I had been WAITING to finally read this after the cliffhanger at the end of Nightbane and was lucky enough to be chosen for the audiobook ARC 🥰 this was an emotional roller coaster! I felt all the feelings all throughout the book. I will say that I enjoyed Nightbane better than Skyshade, but I *am* an Oro girlie and wished to have more time with him. Isla felt a little all over the place throughout the story and I kept finding myself wishing she’d make up her mind. That being said, I thought this was a trilogy, so now I understand why things panned out the way they did. Alex Aster is the queen of cliff hangers and left us with another big one at the end of Skyshade. Just like I said with Nightbane last year, I will be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book to release!

I am so excited for Isla’s journey in Skyshade. What a ride!! Plot twists left and right, a good amount of spice, and oh the sexual teeeeension! The beginning was a bit slow for me but once we got about halfway through, the book flew! And that ending?! OMG! Please tell me there are more books!! What a cliffhanger! Thank you so much, Netgalley, for the audiobook ARC. It was such a cool experience listening and I can’t wait to do a re-read once I fet my physical copy!

Alex Aster!! I am OBSESSED with this story. #TeamGrim Grateful to have received this as an ALC.

Loved all the twists in this story that grew organically as a result of the events that have transpired so far. We got some explanations for things we have been wondering since book 1. That ending though!! Oh my goodness. Alex, you know how to leave us on the edge of our seats wanting more!

The audiobook was incredible! The narrator did a great job of adding suspense to the pulse pounding moments.

I’ve been a fan since the first book, I love seeing how the story progresses. I will say I’m team Grim and their we’re definitely points I was frustrated with Isla but the end left me ready to see what happens next!

I could not stop listening to the story! I loved how new characters were introduced throughout the story and felt Isla's inner turmoil over her feelings for Grim and Oro very related. Was so happy to finally get some more background on Isla's past.

It took a while to get use to the male voices of the narrator, I think a dual narration would have made the experience more enjoyable.

Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for this ARC for a return of an honest review. This is the third book in the Lightlark series. I’d have to give this one a 3.5⭐️ rating. I like how we learn more about Isla’s powers and more about her parents. I enjoyed it but not as much as Nightbane. Although, that ending had me gasping and wanting more. I’m hoping we find out there will be one last book that closes the love triangle. I’m not sure how much more I can take or her going back and forth between the two. #netgalley #skyshade

What. The. Hell.

I genuinely thought that this was going to be the final book in this series and I am hoping on everything that I am wrong. This was the best book of the series so far and I devoured it.

Without giving anything away, go Grim 🫶🏼

First and foremost…Suzy Jackson just always does such a great job narrating these books!

Jumping right in from where the second book left off was much appreciated. It felt like we never left. The twists and turns of this book made me literally live with my AirPod in for at least 3 days straight so I could consistently listen. As soon as I thought I knew one thing, a wrench was thrown in! I also have to say before this book, I didn’t care much for Oro, but I did start to feel for him a bit…he’s so in love with Isla and she says her heart is torn but I’m not sure I really get that vibe. I stand by my thought that Grim and Isla have way more chemistry and I need that union to last until the end of time (cue Hozier audio with “If I couldn’t walk I’d crawl to you”….those are the only vibes I want).

I was hoping for more answers by the end of this book..I’m feeling bittersweet because as happy as I am to continue falling deeper into this universe I wasn’t prepared for this cliffhanger!!! Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait too long for the fourth book! 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

Like the other two books, the ending makes me want to scream!!! I knew it was going to end with a maddening cliffhanger, but it's worth the frustration. It is a good and fun book. The twists and revelations were done perfectly, and by the end, so much made sense! I can't wait for the next book. I love Grim so much and in every book, my heart breaks for him a little more, and makes me love him more. Oro deserves so much more then what he has been given and I hope he has the ending he deserves. this whole series has me in a choke hold!

At first, I struggled to connect with Isla. Her treatment of Grim in the early books left a sour taste in my mouth, and I couldn't help but feel a strong dislike for her. However, as the series progressed, Aster's masterful characterization slowly peeled back the layers of Isla's complex personality, revealing a deeply flawed but ultimately relatable character beneath.
The book seems rushed and has plot holes but overall, "Skyshade" promises to be a satisfying conclusion to the Lightlark Saga that will leave readers breathless. With its pulse-pounding action, heartrending drama, and intricate world-building, "Skyshade" is a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy. Even those who, like me, initially struggled to connect with Isla will find themselves drawn into her journey and invested in her fate.

ALEXXXXX!!!!! All the fantastical wonderings of this world and delicious shadow daddy moments. This book brought more heat and questions. The best in the series so far. But that ending 🤬 Would love to see a male narrator for Grimm. The audiobook is good but a male counterpart or a dramatized version would take it next level.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!

🌟 Book Review: Skyshade by Alex Aster 🌟 — 3.75/5 Stars

So Skyshade! I went into this one SO excited, expecting the grand finale to Isla’s journey, and...well, it’s not quite the final book in the way I thought it would be! Isla’s story seems far from over, which, while intriguing, left me a bit on edge since I was ready for all the juicy revelations to fully come together in this one.

The storyline had its high points—Isla’s divided heart, the tense love triangle, and a storm of dark secrets around every corner. But I did feel it lagged a bit in the middle; the plot didn’t really hit its stride until the last ten chapters. It felt like a lot of buildup, so by the time things started moving, I was hungry for those big twists and heart-stopping action!

