The second book ended off on such a cliffhanger that I had to know what happened next! This was probably my favorite of the series and Isla has had a ton of character growth over the last two books!

In Skyshade, the third book in Alex Aster’s series, Isla’s journey deepens as readers are drawn further into the mysteries of her past and the revelations of her destined future. I was captivated by Isla’s complex emotions, especially in her relationships with Nyx and Oro. Her internal conflict—caught between loyalty to her people and mixed feelings toward those who raised her—added layers of depth to the narrative.

I found Skyshade more compelling than the second book, with noticeable character growth enriching the story. The plot’s twists and strong character development kept me eagerly turning pages. Aster’s immersive world-building brought the rulers of this fantastical realm to life, making Isla’s struggles and triumphs feel tangible.

The audiobook narrators elevated the experience, bringing the story to life in a way that surpassed what my own imagination could achieve, adding an extra layer of engagement.

I thoroughly enjoyed how the story unfolded and am excited to see what’s next for Isla and this world. Alex Aster continues to craft a captivating series, and Skyshade showcases her storytelling prowess.

2.75⭐️

This is the third installment of the Lightlark saga, and what we were told was the final book. Wrong.

The book ends on a cliffhanger, after almost 400 pages of inane side quests and Isla’s flipflopping every other chapter between her love for Oro and Grim. There was an unnecessary amount of sex for a YA novel, I’m not even sure you can call it that with the amount of descriptive explicit scenes. I’m certainly not one to shy away from appropriate placed scenes, but there was simply too much that didn’t add anything to the storyline, other than Isla’s constant state of lust for both Oro and Grim.

Overall, it was fine and I enjoyed the audio narration. I am still reeling from the fact that this series is clearly not over. The plot line of any future books would need to be incredibly intriguing to get me to read it, as I simply can’t handle any more of the love triangle as the main story.

Thank you to RBmedia for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

It took me so long to finish this one. I didn’t enjoy it at all 😩 the other two were really good, but I found this one kind of boring and was left extremely disappointed. This seemed more like a filler book. None of the questions I had at the end of Nightbane were answered. I probably won’t be continuing the rest of this series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC to this book. Being the third book in the series, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I am excited to hear this is not the end. I loved the development of Grim and Isla and their relationship. Honestly, I am a sucker for a love triangle but I am a little disappointed as it seems Isla will not choose who to be with at this point. I loved the plot but it was slow at the beginning and seemed very repetitive as far as her being frustrated and mad at Grim. The cliffhanger at the end, wow! Can’t wait for book four.

A little shocked when I found out the story wasn’t a trilogy but I still really enjoyed it! The ending was enough to have you coming back for the next book. I do wish she would pick someone so the love triangle would be completed but still a really fun read.

I waited for this book for so long! I was so excited to read it. Alex Aster does such a good job at keeping your heart torn in two. I loved the constant pull and I can’t wait for the next two to finally be out.

I would like to start this review by thanking RBMedia for granting my wish for the audio book! I had already picked up my physical copy the day before I'd gotten the email, but will comment on what I've listened to of the audio book at the end.*

Skyshade is 100% a rollercoaster. At multiple points I had to put my book down for a few minutes to process what was happening on the page.

Positives:
- Isla's relationships, both romantic and platonic, were developed and explored more in this book.
- Isla is in some of her darkest head-spaces in this book, and it was intriguing to read her thoughts on what was happening around her.
- We got to explore more of the book's world's happenings outside of the isle of Lightlark, most specifically on Nightshade.

Negatives:
- Some of the twists came out of left-field or had little-to-no build up.
- The conflicts had either very scarce or no foreshadowing, so I felt less attached to the plot in this book and several moments felt jarring.
- Though I enjoyed reading about new characters, many of them were pretty one-dimensional and fit into a stock-character archetype.

Extra Comments:
- We saw way too little of Cleo! Hoping we see way more of our mean-spirited salty ocean winter queen the next book <3

Audio Book Comments:
- Suzy Jackson has a great narrating voice and her enunciation is very clear.

I love Grim. He is the definition of if he wanted to he would. I hope with the next book this love triangle gets sorted out because it’s very drawn out at this point. Overall this is an entertaining story and 2025 can’t come fast enough.

I really liked this book. It was well written, well paced. Even as someone who hates love triangles, I think the book did a good job of balancing this triangle and doing it in a tasteful way that is still YA. Loved the plot. Can’t wait to read the next one.

