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Where Oceans Burn #2
Where Skies Fall
With these three tenets, we will live. With these three, we will fight.
Bravery. Breath. Brine.
Bravery.
Neera, Goddess of the Sky, claims the war will end in the place where oceans burn. God of the Sea, Talay, believes it to be in the place where skies fall. Yet battles unlike any our people have fought before still wait to be waged. Like it or not, Crest and I find ourselves caught in the middle.
Breath.
He is The Shark, leader of the Guardians of the ocean. Sworn to protect everything in the salty sea below, his people stake claim to the Isle of Kehlani. As The Scourge of the Sky, I was once his mortal enemy. But he and his people took me in and showed me I’m worth more than the power surging through my veins. For the first time, I feel the sky might not be where I belong.
Brine.
The great goddess Neera’s scale has tipped out of my favor. Now, losing the feathers in my wings is the least of my worries. It will take every ounce of my cunning and skills to rip myself from the grip of a cruel goddess who would see me cowed and caged. Talay has claimed me for his own, and for that, I am grateful. When the sky descends, thirsty for blood, I will fight. For those I love. For the life I crave. And for him… For him, I will sink the kingdom of the sky. I will drag Empyrean into the depths and delight in watching it drown.
Praise for Where Skies
"Woven from harsh winds and magical brine, the Where Oceans Burn duology is a thrilling and heart-wrenching tale of opposites that can find peace – if the right hearts find each other." - Angelina J. Steffort, award-winning author of The Quarter Mage
"I loved this book. Such a unique magic system and complex characters. Beautifully done!" ~Alisha Klapheke, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Kingdoms of Lore series
I am Elira, great Scourge of the Sky.
He is Crest, cunning Shark of the Sea.
Together... we could be unstoppable.
PRAISE FOR WHERE OCEANS
“Bond has created a world so rich, you can taste the brine of the sea on your tongue and feel the crash of lightning in your bones. These characters will claim your heart with their story, break it with their sorrow, mend it with their affection, and bolster it with their hope. I never wanted it to end.” – Vanessa Rasanen, author of On These Black Sands and From These Dark Depths
“Loss, betrayal, and the mark of true love burn bright in this one-of-a-kind adventure where the sky meets the sea! This has easily become one of my all-time favorite Bond stories, and I can’t wait for book two! “ – Tish Thawer, author of Weaver
“Get swept away in a lush new fantasy where one winged girl, armed with heart and courage, dares the very impossible.” – Olivia Wildenstein, author of Feather and House of Beating Wings
“Where Oceans Burn by Casey L. Bond is an absolute must read for any fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and Sarah J. Maas. Casey L. Bond has written a gorgeous YA Fantasy with incredible worldbuilding, and a storyline about a woman whose destiny lies in ending the war between those in the sky and those in the sea.” – Jes Ekker from LitBuzz
“Fall into a world of wonder, loss, war, betrayal, and the possibility of love. Where Oceans Burn is an entrancing tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Wind or water – which would you choose?” –@TheTerritorialFaePodcast
Bravery. Breath. Brine.
Bravery.
Neera, Goddess of the Sky, claims the war will end in the place where oceans burn. God of the Sea, Talay, believes it to be in the place where skies fall. Yet battles unlike any our people have fought before still wait to be waged. Like it or not, Crest and I find ourselves caught in the middle.
Breath.
He is The Shark, leader of the Guardians of the ocean. Sworn to protect everything in the salty sea below, his people stake claim to the Isle of Kehlani. As The Scourge of the Sky, I was once his mortal enemy. But he and his people took me in and showed me I’m worth more than the power surging through my veins. For the first time, I feel the sky might not be where I belong.
Brine.
The great goddess Neera’s scale has tipped out of my favor. Now, losing the feathers in my wings is the least of my worries. It will take every ounce of my cunning and skills to rip myself from the grip of a cruel goddess who would see me cowed and caged. Talay has claimed me for his own, and for that, I am grateful. When the sky descends, thirsty for blood, I will fight. For those I love. For the life I crave. And for him… For him, I will sink the kingdom of the sky. I will drag Empyrean into the depths and delight in watching it drown.
Praise for Where Skies
"Woven from harsh winds and magical brine, the Where Oceans Burn duology is a thrilling and heart-wrenching tale of opposites that can find peace – if the right hearts find each other." - Angelina J. Steffort, award-winning author of The Quarter Mage
"I loved this book. Such a unique magic system and complex characters. Beautifully done!" ~Alisha Klapheke, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Kingdoms of Lore series
I am Elira, great Scourge of the Sky.
He is Crest, cunning Shark of the Sea.
Together... we could be unstoppable.
PRAISE FOR WHERE OCEANS
“Bond has created a world so rich, you can taste the brine of the sea on your tongue and feel the crash of lightning in your bones. These characters will claim your heart with their story, break it with their sorrow, mend it with their affection, and bolster it with their hope. I never wanted it to end.” – Vanessa Rasanen, author of On These Black Sands and From These Dark Depths
“Loss, betrayal, and the mark of true love burn bright in this one-of-a-kind adventure where the sky meets the sea! This has easily become one of my all-time favorite Bond stories, and I can’t wait for book two! “ – Tish Thawer, author of Weaver
“Get swept away in a lush new fantasy where one winged girl, armed with heart and courage, dares the very impossible.” – Olivia Wildenstein, author of Feather and House of Beating Wings
“Where Oceans Burn by Casey L. Bond is an absolute must read for any fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and Sarah J. Maas. Casey L. Bond has written a gorgeous YA Fantasy with incredible worldbuilding, and a storyline about a woman whose destiny lies in ending the war between those in the sky and those in the sea.” – Jes Ekker from LitBuzz
“Fall into a world of wonder, loss, war, betrayal, and the possibility of love. Where Oceans Burn is an entrancing tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Wind or water – which would you choose?” –@TheTerritorialFaePodcast
506 pages, Paperback
Published December 27, 2022
102 people are currently reading
3079 people want to read
About the author
Casey L. Bond
61 books1,676 followersRONE Award-winning author Casey Bond lives on a rural farm in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. She writes phoenixes – gloriously flawed and morally gray characters that fiercely rise from the ashes of their circumstances.
Worldbuilding is one of her favorite pastimes. She thinks thunderstorms are better than coffee and that watching a meteor shower is the closest thing to magic you might ever see. She’s a firm believer that every amazing book needs a world you want to wrap yourself in, a character you want to win, and a love you would fight for.
Casey is the author of When Wishes Bleed, Gravebriar, House of Eclipses, and Where Oceans Burn.
@authorcaseybond on social media sites.
Worldbuilding is one of her favorite pastimes. She thinks thunderstorms are better than coffee and that watching a meteor shower is the closest thing to magic you might ever see. She’s a firm believer that every amazing book needs a world you want to wrap yourself in, a character you want to win, and a love you would fight for.
Casey is the author of When Wishes Bleed, Gravebriar, House of Eclipses, and Where Oceans Burn.
