I was given an opportunity to listen to the advanced audio version of Skyshade by Alex Aster, and was so excited to dive right in. I loved Lightlark, and Nightbane, and couldn't wait to continue the journey. Although the story was fun, and I'm deeply invested in the characters, It doesn't feel as if much happened in this book. We didn't actually get anywhere. It felt like filler, and sure do hope that the next novel in the series expands on the current narrative, more than Skyshade. Furthermore, the narrator's voices of the male characters took me out of the story quite often. Sorry Alex, I adore your work, but this one was quite a bit lackluster for me.

I really like the narrator of these books. She makes it super easy to listen to. I am getting quite annoyed with the story and why a choice hasn't been made....

I overall enjoyed the narrator and the listening experience. However, as the third book in a series (which I also had thought was originally supposed to be a concluded trilogy?) I did not love this book.
I felt like the love triangle is being dragged out and the relationships are unearned -- I currently am not invested in either relationship and honestly don't even know who I'm rooting for her to end up with. The love triangle seems more like a necessary plot device for her to just have access to all these powers she needs rather than there being any kind of true emotional depth or trust or connection that was built between her and either of the love interests. As a young adult librarian, I know there is currently an overlap of "true" young adult vs. more "new adult" content for more mature teens/older readers who enjoy the young adult vibe but with more maturity (like myself) and this book seems to straddle that line as there were some more intimate scenes in this book compared to the previous two. But since both relationships have somewhat toxic dynamics, I'm not sure I would call this one super appropriate for the truer teen reader compared to the prior two books in the series.
The plot also felt dragged out and then when things actually happened they were either too quickly resolved or left as an entirely unresolved cliffhanger. There are still enough tings left unanswered and the world is open to more expansion based on where this book ended, so I am still interested in seeing where the story progresses.

Initially, in the first book, I was torn between grim and oro. In the second book, like most people, I began to like grim more. I started to become bored of the plot/politics in the second book, to the point of only caring about the romance. In this book, I completely lost track of what was going on politically and was becoming increasingly irritated by isla. I was bored with her character in the first 2 books and in this book, I just feel like she’s so confused and a tad annoying. I truthfully stopped reading at 50%. I might pick it back up and try reading the books physically. It’s possible my opinion is because I listened to them all on audio.

Ooh, another great story in the Lightlark series. I like the books in this series; they are fun reads with a sprinkling of romance. I hope that the next book sees Isla pick a partner and find peace for both their worlds (or all the worlds), but we will have to wait and see what happens.

Suzy Jackson did a great job narrating this story and I hope she continues narrating the rest of the series.

Oh, I just loved reading this book! I've really enjoyed this series, and I couldn't wait until this latest installment! The previous book ended on a pretty big note, with a lot of big changes, and I had to know what was going to happen next!

Isla is dealing with a lot. With what her power did, and that she's in love with Oro and Grim, and married to Grim-but she's only recently regained all her memories of Grim. That there's the prophecy that she's going to kill one of them or the other, yeah, that's a pretty sticky situation!

Honestly, I didn't know where I wanted this book to go. I loved Oro and Grim, but I didn't know who would be better with Isla, and I had to read this book to find out who she wanted to be with, in the end. So I had a burning reason to keep reading!

With the reveal that they came from a different place, yeah, that's a game changer. It was a really complicated problem, and Isla had to work through it. I had such a great time watching her do so, as new information came to light, and I had to know what she was going to do!

I didn't know before going into this book if it was the last book in the series or not. Around the time that I was finishing this book, I saw an interview with Alex Aster saying that there was going to be more, so yeah, knowing that, and seeing how this book ended, I need to know what's going to happen next!

Loved reading this book and I can't wait for book 4!

This book was entertaining, but a little bit of a let down compared to the first 2 books in the series. I found the story to drag in the middle which caused me to struggle to get through parts. I think it could have been edited a little better to leave out parts hat weren't necessary to the storyline. I got hooked back into the book in the last 25% and the story picked up in excitement. Although I am a bit disappointed that it didn't wrap up, I am intrigued enough to see where the story goes from here.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this highly anticipated third book.

Unfortunately, this book was a huge disappointment for me. It felt so drawn out, and the constant back-and-forth between the characters was exhausting. We’re already in the third book (which I originally thought was the finale), and yet the characters still can’t make up their minds? Seriously, why?

At this point, I don’t think I’ll be continuing this series. I hope something in the future might change my mind and reignite my love for it, but as of now, I’m feeling let down.

The thrilling newest installment in the Lighlark series, Skyshade sees secrets unearthed and bonds tested. Bringing back old enemies and new problems. A little steamier than I expected of something rated for young adult, definitely intended for a new adult audience much more.

The twists were handled well, nothing was so shocking as to be jarring but shocking enough to keep you on the edge of your seat.

DYING because I thought this was going to be the grand finale where we finally learn WHO our girl Isla is GONNA PICK (team Grim forever), but alas, there is going to be another book. But I can't be too mad because that just means another book for me to eat up! I do wish that the world building and the powers were explored a bit more in depth because it's fascinating (tell me moreee), but I truly love the relationship dynamics. The DRAMA. Devoured it in a day, and I do recommend!

Bravo to the narrator as well. It was a great performance that brought the story to life! I hope she narrates the remainder of the books that will be published in the series!

Skyshade was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 so I can’t even begin to say what my excitement level for reading this. It has been several days since I finished listening to the story and I have never been more torn about what star rating to give this since I have so many feelings about this for things that I love and things that I didn’t love about it. Something I love so much about this story is Isla’s journey in wanting to know more about her parents and what happened. It was such a beautiful journey and it made me cry! 💕😭 I also I additionally love the many moments in this story between Isla and a guy character who I will not be naming! You all have to read this and find out who I am talking about! 🤭 This leads me to my next part of things about this that I didn’t like. One of the things I really didn’t enjoy was the love triangle. I admit that the love triangle trope in general is a trope I usually don’t personally enjoy unless it’s done really well. I loved the love triangle a ton in Lightlark and Nightbane but in this story it really bothered me a lot! 🤦‍♀️ Isla was with one of the guys throughout this story and then as soon as the other guy pops up she becomes so wishy-washy about who she wants and it annoyed me because she’s playing both of them and it really isn’t fair at all to either one of them. It’s really clear to me which guy is end-game since I have been on the team for the guy I’m on the team on since Lightlark. I still am not going to tell you all who it is though! 🤫 Lastly, don’t even get me started on that ending! ☠️😱🤯 I wasn’t prepared for that ending in any possible way whatsoever and I am still processing what happened over a week later because I am in actual shock! 🙀🙀🙀 If you love the Lightlark series, major twists and turns, prophecies, a love triangle, chosen one, angst and tension, and an ending that will emotionally destroy you then I recommend reading this book!

“I’m not sure of much in this world, Isla, but I am sure of this. My love for you doesn’t know reason. It doesn’t know limit. It doesn’t know death. In every universe, every timeline, I am yours . . . and you are mine.”

Overall really enjoyed this book and felt the ending wrapped up a lot of the things that were making me shake my head throughout the story (Isla, girl! I beg you to think one step ahead.... wait she finally did y'all - me at the end).

I PRAY that this is the end of the love triangle & I don't just mean present timeline. I never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever want to read Isla and that other guy touching again.

BUT NO LIE... I am dying to read the next book. That cliffhanger? wow wow wow. Even though this story has it's faults, I've never claimed to have taste and absolutely need more.

I originally found this series a year ago and became obsessed after reading the first book, Lightlark. Then after reading Nightbane I was even more obsessed! I’ve been waiting for this one to drop for a while and I absolutely love the new addition to the series! I love this story and can’t wait to see what happens next! Aster is an auto buy author for me now!

The love triangle had me in a chokehold! I’d imagine every reader will be on a side (Team Grim for me) . I would like to note the plot is expanding and becoming a little more complex as well as the writing is getting better! Very interesting end to the book and I can’t wait to see what the next one has in store for us. I listened to the audiobook and my only wish is they utilized a male voice for Grim & Oro.

