The Procrastinators Book Club discussion

Welcome to the A ​Sky Beyond the Storm Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on January 9th and anyone can join at any time. Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days can be used to catch up!

Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 01/09
January 9th: Until Chapter 4
January 10th: Until Chapter 8
January 11th: Until Chapter 12
January 12th: Until Chapter 16
January 13th: Until Chapter 20
January 14th: Until Chapter 24

Week of 01/15
January 15th: Until Chapter 28
January 16th: Until Chapter 32
January 17th: Until Chapter 36
January 18th: Until Chapter 40
January 19th: Until Chapter 44
January 20th: Until Chapter 48
January 21st: Until Chapter 52

Week of 01/22
January 22nd: Until Chapter 56
January 23rd: Until Chapter 60
January 24th: Until Chapter 64
January 25th: Until Chapter 68
January 26th: Until the End

PARTICIPANTS
~ May
~ Ilsen

I'll be starting this today or tomorrow!

I know I’m incredibly late in starting this but I have started it today!

Until Chapter 4

(view spoiler)[ So not gonna lie, I was very confused from the beginning even though I watched a recap from the author right before I read this. Although The Nightbringer’s prologue always confuses me but I’m not sure Umber was a character in the previous books or is it just a new sidekick of The Nightbringer? I’m pretty sure it’s the latter because in the other chapters, I pretty much recognize almost everyone.

Also it’s pretty clear from the cover alone, that this book is only going to focus on Laia and Elias POV’s more so than splitting it evenly between the three. But I think it’s because Laia and Helene are more intertwined and so we only need Helene’s POV in certain scenes.

OH SHIT! Cain is back!! The funny thing is that I remember everything very clearly from the first two books because I read them back to back but the third one is a bit fuzzy but I still remember the gist of it. Also what the hell is going on with Laia?? It is tied to the prologue. One thing I’m definitely forgetting is the monsters. I forgot what an efrit is.

Enjoy these jumbled thoughts. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 8

(view spoiler)[ Finally we got the Blood Shrike’s chapter! It’s mostly to gain perspective from the politics side of things and her part of the plan but I still like seeing her perspective. I loved her in the last book!

Omg so that’s why Cain is here! He is here to bring Elias’ memories and bring him back to the main story! I mean I did like the third book but they were all going on in their own venture and rarely crossed paths. And this is the finale. But also, I MISS ELIAS!! He has changed so much and he doesn’t deserve the fate of the Soul Catcher. And the Augurs did cause this whole mess, so the least he can do is try to fix it especially with the prophecy being delivered. Also I love it when the title is mentioned and Cain bringing the callback from the first book.

“It is not the Soul Catcher who is an ember in the ashes, it is Elias Veturius”
“You are my messenger here, at the end, and if you do not tell them, there will be no sky beyond the storm”

Speaking of prophecies, I wonder what the prologue prophecy is alluding to and how it’s connected to the one Cain delivered. Also is Laia gonna tell anyone about what happened to her?? I guess we will see. (hide spoiler)]

Don't worry, you're actually ahead of me! I got busy with school and only read a chapter so far 😅

May wrote: "Don't worry, you're actually ahead of me! I got busy with school and only read a chapter so far 😅"

It’s ok, I understand! I’m going to still try to follow the schedule but we can always adjust it if you want.

We can stick to the schedule for now! I'll aim to finish the book for sure by the end of the month!

Ilsen wrote: "I know I’m incredibly late in starting this but I have started it today!

Until Chapter 4

So not gonna lie, I was very confused from the beginning even though I watched a recap from the author ..."

I just read up to chapter 4! I think Umber is a new character, I don't recall him at all. Then again, I haven't read the third book since the end of 2021 😂

I agree, based on the table of contents, it'll mostly focus on Elias and Laia.

I found it so sad how Elias forgot Laia and even forgot his own identity. He's fully embraced the Soul Catcher role now! Seeing Cain again was interesting!

I'm also confused about what happened to Laia at the end of chapter 4. I'm thinking also it might be related to what happened in the prologue.

