Contains the complete Lightning Conjurer series: Book I: THE AWAKENING Book II: THE ENLIGHTNING Book III: THE CHRISTENING Book IV: THE RECKONING
Synopses (includes spoilers in sequel descriptions):
THE AWAKENING Three years ago, Aspen (as she calls herself), woke up in an abandoned cabin without a single memory. Forced to start her life from scratch and exist entirely off the grid, she’s led a lonely life, but a quiet one... Until now. Suddenly, strange things are happening all around her: phantom tornadoes, exploding fireplaces, massive sink holes – not to mention the strange man that's been following her everywhere she goes.
When Aspen audits a college class for a much-needed dose of normalcy, she’s shocked by the assistant professor’s cold disdain for her, and her alone. Their heated confrontation turns a corner when Aspen panics, accidentally shattering every bulb in the classroom. That’s when Aiden realizes what she is... but he's not the only one who’s been paying attention. In her mission to discover who – and what – she is, Aspen must learn to control her powers, navigate her budding feelings for this new and mysterious ally, and, finally, discover the shocking truth about her past.
THE ENLIGHTENING After narrowly escaping Savannah and her Asterian thugs, Aspen has finally unearthed a clue to her forgotten past: a small brass key and a handwritten note that says 'Start here'. With nothing but her resolve – and Aiden’s silver lighter – Aspen sets forth on a solo cross-country journey. But things begin to unravel quickly on the open road, and Aspen soon realizes that her biggest challenge on this trip won’t be making it to California in one piece, but keeping her growing powers in check.
Meanwhile, Aiden, on his own mission to find his sister, has gone radio silent. Though an old ‘friend’ from Aspen’s past warns her not to go after him, she knows she has no choice. But their impromptu reunion has some unintended complications: ghosts from Aspen’s past come back to haunt her, painful secrets that Aiden has been harboring come to light, and deep-rooted family conflicts threaten to tear their bond apart.
Still, there’s a faint light at the end of the tunnel: Aspen now knows for certain that her mother is alive and being held prisoner. She and her friends just have to get there in time – and pray Savannah doesn’t catch them first.
THE CHRISTENING It’s been two months since the Day of Enlightenment, the day a true Pentamancer emerged once more on the world stage after centuries of extinction. Under the protective arm of the Magistrate, Aspen has agreed to cooperate with the Inner Circle in hopes that her radical visions for the Elementalist community can be realized. On the surface, things are going well: she’s been traveling the world, rescuing cities from Terramantic temper tantrums, attending Elementalist conferences, and meeting powerful Asterian Officials around the globe.
And yet, in spite of (or perhaps, because of) Aspen’s tenuous alliance with the Magistrate, political divisions are simmering among his Prelates. Not everyone shares Aspen’s utopian vision, and the Magistrate’s grip on the Inner Circle is beginning to slip. Whether by destiny or by chance, the fate of the Community now rests on the shoulders of the so-called “Prophet”; it’s up to Aspen to decide whether to embrace her newfound status, or refuse it. Whatever path she chooses – there’s no turning back.
THE RECKONING Four years after the collapse of the Inner circle, the Asterian Order is functioning as Aspen and the late Magistrate envisioned; containment centers have been shut down, antiquated laws have been abolished, and free elections for a new Prime Minister are underway. In the meantime, Aspen and her fiancé, Aiden, have been enjoying their peaceful life out of the spotlight and away from the Order.
However, in the absence of containment and conviction, the line between freedom and secrecy has been blurred; amid the turmoil, a fresh wave of Elemental Supremacism is threatening to take hold of the Asterian Parliament. To combat this, Ori announces his bid to become Minister. If he loses, his radical opponent will be turning dangerous rhetoric into a stark reality that poses a direct threat to the entire human race.
While he and Aspen embark on a crucial political mission, Aiden, Eileen, and Sophia are joined by an old nemesis to carry out their own top-secret quest: scouring the globe for rogue Elementalists with extraordinary powers. If they succeed in recruiting these hundreds of Wilders to their cause, they’ll have a slew of newcomers to support Ori’s campaign. But if they fail, their adversary will have access to the greatest army of Elementalists the world has ever seen.
The stakes have never been higher for Aspen and her friends… and losing has never been more dangerous.
Rachel Rener is a multi-award-winning, bestselling romantasy author best known for her fan-favorite Gilded Blood universe. Her books blend magic with real science, infusing powerful-yet-quirky heroines, emotional depth, and irresistible, sizzling romance.
After earning a degree in Psych and Neuroscience, Rachel has since lived on three continents and traveled to nearly 50 countries, fueling her worldbuilding with diverse cultural and mythological influences.
When she's not writing, Rachel enjoys making art in every medium she can get her hands on, riding her motorcycle, attending rock shows (both the musical and mineralogical kind), and engaging with her devoted reader community, Rachel’s Renergades. She lives in Colorado with her husband and a very opinionated umbrella cockatoo named Terrance (aka “Jungle Chicken”), who insists on being her loudest critic.
You can also be regaled with totally inappropriate stories and behind the scenes shenanigans by signing up for her newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/Rachel-Rener-NL .
Every book in this series has got a 5 star review from me and I can’t say that happens very often! You will not be disappointed in this set! Here are my breakdowns: 1- This story is such a great spin to normal elementals type books!! Loved it!!! Can’t wait to read book 2!! 💖💖 2- Wow this continuation just gets better and better!! The way the characters grow keeps your attention and the ending has you NEEDING book 3!!! 3- Loved this book and entire series!! This installment gave you love, action, and best of all closure!! I am a huge fan of closure and this story explains things, ties up loose ends and gives you a good glimpse at where the characters life’s paths are going!!! A must read!! 💖💖 4- When I heard about a surprise book 4 I literally cheered! *\o/* I was not disappointed! Book 4 is written in not just Aspen’s point of view but all our Main Characters we already fell in love with! You get a nice flash forward to see what life has brought them and then an epic adventure again! We are also gifted with an amazing epilogue that I really hope inspires some Novellas in the very near future!! The entire series is one you can’t miss, not a single story disappoints!
This entire series I binge read in 3.5 days. It stole much of my sleep because it is blessed with amazing characters, a hidden underworld, political chicanery, and absolute fantastically done conflict.
I hereby dub the author the Thief of Zzz's.
This series has so much going for it. From a kickass start to a satisfying and emotionally wrenching journey to a "happy" end that made me laugh.
Aspen and company are a delight and I am thrilled to have followed their story yet also a little sad because it has reached a conclusion.
Ah well. That just means I have to re-read it soon!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The thing about Destiny is that no matter how hard you run away from it, ignore it or think you can live as a normal person… that ain't happening because Destiny is a greater force that planned the future that you are destined to take.
We start with a girl that has no memory of who she is, but an unpredicted accident reveals that she has powerful elemental powers. From there we take an elemental roller coaster into the world of the Asterian society that has a strict policy on how to use your powers. They shroud themselves in darkness and secrecy, away from the eyes of non-elementals or Deficiencies.
As Aspen battles the truth of what she is, the only Pentamancer, the Asterian society wants a piece of her, and wants to control her, with every means they have at their disposal. She makes friends and finds lost family and enemies along the way. And maybe happiness and love through Aiden.
It's truly a masterpiece, written so excitedly in the world of elementals. Where not everyone is happy to stay in the shadows and wants to show those Deficiencies who is superior. A simmering rebellion is brewing to show them who they are
I enjoyed it from the beginning until nearly the end, the last book, the beginning, was not so exciting as we flounder through all the characters in the story, Aiden, Eileen, Ori, Savanah, and others that are the core friends of Aspen. But it is a way to tease the reader about what is going on with Aspen and how she feels.
It's a magical thriller that keeps you on the end of your seat, supporting Aspen from the sidelines and going through all the harrowing experiences she had to go through. She is being chased, beaten, and threatened with death until it comes to an ultimate climax when the whole world is in danger. I loved every word of it, written with great skill and entertainment, I never got bored once.
