About the Book
They never asked to be heroes. They never asked to be hunted. But history didn’t ask — it simply remembered.
Henry, Victor, and Crimson survived the first flames of the Battle of Britain. But war doesn’t wait for boys to grow up. As Nazi bombers darken the skies over London, Henry is pulled deeper into a fight he never chose — one that will push him to his limits and beyond.
With Victor at his side and Crimson soaring above, they become more than soldiers. They become a symbol. A legend. A threat the enemy will stop at nothing to destroy.
But when whispers of a second dragon — one raised under enemy colours — echo across the Channel, the stakes climb higher than the clouds they fly through. Torn between duty and survival, the boys must face betrayal, impossible choices, and the haunting fear that even heroes can break.
Set against the stark reality of World War II, Crimson Wings – Orders From Below is a sweeping story of loyalty, found family, and courage in the face of unimaginable odds. With a neurodivergent protagonist navigating a world that doesn’t understand him, this is a powerful tale of resilience and the unseen battles fought inside every heart.
Perfect for fans of historical fantasy and wartime adventure, this sequel to The Boy Who Flew proves that legends are not born — they rise.
About the Author
B.T. Skylark is a neurodivergent author based in Brighton, UK, who writes stories for characters who often feel unseen, misunderstood, or out of place in the world. His work blends historical settings with fantasy elements, creating adventures that are as much about belonging and identity as they are about battles and dragons.
Outside of writing, he enjoys cooking, tinkering with technology, playing video games, and gardening. He is also happiest when walking by the sea with his three dogs or sharing food and quiet moments with his husband.
Skylark began writing after completing a degree in Psychology and Criminology, where he developed a deep interest in the way people think, feel, and connect. Storytelling became a way to channel that curiosity — offering readers tales of courage, found family, and resilience.
His debut, Crimson Wings – The Boy Who Flew, introduced readers to Henry and Crimson and was praised for its emotional depth and sensitive portrayal of autism in a historical setting. The sequel, Crimson Wings – Orders From Below, continues their journey through loyalty, fire, and the trials of a world at war.
Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book What is it about?
Absolutely. Crimson Wings – Orders From Below continues the journey of Henry, Victor, and Crimson, but in a way that’s far more intense and personal than the first book. While The Boy Who Flew introduced readers to the wonder of finding a dragon in wartime London, this second instalment asks what happens when that secret can’t be hidden anymore, when war itself begins to intrude on childhood.
For me, this book is really about the boys coming to terms with responsibility they never asked for. Henry, who is autistic, is forced into situations where his differences both challenge him and give him strength. Victor is beginning to see beyond bravado, realising what loyalty and friendship truly mean. And Crimson, though a dragon, represents something deeply human — resilience, memory, and the cost of being extraordinary in a world that doesn’t forgive it.
The story expands the world historically and emotionally. We see the impact of the Blitz, the shadow of government control, and the whispers of another dragon on the enemy side. But at its core, it’s not about battles or bombs — it’s about how these three find a sense of family in each other, even when everything around them is crumbling.
So I’d say this book is as much about belonging and identity as it is about war and fantasy. It’s a story for readers who believe courage isn’t about being fearless, but about facing the world when you’re terrified.
Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, is it directed at any particular market?
I think this book will resonate with readers who enjoy historical fiction but like it with a twist of fantasy. It’s set firmly in the Second World War, so anyone with an interest in that period will recognise the backdrop, but the introduction of dragons shifts it into something more imaginative and emotionally charged.
The story is written for a YA audience — teenagers and young adults who are drawn to adventure, found-family stories, and characters who don’t quite fit the mould. At the same time, I’ve had a lot of adult readers connect with it because the themes are universal. It’s about belonging, resilience, and making choices when the world feels overwhelming. That kind of story doesn’t have an age limit.
I think it will particularly appeal to readers who are looking for representation of difference in fiction. Henry, my main character, is autistic, though in the 1940s it wasn’t something that would have been understood or named. His perspective shapes the story in ways that feel real and relatable, especially for those who have ever felt “out of step” with the world around them.
So while I would say the primary market is YA historical fantasy, I hope it finds a home with anyone who loves character-driven stories about courage, loyalty, and the kind of legends that rise quietly, from unexpected places.
Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?
That’s a tough one because there are so many books and writers who’ve left their mark on me, but if I had to choose, I’d say Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City series has always stood out. What I love about those books is the way Maupin captures a whole community of people who are messy, flawed, and deeply human, and makes you care about every single one of them.
The series is funny and heartfelt, but it’s also incredibly brave in how it tackled issues of identity, belonging, and chosen family at a time when those conversations weren’t happening openly. For me, it showed that stories don’t always have to centre on grand heroes or epic quests — sometimes the most powerful writing comes from exploring the connections between people, the small moments of kindness or love that make life bearable.
That’s something I try to carry into my own work. Even though my books are set against the scale of a world war and feature dragons in the skies, at their heart they’re about the same thing Maupin wrote about — people trying to find where they belong, building families out of loyalty and love when the world around them doesn’t always understand or accept them.
Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?
The best guidance I can give is to write the story that matters to you, not the one you think other people expect. When I first started writing, I found myself worrying about how it would be received or whether it would “fit” a certain market. The truth is, the most authentic and powerful writing happens when you focus on the story only you can tell.
Another piece of advice is to allow yourself to write badly at first. So many people get stuck waiting for perfection, but the first draft doesn’t have to be polished — it just has to exist. Once it’s down on the page, you can shape it, refine it, and make it sing. But you can’t edit a blank page.
I’d also say read widely, even outside your chosen genre, because it gives you different rhythms, perspectives, and ways of seeing the world. And finally, don’t underestimate the importance of finding your own voice. It’s tempting to compare yourself to others, but your quirks, your perspective, your lived experience — those are your strengths.
For me, writing has been as much about self-discovery as storytelling. So my advice is: be patient with yourself, write bravely, and let your words carry the truth only you can give them.
Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, do you have a website, or a way to be contacted?
Yes, absolutely! Readers can find out more about me and my books on my website: www.readingwithskylark.co.uk. That’s where I share updates, behind-the-scenes notes on my writing, and where signed copies of my books can be ordered directly.
I’m also active on social media — you can find me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X (Twitter) under @readingwithskylark. I love connecting with readers, answering questions, and sharing a little bit about the process behind the stories.
Whether it’s through the website or social channels, I always enjoy hearing from people who’ve connected with my work — it means a lot to know the stories are reaching others.
Be the first to comment