A Sky Beyond the Storm
Ratings81
Average rating4.2
I have made the decision to DNF this book and leave the series unfinished. I started this book because while I really did not enjoy book 3, I loved the first two books and I care about the characters. But as I continued with this final book, it became more and more apparent that I just did not care to finish reading. Sabaa Tahir is a fantastic writer but this series was expanded way too many times which for me, lead to books that seem unrealistic and out of character.
For me, I was completely happy with how book 2 ended and was content with that being the end of Elias and Laia's story. I am excited to see what Sabaa writes next and hopefully, she will have a set number of books for any series and not have to deal with attempting to write a series where the number of books was expanded 2 times.
A Sky Beyond the Storm is everything you could want in a series finale. It delivers the perfect balance of closure and heart-pounding action, while still throwing in twists, turns, and unexpected reveals that keep you on edge until the very last page. The stakes are incredibly high, and the characters go through absolute hell, leaving you emotionally reeling as you experience their triumphs and losses right alongside them.
The emotional depth of the characters is more powerful than ever. Every struggle, every sacrifice feels earned, and their growth throughout the series culminates beautifully here. The plot doesn’t let up, and even in the darkest moments, there’s hope, love, and resilience that shine through.
It’s rare for a finale to satisfy every expectation, but this book does just that. It ties up loose ends while maintaining the intensity that made the series so gripping. If you’ve followed Laia, Elias, and Helene on their journey, A Sky Beyond the Storm will give you everything you need and more—just be prepared to feel every emotion along the way!
“A Sky Beyond the Storm” by Sabaa Tahir marks the bittersweet end of a beautiful series, leaving me with a lingering sense of sadness. Accidentally spoiling myself through fanart didn't diminish the impact of the heart-wrenching moments, each one still carrying its painful weight.
While I cherished every second with the characters, I yearned for more happy endings for those we grew to love. The final book, although a gripping conclusion, left me wishing for additional Elias and Laia moments instead of Elias grappling with those trying to aid him.
Sabaa Tahir's skillful writing captivated me throughout the series, and even as this chapter closes, I eagerly anticipate discovering more of her work in the future. The Ember Quartet will undoubtedly hold a special place in my literary heart.
I don't think I've ever been more disappointed in a series than I have been finishing this one.
After rating the first book 5 stars, naturally I bought the rest of the series to binge....and absolutely wish I hasn't bothered.
The first book was so good, the second still good but less so then I've actively disliked books 3 and 4.
I didn't like the direction it went, I didn't like how much the characters changed, I didn't like how far the story in the second half of the series was from the first half and I hated, HATED, Elias's chapters. I just didn't get his entire story arc.
1 star is for Helene because she is great and will remain so. 1 star is for the beautiful covers.
Such a massive disappointment.
Possibly Spoilery Review:
The final leg in the An Ember in the Ashes journey has finished, and let me tell you guys, I was not at all prepared for the way this series would end. This book continues to follow our three main characters: Elias, Laia, and Helene and their journey to fight for the greater good. @Sabaa Tahir is a genius and you can't convince me otherwise. This book was the culmination of an amazing series set in an amazing world that is rich in culture, character development, and plot. This series isn't leaving my mind or my heart anytime soon. The depth that the author writes with is beautiful and thought provoking, and I was emotional from the dedication down to the last page. I have said it in every review that I have done of this series, but I will say it again: to read these books is to experience them. Our three main characters come together to fight a common enemy, and their journey to get there is full of tragedy and unexpected twists and turns. So many character arcs that I won't get into because spoilers. I just loved this series so much, and it will now sit up there next to my favorites of this genre. This is a young adult fantasy, 16+ for violence and themes.
I am glad I finished. Not a good timing for me, too much war, pain, suffering and dying ...
The finale of this quartet have kept me spellbound for 500 pages. It was dazzlingly entertaining, and like the previous installments, it was as action-packed as heart-wrenching.
The characters are beautifully layered and complex. Elias, Helene, Laia, Avitas and Musa captured my heart. And I can't recall an antagonist i've sympathized with as much as i did with The Nightbringer. The author has an ability to execute powerful and emotional scenes and this book had myriad of them.
It's not quite often to love every single book in a series but this one is an exception. The world is carefully and meticulously built. The plot is very Incredible with brilliant and rich narratives.
