A Wild and Ruined Song

The Hollow Star Saga #4

by Ashley Shuttleworth

Arlo and her friends struggle to rally against an overwhelming foe before time runs out in this gripping final book in the Hollow Star Saga, the urban fantasy series about fae in Toronto.

Arlo Jarsdel has lost everything. Her family. Her freedom. Her name. And now that she’s sharing her body with Ruin, the formidable titan of devastation, she’s even beginning to lose herself.

In their most dangerous game of deception yet, Arlo has just one goal: destroy the three Bone Crowns corrupting the mortal and immortal realms before her time runs out and Ruin takes permanent control of her being.

With Celadon fighting on the political front against the ruthless High Queen Riadne—now armed with the cataclysmic power of her Crown, the Sins, and Ruin—Vehan and Aurelian are scrambling in secret to build an army to rival Riadne’s infernal forces. Meanwhile, Nausicaä will do whatever it takes to save her girlfriend from obliteration, despite knowing the odds of survival are nearly nonexistent.

When the line between hero and villain becomes blurred, and bonds are put to the ultimate test, it has never been more imperative—or more difficult—to stand united. For this is not the first lifetime that these five friends have faced the evil behind this impending war, but if they can’t find their way back to each other, it might just be their last.

Genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, LGBT, Queer, Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance

432 pages, Hardcover

First published November 12, 2024

About the author

Ashley Shuttleworth was born in Chilliwack, British Columbia and currently lives Ontario. They have a BA (Hons) in English Literature with a minor in Classical History, and spent some time after uni living and teaching in Seoul, South Korea.

When they aren't reading or writing, their favourite pastimes are going to the gym, playing video games (particularly Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and Zelda), and piecing together cosplays for conventions.

Reviews

[Emmaline Savidge · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series just kinda lost the plot for me. Book one was so strong and I think Shuttleworth is at their best when they’re doing a more urban fantasy mystery. All of the lore and magic system felt disorganized and like they just didn’t quite fit. After the ending of book three I really thought we’d get Arlo in Ruin mode the whole time but that didn’t happen. Arlo being in control for most of the book really killed the tension and momentum. I also started noticing in book three that there would be important scenes that would happen off page, for example the Arlo and Lethe fight where she wins back her memories. I think this series was a little bloated with too many main characters so to wrap up some plots we’ve just gotta cut some scenes. For me this series was at its best when Arlo and Nas were trying to solve murders in Toronto.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

what am i meant to do now? first arcane is over and now this in the same week.
this series is honestly one of my favourites. incredible story telling, amazing writing and unforgettable characters.
i’ll be on the look out for what this author does next (i’m hoping there’s a next) thank you so much for this story. 10/10 if i could.

[Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does one begin to word a review for their most anticipated book of the year?

Let's start with the cover and how utterly perfect it is. Not only does Arlo look like a BADASS, but she's there, in all her plus sized glory! All on her own. Wielding the most badass cover since Nausicaä's own.

Second, the story.

The second the audio was available last night, I downloaded it to my phone (I've had this baby pre-ordered for more than half the year), and I opened up the eBook copy I also bought and eyeball read and earball read this baby.

This book may be shorter than the others, but HOLY HECK does it pack a punch (literal lol). The pacing is fantastic, the plot fucking amazing.

I got to see all of my favourites again, my girls, my boys, my gender questioning king and his god of a lover. ALL OF THE FEELS WERE HAD.

Watching Arlo lose herself to Ruin was intense, painful, and brilliantly done.

I thoroughly loved the flashbacks to the first named Arlo, too. It was a perfect addition to the story. I've loved the backstories in the other books as well, and this one was so fitting. It was great to also see Alecto too.

And the ending? All of the endings. Holy cow. I'm a puddle on the floor.

And then the acknowledgements. Thank you ebook for having this BECAUSE I'M IN THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS!!!! I literally burst into a fresh round of tears upon seeing that. Because you know I had already been crying before that.

Ashley, the amazing person you are. Thank you for this perfect conclusion to my most favourite series to ever exist.


Content warnings (from the book itself): anger, arson, blood/gore (moderate), body horror (minor),
depression, dissociative identity disorder (similarities), family dysfunction,
genocidal acts, grief (loss of sister/mother/father/family members), mental
illness, murder, parental abuse/neglect, psychopathy, psychological
manipulation, rape (threat/minor scene), suicidal ideation, torture (moderate),
violence (semi-graphic), war.

