Under the Empyrean Sky by Chuck Wendig - Reviewed by Ben

Under the Empyrean Sky is quite different from any other pieces of dystopian literature I have read. This book is about a 17 year old boy named Cael who lives in the Heartland. The Heartland is overrun with corn making it impossible to grow anything. The Empyrean is where all the rich live up on floating islands called flotillas. The Heartland depends on the Empyrean for all provisions.  None of the Heartlanders like the Empyrean due to the Empyrean growing all of the corn, ruling over them, and limiting their supplies and provisions. By doing all of this, the Empyrean make the Heartlanders lives miserable.   At age 17, the Heartlanders get obligated to who they will marry. The obligation tears Cael's life apart. After the obligation, Cael's life gradually continues to get even worse.  He is married off to someone he doesn't like and his love is obligated to his arch nemesis. Cael finds himself having to make life changing decisions which will affect him, his family, and his friends. 

Under the Empyrean Sky shows the darker side of dystopian fiction. This book concentrates more on the issues of poverty and disease than some of the other popular dystopian books I have read.  I believe this book is intended for grades 8 and up due to the language, violence, and other content. However, these factors are needed for plot structure, character development, and to truly understand the setting.  This book really broadened my personal definition of dystopian literature. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

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