Description

* ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARD FINALIST 2022 *

‘When it comes to misdirection, Aliya Whiteley is the very devil’ – SIMON INGS, THE TIMES
‘Wonderfully surreal and weirdly uplifting’ – THE FT
‘An instant classic of the genre’ – THE GUARDIAN

DRINK DOWN THE BREW AND DREAM OF A BETTER EARTH.

Skyward Inn, within the high walls of the Western Protectorate, is a place of safety, where people come together to tell stories of the time before the war with Qita. But safety from what? Qita surrendered without complaint when Earth invaded; Innkeepers Jem and Isley, veterans from either side, have regrets but few scars.

Their peace is disturbed when a visitor known to Isley comes to the Inn asking for help, bringing reminders of an unnerving past and triggering an uncertain future. Did humanity really win the war?

This is Jamaica Inn by way of Jeff Vandermeer, Ursula Le Guin, Angela Carter and Michel Faber, a beautiful story of belonging, identity and regret.

‘A book to take solace in’ – LOCUS
‘Melancholy and compellingly weird’ – SFX
‘Whiteley’s trademark subtle surrealism shines’ – PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Publisher Review

"A moving and thought provoking tale, completely unlike anything I've read before." -- The Bibliophile Chronicles * The Bibliophile Chronicles * "Whiteley's trademark subtle surrealism shines." -- Publishers Weekly * Publishers Weekly * "There are some books that are simply beautiful. And Skyward Inn by Aliya Whiteley is one of those." -- Libri Draconis * Libri Draconis * "Whiteley takes the reader on a cryptic journey of trust, identity and knowing your place in the world." -- Starburst Magazine -- Fred McNamara * Starburst Magazine * "Skyward Inn is an experience. Whiteley is a strong voice in speculative fiction and readers will be delighted and unsettled by her novels for years to come." -- The Nerd Daily -- Kibby Robinson * The Nerd Daily *