Rep: MCs: Arlo is cis, white, fat, and pansexual. Nausicaä is cis, white, lesbian. Vehan is cis, white, and bisexual. Aurelian is cis, white, and gay. Celadon is gender questioning, achillean, and demisexual. Lethe is cis, achillean, and aro/demi-romantic. Side queer characters, side POC characters.

[Leyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm somewhat torn about this series now that I have finished it... The worldbuilding and characters are so compelling, I really think this is a YA fantasy worth reading and that many (young) people will enjoy. It's about (older) teens and for the most part I feel like that really comes across, which I liked. I think there's a good amount of queer representation that a lot of teens could feel seen through. Cast is predominantly white though, at least as far as I remember, which with that many characters is kind of side eye worthy.

There are two insanely questionable age gap relationships going on (the classic immortal x teenager thing) and although with one couple the older one does act like an immature and fiery teen, making it a little more ignorable, THE OTHER IMMORTAL FEELS LIKE A FULL BLOWN MAN! I literally thought he was their parents age during the first (two) book(s). An age gap that spans multiple millennia is just not the vibe guys- I'm sorry.

I started reading this for the sapphic couple, and although I think both of them are insanely badass I'm not sure how I feel about their relationship because they just go through disaster after disaster throughout this series... There's barely any opportunity for the reader to see them together or enjoy their happiness, because it's usually snatched away from them a few chapters later. This is seemingly not an issue for the Achillean couples, of which there are also more, and that just irks the shit out of me.

This book starts off with just chapters of everyone being miserable, and although I was still into the story, I would have loved for more Arlo.. She was really the most interesting part of this book and the end conflict was also all about her so I do not understand why we didn't see more of her... The pacing was a bit meh, some parts dragging on forever with others flying by, but not horrendous- I think mostly the issue was that I felt as if we were focusing in on the wrong things.

I still enjoyed this final book and I liked the ending especially, however because I was just not interested in certain POVs I had a lot of time to think about what irks me about this series and I guess it's all coming out in this review.

[De1phinium]

Im still reading A Grim and Sunken Vow and I already know I need this book now 🤩

[Dr. Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is incredible. Absolutely loved it to pieces even after putting off every single book. All of the books are pretty chonky, and I know Ashley is going to put all the emotions in the book. I still think this book should've been a little longer, but not because it lacks anything, but because I want more of the characters. The epilogue had me in tears.

The relationships between all the characters is absolutely my favorite part of this series. It's so rich in emotion and depth. And it's not only relegated to the romantic relationships. We see their friendships change and grow throughout this series and I absolutely loved seeing everyone become even better friends.

Also let's talk about Lethe for a minute. He's aromantic allosexual and we get some more insight into his aromanticism in this book. I just loved seeing how Celadon loves him and respects Lethe's boundaries around romance. Wether they call their relationship romantic or queer platonic, I don't care, I just love all of it. Allo aro 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Allo ace. I didn't know I needed this dynamic until it was presented to me.

This series is absolutely incredible and if you want queer fey, pick it up. The relationships and wild adventure of a plot will take you on a journey (you'll probably cry).

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I try to be full of whimsy and joy, the "and they all played DnD after winning the war" epilogue makes me want to subtract another star

[Kissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book of the year, with the strongest 5 stars I can give. This series has my whole heart. Can’t begin to say how much I’m going to miss these characters.
“Boy oh boy,” when she said she loved FF7, I should have taken this as an Aerith incoming pain WARNING. Oh the agony. The tears were flowing.
This was a very satisfying and cathartic way to say goodbye. Closing out with a D&D campaign. True to the end.
Ashley Shuttleworth, anything you write next, I’ll be there. You are just the absolute best.

[holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

no thoughts, just vibes

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved. Probably one of the best YA series out there.

[yen nguyen]

wait the cover is actually good. though the placement of the A is weird. the A has looked out of place on all the covers. also the font got less and less spiky and treelike and that's kinda sad. idk if I'm actually gonna read this seeing as the last two books I didn't like but idk I'm a completionist what can I say

[Siri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely would have enjoyed including more scenes that happened off page because I felt like a lot of the action was off page. I also felt that the ending was really rushed. But nonetheless I throughly enjoyed the book. The characters were so well done, the villains were super interesting and complex and I loved the backstories of them. I also loved the take on villains versus heros.

