I’m going to start off by saying that I did a soft DNF of this book (I got it as an ARC) because as I was reading it— getting further into the the story— it was announced that Skyshade was *not* to be the final book in a trilogy, but rather book 3 in a 5 (?) book series. This really put me off. The story was starting to get a bit tedious and repetitive, despite having a pretty interesting and engaging beginning. Then I find out that this love triangle is going to be stretched out over MORE than 3 books???? Honestly, I thought 3 was already pushing it. I liked Nightbane and had pretty high hopes for Skyshade… 😮‍💨

The plot came together and got a bit more interesting at the end… but that was after a million side quests, a lot of very redundant dialogue, and an unreal amount of “nicknames” for our FMC. Soooooooooo, kind of strong start?? decent ending??? exhausting middle.

Audiobook narration was nice— the narrator seems to have really found her comfort with the characters and various voices. Good performance.

Will I pick up the 4th? I mean, likely.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this audiobook!

First off let me say I do love this series so much. Probably one of my favorite in recent years.

I especially love Grim and Isla. And their scenes in this book were spectacular. Had me screaming and kicking my feet and giggling. They somehow managed to turn their scenes into a Christmas novel and I’m not complaining!

However I will say this novel did fall into a pitfall the previous books didn’t which is that the love triangle has outlived its purpose or entertainment value. It’s just frustrating at this point. I genuinely like Oro but I think it’s time to find a purpose for him outside of Isla and the love triangle. He has other friends and a kingdom to rule. I want to see more of Oro outside of Isla.

That being said I still really did enjoy the book and can’t wait for the next one. Alex is a master of plot twists!

And I want more of Grim and Isla with Winter vibes please!

This was....... interesting. I'm honestly not entirely sure what to think. I feel like a lot of this book didn't need to happen and shouldn't have. This series could've been a lot shorter in my opinion. I'm still ticking to it just to know how it ends because it will kill me if I don't. This just lacked a lot from the first two books. Lacked depth, lacked character, lacked MY interest, and lacked editing.... It should've stayed a trilogy because why is there going to be 2 more books??

Really enjoyed this one! I was a little hesitant because I didn't enjoy the second one as much as the first one. BUT this one totally caught up to speed. The love triangle was *chefs kiss*. It ends on a delicious cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next book!

3rd book for Lightlark. I was screaming the entire time. I love this book and this world and all the characters in it. I absolutely cannot wait for Oro and Grim's book later this year.

Loved Lightlark. Loved Nightbane. Liked Skyshade enough to get through. I'm glad I finished, even just to see how everyone faired in the battle to survive. Definitely a twist with long-dead rulers and portals to alternate realms. I just really like Grimm!

In "Skyshade" by Alex Aster, readers are plunged back into the tumultuous world where Isla Crown faces the aftermath of a harrowing battle at Grim's castle on Nightshade. The narrative oscillates between the past and present, revealing Isla's internal struggle between her forbidden love for the enigmatic ruler of Nightshade and her desperate mission to save Lightlark and its king from impending doom. As Isla grapples with the devastating consequences of her powers, she must navigate the blurred lines between friend and foe while deciphering the oracle’s cryptic prophecy. Amidst the brewing storm of a long-dormant evil, Isla’s decisions hold the balance of two warring kingdoms—and her own fractured heart—in their hands. Will she rise to the challenge and save the world, or will her actions lead to its ruin?

"Skyshade" was a disappointing addition to the series for me, primarily because it felt unnecessarily stretched to extend the storyline. While the first half captivated me with the intriguing presence of Grim, I couldn't help but question whether it was too soon for him to be positioned as the endgame. The narrative was riddled with plot holes, contributing to a confusing reading experience. Furthermore, Isla's character lacked depth and development, leaving me frustrated with her disregard for the only two individuals who genuinely care about her. Her journey seemed stagnant, failing to evoke empathy or connection. Given these issues, I am uncertain about continuing with the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Amulet Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is so egregiously bad I'm impressed how loyal the publisher is to Alex Aster. I do wish they would do her the favor of hiring an editor who will actually give her tips on how to improve. But hey, it doesn't matter as long as those TikTok views stay up.

I wasn't able to stay engaged with Skyshade. I am a mood reader and find at times, it's me that the issue not necessarily the author. I did enjoy the narration and for that I will rate this 3 stars with a plan to go back and try to finish when I am in the mood!

Thank you, Netgalley, the author, and RB Media for the gifted audio-book! ❤️ #gifted. My review is comprised of my honest thoughts.

This was good. I liked the previous ones more, but still enjoyed it. Love triangles aren't my favorite. If they are yours then you will love this. The characters didn't develop as much as I expected.

The first book in this series was one of the best fantasy books I’ve read in a while. Lightlark had it all! However as the series continued and I got to Skyshade, it felt like I was loosing interest. The story was repetitive and I didn’t feel the same sense of fulfillment. Hoping the next two books that finish the series wrap it all together and pick up some of the slack from this book. There is hope.

I love this book bc it’s like a why chose. You love both of the characters and can’t pick which one you want her to fall in love with and we don’t really have to chose. I usually don’t like love triangles but this book does it perfectly it makes you fall in love with both male characters

Thank you NetGalley and RBMedia for the ARC

Unfortunately this series it just going downhill for me. I liked Lightlark well enough and kept reading for the cliffhanger. I feel the authir does cliffhangers well, but fail to follow them up with an interesting story. The love story has run dry and is just annoying at this point.

I didn't enjoy this the way I initially thought I would. To the the point that I DNF'ed at 60 percent . As per my late review. I hope the next installment is better since I really enjoyed the first two books.

Thank you netgally for the audio arc.

I was so excited to read this one... especially after the ending of book 2. However, I was a little not into this one as much as sad as I am to say.

However, I also went into this thinking it was the last book... so I am sooo curious to see where this is going!!

While the audio narration continues to be well done in this series, and I have zero complaints there, I don’t think I’ll be continuing the series. So much is going on in this story, it’s full of the ingredients that usually make up an addictive romantasy, yet I continue to not feel invested or connected enough to the characters. I hoped that something would click, but I think it’s not for me.

That cliff hanger!!! Omg. But sadly this was a disappointed to me and by far not my favorite in the series. But not enough to dnf the series so take that how you will.

Love this book. Can’t wait till the next one. The cliffhanger was INSANE. I just knew this series wasn’t over. There are so many unanswered questions that I need to know!!!

Very much enjoyed!! Was not expecting the plot twist. Loved the journey from start to finish and picked up a hardcover for my bookshelf after.

I was able to listen to the audiobook pre-release. Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It was hard getting back into the world for the first 25% of the book. But I was pleasantly surprised with the twists and turns! And I hate to say, as a Grim girly, I can see how people are Team Oro. But alas, another cliff hanger. Until the next one...