I have to say that the level of imagination and world building in this series is very top tier
I commence Islington for that

But.....isn't too much sometimes TOO MUCH

when you are still in the process of adding new information and revealing new characters in the 2nd half of the third 800+ page- book, then something will start to feel off and the story will become boring

I cannot, for the life of me, give you a step-by-step recount even if my life depended on it
something I can easily do with other fantasy books
because Islington kept adding and adding and adding
but here is what I go so far

Plot Overview SPOILERS....I think?!

The story revolves around the final battle to prevent the world’s destruction

There are four major characters and a ""specie""?? who play the crucial parts in the story

1- Caeden (Tal'kamar): Caeden, once a member of the Venerate, continues his quest for redemption. He must confront his past as Tal'kamar, who was manipulated by the dark force known as the Ell. Caeden’s journey involves uncovering the truth about the Jha'vett, an ancient device capable of reshaping reality, and deciding whether to use it to save the world or destroy it.

2-Davian: a young man with immense magical potential, struggles with his role in the conflict. He learns more about his connection to the Reservoir, a source of magical power, and his destiny to either save or doom the world. he must make sacrifices to ensure the survival of those he loves.

3- Asha: now a leader in her own right, works to unite the fractured nations against the threat of the *Venerate* and the weakening Boundary. She faces political intrigue and personal challenges, and like Davian is determined to protect her people.

4- Wirr: (he's my favorite) Davian’s best friend and the Northwarden’s son, plays a crucial role in rallying the armies of Andarra. He grapples with the weight of leadership and the moral dilemmas of using forbidden weapons to fight the enemy.

5- The Venerate: The remaining members of the Venerate, including Gassandrid and Diara, continue their plans to use the Jha'vett to reshape reality according to their vision. Their motivations and manipulations are revealed, showing how they were deceived by the Ell - I think????

Caeden learns that the Ell, a malevolent force, has been manipulating events for millennia to ensure its own survival. The Jha'vett is the key to either stopping the Ell or allowing it to achieve its goals.
meanwhile the Boundary, a magical barrier protecting the world from the Darklands, continues to weaken. Asha and Wirr work to delay its collapse while preparing for the inevitable invasion of monstrous creatures. Davian discovers that his unique connection to the Reservoir allows him to manipulate time. In the climactic battle, he uses this power to create a time loop, ensuring that the events leading to the Ell’s defeat are set in motion. However, this comes at the cost of his own life.

I think during the time this series was written, the ALL-TOO good main lead is expected to sacrifice himself for the GOOD of humanity without the chance of him/her coming out with HEA.

I would have liked that ending if there were any indication of Davian having flaws...Caeden I understood, but not Davian

still, this was tedious but enjoyable
liked book 2 the best