Into the Abyss

Into the Churn #3

by Hayley Reese Chow

It was never just a race…

Four months after dark syndicate interference in Crion’s inaugural race royale, Ezren and Foster have settled into their roles as ambassadors on the BRR council.

Though begrudgingly working beside their would-be murderer, Ezren and Foster have struck an uneasy truce as Calderon mentors them in Casollan politics for the upcoming BRR. While Foster counts down the days until they can walk away from the council, Ezren is conflicted as she weighs their ever-growing positive impact.

However, when a high-profile murder upends the whole system, Casolla’s fragile peace balances on a knife blade of disaster. As the deadly conspiracy unfurls, a new race begins, and blood spills among the stars. With both their lives and Casolla’s future hanging in the balance, Foster and Ezren will have to decide who they’re meant to be or risk losing their world to the darkness forever.

Run. Drive. Fight. Rise.

Genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Young Adult

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2025

About the author

Hayley Reese Chow is the author of the Odriel's Heirs series (a dark YA epic fantasy) and the Into the Churn series (a romantic YA sci-fi adventure from Whimsical Publishing) with more YA adventures on the way. She’s also the winner of both the 2024 YA IndieReader Discovery Awards and the 2020 YA Florida Author Project.

When not writing, her hat collection includes mother, wife, engineer, USAF veteran, reservist, four-time All-American fencer, ex-ultramarathoner, avid traveler, book inhaler, and super nerd. Hayley currently lives in Florida with two small book dragons, her long-suffering husband, and her miniature ragehound.

To see what she's working on next, you can find her at hayleyreesechow.com or on Instagram, Threads, or TikTok @HayleyReeseChow. She's represented by Kristen Terrette of Martin Literary.

Reviews

[Nathaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't really want to say anything. I'd rather beg people to read this series before the finale comes out...because what is this if not a perfect book?

Hayley Reese Chow is an undeniable talent. I have never had my emotions thrown around as much as I did with this series. The way every single book was tense and fast paced and heart wrenching, but also tender and full of kisses and falling in love and the best cast of characters to ever grace a trilogy.

This last volume is everything I needed it to be. I cried, I laughed, I gasped thinking all was lost, but ultimately I settled into the incredible ending that Hayley wrote for us long-time fans of this series. I'm going to miss this world. I didn't really think about it until I scrolled through the last page and realized that one of my favourite science fiction worlds is over.

If you're a fan of Becky Chambers, Yume Kitasei, Jenni Sauer...ANY of the amazing sci-fi writers that tug at your heartstrings, you have to add this to your TBR. It will change you and you will thank it.

I also must add that I read this in two sittings. It would've been one, but I started it at 10 and I really can't stay up past 11. I woke up early to finish it, though, and that says a lot.

[Hayley Chow]

Update!
*********
The Into the Churn series is available on Audible & Kindle Unlimited:

Reading Order:
Into the Churn (#1)
Into the Fire (#2)
A Churn in the Dark (#2.5 - contains key plot developments, highly recommended NOT to skip)
Into the Abyss (#3)
A Churn in the Virtual Society (#3.5 - final book, releases 16 Sep)

*********

I don’t think I’ve ever been as happy to write a book as I was to write this one. The whole time I was writing and promoting Into the Fire, I was no-kidding obsessing about Into the Abyss. I’m not exaggerating when I say I was legit sweating bullets that I wouldn’t get to write this one.

In fact, as the publisher was weighing preorders and gaging interest, I was at the point where I was ready to write this story in secret and never tell anyone just for my own sanity. I can’t even describe the relief when I got the green light from Whimsical Publishing, and what an absolute joy it was to give Ezren and Foster the grand finale they deserved.

Because I daydream in trilogies, and to be completely honest, the third act is, without fail, my favorite.

In Into the Churn, Ezren and Foster found their way to the world stage.

In Into the Fire, they discovered that not all choices are black and white.

And when darkness churns between the stars in Into the Abyss, Foster and Ezren will have to decide who they’re willing to become in order to protect the world—and the people—they love.

Though Into the Abyss, like the other books in this series, is filled with action and romance, at its core, this is a story of growing up. Of responsibility. Of sacrifice. And the price of dreams.

So thank you, readers, for coming on this last adventure Into the Churn. And don’t forget to brace yourself.

[R.F. Gammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stakes in this conclusion were so high and I love that. The first book in this series was one of my all time favorite sci-fi books, and I feel like trying to make each of the books stand apart without each other shows in places (never my favorite thing in books or movies or shows). But I’m so glad we got to spend more time with these characters and that this story ended the way it did. Huge fan.

