Inquest

The Destroyer Trilogy #1

by DelSheree Gladden

For Libby Sparks, turning sixteen means only one thing…death. Guardian rule demands she attend the ritualistic Inquest that will unveil her talents and secure her place in society. But that isn’t all that will be revealed in Libby’s case.


The more talents you have the better, at least to some degree. Four or five talents will guarantee you a life of luxury, but seven…that is the mark of the Destroyer. Libby knows her Inquest will reveal her to be the Guardians’ greatest enemy. Their law requires her death before her eighteenth birthday. If she lives, prophecy foretells that the world will fall into chaos and destruction.

Once her destiny is revealed, Libby is abandoned when her mother throws her out, her boyfriend tries to kill her, and her best friend shuts her out. Only Milo, a slightly grungy outcast, seems willing to be her friend—but Libby soon realizes he has secrets of his own. His secrets may very well have everything to do with her own destiny.

In order to make it to her eighteenth birthday, Libby must bury her talents and convince the world she is harmless. Her plan only lasts until Milo is put in danger and Libby is forced to choose. Abandon her friend to save her own life, or embrace her destiny and truly become the Destroyer.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult, Dystopia, Fiction, Romance, Magic

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 28, 2012

About the author

DelSheree Gladden was one of those shy, quiet kids who spent more time reading than talking. Literally. She didn't speak a single word for the first three months of preschool. Her fascination with reading led to many hours spent in the library and bookstores, and eventually to writing. She wrote her first novel when she was sixteen years old, but spent ten years rewriting it before having it published.

Native to New Mexico, DelSheree and her family spent several years in Colorado for college and work before moving back home to be near family. When not writing novels, you can find DelSheree reading, painting, sewing, and working with other authors.

DelSheree has several bestselling young adult series and has hit the USA Today Bestseller list twice as part of box sets. DelSheree also has contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and paranormal new adult series. Her writing is as varied as her reading interests.

Reviews

[Valerie Ormond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixteen-year-old Libby’s life turns upside down on when her forced Inquest determines her fate: to destroy the world. Family, friends, and boyfriend abandon her, and life looks hopeless until she meets outcast Milo, with secrets of his own. Libby tries to prove she does not want to fulfill her role as the Destroyer, but those plotting against her make that impossible. If Libby wants to live, and protect her new friend, she must fight for that right against all odds.

DelSheree Gladden creates characters you want to know, and I enjoyed her ability to mix regular teen emotions into a plot as serious as destroying the world. She combines modern day situations with other-worldly features making it conceivable that this story could be taking place today. Gladden deftly creates character-to-character relationships readers can identify with, including boyfriend/girlfriend, brother/sister, teacher/student and friend/friend. I particularly liked her treatment of betrayal in relationships, without belaboring the point or introducing self-pity. I loved her character development.

The story piles conflict upon conflict, but varies the intensity of the conflict so as not to exhaust the reader. Also, although the concept of a young girl facing her fate of death and destroying the world may sound dark, the book itself includes enough light and hope so it is not a dark novel. Additionally, I appreciated Gladden’s portrayal of violent situations and teen love without overwhelmingly graphic details. The story, characters, and writing keeps the pages turning.

Inquest provides a very enjoyable read, even for those who may not regularly read urban/dystopian/fantasy works. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and following Libby’s adventures to the end, whatever that ending might be.

[Eccentric Editions · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow it's that only I feel. The story end just left me wanting more. The story is so unpredictable, I couldn't even assume what is going to happen. When I thought I know what will happen just then another twist. It totally got me hooked. I was up till 1 in the morning, the story from middle got so intriguing that I couldn't stop from finishing it. I totally loved Inquest, I am looking forward to read the series. DelSheree you are awesome your other books that I read are also just great. I am going to read all your other stories, I just can't get enough of your writing.:)


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Well I finished reading Inquest, well again. And I love it even more, it's just awesome.This is my second time reading review and it contain's spoiler but not that will give away the plot.
It's been months when I first read it. Now it's different as I know what will happen but I really enjoyed it. I disliked Lance even though I know he will come back to Libby but I can't help it, well it's not as strong as I read first time but I enjoyed and love Milo, lol as at first was suspicious of his intentions, but this time I knew so I loved his shrugging behavior as I can picture him. Now also I'm saying it's a definitely read.