[aspeccharactersoftheday]

https://aspeccharactersoftheday.tumbl...

Celadon from The Hollow Star Saga is asexual!

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Of everything I’ve ever done, earning your friendship is what I consider the greatest of my accomplishments."

And so we have come to the end.

(⚠️If you don't want potential spoilers please stop reading here⚠️)


The way that things were left at the end of a Cruel and Fated Light, A Wild and Ruined song picks up and runs.

Arlo, being good to the core sacrificed herself with a somewhat solid plan in place, both for the path and the consequences of her duty, it should all work out - she hopes. The alternative is simply not an option, especially when the whole world is practically hanging in the balance.

As Riadne loses more of herself on her quest to conquer and change the world as it is, Celadon, the very intimidating Lethe, Vehan, Aurelian and Nausicaa along with all their allies fight to stay a step ahead of the destruction, but Riadne doesn't rest and she doesn't hold back, so neither does Arlo or the parasite in the form of Ruin sharing her body - some days are good and some days Arlo is barely herself, drained and trying to stay in control.

Where all the sins are involved and the hunger for power grows, things go downhill fast, but as always,
fighting the good fight,
the fight for people instead of power,
the fight for fairness and humanity,
the fight for peace,
and the fight for a better world, is the one worth fighting.


From the bottom of my soul, I would like to say thank you Ashley for creating this world, these characters and this story that reminds us, that love isn't fickle and friendship isn't weak.

I cannot wait to see what else you create!

[Caterina741 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mi ha intrattenuto però secondo me funziona peggio degli altri tre:
-Vehan e Aurelian i miei preferiti da sempre, si riconfermano tali, però forse un po' più di spazio al superamento del trauma non mi sarebbe dispiaciuto
-avere la battaglia finale off-page non mi è sembrata una grande idea
-alla fine c'erano troppi attori coinvolti e non sono stati gestiti bene, forse farla meno complicata fin dall'inizio avrebbe aiutato
-per quanto cerchi di farmela andare bene la differenza di età da Celadon e Lethe non riesco a buttarla giù del tutto. E quella mezza storia tra il primo Arlo e la precedente Alecto non mi sapeva di niente, però questione di gusti

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this was a fantastic read, and such a great end to the series, it was such a wild ride and I loved it!

[Kendall Hoback · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great way to end the series

[Oscar Penrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to concede that this was kind of weird as a conclusion to the series. I felt like Arlo was the only one who actually did much to advance the plot, the others were kind of just waiting around trying to support her. Which I guess is fair in a very "babe, I'll hold your flower" kind of way but could have probably been worked a little better.
Shoutout to my darling Celadon specifically who honestly didn't do much of use until the very end but spent the first half of the book re-enacting fanfiction tropes with Lethe. Which works for me, sometimes fanservice is fine if I'm the fan that's being serviced to.
I don't know. I feel like this series shone between books 2 and 3 and there was definitely a struggle to pull all the final plot threads together in this final book, but I love these guys so I'm glad they all got their happy ending. The DND thing at the end was kinda corny but also very cute so I don't care. I love whimsy.
All in all I am glad I started following this series when the first book came out, while it could have definitely used some heavier editing and reshuffling from a technical standpoint it's truly brought me a lot of enrichment over the years.

[Monicat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there was more. It was so good. Gimme more epilogue of how they are existing post-events!!! But honestly such a cute end to such a HORRIFYING tragic story. Phenomenal world building.

[rea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been my favourite book series ever. Ashley Shuttleworth, I love you to death but omg you know how to hurt a girl. Flowers for you💐💖
-
Nausicaä Kraken is everything I aspire to be.
Arlo + Nos are endgame.
My life is complete.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Wild and Ruined Song wasn't the series finale I was hoping for, but I still highly recommend the Hollow Star Saga.

There's just something about queer fae in Toronto with distinct D&D vibes that just brings me joy as a concept alone. A Dark and Hollow Star brings so much of that Canadian humour, fandom jokes, and queer sense of belonging that I can't stop recommending the series to people four years after I read the first book. In moments, A Wild and Ruined Song reverts back to its core and in those moments, Shuttleworth's writing absolutely shines.

