Skyvenom

The Weirkey Chronicles #9

by Sarah Lin

Betrayed. Murdered. Reborn. One last chance, to make it right. Theo's adventure ended with his mentor's hands around his neck. The betrayal cost him his friends, allies and everything he had built... but not his life. Though broken and powerless, Theo has one last chance to enter the Nine Worlds, wielding the knowledge and expertise of his first life. This time, he needs more than just power, he needs to unravel the deception that killed him once... and is coming for him again.

Theo has had enough of being chased across the Nine this time, they're going after one of their enemies to end things once and for all. But returning to Deuxan means getting involved with a web of violent politics, and there may be something worse lurking beneath the surface. There are bigger players involved in this game, including the Demon Court, Vistgil... and maybe even someone from Earth.

Genres: Fantasy, Litrpg, High Fantasy

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2025

About the author

Hello! I'm Sarah Lin and I write various kinds of fantasy. If you want to keep up with my work, feel free to check out the following:

Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/dMSw2A
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sarahlin
Blog: http://sarahlinauthor.blogspot.com/

Join either list to get immediate access to illustrations of all my characters, plus bonus content and previews. If you've tried my work, I'd be happy to hear from you!

Reviews

[Nathaniel]

obsessed with this series

Can’t get enough, power creep is very appropriate and the relationships are enjoyable to see developed as the story continues

[Rinaldo]

4.4/5

First, I'd like to reiterate my statement from the previous book that having the cast of The Weirkey Chronicles being in the mid-tier of Soulcrafting level does improve the quality of the plot and enjoyment. It's a sweet spot where our characters can do a lot of stuff and influence things, all while strategising survival against bigger fish out there.

This book has an interesting stake and plot as well, where it eventually concludes the first Deuxan subplot from 6-7 books ago, all while laying foundations for the late game. By having themselves caught in the Deuxan Court games, Theo, Fiyu, and Nauda must think laterally to survive the games while progressing with their Soulcrafting. The longer the series goes, the more it reads like a reimagining of wuxia, this time with the classic wuxia poisoning and medicine pills. The flight ability of the Authorities also reminds me of classic wire-fu wuxia flicks.

While this book is still a lot of fun, I still think that Deathseed is still a bit stronger, especially since it features more variations and more interesting subplots. The conniving Deuxan games can get tiring at some places. Still, since Wakespire, I reckon Sarah Lin has found her sweet spot of balance between the high-stakes main plot and usual material-gathering sidequests, so suffice to say, I'm excited for future books.

[M]

Amazing continuation to a great series!

I think this was a really good book overall. Going part by part.

In terms of the developing the broader world/plot: The entry opens up the mystery a great deal, revealing a ton of really interesting lore and secrets that had been teased earlier on in the series. It also wrapped up a major subplot that has been going on for a while in a satisfying way.

In terms of the characters: All great, I think they’ve developed realistically and interestingly. As we are deeper into the series I appreciate how you can really see the trust and development all the main trio have gotten and built into a cohesive team.

In terms of the specific plot: I think it was concluded well, with both the subplot and the great overarching plot elements being executed interestingly. The stakes felt compelling and there were interesting twists and turns without anything feeling contrived.

In terms of the grammar, prose, etc., it’s all done great, it seems technically flawless, and I enjoy their writing style and voice.

If I had to give one minor criticism, the start of the plot for the story is a bit confusing, but it’s very minor and quickly is a non-issue.

Definitely would say it’s worth buying and reading.

[Vishal Patel]

Clever and fun

This book's exploration of the higher-level politics of the Nine Worlds is interesting throughout. Between the mysterious multi-world powers and the structured Courts, there is a good mix of different power balances (and imbalances) that give the characters opportunities to show their personal and soulcrafting growth.

Nauda and Fiyu's romance remains a fun element, especially as it becomes steadier. My personal favorite element is the world building of Slescan societies, which this book handles very well.

Overall, it's a good mix of new beginnings, endings, and interesting shifts in the status quo.

[Sundeep]

A long running series is usually difficult to follow after the initial impression fades - but with a detailed series summary provided at the start of a new book and little hints within the story itself makes it easier to get immersed in the setting. It also helps that the author keeps surprising us with cool twists - about halfway through this book, I thought the plot felt similar, just with escalated danger but the resolution was well executed here. Looking forward to how the revelations will influence the upcoming books!

[Thorsten]

Such a great series and one of the few that can produce its best nine books into it. We are finally breaking into the real meat of the Nine Worlds and uncovering some of its secrets. The characters all continue to be wonderful, the relationship between Nauda and Fiyu is charming, and I'd buy a whole book of Senka-food and Krikree-sister just bickering at each other.

I can't wait for the next one; it's promising to be a good one!

