First I must start with the most important acknowledgment of all: MOTH. Gosh I missed this dramatic little creature so much. He is my whole world and I love and breathe every moment he appears in this series. IT’S TOTALLY NORMAL HOW MUCH I LOVE HIM.
Karys and Dravyn also continue to be such a highlight. The growth these two characters have undergone since the beginning of the first book is incredible and I think I fall for the two of them more and more as I read. Not least loving the two of them together and every interaction. I am so glad these books are dual point of view because I enjoyed so much getting to see things from each of their perspectives, getting insight into their thoughts and more so into who each of them are because of this. It really gives a firsthand experience for each character on their inner pain and turmoil, but also on the happier moments and feelings that wouldn’t be the same if only one point of view was experienced.
I loved the journey of Karys working to figure out how to be a Marr, embracing and learn how to use her new powers, and the even deeper connection this brought about between she and Dravyn. Beyond this, Ash & Feather was more a book of war and the politics involved with figuring out how to fight said war, and I was so completely sucked into the plot because of this, as well as the more personal aspects that were introduced as far as Karys and Dravyn’s own personal struggles, both together and separate. Getting more glimpses of each of their pasts in events playing out in the present provided more insight into their characters, and a greater ability to bond to them and their reasons for being who they are.
One of the greatest things about this series which continues to show in Feathers & Ash if that not only are the main characters such a strength, but the minor characters also shine and manage to draw the reader in on their own. From Valas, to Mairu, to Reita, I loved so many of them and was so deeply invested in all of the characters (and their safety). Without fail they manage to put a smile on my face and make me feel so much for them, and it was such a highlight to this book along with the main characters.
Finishing this book, and as a result the duology, is so bittersweet. I went through a gamut of emotions from start to finish, there was so much going on and so much worry for characters I have grown to love insanely large amounts. There are a lot of epic battles, some very meaningful, beautiful scenes between characters, and the end wraps this all up beautifully and has me teary to the extreme. I fell in love with this duology and the world all over again and having it come to an end is so heartrending because I just want it to go on forever, to never leave this world and these characters. I want my own Moth. If you haven’t picked Flame & Sparrow up yet, this is your recommendation to do so because both it, and this final book, Ash & Feather are so incredible and deserves all the love
