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A review by zaiphon
Skyshade by Alex Aster
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Light "spoilery" things ahead.
Many mixed reviews, but I found myself enjoying "Skyshade" for what it was.
- The basis has always been the love triangle. I am not surprised it continues to be at the forefront, but I do wish there would have been more growth from Isla at this point.
- While it was determined to originally be a trilogy, I am glad it wasn't. The way the story developed throughout this one only proved there is so much more to clear up and give more foundation to before a finale. This is a pattern I noticed with the others in this series and so I wasn't as upset by the multiple twists and info dumping at the end. I almost expect it. However, there needs to be more strength in the world building
- One strong point for me through Aster's writing is that all characters (no matter how small) felt that they mattered and I found them as interesting as the MC's. Through this, it helps the reader shape the world and mold to fit the character's backstory and traits. With that being said, the next installment should focus on world building as a strength alongside the established characters.
- Lot of content for the Grim lovers, but Oro was not necessarily left out. The ending set us up to still feel conflicted about who she will choose. Isla has herself torn into two parts and I wish there could have been some more exploring of why that is. I think delving further into Oro and Grim will flesh out the characters more to create higher stakes and understanding of the choices Isla and others make. Otherwise, it at times just feels either quickly resolved or that the development of said character(s) is stalled.
Lot of thoughts with this, but for what the story and writing has been from the beginning, I don't feel Skyshade necessarily deserves the hate. My fingers are crossed that the next direct follow up in the series is its redemption and Aster's strengths can stand out to take the series to the next level it desperately needs.
Many mixed reviews, but I found myself enjoying "Skyshade" for what it was.
- The basis has always been the love triangle. I am not surprised it continues to be at the forefront, but I do wish there would have been more growth from Isla at this point.
- While it was determined to originally be a trilogy, I am glad it wasn't. The way the story developed throughout this one only proved there is so much more to clear up and give more foundation to before a finale. This is a pattern I noticed with the others in this series and so I wasn't as upset by the multiple twists and info dumping at the end. I almost expect it. However, there needs to be more strength in the world building
- One strong point for me through Aster's writing is that all characters (no matter how small) felt that they mattered and I found them as interesting as the MC's. Through this, it helps the reader shape the world and mold to fit the character's backstory and traits. With that being said, the next installment should focus on world building as a strength alongside the established characters.
- Lot of content for the Grim lovers, but Oro was not necessarily left out. The ending set us up to still feel conflicted about who she will choose. Isla has herself torn into two parts and I wish there could have been some more exploring of why that is. I think delving further into Oro and Grim will flesh out the characters more to create higher stakes and understanding of the choices Isla and others make. Otherwise, it at times just feels either quickly resolved or that the development of said character(s) is stalled.
Lot of thoughts with this, but for what the story and writing has been from the beginning, I don't feel Skyshade necessarily deserves the hate. My fingers are crossed that the next direct follow up in the series is its redemption and Aster's strengths can stand out to take the series to the next level it desperately needs.