Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A long and intricate story, the final installment of the Between Earth and Sky series by Rebecca Roanhorse, ties up most of the loose ends from the broad cast of characters.

I fully admit that it took me months and months to finish this book, but finally listening to the audiobook is what allowed me to finish it and boy am I glad I did because the ending was very satisfying. It was not a happy ending for everyone, but it felt both reasonable and realistic in the ending story of each character.

The ending is not the most important part, even if it does usually make or break a book for me. The path to that ending is what really had my on the edge of my seat at some points. It is not a fast paced book, but the stories that are woven within in it are complicated and compelling in the best way.

I highly recommend this series even if occasionally so many characters can be difficult to keep track of.

I do love Rebecca Roanhorse, and I love the first book in this trilogy. The second one was okay - like I didn't love it, but I feel like that's a common feeling with a trilogy (authors, we LOVE duologies!). But this third book was not it. I ended up skimming a lot of it. It just didn't grab me in the same way as the first book. I think there were several reasons for this. First, there were just too many people, and many had similar names. There were A LOT of characters, so it was hard to feel really deeply about them. I didn't love the character development of Iktan. Iktan seemed pretty unfeeling throughout the book, but then they were suddenly FULL of feelings. (Do love the pronouns, though. Martha Wells does the same thing, I believe, and I do adore it). But I'm finally at 84% of this book and there is A LOT to finish up. We've got all kinds of shit going on and it's supposed to be reaching a conclusion and I'm thinking, "Is she turning this into a series??" No, she didn't, but I was not content with the way it ended. It didn't wrap up well, in my opinion. It showed the danger of becoming the avatar of a god, but while we've seen that with Serapio, it seemed like the other people who became avatars had VERY different experiences. We didn't get a lot of information on the gods and what happened, especially Coyote. Balam's character development was a bummer as well. I loved Xiala - she was by far the most interesting character (though Okoa and Benundah were amazing, love them so much) and she DID THE DAMN THING, though as a gf, I wouldn't be so quick to forgive genocide from my bf, though that's just me. I didn't understand the conclusion with regards to Serapio. It was rushed over and I was a little disappointed. Naranpa's ending was also not it. Iktan's was fine. I was ok with skipping ahead six years, but the sheer amount of change in the world was sus. It's more like 50 to 100 years have passed. Way too much change. A lot of people liked this book, but it just wasn't for me.

Couldn't have asked for a better way for this series to end. Rebecca continues with her great repoir and storytelling. Will gladly be rereading this in the future. Highly recommend.

A good end to a somewhat uneven trilogy. I absolutely love love loved Black Sun -- I thought it was incredibly innovative, amazing world building, A+ plot twists, and some characters I truly truly loved. Fevered Star did not hit for me the same way. It basically undid the character arc of my favorite characters in ways I found DEEPLY unsatisfying. Perhaps this one benefited from my expectations being lower than they were for Fevered Star but it felt like a return to the vibes of Black Sun in a lot of ways. I still have some complaints -- it was a bit long and I felt like some of the characters were kind of left in a lurch. But if you liked the first two books you'll probably like this one!

I was scared to start this book, because I really liked the first two books and was worried both about Roanhorse's ability to stick the landing and my ability to remember the previous series. Both fears ended up being unfounded. This is a really solid conclusion to a complex epic fantasy, and it would have a cumulative fifteen stars across three books if it weren't for the ending. I understand why the ending is good from a technical aspect, but from an emotional one? It loses a star.

Very satisfying conclusion to the series, though there is still room for more stories in this world.

Wow what a ride! I was ready for this book as soon as I finished Fevered Star. It was enjoyable to continue the story and see what Xiala, Serapio and Naranpa would wind up. I was especially excited to see Xiala in full form and Rebecca Roanhorse did not disappoint. I think that this book is perfect for those that want to read about a diverse set of characters and a world that is original. The one thing that I would ask for is a prequel to understand the original clans better! Maybe a future project? Also, remember the scene in Fevered Star where Serapio was exuding "who wants the smoke?" Yeah, Serapio brought the smoke in Mirrored Heavens.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC! I mean cmon... I think the cover gives you a hint to how awesome this finale is. I really enjoyed the continuous world building throughout the series, even in this book, and I loved how we learned more about Xiala and her character arch.

