Under the Empyrean Sky

Chuck Wendig

Book 1 in the series:The Heartland Trilogy

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In a dystopian future where genetically modified corn dominates, controlled by an evil empire, Cael and his friends stumble upon an abandoned town with valuable crops that could change their lives. The story unfolds with sinister undertones, featuring a world of giant threshing engines, bio domes, and a trail of mysteriously fresh vegetables leading to an action-packed, page-turning plot.

Characters:

Characters are a mix of frustrating and relatable figures, with the protagonist embodying teenage angst and moral ambiguity.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style features vivid descriptive language that immerses readers in the world, coupled with a balance of action and emotional depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a dystopian society where corn has overtaken life, with characters battling oppressive forces in a world filled with sinister undertones.

Setting:

The setting depicts a dystopian future where Earth's landscape is dominated by aggressive corn and marked by societal divides between the elite and the impoverished.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly for world-building but picks up with action, though some parts may feel static by design.

THE CORN REACHES for the land-boat above it, but the corn is slow and the cat-maran is fast. The stretching, yearning stalks hiss against the boat’s bottom, making a white noise that sounds like polle...

Notes:

The protagonist, Cael, is a hot-headed 17-year-old boy who struggles with his emotions and relationships.

The setting is a dystopian society heavily dependent on corn cultivation and explores themes related to GMOs and processed foods.

Wendig's world-building is praised for its sensory details and the bleak existence of the Heartlanders.

There are mixed opinions about Cael as a character; some readers find him unlikable and hope for more development in future books.

Despite its young adult marketing, the book contains layers that can engage adult readers as well.

The narrative hints at real-world issues, such as corporate control over food systems, through its villains and plot elements.

The story features elements commonly found in dystopian fiction, including a clear 'evil empire' and survival challenges.

Action is a consistent element, with descriptions of corn that metaphorically represents societal decay.

The book serves as an introduction to a trilogy, with readers expressing interest in continuing despite initial grievances.

Cael's struggle against an oppressive regime and the consequences of a monoculture diet are central themes of the narrative.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of manipulation, emotional abuse, and societal oppression, which may resonate with younger audiences.

Has Romance?

There is a significant romance element between the protagonist Cael and his girlfriend Gwennie, adding depth to the characterization and the stakes.

From The Publisher:

Corn is king in the Heartland, and Cael McAvoy has had enough of it. It's the only crop the Empyrean government allows the people of the Heartland to grow - and the genetically modified strain is so aggressive that it takes everything the Heartlanders have just to control it. As captain of the Big Sky Scavengers, Cael and his crew sail their rickety ship over the corn day after day, scavenging for valuables, trying to earn much-needed ace notes for their families. But Cael's tired of surviving life on the ground while the Empyrean elite drift by above in their extravagant sky flotillas. He's sick of the mayor's son besting Cael's crew in the scavenging game. And he's worried about losing Gwennie - his first mate and the love of his life - forever when their government-chosen spouses are revealed. But most of all, Cael is angry - angry that their lot in life will never get better and that his father doesn't seem upset about any of it. Cael's ready to make his own luck . . . even if it means bringing down the wrath of the Empyrean elite and changing life in the Heartland forever.

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