There are chunks of A Wild and Ruined Song where the characters just steal the show. All three of the main couples stole my breath at different points and had me absolutely cheering for their journeys. There were moments where I was scared because as a series finale, Shuttleworth might just kill a character, especially after they had celebrated such joy. I was arguing with myself if Shuttleworth would kill queer characters in a book meant to provide space for queer readers and trying to metagame myself out of the conclusion I was terrified of.

My only issue is that I did not reread A Grim and Sunken Vow before A Wild and Ruined Song and felt lost with regards to the plot at times. There were context clues dropped, but I couldn't figure out all of the previous events - especially when it came to political allegiances and demands. I couldn't remember who was aligned with who, who wanted what, and what restrictions that placed on our main cast. The solution to this, that I recommend to everyone else, is to just binge the whole series in one go.

As Shuttleworth said in the authors notes, their career is just starting and I can't wait to see what's next.

[Talia Fomin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the flashbacks with Nicholas Flamel and Arlo. It gave so much context to everything. I would have loved if this was a prequel. There’s so much more that could be done with original Arlo’s story and I would totally read an entire book about it.

As it is, this book seemed rushed and the ending was a hot mess. There was too much trying to be done in this one book and it made it very disappointing. This was my least favorite of the series.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is not a second in the year that I waited for this to come out that it didn't live rent free in my head. I counted down the days meticulously lmfao. While I'm sad to have finished this series knowing nothing else is coming, I am happy to see these characters finally have their happy ending. Which they DO have one I promise even if it seemed bleak as hell at the end of AGASV. I think the author once said she wrote sins not tragedies in response to killing characters so it gave me peace to know that reading this lmfao. I was disappointed to see this was shorter than the previous books, I loved the long 22-24 hour audiobooks so much. Its intimidating but at the same time It always feels like Im sitting down for an adventure full of anything I can imagine. This ones audiobook was 14 hours so about a 10ish hour difference. Not sure on pages, I didn't count. I just love having a book so long that maybe not every single thing that happens matters to the grand scheme of things but its allowed to be there and build character relationships, give you a better idea of who they really are when they aren't literally fighting for their lives, and make you love them even more. It still was there in this book too don't get me wrong, just not as much as I would've liked to see.

There isn't a lot you can ever say about the finale of a 4 book series that wont be spoilers but I can talk about the characters. Nausicaa and Arlo remain to be two of my top favorites. I love that despite dealing with a lot of emotional stuff, Nausicaa remained her same snarky and "will bite if you piss her off" self that she is. She's also my favorite POV just for her inner monologue lmfao. She got a lot of closure In this book and it made me so happy for her, it was something she struggled with admitting that she needed for a long time. Arlo was literally in the trenches and theres not much else I can say about that tbh besides she made me nervous and i was on edge a lot regarding her! I loved seeing Celadon and Vehan's brotherly relationship develop, they deserve to get to know each other especially given that for Celadon, Vehan is one of the few family members he has left. Im glad it was recognized and made important instead of being casted to the side. Lethe was his usual brand of menacing, nothing new to say about him. He just works there and shadows Celadon wherever he goes lmfao. Aurelian really grew into himself and his position, I think by the end he was in a perfect spot all around that made a lot of sense for his character. He's grown so much from beginning of series to end and I went from just liking him to absolutely loving him. And finally we have Riadne, who really surprised me this book. They always talked about the effects the bone crown has on whoever wears it but it was jarring to see it happen to Riadne. A character who we've always known as ice cold, razor sharp in the mind, and very brutally unforgiving, and to see her downfall was both a win and also heartbreaking. It shows us what happens to those who crave power so viciously and wholly that they sacrifice all else to achieve it regardless of the consequences.

In the end, It was a beautiful finale and one I felt like did justice to every single character we met and loved, well worth the wait. Ill always miss this series and world and if Ashley Shuttleworth were to ever write anything else in this world I would be so here for it regardless of what it is. Please read this series if you haven't already or have been thinking about it and hopefully become just as obsessed with it as I am!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this is it, folks. This is the fourth and final book in the Hollow Star saga, and what a banger. It certainly made up for my disappointment with the third book, though I still have some personal issues with some things that are done. This isn't an indictment of the book, its quality, or its story, but more... personal stuff if you get my meaning.

