Among Serpents

Above the Black

By: Marc J Gregson

Narrated by: Vikas Adam

Strap in for a high-octane mission that hurls Conrad and crew toward jaw-dropping discoveries that could trigger total obliteration, in Book Two of the Above the Black fantasy trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Marc J Gregson.

It takes guts to rise to the top of Meritocracy. It’ll take sheer ruthlessness to stay there. As militants and monsters lay waste to the Skylands, Uncle’s lawless tyranny threatens to unravel fragile Trade alliances. Conrad, no longer a mere Captain, now commands a squadron of ships at the order of the King. But Conrad’s High status can’t protect him from his own turmoil, and the price of power is steeped in blood.

Tormented by tragedies of war and by betrayal from his own family, Conrad must prove his worth to all of the Skylands. Led by an unhinged Explorer, Conrad embarks on a secret expedition to turn the tides of battle—before another island falls at the jaws of the gigataun. It’s a journey fraught with peril: Deadly monstrosities. Sabotage. Stowaways. And with friendships pushed to the brink and gentle romance stirring, Conrad will have to muster more than courage to weather the raging storms ahead.

Order your copy of Book Two of the Above the Black trilogy and continue the adventure! Marc J Gregson expands his fast-paced fantasy universe with shocking twists, treacherous battles, and a memorable cast of characters. Fans of Frank Herbert and Jules Verne will appreciate touches of classic science fiction, including speculative frontiers and turbulent political intrigue.

©2025 Marc J Gregson (P)2025 Listening Library

Marc you mad genius, you did it again!

An absolutely beautiful follow up on Skys End. The story remains engaging, and I cannot seem to stop myself from listening as the story progresses.

Going into the beyond you'll find that the limitations of the sky lands are all smoke and mirrors. With the right knowledge one can access the forbidden, and discover what was once lost.

You will 100% get lost in this story just as I did.

I need book 3

I NEEED IT! 1st was great 2nd book was amazing. lots of realistic actions and of realistic trauma. like my 1st review on book 1. This book has potential to be a great series.

Amazing!!!

First book series in a long time that I felt excited to listen to! 5 out of 5!

One of the best books that I've read this year so far, Gregson cooked with Among Serpents, he's 2/2 💯.

I did an immersion read for this novel, meaning I read the physical book while listening to the audio book, and let me just say this was book was 6 star (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) read for me. Among Serpents (Book #2 od the Above The Black trilogy) expands upon everything that Book #1 (Sky's End) established and sets up, and dials it up to 10, the world building & lore was magnificent, the action sequences were bombastic, cinematic (in a way), and well written & crafted, the character development that Conrad, Ella, and other characters had was amazing. Also, the new characters that were introduced were unique and well-written too. Uncle (Ulrich) needs to die in Book #3 as well as Sebastian too, need Conrad to put an end to them 💯. Furthermore, this book had amazing plot twists, revelations, and discoveries that had me shocked and speechless at times too. Marc J. Gregson is an amazing author/writer and I will be the first in line for Book # 3: Downfall 💯. Overall, this book was 6/5 stars for me and one of the best books that I have read this year so far.
Bravo to Marc J Gregson.

Perfect sequel

This book was just as amazing as the first one. It developed the story in ways I didn’t expect but still felt incredibly organic and believable (for fiction). I cannot wait until the third book and to see what happens!

Another hit!

In my first review for book 1 I explained how I only ordered it because I was supporting the teacher who I’d seen share his first published book with his students. Little did I guess that his series have become my absolute new favorites and I’m 66 years old so I don’t think I was his original target audience. This series is pure excitement from page one to end. It also is an important allegory for these times and I hope it enlightens the Y/A audience while entertaining as well. I’m eagerly awaiting series 3.

Great Story

Great Story. 2nd book continues the story and doesn't loose any momentum. I highly recommend this book. Can't wait for the next one. Refreshing to listen to a book that is written so well with full attention to character development, action and complex emotions. You won't be disappointed.

Fantastic Sequel

A great second installment for the series. Vikas absolutely killed it with the narration. Can’t wait for the third book!

Phew - Come on #3!

Marc Gregson hits it out of the park again! What a perfect book to start my year off with. I devoured it and man, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Loved it!!
I do get annoyed with Conrad - it feels like he gives up too easily. But he is young and I think the author is just walking us through Conrad’s coming of age years. I’m excited to see who he becomes and what the next book holds!!

Edge of your seat action! And Vikas is a vocal legend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Get ready to listen nonstop! This book delivers the action again and again! Can’t wait for Downfall!