@authorcaseybond on social media sites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
December 12, 2022
Absolutely love this series. Casey Bond has done it again, I have no clue where she comes up with this stuff. The world and character building that came from this duo is freaking epic. I loved the romance, really made me swoon. So many twists and turns that I did not see coming but fell head over heels over these characters. So sad to see it end and would definitely love to see more, especially from some of the supporting characters. Definitely a must read!
January 29, 2024
3.9 ⭐️ Once again, I am a bit at a loss about how to rate this book. The first 70% of it matched the last 30% of the first (4⭐️s), where I couldn’t put it down and was very much into the character development, the description of the island, the slow burn, etc. BUT the author kind of lost me in the last 30%. To be fair I did wake up at 3am and decided to read, and I can admit that maybe reading the battle scene in the middle of the night while trying to fall back asleep did not set myself up for success, but even so, (*mild spoilers*) the stakes felt kind of low and the “battle” felt disjointed and rushed. So much of this book deals with the preparation for the war and the training of the fish 🐠 people to fight the bird 🐦 people, but there was no fight? It’s too bad because at times while reading these books I was getting Bridge Kingdom vibes (a fav 🩵), but I think unfortunately the writing, pacing, and editing kind of suffered in these. I haven’t read a ton of high fantasy that isn’t the crème de la crème (à la SJM) so maybe this is just the average standard for this genre while SJM is the diamond 💎 in the rough? Although someone suggested that this duology was ideal for readers who prefer to spare their hearts from anguish (I think it’s called High Fantasy-Low Stakes read), that's not the case for me. I want my heartstrings stomped on before being rescued and uplifted ❤️🔥
🌶️🌶️/5 - I could have used more spice but I felt like the amount/level was fitting for the rest of the story.
🌶️🌶️/5 - I could have used more spice but I felt like the amount/level was fitting for the rest of the story.
September 29, 2023
Preface
Where Skies fall was a high and low stakes read. It had angst but I was easily soothed. I truly recommend it for people who want to be entranced with a story without feeling like their heartstrings are going to fail them. It was exactly what I was needing in the middle of all my nasty reads.
I really appreciated the romance- which was balanced and achely sweet- and the main character, Eliria. She was… awesome. She felt like a slightly more mature YA heroine. She did exactly what I wished half of protagonists would do.
The ending was perfect, like a surgically cut pineapple slice on top of a cold pina-colada.
————————————————————————————
RATINGS:
Plot : 3 📚📚📚 A good amount of plot.
World Building(Immersion): 3.5 🌎🌎🌎💫 Under the water looking for a way to come up
Angst : 1.5 👹💫 Slapping the mosquito dead and scratching the itch.
Funniness: 2 🌝🌝 I laughed inwardly.
Scariness: ❎ Not scary.
Romance: 3 💖💖💖 Aw, it was cute.
Spice: 2 🌶🌶 Hot, descriptive but most culminations goes to a fade to black style.
Goriness: 3 🫀🫀🫀 Someone died and I got to see what happened.
Sadness: 1.5 🥲💫 A twinge.
Overall star rating : 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 On the edge of glory.
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨 SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨
The Chapters:
▫️Speaking of YA heroine… I’m not sure this book is YA… I felt like it was so. It felt so but there were some spice that bordered on caliente 🌶️… not complaining lol. I liked it.
▫️I could have used more moments and conversations between Crest and Eliria *mumbles* but that is because I’m a greedy person
▫️Magma was awesome, as always. I’m glad she saw Eliria for what she was, which was infinitely more girl than eagle.
▫️Eliria and her half-sister not making up fully but moving to repair their relationship was a balm on my soul. What Aderyn did was hard to swallow but worse was the way she talked about Eliria? To everyone? Speak of a tainted sisterhood/friendship bond. It was full of resentment. It was ugly. Eliria is going to need time.
▪️A shout out to Talay, God of the Sea, killer of gods and match maker extraordinaire!
▪️the Salt and Eliria’s friendship was a 10/10.
Romance Safety:
I would say safe. The is some OW drama but is one sided. OW wants Crest (H) and she trias and approach him in a vulnerable moment he turns her down. The heroine gets to watch that (yikes). He hugs the OW after to comfort her in the rejection (the are childhood friends) the heroine watches that too. Hence, I had to watch it. Me, as a woman, would much rather have watched Crest punch her the throat 🤛🏻 but hey we can’t always win. He doesn’t have eyes for anyone else but the heroine, though. AND we get some jealousy from his part when OM from the skies shows up to “save” Eliria. (Love Karma fr fr). It’s okay. He doesn’t love Eliria, he loves her half-sister. There is some pushing away from the heroine but she gives up soon enough (thanks Talay!). When she “joins” with Crest for the first time she is a virgin. I assume Crest was one too (in my mind, it is a headcanon he waited for his lacuna because if you live in a culture where you get one and you didn’t wait for them… 🤐). There is no past mentioned for the hero… therefore it was dual-virgins in my eyes, which made their relationship the best. Epilogue shows the happy and expecting a child. It is all as it should be.
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨🚨 SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨🚨
Some ( Very Random) Moments of Notice Along With (Sometimes) My Very Live Reactions Straight From My Notes App to You:
📌 Crest – who watched his brother Breaker and his lacuna simper over one another at every opportunity. Whose lips curled upward at their constant affection, and whose smile fell when he realized I’d noticed him admiring their easy, passionate love
📌 Our hearts weren’t made to hold an ocean of regret, and yours holds many seas.
📌 If my father thought I was so wretched, why did he bother asking you to watch over me?”
Jorun stared into my eyes until I began to squirm. “Because you were the monster he made and loved.”
📌 We can reject the mark once we hear the pattern.”
My breath caught.
Ok. I like that. And I like that he didn’t.
📌 Because part of me already knew. The other part grappled with it ferociously,” he gave me a devastating grin, “but in the end, there was no fighting it. For me, there’s no fighting this, Elira. And not because I’m powerless, but because I’ve never wanted something so much.
📌 I stared at my sister, wondering how we were of the same blood.
Once, I thought she and I were like Breaker and Crest, with an unbreakable bond – until she severed it.
She thought I was selfish climbing to the top, but she left out the fact that she didn’t hesitate to climb that mountain beside me.
for freaking real, what a hypocrite
————————————————————————————
RTC low-key sad to have ended this book
Where Skies fall was a high and low stakes read. It had angst but I was easily soothed. I truly recommend it for people who want to be entranced with a story without feeling like their heartstrings are going to fail them. It was exactly what I was needing in the middle of all my nasty reads.
I really appreciated the romance- which was balanced and achely sweet- and the main character, Eliria. She was… awesome. She felt like a slightly more mature YA heroine. She did exactly what I wished half of protagonists would do.
The ending was perfect, like a surgically cut pineapple slice on top of a cold pina-colada.
————————————————————————————
RATINGS:
Plot : 3 📚📚📚 A good amount of plot.
World Building(Immersion): 3.5 🌎🌎🌎💫 Under the water looking for a way to come up
Angst : 1.5 👹💫 Slapping the mosquito dead and scratching the itch.