So let's get into it. Firstly, the main character, the one who these books extensively revolve around, is mostly off-screen and we rarely see things from her PoV. I mean, there's good reason for it, and I understand why it's done, but the series sucked me in with her as its main PoV along with her ex-fury girlfriend, and by the end we barely see her. Again, I understand why it was done. There's so much going on that you kind of need the perspective of the other four characters in order to get the full picture but, honestly, it's not what I signed up for.

Another gripe is that we finally get a sex scene and it's not from the main character and her girlfriend, but rather from two of the other PoV characters who I found to be the least interesting of the four. I'm kind of at the point where I just skip sex scenes if they're not sapphic, and even then I might skip them anyway depending on my interest in mood. While it's good to have a M/M scene in it, it's just not my thing.

Finally, there's a bunch of 'destined to be together' and 'soulbond' stuff, which is just eye-rolling for me. I actually don't like these tropes. The idea that there is One True Person out in the world for you, that you're always destined to be together diminishes the work you need to do to build a relationship with your partner. Any partner. There's a whole world out there and you can click with any one of them. It also doesn't help that one of the villains is literally defeated by the power of friendship. I know I kind of come off as a curmudgeon here, and there are places where I actually like that trope, but it's not really what I'm looking for in this genre.

Like I said. These are personal gripes which bother me, but may not bother another reader, so I'm not dinging any stars off my review. The setting is rich and vibrant, the story is excellent and very well told, and the ending.... mwah. Perfect ending. Nailed the landing. 10/10, can't complain. I highly recommend giving this series a try. You can read the first book and leave it at that, if you wish. It's a fairly self-contained book, but the second leaves you on such a good cliffhanger that you'll want to throw the book across the room. Seriously. Give it a try. 5 stars.

[Tween 2 Teen Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honestly terrified how this series would end (totally possible for everyone to die) but Ashley Shuttleworth knocked it out of the park! Right from the dedication I know I was in for an emotional ride, but they did a great job balancing emotional depth with epic fight scenes and satisfying character arcs.

I won't reveal too much since it's such an epic finale, but there's a joke I want to share, as Ashley told me it ended up being cut from the final book because the editors didn't get it (booooo). Early in the book, Nausicaä is talking to Celadon and in her head calls in "Celadon Cornelius Fleur-Virdian Lysterne Wayland Herondale" and I BURST out laughing! Such a fun callback to a popular fantasy series that will have a lot of crossover fans. This genre of urban fantasy in YA is definitely built on the Shadowhunter books and this joke absolutely killed me.

There are a whole bunch of other lines I highlighted, but I don't want to share them before it releases. Maybe I'll come back to this in December and add some of my favorite points.

Again, I don't want to give any spoilers for this epic finale, but trust me when I say it is narratively satisfying without being too heartbreaking. Arlo and company have been through so much (seriously, so much murder), but they get a solid ending here. I also loved the flashbacks to a certain *other* Arlo interspersed in the book! Usually I don't tend to enjoy them, but these were insightful and interesting.

If you haven't started this series yet, it's the perfect time to devour them all! If you've read the earlier books, I can't wait for you to join me in the celebrating A Wild and Ruined Song!

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m so sad.

Okay so. Ignore what Goodreads says, I started this book in December 2024, then stopped, then restarted, and now here we are. And the reason it took me so long is because I was…bored? Uninterested? I’m not sure what the right word is but man, for a series I loved so much this was a really disappointing ending.

I think the decision to have a four month jump was really jarring, then barely getting Arlo or Nos POVs was pretty jarring, and then the ending was jarring…It just felt somewhat rushed or unpolished? I don’t usually comment on this stuff but there were so. many. typos in my copy. A frankly inexcusable amount. Where was the editor in all of this?? Why did the book 200 pages shorter than other books in the series not show the final fight????

Don’t even get me started on whatever that was with Riadne. She was literally the villain, she didn’t need that mini redemption.

And the POVs felt kind of weird too. Aurelian felt barely there, Vehan seemed to dominant the story despite barely doing anything, Celadon showed up just to not show up because he’s too overpowered, and it leaves me wondering: so what did we even do? Plus the aforementioned lack of our main character, the story seemed to drag while also rushing towards the end.

