The Menace of the Morphers

Talismans of Teregrin #3

by Katy Metzger

The most dangerous threats come from within.

The Price of Power

After her last battle with Aidan, Gemma must deal with the consequences of her growing power, memories from before the island that trap her in her own subconscious. While Dominic’s presence helps to keep the visions at bay, a disagreement over how to handle Aidan drives a wedge between them and leaves Gemma to manage on her own.

The Hazards of Haste

During a routine task, Oliver fails a teammate and rushes to make amends. But his actions start an unfortunate chain of events that land him in far greater peril, placing a target on his back for Chloe and the lab.

The Fear of Failure

With their team fracturing, Aidan out for blood, and the lab hot on their trail, Oliver seizes an opportunity to fix his out-of-control power that could cost him his humanity. As he battles the transformation, Gemma faces her greatest trial a choice between saving her brother or everyone else.

____________________

Also by Katy Metzger

The Talismans of Teregrin Series

Book 1: The Talismans of Teregrin

Book 2: The Firebreather's Curse

Book 3: The Menace of the Morphers

Book 4: Coming soon!

Look out for more books! Join the Future House Publishing newsletter for updates on the latest sci-fi/fantasy releases.

Genres: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2024

About the author

Author Katy Metzger began her foray into dark fantasy with a third-grade story about two children who ate too much candy and exploded. When her classmates appreciated her twisted sense of humor, she plunged headfirst into a passion for storytelling. And although she took a brief detour into journalism during high school and college, her love for the fantastical never waned.

Her own adventures in real life included two years abroad in Cambodia and Thailand teaching ESL, an experience that led to teaching high school English for several years and meeting (and marrying) the man of her dreams. When the two welcomed their first son, Katy hung up her teacher’s chalk and once again found inspiration in the stories she loved to tell.

Today, Katy lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids, running for fun, drinking way too much coffee, and finally allowing her twisted imagination to have free reign in her head.

Reviews

[Javin Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in Katy Metzger’s series, The Menace of the Morphers, does not disappoint. The action starts on page one, and Does. Not. Let. Up.

Ollie’s journey had me on the edge of my seat—especially toward the end of the book. I planned to stop after One More Chapter ™ and go to bed, but I absolutely had to know what happened! So one more chapter turned into many more chapters… and I ended up staying up way later than planned to finish the book. :)

That’s the beauty of not just The Menace of the Morphers, but all the books in this series so far. The story draws me in, and the pace is so fast and engaging, it’s easy to care about the characters and get wrapped up in their world.

Not only do Ollie and Gemma have their big, overarching goals—find the Door to get off the island, avoid the lab and the rival groups—but their personal struggles also influence the story. The characters feel so relatable when they’re stuck in this dystopian world, but the urge to kiss that cute boy/girl nudges its way in and won’t be ignored.

The big goals, while not resolved, inch closer to answers (as one would expect for a series that continues!). I’m so excited to see how the clues that were sprinkled in, (vague for spoilers!), influence the story. Are these really hints to figure out what’s happening, or are they red herrings? I don’t know and I love that!

I'm so looking forward to book 4!

[Lily Engel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this novel more than the last one. Oliver is still the funny likeable character he always was, and I was routing for him.

I really enjoyed that we were starting to see more of the island and its workings, but that did fall flat a little when Oliver believed he was speaking to Charity. He was able to find so many answers about the island (how the experiments were selected, how they got there, where they were, why the survivors don't have powers, what did Chloe plan to do with the experiments once they woke up, how do some places like Stercesville keep replenishing with food?), but he didn't ask anything valuable. This felt like a waste and it irritated me.

I felt Gemma's memories gave us insight on the past, but didn't provide us with any new information to solve mysteries. We were just told about incidents, and I felt more confused after her memories, opposed to feeling like I was coming closer to the truth. Her parents also seemed to just put her in danger without her and Oliver's permission, which makes her parents seem careless and unloving.

In regards to the romance, I really think Oliver's feelings toward Lauren (and even Jessica) could have been made more clear. He isn't bothered when he thinks Patrick might be in love with Lauren, which is strange for a boyfriend. However, I was super happy to see Jessica being in love with Oliver because I suspected that, so that was well done. Gemma and Dominic were upset with each other, but Gemma kept "swooning" over him, which felt unrealistic. It seemed like in her mind, she forgot about all the pain he caused her. Gemma's sudden feelings for Jaime were unbelievable and made me dislike her in a sense. Throughout this series, Gemma has just been using Jaime, and never caring about how he feels (some Sensor she is), and I feel like it's unfair to Jaime who has tried so hard to help her. So many people were in love with each other, but I felt like it started becoming a little unbelievable. These people should be focused on surviving or getting off the island, but now they're focused on futile things like relationships. I didn't fully believe that.

