A Sky Beyond the Storm

This is one of those books that you will read over and over again, envious of someone reading it for the first time. A world is created in which you immerse yourself completely. It has been so well thought out and nothing was described too extensively. The Waiting Place in particular is brilliant, I think it's a nice version of what happens after someone dies. The dynamics between the characters are just right, the friendships and bonds come across as very believable. Sometimes the story slowed down a bit, but by building up to the exciting final battle, the Nightbringer's intensely sad story was even more impressive in the end.

When you are so invested in a story, you have to pause a moment when someone dies. At times I had to put the book down for a while, what a misery. It's also what makes it a great book, nobody's spared from the catastrophes of war.

After the first book, Hel quickly became my favorite character. With everything she endured, she just kept going. She is so strong and loyal, and when her tribulations just didn't stop, I felt for her. She lost everything and everyone, and still fought on. Loyal to the end, indeed.