I really enjoyed Skyshade overall and would give it somewhere between 3.5-4.5 stars... depending on how the rest of the series goes. I know... I usually rate books completely on their own, but since Skyshade is inextricably linked to Nightbane and whatever book will come after it, I will have to come edit this once we find out where it goes.

I loved the narration and thought the speaker did an amazing job capturing the storyline and the characters!

I loved the magic system and the relationship specifically between Isla and Lynx, as well as what we find out about her past. I love Grim's entire storyline. What I don't love is that this "love triangle" is verging on worse at this point, and it's feeling dragged out. I think I'm concerned that all of this is going somewhere that's going to "kill off" the progress for shock value, but I really hope I'm wrong!!!

SkyShade by Alex Aster is a fast-paced read that picks up right where Nightbane (book 2 in the Lightlark series) leaves off. Isla has chosen to go to Nightshade with Grim in order to save the people of Lightlark from the destruction Grim promised. This creates a lot of distress for Isla, as she had fallen in love with Oro after learning of Grim's deception of erasing her memories. She now has to navigate the newly discovered knowledge of having married Grim, as well as living in a territory where everyone hates her. All this while struggling to accept her new powers and dark urges. Add in mysterious storms plaguing the Nightshade people and a traitor amongst Isla's people, and there is quite a lot going on in this plot. At times it feels like a bit too much. However the main problem for me is Isla refusing to use the powers she's been granted, even when they could easily save her or solve a mystery. Having the power to tell if someone is lying could prove really useful in finding out who the traitor is or isn't. Aside from that frustration, SkyShade is overall an enjoyable read. Some of our favorite side characters return, and we're introduced to a couple of new interesting characters. Grim is, as always, dark and sexy. Oro, while not present for much of the book, has some great moments. The ending for this book definitely leaves us eager to read the next installment.

I would like to thank NetGalley and RBmedia for providing me with an ARC of the audio version. The audiobook is narrated by Suzy Jackson, who also narrates Lightlark and Nightbane. Compared to the narration in the first two books, this one seemed to be a bit faster. I think that Suzy Jackson was a really good fit for Isla. You could hear the emotion in her voice at all the right parts. However, I am not the biggest fan of how she voices the male characters. I’m hoping that the next book will have more chapters from Grim and Oro’s POVs, and hope that they’ll add a male audiobook narrator and alternate. If you are someone who is picky about narrators, I recommend listening to the Audible sample for Skyshade, since the sample includes her voicing both Isla and a male character. Only do that if you’ve already read Nightbane, as the clip contains a spoiler. If you have not read Nightbane, please stop reading this review, as it does contain a few spoilers.

I was unable to put Lightlark and Nightbane down the first time I read them, and was unable to stop listening to Skyshade. I am so invested in Isla/Grim/Oro drama.

Skyshade picks up right after the end of Nightbane. Isla is back on Nightshade, but is unwilling to forgive Grim for manipulating her memories and using her. She develops a fear of her powers, and does something that made me angry because I thought it was incredibly stupid.

As the book progresses, Isla spends time working with Grim, and lines begin to blur. She, understandably, becomes obsessed with the prophecy given to her in Nightbane, and tries to find a loophole. Through her search, she’s informed that she has been betrayed by a Wildling, but is not told which one. When it was revealed who the traitor was, it felt like something out of a soap opera.

I think my favorite part of the book (other than the addition of the baby dragon) was probably the time she spent with Oro. I’m hoping for more interaction between Oro and Grim in book 4. I’m extremely invested in who will fulfill the prophecy, unless Isla finds a way around the prophecy, I will be devastated no matter what. I think it’s really impressive that Alex Aster wrote a love triangle that has me rooting for both guys, that almost never happens for me. I cannot wait for the next book.

