Taking Flight by K. Scriven – A Sky-High Start to a Promising Fantasy Series

Rating: ★★★★★

Spoilers Ahead!

For our very first review here at Fables & Filth, we wanted to start with something that captures the sense of adventure, magic, and emotional storytelling that makes fantasy so addictive. Taking Flight by K. Scriven delivered exactly that — a thrilling, heartfelt fantasy that blends airships, magic, and mystery into a story that’s impossible to put down.

From the opening chapters, Scriven introduces us to Sira, a fiercely determined young woman who dreams of becoming an airship pilot despite her family's expectations that she pursue magic instead. She’s top of her class at the Academy, driven and capable, and ready to prove herself — until her final flight exam goes spectacularly wrong. What follows is a survival journey through dangerous forests, political intrigue, and secrets that run deeper than Sira ever expected.

One of the highlights of Taking Flight is its worldbuilding. Scriven creates a fascinating blend of steampunk technology and magical fantasy, where airships soar through the skies while magic quietly shapes the world beneath them. The balance between these two elements feels thoughtful and deliberate, hinting at deeper tensions and politics within the setting. It’s the kind of world that feels alive — layered, intriguing, and clearly built with future stories in mind.

Sira herself is a fantastic protagonist. She’s ambitious, capable, and determined to forge her own path even when others doubt her choices. Her journey isn’t just about surviving the crash and making it home — it’s also about discovering who she is and confronting parts of herself she’s tried to ignore. Watching her grapple with her identity, her magic, and her responsibilities makes for a deeply engaging character arc.

Then there’s James, the mage assigned to supervise Sira’s exam — and the last person she wants to be stranded with after their airship goes down. Their relationship is easily one of the most enjoyable parts of the story. Rather than rushing into romance, Scriven lets their dynamic grow naturally through tension, reluctant cooperation, and moments of humor that make their interactions feel genuine. The slow-burn development between them is sweet, awkward, and incredibly satisfying.

The pacing of the story strikes a great balance between quiet character moments and high-stakes adventure. With pirates hunting them through the forest, secrets surrounding the attack on their airship, and unexpected revelations waiting in a mysterious Fae village, there’s always another twist or discovery around the corner.

What really makes Taking Flight shine is how effortlessly it pulls the reader into its world. Scriven’s writing is smooth and immersive, with vivid descriptions that make the airships, forests, and magical elements feel tangible without ever slowing the story down.

By the final pages, it’s clear that this book is just the beginning. The story hints at deeper conflicts, larger political forces, and a world that has far more to reveal.

If you enjoy fantasy adventures with strong heroines, slow-burn romance, and rich worldbuilding, Taking Flight absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.

And for us at Fables & Filth, it’s the perfect book to kick off what we hope will be many more reviews to come.

We’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next installment.

⭐ Rating: 5 / 5 stars

📚 Perfect for fans of: Tamora Pierce, steampunk fantasy, academy stories, and magical adventures with heart.