**spoiler alert** This book is difficult for me to rate, partly because I quite loved the first book and partly because I felt this one would be a sol**spoiler alert** This book is difficult for me to rate, partly because I quite loved the first book and partly because I felt this one would be a solid four stars from me, up until the last third, when the book took a darker turn that left me a bit unsettled. I am not the type of person who dislikes certain types of endings, but I’m not really sure how to process the ending of this one, nor what purpose it is meant to serve. This review will be pretty critical, but I want to point out that I really did enjoy this book overall, especially the first two-thirds of it, it just left me feeling unsatisfied with the story in the end, like several things were missing.
First, I feel as though much of the charm of the first book, with the quick banter, quest-like plot, and subtle romance was completely missing in this one, which was unfortunate because it’s what I loved most about the first book. That said, it is also understandable that much of those aspects would certainly be gone for at least the beginning of this book, considering the situation our characters are in.
However, that charm never returned and I felt like already established characters were overshadowed by new ones who were certainly fascinating, but whose arc seemed to fall short and completely stop during the latter third of the book. And boy was that latter third a lot. It left me pretty unsettled and the actions of one character in particular not only shocked me, but I feel as though they were never made to actually atone for what they did. Rather, it felt as though that aspect of the story was incomplete.
Craft-wise, the jumping between perspectives and memories was quite jarring at times, and it was difficult to grasp whose perspective we’re in. I certainly believe the story would have been better served if the moments in the “present” were in present tense, and the memories were in past tense, rather than past tense throughout.
And that just leaves me with a conundrum on how to rate this. Despite being a little confused at times, I came to really enjoy the exploration of Falon’s “split” mind and seeing him come to reconcile that, however I don’t feel that reconciliation was given enough time to breathe once it did come.
I was completely fascinated by Pharah and Lucan’s characters, but I had the impression they would play a much larger role than they do, only for their arc to seem to stutter out and die. I also loved learning more about the inherita ans the history of the memoria, but I feel as though that wasn’t explored as thoroughly as it should have been, either.
And for all of the comments on how you’re still “you” even if you don’t remember, I don’t know how to process that with Sari’s actions, which felt very un-Sarilla like. In fact, this and the ending are what left me most unsettled and caused me to drop a star rating.
Finally, the ending gave me some unsettling “bury your gays” vibes and I just am not sure how to feel about that, especially as it’s lacking closure on top of everything.
I wanted to love this so much and I hate being so critical of it – partly because I loved the first book and partly because I know this author is capable of writing great fantasy – unfortunately this seemed to fall short in several areas for me.
Nonetheless, thank you to the author for providing me an early copy to read in exchange for an honest review! I will certainly be reading more of Rachel Emma Shaw’s future works, no matter how I feel about this one!...more
I love love loved this conclusion to the Secondborn trilogy! Amy is one of my favorite authors and this book wrapped up the story nicFIVE FATED STARS!
I love love loved this conclusion to the Secondborn trilogy! Amy is one of my favorite authors and this book wrapped up the story nice and tight in a way I feel will make everyone happy, no matter whose team you’re on. 😏
That said, the story went in a direction I never could have anticipated but was definitely on board with! Roselle is the strongest she’s ever been and she knows what and who she wants. The revelations in this were so cool and I could have read even more about Spectrum and the anchors and all of the possibilities there (Kricket series anyone?).
Anywho, full review to come this weekend! Thank you so much to 47North for sending me a copy to review!
Well, this is it folks. I give the Ember Quartet recognition for being one of the first series to truly get me interested in fantasy as a genre. It isWell, this is it folks. I give the Ember Quartet recognition for being one of the first series to truly get me interested in fantasy as a genre. It is a sweeping epic, told through many eyes. It is no stranger to tragedy, but is also steeped with many joys.
This story is so dear to my heart, I put off starting this final chapter until I knew I could devote myself to the story. I had a sense that it would tear at my emotions, and boy did it. But I am not sad. No, I am fulfilled and complete.
Sabaa has given us a true gem of a tale. From An Ember in the Ashes, this story grew and evolved with it’s characters. As Laia, Elias and Helene became battle hardened, shed their innocence and felt the pain of loss, this series matured and became darker with them. It truly mirrored the path they walked. But in the darkness the characters and story found small slivers of light to bask in, until they were finally able to lift the shroud of darkness cast over The Empire and reveal the gleaming star that is A Sky Beyond the Storm.
My heart is sundered over the trials and loss throughout this series, but as Laia of Serra has shown me, it’s possible to experience heartbreak and understand there is still love and good to be experienced.
Most of all, I want you to know ... I’m still going to lay in bed at night thinking of how hard I ship Helene and Harper.
I’m going to sit on this for a few days before I really dive into a review because I want to say some things but I know many haven’t finished or startI’m going to sit on this for a few days before I really dive into a review because I want to say some things but I know many haven’t finished or started it yet. So much worked for me in this that I loved, while other things left me longing for more.
That said, I am wholly satisfied with the way this ends and where it leaves the story. A bunch of my theories came true, which was so exciting and fulfilling. However, I have a lot that I want to bring up, so I think my final review will be spoilery and I’m going to work on getting it written up tomorrow, but I may not post it right away. We will see.
Ashlee » libraryinthecountry
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