[E.P. Stavs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to read an advance copy of this epic conclusion, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Oh. My. Chaffing. God. Talk about sticking the landing. Hayley Reese Chow absolutely nails the ending to her epic sci-fi with sweet romance series. I mean, we’re talking serious feels here people. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this entire journey, especially given my past reading experience with Chow—lady does NOT shy away from devastating me with her characters’ survival. Or lack thereof. And knowing this was the final chapter meant no one was safe.

To avoid spoilers, let’s just say I both love and hate her in equal parts 😆, and this book was a masterpiece you will not want to miss.

Haven’t started the series yet? What are you waiting for?! Jump on that. You won’t regret it.

[Cassandra Hamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of the action and heart that defined the first two books, Into the Abyss was the ending we needed for an amazing series. Sweet romance, political intrigue, gunfights, wormholes, and of course runs through the volatile, storm-ridden churn. There were tears. Will be rereading this series again and again.

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’M GOING TO MISS THEM.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

I have adored this series so much and didn’t expect this last book to pack such a punch for me but that goes to show how incredible HRC has crafted these characters and story. I loooove Ezren and Foster so much. They have beautiful chemistry and a strong desire to work together (rather than petty problems pull them apart, BLESS). They fought for each other in multiple ways and my heart was in my throat throughout many chapters because things got INTENSE.

And I love this whole cast. The found family trope was executed to perfection where I felt drawn to everyone and emotionally invested in where they landed (praise the epilogue).

The antagonist aka the final boss was predictable, yet I was still drawn to how the plot unfolded. Seeing how they got there, what caused the fallout, and the eventual demise were exactly what this book needed. I loved how the entire series got wrapped up, it feels complete and I can put it down knowing I enjoyed the heck out of every page.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Sci-Fi Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: high
- Content warnings: moderate blood/gore depiction, physical & psychological torture, loss of life, murder, kidnapping

[Brittnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Multi POVs
-Criminal syndicate 
-Non-stop action
-Family and friendships
-I think the epilogue was my favorite; it focuses on one of my favorite characters 🥹❤️

I would definitely recommend reading the novella "A Churn in the Dark" #2.5 before jumping into book 3. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (ARC from NetGalley)

[Alexiani G · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Again, thank you Netgalley and thank you Hayley Chow for the opportunity to have this ARC in my hands!!

For some lucky aspect I don’t remember I was able to find and apply to the Into the Churn’s street team and I got my hands on the ARC of that book and let me tell you, am I thankful for that. I remember how much I liked the first book but I made the comment to myself -and in my review- that it was missing something to be bombastic, it had a few inconsistencies with Erzen -the female main character- and her personality -of course, I see now how that part was necessary, for us to see Ezren grow into a confident young woman- and just something, a pinch of something to take it to the next level -don’t get me wrong, book one was incredibly good- and the reason I am sharing this is because I was SHOCKED to the next world with how PERFECT and PRECISE Into the fire (book two) and Into the Abyss (book three) are. I mean, I was -and I kid you not- at the edge of my seat while reading Into the fire. I felt like I had something stuck in my throat because the characters were going through so much, I was extremely worried about them, so I though “how is Hayley -the writer- going to up herself with book three?” and let me tell you… she did it!! I know, I know, this is a very long introduction of my review but I needed to share that.

Foster cocked his head as it truly sank in for the first time how much Ezren had grown from the no-name terraforming intern he’d met almost two years ago. The one who’d wanted to stay in Tuzuno and never leave. The one who’d shied away from the reporters and VSoc. As she’s grown faster and stronger, her drive and passion had grown right along with her

I feel like this quote from the book embodies Hayley’s writing and how much she and her story grew along the years. I’m telling you, this is an action packed sci-fi that deals with personal growth, personal challenges, rising up to the occasion, standing strong in the face of corruption, being there in difficult time for friends and family, strength in unity -this one may sound cheesy but when you read the book, you’ll understand- fear of letting go and embracing for the better whatever hand your delt, and last but not least, love; love for that special someone or love for friends and family.

I want to speak freely and add spoilers to this review but I’ll refrain and try to give my opinion without telling what happens here, so, to do that, I’ll break this review in pieces: plot, characters, world -I already spoke about the writing but I’ll speak a little bit more- and sentimental value.