Gemma was constantly told she was a "different kind of girl" or she wasn't like the other girls which was annoying to me, and it felt like the other girls were lesser than her because men decided that. It was frustrating to see, and I wish the women were portrayed as more equal.

I loved the suspense of Oliver triggering. That was definitely interesting, and made me want to read more.

At the end, no one really seemed bothered that Lauren was taken by the light. I feel like she was just taken so there would be less drama for the author when Jessica and Oliver were together (and they wouldn't need to feel guilty). This light is also very strange to me, and I'm not sure I believe in its presence. I don't know why the characters also don't try find out more on the light. However, I did really like the end, and it made me curious to read the next book.

[Beatriz Mamede Da Rocha · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first two book of this series, I was so excited to read this new installment. And it didn't disappoint. After successfully getting the two talismans needed, Oliver, Gemma and the rest of the militia start their mission on trying to find the door of hope or peril. It turns out it's not as easy as they thought. As the plot thickens, new obstacles appear in their way to getting their memories back and going home.

One of the obstacles that come into play is the stabilizer or should I say mirrorthwise. It solved the mystery of where Aidan was going. In this book, we see him transformed into a morpher. As his foil character, Oliver is tricked into using it as well. It was so interesting seeing how he was tricked and how addictive the machine was. It promised more control, but it was only a drug that took away his emotions, what made him strong. In this book, we see Oliver fighting against it and learning that his emotions are important. As long as his emotions are ordained, that's what makes him strong. I usually don't like love triangles. So for awhile I didn't enjoy the love triangle among Oliver, Lauren and Jessica. But as the story kept going, it was so obvious that Jessica and Oliver are endgame. I really loved that she was the one that kept him from becoming a morpher. She was the thorn in his side that helped him keep his emotions. I really loved her confessional scene and that they got together! They are so suited to each other as they push each other's button to become better. I love them!

In case of Gemma, she had her own troubles in love as Dominik really wants to save Aidan. I get it why Dominik wanted to do that but it was a little too late, when he decided to do something. Most of their conflict came from the disagreement if Aidan can be saved. I really liked that Gemma stood firm in her belief and didn't give in into this hopeless mission. While she stood with her gut, Dominik went into a journey to figure out what's important. He finally realized while his guilty of not trying to interceding sooner, ultimately it's not his fault that Aidan turned. So, he finally chose to be with Gemma and put her first. I liked that journey for him. In addition to that, Gemma has been getting her memories back that give us small clues of her past.

As the story went, there were some twists and turns. Lots of action and new reveals. And that ending? What a cliffhanger! I'm so excited to read the next book!

[Ilana Goldman]

Another wonderful sequel! Katy Metzger has the expert ability of filling in just enough information to keep you intrigued, while simultaneously planting fresh mysteries that leave you starving for more. This is the first book in the series where the twins appear to end with less than when they began, losing several friendships of book 1 and the talisman of book 2. However, what was lost in mission progression was made up for in new answers and excellent character development.

Initially, I was very frustrated by the relationship troubles. Oliver’s indifference towards Lauren was a harsh reflection of his nature, while Gemma had simultaneously been reduced to the whims of teenage romance. It felt regressively reminiscent of their characters at the beginning of the series, where Oliver lost his inclination for leadership and Gemma was rendered helpless without a strong man. Gemma’s interludes were particularly irksome, as much of the previous book already revolved around her inconvenient friend zoning of Jamie and the chase for Dominic. Fortunately, the final confrontation seemed to resolve much of this, though it is tragic that Lauren vanished before she could develop an arc focused on something other than decisions and emotions centered around boys.

That said, I am glad that Jessica and Oliver finally found each other; their relationship is one that I have been eagerly anticipating for some time now! The buildup was beautifully written, especially because readers were given the chance to know them individually and as friends before they discovered their mutual feelings.

