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Blood of Earth #3
Roar of Sky
In this stunning conclusion to the acclaimed Blood of Earth trilogy—a thrilling alternate history laced with earth magic, fantastic creatures, and steampunk elements—the young geomancer Ingrid must find a way to use her extraordinary abilities to save her world from the woman hell-bent on engineering a war that would rip it to pieces.
Thanks to her geomantic magic, Ingrid has successfully eluded Ambassador Blum, the evil genius behind the plan to achieve world domination for the United Pacific. But using her powers has taken its toll: Ingrid’s body has been left severely weakened, and once again she is on the run with her friends Cy and Fenris.
Hoping to learn more about her magical roots and the strength her bloodline carries, Ingrid makes her way across the Pacific to Hawaii, home to the ancient earth goddess Madame Pele. What she discovers in this paradise is not at all what she expects—but perhaps exactly what she needs to find the strength to face Blum.
But Ambassador Blum comes from the same world of old magic. She is a kitsune with near-mythic power. And if Ingrid cannot defeat her once and for all, she knows Blum will use that power to take the lives of everyone she holds dear before igniting a war that will bring the entire world to its knees.
Thanks to her geomantic magic, Ingrid has successfully eluded Ambassador Blum, the evil genius behind the plan to achieve world domination for the United Pacific. But using her powers has taken its toll: Ingrid’s body has been left severely weakened, and once again she is on the run with her friends Cy and Fenris.
Hoping to learn more about her magical roots and the strength her bloodline carries, Ingrid makes her way across the Pacific to Hawaii, home to the ancient earth goddess Madame Pele. What she discovers in this paradise is not at all what she expects—but perhaps exactly what she needs to find the strength to face Blum.
But Ambassador Blum comes from the same world of old magic. She is a kitsune with near-mythic power. And if Ingrid cannot defeat her once and for all, she knows Blum will use that power to take the lives of everyone she holds dear before igniting a war that will bring the entire world to its knees.
427 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2018
26 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Beth Cato
131 books693 followersBeth Cato hails from Hanford, California, but currently writes and bakes cookies in Red Wing, Minnesota. She usually has one or two cats in close orbit. A 2015 Nebula finalist, she is the author of the cozy mystery CHEDDAR LUCK NEXT TIME as well as fantasy like A THOUSAND RECIPES FOR REVENGE. Her short stories can be found in publications ranging from Beneath Ceaseless Skies to Uncanny Magazine. In 2019 and 2022, she won the Rhysling Award for short speculative poetry. Her website BethCato.com includes not only a vast bibliography, but a treasure trove of recipes for delectable goodies. Find her on BlueSky as @BethCato and Instagram as @catocatsandcheese.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 17, 2018
*Source* Edelweiss/Publisher
*Genre* Historical/Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Roar of Sky is the final installment in author Beth Cato’s Blood of Earth trilogy. The best way to describe this series is Alternative history & fiction mixed with reality. Roar of Sky picks up shortly after the end of Call of Fire. In an alternate world 1906, the United States and Japan have forged a powerful confederation—the Unified Pacific—in an attempt to dominate the world. Their first target is a vulnerable China which has been left utterly devastated.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Historical/Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Roar of Sky is the final installment in author Beth Cato’s Blood of Earth trilogy. The best way to describe this series is Alternative history & fiction mixed with reality. Roar of Sky picks up shortly after the end of Call of Fire. In an alternate world 1906, the United States and Japan have forged a powerful confederation—the Unified Pacific—in an attempt to dominate the world. Their first target is a vulnerable China which has been left utterly devastated.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
November 12, 2018
Oh, my heart. I hated to see this book end.
Over the course of three books, I've fallen in love with Ingrid and all of her companions. They are so human and real-- even more so for being in a meticulously crafted, alternative world. Ms. Cato deals so thoughtfully and respectfully with myriad issues-- gender, race, transgenderism, ableism-- while while skillfully moving the plot along to a climactic showdown that had me cheering our heroes on in the last pages. Highly recommended.
Over the course of three books, I've fallen in love with Ingrid and all of her companions. They are so human and real-- even more so for being in a meticulously crafted, alternative world. Ms. Cato deals so thoughtfully and respectfully with myriad issues-- gender, race, transgenderism, ableism-- while while skillfully moving the plot along to a climactic showdown that had me cheering our heroes on in the last pages. Highly recommended.