This is one of the best series I've read in a long time. It captured my attention immediately and didn't let go until the final book in the series. I honestly couldn't put it down, the urge to keep reading was impossible to waiver from. From book 1, when Aspen wakes up in an abandoned cottage, with no recollection or memory of who she is or how she came to be there, the stage is set for a thrill a minute! Instinct dictates that she keep to herself and avoid drawing attention as much as possible. Until a near collision with a truck sets bizarre things in motion, which she cannot explain. She encounters an assistant professor, who helps her figure out what is happening. But they uncover a whole lot more, conspiracies and hidden truths. The plot and storyline only gets more thrilling as the series continues. By the time I'd finished book 2, my mouth was hanging open in disbelief at the mindboggling tension and drama! As Aspen and her newly discovered talent are put through their paces, she starts to realise the agenda of the Order, and it's not good! What Aspen unearths and how she and her friends try to solve this, will have your head spinning in anticipation! Each book got better and better, pretty much like a Mozart concerto, taking me to new heights. By the time I'd read book 3, I was almost rendered speechless, the drama, the intrigue, the tension! I didn't think it possible to keep the momentum going but boy was I wrong! And then to the final book, which was so well thought out, and takes place 5 years after book 3, is a masterpiece! The events flow perfectly from book to book, never skipping a beat, the characters are some of the greatest I've read, the pace keeps you on your toes, the world building is magnificent! You HAVE to read this series, you NEED to read this series! Utterly magically amazing!
Well, this was a ride. A new wrinkle on an old trope; a young woman who has no memory of her life, has things start to happen around her, people showing up who seem to know something about her. She has to battle her way forward, not knowing who’s a friend, who’s an enemy, and who’s just trying to take advantage of whatever strange power it is she holds. In good fantasy fashion, the circle of influence, the stakes and consequences, grow throughout the books.
I loved the magic system, based on the elements. I really loved the characters; I have to say, that for such a large cast, they were very clear in my head, the way they looked and acted, their strengths and weaknesses, their personal arcs. This is of course how it should be, but these books just seemed to do it particularly well. In particular, I spent time both really liking Aspen, the heroine, and being extremely annoyed with her. Her arc and growth were consistent right through to the end.
There were lots of good feels in this book, as well. Parts that just make you smile. An extremely entertaining read.
I am so glad that I stumbled across these books. Rachel Rener does an amazing job of world building and character development. Each book in this series is fabulous in its own right but put them all together; wow, what a fantastic adventure! I enjoyed seeing how Aspen’s relationships with her inner group and Aiden grew throughout the series. She has such a strong moral compass and it was refreshing to see that it only strengthened over time. The Reckoning, which is the final installment of the series is what you want from a final book. Highly recommend this addictive series!!
I began reading this series because the author told me she had a character who shared my name. She neglected to tell me that said character didn't appear until book two. By then it was too late, and I was hooked. The entire series is fabulous, but I'll add my review to book one so I don't inadvertently spoil the series for anyone.
As Aspen was riding her motorcycle, she saw a semi coming her way and was immediately thrown out of its way by a tornado, although the weather had previously been calm. Back at home, she lowered herself into a cold bath, wishing the water was warm, only to find it heating up around her. Then when she had a confrontation with Aiden, the assistant professor, the light bulbs exploded around her. She soon realized, now with the help of Aiden, that she had remarkable powers - in fact, the extent of her powers hadn't been seen for hundreds of years.
The magic system in The Lightning Conjurer series is elemental by nature. Some people are able to control fire, others water, still others wind, electricity, or earth. A few people have control over two or three elements, but that is uncommon. Aspen has all five. As the pacing of the story picks up and Aspen begins to uncover what may have been her past and is certainly her future, she is summoned by a powerful agency that promises to protect and train her. But they have their own secrets. Will she want to stay with them as those secrets come to life? Will she be able to leave if she chooses to?
Aspen and Aiden were fantastic characters, both with unrevealed pasts that impacted their responses to the world and to each other. Evelyn and Robert were delightful secondary characters. And the villain was believable, a woman willing to go to any length necessary for power. Although, I suspect we will find a much bigger baddie as the story continues. The romance worked, it built over time.
I did edit book four, but I don't think that indicates any bias, since I loved the series long before I had the opportunity to work with the author.
