Every life, he finds her. Every life, she forgets him.
Ellas Valentin was forged to kill without question, a blade in her mother's hand, sharpened by the empire's cruelest lessons. Mercy is weakness. Hesitation is death. Until the boy she's sent to murder looks at her like he's been waiting lifetimes.
Noct Seraph has died nine times. In every life, he finds the girl with the storm in her eyes and a blade at his throat. And every time, he remembers everything.
When Noct's fragmented memories begin to surface in Ellas' mind—flashes of impossible familiarity, a love that tastes like grief—she realizes their past is soaked in more than blood. It's drenched in betrayal. As rebellion ignites in the kingdom's streets, Ellas faces an impossible remain the crown's perfect weapon, or trust the boy who claims he's died for her nine times over.
For fans of These Violent Delights and An Ember in the a dark, emotionally charged romantasy of reincarnation, forbidden love, and star-crossed souls bound across lifetimes.
I am without words. Only feelings. Only reactions. Just random goblin noises that cannot be properly articulated. The story line is so unique, but one that also feels so timeless. The voice, the words, oh my god, my favorite part. Hands down! The use of language and storytelling is just *chef kiss* *standing ovation* perfection. No notes! You are there, carried away, right there with them for every moment. The way it jumps is perfect. It may sets a tone for the reader, in my opinion, but some may not be a fan. I was! But everyone might not be. Did I cry? Yes. Yes, I did. Will I tell you were? Not a chance. I am not one for spoilers. ESPECIALLY a book like this. You need to feel it, experience, follow the flow, not know what happens on the page to come. This is unique. I know that word can be thrown around, but its true. This book stands out there on its own and I applaud Arden Fang for bringing it to fruition. I am left in awe. Bereft of where I go from here.
Oh my goodness! This was an amazing debut novel for this indie author! The descriptions & details are so vivid, the storyline epic, & definitely makes you want to turn the page to find out what happens next! Do not miss out on this bad boy!!
All I can say is wow! The writing in this book is nothing I have ever had the pleasure of reading! I am not a fan of books that go back and forth between different time periods and characters due to confusion on my part. Arden did a fantastic job writing this story the character development and heart is beyond words! He managed to bounce between time lines and tell the story between the time periods but in order and I applaud him for that! The story of Serai and Cael ( the OG couple) was amazing a young lovers who family used them as tools or weapons in their war. Who you find out in another time line turn into Lux and Noct which are more of a brother/sister relationship, who later in another time line become Ellas and Thorne, which Ellas leaves Thorne who is her betrothed for Noct (Cael) following the story of Ellas and Noct as they follow the same pathways as they did in their first life was amazing to read from a different perspective! My heart though towards the end which you don’t get to witness the first time around it truly isn’t a HEA at first… Noct goes through the motions but Ellas feels all the pain and emptiness that loss gives her the severed bond burns her deep! But a rebirth gives a hard choice to make and possibly a second or 9th chance to get it right.. what will Noct choose? Though this the back and forth was not my favorite and made it hard for me to follow!! This book deserves all the love and hard work Arden put into it! I can not wait to dive into book 2! Bravo!! Make sure you read the Novella first!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Let’s be real — this book had me emotionally invested before I even knew what hit me. After the Sky Falls is giving magic, trauma, destiny, and “why am I attached already?” energy.
Serai? Oh, she’s THAT girl. Complex, emotional, and trying to survive in a world that keeps throwing chaos at her. Watching her navigate grief, power, and identity felt raw in the best way. I wasn’t just reading — I was feeling.
The world-building? Chef’s kiss. Fang doesn’t just create a fantasy world, she drops you into it and says, “Good luck, hope you can keep up.” The magic system is rich, the lore runs deep, and everything feels intentional. Thank you booksiren for this ARC
Omg 😍 😲 cuteness adorableness overload. Yes its dark and has dark themes but the romance is so good!!! Everything about this book was absolute perfection!! 10/10 would recommend. No notes! Literally love the romance that transcends time and circumstances. I love the development between the two characters!!! Ugh like its so amazingly done!!! I cannot write anymore because I dont want to give any spoilers. Should be read blind because its amazing.
