Under the Earth, Over the Sky

Product Information

Let's get the obvious out of the way. The artwork is stunning. McCosh deserves all the credit for capturing the essence of her book so beautifully, and that the artwork is her own is even more impressive. I was sold on the images alone and it was that and the author's presence online that made me curious to try out the book.

This book distinctly reminded me of some of the books of my childhood— of the magical forests and endless seas of Narnia and dragon bones living under mountains. It reminded me of one of my favorite books- a house overlooking a glittering sea that housed a makeshift family of oddities where traumatized men adopt neglected children and claim them as their own. It reminded me fairytales with curious fae and the even curiouser living nature that housed them. It honestly has been a while since I have been this enamored with a book and its world. I love the way different authors interpret fae lore and this was simply perfect. Graphic designer, weird-thing writer, and expert daydreamer Emily McCosh. She currently resides in California with her parents, two canine companions, a single fish, a single tree swing, and an endless cast of characters who might use some etiquette training. Her work has been published in places including Nature: Futures, Flash Fiction Online, Galaxy’s Edge, and Shimmer Magazine.

I did not see the ending regarding the Rippling coming, but I felt like it was a good fit. I do wish we had gotten more of that, but I understand it was paired with another big reveal.

As someone who doesn’t often read such descriptive prose, the flowery language took a little getting used to. But once I got used to it, the story flowed, and the writing style made the ethereal world come to life. Also regarding the end plot, I could see some of it from the very beginning, which is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if the author was not intending it to be a big reveal. Honestly, it was infuriatingly endearing that Iohmar could not see the answers so clearly in front of him. In truth, I would not mind a prequel story leading up to the fateful day Iohmar discovered the child in the woods. I’d love a deeper look into the world of Latwill and its struggle with the rippling. Of the centuries before “the child” when Iohmar was but a child himself. I’d love to meet his parents, know the war and the sacrifices that had to be made. Of how Iohmar and Rúnda met and how their relationship formed. Of the dynamic of the two kingdoms, and what may lay beyond them. I have so many questions I’d like answered. I cannot stress enough how much I love this book that made me want to devour it but also not bc I knew that the more I read the closer to the end I got. Overall, while the story didn't elicit strong emotions from me, it was a pleasant reading experience.I was sold on the relationships between these characters, could believe they cared for one another, and loved that the heart of the story sat with a father and son.

There is a mystery element to this book that I wasn’t expecting, but quite liked. There are spooky shadows that keep appearing to Iohmar, seeming to want something from him, but not communicating what that is. And then there the ripplings, shimmering creatures that were long ago enemies and are now popping up again, much to Iohmar’s horror. Lastly, there were some minor writing issues, head-hopping in the beginning, some overly convoluted descriptions that lose the meaning they’re trying to impart, the use of synonyms that don’t make sense (when something feels wrong, and the author uses feels incorrect instead) but they are easy to ignore in an otherwise gorgeously painted world.More so by how he is defined through his relationships that told us so much about his character and made me love him even more. The other way the author got me was with the stunning illustration work, done by none other than herself! I really appreciate that extra step of effort! Character dynamics were perfect. I found that I quite liked the point of view of a “man” (disrespectful to call him that to be honest because he is the King of the fae), especially one as strong, yet vulnerable as Iohmar. He frustrated me at times with his inability to be outwardly vulnerable to his closest loved ones, but his growth in that area was clear to see by the end of the book. Plus, we love a “man” who can apologize and own up to his shortcomings.