Rebel Skies
Ann Sei LinKurara 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 sought after by the Princess. But are these creatures just powerful slaves, or are they beings with their own souls? And can a teenage girl be the one to help them find their voice – and change the course of an empire? Excellent world-building, a dramatic and pacy plot, and an array of deep and believable characters – explored through multiple perspectives – make this a hugely exciting fantasy adventure debut.