Funniness: 2 🌝🌝 I laughed inwardly.
Scariness: ❎ Not scary.
Romance: 3 💖💖💖 Aw, it was cute.
Spice: 2 🌶🌶 Hot, descriptive but most culminations goes to a fade to black style.
Goriness: 3 🫀🫀🫀 Someone died and I got to see what happened.
Sadness: 1.5 🥲💫 A twinge.
Overall star rating : 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 On the edge of glory.
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨 SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨
The Chapters:
▫️Speaking of YA heroine… I’m not sure this book is YA… I felt like it was so. It felt so but there were some spice that bordered on caliente 🌶️… not complaining lol. I liked it.
▫️I could have used more moments and conversations between Crest and Eliria *mumbles* but that is because I’m a greedy person
▫️Magma was awesome, as always. I’m glad she saw Eliria for what she was, which was infinitely more girl than eagle.
▫️Eliria and her half-sister not making up fully but moving to repair their relationship was a balm on my soul. What Aderyn did was hard to swallow but worse was the way she talked about Eliria? To everyone? Speak of a tainted sisterhood/friendship bond. It was full of resentment. It was ugly. Eliria is going to need time.
▪️A shout out to Talay, God of the Sea, killer of gods and match maker extraordinaire!
▪️the Salt and Eliria’s friendship was a 10/10.
Romance Safety:
I would say safe. The is some OW drama but is one sided. OW wants Crest (H) and she trias and approach him in a vulnerable moment he turns her down. The heroine gets to watch that (yikes). He hugs the OW after to comfort her in the rejection (the are childhood friends) the heroine watches that too. Hence, I had to watch it. Me, as a woman, would much rather have watched Crest punch her the throat 🤛🏻 but hey we can’t always win. He doesn’t have eyes for anyone else but the heroine, though. AND we get some jealousy from his part when OM from the skies shows up to “save” Eliria. (Love Karma fr fr). It’s okay. He doesn’t love Eliria, he loves her half-sister. There is some pushing away from the heroine but she gives up soon enough (thanks Talay!). When she “joins” with Crest for the first time she is a virgin. I assume Crest was one too (in my mind, it is a headcanon he waited for his lacuna because if you live in a culture where you get one and you didn’t wait for them… 🤐). There is no past mentioned for the hero… therefore it was dual-virgins in my eyes, which made their relationship the best. Epilogue shows the happy and expecting a child. It is all as it should be.
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨🚨 SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨🚨
Some ( Very Random) Moments of Notice Along With (Sometimes) My Very Live Reactions Straight From My Notes App to You:
📌 Crest – who watched his brother Breaker and his lacuna simper over one another at every opportunity. Whose lips curled upward at their constant affection, and whose smile fell when he realized I’d noticed him admiring their easy, passionate love
📌 Our hearts weren’t made to hold an ocean of regret, and yours holds many seas.
📌 If my father thought I was so wretched, why did he bother asking you to watch over me?”
Jorun stared into my eyes until I began to squirm. “Because you were the monster he made and loved.”
📌 We can reject the mark once we hear the pattern.”
My breath caught.
Ok. I like that. And I like that he didn’t.
📌 Because part of me already knew. The other part grappled with it ferociously,” he gave me a devastating grin, “but in the end, there was no fighting it. For me, there’s no fighting this, Elira. And not because I’m powerless, but because I’ve never wanted something so much.
📌 I stared at my sister, wondering how we were of the same blood.
Once, I thought she and I were like Breaker and Crest, with an unbreakable bond – until she severed it.
She thought I was selfish climbing to the top, but she left out the fact that she didn’t hesitate to climb that mountain beside me.
for freaking real, what a hypocrite
————————————————————————————
RTC low-key sad to have ended this book
March 9, 2023
Slightly better than the first book, the pace picked up and I was curious about what was gonna happen so I powered through. Again tho the romance didn’t really do it for me, it was just too lovey dovey.
Overall tho i thought the world building was different but I enjoyed the imagery nonetheless, the story was wrapped well and I felt pretty satisfied with the ending.
Overall tho i thought the world building was different but I enjoyed the imagery nonetheless, the story was wrapped well and I felt pretty satisfied with the ending.
February 7, 2023
Best Finale
I loved this book so much it was even better than the first and it the perfect ending. The characters were even better this time round I still love Elira and Crest their romance really blossomed here it took a little while but before long they acting like a couple very much in love. I just how much they fought for each other willing to go above and beyond for the one they love. I also loved reading about the other characters I like how one relationship is well on to it's way to healing by the end. I loved the plot it starts with Alira going about her day and thinking about how to end the war she finds out many things finally accepts love to only nearly lose it to finally to peace and a happy ending.
I loved this book so much it was even better than the first and it the perfect ending. The characters were even better this time round I still love Elira and Crest their romance really blossomed here it took a little while but before long they acting like a couple very much in love. I just how much they fought for each other willing to go above and beyond for the one they love. I also loved reading about the other characters I like how one relationship is well on to it's way to healing by the end. I loved the plot it starts with Alira going about her day and thinking about how to end the war she finds out many things finally accepts love to only nearly lose it to finally to peace and a happy ending.
January 1, 2023
First off what a way to end the year. I absolutely DEVOURED Where Skies Fall. I had to know what happened with Elira and Crest. There were moments that brought tears to me eyes and moments where the writing moved me and I was writing down quotes as affirmations because “None of us are whole. We all lack something. And you’re right; it’s what we do with what’s left that matters.” 🥹
The world building was beautiful and I felt like I was actually in the book. The character development, the tension, looming threats, and just a dash of spice to quench my thirst for it. Because like Elira this book had me feeling thirsty 😂
I was so ecstatic to receive an ARC of Where Skies Fall after reading Where Oceans Burn on KU and this duology is on top of my recommend list and the top of the books I read this year. If you’re looking for enemies to lovers with a strong FMC and MMC, immersive world building, plot twists and surprises, and a satisfying ending then I can’t recommend this duology enough!
Overall:
5 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️
The world building was beautiful and I felt like I was actually in the book. The character development, the tension, looming threats, and just a dash of spice to quench my thirst for it. Because like Elira this book had me feeling thirsty 😂
I was so ecstatic to receive an ARC of Where Skies Fall after reading Where Oceans Burn on KU and this duology is on top of my recommend list and the top of the books I read this year. If you’re looking for enemies to lovers with a strong FMC and MMC, immersive world building, plot twists and surprises, and a satisfying ending then I can’t recommend this duology enough!
Overall:
5 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️
January 10, 2024
This duet was simply stunning such a magical imaginative and spiritual experience and the love story between Elira and Crest was beautifully unforgettable. I'm not usually one for the lovely dovey stuff but the bond these two forged was magical and gave me all of the feels. This isn't a high-spice duet, book one had none and this one had only subtle intimacies but I never felt the lack and the chemistry between the scourge and her shark was spot-on.
The world-building for this series is some of the best I've experienced to date and my only criticism for this duet was the slow start. But once I got past that it has been perfection all the way and I've been absolutely invested and enthralled throughout. The powerful imagery and lyrical narrative captured my imagination and this had avatar vibes for sure. I've now purchased this in hardback for my physical bookshelf and I only do that with read books that captivate me.