The Between Earth and Sky trilogy has had its ups and downs, but as a huge Serapio stan, I had to know how this book ended. And I think throughout the course of this series, it’s become clear that Serapio is Roanhorse’s favorite character. His character arc between the three books felt like a complete journey, from the young brash child, seemingly unafraid and dedicated to his purpose, to the conflicted god-bearer who should not have survived, to this final book, where he’s finally come into his power and standing. I think for Serapio alone, this book is very much worth reading. Xiala and Naranpa, on the other hand, kinda get shafted, Naranpa especially. In book three, all three characters are split, off to complete their own tasks. For Xiala, that’s finally returning to Teek to acknowledge the family she left behind. While I wished she and Serapio got more moments together, she has her badass moments and her actions are extremely relevant to the final climax. Naranpa, on the other hand, could have been entirely cut from the book with almost no consequences. Her getting together with Iktan was really sweet, but with how much I was starting to like her character in book 2, she’s been basically written out of Mirrored Heavens. Her arc reveals some of the cooler supernatural elements of the world-building of this series, but I honestly could not tell you how her actions impacted the other characters at all. Overall, I rate this book a 3.5/5.

Reivew will go live on my blog 11 October 2024

This series is a new all time favorite and this final book had me in a chokehold despite there being moments that felt a little slower. But overall this trilogy is a masterpiece and I'm so sad it's over.

The excitement was real when I got my hands on this ARC from SAGA & NetGalley—I practically screamed! I’ve been completely hooked on this trilogy from the beginning and totally fell for Serapio and Xiala.

Now, I won’t lie: this book took a minute to find its rhythm. It wasn’t until about chapter 20 that I really got my footing. The slow start, combined with the time since the last book, had me scrambling to remember the side characters and their backstories. But once the storylines clicked into place, they all wove together beautifully. That said, Xiala’s storyline was the absolute star. Every time we shifted to the Teek plot, I was glued to the page. Roanhorse, I’m begging—please give us a spinoff for those fierce, magical Teek women!

Without giving too much away, Xiala finally got her moment, and it was everything we’ve been waiting for. Roanhorse brings her world to life with vivid, cinematic detail—seriously, someone give this series a big-budget adaptation stat. Every scene plays out like a blockbuster in your mind, and it’s pure magic. This is a 3.5 for me!

I dont know if it has been so long since I read the previous titles or if it is because the quality of the work but I just could not get as excited about this work as I did the first two books in the series. There are so many different characters and points of view that it is hard to remember who is who and what their motivations are over the time that the series has been written. It makes me sad that I did not love it because the first book blew me away.

- So much dry humor
- Iktan is a riot
- Iktan and Xiala’s friendship is so refreshing
- Rewarding development of characters
- Great pacing that keeps you engaged and on your toes
- Can see myself rereading this series

The Between Earth and Sky trilogy has had me in it's clutches since the first chapter of Black Sun. Mirrored Heavens was one of my most anticipated reads of this year. I have to say I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters. In this book I loved getting more background on young Balam and young Saaya and always want more Xiala and Serapio! There were quite a bit of POV's in this book and it did seem to slow down the pace a bit and the multiple POV's made me want more from each, but nonetheless I really enjoyed all of the interwoven stories. I did appreciate the character list at the beginning of the book to keep track of who was still in play for this book. I still think Black Sun is my favorite of the trilogy, but this closes the trilogy well.

I requested this book not realizing it was book 3 in a series! I spent June/July reading the first two books and while they were decent, I struggled through both books connecting with all the characters. Multiple POV, third person novels for some reason pull me out of my connections with characters. I obtained the audio on this and tried to do an immersion read on it as well, but this ended up being a DNF because I was just not connected to the plot of characters by book 3. I know this is a much loved and very cherished series, so I am not going to post anything negative on my social media, as I do not think that is fair. Additionally, I am not going to give a terrible star rating either, because books are so subjective to taste. The writing was decent, I just could not stay connected.

Mirrored Heavens picks up where Fevered Star leaves off, with our characters scattered and attempting to figure out how to survive in the changing world. I appreciate a lot of things about this book, especially how Roanhorse is able to create nuanced characters who aren't solidly "good" or "bad", but just people trying to make the best choices they can. Serapio in particular, you can feel his struggle as he attempts to find his destiny in a muddled world. The author does a great job in drawing all the pieces of the puzzle together and creating an ending that makes sense, not an easy feat by any means when she had created such a diverse series of characters and plot points.

I did find the ending a bit lacking, but I think that is a fault on my end since one of my favorite characters has an unsatisfying plot progression with an overly ambiguous ending. They deserved better, but I know that is incredibly biased on my part.

This book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Such a GREAT ending to an epic series.

I literally have no words at the craft of this novel, the twists and the turns and the deaths and the reunions. My heart is so heavy with so much love for these characters and the ending was just everything to me.

Rebecca Roanhorse built such an amazing world with such depth and history that it felt like reading nonfiction. The thing I love most about multi character novels/series is that when their paths cross, I’m literally so giddy and when we see old friends come back together? There’s nothing like it. I love this series down so bad.

YES!YEs!Yes!yes!!!!! One of my favorite series. Book was incredible. Please do yourself a favor and read this series.