Wow - this book had me hooked from page one to the very end. It was gripping and kept me intrigued by the spectacular worldbuilding and the story's immersive quality. I highly recommend it.
After the Sky Falls, hooks you from Chapter one, drawing you into its world. The reincarnation theme is woven with magical beauty; the author's skillful handling of this concept is impressive. The romance between characters, recurring across timelines is a highlight of all of it's own. Their meetings are poignant and captivating. The author's craft pulls you in, making you feel part of the story. I Can't wait to see where the series goes next.
**I received this book as an ARC Copy and did not purchase the book, however, this is my honest review for which I am not paid and is voluntary. ** This book/author has a lot of potential with this plot, but it fell very flat for me in execution. I could never have an anchor to figure out where in the timeline/what characters were together. Using an arbitrary date or defining what the “echo” is would help to understand what was going on. Also, a lot of the conversation was hard to follow on who was speaking which needs revised. Sometimes, in two different paragraphs, the same person was talking with no text clues to who said a single line new paragraph sentence. For a young adult book, I find this book too difficult to read between the time distortion without anchors and the lack of character explanations as well. To improve, I would like to see a timeline or back history in the prologue to help make this book easier to follow. I had to reread often to try to decipher who I, as the reader, was following in the book, where the characters were, and who was speaking. The flow of the story is completely chaotic and needs a lot of revision to help the reader actually enjoy the story especially for the intended written audience.
This is a magical story about a love that never truly dies. You will feel an emotional pull and a sense of familiarity over and over because the main characters are reincarnated. Serai and Cael, then Lux and Noct and finally Ellas and Thorne.
The book does jump back and forth between time periods. I had to read the book alone without distractions in order to follow the story.
Ella is a strong warrior and seems to love a good fight. Her mother has taught her that being the most powerful family is very important. She believes that there was always war between certain families but this is untrue. The past was changed and rewritten.
If you love magic and romance grab this book as it will take you on a journey of never-ending connection.
I have read reviews saying to read the Novella first. I didn't as I didn't know. So make sure to read Love Ascension first.
I was given this book courtesy of the author and these are my honest and true opinions.
Tissues on stand by- Your heart is about to get ripped out
After the Sky Falls is one of those stories that lingers with you long after you’ve finished reading—but it does ask for a bit of patience and focus at the start to fully understand what is going on. The story moves back and forth between multiple timelines and lives, which can feel a little confusing to follow at first. It took some time to settle into the rhythm of the story. Once it clicks, though, the book truly takes off.
Arden Fang’s voice is the beating heart of this novel. The story is immersive, lyrical, and emotionally charged, pulling you directly into each moment. As the timelines unfold, what initially feels disorienting becomes one of the book’s greatest strengths. Each life, each storyline, feels purposeful—like pieces of a larger puzzle slowly coming together. Rather than feeling disjointed, the structure adds depth and richness, rewarding readers who trust the process.
At its core, this is a story about love in its most enduring and heartbreaking form. Love that transcends lifetimes, survives darkness and chaos, and persists even when it means watching someone you love find happiness elsewhere. The emotional investment builds steadily until you’re fully immersed, feeling every joy, every loss, every sacrifice alongside the characters.
The world-building is beautifully executed, filled with magic, darkness, intensity, and emotional weight. The reincarnation element—lives lived and lost multiple times—is explored with care and depth, making each reunion and connection feel powerful and earned. By the end, the characters feel fully realized across all versions of themselves.
This book isn’t meant to be rushed or spoiled. It’s meant to be felt. And while it may take a little time to find your footing, the payoff is absolutely worth it. After the Sky Falls left me emotionally wrecked in the best way—and eagerly anticipating what comes next.
I was gifted an ARC copy of book 1 and the novella Reaching out to the Author his first response is "Are you ok?" No I am not!!
“The most dangerous magic is the kind that give you exactly what you 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 you want.”
“Don’t you leave me.” “I will find you again, I always do.”❤️🩹
Oh man. Where do I even begin?! This book completely consumed me. It’s only February, but I know for certain this book will be on my top five list of 2026 favorites!!