Pieces are slowly beginning to fall into place, while several explanations still evade us. What happened to Patrick and those taken by the light? Where is the Door of Hope or Peril, and will it be able to save them? Finally, what is the true nature of the island, and will we finally figure it out after that diabolical cliffhanger?? I am thrilled for the next installment and how it ties together!

[Aaron Chin · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Menace of the Morphers" was a good followup to "The Talismans of Teregrin" and "The Firebreather's Curse." Much of what I liked about the first two novels in this series was present in "The Menace of the Morphers." I always enjoy seeing Oliver, Gemma, and the gang going on missions to try and get off the island, and this book is full of the action that made the first two novels fun and interesting.

However, I don't think this novel quite lived up to the momentum of the first two. This is because much of the novel does not focus on finding the talismans. Instead, the bulk of the novel is focused on saving Oliver from changing into a Morpher. While this concept is interesting, it does wear a little thin when spread out over the entirety of the story. It also feels a bit strange and off-putting to see Oliver act so out selfish and out of character for the majority of the story as a result of his changes. As a result, much of the novel feels a little bit like a side quest rather than the main mission. And so, a little bit of the series's momentum was lost for me.

The ending of the novel, though, does have major implications for the next books in the series, and I'm excited to see how these reveals play out. It had a bit of an "Empire Strikes Back"feel to it -- there's a lot of loss, and yet there's still hope that the good guys will win out. So, the ending recaptured a lot of momentum, and the final battle was one of my favorites in the series so far. It was also nice to see some of the romantic relationships develop in the novel, such as Gemma and Dominic and Oliver and Jessica.

Overall, "The Menace of the Morphers" is a solid continuation of the "Talismans of Teregrin" series!

[Makenna Gillette · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was so much action and excitement in the third book of the Talisman series! It felt like from the very beginning to the very end something was always going on and the reader wasn’t ever quite sure what would happen next. The suspense was well done! The suspense over Oliver potentially triggering or not, really made the book for me. I was so invested in his point of view.
The struggles that each character goes through are really well done in this book. Wanting to find the Door to escape the island but also trying to survive and avoid the lab and the rival groups really show the real life that they have to go through. However, there were a couple of instances that felt rushed or a bit unbelievable.
Gemma’s attraction toward Dominic is understandable and I was really excited to see that their disagreements and differences made them realize that they weren’t really what the other thought. But Gemma constantly swooning over him and almost seemingly helpless without him was annoying at times. Her then sudden attraction to Jamie, even though she never liked Jamie in that way and basically used him multiple times, felt very unbelievable. I think the last thing that really stood out to me as an unbelievable situation was them being unbothered by Lauren being taken by the light. Lauren was a part of their group and while she may not have had a stronger gifting, still was part of their family. I just found their reaction to it a bit flat and I wished that we had seen more emotion, especially from Oliver.
But all in all, the third book did not disappoint. It was so easy to fall into the world again and be immersed into the action and hope that they will be able to get to go home. I’m very excited to read the 4th book!

[Taji · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading books 1 and 2 of the Talismans of Teregrin series. Book 1 introduced us to Ollie and Gemma's world as escaped experiments on a strange island with no memory of how they got there. Book 2 really amped up the action and gave us more insight into Gemma's character and truly developed and fleshed her out. These two books were engaging, action-packed and fun to read. Unfortunately, book 3 in the series was not as exciting for me, but still had some good points here and there. The core focus of The Menace of the Morphers feels like it revolves around the romance between Ollie, Lauren and Jessica as well as Dominic, Gemma and Jaime; multiple love triangles occurring in a single book. If I was frustrated trying to get to the root of why all of these super-powered teenagers are trapped on this island with the people who experimented on them with no answers in sight with books 1 and 2, I definitely feel that frustration was not alleviated in book 3. I would love to have seen more plot development in terms of getting to the heart of the issue that these books revolve around: why the characters ended up on this island and how would they finally be able to make their escape? I really would like to understand this better and have the author slowly trickle these answers to me as the plot develops, but not at the current pace of this series. It somewhat feels like it's intentionally being dragged out and the focus strays from the core plot too much, so I gave this book 3 stars. I did not enjoy it as much as I love The Firebreather's Curse but I hope to continue reading the series in order to get the answers I'm looking forward to!