Thank you netgalley for this arc.

The entire reason I found a community on goodreads was because of Lightlark, I only posted my review here because of my netgalley obligation, and that was the first book netgalley ever gave me. Since then I've amassed more support I could ever dream of. I know I'm not a clout god or anything, but it's been a pleasure rocking with you. I really do enjoy when people read my writing. Over the next couple of months, I'll be deleting all my reviews. I don't know exactly what I'm going to do next, just that as my goodreads is structured now, it's beginning to drag me down.

And so, here is my review of Skyshade.

We will notice that I have rated it three stars, which isn't that bad. Well. The book is still bad. But this is book number three in the series, and it's on par with the previous books. And honestly, I'd look like a fucking moron if I kept reading these books and rating them 1 star. 1 starring at this point feels mean. I'm not a hater. I'm a scholar. Ok, I'm a little of both. But mostly, I'm here to have fun.

Did I have fun reading Skyshade? Boy, did I.

As much as I wish I could tell you the plot of this book, I really can't. Actually. I recorded a 20 minute audio message for my friends that will be exclusive blog content. Link here.

Enjoy. Actually, relistening, that sums up most of my thoughts. LOL.

Yes, this book did not make any sense. Yes, each reveal was more confusing than the last. Yes, there was an expected lack of Oro content (my swatino king...). Idgaf about the love triangle anymore. We're now living in a post-Challengers (2024) world, there are throuple cathedrals for all with eyes to see, and this back and forth now bores me immensely. Especially because I don't like Grim. Though, to be fair, it's clear the narrative does not give a FUCK about Oro because otherwise the author would be making 39483204 "You came?" "You called." videos on tiktok. But it's ok. I will support him enough for the two of us.

There isn't really a "plot" here. There's another goose chase. There's more angst. There's. Whatever makes the Lightlark books the Lightlark books. I will say that all the magical healing elixer got destroyed (which was a criticism from my Nightbane review because it lessened many of the stakes) so if Miss Aster really is reading these reviews and encorporating the feedback, then. First of all, I'm sorry. Second of all, you're welcome.

In my first Lightlark review, I compared the nonsensical nature of these books to Supernatural, and at this point, we're powerscaling at a Supernatural rate. You know in that show, the big bad is a demon that seems insurmountable, and by the end of the show they're trying to kill (capital g) God? Yeah. Imagine that direction but in the Lightlark universe. And lore wise, the foundations of Lightlark are not equipped to handle such rapid powerscaling. Alarms are going off. The engines are melting. We're not gonna make it.

Simply put, too much is happening in these books, and not in any sort of cohesive way. We need characters from point A to point B except we're in a Windows XP screensaver maze to get there. Most of this book was lore backfill and just the stepping stone from Nightbane to getting to the other realm. Plot wise, it's inconsequential. The only thing that happened was Grim and Isla falling in love again (after you saw her remember how they fell in love the first time in the last book). The only thing that's keeping these books from feeling achingly repetitive are the batshit insane lore drops and twists every so often.

Back to Oro, truly some of the most Lightlarkiest work is done in his scene where he's treking through the desert with Isla (more evidence to his mixed latino and middle eastern heritage). It's kinda like Dune sort of but instead of the "spice" in the sand making you see visions, the sand makes you horny. I'm not kidding. They do the opposite of the fuck for warmth trope (getting naked and using ice powers through touch to cool down) which I think is real innovation. At this point she's officially back with her husband Grim but like I said, this is a post-Challengers (2024) world, and cheating may be the first necessary step to true salvation (throupledom).

Throughout this book, there's a traitor that's hinted at. By the end of it, the traitor isn't a traitor? They were never on Isla's side to begin with. They can't betray her. Man. LOL.

There's one death that I will be holding a vigil for tonight at my house. You're all invited.

As you can see, I'm losing my grip on reality a little. I wish I could sit down and peel back the technically unsatsifactory layers of this book, like I did with the others, but I run the risk of repeating myself, much like these books do. And, who wants that? I will be seated for Lightlark 4. I never thought this series was only going to be three books. I've analyzed these books so much, now I'm now tuned all the way into Alex Aster's thought processes. I live between the layers of drywall in her mind palace. If only she would start listening to my subtle whispers and make swatino Oro canon.

While I enjoyed this book and series, I will note that this is my first audiobook with this narrator. I did not like the male character voice portrayals. I believe I will stick with just reading (not listening) to additional books in this series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity, especially as I would not have had the chance otherwise.