[Daniel Smith]

Frustrating but enjoyable

I want to start off by saying that I did enjoy the book.

That being said I did have a major problem with the story. The main problem I had with it was the constantly shifting POV, sometimes the POVs were only a few paragraphs long this led to a jumbled mess of a story. Besides that the only problem I even kind of had was I still feel that the romance makes no sense and is kind of forced.

[Nikki Rich]

I love this series so much, and I feel like it just keeps getting better. This latest book, Skyvemon, it’s really good.

I feel like the pacing of these books are really interesting because there’s always this long slow build of power, but we also have a short race to a deadline and I think playing those two things against each other works really well in terms of tempo and timing.

Can’t wait to see what happens next! I really love Theo ❤️ it’s probably because I’m a grumpy old earthling too.

[Joe Collins]

This is one of my favourite series for a reason. Even though none of the core 3 had any ascenson, they should all push through to Stronghold next book as they built up to it all this book. They really struggled in this one, but it brought to an end the feud with Essaire, but just as importantly we learnt more about Vistigal and his shadowy organization, as well as more about the Earth travelers in the 9 worlds.

Can't wait for book 10 as I felt this one opened up so much more for the future.

[Sebastian Cuellar]

Actually gets better

Seriously, I love the subversion that Sarah does so well. She clearly is a master of stories and storytelling, she does a great job acknowledging the story tropes and subverting then
I loved Street Cultivation and this series is topping it. I love this deconstruction!

[Kevin]

2.5
Really just a continuation of the last book’s fight since it didn’t get resolved then. And spoilers….
Doesn’t get a satisfying conclusion this book either.

A strange series where so much time is spent on the minutia of the “soul homes” but it’s incremental improvements that feel uninteresting to read about.

[Wim]

Love the characters

In the midst of reading other books, I had stepped away from this one series for quite a while. Having come back to it, I had forgotten how much I loved the core crew.

Sarah Lin has a way of creating in-depth characters with individual foibles and strengths that rings true and helps to fall in love with them

[Christopher]

The best entry so far! I love how supportive and competent the main cast is, especially as they are finally real movers and shakers that impact regional politics just by their presence. Also, the background plot is finally picking up, leading to real progress on what is actually happening in the Nine

[Caio Paixão]

Much better than the last one.

However it has the same problems that the other books have, the overarching plot is getting better but the actual book plot is too shallow.

The characters put themselves in life and death positions for no reason... Half the conflicts in this series can be solved but just "Let's just go away and ignore this city".

[Brendan Coffey]

Great Continuation of the Series

A great continuation of the series! I especially liked the discussion of incorporating advanced soulcrafting into their blueprints, as well as Theo becoming a patron.

[Tyler]

This was a solid entry in the series. A lot of good progress is made and it never feels like things are happening solely to stretch out the plot unlike other series in the genre. Excited to continue seeing where this series goes.

[Lylla]

Thank you again

Great story epic battles all fight not very heavy with romance can't stand all that much romance in a good book but. Definitely has some questions answered and love the world building. This story was excellent thank you so much Sarah Lin!

[Bryce Leo]

I love Sarah Lin's writing, like, if she posted a recipe I would read and enjoy the whole story you have to get through just to find the ingredients.
I love the mix of politics and personality that she brings to the series. As always, I am incredibly excited for the next book.

[Jeremy Robertson]

Failed bechdel test

Overall the book was good.
I felt like Nauda and Fiyu's characters got reduced to Twitterpated girls a bit. Everything they did and thought revolved around the romance. It got old.

[Prince Hakeem]

Another Thrilling Installment

This was a great addition that promises more thrilling adventures for the gang as they navigate the politics and intrigue of the Nine Worlds.

[Yawar Khan]

Great book. This one concluded a long standing arc. I'd like to see more character development for Theo. He seems more one dimensional than Nauda and Fiyu. I look forward to the next instalment.

[Leon Elcock]

must read

This book was a great 9th installment to the weirkey chronicles. A fantastic book as always. Highly recommended. Kudos Sarah Lin!!!

[Joshua Sibblies]

The final scene at court was pretty fun, I love Emperor Dave, but overall kind of a weak entry.

[Heli Miranda ahumada]

Estoy adicto, lo unico malo es que termino y necesito otra saga para dormir o libro.

[Danny Moody]

Another great entry. This is one felt like the end of an arc. We gain some information about the higher levels of advancement. The climax was somewhat anti-climactic but I do appreciate the storyline progressing.

[Ian Carr]

sb nation beef history

[Reece Grimshaw]

Love this series

Best isekai series I have read, so different from the standard run of the mill characters. Need four more words

[Tony]

4.5

[Jona Christensen]

Theo decides to stop ignoring his obsessive stalker who has no concept of fair play