“My life meant what everyone else’s did—a chance to live it. A chance to make choices, and forge a path, and work toward whoever you wanted to be in this world.”
The third instalment continues readers’ enjoyment and Crisa’s journey, starting in the magic lamp. With the gap between Crisa and Daniel bridged, the two of them go on to find the third ingredient to break the Indexland’s In and Out spell and find their friends crossing realms and kingdoms, while handling the delicate relationship between them. Will Crisa be able to find the author and solve the whatever crisis that is brewing inside her?
The enthralling sequel of the Crisanta Knight series impresses me as much as I enjoy it entirely. I am glad that Crisa finally solves the first part of her puzzle of who she is, or rather, who she is going to be. Intertwined with numerous inspirations from famous fairytales, Crisa’s journey of self-discovery sews her soul into the story. The author’s wisdom is nicely conveyed through different themes and messages. The story, characters, messages, etc. just make readers feel grossly invested in the story.
I am riveted by the new fairy tales added to the stories from Pied Piper, Goldilocks (with surprise), Aladdin’s lamp, Cave of Mysteries, Snow White’s corset, and so on. I am also delighted that Crisa and Daniel go to Germany and run into a number of unexpected events. Yunru catches my eye most because of Crisa's special note to her. I am excited to see how things are going to evolve next time.
I am delighted by the character development and Crisa is back stronger than ever. I am equally inspired by her lessons and realisations and I believe the authors’ words are certainly encouraging. Evidently there are many quotes to be highlighted many times and to be learnt by heart by readers. The author surely knows how to deliver her message well. I cannot praise that any more than I have. Besides, I am glad that she has sealed the wound between her and friends. I believe after all that has happened, having her friends always on her back seems like more reassuring.
One of my biggest appeals in the story is the unrelenting conflicts. All good readers know that conflicts are one of the key elements of a great story. And the author has checked that box. Having solved one internal conflict adds more external conflicts in the story, heightening Crisa and her friends’ stakes and brewing the tension for later story arcs. The suspense keeps the readers on the edge of their seat.
In addition, the author has also aced the department of character portrayal. None of the recurring characters are one dimensional. They are complex, realistic, multi-dimensional and endearing with motives. Crisa is initially insecure and grows to be more confident. She is fully flawed, but her weaknesses let her strengths shine. Sassy, rebellious, distrustful (at times) and unconventional, Crisa knows when to be resourceful, brave, strong and loyal. She makes readers feel relatable by her flaws and insecurities and invested in the story with her charisma. Same to SJ, Blue, Jason and Daniel, which each have their own unique character traits and complexities that draw us into the story and to them. The protagonists and major characters are fully fledged characters that we can always learn from and look up to, which is one of the best aspects of the story.
On the other hand, the depiction of the antagonists are equally as interesting. Arian is heartless and vile, but he has a motive of eliminating Crisa and claiming the reward from his queen, as well as Mauvrey. Nadia aims to take over Book and level antagonists’ positions in the society. She is resourceful, calculating and yes, insane, but no matter how villainous she is, you can still see through that she wants to fight for Alderon’s rights. Very “noble”, isn’t it? Except the fact that she uses the wrong methods. After all, villains have a reason to be evil and perhaps in their eyes, they are the “heroes” of their own story. Apart from that, the Godmother Supreme and Lady Angue also earn their places in my “antagonists depiction” paragraph. Although they are not downright evil, their love of order is unreasonable to a point that stems the conflicts against Crisa and her friends. They are just annoyingly authoritative, which to an extent is understandable given that they manage the realm and a school respectively. The characters against Crisa and her friends heighten the tension in the story.
I think this book, and overall the series, is especially strong at making connections with readers and bringing out the messages and themes. These are the essential aspects I look forward to and expect from a story. The author undeniably excelled again. Through actions, scenes, dialogues and monologues, the author can always get the message across, encouraging the readers. Every time I read the book, I feel motivated and energised. Magic and virtues are flowing in this book. It is ever so captivating and inspiring that makes readers fall in love with it.
This book is definitely a must-read and I will certainly persuade everyone to read it. It is recommended to all age groups and especially fantasy lovers, as I believe the Crisanta Knight series is the most amazing, awe-inspiring fantasy ever written. It is never cliché or mundane. Fans of Harry Potter and the School and Good and Evil will be thoroughly entertained by this series. Moreover, I think this series somehow acts as a self-help book as Crisa’s personal journey would strike a chord with many people and solve their insecurities. As the author said, “whether you’re eight or eighty you can count on a magical fun ride from beginning to end”. You are going to love the series.
To conclude, I passionately recommend the Crisanta Knight series to all. The story is unique, enthralling and refreshing. I sincerely hope everyone can enjoy and love this book as much as I do. I would like to thank the author for writing such an amazing book and unveiling Crisa’s journey with us. The series is awesome.
“It is the answer to this question that defines us more than anything else, because this is what defines our choices. And that is what a person is truly molded by in the end. Their choices”.