THE SKYLIGHT FALLOUT

A psychic-powered group protecting a city in the late 23rd century faces off against villainous counterparts in this SF sequel.

Jet Stroud is more than just a pair of glowing turquoise eyes. He belongs to the ancient race of the Heliographi—physically enhanced people who possess psychic abilities as well. In this series’ opening installment, The Prism Affect (2021), Jet joined the Lucem, Heliographi who defend the citizens of Skylight City in the Skylight System. This system, hovering in Earth’s atmosphere, comprises nine belts surrounding a core and is also home to the Lucem’s sworn enemy, the Atrum. These sinister Heliographi undoubtedly have something evil in the works, as lately they’ve been aiding marauders hijacking ships and stealing rare-earth supplies. But that’s not all. Jet gets wind of an assassination plot against him (“He had been threatened so many times throughout his life that he was somewhat used to it. But this was different…much different, and he didn’t mean to take it lightly. He had some big decisions to make on what to do”). Many believe Jet is the Skylight Fallout, a prophesied figure whose death will reveal the location of the reputedly powerful “Heliographi Memoirs.” The Atrum’s scheme seems to revolve around the impending Century Eclipse, giving the Lucem little time to stop their foes before innocent citizens (and Jet) perish. Wint outfits this brisk sequel with plenty of suspense. The story, for example, opens with an iffy truce between the Lucem and the untrustworthy Atrum while an anonymous baddie called “The Backer" plans Jet’s assassination. Readers just joining the series may initially feel lost, but it’s not long before the narrative individually distinguishes the hefty cast of characters, including the aliases that Lucem sometimes “wear” (complete with different names and physical traits). But the real star is the Skylight System. Citizens must fly aircraft from belt to belt or even down to Earth. The intriguing outermost belt is primarily floating debris, courtesy of a meteorite storm 100 years ago. Despite an energetic, surprising final act that spirals into an unexpected but welcome resolution, there’s an unmistakable setup for a third installment.

This colorful SF tale boasts exhilarating tension and superb worldbuilding.