I should definitely watch the recap the author made of the previous books since I don't remember much!

Ilsen wrote: " Until Chapter 8

Finally we got the Blood Shrike’s chapter! It’s mostly to gain perspective from the politics side of things and her part of the plan but I still like seeing her perspective. I l..."

Just read these chapters and wow so much was revealed! I'm glad Cain gave Elias his memories again and told him how important he is in the upcoming battle as Elias rather than as the Soul Catcher. I hope by the end of the book Elias can give up his role because its unfortunate he stuck in this position! I also enjoyed the callback to the first book!

I have a feeling Laia won't tell anyone until they see that creature that was inside her again.

I'm enjoying this so far! I'm currently listening to the audiobook and its an interesting experience

Read until chapter 13 (view spoiler)[ Helene made me laugh when she wanted to go after the old lady and Laia had to stop her :D

I found Laia's new abilities to be cool thanks to the guidance of the creature that was in her. Its definitely useful to be able to make others invisible as well!

I had a feeling Laia would have to tell the others soon about what happened and it ended up happening because of Musa.

I was surprised to see them meet up with Elias so soon when they tried passing through the waiting place! The biggest shock for me was finding out the augurs were scholars in the past and all the problems in the book was because the augurs stole the jinn's powers. I can see why the Nightbringer wants revenge!

I'm glad Laia will try to get through to Elias and help him remember who he is, (hide spoiler)]

Read until chapter 18 (view spoiler)[ I can't believe Elias just left Laia alone in the waiting place! Also, I'm curious to learn what's causing the problems in the waiting place. (hide spoiler)]

May wrote: "Ilsen wrote: "I know I’m incredibly late in starting this but I have started it today!

Until Chapter 4

So not gonna lie, I was very confused from the beginning even though I watched a recap fr..."

Glad it wasn't just me. I read A Reaper at the Gates in June 2021 and I was waiting for the paperback for A Sky Beyond the Storm to continue and then I got it and it went to my shelf. So this buddy read was the boost I needed to continue.

Umber is definitely a new character as she is one of the jinn that was freed at the end. It's been a couple months since the end of the last book so now the Nightbringer has his forces everywhere. I was only confused because she was referred by her name.

When Elias' chapter names turned into The Soul Catcher in the third book, MY HEART SANK. It is very sad that he lost his humanity to take on the role that he was forced to take based on the events of the other books. But I do think this book will have a focus on getting his humanity back.

May wrote: "Ilsen wrote: " Until Chapter 8

Finally we got the Blood Shrike’s chapter! It’s mostly to gain perspective from the politics side of things and her part of the plan but I still like seeing her pe..."

Honestly I forgot how important the Augurs were until he came back. Like they literally caused all the trouble and set everything in motion.

May wrote: "Read until chapter 13 Helene made me laugh when she wanted to go after the old lady and Laia had to stop her :D

I found Laia's new abilities to be cool thanks to the guidance of the creature that..."

Until Chapter 13

(view spoiler)[ My thoughts will be short because I agree with everything you said. I like that Laia and Helene are learning to get along after they have been at each other's throats for most of the series. I like their newfound friendship.

I was a little sad that they separated because it would have been cool to see more interactions between them, but it makes sense that Laia leaves to help Elias. If anyone is to help him find his humanity, it would be Laia as it was Laia that inspired him to give up his life as a Mask and change the course of the series.

The one character I forgot about for sure was Tas. I only remembered him briefly when they said that he was the one that Elias helped save in Kauf prison but I did not know he was a child.

It doesn't surprise me that she told everyone because she had to explain how she could make everyone else invisible. I also do like her new powers and wonder what other powers will be unveiled.

I also didn't think they would meet Elias so soon. I do remember the past about the Augurs because it was revealed to Elias in the third book. Just Laia and Helene are now realizing it but it is a good reminder as to why the Nightbringer wants revenge. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 16

(view spoiler)[ I miss Elias and Laia. Although whenever she tries to be playful to lure his humanity, it is a bit funny. Elias is curious but it's not enough to give in at least not yet.

