Let the Sky Fall
Synopsis
Vane Weston should have died in the category-five tornado that killed his parents. Instead, he woke up in a pile of rubble with no memories of his past — except one: a beautiful, dark-haired girl standing in the winds. She's swept through his dreams ever since, and he clings to the hope that she's real.
Audra is real, but she isn't human. She's a sylph, an air elemental who can walk on the wind, translate its alluring songs, and twist it into a weapon. She's also a guardian — Vane's guardian — and has sworn an oath to protect him at all costs.
When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both their families, Audra has just days to help Vane unlock his memories. As the storm winds gather, Audra and Vane start to realise that the greatest danger might not be the warriors coming to destroy them but the forbidden romance growing between them.
Review
I had the pleasure of experiencing Let the Sky Fall as an audiobook, and I must say, it was a truly captivating experience. The narrators, Kristen Leigh and Nick Podehl, did an outstanding job of bringing the story to life. The use of multiple narrators for the different characters added a unique dimension to the storytelling.
While the overall story arc of Let the Sky Fall was somewhat predictable, a trait that carries through the entire series, there were several unexpected twists that kept me on my toes. The book also had its fair share of ‘laugh out loud’ moments, with witty lines and unexpected situations.
The characters were interesting. I liked that the story was somewhat flipped. Instead of the female main character learning about her powers and an alternative world, it was the male. So many YA books like this one often have the female in the learning role, so it was nice to read something where it’s the other way around.
My favourite thing about Let the Sky Fall had to be the magic system. Wind ‘magic’ where the characters who are essentially part of the different winds. This ticked my imagination in so many ways.
Overall, it was a great start to the trilogy. It was fun to listen to, meet the characters and delve into a new world.
Let the Storm Break
Synopsis
Vane Weston is haunted. By the searing pull of his bond to Audra. By the lies he’s told to cover for her disappearance, by the treacherous winds that slip into his mind, trying to trap him in his worst nightmares. And as his enemies grow stronger, Vane doesn’t know how long he can last alone.
But Audra’s still running. From her past. From the Gales. Even from Vane, who she doesn’t believe she deserves. And the farther she flees, the more danger she finds. She possesses the secret power her enemy craves, and protecting it might be more than she can handle—especially when she discovers Raiden’s newest weapon.
With the Gale Force weakened by recent attacks and the power of four collapsing, Vane and Audra are forced to make a choice: keep trusting the failing winds or turn to the people who’ve betrayed them before. But even if they survive the storms sent to destroy them, will they have anything left to hold on to?
Review
Let the Storm Break is Shannon Messenger's second book in the Sky Fall Trilogy. I listened to it as an audiobook, which was as captivating as the first book. Once again, I love it when they have a narrator for each character's POV.
If you have read some of my other reviews, you will know that I tend to struggle with second books, but Let the Storm Break was relatively good. The pace was kept up, and the story kept moving forward, which meant that it actually held my attention. There were a few twists I didn't see coming, and I found myself on the edge of my seat, wanting to keep listening to see what would happen next. This unpredictability kept it interesting.
Despite the twists, it was still somewhat predictable. You knew where it would end up, even if you couldn't always see how it would get there.
I generally enjoy these stories; Messenger truly manages to draw you into the world and characters consistently, making you wonder what will happen or how the characters will get out of situations.
The villain is villainous, and there are truly dark moments throughout. However, these were skillfully broken up by bits of wit and humour.
It's a second book that prepares you for the conclusion and leaves you wondering how everything will be resolved.
Let the Wind Rise
Synopsis
Vane Weston is ready for battle. Against Raiden’s army. Against the slowly corrupting Gale Force. Even against his own peaceful nature as a Westerly. He’ll do whatever it takes, including storming Raiden’s icy fortress with the three people he trusts the least. Anything to bring Audra home safely.
But Audra won’t wait for someone to rescue her. She has Gus—the guardian she was captured with. She also has a strange “guide” left behind by the one prisoner who managed to escape Raiden. The wind is also rising to her side, rallying against their common enemy. Audra makes her play when the forces align—but Raiden is ready.
Freedom has never held such an impossible price, and both groups know the sacrifices will be great. But Vane and Audra started this fight together. They’ll end it the same way.
Review
Let the Wind Rise is the final book in Shannon Messenger’s Sky Fall Trilogy. While I listened to the first two as audiobooks, I read this one. I couldn’t find the audiobook version, which was rather disappointing. I very much enjoyed listening to the first two, and it would have been nice to finish the series the same way I began it.
In this review, I’m not going to discuss the character and setting elements, as I feel that I covered those in the first two reviews. My thoughts on them haven’t changed.
There is loss and redemption throughout this conclusion. Many of the loose ends were tied and rounded up, meaning that you get many of the answers to the questions you have while reading the books. You cheer along with the characters in their final battle, laughing with them, crying with them, and celebrating with them.
The ending felt somewhat rushed and fell flat compared to everything that led up to it, leaving me feeling somewhat let down. I wanted a more substantial conclusion that gave me that satisfied feeling. I also wanted a hint of what came next for Audra and Vane, as well as some of the other characters.
Overall, I enjoyed the Sky Fall Trilogy. It started much stronger than it finished, but I still enjoyed it.
I highly recommend giving this trilogy a go.