Living on floating islands, humans take to the skies to search for the edge of the world in “The Pilot’s Love Song,” a Japanese anime series based on a novel by Koroku Inumara. The show highlights the struggles of the dethroned prince of the Balsteros Empire, Karl La Hire, who is believed to be dead.

During the Wind Revolution that overthrew the monarchy, Karl is imprisoned with his mother. When he sees an airplane flying over the castle, he promises his mother, the queen, that he will become a pilot and take her into the sky with him.

Shortly afterwards, Karl’s mother is taken away to be executed, and Karl is adopted by a pilot mechanic named Michael Albus. Understanding that he cannot live his life as he did before, Karl changes his name to Kalel Albus to conceal his royal identity.

Over time, Kalel finds himself harboring hatred toward Nina Viento, the head of the Wind Revolution who can summon the wind. He blames her for his family’s deaths and swears revenge.

Kalel grows up with Michael’s three children while creating a close relationship with Michael’s youngest daughter, Ariel. Sharing the same passion for aviation, Ariel and Kalel  enroll in Cadoques High’s Aerial Division with the mission to find the Holy Spring at the edge of the world. On their quest, Ariel and Kalel must protect the floating island of Isla, their headquarters.

As Kalel spends more time at Cadoques High, he encounters conflicts among social classes and different personalities that will draw out his deepest and darkest emotions.

Kalel also learns more about his place in the world and comes to terms with his past, all while fighting a war with the Sky Clan, protectors of the Holy Spring who do not take kindly to invaders.

“The Pilot’s Love Song” is an emotional, action-packed show that showcases the struggles and development of young pilots. Thrown into a world of combat, viewers will experience heart-wrenching, tear-jerking scenes of battle and final sacrifices. The series also teaches viewers to “forgive rather than hate” and to embrace all people regardless of class or ability.

“The Pilot’s Love Song” is recommended for teens 12 and up due to violence. The anime series can found on Hulu and Crunchyroll.com.