I’m glad I’m reading this book in the Order of the Black Swan series reading order, otherwise it would confuse me because its also listed in another series called Order of the Black Swan, D.I.T. #3. When I looked that series up, there was another book called “Finngarick” listed as #2 in the series which I thought I had missed and wanted to read that before continuing with this book. However, I couldn’t find “Finngarick” on KU. It confused me enough that I gave up and just decided to continue reading this book, wondering if maybe both books were merged into one with this title because the timeline of both of these stories is otherwise off.
Reading the first chapter of this book, while sipping Earl Grey tea, was like reading Glen’s diary, and seeing things I’ve already seen but through another POV, Glen’s POV to be precise. I remembered that scene where he first met Z team, in particular, Torrent Finngarick or Torn as he is known. I knew that Danaan couldn’t leave a character like that unearthed, glad that she wrote more about him, which was what the next 2 chapters encompassed. It filled in more about Torn, who was hinted at before in previous books. Throughout the book, we got a smattering of Glen’s POV from his journal/diary which was different for Danaan. Her literary style is usually third person omniscient so its fun to see her switch to first person and still be the genius she is. Her grasp into Glen’s head and emotions is spot on. He writes how Rosie’s new commission as director of a new department affects him. His first reaction is selfish, that her focus in life will no longer be him, and her tIme with him will be few and far between: ”No more leisurely brunch in and out of bed. No more quick lunches. No more afternoon delight.” But he also remembers how Rosie reacted to those same selfish emotions in herself when he announced he was planning to be a Black Swan Knight early on in their relationship. So, he embraces her plans and supports her however she needs. What a guy! This book contained a bit more humor than the previous two, which delighted me. The fun dialog is what always gets me. Danaan could be a sit com writer, she’s so good at humorous interaction. I like reading her books while sipping tea, mostly Earl Grey, but I slip in some variety like jasmine green, or lavender mint. And I’ve taken to baking scones so I can nibble while reading. Also, I’ve put together a playlist which incorporates a lot of the music she sites in her books as well as celtic instrumentals. There is a lot of administrative stuff going on between Rosie, Simon, and Rosie’s new assistant, Grieve who used to work for Prince Duff. But just when I think it is getting tedious and boring, Danaan throws in a thrill and moves the story along such as a meeting between Rosie and Rammel Hawking to interview some new hunter recruits. Anytime Ram is involved, I sit up straight and pay particular attention. Ram is by far my favorite character in this series (his sister coming in a close second). Besides being a commercial for earl grey tea, scones, henley shirts, the British Isles, and NYC, this particular book espouses the merits of the clothing label Free People. I’m not much a fan but it helps to picture what the characters are wearing. Also, it could be an amazingly detailed handbook for putting together an entirely new task force/department for any endeavor. However, it seems to me like an opportunity was missed because there could be so many dimensions to discover and describe, that could even be spinoffs for future series, but instead it was condensed to:
“Rosie’s hunters had been active for about a month. Long enough to develop a little confidence in their ability to leave Loti and return safely. While the Wild Bunch were busy perfecting their skills and expanding their knowledge of how to navigate the passes, the academics at Black Swan headquarters had been busy deciding how best to use their talents. In other words, where to begin?”
I loved the way Danaan described the mate bond between Sher and Torn, and especially how they both responded to it. He was so patient with her and she was so admiring of him. I had hopes that her twin would be mated later and regret how awful she treated her sister about accepting the mate bond with Torn. Then, chapter 12 and 13 confused me. Chapter 12 seemed to be a condensed version of Chapter 13. Chapter 13 was like a repeat on steroids, which I preferred. My guess is that two books in the series “Order of the Black Swan D.I.T. #2 & #3” were merged into one, and these two chapters got overlooked. Then, this book “Irish War Cry” was put in the lineup of the original “Knights of the Black Swan” series. Honestly, I don’t care, as long as I read them chronologically, I am such a Danaan fan and want to read everything she has written. You know what? Even if it’s not in order, I’d still read it because I love these characters after all and it would be like a flashback anyway. The twist for me was when the new demon hunters actually turned INTO demons from the serum Monq had given them that he made from Deliverence’s blood so they could travel the passes without issues, even though the blurb actually mentioned that very thing about not being human anymore. I don’t know why I didn’t latch onto that. It was a far reaching and sweeping “accident” with consequences and ethical land mines that Danaan covered very well. It also contributed to Sher’s release from captivity because her demon attributes enabled her to return home, which was to Torn’s arms. Their reunion was the most satisfying thing in the book, but its been fun to think about what life will be like for those who were turned demon with all the skills, abilities, and blessings that come with it. That’s the making of a lot more books! Keep em coming Danaan!