The fourth and second to last book in the Lightlark saga by Alex Aster certainly did not disappoint. Filled with heartbreak, struggle, and adventure, Crowntide was one book I could not put down.

In Skyshade, we were left off with Isla sacrificing herself and taking both her and Lark, her ancestor who had been bent on destroying their lands, to another world; Skyshade, so her ancestor could not cause any more harm. Except Skyshade is not like their own world. It is hellish and corrupted, reigned over by Cronan, Grim’s ancestor and one of the three original founders. Cronan’s magic had twisted the world into a place of ruin, with few inhabitants left. And soon enough, Isla discovers that Cronan has grown extremely powerful. In his search for increasing power, he has consumed and conquered worlds, with his next target being Lightlark. And Isla isn’t able to evade him for long, as he soon takes her captive, intending to take the necklace Grim gave her. The one he needs to get to Lightlark. After realizing the necklace is bound to Isla and will not choose him, he makes his choice; He will break Isla’s mind and make her his blade, subservient to him. With Isla imprisoned and fighting against Cronan’s attempts at breaking her mind and Grim and Oro racing to try and get her back, this book is packed with twists and tension.

This book heavily focuses on Isla’s perseverance as she goes through intense torture as Cronan attacks her mind over and over again. Many times she is close to giving up, but time and time again, with help from different people, she finds the strength to keep going. This book relays the theme that even in the darkest of times, love is what keeps people going and able to endure tremendous pain. It shows the strength of love, both platonic and romantic, as Isla is able to get through the torture she suffers at the hands of Cronan only because of the people she loves.

The book also focuses on Grim and Oro, and their tense alliance as they work together to try and get to Isla, united by their love for her. It was interesting to see their dynamic, as we also learn that years ago, they were once friends. While they do not get along, they both want whats best for Isla and grapple with the fact that Isla’s heart is split between them.

This series explores love triangles in a way I haven’t seen before, as Isla seems unable to let go of either of them. Especially with the prophecy looming over them, stating that Isla will kill either Grim or Oro. Although I have my guesses, it is hard to tell who Isla will choose in the end, and if one of them does indeed die.

The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, one that is sure to leave readers eager for the last installment in this captivating fantasy series. 

4/5 stars