This follows on from book one as the isle of Kehlani prepares for conflict with the winged warriors from Empyrean. The gods Neera and Talay are stirring and this is all now heading towards a final showdown with Neera which Elira isn't sure she'll survive. The romance between Elira and Crest really comes into the forefront here as Elira after attempting to push her Lacuna away to protect his heart finally accepts and embraces her mate bond and it was beautiful to behold.
The final scenes were heart-stopping and action packed and I especially appreciated how this was all resolved it felt authentic and believable not rushed in any way. Then we also got to experience the aftermath back on Kehlanin after the final battle which I loved and the epilogue was the icing.
I totally recommend this duet and if you love immersive fantasy romance with a spiritual overtone this one fits the bill. Once you get past the initial slow beginning in the first book which is focused on building the world this is bloody magic.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
April 6, 2025
I would never make my lacuna read this book 😂
February 9, 2023
While I tried to keep this review actual spoiler free, please be warned I do reference some specific scenes that occur in this book even if in a vague manner. Also while the criticisms are mostly about Where Skies Fall, I am also including thoughts on Where Oceans Burn. See very bottom of review for spoiler free TL;DR.
I enjoyed the characters and overall story potential of this duology. I WANTED to love it. There are plenty of fantasy romance novels that I've read that were more problematic or cliche or formulaic that I've been able to suspend my critique of for the joy of the actual story telling and depth of the love story, so I'm not a snob by any means. I love me some guilty pleasure escapes. I say all this because I think this one had the potential to not be a simple guilty pleasure which saddens me.
The female lead was written as strong and capable, the world building was fleshed out without bogging the story down too much, the writing itself was easy to digest but not TOO simple, and the enemies to lovers trope (always a favorite) progressed in a relatively believable manner and pace. Crest was not domineering or toxic, but also not too much of a simpering doormat. The internal struggle both characters had to reconcile with their past was done pretty well.
But I hate to say that I simply lost interest halfway through this book and it will probably be a DNF, which is why I gave this one 2 stars... Unfortunately, I almost gave up 50% of the way through the first book too, but it did end up hooking me eventually. Which is such a bummer because I can really see the potential here and do understand the higher ratings it's received.
I think more than anything, the dialogue and overall story simply became too cheesey and unbelievable to me in this second book... there were too many seemingly unnecessary and dragged out scenes and too much drawn out dialogue piled on that my eyes glazed over and I started flipping through not really reading anymore.
Yet at the same time, it also felt too rushed at points. BIG things were happening, big revelations and twists, but I felt like I was reading dry offhand remarks about it rather than actually living it through the MC. I totally get that the MC is emotionally immature, doesn't know how to process things or maybe doesn't understand BIG feelings due to how she was raised, but I think it's a delicate line between well written internal confusion versus feeling like the MC is a robot simply noticing and relaying events happening around her. In reference to the twists, I was legitimately surprised by some, especially in the first book, which was refreshing because I typically see them a mile away. Yet I was almost TOO surprised for others in this book because it didn't feel entirely believable. Or rather, it was like the big shock was glanced over without it really meaning anything substantial beyond being twisty.
On the opposite end of the coin, there are dramatic stand offs that happen between the characters and while the BIG reactions are understandable, the dialogue in the confrontations itself felt cheesey and a little cringe worthy... Maybe that's partially the point, going back to emotional immaturity, and I certainly felt as misunderstood as the MC at points, but unfortunately it was painful to get through... Not in an emotionally turbulent and interesting way but an eye rolling, ok let's move through this children, way.
Between the heavy dialogue scenes, there were some action scenes that felt like they were haphazardly thrown in to reveal the MC's developing bond with the love interest, which is understandable on a plot development basis. But it was too obviously done, too formulaic, to feel natural and interesting as a part of the overall story.
-------
TL;DR:
I really think this duology had potential. And based on the reviews, it hit a lot of people the right way. The writing style, character history, and world building have a solid foundation, but the dialogue, character development, and progressive story telling falls flat for me.
Even though I can understand the choices made for the characters and why certain parts of the story developed the way they did and how the characters felt and perhaps even why, I didn't actually BELIEVE it or feel it and in the end, really care.
I enjoyed the characters and overall story potential of this duology. I WANTED to love it. There are plenty of fantasy romance novels that I've read that were more problematic or cliche or formulaic that I've been able to suspend my critique of for the joy of the actual story telling and depth of the love story, so I'm not a snob by any means. I love me some guilty pleasure escapes. I say all this because I think this one had the potential to not be a simple guilty pleasure which saddens me.
The female lead was written as strong and capable, the world building was fleshed out without bogging the story down too much, the writing itself was easy to digest but not TOO simple, and the enemies to lovers trope (always a favorite) progressed in a relatively believable manner and pace. Crest was not domineering or toxic, but also not too much of a simpering doormat. The internal struggle both characters had to reconcile with their past was done pretty well.
But I hate to say that I simply lost interest halfway through this book and it will probably be a DNF, which is why I gave this one 2 stars... Unfortunately, I almost gave up 50% of the way through the first book too, but it did end up hooking me eventually. Which is such a bummer because I can really see the potential here and do understand the higher ratings it's received.
I think more than anything, the dialogue and overall story simply became too cheesey and unbelievable to me in this second book... there were too many seemingly unnecessary and dragged out scenes and too much drawn out dialogue piled on that my eyes glazed over and I started flipping through not really reading anymore.
Yet at the same time, it also felt too rushed at points. BIG things were happening, big revelations and twists, but I felt like I was reading dry offhand remarks about it rather than actually living it through the MC. I totally get that the MC is emotionally immature, doesn't know how to process things or maybe doesn't understand BIG feelings due to how she was raised, but I think it's a delicate line between well written internal confusion versus feeling like the MC is a robot simply noticing and relaying events happening around her. In reference to the twists, I was legitimately surprised by some, especially in the first book, which was refreshing because I typically see them a mile away. Yet I was almost TOO surprised for others in this book because it didn't feel entirely believable. Or rather, it was like the big shock was glanced over without it really meaning anything substantial beyond being twisty.
On the opposite end of the coin, there are dramatic stand offs that happen between the characters and while the BIG reactions are understandable, the dialogue in the confrontations itself felt cheesey and a little cringe worthy... Maybe that's partially the point, going back to emotional immaturity, and I certainly felt as misunderstood as the MC at points, but unfortunately it was painful to get through... Not in an emotionally turbulent and interesting way but an eye rolling, ok let's move through this children, way.
Between the heavy dialogue scenes, there were some action scenes that felt like they were haphazardly thrown in to reveal the MC's developing bond with the love interest, which is understandable on a plot development basis. But it was too obviously done, too formulaic, to feel natural and interesting as a part of the overall story.
-------
TL;DR:
I really think this duology had potential. And based on the reviews, it hit a lot of people the right way. The writing style, character history, and world building have a solid foundation, but the dialogue, character development, and progressive story telling falls flat for me.