I do still have a soft spot for this series so I can’t beat to rate it lower than a three but ugh. Ugh!! This was such a lackluster end to what was an otherwise really good, very fun series.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been with this wonderful cast of queer characters through four books now and experienced love, loss, devastation, determination, despair – basically the whole gamut of emotions – right alongside them. After spending that much time together, they feel like friends to me.

Considering the events at the end of book three, I honestly didn’t know who, if anyone, would survive by the end of this novel. I was eager but also afraid to dive in and see where this story led me. With intricately choreographed fight scenes, I was on the edge of my seat numerous times and hoped the author wouldn’t leave me a sobbing heap on the sofa.

As with all the books in this series, there are also light-hearted moments that left me with a smile on my face, witty banter between characters (Nos is a total champ at this), and a joke involving Celadon that only Shadowhunter fans will get. Character arcs are outstanding and deserving of a chef’s kiss. I also want to give a shoutout to the cover designer – all four covers are truly works of art.

With several POVs (including the other Arlo), all roads lead to an epic finale and a solid ending that will satisfy readers. Highly recommended for fans of diverse characters, an abundance of snark, and found family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I am so excited that we finally get to be back with the gang after book 3’a cliffhanger ending! Arlo has given herself to Ruin in hopes that she will be able to destroy the 3 bone crowns. But with a task that will put her against 2 deities and Riadne, and Ruin eating away at her soul, will she be able to succeed? Will she lose herself in the process? Meanwhile Celadon, Vehan, Aurelian, Nausicaa, and the others are readying for war against a queen who becoming increasingly unstable but no less powerful. Can they succeed? Or will Riadne destroy them all? Will they be able to save Arlo or will they lose her? What a conclusion! So many spots of tension where it felt like I was just waiting for something terrible to happen! It’s fun seeing a darker apathetic side to Arlo! I love these characters so much and Ashley Shuttleworth provides that epic fantasy series that surrounds a bunch of queer characters that my fantasy loving heart has always needed! Exciting, thrilling, and will have you turning the pages to find out what happens! A Wild And Ruined Song is a thrilling conclusion to a fantastic series that I highly recommend to fantasy lovers!

[Cherie • bookshelvesandtealeaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so freaking good. If you haven’t read it, you absolutely have to!

It has fae, court politics, gods, legends, DRAGONS!! This series seriously has so much going for it.

It’s also queer as heck with such a broad range of queer identities explored on page in such an honest and organic way.

It’s so hard to really talk about a series without spoiling anything, but this is a story of grief, the cost of power, loneliness, betrayal, trauma. It’s a story of the power of love, of found family, of being so much more than anyone ever gave you credit for.

It’s about a group of misfits, some of them teens, some of them immortal gods, but all of them lost and alone and so much better for having each other.

There’s so many incredible personal journeys in this book alongside the big, overarching plot. So many beautiful, wonderful character moments. So much growth it made my heart feel fit to burst.

The big plot ramps up at the end of book two and I was absolutely RIVETED through the last two books. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about it, itching to return. I woke up eager to start my day knowing I’d be able to pick up my book sooner if I got up earlier.

I really can’t recommend this series enough.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my god. this is quite possibly the best series i have EVER read. i am obsessed and i can’t let them go. i have so much to say yet all i can say is i love this beautiful world and its characters. aurelian and vegan being married i love them so much! lethe and celadons relationship had me GIGGLING i love them so much. nausicaa and arlo made my heart happy and IM
SO HAPPY they got their happy ending. i didn’t like theo at first but he’s grown on me and i love his and fyris dynamic. honestly there’s so much i could say about EACH and EVERY character and it’s been so long since a franchise has made my heart ache in such a way that i can only describe as feeling at home within the pages of a book.

ARLO SURVIVING AND CHOOSING LETHE AND HIM SAYING THATS MY GIRL!?? SOBBING. i’m glad riadne got the end she deserved even for all her faults and urielle and nausicaa had me SOBBING. this book made me laugh and cry and will always hold a special place in my heart. all i can say is i love this world and its characters so much. as a girl who relates to arlo i hope to one day find my people and myself in the same way she did.