Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mystery series finale is a little less everything.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THE TOWERING SKY, teens Avery, Leda, Rylin, and Watt are still reeling both from their friend Eris' death and from the shocking events at the gala party in Dubai a few months ago. And they're still trying to hold on to their own, and one another's, deepest secrets. But when the police open a murder investigation into the death of Mariel, the air starts to get a little thin for the teens circulating in New York's highest society. How long can they keep things under wraps?
Is It Any Good?
This third and final series installment is not quite as compelling or suspenseful as the first two in the series. Maybe that's because by now, the structure of The Towering Sky seems pretty familiar, and so do the characters. That being said, there's still an intriguing whodunit element with a surprising resolution.
The Towering Sky also concentrates more on the characters as they reach maturity, and teens will relate to and enjoy rooting for Avery, Leda, Watt, Rylin, and even Calliope as their perspectives broaden and they learn the hard way how to make better choices for themselves. They still inhabit an intriguing vision of the future, with all the cool tech and luxurious lifestyles that go along with it, but it's less glamorous this time. The kids are learning that there are no trappings or gadgets that can make things right when you've wronged yourself and others.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about alcohol and drug use in The Towering Sky. Is it glamorized? Are there consequences?
How does this book compare with others in the series?
What about the sexy stuff? Is it realistic, or glamorized? Which couples model healthy relationships? What's wrong with the ones that don't?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harper
- Publication date : August 28, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 464
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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