Mirrored Heavens is the final book of Rebecca Roanhorse’s Between Earth and Sky trilogy, which began with Nebula and Hugo nominee Black Sun. Set in a fantastically unique world inspired by mesoamerican cultures, the series begins following three major POV characters; a sun priest in Tova called Naranpa who has climbed her way to the top; Serapio, a man who has been blinded and scarred in a religious ritual which leaves him shrouded in destiny; and the pansexual ship captain Xiala, a drunken disgrace to her people. With a continuation of the gorgeously exciting world, and fantastic character work, this book provided a strong conclusion, though weaker pacing meant it was one that failed to exceed my high expectations for the book.

While remaining incredibly vague to avoid spoilers for earlier books, this book delivered more of the same: fantasy at the more literary end of the spectrum executed fantastically. Roanhorse's ability to write strong and complex women is unrivalled within the genre in my experience. Her cultural and magical worldbuilding is also fascinating, and this book gives more insight into probably the most fascinating culture from the previous books. What really held this book back from being a perfect 10/10 to me personally was that one of the POVs I'd thought of as stronger in previous books felt to me largely stagnant and for the most part disconnected. This led to the pacing feeling jittery at times and, alongside what felt to me like a rushed ending that felt somewhat anticlimactic, led to this book feeling weaker than the previous novel to me. Overall Mirrored Heavens isn’t quite the ending I’d hoped for, nonetheless it remains another strong entry to a trilogy that is well worth reading.

“The war on earth may have yet to start as the gods claimed their vessels and set their stakes, but the war in heaven had already begun.
For what was earth but a mirror of heaven?
And what was she but a thing caught in between?”
Rebecca Roanhorse, Mirrored Heavens

Rebecca Roanhorse's Mirrored Heavens is the stunning conclusion to Between Earth and Sky Trilogy, continuing to deliver on the complex world-building and character arcs that I have come to love. There were so many emotions that this book and series evoked in me, ranging from happiness, surprise, sadness, and joy. I was completely engrossed in the final journey of Xiala, Serapio, Naranpa, and all the major side characters. Ms. Roanhorse is master storyteller, continuing to build on the world of Meridian. In Mirrored Heavens, we see even more places, from Xiala’s home island of Teek, the partly ruined city of Tova, and the Northern Wastes where Naranpa has fled to harness the Sun God power. Throughout the series, she has woven an intricate tale, beautifully told against a back drop of a pre-Columbian setting. With Xiala, Serapio, and Naranpa, Ms. Roanhorse created the perfect trifecta of characters who reach their pinnacle in Mirrored Heavens. From the start of this novel, I was absolutely enthralled. There were twists and turns I never saw coming, along with the pain and heartbreak of the character’s arcs, and a conclusion that I could not love more. It is safe to say that I would not only recommend Mirrored Heavens, but the entire Between Earth and Sky Trilogy. It was sheer perfection.
The character arcs, completed in Mirrored Heavens, were amazing. Xiala has returned to Teek, trying to get back her magic of the sea. Teek is inhabited solely by women, and it was fascinating to learn how they have children, and how they carry on their lineage. Their magic is transformation in the sea, essentially becoming “mermaid-like,” which is the best way I can describe it. The other is their song. Their singing ability is devasting, with the power to kill those who hear it. The pace is set right at the start, when Teek is attacked, and many women are killed. In this instance, we see Xiala become more than a sea captain. She becomes a leader as she cleverly plots to free her people. I loved seeing her become the strong, fierce leader she was always meant to be. Xiala still longs for Serapio, the man she fell in love with, even though she knows he has become the Odo Sedoh. There is good in him, she knows it, and she will do what is necessary to reunite with him. Her longing is so palpable, as we can read here.

“Tova. It felt like a lifetime away, and Serapio equally distant. What she wouldn’t give to have him here. Perhaps it was a weakness, but she yearned for his unflappable presence, his otherworldly confidence, the protection of his crows and his magic.”
Rebecca Roanhorse, Mirrored Heavens

Serapio is truly a study in contrasts. As the avatar of the Crow God, he does some truly horrific acts. However, we catch glimpses of the Serapio we met back in Black Sun. He, too, wants Xiala. She is the only woman he ever loved, and he knows she can see beyond him being Odo Sedoh. Ms. Roanhorse does a perfect job of communicating Serapio’s longing and pain to the reader. We also get glimpses into Serapio’s background and how and why he became the avatar of the Crow God. Through dreams from Balam, we see more of Serapio’s mother, Saaya. The interactions of these characters before Serapio was born was surprising and complex. Serapio was basically used even before he was born, and I felt so much compassion for him. He was powerless his entire life to do what he wanted. It was only Xiala who could see through to the man and comfort his loneliness.