May 3, 2019
I am going to miss Ingrid and Cy, though mostly Fenris and the Sylphs. An American steampunk, last book in the trilogy. Good stuff, great worldbuilding, well developed characters (we don't see enough of the bad guy in this one, but she is mentioned enough) and interesting magics.
Definitely read in order. Looking forward to what Cato does next!
Definitely read in order. Looking forward to what Cato does next!
September 17, 2018
Earlier this month I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Roar of Sky. And lucky I am indeed, as it is the perfect conclusion to this trilogy. Ingrid continues to grow in her geomantic and begins to hone some new abilities as well. As always, the stakes are high for our intrepid trio and for the world itself as Ambassador Blum's presence looms over story. New friends are made, old ones reunite, and as always there are pastries. It is a seriously fantastic book with one particular quote I'll carry with me for some time to come. (And a particularly wonderful exchange between Cy & Ingrid that is still making me chuckle days later.) The book is out on October 23, so do yourself a favor & pre-order if you haven't yet. And if you haven't read the series, make haste!
December 22, 2018
The thing about Cato's Blood of Earth series (this is the third/finale) is that she manages to take really important ethical questions about race and the use of power in wartime, and turn it into an adventurous, romantic tale with flying airships and seven-tailed foxes.
The first book in this series like catnip for me: alternate WWII history, a lovely, sweet romance, cross-dressing, mixed raced heroine, Japanese myths, and California/Oregon location.
While the locations of Hawaii and desert California aren't catnip for me, there is a time in the book where Ingrid yearns for the cool, misty green of the California Central Coast, and it tugged at my memories of doing my MA in Monterey. And she also manages to make finding bread, jamu-pan, and other baked delicacies into an integral part of the story--which I just love.
And on top of all that, Roar of Sky features Ingrid and Cy doing two remarkable things you don't often find in either Urban Fantasy or Steampunk: adventuring with a disability in a realistic way that impacts the adventure and maintaining a sweet romance wherein the Beta Male does NOT try to rein in the more powerful woman by trying to protect (cage) her or extract promises of being careful or not going on missions.
Ingrid's legs are messed up because of actions she took in the second book. She has leg pains and spasms, she can't really climb ladders, and this fact is not glossed over or forgotten during the action. She even has rash and soreness from the braces Cy constructs for her.
Ingrid and Cy fly around, connect up with lost loved ones, confront Theodore Roosevelt's agenda, and confront the terrible and powerful Ambassador Blum. There is a satisfying ending that ties up loose threads. I sometimes don't make it to the third book in a trilogy if the second one is too slow. But this one would be a sad one to miss.
The first book in this series like catnip for me: alternate WWII history, a lovely, sweet romance, cross-dressing, mixed raced heroine, Japanese myths, and California/Oregon location.
While the locations of Hawaii and desert California aren't catnip for me, there is a time in the book where Ingrid yearns for the cool, misty green of the California Central Coast, and it tugged at my memories of doing my MA in Monterey. And she also manages to make finding bread, jamu-pan, and other baked delicacies into an integral part of the story--which I just love.
And on top of all that, Roar of Sky features Ingrid and Cy doing two remarkable things you don't often find in either Urban Fantasy or Steampunk: adventuring with a disability in a realistic way that impacts the adventure and maintaining a sweet romance wherein the Beta Male does NOT try to rein in the more powerful woman by trying to protect (cage) her or extract promises of being careful or not going on missions.
Ingrid's legs are messed up because of actions she took in the second book. She has leg pains and spasms, she can't really climb ladders, and this fact is not glossed over or forgotten during the action. She even has rash and soreness from the braces Cy constructs for her.
Ingrid and Cy fly around, connect up with lost loved ones, confront Theodore Roosevelt's agenda, and confront the terrible and powerful Ambassador Blum. There is a satisfying ending that ties up loose threads. I sometimes don't make it to the third book in a trilogy if the second one is too slow. But this one would be a sad one to miss.
November 13, 2018
Non-spoiler thoughts:
This was a great way to end the trilogy. Most of the loose ends were tied up, but not so many that the author couldn't return to the world if she wanted.
If you haven't read the previous books recently, you should reread them, particularly the most recent one. The book does not start with a synopsis of the previous books.
The language continues to be beautiful, both in describing the places the characters see as well as the actions that take place.
I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway (thanks!), but that in no way affected the way I am reviewing it.