This book is so creatively and captivatingly written. It pulls you in from the very start and doesn’t let you go until you reach the end. And even then, does it even let you go? Not for me, because I’m still thinking about it. It was just that good!!
The world building and details of each & every scene, character emotions, trials & adventures, is just so completely gripping. I had to pause reading to sit and think at certain points because it’s written in the past, present, and the in between. I can honestly say I’ve never read a book with so much depth & layers until now! But as you read and peel back the layers, you find out how truly fascinating the story is.
I have a soft spot for the MMC, Noct. He goes through lifetimes of falling in love over again, just to lose it in the end. My heart was breaking for him throughout the whole story. He’s definitely my favorite character. Ellas, the FMC, is such a bad-a**, she wears her emotions like armour and fights so hard for the truth she seeks.
I love how Arden incorporated mushrooms & fungi in the story, & how it comes alive, the spores move with the breathes of the characters at times. It was very interesting to say the least! The blood magic, the world turning black and reappearing into a new time in the past, it was all so cool to read. That circles back to his amazing world building ability!
The end nearly wrecked me. I want to scream. I wanted to cry. I want to slap Noct to smack to sense into him. But his heart is just too big to let himself love. He cares too deeply about others and their hearts. I cannot wait to dive straight into book two!!! If I could give this one infinite stars, I would! 👏🏻
I received an ARC from the author and this story took me on a roller coaster of emotions. It was an adventure from the first page to the last.
The timeline jumps were the best part of the story. It did take me a few jumps to get the hang of the characters BUT if you read the novella first it did make it easier to make perfect sense of the plot.
This book didn’t just break my heart, it sat with me in the wreckage and refused to let me look away.
After the Sky Falls is the kind of story that feels painfully real. It’s quiet and devastating, raw in a way that sneaks up on you, and deeply human in its grief, love, and survival. Arden Fang writes emotions like exposed nerves—every page aching, every moment heavy with everything left unsaid. His ability to transport you DIRECTLY into the story is unparalleled.
This isn’t a neat, pretty story about healing. It’s messy. It’s uncomfortable & It’s honest. It captures what it feels like when life fractures and you’re forced to keep breathing anyway. The characters feel real in the way that hurts—flawed, hurting, reaching for connection even when they don’t know how to hold onto it.
The grief in this book is suffocating. The love is tender and fragile. The hope is quiet but stubborn. Nothing is rushed, or sugarcoated, and that’s exactly why it hits so hard. You don’t just read this book, you feel it settle into your chest and stay there.
By the end, I wasn’t crying because it was sad—I was crying because it was true. Because it understood loss. Because it understood the long, lonely stretch after everything falls apart, and the courage it takes to keep going anyway.
If you love emotionally heavy, character-driven stories that leave you hollowed out and grateful all at once, After the Sky Falls will absolutely ruin you—in the best possible way.
I can only describe this book one way: “For readers who crave a romance as devastating as it is divine.”
From the very first page, I felt swept into the whimsical, magical, Studio Ghibli–esque world of After the Sky Falls. Every setting is painted with such delicate, loving detail that reading felt like wandering through a lantern-lit dream — each page revealing new textures, colors, and quiet treasures, like seashells waiting along the shore.
Arden Fang creates not just a world, but a feeling — and at the heart of it is a love story both beautiful and heartbreaking. The kind that warms you even as it breaks you.
Noct Seraph has lived nine lives — and in every one, he finds her. The love he has chased across lifetimes, while she is reborn again and again without memory of him. But Noct remembers. He always remembers. And where fate tells him to surrender, he chooses devotion instead. He is not willing to die — he is willing to live for her — and rewrite the ending written for them.
The story is threaded with Asian-inspired elements and symbolism that make the world feel fresh and luminous — from unexpected creatures in place of traditional fantasy icons to a morally gray heroine softened by moments of breathtaking tenderness. Nothing felt wasted. Every scene carried weight, wonder, or emotion.
The sensory detail is so vivid I could see the glow of moss-covered lanterns, feel the crackle of power in the air, and the quiet devastation when memory returns — and when loss follows. That final moment left my heart in pieces.