Plot: So, there’s not much I can tell you plot wise that will allow me to be a free spirit because I want to tell you everything lol but I can say this: the events of this book are so gut punching they will hit you in the face and you won’t see them coming and I don’t mean guessing what happens because I saw something bad coming at 40% I think and it happened BUT then some things happening that took a dark turn for me and I did NOT see that coming and it added so much depth to the characters and the story I, of course, ended up enjoying every single moment (not really enjoying and you’ll get it when you read it but it added points to the plot). And then things get even more complicated and I was shocked in a way that made me sit down and stop reading for a second. There are a lot of things that happened here that build to the plot of all of these books: people in power and corruption. Because that’s pretty much the big bad enemy in these books.
It was amazing to read how these two young characters faced all of that with everything they had so, the question is, do they make it? I’ll let you find out on your own. Moving on… This book reads extremely easily, and by that I mean, this is not one of those books that are difficult to read because the pace is slow or the writing is sloppy, or the characters aren’t likeable, in fact, quite the opposite, this book has an incredible pace, incredible writing and the characters sneak under your skin and you don’t even realize it, so yeah, the plot was pretty incredible.

Characters: Our main characters Foster and Ezren take the lead on this one but we get to spend more time with characters that impacted the story in a way that MADE ME CRY. But that’s beside the point. We were able to share time with Sam -Ezren’s little brother-, Micah -Ezren’s best friend-, of course Shiro, a pich of Sylvia, Davis and another pinch of Grady-Guns. What I love about these characters is how I saw them face horrible and beyond-this-world difficult choices and they rose to the occasion. There were some moments I found myself thinking “how are they even walking??” because they not only faced difficult decision but also extreme physical situations that made me wonder if they would be able to come on top of them. The characters are beautifully created, to the point where you love them, cry for them, laugh with them, are happy for them, mourn with them. Every single moment is worth it.

I have to give a piece of the review to the romance in this book. It had me with pterodactyl-size-butterflies feelings in my belly. I LOVED every single moment Ezren and Foster shared. I have A LOT of quotes from them highlighted in my book and I can’t wait to share them with you.

World: I’m scared of wide-open space but for some reason I find myself drawn to sci-fi books and this one didn’t let down. We get to know a little bit about the science and inner-workings of this galaxy. How it manages its interstellar travel and how they control the economic part of it. All of this is presented in small pockets of the book but they added to the story and I liked it shared what was necessary for us to know.

Writing: I spoke a little bit on this but I want to make sure this is out there. The writing in this book is perfect. Nothings feels out of place, nothing is badly written, on the contrary, the writing style adds to the story to the point you feel like you’re there with the characters, it feels like you’re one more passenger in their ship.

Sentimental value: I’m not a crying person and the fact that this book made me cry not one, not two, not three, but FOUR times is incredible. Of course, I won’t say the parts that made me cry but I’ll mention one: the terraforming. There’s one part where Ezren is showing to some people something related to the terraforming and it follows with how people in general are reacting to this information and it made me cry, out of the blue, I was crying like it was me living in this planet being impacted by what was going on. And I say this because I was pleasantly surprised by how the story got under my skin and made smile AND cry.

Anyways, this book is such a wonderful adventure. One of those books where you don’t have to wreck your brain solving things but it manages to bury itself into your heart and there it stays. I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait for what other stories Hayley Chow has in store for us.

P.s. There is something that also needs to be said. There’s something that happens in this book that had me stressing out and texting the writer to share my feelings and state of mind with her. At the end of this book, she gives us some scenes that feel so freaking wholesome. I was just kicking my feet in happiness and smiling over the possibilities presented in those pages. I just want to say that Hayley KNOWS exactly what we, as readers, need from a story and she delivered, I repeat, she delivered. And this finale is the perfect cherry on the top of this wonderful series.

P.s.s In case I wasn’t clear, give this amazing series a chance, you won’t regret it!!

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This is the perfect way to conclude with a story, with amazing characters and an amazing galaxy!! This is the perfect bow or cherry on the top, there is not one moment or thing I don't like about this book. Thank you so much Netgalley for this ARC and thank you so much Hayley and Whimsical Publishing for bringing this book into the world!

Rtc!

[Caitlinjoyful · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We can believe in our forever.” - Ezren Hart

Hayley has outdone herself with the final book in the Into the Churn series!!

I've loved this series so much and am still not ready for it to end!
Every book in this series has blown me away with the amount of action, romance, plot twists and friendship.

I went into his book thinking it would be the same as the rest of the series. But somehow, Hayley managed to surprise me with his insane and plot twisty this book is. Every time you turn the page you have no idea what's about to greet you. Each plot twist took the stakes of this book higher and higher, with more people's lives on the line every time.

Hayley brought all her characters back, as well as introducing a few new ones for this final volume. From Bex and Grady, Silvia and Shiro, Micah and Sam, and so many more, we see almost every familiar face in this final book. Which made me cry so much more.

I don't know how I managed to read the last quarter of the book with so many tears clouding my eyesight. All I know is that when I reached the end all I wanted was to go back to before I read book 1 and read the whole series again for the first time. Just to experience the truly incredible story Hayley has written.

