Skyward Inn

A thoughtful, literary novel about conflict, identity and community, after Earth makes contact with the seemingly harmless planet Qita.

Skyward Inn, within the high walls of the Western Protectorate, is a place of safety, where Jem and Isley, veterans of the war with alien Qita, offer warmth, stories and good brew. 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.* 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