This is a story that feels like a fairytale told with tears in its eyes — romantic, aching, and unforgettable.
After the Sky Falls had me hooked from page one all the way to the final chapter. This is the kind of story that pulls you in quietly and then refuses to let go.
Ellas Valentin is a compelling and heartbreaking protagonist, forged into a weapon by an empire that values obedience over humanity. Raised to believe mercy is weakness and hesitation is death, she feels sharp, disciplined, and deeply conflicted. That tension fractures the moment she meets the boy she is meant to kill, one who looks at her as if he has known her across lifetimes. That single connection reshapes everything.
The recurring romance across timelines is a standout element. Each meeting between the characters is poignant and emotionally charged, carrying the weight of memory on one side and forgetting on the other. Their connection feels inevitable yet fragile, and watching it unfold again and again was captivating. The emotional pull of their bond is layered beautifully into the larger story rather than overpowering it.
The world building is spectacular, detailed without feeling overwhelming, and it adds to the immersive quality of the story. Arden Fang’s writing makes you feel like you are standing inside the world alongside the characters, experiencing their fear, longing, and hope firsthand. This is a gripping, well-crafted YA dark romantasy with real emotional depth. I highly recommend it and cannot wait to see where the series goes next.
This was one of the best books I have read in a while!!!
“After the Sky Falls by Arden Fang” really shines a spotlight on how intricately and beautifully built its world is. The setting doesn’t just exist as an after thought it feels alive . The rules of the world, its power dynamics, and the way everything connects are revealed as you make your way through the story. It makes it easy to stay immersed and locked in. You can tell there was a lot of care and consideration put into making the world feel like it surrounds you when you read the book. Every conflict and emotional moment is made so much more intense by the setting. The story is grounded by the relationship between Cael and Serai, who are the heart of the story. Their connection develops in a way that feels genuine, shaped by their individual struggles and growth. Cael’s reserved, steely nature balances well with Serai’s passion and emotional openness, and watching them learn to trust and rely on each other is one of the most engaging parts of the of the experience . Their relationship isn’t just the romance it is meaningful and deep. Their relationship is so closely tied to the building of the world and the choices they’re forced to make, which makes their journey feel both personal and impactful.
After the Sky Falls is one of those rare stories that sweeps you up and carries you across lifetimes, timelines, and incarnations, yet still manages to feel intimate. This book intertwines multiple storylines in a way that highlights one powerful, overarching truth: love can transcend lifetimes, conquer any enemy, and even endure the heartbreak of watching someone you love find happiness with another.
The storytelling style is ambitious and at times a bit challenging, as the narrative jumps between timelines and lives. But instead of feeling disjointed, each thread adds richness and depth. Every storyline is almost like a story within a story and feels complete on its own while also contributing to the greater whole. It’s a puzzle you slowly see coming together, and the payoff is worth every moment of “Wait… where are we now?”
By the end, I was fully invested in these characters across all versions of themselves. This book doesn’t just tell you a story; it invites you to experience a tapestry of connected lives and emotions.
I’m already eagerly looking forward to seeing where the author takes us in Book 2. If it’s anything like this one, we’re in for an unforgettable ride.
After the Sky Falls is a haunting, emotionally charged YA romantasy that balances darkness with hope and heartbreak with resilience. Arden Fang crafts a fractured world shaped by loss and danger, where love becomes both a risk and a lifeline.
The atmosphere is heavy and immersive, with a constant sense of unease that mirrors the characters’ inner struggles. The romance unfolds slowly and thoughtfully, focusing on trust, longing, and emotional connection rather than heat, making it well-suited to the YA space. The themes of survival, sacrifice, and finding strength after devastation are woven beautifully throughout the story.
While some familiar genre elements appear, the emotional depth and moody tone help the story stand out. The stakes feel personal, and the characters’ growth—especially in the face of fear and uncertainty—adds a powerful layer to the narrative.
A strong four-star read for YA readers who love dark romantasy vibes, tender romance, and stories about rebuilding yourself when everything you knew has fallen apart. 🖤📚✨
Dark fantasy can wander down so many paths, and this one doesn’t follow a straight line so much as it spins a web. Character lives unfold at various times and ages, yet the author never lets the reader get lost. Through subtle clues and smart chapter openings, you’re given just enough of a roadmap to stay grounded while the story branches in different directions.
