Lark Ascending

5Q 4P J S

"In this satisfying conclusion to The Skylark Trilogy, Lark is in the ascendant. Having fled the City behind the Wall and survived magical battles in Skylark (Lerner, 2012/VOYA December 2012) and fought her way into her full powers in Shadowlark (Lerner, 2013/VOYA October 2013), she has gained enough confidence to return to the City in Lark Ascending and go up against Gloriette and her minions. But when she and Oren arrive, the revolutionaries have found other help in Eve, a Renewable held captive by the Architects and used as a power source for years but now free and bent on revenge. Lark soon realizes that she and Eve are in opposition. The most powerful Renewable Lark has ever seen, Eve is bent on destruction and revenge. Lark, on the other hand, as a Power Well who can build magical shields, has already been exhibited in battles outside the city and wants to find a way to restore her world and repair the magical damage that resulted in the Shadowmen, even if it means working with the hated Architects. Eventually realizing that Eve's quest is driven by insanity and will lead to the extermination of all humans, Lark reluctantly takes the battle to her.
Once again, the worldbuilding is superb, the characters fully fleshed out and intriguing, the battles riveting, and the edge-of-the seat suspense compelling. Teens looking for a well-written dystopian adventure with steampunk elements in the magical machines created by the Architects will enjoy spending time with Lark and her companions." --starred, VOYA

"Fans of the Skylark trilogy will welcome the third and final installment of the series. Gone are any remnants of Lark Ainsley's struggle to come to grips with her power. Here, as the title suggests, she is truly Lark ascendant--confident, powerful and ready to lead her people through the coming revolution. But she's not the only one. Eve the Renewable, freed from the architects' cage and alight with magic, is equally prepared for battle. But whose side is she on? With a familiar cast of well-rounded and compelling supporting characters, Lark is given room to shine as a reluctant leader who has fully come in to her own. The connection shared by Lark and Eve is both one of the best and one of the most frustrating parts of the novel. Readers will undoubtedly be intrigued by the suggestion that these powerful women are two sides of the same coin. The glimpses of their shared memories and telepathic link add depth and suspense. Unfortunately, the ties that bind them are revealed grindingly slowly, particularly given their importance to the story. And again, the overcomplicated history of this dystopian world may leave readers scratching their heads. That said, this is a mighty strong finish to the trilogy, and there is plenty to keep readers turning the pages." --Kirkus Reviews