The only thing that is important is that the Blood Shrike is going through the politics again as it is her role in this story. And we have seen the horrors that the Commandant and the Nightbringer has done with no hesitation. The scene where she finds a slaughter inside the castle is sickening. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 20

(view spoiler)[ I can believe that Elias left her because his real self has been almost forgotten. It will be a long journey until it is uncovered. At the very least, Cain gave him his memories and we see glimmer of memories in his perspective.I also wonder what is going on with The Waiting Place but it probably has something to do with The Nightbringer.

LAIA NO! This plan was a bad idea from the start. I didn't need to have a magical being inside me to know that being captured by the jinns and trying to "know" information is a bad idea especially with their powers. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 24

(view spoiler)[ The Blood Shrike's chapters was filled with action but no Faris died!! So many people are dying and I just don't want anymore characters to hurt. Also the Karkauns are straight up barbaric and they are crazy! What are they saying? Why are they doing blood rituals? I hope the invasion was not in vain and hopefully the citizens of Antium fight back.

So the rot is tied to the Nightbringer but we still do not know what exactly. In the meanwhile, Laia knows that jinn can be killed but not by a weapon forged by humans so the weapons that Darin is making, will it even work? I mean it's so the Scholars can fight against the Martials which will work for Keris' army but not for the jinns. We will see how that will develop. Also yes Elias! Fight for Laia! (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 28

(view spoiler)[ Helene's chapter in which she is about to die is very humanizing as she finally acknowledges that her loyalty to the Empire have cost many people of their lives and it was not about loyalty. It was about power and control. I gasped when Spiro Teluman rescued her because I thought he was dead!

The chapter where Laia fights with the Nightbringer and kills Khuri, one of the jinn is very interesting. Oh yea, I never mentioned that she finally questions Rehmat and wonders if she can really trust him. Getting the weapon and killing one of them which even makes Rehmat disappointed makes this battle scene with a hint of sadness. Like yes, the jinn should be defeated but the death of their kind was the reason why the Nightbringer wanted revenge in the first place. Seeing a powerful Scholar kill their kind will only make the cycle keep going. On top of that, after the shock of it, she drops the weapon and it is lost. So I wonder how she will proceed in this dilemma.

Elias leaves Laia again and like why?? He already showed glimmers of hope. I don't want it to keep going back and forth as Laia and Helene are doing something to fight and the chapters with him are becoming repetitive. But he is slowly coming to his senses as he is seeing The Waiting Place as a prison which it originally was for him. Also the very little intimate scene with Laia and Elias is AHHHH!! I feel like the romance has kinda took a backseat to the plot which is fine but the little scenes we get.

Speaking of romance, the scene with Helene and Harper in which she admits that she didn't want him to participate in the invasion because she cannot fathom losing him. And she doesn't want to give into him because everything that is in stake for the Empire. She finally told him how she feels but it comes with a tinge of sadness. Why is everything so sad??? The author continues to break our hearts. Also I think that it will be interesting if Helene does become the Empress because she is definitely capable of it. (hide spoiler)]

Just read up to chapter 27! And yes its so sad seeing so many characters dying!
I'm glad Elias went against the Soul Catcher's instinct and helped Laia escape the Nightbringer and the jinns.
Laia's reckless plan actually worked! Be close to the Nightbringer to steal the weapon, too bad she dropped the weapon after killing that one jinn.
Elias leaving Laia again was frustrating lol (I want more Laia and Elias moments) but at least he's slowly gaining his senses back and realizing the waiting place isn't really his home!

Until Chapter 36

(view spoiler)[ OMG Rehmat being the jinn queen definitely shocked me. And to read on and see that her magic spread so far which is why Laia and Helene have powers is crazy! Also an answer as to why they had these powers was there from the very beginning.

Laia is definitely being stubborn as the Nightbringer should be defeated but to kill him and his kind, the whole cycle would start again. But Laia is so caught up with vengeance that she feels like violence is the only answer.

