A review by wendeedeedee36
Once the Skies Fade by Vanessa Rasanen

4.5

I have been looking forward to Matthias’ story since I first read UTSF and Vanessa did not disappoint! First and foremost, I ADORE Matthias. He is a cinnamon roll type MMC and also a badass general. He sees beyond the “monster” in Calla and gets to know her as a person too, even when he’s conflicted about her. And he always has a funny quip, masking emotions and pain with sarcasm. He’s basically what I call a “Cassian type” MMC and those are my favorites. 
Calla was a little more difficult for me. She has an absolutely tragic life with the deaths of her family and husband so close together. (Fun fact: I’m crap with names so it didn’t click going in that “Calla” being widowed meant Brennan……and I was very sad.) Her sadness and rage are so real I wanted to cry for her. However, I really struggled with her attitude towards all humans afterwards, and I was a little surprised that this attitude continued as far as 75% through the story. She gets there though and I think her character growth is really important. 
I really like Isa and Asher. I am super excited for Asher’s story next but I would also love to see more of Isa, and maybe her own book eventually. 

Thank you so much for this ARC opportunity 🫶🏻