Imprison the Sky (Elementae #2)

Description: Stolen from her family as a child, Aspasia has clawed her way up the ranks of Cyrus's black market empire to captain her own trading vessel--and she risks it all every time she uses her powerful magic to free as many women, children, and Elementae from slavery as she can. But Cyrus is close to uncovering her secrets--not only that Aspasia is an air Elementa with the ability to sail her ship through the sky, but that she is also searching for her lost family. And if Aspasia can’t find her younger siblings before Cyrus does, she will never be able to break free.

Armed with her loyal crew full of Elementae and a new recruit who controls an intriguing power, Aspasia finds herself in the center of a brewing war that spans every inch of the ocean, and her power alone may not be enough to save her friends, family, and freedom.

Review: Imprison the Sky is another action packed, thought provoking addition to the complex fantasy series, The Elementae by A.C. Gaughen. Once again the author weaves weaves big concepts and difficult subjects without slowing down the pace or being heavy handed. In this second installment we move from the land to the sea where a powerful air Elementa Aspasia "Asp" is the captain of a ship. Captain, freedom fighter, slaver, and slave, Asp crews a diverse collection of children and teens, all formerly enslaved, many with powers, who come from all the races and nations of Asp’s world. It is fascinating to note that the characters have a range of skin tones and race is not treated the same to our world. Like the first book, Reign the Earth, which dealt with domestic and emotional abuse, Imprison the Sky delves into all aspects of slavery, the complex dynamics of power, and freedom. There are no easy answers in this book and the complex, multi-faceted characters deal with these issues. 
  The plot moves between personal motives such as Asp searching for her lost siblings and possibly falling in love with new crew member Kairos (Shalia's brother) who also has a personal agenda, and the political, as Asp and her crew work to harry slavers and find themselves instrumental in the growing war. There are plenty of dark and gritty moments as people lose their lives and a moral toll that plagues Asp's moves, there are lighter moments of romance and tender intimacy which help elevate the plot and keeps things moving. The final battle, when characters from both volumes come together, sets the scene for the explosive conflict to come without reverting to an unnecessary cliffhanger. I love how this series features powerful young women who have hope and agency to change the world. I am really looking forward to seeing how this multi-layered fantasy series wraps up.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some minor language, strong violence, and a fade to black sex scene. Sexual abuse of female slaves is hinted. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.

If you like this book try: Dark Caravan Cycle series by Heather Demetrios, Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkosi, Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir