Sweet Requiem by Bailey Ardisone {Review}

*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis

***This is categorized as a New Adult novel, with some mild adult content***
Returning to Kennebunkport, Maine, isn't all that it's cracked up to be for Nari and Rydan. Barely escaping one evil by the skin of their teeth, running head first into the next was the last thing they were expecting. With Nari's best friend Zaylie held hostage by the leader of the Black Eagles, Nari's number one priority is getting Zaylie, along with everyone else she cares about, out of Nikolai's clutches safe and sound. Only, the worst thing that could possibly happen has happened- Death.

Before Nari can even comprehend her worst nightmare coming true, she is pulled back into the very place she had thought she escaped. But the nightmare doesn't end there. Just as she sees a silver-lining to her otherwise gloomy cloud, she discovers heart-wrenching news and has to yet again escape an untimely death.

With the hope of undoing what would normally be permanent, Nari, with the help of the two brothers she loves most in the world, sets her mind on a mission that will ultimately mean her downfall. Is the end result worth the sacrifice?
~
Naminé is left in the Earthly realm to tend to an injured Ender and Fëa. She must learn to cope with the new human elements thrown her way, but in the process, discovers something may be terribly wrong with her family back home - the one place she can no longer get to.

Continue the journey that started it all. Mycah, Rydan, Nari, and Naminé are determined to take back the throne. Except, that which starts sweet, ends bitter...

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My Review

Life for Namine has always been a battle. But her battles are only beginning. Where she once battled family, she now battles for a world that is bigger than she is. For a cause that is bigger than she is. But this battle is more than just a battle of strength. It is a battle of wills and a battle of the heart. So much is on the line for Namine, Rydan, Mycah and Nari, will their combined strength be enough to deliver them safely through this next struggle?

Throughout the Sweet Series we have followed the story of Nari, Mycah, Rydan and Namine, watching as they all come to terms with what has been set before them. There has been a ton of struggle, heartbreak, scars, and none of their lives will be the same. Throughout the series there is one thing you can count on; Mycah's desire to take back his kingdom. You know that's where this story is going, that's part of what this story is about. With every book we get closer to the ending, which I am sure will be explosive. But along the way we get to see these characters falter and grow. We get to see them become truly remarkable people. We see them make sacrifices for each other, their kingdom and the greater good. We see them grow stronger as they take a stand and fight for the future they all so strongly desire. Nari becomes stronger and more confidant as she accepts the truth of where she truly belongs. The same with Rydan. As he finally accepts the truth about his life we see him morph into an incredible warrior who is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Of course Mycah is his own special creature. We have always known that he was fierce and loyal, but now we get to discover just how deep his loyalty goes. We get a glimpse at more than just the warrior elf, we get a glimpse into what it's really like to have the weight of the kingdom on your shoulders. 

To finally learn some of what Mycah has gone through absolutely killed what little resolve I had before I began Sweet Requiem. He has always been the strong, rock that everyone could depend on. But in Sweet Requiem we are given a brief glimpse at a very broken Mycah. As his hurt and pain unfolded on the page so did my tears. His pain, deep and real made what was left of my heart crumble at my feet. If I didn't love Mycah before this book, I would certainly love him now. Since I already love him, this book just made me love him that much more. Mycah's love knows no bounds, he loves deep, hard and with his entire being, he loves so much it hurts. And it is just WOW!

Sweet Requiem was a beautifully orchestrated piece, that played my emotions like a fiddle. Every time hope swelled in my heart something was there to smash it down into utter darkness. I cried so many times throughout this book I thought all my tears had surely dried up, but nope Bailey Ardisone proved that even with all those shed tears I could still cry. Especially when my heart is torn out of my chest and dropped off a cliff. (Bailey Ardisone did that, she ripped my heart out and dropped it off a ciff with the ending of this book!) This book was one giant emotional roller coaster. I was ready for heartbreak, but I think I cried a river with this one.

But despite the tears and the wet kindle, Sweet Requiem was a magical story that was full of moments that were sheer poetry. With words so eloquent and beautiful they just flowed off the page and sang to my soul. I felt every emotion deep as if it were my own. I lived this story. Felt this story as I curled up on my couch and sat there transfixed until I had devoured every single word. I was left an emotional wreck, but Sweet Requiem was worth every. Single. Tear.

There are so many magical, and beautiful moments in this book and each one makes me swoon or cry. But I think it is safe to share this little tid-bit with you.

"Even if it meant walking through the fires of Hell, I would give up Heaven for you." (kindle, loc. 1588)