Even though I can understand the choices made for the characters and why certain parts of the story developed the way they did and how the characters felt and perhaps even why, I didn't actually BELIEVE it or feel it and in the end, really care.
December 23, 2024
I really loved this duology. It was somehow sweet & tender while also filled with trials & tribulations & badass moments. It was a refreshing read & I enjoyed every second. Here are my overall thoughts 👇🏼
PROS
- The FMC. What a breath of fresh air. I cannot emphasize enough how lovely it was to have a female lead whose stubbornness wasn’t a main plot device. Turns out we CAN have it all; baddassery, bravery, empathy, adaptability, & wit. Omg Elira, you’re my girl.
- The MMC & their relationship. This was just so sweet to me. He was wonderful & I just loved them.
- Again, the writing. It was so lovely, with such amazing detail I could see & feel every little thing.
- Good twists & conclusions to the story.
CONS
- I’m not sure there was one?
I would highly recommend this duology. I thoroughly loved it.
PROS
- The FMC. What a breath of fresh air. I cannot emphasize enough how lovely it was to have a female lead whose stubbornness wasn’t a main plot device. Turns out we CAN have it all; baddassery, bravery, empathy, adaptability, & wit. Omg Elira, you’re my girl.
- The MMC & their relationship. This was just so sweet to me. He was wonderful & I just loved them.
- Again, the writing. It was so lovely, with such amazing detail I could see & feel every little thing.
- Good twists & conclusions to the story.
CONS
- I’m not sure there was one?
I would highly recommend this duology. I thoroughly loved it.
December 15, 2025
This book was soooo long but sooo little actually happened. 90% of it was just everyone living their likes as happy little villagers with impending doom hanging over the top of their heads.
There were a few exciting moments where an information bombshell was dropped but other than that pretty much nothing happened. I was so bored and I really struggled to care about the characters let alone be able to focus on the story.
It’s disappointing as I adore this world but there just isn't any real plot or action. Considering the characters are all largely revered warriors, how is this even possible?!
Anyways. The characters fell flat, they were very bland and lacking personality. There was no chemistry between the main characters and I found it impossible to get wrapped up in their romance.
I was really looking for that feeling of urgency, of chaos, of action and preparation of this literal WAR everyone knew was coming. Instead, I was left with basically one fight scene that even mentioned training before that “big war”.
Fantastic world. Underwhelming characters
There were a few exciting moments where an information bombshell was dropped but other than that pretty much nothing happened. I was so bored and I really struggled to care about the characters let alone be able to focus on the story.
It’s disappointing as I adore this world but there just isn't any real plot or action. Considering the characters are all largely revered warriors, how is this even possible?!
Anyways. The characters fell flat, they were very bland and lacking personality. There was no chemistry between the main characters and I found it impossible to get wrapped up in their romance.
I was really looking for that feeling of urgency, of chaos, of action and preparation of this literal WAR everyone knew was coming. Instead, I was left with basically one fight scene that even mentioned training before that “big war”.
Fantastic world. Underwhelming characters
February 10, 2025
#5 of 2025
“When I leave, will you tell him that I loved him with every sharp shard of my soul? And that I know I never deserved him, but had to try anyway.”
January 6, 2023
Thank you Book of Matches Media for the e-arc, all opinions are my own.
Oh Casey Bond, what a beautiful mind you have.
This book had me crying in the end, there was so much that happened in the last 20% of the book, so much loss but also so much gained too. Though the beginning was a bit slow, the book picked up quickly and there was just as much action as the first book had.
Which, if you haven't, I highly suggest reading the first!
Enemies to lovers is not something I normally care about because I usually cannot see the chemistry between the characters until they're "in love," but this is not the case for this duology. Despite it being a single POV, it is so clear to see the longing between Elira and Crest, and I love their banter too. It kind of lacks in the first half of this book, but the second half, and especially the end, had me really rooting for these two characters!
Knowing the main goal at the end of book one, I had some idea on where the story would go and how it would pan out. There are definitely a lot that I did not see coming, and the final battle was way different than I expected! The author kept me guessing throughout the book, and in the end I felt like I was right there witnessing that final battle, experiencing all the hurt and loss that Elira went through.
Never fret though, this duology has a happy ending.
Overall, I really enjoyed this duology and highly recommend it! I love Bond's writing style, and have loved every book I have read so far. As of the time I write this, the book is not yet published, but I look forward to seeing what the author does next. While this book started off slow, the action slowly picked up and ended with a battle to remember! This was a strong sequel to Where Oceans Burn, and a wonderful end to this duology.
Content Warnings: bodily harm, amputation, violence, blood, murder, suicide, war themes
Oh Casey Bond, what a beautiful mind you have.
This book had me crying in the end, there was so much that happened in the last 20% of the book, so much loss but also so much gained too. Though the beginning was a bit slow, the book picked up quickly and there was just as much action as the first book had.
Which, if you haven't, I highly suggest reading the first!
Enemies to lovers is not something I normally care about because I usually cannot see the chemistry between the characters until they're "in love," but this is not the case for this duology. Despite it being a single POV, it is so clear to see the longing between Elira and Crest, and I love their banter too. It kind of lacks in the first half of this book, but the second half, and especially the end, had me really rooting for these two characters!
Knowing the main goal at the end of book one, I had some idea on where the story would go and how it would pan out. There are definitely a lot that I did not see coming, and the final battle was way different than I expected! The author kept me guessing throughout the book, and in the end I felt like I was right there witnessing that final battle, experiencing all the hurt and loss that Elira went through.
Never fret though, this duology has a happy ending.
Overall, I really enjoyed this duology and highly recommend it! I love Bond's writing style, and have loved every book I have read so far. As of the time I write this, the book is not yet published, but I look forward to seeing what the author does next. While this book started off slow, the action slowly picked up and ended with a battle to remember! This was a strong sequel to Where Oceans Burn, and a wonderful end to this duology.
Content Warnings: bodily harm, amputation, violence, blood, murder, suicide, war themes
April 29, 2025
I am torn on how I feel about this one. I didn’t have anything (besides the end which I’ll explain) in this book I /didn’t/ like, yet I didn’t really enjoy reading this. I was really dragging at about 30% onward and had to force myself to pick it back up. I was relieved it was a duology because I don’t think I would’ve picked up the next one if there were more books after this one.
The characters were bland to me. Some of the relationships I would’ve liked to see explored got skipped over, some of the big moments ran flat, I don’t know.
SPOILERS BELOW!!!
The only glaring thing I didn’t like was that the ending had my biggest pet peeve of book endings. I haaaate when characters never once mention having a baby, caring about having a baby, are FRESH in a relationship and the book ends in the fmc getting pregnant. It does nothing for the character development and it’s a cheap way for the author to say “and they lived happily ever after.” Elira is a warrior who lost her wings and so what does the author do to make sure we as readers feel she’s happy now? She’s pregnant!! The end.
The characters were bland to me. Some of the relationships I would’ve liked to see explored got skipped over, some of the big moments ran flat, I don’t know.
