10 Fantasy Books With Floating Cities
There’s something undeniably mesmerizing about a floating city—a world unbound by gravity, drifting above the clouds, defying the laws of nature. These ethereal realms, whether suspended by magic, ancient technology, or celestial forces, hold secrets waiting to be uncovered. In the books on this list, floating cities are more than just breathtaking backdrops—they are vibrant, mysterious, and often dangerous places where adventure unfolds, destinies are shaped, and the impossible becomes reality.
If you long to walk among the clouds, explore airborne kingdoms, or uncover the secrets of levitating metropolises, these ten fantasy books will take you on a journey into the skies.
1. The Cloud Roads by Martha Wells
In The Cloud Roads, Martha Wells invites readers into a world where cities drift like clouds across the sky, their floating nature governed by an intricate and mysterious magic. The story follows Moon, a creature who can transform into a winged being, exploring a world where flying cities represent both freedom and danger. Wells paints a picture of a vast, stunning landscape where the sky isn’t just the limit—it’s a place of danger, adventure, and awe. The floating cities are not only breathtaking in their architecture but are also woven with deep, mystical significance, where magic flows freely and new worlds unfold at every turn.
2. Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
Set in an alternate early 20th century, Airborn is an adventure where airships and flying cities rule the skies. The floating cities in Oppel’s world aren’t just about defying gravity—they represent the pinnacle of human innovation and exploration. Matt Cruse, a cabin boy aboard a luxurious airship, finds himself swept up in an epic adventure that takes him to these skybound wonders, where hidden treasures, secret conspiracies, and airborne kingdoms await. With vivid descriptions of the majestic floating cities and their soaring airships, this novel captures the wonder of a world where the sky is no longer an unreachable frontier but a place to explore, conquer, and discover.
3. The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier
In The Floating Islands, Rachel Neumeier crafts a world where islands of land float high above the seas, tethered to the earth by powerful magic. This unique setting is filled with intrigue and wonder, as the floating islands are home to cultures, customs, and politics that are as complex as the magic that keeps them aloft. The protagonist, a young girl named Narin, must navigate this enchanting and dangerous world, where the floating islands are constantly threatened by both internal power struggles and external enemies. The world-building is lush and immersive, and the floating cities provide a thrilling backdrop for a journey full of discovery and heart-pounding adventure.
4. Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson’s Skyward isn’t set in a floating city, but it’s a novel that explores the skies in an entirely unique way. The protagonist, Spensa, lives in a world where humanity is forced to live in underground cities, hidden from alien invaders. The sky is an ever-present threat, yet it also represents hope and freedom, as Spensa trains to become a fighter pilot in order to explore the sky and perhaps uncover the truth behind the mysterious attacks. The atmosphere of hovering cities and sky-borne technology in Skyward invites readers to dream of floating beyond the confines of the earth—while offering a gripping and emotionally charged journey.
5. The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding
In The Ember Blade, Chris Wooding introduces a world where cities float in the sky, suspended by ancient magic and the power of long-forgotten technology. The floating city of Telsar is the heart of a rebellion, a place where hope and resistance spark against an empire that seeks to control all. The aerial cities are complex and grand, each one a bastion of knowledge, power, and mystery. Wooding’s masterful world-building elevates the floating cities to more than just stunning backdrops—they are integral to the conflicts, secrets, and hidden truths of the plot. The sky-bound cities represent both the potential for liberation and the weight of lost histories.
6. The Last Airship by David J. Williams
A thrilling blend of steampunk and sci-fi, The Last Airship is a story where cities are no longer confined to the ground—they soar through the heavens, propelled by steam, technology, and mystery. The floating cities in this novel are relics of a past civilization, and as the protagonists journey through these aerial wonders, they uncover secrets that could change the course of history. Williams’ floating cities are often depicted as majestic yet deteriorating—grandeur hanging precariously above a world on the brink of collapse. The high-flying adventure and sense of impending danger make this book a breathtaking ride through a world that’s both awe-inspiring and ominous.
7. The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
Set in a dystopian future where power is built on cloning, The House of the Scorpion offers a glimpse into a floating city called Opium. It’s a place where the super-rich and powerful have taken refuge, high above the chaos of the world below. The city is more than just a physical location—it’s a symbol of isolation, control, and corruption. As the story unfolds, we discover the dark truths behind this floating haven, offering a gripping exploration of class, power, and what it means to escape the confines of the earth. Farmer’s depiction of this floating city is haunting and beautiful, evoking both awe and a deep sense of foreboding.
8. The Cloud Roads by Martha Wells
Martha Wells’ The Cloud Roads takes readers into a world where cities float above vast cloudscapes, and the skies hold untold mysteries. The protagonist, Moon, finds himself immersed in a culture that both fears and worships the skies, and the floating cities are a constant reminder of the dangerous beauty that surrounds them. The symbolism of floating cities in this book is deeply intertwined with the themes of freedom and identity, as Moon’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about navigating this world of airborne cities and the secrets they hold.
9. Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal
A unique mix of Regency-era charm and magical realism, Shades of Milk and Honey is a quieter, yet no less enchanting, novel that features cities floating gracefully in the sky. While the focus is on a more intimate world of magical drawing rooms and society events, Kowal’s careful world-building introduces floating cities as part of the story’s mystical charm. These cities represent not only social status but also the heights of magical mastery, as those who can control the skies are viewed with awe and envy. Kowal’s elegant narrative and rich setting create a world where floating cities are woven seamlessly into the tapestry of everyday life.
10. The Sinless by Sarah Tarkoff
In The Sinless, the floating city of Haven is a haven for the wealthy and powerful, built above the polluted and chaotic world below. The city’s suspension in the sky is both a symbol of privilege and a tool of control. The protagonists must navigate the complex and often dangerous politics of this hovering paradise, where every shift in power could mean the downfall of the entire city. Tarkoff’s floating city is as much a character as it is a setting, a place that offers both refuge and peril, and it plays a crucial role in the unraveling of the novel’s larger conspiracy.
Conclusion: Soaring Above the Ordinary
Floating cities are not just fascinating settings—they are the embodiment of freedom, mystery, and the limitless possibilities of magic and technology. From majestic, skybound kingdoms to dystopian havens suspended in the air, these 10 fantasy books let you experience the wonder and danger of cities that defy gravity. They are worlds where every glance upward promises new adventures and where the mysteries of the sky may hold the answers to ancient questions. So, step aboard a soaring airship or climb to the heights of these magnificent cities—your next great adventure awaits in the clouds.
