TheIndianBookworm

As a long-time fan of Rebecca Roanhorse’s Between Earth and Sky trilogy, I was both excited and nervous to dive into Mirrored Heavens, the final book in this breathtaking and complex fantasy series. With Roanhorse’s previous novels delivering unforgettable characters, rich world-building, and intricate political intrigue, I had high hopes for how this story would conclude.

In Mirrored Heavens, the interwoven destinies of Serapio, Xiala, and Naranpa reach their final crescendos. Serapio, now the Carrion King and avatar of the Crow God Reborn, rules Tova but faces betrayal from all sides. The matrons of the clans plot his downfall, and a new prophecy from the Coyote God whispers of inevitable doom unless he can navigate a treacherous path of blood and power.

Xiala returns to her people on the island of Teek, where war threatens to destroy everything she cherishes. To save her people, she must embrace her powers fully, even as her connection to the sea becomes strained and unreliable. Her journey toward becoming the promised queen is fraught with sacrifice and danger.

Meanwhile, Naranpa, the avatar of the Sun God, struggles to save Tova from the visions of fire that haunt her. But she’s not alone in the dreamscape—something darker and far more dangerous is hunting her. With the Jaguar God stalking her dreams, she must gather her strength and wisdom to confront both the internal and external threats to her world.

Roanhorse’s Mirrored Heavens delivers on many of the promises established throughout the series. The writing is lush and evocative, drawing readers into the vibrant and dangerous world of Meridian. Each character’s storyline feels urgent and compelling, and the thematic exploration of destiny, faith, and power continues to resonate deeply.

The world-building is nothing short of spectacular. Roanhorse skillfully balances mythological influences with political intrigue and personal struggles. The book also excels at diving into cultural elements of the Teek people, making Xiala’s arc especially powerful and emotional.

Additionally, Roanhorse’s ability to build tension and atmosphere is unparalleled. As the story hurtles toward its explosive conclusion, every decision feels weighty, every moment precious.

While Mirrored Heavens is a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, there are moments where the pacing feels uneven. Some plot points are resolved a bit too quickly, while others linger without clear resolution. Additionally, certain character interactions could have been expanded to deepen emotional impact.

The vast scope of the world and the numerous threads being woven together can also feel overwhelming at times. While this complexity is part of what makes the series special, it may be a challenge for readers who prefer more streamlined storytelling.

Mirrored Heavens is a triumphant conclusion to the Between Earth and Sky trilogy. Rebecca Roanhorse delivers a powerful, evocative, and emotionally charged story that leaves a lasting impression. Though not without its flaws, the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. Fans of the series will find much to love in this epic finale.

Have you read Mirrored Heavens? What are your thoughts on the conclusion of the Between Earth and Sky trilogy? Let’s discuss in the comments!