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.

The further I go in this series, the more I am hooked!

After the twist at the end of book two, I could not imagine being convinced to feel any differently than I did about Oro and Grim or who Isla was meant to be with. But I was wrong, and conflicted and as it turns out, Isla is too.

I can’t wait to see where the series goes with the next two books recently announced!

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook.

Alex Asher WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO US?! Absolutely love this series so far but realized this is no longer a trilogy but will be five books! Book 3 continues as Book 2 ends with a love triangle between Grim and Oro. I mean how can Isla choose?! Well I want them all! It’s very difficult for us as readers to choose a side, because honestly I love them both. Oro is the muscular, empathetic, kind, great ruler of Lightlark and will always love Isla, but Grim is this sexy, strong, killing machine who only yields to Isla. This love triangle is giving Aelin, Dorian, Chaol Throne of Glass and Hunger Games vibes! Also Linx is still my furry best friend. We find out more about Isla’s heritage and her parents, answering more of our questions!

In this book you meet Lark, an undying witch who is ridiculously powerful and will take over if Oro and Grim do not unite their kingdoms. So that’s fun- and we are left with yet ANOTHER cliff hanger! Ahh the age old question WAS who will Isla choose, but I’ve made my decision she gets both and eat cake too! Forever love Oro like a contemporary romance novel, but also Grim like a morally grey MC who loves to make love. Loved this book and can’t wait to see what adventures or trouble Isla will get into in books 4 and 5!

I honestly had to think about this book for quite a few days now, before I could post about it. I went into the book, thinking it would be the third and last in a trilogy and that we would finally get an answer to this love triangle.

Therefore I was kinda shocked about another cliffhanger ending, because the author hadn’t yet made her announcement about two more books when I finished it. Up until the last minutes, I somehow thought we would get THE ending😅 My poor heart…
Although this did confuse me a bit, it didn’t take away the joy of listening to the story overall.

I am - and always will be - a Grim girlie. So the fact that this was a very Grim heavy book, made me super happy! And boy that man can groooovel 🧎🏻 I feel like the series gets spicier with every book, not me complaining 😈 However, I had a hard time rooting for Isla in this one. Not because she became darker and morally grey, I really liked that for her. But the back and forth between Grim and Oro was not my favorite in this one.
I would‘ve loved for this to be a trilogy, because I feel like I needed the conclusion to this love triangle NOW… But I will bravely continue the series and hope for the best for my baby Grim 🖤

Overall I enjoyed listening to the story. The narrator did an amazing job and I really loved her ‚Grim voice‘.

This story was everything I wanted in the series! I am craving the next book! As a team Grim I was so happy to see this story develop especially off the back of Nightbane

I don't know why I thought this series was a trilogy, but I'm glad it doesn't seem to be now!

This book was a little slow for me to get into, possibly because it has been a bit since I read the prior 2, so it took a little bit for me to catch up.

I feel so conflicted about how I want this to end, I feel like I can't even say anything.

It was really good and I can't wait for the next one!

Book Two was a thrilling rollercoaster, Book Three felt like a confusing roundabout I couldn’t quite exit. I had high hopes diving in, expecting all my favorite plot points to escalate, and maybe some juicy answers, but instead, I found myself rewinding, confused at times throughout the book. Perhaps it’s because I’m a visual learner and audio just didn’t work for me.

The author’s signature style is still here—beautiful prose, clever twists—but this time, it feels like the story got tangled in its own ambition. There were shining moments, but many threads left me scratching my head, wondering if I’d missed some hidden chapter that would tie it all together.

Alex Aster does it again!

I loved Lightlark and Nightbane, and I loved Skyshade as well. I loved being able to learn more about Isla and her self-discovery. It was also nice to be able to learn more about the lore of each of the lands, as well as some of the history that has been touched upon in previous books.

The way Grim was written was fantastic and I enjoyed being able to see a bit more of the relationship between him and Isla.

I will admit I did not see the twist coming and I enjoyed it. I also liked that we learned a bit more about Isla's parents.

The narrator of the audiobook was fantastic and I thought she captured Isla perfectly.

Can't wait for the next book!

Skyshade is the third installment in the Lightlark saga, and I was excited to jump in where we left off in Nightbane. Skyshade picks up almost immediately where we left off in the previous book. While I don’t typically care for love triangles, this one sucked me in, and has kept me hooked.

The narrator was great. Had a great voice, but I did not care for the way she portrayed Grims gravely voice.

I gave this book a 5 star because I feel the author has done a great job of describing this world and these characters and I still think about them! I really hope there is a fourth book!

I was soooooo excited for this book but I was severely underwhelmed first the plot didn't progress in any way yeah towards the end we got some action but the whole book felt like nothing I loved the islagrim moments don't get me wrong but the love triangle irrated me so bad like clearly there is only right answer like every other chapter she is like I love grim but I love oro too like girl stop being dramatic and just pick one and also I thought this was gonna be a trilogy and I think it should have been like this cuz plot wise this series doesn't need +3 books I feel like this is milking it so yeah I am really disappointed I expected better but I will probably read book four still.