This one was underwhelming for me. Let's start with what I enjoyed: Grimshaw is everything, and even Oro has his sweet shining moments (even though we didn't get very much of him in this book). But like... that's it? The plot was messy and kind of all over the place. The problems that Isla faced felt like they were resolved very quickly and unrealistically. The love triangle felt like it was reeeeeallyyyyyy dragged out in this, and honestly, I think both Grim and Oro are too good for Isla. I thought this was supposed to be a trilogy, but it ended on a cliffhanger so I guess there will be at least one more book. I think I would still continue this series to find out what happens, but UGH I am so ready for this love triangle to be over. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

This third book in the series I felt was very plot driven. Because of this I felt everything, especially the romance, was rushed. I absolutely loved Nightbane and felt the FMC’s actions in this book fell short in explaining her feelings behind the back and forth between the two MMCs. All that to say, I will continue with the series in hope that we get more depth in the next book!

First and foremost…I’m seriously on the edge of my seat knowing there are TWO more books..AHH!

As soon as I started this book I couldn’t stop..one minute I was on chapter 5 and then all of a sudden somehow I was on chapter 29! I think Isla frustrated me a bit in this book….clearly she was quite torn between the two MMCs but when it came to Grim it was literally one second she hated him and literally two seconds later they were hooking up. 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 really sad for her when we learned the truth about what happened to her parents…and I’m still confused about the ending and what goes on in the other world so I’m really excited to see how everything plays out and how it all wraps up.

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! 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

Shyshade by Alex Aster was everything I hoped for and more! This third installment absolutely nailed the love triangle, leaving me torn but firmly Team Grim. The tension and romantic stakes were perfect—Grim’s devotion is unmatched. “I would burn the world for you without question.” Swoon!
The story had some amazing discoveries, revealing more about the island’s mysterious history and finally diving into the backstory of her parents, which was so thrilling to uncover. I loved seeing a darker side of the main character emerge, and the new villain brought an exciting twist to the plot.
And that CLIFFHANGER! My jaw is still on the floor. I’m already counting down the days until book 4—this series just keeps getting better!

Um ok I was not expecting that ending, I thought there were more chapters!! I need the next book nowwww. I really liked this narrator and was entertained throughout the story. The one thing I don't like is that Isla just cannot pick between Grim and Oro and goes back and forth between the two. I know we're probably supposed to feel this way and pick a side (if you don't pick Grim what are you doing), but I personally just don't love reading about love triangles, so that took away from the story. Despite this, I enjoyed the plot and will be waiting for the next book! 3.5 stars!

I was so excited for this book!! And while I enjoyed it I also got very annoyed at how back and forth it was and thought we would be getting a conclusion this book! I will still rate it 4 stars as I think my review depends on who you want the FMC to end up with. As far as the audiobook I thought the narrators did a good job and I was pretty immersed in the story. Will be recommending this whole series but with a warning it drags on!

I have mixed feelings about this one. I would give it a 3/5 if I had to rate it on a scale. Frustrated that this will longer be a trilogy? At this point the love triangle is beyond drawn out. It shouldn’t take 3 books to decide on a man. Grim > Oro. Grim is PASSIONATE and Oro is giving off bland. To me, an obvious choice. I enjoyed this book other than the “love triangle” and the fact that this is now a longer book series.

First, a huge thank you to NetGalley and RB media for an advanced audiobook copy of Skyshade.

I really love this series so much and think that this installment did wonders for the world and character building. It was amazing to see Isla come into her own and discover not only herself but her true strength. She is far from the young, naive girl we met at the beginning of the series. I also really enjoyed getting to see more from Grim and learning more of not only their backstory but his as well. Some of those twists and revelations left my jaw on the floor!

As far as pacing, I never at any point felt bored or as if the story was dragging. If anything, some parts may have felt a little rushed but not enough so to detract from the story or leave readers confused.

I was surprised at the continuation of the series beyond this book and feel that this will upset some readers who were expecting a certain resolution.

As far as the audiobook goes, I think the Narrator was great for Isla and did a great job keeping me immersed, but her masculine voice really took me OUT of the story. I would prefer either the narrator just speak the male lines in a regular voice or for it to be a dual narration.

Overall, I enjoyed to book. I liked the general direction of the plot but am slightly disappointed in the lack of resolution and parts of the narration. I do look forward to the next book(s) and can't wait to see where Aster takes us.