is hot Lily, pearl clutching, fanning oneself hot.

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  3. I skimmed this as I haven't read the first one. I'm glad that you really loved it though! That's awesome.

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    1. You must read it Lauren my dear, I really do insist. Not only is that cover absolutely divine, but it's been an incredible series so far. Isn't it just screaming reeeeeeeeeeeead meeeeeeee?

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  4. Ahh Kelly it's been so long since i visited you (or anyone in the blogosphere really) I've missed you and your awesome reviews! I absolutely adore the covers for this series but confess that i have not yet read any of the books in it *hides* SOON!

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    1. LILY! Where have you been my lovely? The last I seen, you were moving for university so I've got my fingers crossed that it all went well. The covers are absolutely gorgeous aren't they, you'll have to grab them both Lily and get cracking. It's been an amazing series so far. How will I cope while waiting for the finale?

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  5. I'm really enjoying this series so far! While I didn't like this one as much as the first book, I loved all the twists and turns :)

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    1. Me too poppet, especially enjoyed hearing more about her sister in other dimensions as well. I thought her life was really interesting actually. It really messed with the theory that all our other selves are connected too when that thing happened as well. I loved it and now eagerly awaiting the finale. Bring it on!

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  6. OMG Kelly, this one was just fantastic. I just posted my review, too. How gripping was it? I couldn't put it down. LOVED the developments between Theo and Marguerite... just such a great read!

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    1. I luuuuuuuurved it too poppet. Theo really surprised me in this one. I love the real world Theo more so than Paul actually. But nothing can compare to Lieutenant Markov. My goodness how I loved his character.

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  7. now this is a sci-fi worth reading! definitely will start this series

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    1. It really is Ailyn. Beautiful name by the way.

      It's incredible. For a science fiction based young adult, it's so incredibly easy to follow as well. No information dumping and the romance is incredible woven throughout. Definitely grab a copy of book one, would love to see what you think of it.

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  8. I was on the fence about the first book, but I think this sounds like a fantastic addition to the series. Can't wait to see the developments in characters, I am hoping to read this sometimes before the end of the year :D

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    1. I loved the first one Aentee and this one was such a brilliant sequel. The focus shifts from romance to more of an action adventure with a little bit of a thriller thrown in. The dimension travel was awesome, and a few revelations thrown in there too which I wasn't expecting. Can't wait until you grab a copy and give this one a try, I have a feeling you might enjoy it far more than it's predecessor.

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  9. Even though I didn't fully like the previous book for personal reasons, I really thought it was still well-written in other aspects (that romance though... that russian world though... that ending in the russian world, though... STILL BREAKS MY HEART DAMNIT!!!). I'm really looking forward to a second book where romance is not the main focus at all :D I still know it's going to be pulling my heartstrings!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. It killed me too Faye. Ohhhhh, Lieutenant Markov. He had that Chaol feeling about him didn't he. Gruff and passionate underneath that concrete facade. I really hope you enjoy this one more, having the romance take a step back was a great choice and readers really get to know Theo even more in this one, I like him even more than Paul now. But only by a smidge. Looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

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  10. Gosh. I don't know. Parallel universes typically confuses me, so it's tough to get into.

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    1. This one is really easy to follow though Joy, most confused me too. It's really simplified, so you won't get caught with big blocks of information dumping and unnecessarily messy storylines. This series is an awesome and easy read Joy, I think it might really surprise you.

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  11. I've been so lame about this series. I highly anticipated the first book before it came out, and then ... nothing. I still haven't read it. Ugh. In a way, maybe it's good I've held off so I can read them closer together.

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    1. There's just so many books to distract you with isn't there Christy, I'm usually the same too. But I luuuuurved this series. So much. I think you'll absolutely adore the series Christy, I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  12. Omg valuing friendship and NO love triangle?! KELLY STAHP. I decided not to read this one but now you're making me reconsider. xD Also those covers, omg. I swear I read books just for covers and the first book was absolutely due to that reason. No regrets.

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    1. No no no smushy, you must read it! There's less romance, more adventure and lots of Theo. Theo! You need to eat this book at once.

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  13. So I wasn't the biggest fan of the first book. I had many issues mostly ethical ones (I think you may know what I'm referring to), but I also for some reason can't ever get into multiverse books. I studied a lot of science and it's still very confusing to me. Anyways, I'm so pleased to hear that this was a success for you, Kelly! I'm glad that the love triangle is absent in this one and all the characters respect each other's decisions. You're making me want to revisit the series, Kelly! Maybe i will when the last book comes out. :)
    Wonderful review!

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    1. I know what you mean Nick, the romance within the Russian multiverse raised a whole lot of ethical questions about choices and making them for others. And it's actually addressed in this one, how Marguerite made that mistake and sees how those choices weren't hers to make. She lives with so much regret and consequence as well. I was so pleased to see that it wasn't skimmed over and addressed. I really do hope you give this one a try Nick, it's a incredible read and might really surprise you.

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  14. I'm so insanely jealous. I really loved book one and canNOT wait to go out and buy book two! Why is the bookstore so far away?!

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    1. Maybe try the library or online Alyssa, because you won't want to miss this one. I love love loved book one as well and this one won't disappoint. I can't wait to see what you think of it Alyssa and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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  15. I still need to pick up the first book. Books with time travel intrigue me, but I often have problems with too complex confusing explanations, glad to hear it wasn’t the case here. Wonderful review, Kelly! PS. The covers to this series are gorgeous!

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    1. They're stunning aren't they Ksenia! So, so pretty.

      I often struggle with science fiction for the same reason, but this series is so incredibly easy to read. It's simplified, so you can immerse yourself fully within the storyline and it's characters. It's a brilliant series and I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  16. I had a few problems with the first book (mainly around the morality of the characters), which left a bad taste in my mouth. Let's just say I wasn't a huge fan of Marguerite, and I felt like the book dragged on in parts. I do love time travel though, so might give this series another go down the track. Glad you enjoyed it Kels!!

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    1. I had the same issue too Joy, but not only is it mentioned in this installment, but it's actually addressed as well. I was thrilled to see that it wasn't skimmed over. Oh I do hope you give it another go, I enjoyed this one even more than the first.

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  17. This sounds like a stunning sequel! I loooved the first one so I'm hoping I'll love this one as much... and don't even get me STARTED on the covers. I remember I told myself I was juuuuuust going to read the first chapter of the first before bed--and the next thing I knew I was turing the last page, so I can't WAIT to dive into Marguerite's world again. <3

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    1. You'll adore it too Kara, it really was amazing! I loved this one just as much as book one, but enjoyed even more so that the storyline wasn't focused on the romance. And the covers! Absolute covergasm. I can't wait to see what you think of it Kara.

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