[Niharika · Rating 3 out of 5]

'The Menace of the Morphers' is the third book in the Talismans of Teregrin series, and just like the other books, it does not disappoint! The novel is action-packed and has you hooked until the very last page. Throughout the series, the thing I have loved most is the characterisation done by the author throughout the novel, and this book does not disappoint in that factor. With the representation of complex relationships and a rollercoaster of emotions, the characters create a relatable environment, especially for teenagers. The raw emotions add realism and depth to this novel. Many adventures and twists throughout the book keep you hooked and at the edge of your seat until the very last page. I loved various aspects of the book, from all the fight scenes to the shift of dynamics between various characters. We see the display of loyalty, greed and power throughout. One thing I didn't enjoy much was the love triangle between certain characters, especially Gemma, Dominic and Jamie, plus it wasn't built on further and left us questioning what happened after the whole kiss between Gemma and Jamie. I think the heavy focus on the romance aspect of the novel took away from its overall plot in certain places too, I think for what the novel is you don't expect that much romance and perhaps more adventure, however it helped enhance depth in the novel, benefitting it in one way.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, the cliffhanger at the end has me waiting for more and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

[Elijah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues to impress me with its complex character relationships. Despite the high physical stakes and all the action, the truest tension in this book is consistently centered around character conflicts. Each character seems to have goals and motivations that conflict with both each other and themselves, giving rise to complicated relationships. This book continues to keep relationships dynamic, while also doing a great job of developing characters by forcing them to peel back their layers until they confront their deeper fears, regrets, and insecurities. If I have one complaint, it’s that there might be a touch too much romantic plot for my own personal tastes, but I’d say that it’s still handled well overall.

This book is also very strong in how it functions as a part of the larger series. You can really tell how things are ramping up and will be coming to a head soon—mysteries mentioned in previous books without much attention are continued here, where more light is shed on some of these worldbuilding secrets. At the same time, many of these secrets are answered in ways that just cause more questions in a way that I think will really energize the next book. Especially given the stinger at the end of the book, I’m so excited to continue reading this series. The author gave me just enough to be satisfied with this book while also leading me on and making me impatient for more answers!

[Nae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewing this third installment is tough. In terms of the plot, the going back in forth between places repeatedly to find notebooks and answers felt like fluff. And sometimes it seemed like they had the opportunity to get information, but they didn’t. At one point, when they are stuck in Chloe’s office, they had the perfect chance to grab some things from her filing cabinets and find answers (though, sure, they were focused on getting out). At another point, Oliver could have asked more questions directly from one of the twins, but he didn’t even seem to think to. Overall, the plot in this book was very slow and overridden with travel to and fro, romance issues, and inconsistent loyalties. Regarding the romance, I know they’re all basically teenagers, so what occurs is believable, but Gemma’s relationship with Dominic seems unhealthy, her interactions with Jaime also seem manipulative, and Oliver’s relationship with Lauren is inconsiderate, as well. On the better side of things, I still loved the world building and wonderful descriptions that helped ground me in place with the characters. Even though the plot dragged on and could have been condensed down, I can appreciate where the author is taking us. Her writing is, as always, really comfortable to read, and the scenes are well-detailed, making them clear in my head. I’m hoping that the next book will pick up the pace and that there will be more focus on the story!

[Raeliah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe that this book was a good continuation of the series, in that the overarching story has been consistent and cohesive. That being said, I think the quality of this trilogy has gone down.
The issues that I found in the first two books only became more dominant in this one (kitschy dialogue, odd pacing, useless descriptions, etc.). The romance plots honestly ruined the story for me. Metzger has a great backbone for a dystopian series, but the emphasis and drama surrounding the characters attraction or "relationship status" felt completely forced and unrealistic. I'm sorry, but if I were on an island fighting for my life every day, I would simply not be worrying about who is going to be my boyfriend or what that relationship should mean or look like. I think if the story was reduced in length and it focused on the actual mission of learning the characters paths and getting off the island, removing most, if not all, of the romantic drama, the series would be significantly more enjoyable.
I will say that this book had some great action moments and the ending was definitely intriguing. Like I said, Metzger has a good story that has captured my interest easily. It is just clouded by unnecessary details. I hope to see more adventure and action in book four.

[Anna McEntire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow, I don't know how much more I could love a series! Each book holds it's own adventures, secrets, twists and turns. (You must read these books in order!)

Menace of the Morphers, the third in Katy Metzger's Talismans of Teregrin series, pulled me straight back into the adventure with twin teens Gemma and Oliver. I love how much these two characters have grown, and was pleasantly surprised that the other characters began to grow as well!