Now for the spoilers:
Overall, this is a solid trilogy. I liked Beth Cato's other series better, but she did amazing work here at researching the locales and basing the action on real places and events as they existed at the time. It's also a good look at racism and the many ways we wage war, neither of which is something one would normally expect of a steampunk novel. I recommend it - just make sure you read the rest of the series first.
This was a great way to end the trilogy. Most of the loose ends were tied up, but not so many that the author couldn't return to the world if she wanted.
If you haven't read the previous books recently, you should reread them, particularly the most recent one. The book does not start with a synopsis of the previous books.
The language continues to be beautiful, both in describing the places the characters see as well as the actions that take place.
I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway (thanks!), but that in no way affected the way I am reviewing it.
Now for the spoilers:
Overall, this is a solid trilogy. I liked Beth Cato's other series better, but she did amazing work here at researching the locales and basing the action on real places and events as they existed at the time. It's also a good look at racism and the many ways we wage war, neither of which is something one would normally expect of a steampunk novel. I recommend it - just make sure you read the rest of the series first.
February 19, 2019
This book, in my opinion, finally lived up to the potential that the creativity of the series worldbuilding established. The alternate history Beth Cato created is amazing and she obviously put a lot of time into her research. This time the story matches the worldbuilding (the last two were almost there)--the pacing is excellent and the stakes are high.
The characters are great, especially Ingrid. She is understandably upset and frustrated by her new physical limitations, but she never gets too whiny and she always keeps pushing forward. Her care for others is a beacon in a world where it would be easy to become jaded, especially given that most white and Japanese people are inclined to treat her as lesser because of her Hawaiian heritage. Her significant other Cy and their friend Fenris also continue to be awesome . The cameos by Teddy Roosevelt are also fun. He was a larger than life personality and I think Cato captures him well.
Plus we get to experience the awesome melting pot (in every sense) that is Hawaii!
A fitting, fiery conclusion to this awesome series. Look at that gorgeous cover. How could this book not be great?
The characters are great, especially Ingrid. She is understandably upset and frustrated by her new physical limitations, but she never gets too whiny and she always keeps pushing forward. Her care for others is a beacon in a world where it would be easy to become jaded, especially given that most white and Japanese people are inclined to treat her as lesser because of her Hawaiian heritage. Her significant other Cy and their friend Fenris also continue to be awesome . The cameos by Teddy Roosevelt are also fun. He was a larger than life personality and I think Cato captures him well.
Plus we get to experience the awesome melting pot (in every sense) that is Hawaii!
A fitting, fiery conclusion to this awesome series. Look at that gorgeous cover. How could this book not be great?
November 7, 2018
An enjoyable conclusion to the trilogy. Overall, I think this series was very well done; Cato has a good sense for period detail, and the magic and steampunk-y elements were well thought out and made sense in the setting. As with the previous volume, I did feel like this one rushed to its conclusion a bit, but that's more personal preference than anything else.
November 5, 2018
Roar of Sky by Beth Cato
This is the final book in an excellent trilogy. Call of Fire and Breath of Earth were the preceding volumes. I would recommend reading them before reading this book. This book wraps up the adventures of Ingrid, a geomancer, and her beau, Cy, an inventor.
Cato does a good job of weaving social commentary into steam punk fiction. Fenris has a secret and Cato makes it clear that a rigid societal structure can prevent an individual from reaching their potential. Ingrid faces prejudice due to her skin color and her gender. Cato makes it clear that talent should be seen and lauded regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.
The story brings into play the ambitions of a adventuristic Japan with history as a guideline. Theodore Roosevelt adds color to the story albeit in a minor role. The fantastics, creature of imagination also add color and interest to the story.
I enjoy Cato’s books and highly recommend this series and any other of her works.
Deep Roots, Wings of Sorrow and Bone, The Deepest Poison, The Clockwork Crown and The Clockwork Dagger are all worth reading. Click on the titles to go to my reviews.
This is the final book in an excellent trilogy. Call of Fire and Breath of Earth were the preceding volumes. I would recommend reading them before reading this book. This book wraps up the adventures of Ingrid, a geomancer, and her beau, Cy, an inventor.
Cato does a good job of weaving social commentary into steam punk fiction. Fenris has a secret and Cato makes it clear that a rigid societal structure can prevent an individual from reaching their potential. Ingrid faces prejudice due to her skin color and her gender. Cato makes it clear that talent should be seen and lauded regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.
The story brings into play the ambitions of a adventuristic Japan with history as a guideline. Theodore Roosevelt adds color to the story albeit in a minor role. The fantastics, creature of imagination also add color and interest to the story.