“And that is part of your prophecy?”, he asked, voice cold as he struggled to contain his emotions: the doubts about his own leadership, his fears of war and what came after, the grief of losing Xiala, his mother, his clan, Okoa, And the deep loneliness that never left him.”
Rebecca Roanhorse, Mirrored Heavens

At the end of Fevered Star, Naranpa had fled to the Northern Wastes. A desolate area where she found Kupshu, a wise woman who would become Naranpa’s teacher. Naranpa did not fully understand her power or how to access it. Although she was a Sun Priest her whole life, she was ill prepared to become the vessel of the Sun God. We don’t see as much of Naranpa as we do the others. Suffice to say that she Kupshu teaches her, and the destiny of the Sun and Crow God must be fulfilled.
The side cast of characters were equally wonderful. Balam’s role is quite important and very surprising. Tuun, whom he set upon the Teek, is one of those characters you just love to hate, right along with Balam. Okoa is back and he is completely loyal to Serapio. The women of Teek are strong and fight back against Tuun. Ms. Roahoarse includes LBGTQIA representation beautifully, especially on Teek. As an island of only women, they marry, have children and raise families. All of these characters are building to the pinnacle of a war against Tova.

“Some nights he would dream of Naranpa, their confrontation on Sun Rock, and things would be quite different…
It was mutually assured destruction, his and the Sun Priest’s, and although it was only a dream, he woke up shivering and drenched in sweat, wondering if he had somehow avoided his true fate, and if so, for how long?”
Rebecca Roanhorse, Mirrored Heavens

The world building was once again a stand out feature in Mirrored Heavens. We finally get to see the Island of Teek, and it feels like a stunning island paradise. For the most part, the women live peacefully, with Xiala’s mother as queen. They work together, marry, and raise their daughters. It is really is a beautiful, but unusual place, with unique magic. The other notable addition is the Northern Wastes of Meridian where Naranpa fled. She lives in the village of Charna near a lake. The wasteland is aptly named, as it is desolate and rarely rains. The inhabitants, however, thrive and live in the land they call home. One notable feature is the graveyard, where is said the gods had died, and some believe it to be haunted. The other cities, Tova, Cuecola, and Hokaia remain much as they were in Fevered Sky.
The characters, the world building, the powers of gods are all woven together into this unique and beautiful epic fantasy. I felt the pacing of the book was excellent. I really enjoyed the flashbacks into Serapio’s life, and it was heartbreaking. Seeing the Teek Island and the Northern Wastes were also an excellent addition. It all comes to a head in Mirrored Heavens as the battle for Tova, the battle between the Sun God and Crow God comes to fruition. It is an amazing, brilliant conclusion to this epic fantasy series. I highly recommend Mirrored Heavens and the entire Between Earth and Sky Trilogy. I will surely miss this world and these characters, especially Xiala and Serapio.

“People misunderstand. Love is the most powerful force in the world. It can change minds, change hearts, reshape the heavens and earth. That is why people condemn it, say a woman is stronger without it, but that’s their own fear talking. If you are lucky enough to find love, Xiala, you hold on to it with all you have. It’s a rare thing.”
Rebecca Roanhorse, Mirrored Heavens
Overall Thoughts

Mirrored Heavens, the brilliant final book in Between Earth and Sky, is exactly how to wrap up a series-phenomenally. It concludes the epic fantasy that began in Black Sun and Fevered Star. It picks up right where it left off, and was a gripping, page turning story from the start. The character arcs were complete and done so well. Ms. Roanhorse is a master at her craft, writing intense characters, and amazing world building. We see Xiala come to her full potential as leader of the Teek, overcoming so many obstacles, all the while, she longs for the man she loves, Serapio. We get to see into Serapio’s past, through Balam, as he dreams of Saaya, Serapio’s mother. It was heartbreaking that Serapio’s life was never his own, even before he was born. This was an excellent addition to his story, to understand Serapio, his loneliness, and longing for the only woman he loves, Xiala. Naranpa is not present as much, but she no less plays a crucial role in the story Ms. Roahorse has woven. With plots against the Odo Sedoh growing, and Meridian heading towards war, Mirrored Heavens brings forth an extremely satisfying conclusion to all that came before. All the strands were woven together perfectly. I loved that we see Teek and the Northern Waste, places we only read about, but did not see, and learn of the uniqueness of the Teek women and their magic. The fantasy aspect is, as mentioned previously, unique it its pre-Columbian focus. The pace was even and exciting, and there were many surprises, and twists and turns I could never have predicted. Serapio, Xiala, and Naranpa have come full circle and I was more than satisfied with how their stories concluded. I will miss this world, its beauty, and especially Xiala and Serapio. Rebecca Roanhorse is truly an amazing and brilliant storyteller. I highly recommend Mirrored Heavens and Between Earth and Sky Series.