Book Review: Let the Wind Rise

Let the Wind Rise (Sky Fall #3)

By: Shannon Messenger

Published by: Simon Pulse

Release date: April 26, 2016

Genre: YA fantasy

416 pages

Buy it at Amazon, IndieBound, Book Depository, or Barnes & Noble

Source: hard copy purchased by reviewer

Read my review of book 1 here.
Read my review of book 2 here.

Vane and Audra are back (finally!) to wrap up their story, and they have brought a storm with them. They are charged with figuring out who to trust, stopping Raiden, and finding a way to peacefully lead their people, while figuring out what to do about their broken bond. They have a lot to do, and they get right to the action.

Supporting characters are pretty important in this volume, and trust is a main theme. Trust is what Raiden lacks. It’s what our heroes must learn. It’s what the sylph people must have with each other. Audra and Vane must learn to trust his ex-fiancee, Audra’s wayward mother, an unpredictable former Gale, and all of the winds of the sky. They all learn the power of wanting power to help others rather than themselves, and in living in harmony. (This is the part I wish I could pull out of fiction and bring to real life.)

Vane’s nonviolent nature is a huge obstacle when battling an epic bad guy like Raiden. One of the things that I most appreciate about this book is that Vane is brave and peaceful at the same time. He doesn’t go into battle ready to kill; he goes in knowing that he’ll likely have to do things that will haunt his nightmares, but he does it anyway to bring an end to evil and save his friends. He’s willing to sacrifice, but does so judiciously after careful thought and discussion. He’s a stronger leader than he knows.

Solana battles some demons of her own, and because of her journey, becomes one of my favorite characters. She and Audra prove to be effective counterpoints, both embodying the essence of a strong, independent woman without sacrificing their femininity. I absolutely love that girls will have these two characters to read, showing them that they can do whatever they set their minds to, without being defined by their relationships with men. Points to Vane for showing that a boy can notice a girl’s beauty and grace while respecting her for her skills and opinions.

I am excited to have this hard copy to complete my set. Now to find an event where Shannon can sign it as well. This series will be featured on my favorites shelf for quite some time, I’m betting. 

Summary:

The breathtaking action and whirlwind adventure build to a climax in this thrilling conclusion to the “remarkably unpredictable” (BCCB) Sky Fall trilogy from the bestselling author of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series.

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. And she 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. When the forces align, Audra makes her play—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.