SPOILERS BELOW!!!
The only glaring thing I didn’t like was that the ending had my biggest pet peeve of book endings. I haaaate when characters never once mention having a baby, caring about having a baby, are FRESH in a relationship and the book ends in the fmc getting pregnant. It does nothing for the character development and it’s a cheap way for the author to say “and they lived happily ever after.” Elira is a warrior who lost her wings and so what does the author do to make sure we as readers feel she’s happy now? She’s pregnant!! The end.
February 27, 2023
I couldn’t have thought of a better ending to this duology! (Well, maybe if a certain someone (T) had a more drawn out and painful end- though I’m just happy Elira got the revenge she deserved).
Elira’s growth throughout the whole duology was flawless. I’m truly happy on what she did and where she ended up. Elira’s kindness with Wade and her making the gift for him when no one else thought about it.
My love for Crest just continued to grow. His sense of duty, leadership and love for Elira never wavered.
Koa was just the absolute best friend and his hidden hobby was amazing. He was so fiercely protective of Crest and his heart.
I loved the relationship that Elira had with Magma and the Salt. It was beautiful watching it unfold.
Elira’s growth throughout the whole duology was flawless. I’m truly happy on what she did and where she ended up. Elira’s kindness with Wade and her making the gift for him when no one else thought about it.
My love for Crest just continued to grow. His sense of duty, leadership and love for Elira never wavered.
Koa was just the absolute best friend and his hidden hobby was amazing. He was so fiercely protective of Crest and his heart.
I loved the relationship that Elira had with Magma and the Salt. It was beautiful watching it unfold.
September 8, 2025
This was the perfect second book! We continue to see the journey of Elira and Crest.
For reference there are no spicy scenes so if that is less your thing these are perfect.
World building was on point and the different stories are so nice! Also loved the fact that you see their ending so you get an epilogue.
For reference there are no spicy scenes so if that is less your thing these are perfect.
World building was on point and the different stories are so nice! Also loved the fact that you see their ending so you get an epilogue.
January 22, 2023
Where Skies Fall is the final part in the newest duology by Casey L. Bond. It is highly recommended to read the first part Where Oceans Burn before reading this book. I’ve really enjoyed reading the first part, but what will I think of this book? What will Casey L. Bond have in store for her readers in this YA fantasy?
Find out in my review on my blog Boekensteeg
Find out in my review on my blog Boekensteeg
April 27, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶.5
- found family
- enemies to lovers
- doing what's right
I absolutely DEVOURED this book and it was more amazing than I expected.
Now it's over 🥺😭
I cant tell you anything without feeling like I'll ruin everything but seriously, I will love these books forever.
I need more - I need an epilogue novella or something 😩 I want to see everything after.
Thank you so much for creating this world and sharing it with us 🥹🥰
🌶🌶.5
- found family
- enemies to lovers
- doing what's right
I absolutely DEVOURED this book and it was more amazing than I expected.
Now it's over 🥺😭
I cant tell you anything without feeling like I'll ruin everything but seriously, I will love these books forever.
I need more - I need an epilogue novella or something 😩 I want to see everything after.
Thank you so much for creating this world and sharing it with us 🥹🥰
January 2, 2023
Oh my goodness!!! What an amazing conclusion to this duology. I think this may be Bond’s best writing yet! These characters have truly embedded into my heart!
January 23, 2023
So. Good.
February 13, 2023
OMG. WHAT S PERFECT ENDING.
Casey has done it again. I could not put this book down once I started it. I tried reading slowly and savoring each chapter because I didn’t want to get to the ending.
Casey has done it again. I could not put this book down once I started it. I tried reading slowly and savoring each chapter because I didn’t want to get to the ending.
April 29, 2025
Peccato per qualche refuso fastidioso, duologia molto bella!!🥰🥰
January 25, 2023
An incredible ending to an incredible duology!! Casey, thank you for writing these amazing books! Highly recommend this little series if you love, enemies to lovers, found family, and revenge/redemption, you need to grab your copies of these amazing books and get to readin!
We pick up right where we left off at the end of Where Oceans Burn. Elira is still learning more about the people of Kehlani, trying to earn their trust and find her place, come to terms with some of the worst betrayals, and figure out her roll in the upcoming battle. Will she be ready/able to defend Talay’s people and rage war against the her people and goddess, she’s worshipped her whole life? Or will she crumble under the pressure and lose everything she’s grown to care for and herself?
From the moment I started WOB and became fully invested, I knew I would have a hard time parting with these characters when the time came.. and here we are. Finishing WSF, as sad as it was for me to do, was so satisfying! Casey, you gave us everything I hoped for and more! Trust was built, love was found, and the bad guys got everything they deserved!
We pick up right where we left off at the end of Where Oceans Burn. Elira is still learning more about the people of Kehlani, trying to earn their trust and find her place, come to terms with some of the worst betrayals, and figure out her roll in the upcoming battle. Will she be ready/able to defend Talay’s people and rage war against the her people and goddess, she’s worshipped her whole life? Or will she crumble under the pressure and lose everything she’s grown to care for and herself?
From the moment I started WOB and became fully invested, I knew I would have a hard time parting with these characters when the time came.. and here we are. Finishing WSF, as sad as it was for me to do, was so satisfying! Casey, you gave us everything I hoped for and more! Trust was built, love was found, and the bad guys got everything they deserved!
February 21, 2025
Feb 2025 ~ A re read and I fall even more in love with these characters. ❤️
What can I say, Bond has done it again.
When everyday life gets the better of you, a good book can make things feel better. This book came when life was creating a tornado. And I couldn’t be more thankful for the distraction when my brain would let me read.
Enemies to lovers, slow burn. Lacuna, the missing piece. With little bit of 🌶️
The characters are well done, I wanted to get to know them all. Magma has my heart! She is my spirit animal.
Crest and Elira will steal your heart. I loved watching their relationship build. You can see their love for one another king before they could.
What can I say, Bond has done it again.
When everyday life gets the better of you, a good book can make things feel better. This book came when life was creating a tornado. And I couldn’t be more thankful for the distraction when my brain would let me read.
Enemies to lovers, slow burn. Lacuna, the missing piece. With little bit of 🌶️
The characters are well done, I wanted to get to know them all. Magma has my heart! She is my spirit animal.
Crest and Elira will steal your heart. I loved watching their relationship build. You can see their love for one another king before they could.
December 24, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall: This book was good. It finished up the plot of the first book neatly. There were stakes and there were consequences - not everyone survives unscathed. The book just didn't make me feel strong feelings for whatever reason. The first 3/4 of the book was quite enjoyable. Elira lives among the island's people, but not much is happening. I could see some readers finding this boring, but I enjoyed the growing romance. Then we reach the big battle, which is resolved, and then we get a gentle denouement and a epilogue. If you like the first book, as I did, read this one to see how it resolves.