Some of the secrets and mysteries that began with the first two books are starting to become clear, and even more seeds of deeper mysteries are planted in this book. It's fun to guess where the plot threads are headed, and surprising when there's a twist instead! The amount of foreshadowing and clues makes it a page turner for sure!

Can I also just say that the element of sweet romance is the icing on the cake? Sometimes I want to knock the characters on the head at the choices they make, but if it was all roses and sunshine it wouldn't be as fun to read!

Menace of the Morphers is a page turning adventure from start to finish. If you're considering reading a YA urban fantasy adventure, this is a great series!

[Aliki Bitsakakis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters in this series keep you engaged. Although, I wish there was a bit more action in this book, to keep up with the first two. The end sequence was dramatic and exciting, but before then, I felt that we spent too much time on the various love triangles. I've always liked Dominic's character, and I liked the setup to his character in this book, with the others struggling to trust him. However, as the story went on, his only characterization was that he was in love with Gemma, and vice-versa. In a world that's this complex, I wish the author spent more time on world-building, as I still struggle to picture exactly what these scenes look like. I also felt it redundant to also put Oliver in a love triangle in this book. Having Gemma stuck between Dominic and Jamie, and having Oliver stuck between Lauren and Jessica, was a little much. I also wish we got some more unique character names, as well as more differentiation in how they each speak. All in all, this felt more like a filler installment of the series, and I look forward to seeing how this cliffhanger plays out in the next one.

[laura8759 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great, just as good as the first two, it had great pace and development. The characters were well fleshed out and had depth and personality, the description of them was beautifully done. I wasn't a big fan of the stuff going on with Oliver but I understand it was necessary for the story to progress. It seems Gemma’s battle in the last book has caused her to have memories of herself before the island. A lot happened in this story that had me on the edge of my seat. It had so many twists and turns I didn't see coming. I love the bond between the militia characters and the dynamic they have together. It's wholesome and nice to read about. The little  details that were described in this book were amazing. You could feel the tension between the different groups. They are so close to finding the door and the secrets to everything going on. As the series has gone on we have started to lose more and more characters, which is always sad and unpredictable. The ending of this book leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to read book 4. Overall, this book was good. Xoxo Laura8759. 

[Nadia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story felt much slower than the first two books in this series, and kind of unnecessary. I feel like this series could be shortened to just 2-3 books, but with the cliffhanger at the end, it's obvious there will be at least one more book. I felt like there was too much focus on romance in this one, with Gemma and Dominic's relationship specifically. Gemma's character was focused on men throughout the entire book. Her obsession with Dominic even when he betrays her and chooses his Morpher "friend" over her, and her sudden attraction and make out session with Jamie. Men are the only ones able to pull her from her memories, too. It ruined her character for me. She remained helpless and dependent on men, even with control over her sensing abilities.

With that being said, I liked how we got a first-hand experience at triggering through Oliver's point-of-view, and the ending with Chloe Teregrin left me intrigued. Therefore, I would still read another book in this series, mostly because I'm curious to know if the island is a simulation or if it's reality.

[Khala Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts Twist as Tension Reaches its Crescendo

The more our twins learn- the higher the stakes. Emotions take a toll in this arc of the Talismans of Teregrin as both Gemma and Oliver find themselves caught up with matters of their affections. Sure there are lab workers watching out for the Militia to take a foolhardy step forward. Sure there is danger lurking in the dark as Morphers continue to plague the island. Yet, when all else is going astray- who will the twins lean on should one of them fail to be there? Indeed, romance isn't my favorite, but when expressed with honesty and believability - love can help bring a sense of hope to a tale writhing with peril. Speaking of Peril, what awaits the twins and their dwindling party is yet to come. Let's just say, when doves fly- there are more questions than answers for the Militia. Will Gemma and Oliver be able to reach the end together? Now, that is the question! Read on to see where bonds are made as well as where bonds are tarnished.

[Christine Letizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the book cover of this third installment in The Talismans of Teregrin series, this book was absolutely electric.

The Menace of the Morphers took me by surprise with an unstoppable plot that had me hoping this amazing teen ensemble would win out at the end. There were no guarantees for Oliver or Gemma or the rest of the Militia/Rebels/Knights/Morphers. In fact, major shifts happened in this book and (almost) no group on the island was the same by the end.

