Ahoy there me mateys!  I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  So here be me honest musings . . .

This book has been on me radar ever since I read the awesome premise - magic done with bits of people's bones.  The book is excellent and the major negative is having to wait for the next one.  Just be aware that the blurb makes it seem like there is only one protagonist but there are in fact five:

Lin, daughter of the Emperor who won't teach her his magic;
Jovis, a smuggler who is searching for his missing wife;
Phalue, the daughter of a governor and a warrior;
Ranami, the girlfriend of Phalue and a member of the rebels; and
Sand, a mysterious woman on a mysterious island.

The world is a series of floating islands that move around.  The empire is run by animal constructs made with the Emperor's bone shard magic.  The bone shards come from the citizens of the island and when used slowly kill the giver.  The Emperor is failing and change is on the horizon.

The world building is excellent, the characters engaging, the magic system is fascinating, and the plot compelling.  I read this in one sitting and still wanted so much more!  This book involves heists, missing memories, missing people, rebellion, unusual animal companions, ancient artifacts, awesome settings, diverse people, and above all cool creepy magic that influences every aspect of the culture.  There were lots of twists to the story and I can't wait to see what happens next.  And Mephi.  I love Mephi.  I know that this review doesn't really get into much of the plot but that's because the crew should discover this highlights of this treasure for themselves.  Arrr!

So lastly . . .

Thank you Orbit Books!