The lyrical writing adds an almost hypnotic quality to the fantasy elements, pulling you deeper into the shadows of the story. And the darkness here isn’t about obvious monsters lurking in corners. Instead, it’s far more unsettling — the reminder that the real creatures may be the ones hiding inside each of us.
This is the kind of book you want to savor rather than rush through. Tucked into several chapters are little culinary surprises that somehow make the story feel even richer and more immersive. More than once, this reader found herself suddenly craving a snack that I knew would never live up to what I just read while turning the pages — which honestly just made the experience all the more delicious.
Where do I start just Absolutely Amazing ! This book has it all for me a die hard fantasy girly ! Reincarnation love ,magic,slow burn, love that spans life times !! Enemies to lovers, dark romance.And can we talk about the way the author drops you fully in to a world you get lost in with there amazing world building and descriptions I felt I was walking through the story not just reading it ! I became utterly lost in the characters and world. Of course the time line jumps you are going back and forth through lifetimes trust the process the author takes you on ! You will cry but it will be worth it!
The FMC is fierce strong stubborn but I found myself easily loving her ! The MMC well he has my whole heart and now lives rent free in my head I can not wait to continue this story and world that I was sad ended because I could have continued to read till my eyes burned it will be hard for a book to surpass this for me in 2026
The writing style really pulled me in. The way the author describes things feels poetic and vivid—like I could see, hear, and even feel the scenes. The atmosphere is thick with emotion, magic, and tension. I really like The butterfly scene in the beginning—where Cael heals a dead butterfly. It’s quiet, tender, and sets the tone for the whole story: magic, grief, and small acts of kindness in a broken world.
Area to improve…Sometimes the shifts between timelines and characters can be a little hard to follow. A clearer chapter heading or date/label when switching between “First Life,” “Present Life,” and different perspectives might help readers stay oriented without losing the flow.
I Absolutely would recommend this book, especially to readers who love: * Fantasy with rich worldbuilding * Character-driven stories with deep emotion * Multiple timelines and reincarnation themes * Beautiful, descriptive writing that makes you slow down and savor the words
Have you ever wondered what eternal love could look like? Well, this is definitely it. It is loved chased through lifetimes because the promise to never give up is there. It is meeting time and time again not knowing why that is your path but in your heart you know it is and even when you doubt, you still follow it because it feels right.
This book pulled at me more than I was expecting, there were challenges that were either personal or for everyone involved. It made you think about whether it was worth what they were facing but never doubting it.
It made you wonder how one can continue to follow that road, and the answer is simple. Love, pure never ending love. The kind that most people dont get to experience and if you do, you know it is once in a life time.
I am excited to see where their story goes from here, and to find out what challenges are thrown at them next!
It’s extremely rare for me not to power through and finish a book. I can count on one hand the times it’s happened… until today. I ended up DNF’ing After the Sky Falls at around 20%.
I truly wanted to love this book. The premise is intriguing, and the writing itself is undeniably beautiful. Unfortunately, I found myself completely lost. I struggled to keep track of the timeline and even which character we were following at any given moment. By the time I stopped reading, I honestly couldn’t tell you what was happening in the story.
This very well may be a “me” issue rather than a book issue, and I do plan to attempt a reread in the future. For now, though, the experience felt too chaotic for me to stay grounded in the story, and I couldn’t continue.
I truly want to thank the publisher and Arden Fang for providing me with an ARC. These are my honest opinions.
After the Sky Falls by Arden Fang, dark romantasy really leaves you just needing more. What happens next? It truly weaves reincarnation, destiny, and forbidden love into a crazy imagined world. You'll get all you need by the details, the slivers of hope, destruction, and yearning so powerful your heart hurts just from a kiss. The story follows Ellas Valentin, a weapon shaped by a ruthless empire, and Noct Seraph, a boy who has lived and died across lifetimes to find her again.... Even when she cannot remember him. There is •Atmospheric world-building •High political stakes •Emotionally charged romance And it all spans time itself.