I don't think I've ever not liked Ezren! She's been a powerhouse from page 1, always ready to jump into anything if it's to protect the people she cares about.
This book was no different.
Ezren was practically unstoppable from the start. Always ready to jump into the deep end. And not for the first time, I felt ready to jump with her.
She went through so much in this book and came out stronger than before.
Her friendships were tested in this book, not only with her childhood friends but also with her younger brother Sam.
We haven't seen much of them together since the first chunk of book 1 so it was really nice to see more of his relationship with Ezren.

This book was another rough one for Foster. Just when he's finally starting to relax everything kicks off and he's swept up in the middle of it all.
He's been Ezren's rock time after time and it was nice to see him rely on someone else being his rock in this book. The situation might not have been the best but reading as he let every one of his walls down and allowed someone other than Ezren to see him at his most vulnerable made me start crying.
I loved reading this book and realising how far he's come and how much he's grown since Into The Churn.
He's no longer shut off from the people around him, he has friends and a family again!

Overall I have absolutely loved this series. It will be one I go back and reread time and time again!

[Brooke J Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fod that was a fantastic ending to the series! Heart pounding through the highest stakes we have seen. Foster and Ezren continue to grow and develop as do the side characters. I cannot get over how much depth and personality even the “smallest” character has. I was surprised around every corner and that ending chefs kiss! I cannot wait for others to read this. These series was made with heart can feel it through the pages. I’m thankful for this early copy from NetGalley my opinion is my own and I loved this book and this ending

[Chloe Frizzle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though there is certainly much Plot going on in this book, I didn't care about any of it. I loved book 1 of this series, but the sequels have all felt pretty unnecessary.

Already struggling to care, I gave up on this book after a rushed wedding scene. I get how some people might find it romantic, but for me getting engaged and married on the same day will always be cringey and uncomfortable.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"At some point we all have to go into the abyss, Ezren. The void makes us look inward, finding ourselves in that blackness before we can escape it. But though the journey is dark, I like to believe the stars are worth the sail."

Book 3 of the Into the Churn series is a wild ride. The stakes are higher than the second book, and I found I enjoyed this entry more than book 2 (but not as much as book 1). This story is fast-paced, with Ezren & Foster thrust further into a leadership role while a crime syndicate known as the Crows tries to control them.

The pacing drove the story and kept me invested in what was going to happen next. I did find some of the romance/swoony parts to be overkill, sentiments often reiterated frequently due to the dual-POV nature of the chapters. I like the Ezren/Foster relationship, but their characters felt most lively and fleshed out in the first book. Much of their personalities here was driven by their devotion to one another, even though there is so much more to both of them.

A downside, I loved reading about Sylvia/Shiro in the novella A Churn in the Dark and I found myself missing their perspectives, even though they were both present in this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving my thoughts voluntarily.

[Megs: Knee Wall Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every second of this book. Honestly, this whole series is one of my all-time favorites.

There is adventure, high stake action and still one of the sweetest romance stories ever. Ezren and Foster have come such a long way and their character arcs throughout the whole series, but also in this book. I love it so much!

I could not put this book down and read it in one setting.

Please read one of my favorite series!

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all the relationships in this book. There were so many of them and so much happiness. I felt like this book had a lot of beautiful, happy moments between the characters which I loved. But of course there were dark moments too. Really dark. The thing that happened (that I put in my trigger warning) I could barely handle. But I’m more sensitive than most haha. I think that Ezren and Foster got the most satisfying conclusion in this book. They are solid and I loved that they didn’t have any unnecessary drama in their relationship. That being said, it was DAVIS who really shined for me this time. He is Superman and I loved him. He is a hero in so many different aspects for so many different people. I wouldn’t mind more of him and his story… if you liked the rest of the series you will like this one. (First one is still my favorite) TRIGGER WARNING: torture. Lots of torture. (Like Red Rising or ember in the ashes level)