This is a fantastic series that once I picked up I just could not put down and best of all I didn’t have to wait for the next book!! It’s so well written the author draws you in from the very start into this incredible world and it’s full of drama, suspense, mystery, tension and humour. The characters are just fantastic and I loved following them as they grew and developed throughout each book. Each book is amazing and I am so glad I took the time to read this boxset!
The Lightning Conjurer series review This series is one of the few I have reread. Between the fantastic cast of characters, the super cool science-y magic, and the heart-pounding plot and pace, there is a lot to love for every kind of reader. Book 1 opens with Aspen, a young woman who woke up in a cabin in the woods with no memories, only a voice in the back of her head telling her to, "Don't attract attention. Don't let them find you." Aspen is fantastic. She's by no means perfect, and I found myself frustrated with her choices a couple times--but it only lent itself to making her feel real and interesting, because she is caring, brave, and funny, too. Her arc throughout this entire series was beautiful to see--she was still ASPEN, but she had grown into the best version of herself. She always had amazing friends, too. From Evelyn to Aiden to Ori, everyone in this series was vibrant in their own way--even the ones I didn't LIKE. There were no flat characters here, only nuanced people with their own motives, hopes, and fears. The magic in this series has to be some of my favorite. I love elemental magic anytime, but Rener took it to another level with her expert blending of science with the magic. It made it feel like it could really happen, that maybe the Asterian Order was indeed operating from the shadows of our world... None of these books really slow down. The pacing is great--never boring, and often racing towards the end with no brakes in sight. I stayed up into the wee hours several times because I HAD to know what happened next. All four books were fraught with brilliant developments I didn't see coming(but were foreshadowing perfectly. I love good use of foreshadowing!). The stakes kept building, and our gorgeous cast always rose to the challenge. Sacrifices were made. I cried multiple times throughout the series, but especially in the fourth book--it pulls out all the stops, giving us a STUNNING finale to wrap up everything perfectly. This series is full of bravery, steam, self-sacrifice, and every kind of love--all threaded through with the perfect dose of humor and wit. Read it. It's worth every moment you give it.
I chose this book from an ARC program after having read another of the author’s books, “The Girl Who Talks To Ashes” as I really enjoyed that one.
The Premise THE AWAKENING: Aspen awakens with no recollection of her prior life and leads a lonely life keeping to herself -- until, that is, strange and dangerous things begin to happen around her in response to her emotions. When she meets Aiden, she learns that she is a Pentamancer, a powerful and rare being that can wield and control the elements. As she struggles to deal with her new powers, she faces the Asterian Order, led by Savannah, who is intent on controlling her power and hiding her true past.
THE ENLIGHTENING: Aspen -- or Rowan, her real name -- is now aware of her past though she doesn't remember it, and embarks on a journey to find her mother who she learns is being held hostage at a Containment Center by the Asterian Order. As her powers intensify -- along with her feelings for Aiden -- she questions who to trust, even Aiden himself. As he himself searches for his sister, who is also being held captive, Aspen realises that family ties are entangled with dark secrets that can tear them apart.
THE CHRISTENING: It's two months after the Day of Enlightenment, the day a true Pentamancer emerged once more on the world stage after centuries of extinction. Aspen agrees to cooperate with the Inner Circle in hopes that her radical visions for the Elementalist community can be realized. Political divisions are simmering, and the fate of the Community now rests on the shoulders of the so-called “Prophet”; it’s up to Aspen to decide whether to embrace her newfound status, or refuse it.
THE RECKONING: Four years after the collapse of the Inner circle, the stakes have never been higher for Aspen and her friends… and losing has never been more dangerous.
The Pros This was an epic fantasy that aptly captures the reader’s interest. Having read another book by the author before, I knew what to expect, and I was glad to see this live up to that expectation. I admit I would certainly have been rather unlikely to pick up an entire 4-book series from an ARC program, had I not had faith in the author! Fantasy is not my go-to genre (many authors just do it poorly, or without a clear vision) but I do love and appreciate when it is well executed, and this thankfully does not disappoint. The world-building was really well done, and I could easily imagine every scene as the descriptions are vivid.