But based on Elias' chapter, maybe it is best to stop him considering that the Nightbringer is going to bring all the suffering into the world with the ghosts. This series has so much pain surrounding it as a theme and the actions surrounding it.

Helene's chapters are very political which isn't new as that's how her chapters go. My heart sank when I thought Harper died and I hope she actually gets to tell him how she feels fully even though I'm sure he knows. Also, I wonder if she is actually going to take the title of Emperor which she should because she fought very violently to take back the city.

I will say the most interesting chapters are the ones dealing with Laia and the now jinn queen. Also the end of Chapter 33 was very weird like no, Keenan was a ruse to just get the Star. Although I guess you could say they have similar paths mirrored but it was still a strange scene. I want to continue reading to see how it develops. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 40

(view spoiler)[ THE MANGO SCENE??? I was literally reading that at work and I was blushing because what is that scene. Also Elias almost gave in.

Sometimes Laia's fierce love for her people blinds her to doing things that are logical. Those Scholars did not have a chance and she only led them to their slaughter but they have done enough suffering being enslaved that even death is considered a respite, which is so depressing. This series is so heartbreaking but it does not hold back when it comes to the depiction of war and how horrible it is.

HELENE SAY SOMETHING TO HARPER PLEASE!! Also that guy is so racist and classist like shut up, the other Maters were cowardly while everyone else took back their city. Even though Elias is still the Soul Catcher, I am glad to see that he has become a leader for the Tribespeople and he is slowly unraveling the plan that the Nightbringer has for the Empire. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 44

(view spoiler)[ AHHH FINALLY HELENE AND HARPER ARE TOGETHER!! But at a cost, because Helene loses Livia to Keris which is heartbreaking as they were literally just talking about how they were the only family left. My heart breaks for Helene because she was feeling joy for the first time in ages and then the next days she watches her sister die in front of her. And her healing powers are fading as well because of the Nightbringer's doing.

Meanwhile, Elias is being dragged back to the Waiting Place after Laia saved him from the Nightbringer and he hurt Laia trying to escape from them. I hope he can come back and overcome Mauth. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 48

(view spoiler)[ Elias is finally breaking through that he needs his humanity to fight the Nightbringer which means there is more hope that his humanity and emotions will come through. It is already coming through with his scenes with Laia. The little Elias and Laia scenes we get just makes me happy though and I just want them closer.

Helene being an auntie is very heartwarming despite the circumstances. And I like that Baby Zacharias has Tas as a companion to learn from and keep him company. The scene where Helene gets to release all her pent up feelings from all the pain that she suffered makes me emotional because Helene has went through so much and she has to keep it all in for the sake of the Empire. She has grown so much throughout the series. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 52

(view spoiler)[ Damn right, Laia! Tell that Zaldar off! If anyone can beat the Nightbringer, it is Laia. Also we are finally getting to the climax to the book of the final battle. Elias is also seeing the message that the jinn queen has tried to tell Laia: that the end of the battle is not to see the jinn destroyed but to bring balance to the world. And Helene is also joining them in the battle! We also learn that Keris has a weakness in which she feels a kind of love for Elias that might stop her from the bigger plan. She is a monster but she still feels a sort of protection for Elias. Laia also knows the story of the Nightbringer that we have gotten in pieces throughout the story but she is still missing something to completely defeat him. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 56

(view spoiler)[ Elias learning to embrace his emotions and bonding with everyone makes my heart so happy. Elias calling out Helene on her sins and prejudices just like in the first book, but this time Helene is more accepting to atone for her sins. All of the hating and dividing has just led to more war in which it will never end. The solution is not to wipe the jinn's existence but to reach an understanding with them and all beings so there will be peace.

Helene knowing Keris' past and her past humanity may help defeat her just like the same can be said with the Nightbringer. As we have been told, their past suffering is what made them united so understanding what happened to them to make them this way can lead to their defeat and end of suffering.