[Gertie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update: I have remembered this book with curiosity off and on since reading it, so I have decided I want to read book 2. I've also just added a star - it's just one of those books I enjoyed more than I realized at first. :-P

3.5

I enjoyed this one - it was a fast read and an interesting concept. Some aspects are similar to what we have seen in other books, but the author manages to make it interesting in the way it is explored.

Book one felt too incomplete to me. Sometimes the first in a series completes a portion of the storyline and also leaves things open, making for an ending with some closure but interest in reading more. This book had little closure though.

Memorability Factor 7/10
Follow this author: Probably

[Palestrinad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inquest was an enjoyable teen science-fiction read. The plot was not stagnant and the created world was detailed enough to be imagined yet not so much to rob the reader of their own artistic license. The criticisms I have of the book are more so related to my ‘ideal’ characters/worlds.

For instance, I felt like Libby wasn’t strong enough- and not in relation to how many powers she had. She cried a bit too much for me and was overly dependent on Milo and their ‘love’ (despite knowing each other for such a short time). It would have been nice to see a female lead whom, while shows emotions, isn’t dependent on her love life and has a bit more tenacity. I felt like Libby should be more independent and should know what she wants, rather than doing what she does for the sake of “love”.

Milo was a good character- although he changed very quickly from appearing like he didn’t care to showing that he did. This was somewhat explained in the book but I really feel like the romance between the two should have been a bit slower-moving. I feel like they’re also quite young and all this ‘hot desire’ is a bit misplaced. I also feel like Libby cannot have really been IN love with Lance, she is only 16! And it just seems a little bit…”teenagery” (I’m a teenager myself and honestly I have never understood this kind of behaviour…)

I can also see some sort of love-triangle happening which I really don’t like so much. I also think it is not such an original idea, as it happens in many books with female leads that there are multiple male romantic interests and the woman is too ‘sensitive’ to all of them. It just makes her dependent on multiple males and at their whims a bit. I really wish there could just be one male interest at a time!

The actually plot, minus the romance, is what primarily kept me reading because it is quite enthralling. I like the idea of everyone having a ‘talent’ and the idea of the ‘Destroyer’ (although very little is actually explained about what this means…but that’s okay, a bit more mystery!)

Overall, a decent read that I enjoyed! I would recommend it to teenagers age 13-17.

[Linda Ulleseit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inquest is a completely fresh unique book. The world is our own, but with a different take on social customs. An inquest is performed to show your talents to the world. Libby has all seven talents--she is the Destroyer, destined to destroy the world when she is 18. That shocking news makes it very hard for Libby to have a normal teen life. Her boyfriend is the first person to try to kill her, her mother throws her out of the house, and not one but two love interests show up. Wonderful read!

[Justytea · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful! Im so curious what will happen next..I really want to red the second part! I have no words to describe this book...Everything inside this book is..perfect..relationships and fights.. I just do not know how does Milo looks like.. I think I missed that part.. But all in all its woooooowwww...:)))

[chucklesthescot · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

On her sixteenth birthday, Libby faces the Inquest which uncovers her talents and her future path. The more talents you have, the better your future but if you have all seven it is a death sentence. Libby's future is The Destroyer, who will end the world, and as her family and friends desert her, only a school outcast stands by her. With two years left until she can be legally killed, Libby has to master all her abilities to keep herself alive.

