A Sky Beyond The Storm

This series revolves around three main characters – Laia of Serra, Elias Veturius, and Helene Aquilla – and their lives in the politically turbulent and oppressive world of the Empire. Amidst the class struggle between the ruling Martial class and the abused tribes and the Scholars, Laia, Elias, and Helene struggle finding themselves and their purpose. The story begins with Laia, a Scholar, infiltrating the greatest military academy in Empire, the Blackcliff Academy, as a spy in exchange to free her brother who was wrongfully arrested by the Martial soldiers. Elias is a solder in training in that same academy, who although engrained b the Martial ruthlessness, dreams of the freedom of body, mind, and soul. Helene, Elias’ only true friend in the academy, has devoted her whole life to the Empire, revers her duty, and believes in duty unto death. The four novels trace their journey in a world of seers, corrupt leaders, and mysterious mystical forces that seem to orchestrate events for a more sinister cause, as they struggle with class injustice, morality, and destiny.

Sabaa Tahir has poured her heart into creating a thrilling political Empire as the backdrop for this quartet. The themes of corruption, diplomacy, and the art of ruling have been subtly developed throughout the four novels, and serve as the driving forces for the story to grow further. And of course, the core essence of love, destiny, suffering, and tenacity shine through characters like Laia, Elias, Helene, Keris, Meherya, and Mirra. Tahir’s almost poetic writing style plays a vital role in bringing the story and scenes to life, so much so that the desert lands, the dreamy Waiting Place, and sharp and heavy aura of the Martial Empire exist as vivid pictures, aiding readers’ imagination.

More than the plot, I found this series to be more character-driven. The intricately detailed characters –the protagonists, antagonists, and morally grey shaded persons – prove to be the strength of this quartet. Their journey and strong personalities are what made these books memorable and a beautiful experience for me as a reader.

Laia of Serra undergoes a remarkable journey from a scared teenager seeking her brother’s freedom to a brave fighter striving for Scholars’ emancipation. Family is her character’s cornerstone, and Sabaa Tahir has commendably woven her mother’s courage and father’s kindness into Laia’s perception towards life. Tahir uses Elias as a channel to explore the controversial theme of morality and true freedom. Although his troubled sense of self was despairing to read through, his determination and will to do right by his conscience is what makes him a fine character.

This review is incomplete if we don’t discuss Helene Aquilla and the extraordinary job Sabaa Tahir has done in building such an exceptional persona. Her growth, both as a human and as a ruler and leader, is shown remarkably well through the four novels. Tahir has created a painfully real character in Helene and penned someone who embodies perseverance and resilience in its true essence. As a reader, the heartwrenching pain and pride I felt for Helene at the end of the series is definitely a nod towards Sabaa Tahir’s craft and excellence. And the way she has used the phrase “Emifal Firdaant” in Helene’s relationship with Avitas Harper is both sweet and tragically beautiful!

I appreciate the way the antagonists too are crafted in this series. Characters like Keris and Marcus were able to evoke both disgust and sympathy from me, and that, I believe, indicates how the author has taken time to weave not just negative personas but morally grey humans. I absolutely loved reading about Keris and Marcus and their motives and thoughts behind their actions.

Overall, this quartet by Sabaa Tahir is an enjoyable read that pulls you into its engaging world and makes you feel like you know the characters through and through!