I really enjoy the dynamics (and romance) between the members of the Militia and yes, Jessica is my favorite. There, I said it! I was pulling for them the whole book and worried, actually worried - and I won't tell you why. You just need to read this next book because it is SO good.

I'm ready for the fourth book - today! With the final revelations, I am dying to know where the story is going. Katy Metzger's series is enthralling and fun and undeniably mysterious. So, please give us that fourth book soon!

[Abigail Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the first two books in this series I enjoyed this one the most! The action starts right away and gets you right back into the story. Questions I had from the first books began to be revealed and the character's growth was wonderful. The chemistry of the teens is palpable and makes you want to keep reading.
My only qualms are that the romantic aspects were unrealistic at some points. They were still fun and seeing Oliver and Jessica together was sweet. The switch of Gemma being interested in Jamie felt like it came out of nowhere and took me back a bit. There were a lot of love triangles that felt a bit forced even for teenagers.
This book does a great job of keeping you on edge with mystery while giving you enough crumbs to keep coming back. The complexity of the characters is the biggest selling point for me as we get to see them come into themselves more and more. The pacing is fast and exciting, keeping the adventure interesting.

[Ruthvika Sankineni · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Books 1 and 2, I was excited to read the third book in the series and it didn’t fall short of my expectations, which were well adjusted after book 2. The book picks up from Gemma and Oliver still trapped on the island, where now both are struggling to contain their growing and transforming powers. The relationship between Gemma and Oliver is still wholesome, however, not enough to keep the reader hooked. The stakes and the plot seem quite repetitive where either one is always forced to make a choice between two people. The plot is dry compared to the other two books and the action only takes place towards the end of the book, which was definitely worth reading the book for, however, I wish there was more action taking place throughout the book, after all the journey matters as much as the destination. The cliffhanger was well set-up and I am interested to see where the next book goes.

[Geo]

Within the third book of 'The Talismans of Teregrin' series, the characters became increasingly complex as well as the island that they reside on. Double crosses, buried emotions, and the draw towards evil fills this book and leaves the reader intrigued to see how the plot will continue to develop. Metzger does a good job throughout this series with creating a detailed, specific world and delivers these details in a digestible, understandable way. Ollie and Gemma make progress towards their escape at the end of the second book but they encounter a notable setback that they have to tackle first. This detour in the plot was incorporated in a clever way, the characters were carefully developed and yet the main plot was still referenced to help reader's maintain some focus on the overarching goal. Metzger once again organized the plot in such a way that another twist is revealed towards the end and readers are ready for the next book.

[Erin Pechin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book flowed nicely as the the third in the series especially as we continue to embark on this journey that the characters face living in a dystopian world. I thought the pacing of this story's exposition was done at a considerable pace that didn't feel rushed but wasn't dragging either. Although, I did get the sense that this book leaned heavily into the romances between some of the characters while the other two books had felt more adventurous to me. I thought the romance felt natural but I also understand that specific genre might not be for everyone. That being said, the dialogue. banter, and interactions between all the characters were truly unique and made me 'oohh... ahhh' and laugh out loud. I am very invested in these characters and this adventure they are still persuing. I also appreciated the fact that the author left hints and small reveals towards the next book(s)/the build up is woven throughout. Great read!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the series was everything that I had hoped it would be and more! While reading it made me go "just one more chapter" but really ended up reading more.

This book follows Ollie and Gemma along as they try to complete their goals, ending with less friends than they begin with in the series. The truest conflict resides in each character's own conflict. Each character has their own goals which causes clashes with others. The book continues the relationship dynamic with Oliver's and Jessica's relationship had the perfect buildup and this was a relationship I had been silently rooting for the whole time.

Several of the puzzle pieces start to fall in place during this book of the series but there is still several puzzle pieces missing that I hope become available in the next book. Especially the cliffhanger that we were left with!

[Abigail Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first three books in this series within a span of two months after receiving them for Christmas- I could not put them down!! This book- although somewhat of the "filler" book for the series- was especially thought-provoking and enlightening. I found myself enjoying the fact that I as the reader figured some things out before the characters, which is something I did not feel reading the previous two books. It made the story much easier to be invested, as I would read a chapter and update my unwitting husband on my many theories on where the story was and is going. I grew up loving reading, and one of my favorite moments as a reader was waiting for the new Percy Jackson books to release. I have not felt that excited since- not until I finished this book and realized the fourth book was coming this year!