I enjoy Cato’s books and highly recommend this series and any other of her works.
Deep Roots, Wings of Sorrow and Bone, The Deepest Poison, The Clockwork Crown and The Clockwork Dagger are all worth reading. Click on the titles to go to my reviews.
January 1, 2020
This is a great alternate history/urban fantasy series and a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
In this book Ingrid and Cy are committed to stopping Ambassador Blum and the war. They are committed to protecting their chosen family but they have also been chosen by higher powers to play a specific role in the conclusion of the conflict.
Ms. Cato weaves true events into her alternate history. Many of them are disturbing and should be. How minority immigrants were treated and inhuman laws directed at them should not be forgotten or repeated. There are other events such as the great earthquake in San Francisco that are given different causes but that also did happen.
I have very much enjoyed seeing Ingrid comes to terms with who and what she is. In this book she grows stronger and more confident in her power as her body is weaker. I liked that in this book she took more charge and was proactive instead of just reacting to what others were doing. This book does conclude the series and wrap up all the loose ends are tied up but not in the way that you may be expecting. A very good series and well worth the read.
In this book Ingrid and Cy are committed to stopping Ambassador Blum and the war. They are committed to protecting their chosen family but they have also been chosen by higher powers to play a specific role in the conclusion of the conflict.
Ms. Cato weaves true events into her alternate history. Many of them are disturbing and should be. How minority immigrants were treated and inhuman laws directed at them should not be forgotten or repeated. There are other events such as the great earthquake in San Francisco that are given different causes but that also did happen.
I have very much enjoyed seeing Ingrid comes to terms with who and what she is. In this book she grows stronger and more confident in her power as her body is weaker. I liked that in this book she took more charge and was proactive instead of just reacting to what others were doing. This book does conclude the series and wrap up all the loose ends are tied up but not in the way that you may be expecting. A very good series and well worth the read.
October 29, 2018
Easily the best book of the series, and one you must read.
Beth Cato's "Roar of Sky" starts strong, and goes up from there. This volume takes you to alternate versions of Hawaii, Phoenix, and Bakersfield, as protagonist Ingrid Carmichael and her friends struggle to defeat the kitsune Ambassador Blum. They face pitfalls at every turn, and moral dilemmas abound, but the presence of pastry-addicted sylphs adds a light touch even at the darkest moments. Even with the ancient gods and goddesses helping her, Ingrid gets no easy passes, and instead must toil on to the best of her human extent, while also struggling simply to _walk._
I found Cato's writing has gotten even stronger with this third and final book in the series, and Ingrid becomes an even more realistic, sympathetic protagonist. Even the side characters are vividly drawn. And the magic is simply wonderful (and terrifying), especially as Ingrid learns to better use her prodigious geomancy talents.
Beth Cato's "Roar of Sky" starts strong, and goes up from there. This volume takes you to alternate versions of Hawaii, Phoenix, and Bakersfield, as protagonist Ingrid Carmichael and her friends struggle to defeat the kitsune Ambassador Blum. They face pitfalls at every turn, and moral dilemmas abound, but the presence of pastry-addicted sylphs adds a light touch even at the darkest moments. Even with the ancient gods and goddesses helping her, Ingrid gets no easy passes, and instead must toil on to the best of her human extent, while also struggling simply to _walk._
I found Cato's writing has gotten even stronger with this third and final book in the series, and Ingrid becomes an even more realistic, sympathetic protagonist. Even the side characters are vividly drawn. And the magic is simply wonderful (and terrifying), especially as Ingrid learns to better use her prodigious geomancy talents.
February 2, 2019
This trilogy ended on a great note . There's a point toward the end where every reader must be thinking, "YAY! Go, you people!" I'm a slow reader, so am surprised how quickly I chewed through this.
I am impressed with the description of 1906 alt-earth. Everything is so real, not just the world that actually was (Beth must've researched the heck out of these books), but the alternative world she created. Such a good job of world-building in time and place. If it wasn't real, she sure made it feel real! One thing nicely researched was pastries. I'm craving some Japanese pastry right now.
The books tackle (among other topics) race and prejudice, immigration, disability, and self-acceptance - sexually, socially, physically. And also acceptance of the way things are, things one cannot change - without being preachy. There's so much here for older readers (like me) and also a lot here for readers heading into adulthood.