Laia and Elias having a moment to each other before the final battle and the same with Helene and Harper. AHHH MY HEART!! (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 60

(view spoiler)[ Elias trying to convince the jinn to come back to the Waiting Place in the logical way Mauth wants is not how they are going to come back. Umber is right, Mauth literally does not feel any emotion and ignores the pain that the jinn has suffered just to maintain the balance. I feel like all that has happened should show that empathy and emotions is important to have when maintaining the balance and peace of the world.

ALSO NO HARPER!! I started crying when this happened like this is the scene that finally broke me. Helene has already went through so much and when she finally told Harper how she feels and let her feels happiness for so little of their time, she loses him. Helene has went through death after death and her whole life crumbling before her. I wanted her to have her own happiness within herself. I cannot deal with this death, IT HURTS TOO MUCH! (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 64

(view spoiler)[ ON TOP OF THAT, DARIN DIES??? Literally the whole series was about keeping him safe and saving her brother and he dies trying to save her sister from the Nightbringer?? It is too painful. And Laia with all of her rage gives the Nightbringer exactly what he wants which is for him to die to unleash the Sea of Suffering onto the world??? And then Elias gets dragged into the cyclone to save Laia?? IT IS ALL TOO MUCH! (hide spoiler)]

Until the End

(view spoiler)[ The first time we have ever seen Elias' father (at least I think it is) and he is the one that helps Elias be himself again after all that Mauth has put him through in order to "maintain the balance". Like Elias' father says, there is no way to convince people of anything especially the jinn, without acknowledging their joy and the suffering they have endured. This chapter with his father telling him that the horrible things he has done cannot define him is so important and one of my favorites. Especially in the end when he remembers his family's motto and uses it for good: "Always victorious".

What I like about this finale is that even with the most monstrous of villains like the Nightbringer and even worse Keris Veturia, the author still finds a way to humanize and empathize with them. Now knowing her past, it makes sense why she shares the same resentment for the Scholars as the Nightbringer did because of how it affected her family and having her mom being tortured. Obviously it does not excuse any of the horrors that she has done to countless people but it shows how she wasn't just evil just because. ALSO THE END WHERE WE FIND OUT COOK IS ALIVE?? I had to reread that part just to see if it was really true because I really did think she was dead.

And finally with Laia, it was shown throughout the book that the only way to defeat the Nightbringer is to empathize with him, acknowledge his pain, and comfort him in order for the cycle of suffering to end. It is such a different way to end the battle but it is the most beautiful and truthful. And with Rehmat revealing that her name means Mercy and giving Mercy to the Nightbringer even after all that has happened also made me cry. And they make good on their promise. Elias attempts to bring the jinn back to the Waiting Place and they leave the jinn in peace if they do not. Also, Cook completes the end of the prophecy and relieves Elias from the Soul Catcher position and sets him free!

In the end, Helene does become Empress on the condition that everyone is equal and she won't produce an heir. It makes me sad that she has sworn off of everyone because her one true love is gone. When his ghost says that he is happy because he protected Helene at the end, it just made me cry even more. While Musa and Helene are friendly with each other, I feel like they are just more friendly companions and no one will ever be able to fill the hole with Helene. She is still happy because baby Zach is still there and there is finally peace but I wish she had been able to live happily with Harper. I am also happy that Quin is her Blood Shrike because he has been a mentor to her and they are close.

Elias and Laia getting the happy ending that they have been searching for since the beginning makes me so happy. Laia being a Kehanni and telling the story of the Nightbringer so history won't repeat itself and Elias being a teacher to others and all of them are in peace. (hide spoiler)]

This book was an emotional roller coaster and I am so glad I finally read this. It has become one of my favorite series and I will read it over and over again!

I read up to chapter 34 yesterday and these are my thoughts I kept track of as I was reading the chapters.

