*updated* 4/5 stars
Reapers was a page-turner no doubt. In this third installment, the story continues from where it left off in book two, with Sing, Shanghai, and Phoenix trying to figure out how to end Alex's rampage to Chicago and eventual world-takeover.
WHAT I LIKED:
Lots of twists. I literally could NOT guess what was gonna happen, and even when I did, I was always wrong. That made for a fun, page-turning read.
Alex was as crafty and difficult to take down as ever. With her new power-up, you really questioned how in the world Phoenix was gonna outwit her and win!
Saigon. I loved her. I could hear her in my mind and was just thankful for her comedic relief because, boy, was it needed.
There was a lot of tension, several edge-of-your-seat predicaments.
Phoenix's character arc was very well developed. He really learned so much truth, and the realities of corruption and all that was at stake, everything he faced and endured...he went through earthly hell and by the end of the series he had grown so much.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
Lots of lengthy dialogue scenes. For me, this bogged the story down with too much expository dialogue that felt forced.
It got really gruesome and dark. So many people died, and Alex quickly became extremely evil and torturous and it was a bit much for ME, personally.
Shanghai fell to the background and became more of a side-character and I was no longer as connected to her. I loved her in book two, but here she was absent a lot (for a reason), but it just made me lose my connection to her, BUT I did take a long time to read book three, so, the length of time away from the characters could have certainly affected this.
One of the main characters seemed too clingy and apparently wanted to be with Phoenix more than in heaven with Jesus. WHAT?!!!!! That was never directly spoken, but it sure came across that way. Since Jesus was apparently on the other side of the Gateway, the fact that all the characters who go there don't seem to struggle much to stay with Him was strange. One can argue it was because maybe they didn't meet Him right away, but that was never directly addressed, and biblically, you do die and then meet Him, or another can argue that maybe since they knew they'd have all eternity with Him, they didn't mind hanging around earth for a while. Still, for ME, if I loved Jesus and went to heaven and got a taste of Him, I'd be anxious to complete my earthly mission and return home to His arms. This character was definitely not thrilled whenever X character believed X character was no longer needed by Phoenix, and would've returned to Jesus with a hanging head. I know we get hurt by those we love the most, but again, it just seemed a bit much for someone who's experienced the awesomeness of the other side.
One of the villain's endings. I won't spoil it too much here, but...I just think the way this villain was dealt with was...unjust? Like, this villain should've been imprisoned or something, IN MY OPINION. Forgiven, fine, but this person was let off too easy. If you read it, you know who I'm talking about!!!
Of all three books, book two was my favorite! Overall, this series was worthwhile.