I liked the sound of this book as soon as it came to my attention and it was an excellent story. Libby approaches her Inquest with dread because she knows what it will say but nothing prepares her for the way everyone reacts. Her boyfriend tries to kill her, her best friend wants nothing to do with her, her mother kicks her out and the whole school turns against her. Libby wants to prove to everyone that she is not evil or a threat to anyone but only Milo wants anything to do with her. I liked Libby because she is a normal girl with terrible secrets that are ruining her life. You feel for her as everyone turns their back on her and part of you wants her to embrace being The Destroyer and get her own back on them! I wanted to thump Lance from the moment the Inquest happened and I wanted Libby to hit him so much! I was nearly yelling at her to make him suffer! I liked Milo and was so keen to know what he was hiding. My guess was in the right sort of area but the author still managed to surprise me with the plot twists, which is always good. I loved the way the book finished, hinting that things were going to change in book 2. There are still secrets waiting to be revealed there I believe ie what is the President's real plan for Cassia? You know he is up to something as you can never trust these dodgy politicians!

I think my favourite scenes were everything that happened from the theatre onwards. I loved the way the plot went into a whole new area that I wasn't expecting and I liked the conclusions that Libby came to. Very satisfying!

Negatives? None. I liked the way the story unfolded, the way it was written and the very human story that was told. Libby is a frightened young woman with scary prospects and flaws and the way that people react to her through the different scenarios she faces is very realistic. It could have been your school that was being described. the character development is excellent and the twists and surprises in the plot keep it fresh and entertaining. You really do want to know what happens next. As soon as I get my Kobo in a few days, I will be getting the rest of this excellent series to read.

So why 4.5 stars? Well I think book 2 will be even better so I have to leave a half star spare for that!

[Tracy Fenwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inquest is the story of Libby Sparks a 16 year old student who lives in a society where talents are unlocked to show people where they fit in their future lives/jobs. There are 7 talents in total - Naturalism, Spiritualism, Vision, Perception, Concealment, Speed and Strength. No one is endowed with all seven except The Destroyer. As Libby heads to her own Inquest she already knows that she has all 7 talents and is dreading having everyone know who she is destined to become. She became aware of her talents at an early age and her father came to recognise them shortly after. He protected her as much as he could until his untimely death (which is explained later in the book).

After she is revealed as Cassia, The Destroyer she is shunned by everyone she knows including her mother who kicks her out and leaves her to fend for herself. Alone and friendless she meets Milo, who is the one person who isn't scared of her or ignores her. As they become closer she starts to learn more about how their lives are intertwined and form a strong bond and start a romantic relationship. Milo has his own secrets which she tries hard to find out.

This was a great start to the trilogy. In this first instalment you get most of the background information to see you through the other 2 books and set up the future stories. It was a fast paced book and very interesting to read. There was never a lull in story and keeps you invested as you get into the 'meat' of the book. Libby is a very 'human' character with all the natural flaws that a 16 year old girl would have. She's easy to relate to as she, at first, fights her destiny and then accepts it in order to save Milo from the Guardians (the protectors and who are called to kill The Destroyer). She has insecurities and can't see how she can be someone who is destined to destroy everything that people hold dear. As the story evolves you get the impression the people have been mislead as to her role and that instead of destroying the world she is there to change how things are run and re-instate a better way of life. As change is never welcome in these genre of books people in charge do not want their power to be taken away from them - in this aspect you really get behind Libby and the path that she must follow.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Libby and Milo and could see it develop on her part at first and then with him as he opened up to her and let her in. With the addition of his sister Libby came to feel accepted among them and let her walls down. Milo is also an interesting character who has his own story to tell which is just as complicated as Libby's.

I'm very much looking forward to reading the next 2 books in this series which were sent to me by the author for an honest review.

[Anne-Rae Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby, an ordinary teenager, has been hiding a powerful secret she's known for most of her life. Once the world finds out her secret, her life as it is will be over. A riveting story that brings the reader into the world of mystical supernatural fantasy in the backdrop of middle class American society where people live their day to day lives. But in the midst of all this normalcy, everyone has a pre-destined role to fulfill which in Libby's case is even moreso true. After the mandatory Inquest on her 16th birthday, her true identity as the Destroyer is revealed which turns friends and family against her. Guardians, seekers, inquisitors have been training all their lives to kill the Destroyer in order to protect themselves from ultimate destruction. The irony is that Libby is just an ordinary teen girl and even the president of the United States realizes that killing her before she has committed any crime is unethical. He orders that she remain unharmed until her 18th birthday. It is two years that Libby has to figure out who she is and what her true destiny has to offer.