Chapter 29: Since when was the Nightbringer a son of Mauth??
Chapter 31: The jinns lost their power... interesting. Wow they want to release all the suffering into the world. wasn't expecting Keris to be that important to the Nightbringer's plan! I'm glad Elias will now join the fight!
Chapter 33: Wow wasn't expecting Rehmat to be a jinn and the Nightbringer's queen...
Chapter 34: My heart dropped when I though Harper was killed at first. So glad that he's still alive! I find it funny that Helene finally admits her feelings towards Harper when she thought she had lost him. It makes sense for the people to be chanting her name rather than Zacharias since the emperor is still a child and she's the one who's been fighting for them. I have a feeling Helene will be the empress by the end of the book!

I've been very behind because of school assignments and midterms started for me. But I'll share my thoughts and read your comments once I reach those chapters! I'm glad to see you enjoyed the book!!

May wrote: "I read up to chapter 34 yesterday and these are my thoughts I kept track of as I was reading the chapters.

Chapter 29: Since when was the Nightbringer a son of Mauth??
Chapter 31: The jinns lost t..."

It’s ok I understand! I just wanted to finish the book before the end of January! And in terms of the Nightbringer being the son of Mauth, it was explained in the third book that the jinn were made to help the souls pass through the Waiting Place. The Soul Catcher was only made when all the jinn suffered and lost power and they didn’t want to do it. They made Shaeva as a Soul Catcher as punishment for betraying the jinn to the Augurs. Also it’s not that the jinn lost their powers. They just weaken very quickly after a fight because of how long they had been trapped in the grove.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the book!

Thanks for the recap! That makes more sense now :)

I've read up to chapter 46! And yes the mango scene 😂 Elias was trying so hard to resist!! Lol I can't imagine reading that in public.

I agree this series does a good job at showing how horrible war is! Reading what Keris and the Nightbringer's army are doing to the scholars is terrible!

It's pretty cool how Rehmat's backstory and what happened to her was the reason why Laia and Helene got their powers. A part of me agrees with Rehmat when she tells Laia it's better to defeat the Nightbringer rather than kill him, because I worry what would the jinns do if the Nightbringer is killed.

I was so happy to see Harper and Helene finally together! But then it was devestating to see Keris killing Livia. Poor Helene, she suffered so much and now Zacharias doesn't have a mother!

I like how slowly Elias is getting a little of his humanity back, you can see he really cares for Laia. My favourite scene was when Elias told her he wouldn't be able to save her if she called, yet when Laia called for him he instantly went to her.

I'm glad Laia finally got the scythe, they're one step closer to defeating the Nightbringer!

This whole time we thought the Nightbringer wanted revenge on the scholars, but really he wants to unleash destruction on everyone! His grief really has affected him.

May wrote: "I've read up to chapter 46! And yes the mango scene 😂 Elias was trying so hard to resist!! Lol I can't imagine reading that in public.

I agree this series does a good job at showing how horrible w..."

The author really said let’s have a seduction by mango XD Also the glimmers of Elaia is what we need!

Helene really can’t catch a break!! Every little happy moment she gets is followed by a heartbreaking moment. Livia was literally the only family she had left and a reminder of the life she used to have. I thought they were going to be there until the end. Also the poor baby who needs his mother!

The Nightbringer’s grief runs so deep that it is manifesting into something so destructive that will destroy the world. It’s really sad. Also I’m glad the answer for how their magic was originated was finally answered with Rehmat.

Ilsen wrote: " Until Chapter 48

Elias is finally breaking through that he needs his humanity to fight the Nightbringer which means there is more hope that his humanity and emotions will come through. It is a..."

I'm loving the Elias and Laia moments! And same here, that scene with Helene letting out all her feelings made me emotional too! I'm glad afterwards she was able to promise her nephew that she'd do whatever she can to protect him.

Ilsen wrote: " Until Chapter 56

Elias learning to embrace his emotions and bonding with everyone makes my heart so happy. Elias calling out Helene on her sins and prejudices just like in the first book, but t..."

I enjoyed seeing Elias bonding with everyone! It was a nice change from him trying to be the distant Soul Catcher.