Skyshade Review 3.5

I was so incredibly excited waiting for this book to land! When I say I devoured both Lightlark and Nightbane - I am not kidding! Both of those books, back to back had me in such a reading slump - and that Cliffhanger at the end of Nightbane? Had me wanting to reach out to Alex Astor herself so I could riddle her with questions.

As soon as Skyshade hit the shelves, I was first inline to get my fix - to fall head over heels back into this universe Alex had created.

Alas.. something was different..

I feel like the first two books slowly introduced us to the characters, slowly hand feeding the reader small kernals of important information. I myself was able too really connect with both Isla, Grim and Oro their chemistry lept off the pages, I could feel heartbreak and triumph, sorrow and longing, so raw it was almost tangible. Unfortunately to me.. Skyshade felt rushed in comparison.

So many huge events happened, big players were introduced and we as the readers were bombarded with information.. but also not enough information if that makes sense? So many new things were revealed but they didn't feel fleshed out enough to really connect with it.

I felt like if I misinterpreted or simply missed one sentence, I'd be completely lost as to what was happening.

The premise is great! And I do feel like it's a wonderful story, I would have liked for it to slow down a few notches though so us readers could enjoy the ride. For almost 60% of the book I felt I was strapped into a roller-coaster ride struggling to keep my head up, searching for as much scraps of information to really piece together the events that were unfolding.

During one section Isla was in the heat of battle and in the very next sentence or two, she was back walking in a castle, it was a little hard to keep up with at times.

Please don't get me wrong, I am LOVING the Lightlark series, I just believe Skyshade could have potentially been two separate books if each event or piece of important information was more fleshed out. Unfortunately I didn't walk away from Skyshade feeling that immediate reading slump like I did with the first two.

I'm still eagerly anticipating book 4 and I am thankful we will have one. I want to know more about the creatures that are introduced, I'd like to see more history explaining these amazing islands and I'd love to see how Isla comes to her conclusions, not just told about her conclusions.

Also I'd love to read Grims POV! Please and thankyou! 😅🫶

I will still be first inline when Book Four drops - Lightlark heart eater myself here 🫶

Thankyou very much for allowing me the opportunity to listen to this Audiobook 🙏

AHHH! this was one of my most anticipated reads and it did not disappoint! This is the third book in the Lightlark series and much like the first two it is fast paced enjoyable. This book picks up right where the last book ends and anyone who read the last one ... they understand why we have been on the edge of our seats!!

Isla is swept away with Grimm and trying to reconcile the attraction and feelings that are there despite her love for Oro. The first half of this book was giving exactly what we have been wanting it to give. It feels reminiscent of any other fantasy book that has a morally grey man and a young woman trying to understand the feelings that are there and trust me when I say I eat that up every single time! The one complaint I have about this book is that the love triangle is frustratingly a big part of this book. I feel like anyone who knows the books I read and love can guess who I am rooting for (Grimm for those who don't) and the back and forth is starting to make it seem like our main character is too wishy washy for either of these guys. I just don't understand how you can go back and forth after some of the events that happen in this book and I am ready for the choice to be made. That being said I understand how entangled they all are with each other and the guys unwavering support and care would make the choices difficult. But girl make up your mind so we can have this unstoppable team together!! Because of that it can feel like such an in-between book because there is not much progress in the direction we want these characters to make. That being said Alex knows how to write an ending that leaves us wanting more and she did just that. Of course I will be continuing on with this series and I cannot wait!!

I recommend this book to anyone who has been enjoying each step of this Lightlark adventure and who is rooting for our favorite morally grey man! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this highly anticipated third book in the Lightlark series.

I’d like to start this review by saying that I have both the first and second book in the series five stars each. I read them back-to-back and devoured each in about a day each. At the time there were only going to be three books total. It wasn’t until I was about to begin this one that I found that this series had been extended to five books. That should’ve been my first warning about this book. I grew increasingly tired of Isla’s back and forth between Grim and Oro. There was so much fluff and this story seemed to go nowhere. I had to force myself to finish the book. Unfortunately, I won’t be picking up the next book in the series now. I feel like adding the additional books has ruined what this story could’ve been had we had a conclusion in book three.