The story is told in an intelligent, action driven style with twists, turns and incredible emotional drama. The story has elements of teen romance which complements the overall theme as it adds to the story, not detracts. The situations that the main characters, Libby and Milo, find themselves in are incomprehensible to most people and yet Gladden is able to bring down to earth reality around the events, revealing realistic reactions, feelings and emotions from her characters that increases the reader's desire to believe the unbelievable.

When I was 75% into the book, I wondered to myself how would Inquest end, knowing that this is the first in the Destroyer Trilogy series. Let's just say, I was not disappointed as many answers were revealed that satisfied my "need to know" but there were enough left unanswered to tempt readers to read the next book in the series. A well written novel especially for teens, young adults and anyone who enjoys mythical and mystical, urban fantasy thrillers.

I give Inquest: Book One of The Destroyer Trilogy 5/5 stars

Recommend to others: Most definitely a great page turner and a fabulous read.

[Lyuba · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I knew nothing about the author or the story line. In other words, I had no preconceived notions or expectations. The book captured my attention from the first chapter and I literally could not put it down until I finished book one and then read the rest of the trilogy. The first book is available for free in an ereader format. It is an urban fantasy book and is completely different from anything I've read so far.

The events occur in the present time, but the world is completely different. There are no countries. The world is ruled by one President and his army of Guardians. All humans have super-powers called "talents" and they are Strength, Speed, Naturalism, Spiritualism, Perception, Vision and Concealment. Most people have 2, 3, or 4 of them at the same time. The talents are revealed on children's sixteenth birthday and reach their full potential when they turn eighteen. The main protagonist is a girl named Libby who is about to have her talents revealed. As you might guess, she is not like everyone else. She is the prophesied Destroyer, born with all seven talents and is destined to destroy the world.

You do have to pay for books 2 and 3 (but they are very reasonably priced). Gladden is an amazingly talented writer. Her story is unique and fresh, her writing moves at a nice pace, and her word choice is not trite or eye-roll worthy. The way she describes what the characters feel is amazing. You get sucked into her world and walk among the characters. I love the way she wrote the relationship between Libby and Braden (you'll have to wait for book two to really get into this, so I won't give you any spoilers). The entire trilogy is well outlined and all the different story threads are nicely tied off at the end. I had a lot of fun reading these books. My only complaint about the e-books is the number of typos that they have. They can be quite distracting. These are excellent stories and it's a shame the publisher does not take the time to fix typos.

In conclusion, if you are planning a beach trip, have a long airplane ride ahead of you or simply want to spend a weekend curled up with a good book, get your free copy of Inquest. It will not disappoint.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inquest, by Delsheree Gladden, follows the story of Libby Sparks, who on her sixteenth birthday has it confirmed that she possess all seven talents (Naturalism, Speed, Strength, Spiritualism, Vision, Perception and Concealment) which mark her as the one and only member of the Destroyer Class. Being the Destroyer marks Libby for danger and this novel is the start of how Libby deals with this grand challenge.

I really enjoyed the thorough outline that Gladden provided in the first few chapters about the Talents, Class system and about the Inquest ceremony itself. Having this information at the beginning made it much easier to understand the roles of all of the characters and why they reacted in certain ways. It also was helpful to know that Libby’s case is an unusual one which is why she isn’t treated like the others. It’s a classic case of Xenophobia—fear of something that you don’t understand.

In this dystopian text, there are cleverly conveyed bits of mystery, a love story (which doesn’t take center stage and nor does it need to), and of history and the things that the characters would rather not deal with again. These dimensions made Inquest a very enjoyable read.

The protagonist, Libby, was very relatable and didn’t feel one-dimensional as is often the case with ambitious stories such as this. Libby had a lot of depth to her and I was constantly discovering new things about her. I really admire her strength and resilience. Plus, I’m a sucker for a good love triangle. In this case, Milo and Lance are so competitive about Libby and their antics really lighten the mood and make me smile.

