Blurb
In the final book of this genre-breaking, roller coaster of a space opera trilogy, bold new voice Essa Hansen will stretch the limits of your imagination in this adventure perfect for fans of The Expanse and A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet.
Caiden has finally been reunited with his sister Leta after ten years on the run with his unique starship and managed to convince his longtime enemy—Threi—to join his side. But the multiverse isn’t safe yet. Threi’s sister Abriss is still the most powerful being in existence. And she still wants to collapse their beautiful, diverse, constellation of multiverses down to one, growing more powerful and more ruthless with each unique universe she destroys.
As Abriss’s strength grows, her sanity wanes under the burden of the universe’s whispers. And Caiden must weigh his final choices against a new risk: if he finally unlocks the ancient Graven abilities lying dormant in his genetics and saves the multiverse, he risks losing himself to the whispers just as Abriss has. For the last time, Caiden and his makeshift family must carry the fate of all the worlds in their hands.
The book cover below includes alt-text.
This is book 3 of The Graven series. If you haven't read it yet, start with Nophek Gloss.
Impressions
Even though Nophek Gloss (book 1 of the series) is one of my favorite books that has made a huge impression on me, Ethera Grave wasn't an easy read. One of the reasons was that the series has become increasingly esoteric as it progressed, and in this particular book, most of the story happened in the spiritual realm, not in the "real" book world. Many action sequences where dream-like, and would be an interesting visual experience. Essa Hansen's imagination is what makes the whole series so original — it's unlike anything I've read. However, I discovered that I prefer more down-to-earth storytelling where I can relate to the characters' experiences.
The other reason was that it was really sad, with a lot of characters making great sacrifices and experiencing highly traumatic things. To be fair, traumatic experiences have been a part of the series all along, but I have a feeling that the finale was the most somber, and I just wasn't in the mood for it. I wanted an escape and an adventure, but the story made me feel sad, so it took me quite a long time to read.
However, the ending was beautiful and healing. A lot of characters who deserved it finally found their peace, and it made me feel warm to see them find their place in the world.
All in all, I think the series is worth reading for many reasons, one of which is how unique it is. There is also good character development, interesting arcs, fun characters, the found family trope that I really enjoy, great autistic representation, LGBTQ+ characters and more to love. I will be on the lookout for Essa Hansen's new releases.
You might enjoy the book if you like original and esoteric stories and have been following the series so far.
Check out my interview with the author Essa Hansen.
You can get Ethera Grave at Kobo, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Apple and other bookstores.
Featured image by Willgard.