I truly didn’t have words when I finished this book! This was so beautifully written – the world-building was intricate and unique, and Raeve’s character pulled me in from the beginning.

I listened to the audiobook for this one, and it was really well-done. However, I would note that the audiobook was a little tough to follow along with because of all the world-building. I usually can keep up with audiobooks no problem, but even I was struggling with some of the terminology and names/places.

So, with that being said, I would probably recommend the physical or e-book for this one or in combination with the audiobook – that way you can reference the terminology as needed.

If you love an intricate fantasy realm with elemental powers, dragons, bad ass assassins, eternal love, and an impending rebellion, then this one is for you!

*** SPOILERS AHEAD – If you want the spoiler-free Goodreads synopsis, jump to the bottom of my post!

I was definitely shaken at that ending, and now I cannot wait for book two. I have to admit that Elluin’s mysterious ending and Raeve’s mysterious past were KILLING me though throughout the book – I’m truly an impatient reader. EVERY time Kaan was about to reveal her past, she would divert or the storyline would turn. I know the whole point is that Raeve can’t or doesn’t want to face the pain of Elluin’s past, but it was torturing me lol.

I think I’m most excited to see if Raeve bonds with Lirri in the next book (or maybe we get to see a healed Slatra?). The dragons are probably my favorite part of the book.

Now that we know Elluin’s downfall, will we get to see Raeve accept her truth early on in the next book? I sure hope so, but we at least now know that Kyzari is her (And Kaan’s) daughter. I am so proud of myself because I guessed that Nee belonged to Kyzari once we got to a certain point in the book.

I’m still unsure of how Elluin died – maybe I missed that – but I don’t think King’s betrayal was super clear besides that he blackmailed Elluin into marrying Kaan’s brother instead.

I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments!

Characters

Raeve/Elluin: I do love Raeve – it’s just her refusal to acknowledge Elluin’s past (or her current love for Kaan) is killllliiinnnnggg me.

The Other: I also hope we get further clarity on “The Other” within Raeve – is that part of her completely new since her rebirth or is it just a part of Elluin that remains hidden within Raeve because she doesn’t like to face the pain and flames? And okay, that last scene was amazing. Rekk deserved what he got.

Kaan: Wow, who wouldn’t love Kaan. The King of eternal love. The man literally spent years searching for every piece of Slatra’s shattered moon to piece her back together in honor of Elluin, his one true love. His love and respect for Elluin is just incredible to me, but it really shines through with how he treats and honors Raeve.

Veya: I think we have only just seen the beginning of Veya, and I really want to see her relationship with Raeve develop. I still want to know the mystery behind the bangal though and how she got it/why she got rid of it.

Quotes

Honestly, the writing in this book is so beautiful and emotional and moving and hilarious. But here are just a few:

“Chase death, Moonbeam. And I pray your bloodlust brings you the same sense of peace I feel just knowing you exist.”

“He’s fire and brimstone. I’m shattered ice. Our collision is steam and destruction, destined to dissipate, but I’ll gladly burn beneath him until the world comes crumbling down.”

“Sadness is like stones that stack inside you, making it harder to move.”

“I knew a female who died. Tragically. Whose lifeless body was sailed into the sky by the adoring beast at your back with my torn-out heart in her fucking fist,” he rasps, lifting his hand into a claw that he shakes in my face. “Her name was Elluin, and she laughed with the wind, cried with the rain. She angered with fire and bellowed with the ground.”

“but I’d die knowing I left something bright behind in this beautiful world sketched in so many shades of ugly.  I also like the idea of being able to fall from the sky and squash somebody if they piss me off.”

“So many assholes, so few fingers to count them all.”

GoodReads Synopsis

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

The Creators did not expect their beloved dragons to sail skyward upon their end. To curl into balls just beyond gravity’s grip, littering the sky with tombstones. With moons.

They certainly did not expect them to fall.

As a valued Elding Blade of the rebellion group Fíur du Ath, Raeve’s job is to kill. To complete orders and never get caught. When a renowned bounty hunter is employed by The Crown to capture a member of the Ath, Raeve’s world is turned upside down. Blood spills, hearts break, and Raeve finds herself at the mercy of the Guild of Nobles—a group of dual-beaded elementals who intend to turn her into a political statement. Only death will set her free.

Crushed beneath a mourning weight, Kaan Vaegor took the head of a king and donned his melted crown. Now on a tireless quest to assuage the never-ebbing ache in his chest, his hunt for a moonshard lures him into the belly of Gore’s notorious prison where he stumbles upon something that rips apart his perception of reality. A shackled miracle with eyes full of rage and blood on her hands.

The echo of the past sings louder than the Creators themselves, and even Raeve can’t ignore the truths blaring at her from a warmer, happier time.
However.
There’s more to this song than meets the eye, and some truths …
They’re too poisonous to swallow.

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One of my goals for this blog is to create some “inspired” posts where I picture myself as your personal shopper and put together a list of items that I would want and you might need! With all of the Onyx Storm excitement, I thought it might be a good idea to compile some Empyrean Inspired Bookshelf Decor since you now have the third installment to add to your shelf – assuming you’ve binge read it already, of course :).

I was inspired by dragons for this one of course, but I also found some moody and magical items I thought would work well with the Empyrean or any dragon related series.

Bookshelf Decor

These dragon inserts are absolutely adorable!

I thought both of these signs were so cool! I personally really love the lamp/lit look, but the laser etched wood is beautiful too!

This Dragon Wall Decor is different and so cool. I can imagine it on the wall next to a floating or hanging shelf!

I used to love trinkets and figurines growing up, and both of these speak to me! They double as little boxes as well. So cute!

It’s so cool what people with 3D printers can do! Both of these are on Etsy. I like how you can change the colors of the eyes and dragon.

Bookends

I love bookends, and I thought this was a cool variety! The classic metal looks sleek on a shelf, but I do love the ornate look of the green statue. The little rounded ends are super cool too, but might not be big enough for your larger hardback editions.

Dragon and Decorative Lamps

If you really want to stick to the dragon theme on your shelf, each of these is unique! I personally really like the wooden carving but the two light up lamps with color changing abilities is super cool. I can imagine these on your shelf at night.

Hear me out – when I think of a ward stone, I picture this or a rock! I know these are salt lamps, BUT they really do put off a cool ombieance. And I love the color changing. I’m actually really obsessing over this Quartz Lamp with the different color stones.

Then I was thinking, if you wanted less of a “fantasy” or “dragon” look, but still wanted the darker mood with texture, this little battery powered lamp could totally do the trick!

Or you can go with the look I absolutely love, and go the flameless candle route. The fact that these all come with remotes now and you can put them on timers is incredible. I do love the black look, but I have to say the Crystal Texture ones kind of look like fire to me, just saying. And the black tapered candles are just so gothic fantasy, I love it.

Neat Nicknacks

I thought both of these were unique and would stand out on your shelf. The Fourth Wing inspired Resin Dagger is just so cool to me – you could display it vertically or horizontally across the front of your book spines.

Dust Jackets

And saving the best for last, these officially licensced Dust Jackets by bluelybooshop are absolutely breath taking. I really want these for myself now, and I’m of course hopefull we will see an Onyx Storm one soon. I love the choice betwen the light and the dark! Which one is your favorite? I need help deciding!

Okay, let me know your favorites and if you plan to get any of these for your shelf! Happy decorating! I’d love to see your final products or shelf inspo!

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