Overall: This book was good. It finished up the plot of the first book neatly. There were stakes and there were consequences - not everyone survives unscathed. The book just didn't make me feel strong feelings for whatever reason. The first 3/4 of the book was quite enjoyable. Elira lives among the island's people, but not much is happening. I could see some readers finding this boring, but I enjoyed the growing romance. Then we reach the big battle, which is resolved, and then we get a gentle denouement and a epilogue. If you like the first book, as I did, read this one to see how it resolves.
July 14, 2023
Cute but little boring
November 22, 2023
ehhhh! similar feelings about this one as the first book. v cute and enjoyable. my least favorite kind of epilogue, however.
January 9, 2024
Elira & Crest
The first chapter was really hard to follow with all the "she" instead of names.
Some of their banter is sweet. As he's readying to shoot an arrow:
E: When you close an eye, you sever your field of vision in half. Why would you want to do that?
C: Stop
E: two eyed focus more accurately together than one eye alone
C: Stop
E: Stop what
C: Stop trying to get into my head...
My favorite parts of these books are the movement and the talking. When it's done, it's done well. But there is often too much just running thought in between. Like now, there's a lot of reminding me of things I learned in book 1. It's not like it's being done poorly, but it is being done a lot.
She got her own tent, and he gave her his bed because he'd rather sleep on a hammock.... sure, it's not because it smells like her and you can't stand it 🥰 or to give her more time with his scent so that she can't resist him any longer... is he going to keep sleeping in the hammock once they end up together?
She believes showing others her vulnerabilities makes her weak. Salt counters and challengers her to share with Crest. I like that. And yay.
Awe, she's sees Crest as her first true friend.
Ah, she's going to watch Crest have it out with Koa, his friend, and realize she needs to have a chat with Aderyn.
26% - after the recapping in the beginning, just good story. Not much to say. Just enjoyable. I don't get stories often that I just enjoy but don't have much to say. The last I can think of was Sera and Nyktos.
I know it's coming, but I'm not really interested in meeting Aderyn.
I have a feeling some kind of separation is coming too (before reuniting and hea), and I'm not looking forward to it.
No! Don't be a miscommunication trope - let him explain why it was his idea to cut Aderyn's feathers and leave them for her to find...
This is the kind of book that gets me excited to read other books. I don't know what it is...
Yay, she's not even upset about it. Good book.
I like Koa. He has a playful personality.
So Elira, as the first soul, has been reincarnated many times but doesn't remember her previous lives. I wonder if Crest has, in some way too, and somehow they always find each other 😍
This is what I like - she knows she's going to die but can't tell him. So she has to choose - leave him for his good or give him good memories for his good. Good on salt for suggesting that and good on her for agreeing with making good memories for as long as she can. This is the only time I've agreed with the main character not telling... actually, no, I don't agree but it's better than I've seen on many similar scenarios.
...sadness, loving someone and giving them the best memories you can knowing the sadness that is to come...
I like the development that the flying people were brought up to not want touch because it prevented them from attaching to anyone but those in charge. She realizes that had they not been brought up that way, had they been allowed touch and love that their loyalties would have laid elsewhere and not where they wanted. I don't know if that detail was planned, but it makes sense after knowing all that I know about what touch means to them.
Interesting... she considers telling him she's leaving because she knows what it's like to be left...
The buikd up to defeating Neera felt pretty good and fast-paced, but the payoff didn't feel right. First, it felt like Elira defeated her by impaling her with the trident, which didn't seem right for killing a god, but I was wrong... then they fell in the water (which was the purpose of the trident), and the sea god took her... and that was it. Like, I'm glad there wasn't a war and tons of fighting, like it was more interesting than that, but the final jab happened really quickly.
I didn't really understand what was causing her wings to fall apart, either. Flying over the volcano? I dont know, not enough description.
I am happy that the couple things that I didn't want didn't happen. The reunion with Aderyn was bad, and the separation wasn't what I expected. It was better, so im glad about that.
There were definitely times when descriptions and details were lacking enough (more in book 1) that I didn't know what was happening, and it pushed me to fill in a lot of blanks on my own. That was fine until it was revealed later that I was wrong.
This was a good story. I enjoyed it. It wasn't too similar to anything else I've read, so that gives it more points.
4.
The first chapter was really hard to follow with all the "she" instead of names.
Some of their banter is sweet. As he's readying to shoot an arrow:
E: When you close an eye, you sever your field of vision in half. Why would you want to do that?
C: Stop
E: two eyed focus more accurately together than one eye alone
C: Stop
E: Stop what
C: Stop trying to get into my head...
My favorite parts of these books are the movement and the talking. When it's done, it's done well. But there is often too much just running thought in between. Like now, there's a lot of reminding me of things I learned in book 1. It's not like it's being done poorly, but it is being done a lot.
She got her own tent, and he gave her his bed because he'd rather sleep on a hammock.... sure, it's not because it smells like her and you can't stand it 🥰 or to give her more time with his scent so that she can't resist him any longer... is he going to keep sleeping in the hammock once they end up together?
She believes showing others her vulnerabilities makes her weak. Salt counters and challengers her to share with Crest. I like that. And yay.
Awe, she's sees Crest as her first true friend.
Ah, she's going to watch Crest have it out with Koa, his friend, and realize she needs to have a chat with Aderyn.
26% - after the recapping in the beginning, just good story. Not much to say. Just enjoyable. I don't get stories often that I just enjoy but don't have much to say. The last I can think of was Sera and Nyktos.
I know it's coming, but I'm not really interested in meeting Aderyn.
I have a feeling some kind of separation is coming too (before reuniting and hea), and I'm not looking forward to it.
No! Don't be a miscommunication trope - let him explain why it was his idea to cut Aderyn's feathers and leave them for her to find...
This is the kind of book that gets me excited to read other books. I don't know what it is...
Yay, she's not even upset about it. Good book.
I like Koa. He has a playful personality.
So Elira, as the first soul, has been reincarnated many times but doesn't remember her previous lives. I wonder if Crest has, in some way too, and somehow they always find each other 😍
This is what I like - she knows she's going to die but can't tell him. So she has to choose - leave him for his good or give him good memories for his good. Good on salt for suggesting that and good on her for agreeing with making good memories for as long as she can. This is the only time I've agreed with the main character not telling... actually, no, I don't agree but it's better than I've seen on many similar scenarios.
...sadness, loving someone and giving them the best memories you can knowing the sadness that is to come...
I like the development that the flying people were brought up to not want touch because it prevented them from attaching to anyone but those in charge. She realizes that had they not been brought up that way, had they been allowed touch and love that their loyalties would have laid elsewhere and not where they wanted. I don't know if that detail was planned, but it makes sense after knowing all that I know about what touch means to them.
Interesting... she considers telling him she's leaving because she knows what it's like to be left...
The buikd up to defeating Neera felt pretty good and fast-paced, but the payoff didn't feel right. First, it felt like Elira defeated her by impaling her with the trident, which didn't seem right for killing a god, but I was wrong... then they fell in the water (which was the purpose of the trident), and the sea god took her... and that was it. Like, I'm glad there wasn't a war and tons of fighting, like it was more interesting than that, but the final jab happened really quickly.
