Geesh, this series has gotten under my skin, so badly, as though Sabine herself has infused me with her magic, her gift of protection, I'd end anyone who tries to flay it from me!
Having survived the underworld, Sabine and company are off to a place she's dreading, the Sky Cities, the dragon domain and the Fae's mortal enemy, it strikes a chord of fear in her. Ms Waters lulled me into a false sense of security with the first few pages but then, in her trademark way, she janks the mat from under me and sets my veins on fire with adrenaline! And Lachlina, while a goddess, sure made my blood boil in anger! Nope, can't say, read it to find out why... just know that gods and goddesses have their own agenda. But even before they reach the Sky Cities, there are a few Wyverns to take care of, pesky forest guardians... yeah, Sabine's life is anything but smooth sailing! The only bright spark is the reunion of Esme and Levin. What a gorgeous couple these two are! The Druid witch and the Wyvern, as unlikely as a Fae and a Dragon but a love shining through them all, toe melting endearing.
Sabine is one of the fiercest FMC's I've met, she evaded her family who wanted her life, she battles a vindictive goddess constantly, she protects those she loves with everything she has, most times, consequences be damned. But she has her protector demon, her dragon love, her pixie friend and her human seer by her side and she will fight to her last breath to keep them from harm. She's pure, she's compassionate, she loves with every fibre of her being, she loathes violence yet doesn't shy away from what needs doing, she's ultra protective, she thinks outside the box and she's magic personified, literally! I love everything about her for all these reasons and more. Jamie gave her a personality and resonance that seeps into me, I feel her every thought and emotion. Her love, her ancestral enemy, Malek, well shoot! Malek is, oh so swoon sigh... perfection personified! He is more than just a dragon, he is more than just a lover to Sabine, he's her everything and she his. When he told Sabine "I will stand by your side until my last breath. We may not always agree but you can always depend on me" how could I not go "awwwww" and feel all fuzzy inside? My word do I love these 2! Their very relationship is full of love and acceptance, which is kind of a no no for dragons and Fae alike.
Blossom continues to delight me, she might be a tiny pixie but she's got heart, she stands taller than the largest giant and boy is she a handful! Devoted to Sabine, Blossom brings in her badassary uniquely, most times extremely humourously, she's a feisty one! I loved how she evolves, how her magic becomes as unique as she is, heck, she even has a dangerous demon eating out of her hand! She's adorable and cute and endearing and funny and a tad magic hungry, I just adore her. As I do Rika, the human seer, she too has a way about her that makes her loveable, so much so, that Bane is enthralled just as I. The easy and friendship she and Rika share is absolutely delightful, in fact, the "family" unit is strong, it includes all of them, even Bane and Malek who form more than just a grudgingly respect and tolerance for the other. I honestly loved how all the characters solidly their friendship, their bond with one another, the protectiveness they have for each other, again, done credibly by this esteemed author. She introduces new characters along the way, all tantalising, all so very interesting, like Lyra, Thalassa and Aeron, and when the reach the Sky Cities, well heck! I loved Kaia, she's exuberance on 2 legs, doesn't mince her words and is almost as awesome as her brother Malek, almost... and I adore his mother! The action continues, the adrenaline gets revved up, the dangers compound! The danger not only from outside elements but internal too, Lachlina is getting stronger, her hold is getting stronger, Sabine is losing control...
While Ms Waters captures every nuance, every aspect in this excellent book, I cannot, for the life of me, capture all I experience reading this series. Her landscape is filled with the most vibrant of colours, not only her characters who are stand out but the very world she crafts, it feels as real as if I was expecting everything right here, in my world. The humour, when least expected, lightens the tension. But oh dear glory does Ms Waters turn up the heat, slowly, slowly, until I'm engulfed in the flames of her supreme expertise, my heart knocking against my ribcage with such vigour, it threatens to explode! This author has her finger on the pulse of her storytelling and the pounding hits me square in the chest! Those final few chapters nearly did me in....but I wouldn't want it any other way, I LOVE the feels, I LOVE the intricacies of the plot, I LOVE the characters to smithereens! Honestly? I LOVE it all! As I said at the start of this review, this series has become an indelible part of me...