I look forward to continuing to read this series as I really want to know what becomes of Libby, Milo and Lance. I plan on recommending this series to whomever I can because I think it’ll appeal to a wide audience range. There’s more than enough that happens in this novel and just enough to leave you hanging on for more.

[Tamra LeValley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby turned sixteen and found out that she is the one that world has been waiting for, the one they have feared, the one they will eventually have to kill. She is "The Destroyer!" Now she has to find out who her real friends are and who will help protect her until she figures out what her true destiny is.

This YA paranormal book is a fabulous read. The author did a fantastic job with writing the characters and having them grow into their prospective personalities. The plot for this particular book was a bit squishy but I believe that it was just a lead up to the next two that are already written. Libby is a wee bit to wishy washy for me when it comes to commitment with the guys that she lets into her life. She is falling or has fallen in love with all of them at some point. I like it when a book as a firm and faithful heroin. Someone who, although is out of their realm of comfort and finding their way, has a sense of dedication to the one they "love."

There were only a few mistakes in the book. Not enough to distract from the enjoyment of reading this book. Ii will continue to read the other books because the author has done a fabulous job of hooking me. Good Job!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Amazing!! I could tell after reading the first 2 paragraphs that I was going to really enjoy this book. Boy, was I wrong. I absolutely loved it!! I don't give 5 stars very often, they are reserved for my favorite books. This is now officially one of my favorite books!! I loved everything about it.

I loved, loved, loved the writing style, it was easy to read and so easy to get lost in. This was the kind of book that plays like real life in my mind. I was so enthralled that I finished the book in just a few short hours. I couldn't put it down! I loved the characters and I really loved the idea of this story. So creative! Character development was spot on, it felt perfectly natural, like I was getting to know them in real life. The plot was perfectly timed and the twists kept it interesting. I loved every minute reading this story. I don't know what else I can say. Seriously, such a fabulous story and in my opinion this is a MUST READ! I will be reading the rest of this series and after I finish those I will look for more books by Ms Gladden. Thoroughly impressed.


I was given a free e copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Holly Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy. It had a great story line, the characters were likable and fitting, and there was passion and desire without x-rated bedroom scenes. The main characters were fairly well developed and developed/changed more through the series. I would have liked to see a little bit more character description, but I wasn't overly bothered by the lack of it. I formed my own idea of each character and their look as I read. I didn't want to put the books down as I was reading and I'm sad to see them end. I found the ending to be fairly appropriate though I do have a few unanswered questions of events that occurred. I will say that the editing could have been a lot better, especially for the price of book 3. If that isn't a huge deal to the reader and it can be looked past, then it is a series worth reading. With a creative and enjoyable series like this I would happily help edit any future books for you. After saying that, I will probably check out other books by this author to see how they compare.

[Loveworks · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's very hard to find good books to read, but it's even harder to find books that grab your attention and make you forget about everything else that sorrounds you.Inquest it's just one of those books that make you feel as if you're in a total different world and you can be whoever you want!

Personally, I loved Inquest, because is one fo those type of books that makes you want to keep reading no matter what time is it or where you are. And yes, two at the morning is a perfect time to read.
Libby is such a smart and well written character that, honestly, makes me so happy to read and know about.

I would and am, recommending this book to all of my friends since its such an interesting book and really is not like other boring books at all.
At this point I'm rambling already.
Anyways I loved it.

[Angela Fristoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inquest is an amazing start to a new series by Gladden. Libby is such a strong character and I love how despite all of the horrible things that happen to her in such a short time, she never falls into a pity party. She keeps going, at first accepting her fate and then once she realizes that she's not so alone, she steps up and becomes determined to fight for her life.

Part of what I loved about Libby was her interactions with her love interests Logan and Milo. I have to admit a clear bias for Milo. Together he and Libby are so cute. He lets her be herself and she manages to act like a regular girl and not the Destroyer of the world.

This is a must read for anyone looking for a paranormal story, with action, romance and a strong female main character.