Definitely an all-time favorite. I will have trouble finding an amazing series as this one.
It wasn't a bad book. But not great either. However, as the last book of this series it did exceptionally well. The betrayals and the love felt heartfelt. And the characters seemed unlikely alive. The only problem was that the drive behind the characters wasn't convincing enough.
It's definitely a recommended read. The entire series is great, and something every fiction and young adult fiction fan must read.
Currently suffer book hangover.
I'm torn between giving it 4 or 5 stars, because the conclusion didn't satisfy me. I hate that I loved the series so much but the ending left me heartbroken (badly). What is it with the author these days and torturing their characters (and the readers).
I read the first & second installment back in 2018, so I only have so little memory about events happen in the series. It feels like the story took different direction in the third & fourth installment. I'm not rooting for Laia or Elias anymore, but Helene, now The Blood Shrike. The POV jump between the three of them but I only care so much on Helene's story this time.
So many happens I can't make it brief, I'm too heartbroken. Perhaps later I would make decent review, after I get through this painful book hangover. Do read the series, it's definitely worth your time. And prepare your heart my friends, don't say I didn't warn you.
Now excuse me, I want to crawl into a cave & cry for days. Family, please don't need me.
WHY DID EVERYONE DIE AT THE END?!!???‼️‼️
anyways yes this book is chefs kiss
one minor thing that i didn't like, way too dragged out sometimes. i don't think i needed to be 530 pages, but maybe that's just me idkskkfkks
4.5
to live and love is to suffer
this book - hell, this series - is dark and painful and not everyone's going to like it but this kahani (alt. to Kehanni) is also very captivating and, overall, hopeful
Contains spoilers
This is one of those books that you will read over and over again, envious of someone reading it for the first time. A world is created in which you immerse yourself completely. It has been so well thought out and nothing was described too extensively. The Waiting Place in particular is brilliant, I think it's a nice version of what happens after someone dies. The dynamics between the characters are just right, the friendships and bonds come across as very believable. Sometimes the story slowed down a bit, but by building up to the exciting final battle, the Nightbringer's intensely sad story was even more impressive in the end.
When you are so invested in a story, you have to pause a moment when someone dies. At times I had to put the book down for a while, what a misery. It's also what makes it a great book, nobody's spared from the catastrophes of war.
After the first book, Hel quickly became my favorite character. With everything she endured, she just kept going. She is so strong and loyal, and when her tribulations just didn't stop, I felt for her. She lost everything and everyone, and still fought on. Loyal to the end, indeed.
It took me foreeeever to read this, in part because of life happening but also becasue this was beautifully written (honestly, her writing has always been good but it's so clearly elevated over the series) BRUTALITY. This series was always about the atrocities and human costs of war, but the body count in this one and the stacks of suffering are especially hard to read right now after a full pandemic year counted in tragedies of every kind. As promised by the title, Tahir does end the series on a hopeful note, and the journeys feels earned for her characters, but prepare yourself going in to it or if you're just starting the series. Light it is not.
“You're tough and smart. You're a survivor, Laia. You always have been.”
please I love this book and this series so much, now I want an elaia novella
Read for Emberalong
I loved this book so much and the ending was honestly really amazing. When I first read it seemed like an obvious 5 star read but after the Emberalong liveshow (spoilery) I realized it had a couple flaws. A couple things seemed too convinent, but I can't imagine this story ending another way.
A fabulous end to one of my favorite series of all time. I really need to wait a few years and just read the whole thing in one go instead of reading one, waiting forever, referring to my notes and then reading the latest installment. I really feel Tahir has amazing writing chops and can't wait to see what they do next!
I don't think I have ever read a series conclusion book as mighty as this one. It does what all good series enders should do which is not just wrap up all the story lines and plot points, but cap off a story that has gotten better and better in each telling and which does each and every character the justice they deserve. I cried, I laughed, I glared, and sometimes read the same sentence over and over and over because it was that good and I didn't want to forget. If you're finishing the series, or debating whether to start it, all I can say is that it is definitely a journey, it will change you, as any good story does, and it is utterly worth it. Thank you, Sabaa, for these incredible characters and this incredible story.
This was a fast paced and intense read. I had a hard time putting it down.
I have to leave it content warning for violence, death and sexual content.
This was a spectacular finale but I'm gonna need some time to gather my thoughts and write a review.