The Elias/Laia and Helene/Harper moments before the final battle was nice! Unfortunately as I was reading it I had a bad feeling one of them won't make it.

Ilsen wrote: " Until Chapter 60

Elias trying to convince the jinn to come back to the Waiting Place in the logical way Mauth wants is not how they are going to come back. Umber is right, Mauth literally does ..."

I just stopped at Chapter 60 right now and I can't believe Sabaa killed off Harper!! I had a feeling someone was going to die, but I was hoping I was wrong! Poor Helene, she suffered too much :( I hope Helene is the one to kill Keris after everything she did to her.

I'm honestly scared to continue reading

I just read chapter 61 and now Darin is gone too 😭This book is making me too sad!

Ilsen wrote: " Until Chapter 64

[spoilers removed]"

The Nightbringer's plan was definitely not something I expected! Who knew Laia killing him would release the Sea of Suffering?! I'm wondering how will they stop this!

May wrote: "Ilsen wrote: " Until Chapter 60

Elias trying to convince the jinn to come back to the Waiting Place in the logical way Mauth wants is not how they are going to come back. Umber is right, Mauth l..."

I AM STILL SO DISTRAUGHT THAT SHE KILLED HIM OFF!! Helene deserved her happy ending!! I can’t!

May wrote: "I just read chapter 61 and now Darin is gone too 😭This book is making me too sad!"

The last 80% was so painful. It was literally just me crying of everyone dying. That one especially hurt since this whole series revolved around saving her brother and she was only with him for so little time. Sabaa how dare you???

May wrote: "Ilsen wrote: " Until Chapter 56

Elias learning to embrace his emotions and bonding with everyone makes my heart so happy. Elias calling out Helene on her sins and prejudices just like in the fir..."

I also really liked that scene too. I also felt it was a goodbye before the battle started but it just made me so sad.

Ilsen wrote: "May wrote: "I just read chapter 61 and now Darin is gone too 😭This book is making me too sad!"

The last 80% was so painful. It was literally just me crying of everyone dying. That one especially h..."

That's a good point! The whole point of the series was to protect Darin 😭 Sabaa was evil for killing him off

May wrote: "Ilsen wrote: "May wrote: "I just read chapter 61 and now Darin is gone too 😭This book is making me too sad!"

The last 80% was so painful. It was literally just me crying of everyone dying. That on..."

Truly 😭😭😭

Ilsen wrote: " Until the End

The first time we have ever seen Elias' father (at least I think it is) and he is the one that helps Elias be himself again after all that Mauth has put him through in order to "ma..."

Just finished!

And yes, I think that's Elias' father too! I liked how he remembered himself again by remembering the "always victorious" family saying!

It was nice to see Keris and Nightbringer's backstory and the pain they dealt with because it allowed us to understand why they turned out the way they did. I agree, it was written in a way that we can feel empathy for them yet not excuse the terrible things they did to others.

I was shocked to find out Cook was alive!! But I'm glad she was the one to end up killing Keris. Also, it's perfect that she was able to become the next Soul Catcher and relieve Elias of his duties.

I'm so glad that Laia and Elias got a happy ending! It was so cute seeing Elias stuttering during the proposal scene 😂

I'm glad that Helene is the Empress since she deserves it after everything she's done for the Empire. Even though she dealt with a lot, I'm glad she has her nephew and Musa as a friend to help her process her grief and to still have some happy moments in her life.

I really enjoyed this book!

May wrote: "Ilsen wrote: " Until the End

The first time we have ever seen Elias' father (at least I think it is) and he is the one that helps Elias be himself again after all that Mauth has put him through i..."

Yes it was a really good ending! Especially with the prophecy. Cook being alive was also surprising to me and yea it made sense that she killed Keris after all the pain she was put through. I’m still a little sad that Helene lost Harper, her one true love, but I’m glad she is Empress. Also Elias and Laia finally get to be happy together! This series is always going to be one of my favorites!

Thank you for buddy reading with me even though we were off schedule!

Thank you! It was fun reading with you and hearing your thoughts :)