The Clouds, from Afar: A Tale of Ciel (2.1) (Tales of Ciel)

The revelatory prequel novella to the critically acclaimed Tales of Ciel epic fantasy series from Z. Bennett Lorimer. Soon to be an animated series! On the abundant Island of Volturnus, discontent simmers just below the surface. In a fractured world of floating islands, flight is the only freedom, and blood is the price of flight. A Gifted few rise up to seize that power, earning glory and admiration–even reverence. Kellen Bowker is the only one who doesn’t seem to care. Unlike his brash older brother, Kellen doesn’t dream of flight, but when his only friend and the object of his budding affection discovers her own elemental abilities, he’s forced to confront reality. The world of Ciel turns about the fulcrum of ineffable powers–meekness and strength; power and subjugation; heartbreak, love, and lust. Will Kellen’s love be enough to overcome these primal forces? Or will he stand by and watch as the winds of fate carry off the woman who holds heart, dangling her forever out of reach? Kellen thought he removed himself from the frivolous hierarchy of the archipelago, but old systems of oppression move everyone trapped within them–with or without their consent.