SPOILERS and book notes:
Foster/ezren are ambassadors. Grady/guns and dean/kit are racers, Micah is head of vsoc and fosters mom is the new coach. Shiro is security and Sylvia gen manager. Gerard Y (fosters dad) is hosting the party at his house and helps with security. Jabari is kits boyfriend that helps with vsoc. Shiro and Sylvia are THE cutest and engaged! Sam is Ezran 14yo brother with a hummingbot named Giles. Davis is a good flyer and super good friends with the team and still studied at the university. And then of course Turnip the pink three tailed cat and Waffle the capybog. Sam is NOT a fan of fosters (with all that teenage angst lol) I’m so happy that fosters parents had found their way back to each other. This is a good question from Foster about working Calderon to take down the syndicates and save the Luxie species. ““Is the good we’ve done worth the price of rubbing shoulders with the guy who tried to kill us?” he asked, jaw flexing.” (He is the one that killed his old partner Gen bc he hates terraforming and didn’t want their team to win) Calderon was murdered! And just the day before an image of a tree with crows was seen at the meeting: ““Um, murder tree?” “On ancient earth, a flock of crows was once called a murder.” Tension rippled along Shiro’s shoulders through his well-fitted CIF uniform. “It’s the Crow’s warning sign.” I love this celestial proclamation of love between these two beloved main characters after three books: ““Ezren… what I feel for you… I can’t even find the words to describe it. More than love. More than everything.” Ezren smiled as she cupped his jaw with her hands, the lights of a thousand stars flashing in her chest. A feeling too big to ever get used to. “Like the ties of the galaxies run between us.” “Exactly.” He kissed her palm and smiled at her in the way he did only when they were alone.” Calderon died and left EVERYTHING to Foster in his will. A guy who HATED him. Bc he killed his partner! Why did he give it to foster?? ““His ownership of the Belethea Race Royale team, his seat on the Belethea Council, Calderon Industries, which also encompasses over a hundred child companies, his monetary⁠—” Calderon knew he was giving everything to Foster as soon as he bested him by crossing the finish line at the BRR. “I believe the two of you have a better chance than anyone to bring light to a place of darkness.” Foster doesn’t feel ready for this responsibility. And I totally understand with my RS president calling. But Shiro nails his answer: ““Okay, Sterling, in what world are we ready for what the ’verse has in store for us?” He scoffed, bitterness tugging at his mouth as he stepped forward—his soldier’s training evident in every line of his wiry body. “Preparation is a rare luxury, Foster. From the day we’re born until the day we die, we’re all just doing our best to survive what comes at us around the next corner.” ““What if good enough is too high a bar?” “Good enough rises and falls with the wind.” Shiro turned toward him, and Foster met his dark stare. “But you have to understand too that you will underestimate yourself every single chaffing time. So don’t call it your best before you’re lying face down in the dirt with nothing left to give.” ““This isn’t exactly the future I imagined.” He swallowed, his jaw flexing. “The life I imagined.” “You and everybody else. Just hold your family close and give your best.” Shiro clapped him on the shoulder and gave it a squeeze, his mouth quirking with a smile. “It’s a good life. Even if it’s not the one you planned.” Awwww!!! Foster took her on a run outside and told Ezren. Then he PROPOSED TO HER. Aw!!!! To get married TONIGHT. So chap six and we get a wedding!!!!!! “I have pledged my life over and over to you, and I want everyone to know it. That you and I are one. Always.” This moment at the wedding is so THEM: “Foster and Sylvia both turned to see Ezren actually running to the altar, because of course she was.” The wedding ceremony is beautiful!! What Shiro says to make them husband and wife! ““Foster Sterling, my husband…” Her voice dropped, and her arms curled around his waist. “Is this real?” “It is.” Foster grinned down at her. “Ezren Hart. My wife.” The word tasted sweet on his lips, as if she were always supposed to wear it.” Davis and Grady will be Fosters doppelgangers exiting the speech of his inheritance. Davis is basically a member of the team now and everyone loves him. And Micah and Sylvia will be ezrens doppelgangers. Uh oh. Davis and Foster are kidnapped so Shiro and Ezren will save them. Micah and Sam and turnip and waffles and Giles had snuck onto the ship too! Sam: ““And you only ever care about Foster. Someone has to save Davis.” Sam will help with tracking (the bad guys are going to a wormhole) and with hacking their systems. Warning!!!! A really sad Davis and Foster torturing. And Davis and Sam are so close. Davis is planning on embarking onto another galaxy as a captain of an ark ship. ““Wormgate hopping’s not something you do on a whim. As soon as you cross, there’s no going back, so you’ve got to be ready to leave everything behind and go forward.” Micah and this journalist named Lowell Coppen are a thing! Davis got sucked into the wormhole with Giles and the lady that helped them escape. Off to another galaxy. There is no turning back once you enter. So sad. But he will have company on his long journey through the stars that he always wanted to go to anyway. Bittersweet. Sam and Foster finally coming together. “He wouldn’t blame Sam in the least if he didn’t trust him. But then Sam barreled into him with a hug. “Just make sure you take care of yourself too. You’re the only brother I’ve got left.” This declaration is huge: ““I’d cross a thousand storms for you.” Her gaze darkened with intensity. “And I would’ve crossed the ’verse for you.” Foster’s stomach flipped, his hold on her tightening under the admission. Ezren loved her family—loved Belethea—above all. To follow him through the wormgate and sacrifice everything… he couldn’t imagine what a price that would’ve been for her. And yet she held not a flicker of doubt, and he knew, deep in his core, that she would have.” The Crow is Carmella! Calderons love right from the beginning! She is basically a cyborg now with all the work done on her body to keep her alive. So she is powerful and. Hard to break. But Sam’s virus overcomes her! They are running from the explosion when this happens: “Grabbing her from behind, he pushed her down into a crevice between the rocks, covering her body with his. Foster: I love you, Ezren. One. “Foster!” A burning wave blasted over them, lifting them from the ground in a tidal wave of boulders and rock. And Foster was just thankful that the last word to follow him into the abyss would be his name on Ezren’s lips.” I love how many times he uses the words “my wife.” ““I said”—Foster flung off their hands as he climbed out of the tub, balancing on his good leg—“where is my wife?” They both left their med tanks to search for each other even when doctors kept telling them to stay in them lol: “She was alive. And he was alive. They’d made it. “Ezren.” His voice was soft, but somehow she heard it, her head jerking up. Her eyes filled as soon as they met his. “Foster.” He made a staggering step, and she hobbled toward him, dropping the crutch as she threw herself into his arms.” Kit and Dean (the twins from the novella) died! Booo!!! I really like them! Did she make us like them just so we can be sad in this book? Simon and Bex won the BRR! They live in a gigantic appartment next to Carmella hall now newly renamed Amaral Hall (for the twins). And Sylvia and Shiro are their neighbors. Micah and Lowell are inseparable. Bex is part of Shiro security. They finally are able to open the dome of the city to the belethea sky!! Davis: ““Welcome back, Davis Banda. You have been in cryosleep for the last seventy-three years,” and thread made it too! “cryochamber hadn’t been able to heal her tongue or the scars down her face. That would require regen, if she ever wanted it.” I love that Thread and Davis get a new beginning. She is so sweet and kind. She asked for a new name. She picked Lily. And asked if she could stay with him and they could be star explorers together! I LOVE a good hug: “And then Lily smiled for real, her whole face lighting up as she threw her arms around him. The force was so huge that Davis had to stumble back a few steps, laughing as he caught her. For a second, she just hung there, and Davis let her cling to him, sensing something bigger growing between them. The rightness of her in his arms. The feeling of a kindred heart pounding against his. The dampness of tears seeped into his shirt, and her words projected from the cockpit holo. I’m sorry… I just… I haven’t hugged anyone in almost two years. “Don’t be sorry,” Davis whispered, squeezing her tighter. He’d wager that she hadn’t even had a kind touch in that time, much less a hug, and he was more than willing to make up for it now. “I’ll hold on for as long as you need me. We have all the time in the ’verse.” And then three years later Davis and Lilly receive an update from their friends and family: “It was only when Foster picked up a baby though that Lily shrieked with happiness, jumping up and down beside him while Davis pressed a hand to his chest—the delighted wonder threatening to burst out of him. Foster grinned, his eyes sparkling as the pale, dark-eyed baby gurgled in his arms. “I just wanted to say, you were right, Davis Banda. The stars were worth the sail through the dark, and I hope wherever you are, they’re shining as brightly for you as they are for us.” And through regen lily has a tongue and can now talk. Her scars are healed. Now they will keep traveling! With a love so beautiful between them.