I am impressed with the description of 1906 alt-earth. Everything is so real, not just the world that actually was (Beth must've researched the heck out of these books), but the alternative world she created. Such a good job of world-building in time and place. If it wasn't real, she sure made it feel real! One thing nicely researched was pastries. I'm craving some Japanese pastry right now.
The books tackle (among other topics) race and prejudice, immigration, disability, and self-acceptance - sexually, socially, physically. And also acceptance of the way things are, things one cannot change - without being preachy. There's so much here for older readers (like me) and also a lot here for readers heading into adulthood.
March 16, 2019
This is the 3rd in a series and half-way through the book I was sure that I would not have read it if I had read either of the 1st two books. Cato lays out an alternative history, which is okay, and she has a pretty good plot with somewhat interesting characters. The trouble is these characters are cardboard cutouts and the time and effort Cato puts in to showing their emotional response is simply an annoying distraction. Here's a thought: if you don't really understand people you don't improve your "characters" by having them emote breathlessly and inappropriately within the story. Better to make them strong, silent types. Shallow dialogue is also a problem here but since the characters are shallow, I let it pass. What is good about this book? Well, as I said, it's a decent story with an interesting premise. I also appreciate the Hawaii-an mythology. I did not check to see if it is accurate but I do trust that Cato put that much effort into the story. Can't recommend it.
January 10, 2019
Pleasantly surprised at the lack of a cure narrative! The main character's disability improves slightly from the last book, but it's acceptance and orthotics that save the day, not magic cures! Also loved that the person actually from the culture gets to wield a culturally significant weapon of holiness, and that infertility isn't somehow magically overcome.
But that twist with Blum. I predicted it, in a "Oh, wouldn't it be terrible if...happened? But no, she would never..." BUT SHE DID AND NOW I'M SAD. (But the author in me is cackling wickedly because it was sooo good.)
Loses one star for ableist slurs, but very good overall.
But that twist with Blum. I predicted it, in a "Oh, wouldn't it be terrible if...happened? But no, she would never..." BUT SHE DID AND NOW I'M SAD. (But the author in me is cackling wickedly because it was sooo good.)
Loses one star for ableist slurs, but very good overall.
November 5, 2018
Beth Cato sticks the landing with this third part of her series. "Blood of Earth" is an alternate history story, but it's in an era that hasn't been done a zillion times, San Francisco around the time of the infamous 1906 earthquake.
You'll need to consume the first two books in this series, but that's a good thing. The author is an ace at creating a world and an ensemble cast infused with magic as much as real-world history.
This book is terrific for fantasy-adventure fans as well as history nerds, even if they're the same person.
You'll need to consume the first two books in this series, but that's a good thing. The author is an ace at creating a world and an ensemble cast infused with magic as much as real-world history.
This book is terrific for fantasy-adventure fans as well as history nerds, even if they're the same person.
January 4, 2019
This book is an excellent end to a different and outstanding steampunk/magic series. While the main plotline is very satisfactory concluded, I found that the lack of ’clean up’ ala a totally happy ending made the entire series and this book much more emotionally engaging. The writing style is very pleasing and the characters nicely three dimensional (a remarkable lack of cardboard cutouts and cliched people).
The use of earth magic and other types of magic was consistent, and once I accepted the initial premise of such magic, then it was consistent, coherent and interesting. The pacing of the series and each book is excellent with no troughs or info dumps. I won't comment on the story except to say it is great to read and cheer on very lifelike and human female main protagonist and the steampunk elements are lovely.
Yes, I very much liked this book and the series and recommend you try it!
The use of earth magic and other types of magic was consistent, and once I accepted the initial premise of such magic, then it was consistent, coherent and interesting. The pacing of the series and each book is excellent with no troughs or info dumps. I won't comment on the story except to say it is great to read and cheer on very lifelike and human female main protagonist and the steampunk elements are lovely.
Yes, I very much liked this book and the series and recommend you try it!
March 3, 2019
Great read, hard to put down.
I think I enjoyed this as much or more than I did the first two books in this trilogy. I feel like the characters were solidified in this volume. They have become real people that i can think about and empathise with. A great thank you to the author for sharing this story.
I think I enjoyed this as much or more than I did the first two books in this trilogy. I feel like the characters were solidified in this volume. They have become real people that i can think about and empathise with. A great thank you to the author for sharing this story.