[Angela Fristoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inquest is an amazing start to a new series by Gladden. Libby is such a strong character and I love how despite all of the horrible things that happen to her in such a short time, she never falls into a pity party. She keeps going, at first accepting her fate and then once she realizes that she's not so alone, she steps up and becomes determined to fight for her life.

Part of what I loved about Libby was her interactions with her love interests Logan and Milo. I have to admit a clear bias for Milo. Together he and Libby are so cute. He lets her be herself and she manages to act like a regular girl and not the Destroyer of the world.

This is a must read for anyone looking for a paranormal story, with action, romance and a strong female main character.

[Khadija · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and I have to say it is my new favorite book!! This story had me gripped from the beginning right through till the end. There are many surprises in the plot which always had me second guessing what will happen next. DelSheree Gladden has a way with words which makes you understand what the characters are feeling. I find the plot to be very intriguing and cannot wait to see if Libby fulfills her destiny as The Destroyer and how her love life will unfold. Truly well written and it is a definite 5 star from me! I just hope this series can be made into a movie some day :)

[Rich Alimpia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Urban fantasy was added to my list of genres after reading Invisible and now I go for Inquest. Libby's story got me hooked and I'm too curious as to what happened to her and Milo. I really would love to read and finish the trilogy. It's a very interesting story. I definitely would recommend it to my learners. Ms. Gladden is such an awesome and terrific writer because she creates characters unique of each other. I find her stories and characters intriguing and there's just too much excitement in every chapter. You'll never know what happens next until you read the next. Once you start, you'll never want to stop. Thumbs up!

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to give it 3 1/2 stars, but that's not an option. I think I'm getting tired of the alternate reality world where a female heroine goes through a ritual as a teenager and discovers she is an anomaly who will save the world while she's caught in a love triangle genre. It's just not original any more. However, this book is a page-turner in it's own right with plot twists galore. The prose is refreshingly good. But I have some difficulty buying the fact that with all her gifts and talents, Libby does not see the world and people around her for who and what they really are.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fabulous read. I was up until 2 in the morning, unable to put this down. I stuck by Libby as she fought Guardians, fell in love with Milo, and got stuck between Lance. When some things happened, I was able to call it, and I felt very strongly about other events, and characters. I felt like instead of being in my room at 2 am, I was in Albuquerque, New Mexico with Libby, Milo, and all the rest.

I loved this book. I am a writer, and I wish I could write as well as DelSheree Gladden, because I am already rushing to find the next two books.

[Ka'iuonalani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inquest was truly amazing. After reading Invisible by Gladden on Wattpad, I just HAD to read Inquest. Invisible was an amazing book and I knew any other book by Gladden would be amazing.And I was right. There are so many words that come to mind when thinking of this book. Captivating, thrilling, engaging, addictive, gripping, and so on. Inquest kept me on the edge of my seat and I could not put it down. I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.

[Janet Strydom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inquest is an amazingly good book. I love the intrigue and characters, how they developed and the way you portray their emotions.
You have a way with words which creates a fantasy world that you can almost loose yourself into.
There is a few spelling and syntax errors, but nothing major. The editing can be a bit better
Thank you for sharing your fantasies with us
I cannot wait to read more of your work!

[Komal · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love all books written by delsheree gladden. the concept is always different than others books . i am so much in love with the girl libby that i cried many times for her while reading the book. this book has the power to involve the person who is reading within it . always will be one of the best book i have read .

[Angelica Contreras · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely no words for how much I love this book! I'm not usually a person who reads, but when I started reading it I just started getting into it. The more I read the better it got and the more I wanted to read it. So its a MUST READ! Keep up the MAGNIFICENT work!

[Shannon Melson · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book. it was a pleasant surprise from her twin souls series which i did not care for.

[Daija · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. I'm a big fan of dystopian novels. Editing could definitely have been better.

[Vicki Foothand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just such an amazing book. Definitely worth a read :-)

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I really liked the idea of this story. The execution was not quite as great. It was a fun read and kept my attention so I would recommend reading it.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

good storyline. libbys character concept is good. the triangle affair is interesting .all in all a good read. hoping it will evolve into something better in the next two books.