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

HRC stuck the landing! So happy that I was able to return to the ‘Verse, with all the action, intrigue, and romance I’ve come to expect from Foster and Ezren’s story. Appropriate YA sci-fi for the win. 👏

ARC received-read-reviewed, comes out 3/18!

[Valerie | Vanelena.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the Abyss is an action packed and emotional conclusion to this exciting series.

Ezren and Foster have taken their place on the BRR Council, working with the mysterious and lethal Calderon. While Foster can never forgive Calderon for his crimes and is ready to walk away as soon as the contract is up, Ezren sees the good they can do using their positions on the council. But when a unexpected announcement leads to some big changes in their lives, and a conspiracy points to a corrupt crime syndicate, Ezren and Foster must decide what to do with their influence and position - walk away, or fight for change?

I loved this book so much! It is a perfect blend of YA themes, sci-fi, and romance. The books are non-stop action, but also have plenty of character development and growth, and a beautiful and chaotic found family. I absolutely loved Into the Churn, and was thrilled to have more books in this unique world. They are fairly quick reads and I was able to complete this book in one day. The stakes are higher in this book, and the pacing kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. One thing I really enjoyed about this book is that we see Ezren and Foster working together. While they are separated for part of the book, they are fully committed to each other and we see how that devotion plays out in their decisions and actions. I also love that we see lots of old friends in this book, and meet some new allies and enemies too. I found this to be a fantastic read, and a wonderful end (maybe??) to this great series. I really enjoyed this book so much!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Hayley Reese Chow, and Whimsical Publishing for the advanced copy of this wonderful book. All opinions are my own.

[Cassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me so much freaking anxiety I literally had to take breaks reading it because I couldn’t handle that it all wouldn’t work out.

And even though it did… god there was still so much heartache.

Massive spoilers ahead because you really can’t talk about this book without them.

First of all OMG FOSTER AND EZREN FINALLY GETTING MARRIED!!!! It was beautiful and absolutely perfect and every single time he called her “my wife” I swooned. Every. Single. Time.

And let’s talk about Davis. Davis who the second he started talking to Foster about going to the stars I knew we would lose him to the wormgate. I knew he wouldn’t be going home with the crew.

And even though he lived, even though he got his happy ending, even though things worked out… my heart still broke. Also, I really wish we could have SEEN a little more of his romance with Thread/Lily. We know next to nothing about her and I would have like to have known her better.

Also… I want Bex and Grady to have their romantic happy ending. Whether that be with each other or someone else I kinda really want to see it.

Unfortunately, this is the last book in the series. 😭😭😭

I am so sad that we’re not going to get a full novel of our royalers again.

But this one had danger and death and intrigue and surprises coming out of the woodwork (I did NOT see The Crow’s identity coming.) And this was such a HUGE growth book for Foster. I feel like this one was HIS book, as opposed to the rest which were more Ezren’s. Between his relationships with his family, his acceptance of power thrust onto him, his guidance to his system… I feel like he finally stepped into his own in this book, like Ezren did in the last one.

Honestly, it was everything you could hope for in a trilogy end (Even a baby Sterling/Hart 😭😭😭😭)

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, when I open a book about our Belroy boys and babes, it’s incredibly difficult for me to put it down. And Into the Abyss delivered as a finale in the most wonderful way. Action-packed, emotionally raw, and presented in addictive prose, Into the Abyss takes us back to why we love Foster and Ezren so much. Chow encourages us to run the race alongside our favorite royalers as they stumble through schemes, torture, ultimatums, and, yes, back into the churn one last time.

I had many favorite moments, but I think what I loved most is how even though the romance is established, even though our characters have grown…they still had their arcs to complete. Tension still drew us through this book as we watched what lengths they would take to survive. I especially loved Foster’s developing relationship with his fame and the voice that offered. It didn’t feel like a money grab or an unexpected conclusion; Chow simply told the rest of the story to get our heroes home.

I do wish we had more villain development, but I think that’s my fault for not reading A Churn in the Dark, the novella between Into the Fire and Into the Abyss. Off I go to remedy that error! I suggest you do the same.

An incredible conclusion to the story that lives in my head every time it storms outside. Bye for now, Sterling/Hart!

[Ashley | A Pair of Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about these series to people. Hayley Reese Chow delivers an epic, fast-paced, sci-fi series that is emotional and beautifully written. This final conclusion to the series does not disappoint.

The characters featured in this series are some of my favorites - from Ezren's "can do" attitude and Foster's "steady calm" to the side characters that provide some of the best one liners and comic relief. I love the relationship between Foster and Ezren - it is steady, sweet, and so important. I love how they really support each other throughout this whole series -- so many kick up your feet moments.

This book has alot of emotional upheaval for the characters -- I knew it was coming. Hayley has been pulling us toward these moments since the beginning (and especially with book 2). And damn did she know how to twist the knife as we hurtle toward that final epilogue. She keeps things moving between the emotional moments and the action packed moments to keep the reader on the edge of their seat in all the best ways.

Truly this series has a little bit of something for everyone! Can't wait for this author's next adventure.

4.5/5

[Abby C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayley did it again! She has a talent for writing adventurous, fast-paced books that make you fall in love with the characters!

This third book in the series was amazing. Just when I thought there couldn’t be more twists in the story, I was proven wrong again and again. The space world is fun, the plot is so well thought out and executed, and the action had me reading at 100 mph (I know I made some serious reading faces).

I didn’t want to put this book down. I did chores with my kindle in my face, literally. And I shed some big tears multiple times— I love these characters!

❤️‍🔥kissing, closed door (a couples wedding night- not described at all)
🎙️mild language, including made up swear words
⚠️death, fighting, torture


Thank you to Hayley Reese Chow, Whimsical Publishing, and NetGalley for my ARC copy!

[Hannah completing_my_tbr · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible ending for this story!

This was a truly action packed book with high stakes and many challenges to overcome. Ezren and Foster really just can’t catch a break.

I loved spending more time with all the characters, but especially with ones we haven’t seen much of since book one.
The relationships in this series are really what makes it so amazing. I love when books have real friendships in them and I think the Into the Churn series does that very well!

Into the Abyss really has it all. Adventure, danger, high stakes, sweet moments, sad moments, and of course adorable animal companions.