I didn't really understand what was causing her wings to fall apart, either. Flying over the volcano? I dont know, not enough description.
I am happy that the couple things that I didn't want didn't happen. The reunion with Aderyn was bad, and the separation wasn't what I expected. It was better, so im glad about that.
There were definitely times when descriptions and details were lacking enough (more in book 1) that I didn't know what was happening, and it pushed me to fill in a lot of blanks on my own. That was fine until it was revealed later that I was wrong.
This was a good story. I enjoyed it. It wasn't too similar to anything else I've read, so that gives it more points.
4.
April 25, 2025
This book definitely didn't live up to its predecessor. The steamy aspects went from almost nothing to quite frequent. I'm not big into a high amount of that sort of thing and I started skimming after about the second scene of that. Unfortunately you still have to skim it to see where it ends. That's a personal preference on my part.
I am really happy that Eliria stayed upset with Aderyn. After how Aderyn treated her, especially considering how close they were, I was worried that the first time they saw each other that E would be like, okay I'm over it and you were in the right. The way that situation was handled in every way was just what I was hoping for(but preparing for the opposite) and exceeded my expectations for sure.
Besides the smut there were two main issues with this book. Now I DID plow through it at a rapid pace because I wanted to see it all play out. However...
#1 There's a lot of nothing. We have a big build up for this ultimate war between Talay's people and Neera's. They're working on their archery, improving their bows, setting up new watch points, teaching Talay's people how to fight, etc. In the end
Which means most of what happens in the book is either a relationship thing, build up for a war and yeah, or E battling with her inner demons. While some of that would've been fine, it wasn't okay alone. It felt like a massive let down after the first book.
#2 Elira's character flaw hasn't changed.
Elira started out book 1 prejudiced against Talay's people. She ends up switching to being prejudiced against her own people and that never changes in this book. If she simply changed her blind discrimination from one group to another then she never really improved or learned anything. She has no interest in helping or saving her own people. She assumes the worst about all of them. Apparently she's the one good apple in the bunch and the rest aren't worth being saved.
There's no attempt from her to be compassionate to her people who are suffering from bad leadership and lack of knowledge. She had more freedom and privileges than most of her people. So they have it worse! It's already annoying that Talay decided to punish ALL of Neera's people because of Neera(especially considering the first soul ended up being the one to imprison Neera). GENERATIONS. This has gone on for thousands of years. I have a hard time thinking too well of someone who decides yeah let's punish all these innocent people because their one leader was trash.
But E, who should have the most empathy for her people has probably the least. Even in the end,
I guess I was just hoping she'd realize there were good eggs and bad eggs in both races. I wanted her to realize her people were just blind and misguided like she was and that they deserved a chance.
I am really happy that Eliria stayed upset with Aderyn. After how Aderyn treated her, especially considering how close they were, I was worried that the first time they saw each other that E would be like, okay I'm over it and you were in the right. The way that situation was handled in every way was just what I was hoping for(but preparing for the opposite) and exceeded my expectations for sure.
Besides the smut there were two main issues with this book. Now I DID plow through it at a rapid pace because I wanted to see it all play out. However...
#1 There's a lot of nothing. We have a big build up for this ultimate war between Talay's people and Neera's. They're working on their archery, improving their bows, setting up new watch points, teaching Talay's people how to fight, etc. In the end
Which means most of what happens in the book is either a relationship thing, build up for a war and yeah, or E battling with her inner demons. While some of that would've been fine, it wasn't okay alone. It felt like a massive let down after the first book.
#2 Elira's character flaw hasn't changed.
Elira started out book 1 prejudiced against Talay's people. She ends up switching to being prejudiced against her own people and that never changes in this book. If she simply changed her blind discrimination from one group to another then she never really improved or learned anything. She has no interest in helping or saving her own people. She assumes the worst about all of them. Apparently she's the one good apple in the bunch and the rest aren't worth being saved.
There's no attempt from her to be compassionate to her people who are suffering from bad leadership and lack of knowledge. She had more freedom and privileges than most of her people. So they have it worse! It's already annoying that Talay decided to punish ALL of Neera's people because of Neera(especially considering the first soul ended up being the one to imprison Neera). GENERATIONS. This has gone on for thousands of years. I have a hard time thinking too well of someone who decides yeah let's punish all these innocent people because their one leader was trash.
But E, who should have the most empathy for her people has probably the least. Even in the end,
I guess I was just hoping she'd realize there were good eggs and bad eggs in both races. I wanted her to realize her people were just blind and misguided like she was and that they deserved a chance.
January 25, 2023
Where Skies Fall is book two in a duet and cannot be read as a standalone. The story begins in Where Oceans Burn.
Elira and Crest find their fates have become intertwined as they prepare to fight together to save the people of Talay’s sea from the vengeful goddess of the sky. It will be a battle to end all others. with life and death hanging in the balance, and only one god or goddess will be left with a kingdom in the end.
And, as they prepare for battle, the Scourge of the Sky and the Shark of the Sea grow ever closer, wanting things that they know they can never have, even if it’s what they want more than anything since they are caught in the middle, and the fate of their world’s lie with Elira.
I had such a hard time gathering my feelings after this book. It took me longer to read than typical, because it felt both heavy and magical at the same time. I laughed, I cried, I worried and wondered how it could possibly end. It is a true coming of age for Elira, as she experiences so many things for the first time, including true friendship and love even as she has the weight of the world on her young shoulders. Crest is everything she needs and wants. He is family and love and caring . . .all things Elira has never gotten to experience. They are both fierce protectors and throughout the book, I hoped and wished that somehow they could find a way to stay with one another even though it didn’t seem like it was meant to be.
This duet was beautiful and magical. Meaning drips from every page and morals become life lessons. Hopes and dreams bloom. Fate spreads her wings and takes everyone on an unforgettable journey that was as unique as it was breathtaking. 5 stars!
Elira and Crest find their fates have become intertwined as they prepare to fight together to save the people of Talay’s sea from the vengeful goddess of the sky. It will be a battle to end all others. with life and death hanging in the balance, and only one god or goddess will be left with a kingdom in the end.
And, as they prepare for battle, the Scourge of the Sky and the Shark of the Sea grow ever closer, wanting things that they know they can never have, even if it’s what they want more than anything since they are caught in the middle, and the fate of their world’s lie with Elira.
I had such a hard time gathering my feelings after this book. It took me longer to read than typical, because it felt both heavy and magical at the same time. I laughed, I cried, I worried and wondered how it could possibly end. It is a true coming of age for Elira, as she experiences so many things for the first time, including true friendship and love even as she has the weight of the world on her young shoulders. Crest is everything she needs and wants. He is family and love and caring . . .all things Elira has never gotten to experience. They are both fierce protectors and throughout the book, I hoped and wished that somehow they could find a way to stay with one another even though it didn’t seem like it was meant to be.
This duet was beautiful and magical. Meaning drips from every page and morals become life lessons. Hopes and dreams bloom. Fate spreads her wings and takes everyone on an unforgettable journey that was as unique as it was breathtaking. 5 stars!
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