July 7, 2022
Delighted with the conclusion to this series. The trilogy had just enough of all the right ingredients to make me keep reading way past my bedtime. The steampunk airships, fantastic creatures, romantic interludes and dramatic fights were pure fun to read. I also enjoyed the alt-history setting. Will certainly read more of her work.
January 24, 2019
Absolutely perfect conclusion to this mythology- and magic-infused alternate history. I'll miss these characters but don't regret a moment of the time I've spent with them. I don't want to say anything else for fear of spoilers.
But seriously, if you've not read this trilogy, go get it.
But seriously, if you've not read this trilogy, go get it.
March 13, 2022
The addition of her health challenges, accompanying pain, and her need to readjust her sense of self made this book of the trilogy the one I liked best. Very well done IMO. Appreciated that there was not an easy cure nor were their adaptations without cost.
February 17, 2019
At satisfying end to a wonderful trilogy
April 7, 2019
4,5 actually. Loved it.
August 4, 2019
Thank you Beth Cato! I really enjoy your books.
December 21, 2019
Whoops, did not realize this was number three in a series. Amusing, but kind of meh.
August 14, 2020
A very good trilogy, with a peaceful ending for main characters if not the world
August 22, 2021
I don't know, the series just kind of lost me along the way.
May 31, 2023
A satisfying conclusion to this story, with lots of character development and grappling with difficult truths.
January 27, 2019
I’m really sad that this series is over! And I after reading the second book and seeing all the loose threads hanging I was a little curious as to how everything was going to be concluded in this final volume while not overwhelming the narrative. Because there was just SO MUCH in play. If I’m honest I was a little bit worried, but turns out all that was unfounded.
This last book did not disappoint. Like its predecessors, it’s a fairly straightforward story, but with a lot of moving parts. Our protagonists are off to Hawaii to explore Ingrid’s ancestry and meet an all powerful volcano deity to see if she has the answers to help Ingrid overcome her injuries she suffered. After that they’re on the run again, trying to find Lee and dodge Ambassador Blum until they are strong enough to fight against her.
Once again the pacing in this book was fantastic. The tension from the characters being pursued by a dangerous entity, having to keep on the move, helped with moving the story along as well. The tension was great. I also liked when the story slowed down a few times and had some really great moments between various characters, it helped things from feeling rushed in any way. I especially these moments between Ingrid and Cy because I love them together, but I also loved Ingrid’s talk with Madame Pele, and some moments between her and Fenris as well. I also really appreciated some of the reveals that came along late into the story.
If there is one thing I would have liked to see a little more in this series it would have been a bit more character growth. We do get some from Ingrid especially, and since she’s the focus that’s great. Also considering the time frame the entire three books takes place in is rather small, I can see how that would be a tall order, but a great character arc is one of my favorite things and I feel like this is something that, had the story stretched out over more time, it maybe could have been done a little better. Really that’s a minor niggle considering how well everything else was executed.
Overall this was a very satisfying conclusion to a fun series. If you like steampunk, alternate history with magic, and fun characters with a fast-paced story, I’d definitely recommend checking this series out. 4/5 stars.
This last book did not disappoint. Like its predecessors, it’s a fairly straightforward story, but with a lot of moving parts. Our protagonists are off to Hawaii to explore Ingrid’s ancestry and meet an all powerful volcano deity to see if she has the answers to help Ingrid overcome her injuries she suffered. After that they’re on the run again, trying to find Lee and dodge Ambassador Blum until they are strong enough to fight against her.
Once again the pacing in this book was fantastic. The tension from the characters being pursued by a dangerous entity, having to keep on the move, helped with moving the story along as well. The tension was great. I also liked when the story slowed down a few times and had some really great moments between various characters, it helped things from feeling rushed in any way. I especially these moments between Ingrid and Cy because I love them together, but I also loved Ingrid’s talk with Madame Pele, and some moments between her and Fenris as well. I also really appreciated some of the reveals that came along late into the story.
If there is one thing I would have liked to see a little more in this series it would have been a bit more character growth. We do get some from Ingrid especially, and since she’s the focus that’s great. Also considering the time frame the entire three books takes place in is rather small, I can see how that would be a tall order, but a great character arc is one of my favorite things and I feel like this is something that, had the story stretched out over more time, it maybe could have been done a little better. Really that’s a minor niggle considering how well everything else was executed.
Overall this was a very satisfying conclusion to a fun series. If you like steampunk, alternate history with magic, and fun characters with a fast-paced story, I’d definitely recommend checking this series out. 4/5 stars.
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