cait_henry56's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
4.25
What an ending to a trilogy I had absolutely no expectations for when thrifting an ARC of the first book. I actually teared up at the end! There is an even balance between the politics, romance, and bloodshed in the final book that wasn't present in the former two. The characters also grow beyond angsty teens/ early adults but in a way that is realistic (plus Branwen finally lays into Esuelt for her selfishness-- something I think many people have wanted since the first book). This was a great escape to get lost in, although it didn't last long enough, I finished this book faster than the previous, which is due to the honing of the author's craft as a writer. I'm not sure she has anything else published, but I'll be looking out for it when it does occur.
kayleigh_kbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
womanon's review against another edition
3.0
While I enjoyed it, there were some things that I just didn't like about this. First of all, it was too slow for my taste. There was a lot of political intrigue as well, and I just don't do well with that, I kept zooming out. I also think that if I had reread the first two books I might have loved this better, as there were a lot of things I didn't remember. However, I really did enjoy it and I loved seeing all of the beloved characters again!
sarahc_98's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
korisulewski's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful and tragic ending to this very underrated historical fantasy trilogy. My poor EMOTIONS. Overall, a wonderfully paced conclusion with just enough drama and heartbreak to keep me hooked until the final page. Things were tied up perfectly considering it IS a retelling of the tragic love story of Tristan and Isolde...even if it left me in tears.
But man, it hurt.
But man, it hurt.
bobarisu's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
Kristina gave me everything I wanted and things I didn't even know I wanted.
Pre-review:
I expect Kristina Perez will exact emotional pain on me on par with ripping out my internal organs yet again.
Kristina gave me everything I wanted and things I didn't even know I wanted.
Pre-review:
I expect Kristina Perez will exact emotional pain on me on par with ripping out my internal organs yet again.
paisleypikachu's review against another edition
5.0
Check out the original review and more on NovelKnight!
This book was provided by the publisher (via NetGalley). This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Highlights:
— Absolutely beautiful writing
— Branwen is still the actual best
— Not predictable
— A really fitting end to the series
After I finished reading Bright Raven Skies, I had to step back. Take some time to really process my thoughts. This series is special to me, Branwen as a character is special to me. I knew going into the final book that my feelings toward it would be complex, because endings are almost always so bittersweet.
At first, I was just sort of in shock at the end. Not the pick-my-jaw-up-off-the-floor-omg-what-was-that-ending kind of shock I'm used to though. More of a, "Wow, that did not go how I expected," kind of shock. When I finally finished the book, I was so torn by what all my expectations had been and how everything actually turned out. But at the same time, the ending felt so right. And once I came to that realization, everything else, all my other feelings about this book clicked into place.
Branwen. I've rarely read a character with Branwen's quiet strength and determination. She will forever be one of my favorites, a character I will always be comparing others too. This series is wholly her story, and this ending was the ending she deserved. If everything else about Bright Raven Skies had somehow let me down, the one thing I knew I needed from this book was the right ending for Branwen, and that's exactly what I got. The last few pages were so emotional, I was so sad at the prospect of not getting more of her story, but it was okay because she got such a fitting ending that there was no need for more story. Like having a close friend move far away, you know they aren't gone forever and you can visit, but it's still so bittersweet. Branwen feels like that kind of friend, and I know I'll revisit these stories just to see her again.
I was truly surprised by some of the other characters. I won't give details because I can't risk spoiling this book for anyone, but at first I didn't agree with where some of the characters went in this book. One in particular stands out still. But over the last month, while I've let this book simmer in the back of my mind, I couldn't help but come to realize that the characters, every single one of them, acted in ways that made perfect sense for them individually. They all stayed true to themselves, and their decisions and actions aligned with that. So what I at first viewed as a flaw in the book, I now see as a testament to Pérez's writing, to just how well she knows her own characters and how willing she is to let them go in the directions they need to.
The story of Bright Raven Skies did not go in the directions I thought it would. At first, I was definitely worried by that. But I shouldn't have been. I've mentioned my love of a slow burn story many times, and that's exactly what I got with this book. The story started out slow and calm, especially compared to the ending of the last book. And it only went up from there. Each page and chapter built on the last, through to the very end. It was actually nice to have a bit of calm like that before the end, it gave me a chance to say goodbye to a story I love so much and have been so invested in, before finishing it off with a stunning climax and a beautiful conclusion.