Take a dive if you dare. I did, and I do not regret it. This isn't my typicaly type of read so I would have enjoyed more spice to go with the yearning alas, it was perfectly written and pulls you in.
A hauntingly beautiful start to a new series If you are a fan of star-crossed souls and high-stakes rebellion, After the Sky Falls is a must-read. The world-building is a "chef's kiss" experience—rich, dark, and very atmospheric. I was deeply invested in Serai’s journey and her connection to Noct. The concept of a love that survives across nine different lives is handled with so much emotion. The writing style is uniquely designed; while there are moments where the flow could be a bit smoother to make the reading experience even better, the "bones" of this book are exceptional. The characters and the plot are strong enough to keep you hooked until the very end. I’m excited to see where this series goes next!
What struck me most about After the Sky Falls was how fully realized the world felt. The author has crafted something truly immersive here - a dark, atmospheric setting that made every scene feel vivid and alive.
The premise is compelling: a assassin trained to be a perfect weapon meets the boy she's supposed to kill, only to discover their connection spans lifetimes. The reincarnation element adds real weight to the romance, and I appreciated how the story explores themes of choice versus destiny, loyalty versus love.
The world-building is where this book really shines. If you love romantasy that pulls you into another world and doesn't let go, this is absolutely worth your time. Can't wait to see where the trilogy goes!
I recieved this book as an ARC, this is my honest review* This was a DNF for me (made it to 43%), which is extremely rare. I really wanted to love it, as I appreciate the concept of the storyline. The writing is beautiful, and very poetic, but also becomes a little exhausting/tedious. It comes across like the author was trying a bit too hard to make every sentence poetic/overly descriptive. It ends up feeling repititious and disingenuous over time.
Unfortunately, it just did not capture me. It felt very chaotic and jumps around alot. So much so that I couldn't latch onto the storyline and just didn't feel invested in the characters. There wasn't enough back story and detail for me to make heads or tails of the story.
This is not your normal fantasy book. If you want a book that’s truly unique and out of the ordinary writing style this is the book for you. I will admit jumping between timelines was difficult to follow at first but after a few chapters you start to get use to the back and forth. The changing of timelines does not take away from the amazing details, descriptions, and world building. Nor does it distract from the love and bond built between the main characters. Arden put so much soul into this book that you physically hurt with the characters as they go through the heartache and rejoice when they have exciting moments. This book is laying the path for what’s to come and gives you good hints to the future. I can’t wait to read book 2 and see where their journey takes us!
Ok, so first off to let everyone know, I am not an avid reader... or I should say that I wasn't an avid reader u til I read this book as well as the novella. This story has made me fall in love with reading again and I can't thank Arden Fang enough for writing this trilogy. The depths that these characters have and how much the story grabs ahold of you and doesn't let go, the desire to continue to read and not put it down. I felt everything these characters have felt though reading This book. And I will keep reading from this author. Whatever you like to read or even if you're not a big reader, this is a story to get into. I highly recommend adding this book as well as the whole trilogy to your reading list for this year, you won't be disappointed. Thank you, and happy reading.
This book is a master class in love, loss and yearning. The prose, language & visuals created are just breathtaking. It's poetry with a plot. The intertwining love stories are weaved into a tapestry of love and heartbreak, as you wish for the characters to find happiness, only to see it snatched away. But maybe next time, it will be different. I couldn't put this down. As some other reviewers wrote, this book is complex. Read it when you can devote all of your mind to it. This is not a passive read. It captures you and pulls you into this amazing world. The many interwoven pieces take a minute to keep track of, but it's so worth the effort. I can't wait to read the next book.
This book…oh the feels. I was emotionally invested in the characters from the very beginning, and it only grew. I felt EVERYTHING these characters went through. This book for me is the beginning of emotional damage. The world building, the magic, the darkness.....PERFECTION!! And let's not forget the absolute chaos and turmoil. The timeline does jump around between lifetimes, but I PROMISE it will be worth it. I truly could not put this book down and I CANNOT wait to see what else is written. I am now in a true book hangover....in a great way.