As always, I’m still Team Oro (forever and always!), but I can’t deny I laughed a few times at Grim’s clever and broody lines. 😏 There’s undeniable chemistry that keeps things deliciously complicated.

If this is truly where the story leaves off, though, I’d be so heartbroken—there are too many loose ends! But fingers crossed we’ll see Isla return for another showdown. It’s not the finale I expected, but still a magical, dark ride worth taking if you're a fan of Lightlark. ✨

Overall this was an enjoyable read. However, it did lack in comparison to Nightbane.
I love that we get some backstory on Isla's parents, which helped to shed some understanding on Isla, her magic and the situation as a whole.
The love triangle is still a main plot point, although it did take more of a backseat this time around (thankfully).
The book started slow but midway through picked up the pace and ends with a cliffhanger, which is interesting because I went into this read thinking Skyshade was the final installment.
I would recommend this book to readers who are already invested in Isla's journey or if you like love triangles or touch her and die tropes.

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this audiobook and I am so, so thankful to Amulet Books and NetGalley for this opportunity to read this amazing book before release!
This was such an amazing third book to the Lightlark series! The character development of the FMC, Isla, was so beautiful, and at times, heart-wrenching to see.
The story really came to a crescendo in this book; action-packed from start to finish. I was hooked from the very first paragraph, much like I was with the rest of the series.
Seeing Isla learn her past, her heritage, and regain even more memories of her life was so worthwhile and such a compelling story.
By this point in the series, I was convinced I knew which characters I loved, hated, and admired, but this book took me through twists and turns that I can (happily) say took me by genuine surprise.
Now for the ending.. what a cliff hanger! I don’t know what I am going to do with myself until the next book comes out! I can’t wait, and I am so excited to see where the series goes from here!
I was prepared to say goodbye to a world and characters that I grew to love, but I am so glad I don’t have to now.
I definitely recommend this book, and truly the series as a whole. 5 stars from me!

I absolutely loved Skyshade! Suzy Jackson did an incredible job narrating this third book in the series. Skyshade picks up right after Nightbane, where Isla leaves Oro to return to Nightshade with Grim. As Team Grim, I was thrilled to see Isla back “home” and loved following her journey as she rekindles her feelings for her husband.

🐍 Our girl, Isla, is truly in her villainous, reputation era 🐍 We get to see the return of beloved animal companions 🐉🐾, beloved side characters, and some intriguing new faces. This YA fantasy romance comes with a touch of spice—I’d rate the spicy scenes (yes, there are multiple!) as ✨demure✨ spice 🌶️.

Like Lightlark and Nightbane, Skyshade delivers on plot twists, betrayals, and angsty enemies-to-lovers/back-to-lovers vibes, with forced proximity and plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered!

While many readers were shocked or upset by the ending, I fully support Isla’s decisions (no spoilers—whatever she chooses!).

Okaaaay I don’t actually believe this is the last book because if it is then I’m devastated 😅
I really enjoyed listening to the audio of Skyshade, I listened to the first two as well.
Such an interesting story and it didn’t feel like any other story.
Love a good love triangle too!

First of all, I want to start by saying that this series has captivated me from beginning to end. In particular, I have loved the plot, the characters, the story, the magic, the romance everything about this series has been perfection for me. I must say that the plot took a 360 turn. The more I read and the more I discovered new pieces of the puzzle, my head kept thinking about the possibilities of something different happening than what I expected. This third book has left me with too many mixed emotions. Not only did it squeeze my heart in a thousand ways (more positive than negative), I loved it in its entirety. And without a doubt it has given me a lot to think about and hope for. Even when everything points to a certain direction the author proofs that is posible to turn the wheel towards something much more bigger.

Alex Aster has done it again with *SKYSHADE*! This book is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, filled with vivid world-building and dynamic characters. I was captivated from start to finish. Isla's journey is so well-crafted that you can't help but feel every emotion she experiences.

The love triangle between Isla, Oro, and Grim is intense and will leave you constantly guessing. If you’re hoping for a neat conclusion, think again—Alex’s signature cliffhangers strike again!

The use of the same voice actor for the audiobook added to the immersive experience, making it a joy to listen to. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a gripping fantasy with rich character development and unexpected twists.

Alex Aster, you have outdone yourself!

ARC Review for Skyshade

What a fun and unique fantasy, with romance and steam sprinkled in! I'm already a fan of the Lightlark world, and I love that Alex continues to expand upon it.

Isla, our female lead, has come such a long way in the previous two books and starts off on an uncertain path, doing what she feels to be the "right" move. Stuck between two love interests, but also completely torn on how to romantically move forward.
I've been on Team Grim since the beginning, but Oro still pulls at my heart too, especially in this new book.
I absolutely loved that we got some answers to a couple of questions we've been waiting for in this story as well.

The writing was smooth and flowed so well and it always feels like I'm "reading" one long story instead of now, 3 separate books.

The narration on Skyshade was just as good as the previous books in the series, and I appreciate the way the narrator distinguishes voices between characters and the emotion in her tone as the story unfolds.

Now to sit on pins and needles until we know what happens with Isla next! So good, highly recommend!

I’m obsessed with this book series and Skyshade did NOT disappoint! I was so excited to receive an advanced audiobook copy through Netgallery. The story itself is addicting and the narrator does a great job bringing the characters to life. Isla, the FMC, has the weight of the worlds on her shoulders and has a choice to make about the men she loves. The author did a good job taking you on an emotional journey filled with betrayal, love, heartache, and doing what’s right. The ending left me speechless.