Crimson Wings – Orders From Below: A Legend in the Skies
B.T. Skylark takes readers back into the firestorm of World War II with Crimson Wings – Orders From Below, the second installment in their epic trilogy. It’s a story that blends the grit of war with the wonder of myth, where loyalty and courage clash against a world in ruins. Following the success of the series opener, The Boy Who Flew, Skylark raises the stakes in a sequel that is both heart-wrenching and unforgettable.
A War That Demands Too Much
Henry never chose the battlefield, yet the battlefield chose him. Alongside his best friend Victor and their dragon companion Crimson, he steps into a London lit by burning skies and sirens. The Battle of Britain demands sacrifice, and the boys discover that childhood fades quickly when bombs fall overhead. What begins as survival soon transforms into something far larger.
The trio becomes a symbol. To the people of London, they are hope made flesh and flame. To the enemy, they are a danger that must be erased at any cost. Skylark paints this struggle with vivid strokes, capturing the tension of a world where each decision could be the last. Henry’s journey isn’t just about fighting planes with fire. It’s about wrestling with fear, betrayal, and the crushing weight of expectations no boy should have to carry.
A Shadow Across the Channel
Every hero’s path faces a turning point, and for Henry and his companions, it arrives with whispers of another dragon. This time, the beast belongs to the enemy. The possibility chills even the fiercest hearts. How do you face a mirror of your own power, twisted and trained to destroy you?
Skylark doesn’t shy away from the terror of that prospect. The presence of a second dragon heightens every moment, casting doubt over allegiances and forcing the boys to question where trust can survive. The stakes climb higher than the clouds they soar through. It’s here that readers see Henry pushed to his edge, torn between survival and the duty to stand firm. The questions of loyalty and sacrifice burn as hot as Crimson’s wings.
More Than a War Story
What makes this novel shine is its heart. Skylark writes with empathy for those who feel out of place, turning Henry into more than a soldier or a legend. As a neurodivergent protagonist, he navigates a world that rarely understands him. This layer of representation deepens the story, showing readers the silent battles fought in the mind alongside those in the sky.
The novel doesn’t romanticize war. Instead, it focuses on resilience, friendship, and chosen family. Victor’s loyalty, Crimson’s fierce presence, and Henry’s inner strength form a trio that embodies what it means to stand together. Skylark’s prose reminds us that difference is a source of strength, and that legends are built by those who dare to keep going even when the world tries to silence them.
The Voice Behind the Story
B.T. Skylark writes from the heart of Brighton, UK, where life is shared with a supportive husband and three lively dogs. Their love for cooking, gardening, and gaming brings warmth to their daily life, but it’s their writing that offers connection to readers worldwide. With a background in Psychology and Criminology, Skylark began writing as a form of therapy and discovered a calling that now shapes their career.
Their mission is clear: to give voice to characters often overlooked, misunderstood, or cast aside. Through Crimson Wings, Skylark offers representation that feels both authentic and empowering. Readers who pick up these books won’t just find adventure in the skies. They’ll find a mirror reflecting the courage to be different, the strength to endure, and the hope to keep flying.
What’s Next for the Crimson Wings Saga
For those eager to experience the full journey, Crimson Wings – The Boy Who Flew launched on June 9, 2025, setting the stage for Henry, Victor, and Crimson’s story. Orders From Below continues the saga with sharper intensity, and readers can look forward to the grand finale, Crimson Wings – Rise of the Fallen, expected in November 2025.
Together, these three novels weave a tale that is as much about history as it is about legend. Skylark proves that courage doesn’t come from seeking glory. It comes from standing tall when the world demands you fall.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Hi, Thank you so much for joining us today! Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
My name is B.T. Skylark, and I’m a neurodivergent author from Brighton in the UK. I write historical fantasy with a focus on characters who don’t always have a voice in traditional storytelling. My books bring together history, imagination, and representation to create stories of courage, belonging, and resilience.
Please tell us about your journey.
I began writing after completing my degree in Psychology and Criminology in 2025. At first, it was something therapeutic — a way to process and relax — but it quickly grew into a passion. I wanted to write stories that reflected the experiences of people like me: those who feel different, who don’t always fit in, and whose voices are often left out or misunderstood. My Crimson Wings series combines my love of history, fantasy, and representation, weaving them into something I hope resonates with readers of all ages.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Consistency has been key — showing up for my writing even on difficult days. I’ve also leaned into authenticity, writing the stories I needed when I was younger rather than chasing trends. Engaging with my readers has been incredibly rewarding, as has connecting with independent bookstores and building a supportive online community.
Any message for our readers?
Never underestimate the power of your own story. Even if you feel like you don’t fit in, there is space for you, and there are people who will connect deeply with your truth. And to readers — thank you. Every time you pick up a book, you give an author’s voice a chance to live.
Thank you so much, B.T. Skylark, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!