I definitely recommend giving this series a read if you haven’t yet. And if you’ve read all the books up until this point you won’t be disappointed by this ending!

[Wooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayley is a master storyteller. This book wrapped up Ezren and Foster's story so beautifully. Just be warned - Hayley is not afraid to put her characters through some serious stuff before they get to their HEA.

Also, the audiobook narrator, Brogan, is phenomenal. Audiobooks account for at least 85% of my reading and to date, Brogan is by far the best narrator I've ever listened to. She really gets into the characters' heads and emotions, and that comes through her narration.

I also hope Hayley has plans to write more. There are so many characters I've grown to love in this series and there's a few I could *definitely* see as novella-worthy. But if this series has taught me anything, it's that Hayley Reese Chow is now an autobuy author for me.

[Ariana Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO INTENSE!!! SO GOOOOD!!!!

I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!

The intensity is ratcheted up!! More intensity. More action. More emotions. More tears! The stakes are higher than ever and the entire ‘verse is on the line!

The entire band is back! Ezren and Foster embark on a whole new journey together and I loved getting to see them both fully come into their own. They are stronger and closer than ever. We get more family drama and it’s so good, because it brings all the tears with it! This is a fast paced, action packed, total storm of a conclusion to the Into the Churn verse, and it’s perfection!

Brogan once again did amazing with her narration, bringing to life Hayley’s unforgettable characters and adventures. And I can’t wait to see what happens in the final novella!

[Katherina Kunz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I.AM.OBSESSED!!! This is the perfect ending to this trilogy and after that epilogue I am begging for a spin of series (iykyk).

This book delivered the signature action, heart, and romance that we all know and love from the other books. I can only describe the reading experience as the best roller coaster of your life. I loved single second of it and I can’t believe that it’s over but also I’m so in love with how it all ended.

These characters have my whole heart and this will always be one of my favourite series of all time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an eARC of this book!

[Lesley Barklay · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so refreshing to read a YA book that has a relationship in it, but no relationship drama.

Was Foster occasionally over protective? Yes, but he wasn't toxic about it, and it was a pleasure to watch his realisation that if he truly loves Ezren, he has to let her make her choices, and be there to back her up.

Did Ezren occasionally withdraw instead of communicating properly? Yes, but she always came back, and trusted Foster enough with her emotions and dreams to let him in on them.

This book was a satisfactory high-stakes conclusion to the series, and I enjoyed every minutes of reading it.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only reason it took me so long to read this book was that real life kept getting in the way! This was an absolutely pitch perfect ending to the series. While each of the other books ends satisfactorily, I'm SO grateful we got the full trilogy because this feels like the end of the series. I love Ezren and Foster and I loved how much more we got of some of the other characters and EXCUSE YOU BUT WHAT DID YOU DO TO POOR [redacted] but at least [redacted]. There is so much action and peril and love and friendship and cute animals and I loved every minute of it even when I could barely breathe because of everything that was happening.

[Lorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible. What an absolute marvelous, terrifying, wonderful conclusion that has me wanting to SCREAM happy things🥹 Hayley did a fantastic job of keeping the relationship between Foster and Ezren alive for me, as a lot of books get a little “boring” once the couple gets together. This was such a huge proponent of doing the RIGHT THING, even when the consequences mean the possibility of death or worse! Ugh such a great YA sci-fi that will forever live in my head rent free. But ALSO.. are we going to get more Davis in the future?!👀🤞🏼

[Rae Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Mushu GIF* My little babies are all grown up and saving Casolla

Such a heart pounding race! With joy, rage, and tears aplenty. But I couldn't have asked a better ending for my Royalers💛 Plus that epilogue. Suns, what a great surprise! So glad we got a definite answer, 'cause I absolutely would have driven myself crazy wondering 😅

I loved that we got to see a bit more of Micah and Sam in this one. Also, the fact Sylvia pulled a wedding together in ONE HOUR still amazes me! I envy whatever Sci-Fi magic she used to produced that cake so fast 😂

[Erica Rue · Rating 5 out of 5]

1000/10 stars
This was the perfect conclusion to Foster and Ezren's story. "I always come get you." I love how the characters have grown over the series.

Definitely some sad bits, but we got a happy ending. It's nice to read a book where the good guys win, and things are hopeful at the end.

The epilogue also gave me some peace for that mid-book heartbreak, so hang in there. (vague so there are no spoilers).

I don't reread books very often, but I think I'll probably reread this series at some point, maybe get the audio.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness this one brought out all the feels. I laughed, cried, and asked what on earth was she doing to my beloved characters. This is an adventure just like the other books. It has left me not wanting this series to end. Hopefully we get a few side stories from other characters. There so much I want to say, but it would spoil it for others.