[Inferno Sprinkles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series from the very beginning, and this book has only made me fall more in love with the story and the characters. Some questions are answered, and the characters' growth has been extraordinary. I finished the book in just a few days, which can be hard sometimes due to my schedule.

One of the things I loved the most about this book, in particular, was the complexity and development of the characters. This book hooked me from the beginning, and I couldn't stop reading it because I wanted to know how it would end. Gemma's memories answered a few questions while also adding new ones to the mix. I am excited to see what happens next and where all the characters will end up.

[Melanie Shugert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts off with a bang and starts straight in the action. It had me hooked from the first line. As always, I really enjoyed both Oliver's and Gemma' perspectives. Their personalities are so different, and their personal conflicts with the people around them are so interesting. These characters are complex, and you can tell a lot of thought went into creating them.

One of my favorite parts of the book was seeing how Dominic interacted with the rest of the group after everything that happened in the previous two books. As much as I love the action scenes, I definitely love seeing this big cast of characters interact with each other. I've loved learning more about each characters personality and powers and about the mysterious circumstances that led them to the island.

[Caitlin Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Menance of Morphers was a great addition to this series. While I enjoyed the first two books more, this book did a great job in setting up new struggles and gave a lot of detail that I think will be necessary in the following books. I liked what was going on with Oliver, as I beleive it was more realistic than everyone in the militia being perfect and unaffected by powers. I also loved the way the book ended, and think it was a perfect cliffhanger to lead into the 4th book.

I did think the love triangle with Oliver was a little predictable, and I thought some of the scenes with Jamie and Gemma were unnecessary. I also hope that there is more action in the next book, as most of the action in this book was saved for the end. I am definitely looking forward to reading the 4th book!

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

The angst from this one was undeniable and fulfilled everything that I love about teenage romances, the drama!

The Menace of The Morphers is the third book in The Talismans of Teregrin series and is very appropriately named as the twins are now truly faced with Aiden as a Morpher. Their greatest enemy worsens, and they take this new challenge head-on. I loved the fighting and the bonding of the twins but wish that was shown more throughout the novel.

My favorite part was Dominic and Gemma; their angst and always trying to pick a side were great to watch. While others may have felt that they were taking away from the plot, I thought that it was realistic of how teenagers are and it was a great representation. Oliver and Lauren, I saw what happened from a mile away and enjoyed what the ending us. The characters took unexpected turns that I found refreshing as it set them apart from what they had done in previous books.

The Menace of the Morphers will have to be my favorite in the series so far and I can't wait for the forth!

[Talia B · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third instalment of Katy Metzger’s series is an interesting addition. The scenes are detailed well, and internal and external struggles add intriguing concepts to the plotline. While I enjoyed the first two books more than the third, the third book offers an engaging series continuation.

One minor complaint is that the plotline relies quite a bit on filler and fluff that can, at times, take away from the enjoyment of the book. I was not a fan of the romance in the previous books; the third one expands heavily on such aspects. Some romantic scenes with Gemma were not necessary, and the romance that Oliver experienced was predictable.

I enjoyed the book’s ending, and I look forward to finding out how Book 4 expands the character’s storyline!

[Robyn Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting next step in the Talismans series. The Menace of the Morphers does a great job working with the plot of the first two books to continue the story in a slightly different direction than we have seen before. The pacing of this book is a little slower than the first two, but it still has great action-packed moments.
I still enjoy the more relatable "teenage" moments as well as I feel like it brings hope and relatability through hard circumstances. There are so many "AH-HA" moments in this book definitely plot twists that will keep the reader engaged. The ending is a great setup for the next book to come, leaving on a cliffhanger is something Metzger definitely does well leaving the readers needing to find more answers to see what happens next.

[Maggie]

The Menace of the Morphers is a strong 3rd entry in the Talismans series. It's been so cool to see the group develop over the course of these 3 groups, and they're even more of a tight-knit unit in this one. I really loved all the group dynamics, from Gemma and Dominic's relationship to Oliver and Gemma's sibling bond. I got very invested in the group's quest to keep Oliver from turning into a morpher, and I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book. The love triangles did get a little tiring at points, but the action is engaging and well-paced, so I was never bored. This is probably my favorite book of the series so far, and I can't wait to see how the plot plays out in the next ones!