One thing I've loved from the very beginning of this series is the world building. It's always been astonishing. The detail, the intelligence, the beauty of it is unparalleled. Bright Raven Skies only added on to something that was already great. It built upon a solid foundation, adding even more beauty to an already stunning structure. Nothing felt out of place, nothing felt rushed. The world that Pérez has created with this series is so beautiful, it's sad to think about how, with the series ending, we may never see more of it.
As I'm sitting here, reading over this review and thinking more about this book, I almost want to laugh. I originally wasn't sure how high I was going to rate this book, I needed time to process what I'd read. But obviously, I loved Bright Raven Skies. It was the right ending for Branwen, the right ending for her story and for the stories of those surrounding her. Pérez has a style of writing that is simply magical. The thought and love she's put into this story is right there on the page, obvious to anyone who reads it. The Sweet Black Waves trilogy is one I've loved from the beginning, and I know that I'll revisit it over and over in the years to come.
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The Highlights:
— Absolutely beautiful writing
— Branwen is still the actual best
— Not predictable
— A really fitting end to the series
After I finished reading Bright Raven Skies, I had to step back. Take some time to really process my thoughts. This series is special to me, Branwen as a character is special to me. I knew going into the final book that my feelings toward it would be complex, because endings are almost always so bittersweet.
At first, I was just sort of in shock at the end. Not the pick-my-jaw-up-off-the-floor-omg-what-was-that-ending kind of shock I'm used to though. More of a, "Wow, that did not go how I expected," kind of shock. When I finally finished the book, I was so torn by what all my expectations had been and how everything actually turned out. But at the same time, the ending felt so right. And once I came to that realization, everything else, all my other feelings about this book clicked into place.
Branwen. I've rarely read a character with Branwen's quiet strength and determination. She will forever be one of my favorites, a character I will always be comparing others too. This series is wholly her story, and this ending was the ending she deserved. If everything else about Bright Raven Skies had somehow let me down, the one thing I knew I needed from this book was the right ending for Branwen, and that's exactly what I got. The last few pages were so emotional, I was so sad at the prospect of not getting more of her story, but it was okay because she got such a fitting ending that there was no need for more story. Like having a close friend move far away, you know they aren't gone forever and you can visit, but it's still so bittersweet. Branwen feels like that kind of friend, and I know I'll revisit these stories just to see her again.
I was truly surprised by some of the other characters. I won't give details because I can't risk spoiling this book for anyone, but at first I didn't agree with where some of the characters went in this book. One in particular stands out still. But over the last month, while I've let this book simmer in the back of my mind, I couldn't help but come to realize that the characters, every single one of them, acted in ways that made perfect sense for them individually. They all stayed true to themselves, and their decisions and actions aligned with that. So what I at first viewed as a flaw in the book, I now see as a testament to Pérez's writing, to just how well she knows her own characters and how willing she is to let them go in the directions they need to.
The story of Bright Raven Skies did not go in the directions I thought it would. At first, I was definitely worried by that. But I shouldn't have been. I've mentioned my love of a slow burn story many times, and that's exactly what I got with this book. The story started out slow and calm, especially compared to the ending of the last book. And it only went up from there. Each page and chapter built on the last, through to the very end. It was actually nice to have a bit of calm like that before the end, it gave me a chance to say goodbye to a story I love so much and have been so invested in, before finishing it off with a stunning climax and a beautiful conclusion.
One thing I've loved from the very beginning of this series is the world building. It's always been astonishing. The detail, the intelligence, the beauty of it is unparalleled. Bright Raven Skies only added on to something that was already great. It built upon a solid foundation, adding even more beauty to an already stunning structure. Nothing felt out of place, nothing felt rushed. The world that Pérez has created with this series is so beautiful, it's sad to think about how, with the series ending, we may never see more of it.
As I'm sitting here, reading over this review and thinking more about this book, I almost want to laugh. I originally wasn't sure how high I was going to rate this book, I needed time to process what I'd read. But obviously, I loved Bright Raven Skies. It was the right ending for Branwen, the right ending for her story and for the stories of those surrounding her. Pérez has a style of writing that is simply magical. The thought and love she's put into this story is right there on the page, obvious to anyone who reads it. The Sweet Black Waves trilogy is one I've loved from the beginning, and I know that I'll revisit it over and over in the years to come.
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