By this point in the series, you know if you like Will Wight and the world he’s crafted in the Cradle series. It makes for a bit of a challenge to write a review for a fourth book in a series that’s still going strong. I normally talk about characters, plot, setting, and magic system in my reviews. However, in a series like this you already know if you like the characters, if the setting grips you, and if the magic system is something you find engaging. Bottom line, Skysworn gives you more of the progression fantasy you love.

The characters continue to feel real and interesting. Eithan is alternatively funny and badass. Lindon continues to grow—though there is perhaps less growth for him here than in Blackflame. Yerin is Yerin, awesome and amazing and yet also afraid of being left alone. There is a reality to her character that I really enjoy. We’re introduced to a new character in Skysworn, Akura Mercy, and she’s…interesting. I haven’t quite settled on what I think of her yet. What I will say is that this novel begins to show us even more of the world of Iteration 110 Cradle. In fact, Wight does an excellent job of showing us just how far Lindon and company still have to go before they can truly compete with the most powerful beings on Cradle, to say nothing of the Abidan. There are some amazing fight scenes, and at least one that is just blow your mind epic. There is also a moment near the end of the novel when we get to see Eithan’s plans coming together a little bit and it’s both epic and poignant. One of the things I really love about this series is that as we get more and more books, Wight is doing a wonderful job of keeping the characters interesting and ensuring that we see growth for them—not only in terms of their power in the sacred arts, but in terms of their lives.

I did feel like a fair portion of the action in this book didn’t concern the main characters. They are often watching from the sidelines, or participating in small ways that don’t allow them to fully see the epic bits going on around them. This is necessary, but I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed by it. This book also had the feel of setting up pieces and making reveals that are going to be incredibly important over the next three or four books in the series. That’s fine, and a necessity in a series of this scope, but it does make this book feel a little less satisfying.

If you love the Cradle series, I have no idea why you wouldn’t have already read this book. It’s great. If you haven’t yet begun the Cradle series, you really need to pick up the earlier books in the series. This is easily among my favorite fantasy series, ever.

4.4/5 stars.

5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing