Review: Earthbound by Katee Stein

Blurb:

Every oath holds power.

In a land where the Earth spawns terrible beasts capable of moving through all but stone, the Sky bestows power to those bound by Oaths.

As earthbound creatures invade, bringing with them chaos and whispers of a coming war, protector and Overseer Tehran fights to keep his people safe. After losing his best friend to the beasts and with the stability of the region deteriorating, Tehran heads to the Capital to plead for support from the Order of the Sky.

When his friend’s widow stows aboard the transport, determined to hold the Order accountable for the death of her husband, Tehran’s plans are derailed. Torn between upholding his responsibility as an Overseer or honouring his friend’s memory, Tehran must either choose the Oaths that have forged him or trust new bonds to guard the fate of the Mercurial.

Review:

“If you hurt her, nothing will keep me from tearing you apart.”

I was thrilled to receive an audiobook code for this book from the author!  It’s that time of year where audiobooks are a lifesaver.  Did I also buy the eBook? Yes. And let me tell you, I’m SO GLAD I DID.  Because the audiobook was amazing, but I needed to highlight all these good lines.  Seriously, I highlighted 127 passages!  That’s, well, that’s a LOT. 

This book falls is a great example of the genre of Science Fantasy because it incorporates both science fiction (Sci-fi) elements—like advanced technology—but it does not feature typical Sci-fi themes such as space travel, planet-hopping, spaceships, or aliens. Instead, the book presents a completely new world that readers can explore, and it focuses on a strong trio of main characters.

“Overseer of the Sky, trapped by the Earth. People would talk, you know.”

In a world where oath have true binding power, the Overseers are called to give their oath to the Sky.  With this oath they are given special power to help look after the rest of the people. Our trio of main characters involved Tehran, Emilia, and Knox. Knox and Tehran were overseers, Knox and Emilia are married, and the three of them have grown up together.  I would say this book is a character driven science fantasy with epic fantasy involved.

Emilia – burns bright, she’s an accomplished mechanic and once she sets her mind on something, there is absolutely no stopping her.  Her story is of hope and grief. 

Knox – formerly an overseer, like his friend Tehran, Knox laid down his oaths to stay with Emilia and their unborn child when new rules are issued that overseers are not allowed to have children.  His journey is both amazing and heartbreaking. I think he knew what he wanted, but somehow its given to him in a way he wasn’t expecting.

Tehran – is oathbound to the order that Knox left and becomes increasingly bound by oaths as the story moves on.  Often his oaths are in contrast with one another.  The author uses the description “tension of the two vows like a knife-edge at his throat” and I thought that was outstanding!! 

“Our oaths shape our souls.”

The politics of this world were fun to unravel, the Order itself might be under the influence of a bad actor who has put them all to work for an alternate agenda, beyond what their oaths were once for. 

The magic system is very cool, I would say it reminds me a bit of The Force from Star Wars with The Shadowhunter skills they have in the Cassandra Claire series. 

The heartache these characters go through it amazing, I love when a story can hit me right in the feels. The author was able to create an amazing amount of tension, and to deliver painful news when it would have the most impact on the characters. 

“I cannot stay. His absence tears at me. Maybe if I find peace for his soul, I can find a little for myself.”

The pacing was great, and at no point did the story stall.  I was going on extra walks and finding every excuse I could to get my headphones back in! I HAD to know what was happening with these characters!  I will definitely be checking out book 2, Skysworn that comes out next year! 

That epilogue???! It destroyed everything I thought I knew. 

This quote, I felt like explained why, some of us are, so drawn to books that make us FEEL:

“The function of pain is empathy. Accept it; remember it.”

Other things this book make me think of: 

Wool – or the Silo series, the communications delays and the female character who is good at mechanical stuff.  

Star Wars – the corrupt powers and the Order presiding over the Overseers.

Dune – giant earthbound creatures come up from the ground and destroy giant fields, the people must make geographical living situations due to this way the earth behaves here.

Shadowhunters – the way that a certain group of people gets enhanced abilities to protect those around them.  And the way you will be cheering for all these characters to get a happy ending. 

Way of Kings – the different factions all working together and sometimes against each other and the way that Knox and Dalinar are twins, or at least long-lost brothers, in my mind. As well as the way the worldbuilding is set up: for example, in a society where they worship the sky, they imprison people underground, incredibly thought provoking!

“Make a choice or break. There is no middle ground.”

This is going to be one of my top reads of the year, and I will be on the edge of my seat for book 2! It’s a duology! 

Would I reread? Absolutely yes, I’m sure I could pick up more about the Order with a reread!

Would I recommend? Yes, I’ll be screaming about this one for a bit here!  This story is both humorous and heart-wrenching, creating a story that will resonate with a wide range of readers. Its unique mix of humor and depth makes it a must-read for anyone looking for a memorable and emotional book.

Earthbound is available on KU, in print and as an audiobook!

Recommended for Fans of Dune, Way of Kings, Clockwork Angel, and Science Fantasy fans!