I also loved the relationships it explores, which are not just romantic (thank God!) — there’s also family ties and friendship alliances and loyalty among the characters, mentor/mentee relationships with Aiden and Robert as well as those who train Aspen, and even the zealous quasi-religious following of those who adhere to the legend of the Pentamancer. The dialogue was also well written and kept the story lighthearted all the way though. Jumping from action, to romance, to suspense, to drama — the writing really takes you on a fantastic journey, suspending your disbelief and diving into their world of magic and power.
The Cons There was a bit of a slow start at the very beginning as the author set up Aspen’s day-to-day life, but this soon fades away once it gains its strength. Though important to explain, there was a lot of detailed background information about the tattoos, including images and detailed explanations that I wished were a wee bit less. These are extremely, extremely, extremely tiny niggles though.
Also — not a con, but worth mentioning: though it is split into 4 books, it’s really one long book as there is no recap between books if you were to pick it up out of order. You need to read this in order!
Conclusion Overall this was an epic journey from beginning to end and I am thrilled to recommend to readers of all ages who enjoy a good fantasy series. There is a lot to love here, and the characters are brilliantly created and brought to life by the author. Once you get into the swing of things, the action is nonstop from beginning to end with rarely a pause for breath to think. I look forward to reading more by this author.
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The Awakening: 4.5/5⭐ I absolutely love how Rachel Rener combines magic and science. While she gets detailed with it, the story doesn't feel bogged down. Even though I wanted to yell at Aspen to stay low profile, I couldn't help but understand the choices she was making and how she got swept away in discovery. The relationship between her and Evelyn is adorable and Aiden is both knowledgeable and awkward in the best way. It's a great start to the series.
The Enlightening: 4.5/5⭐ The end of this book is only just the beginning. Once again, Rener captures an enticing mix of science and fantasy in this urban fantasy. We find out much more about Aspen's family and powers in a story that spans everything from motorcycle "gangs" to newfound love to a web of lies and deceit so thick it's impossible to tell where the story is headed. The cast of characters just keeps growing in depth and I must say Ori is a favorite.
The Christening: 5/5 ⭐ What an absolutely riveting read! The ups and downs this one will put you through will have you feeling all the emotions. So much happens and I'm so in love with this world and these characters. Originally planned to be a trilogy, this one wraps up all the loose ends. I couldn't put it down. Though I was ready to throw my very pretty omnibus at the wall if a certain author put me through a Divergent ending. I'm also halfway convinced a certain author is Kaylie IYKYK. I'm excited to get to the last book, but I might wait a little to let the characters enjoy their peace.
The Reckoning: 5/5 ⭐ While a bit different in tone in that we get multiple POV's mainly from the other characters, it is the perfect ending to the series. They had some peace, but Aspen is forced back into the limelight with things quickly escalating. This is definitely a wild ride and so much happens, with so many funny, sweet, and crazy moments that I could barely put it down.
Evelyn's chapter 🍪 and the Epilogue 😭😍 were the best HEA I could have hoped for.
Having read a lot of Rachel Rener's more recent books, I really struggled to fit that this series came much earlier and was her debut. It is so well polished and thought out, the characters, world building and plot would make you think it was a much more established author.
I loved this series and the journey it takes you on is a real roller coaster that you just won't won't to get off.
From waking up with no memories in a cabin in the middle of nowhere to exploring her new found powers and learning to master them. From waking up alone to new friends/ found family and eventually finding her lost life.
From keep to herself and hiding from most of the world to wanting to protect and save the entire world. Aspens journey has it all.
I throughly recommend this series xx.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This entire series was an absolute delight to read. From the science-based magic system, to the friendships, to the romance, to the plotlines. It was all just flawless. I love all the characters an insane amount and I really hope we get some novellas in the future after the way that we were set up for them in the epilogue!
All in all, this series was such a good read and I can't recommend it enough!
Quick side note: the covers are absolutely gorgeous and I especially love the one for book 4 with them all on it - amazing!
Thank for you to the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review
How many elemental puns can i use in the topic line?!? Rachel Renner amazes me with the talent she has to create these amazing worlds and powers that would give any author a run for their money.
“She awoke not knowing who she was or where she was. She named herself Aspen after the trees protecting her and the cabin she had awoken in. Who is she and why is she alone not knowing who she is? A fascinating story of learning that the world isnt always what we think it is. This series begins in a world of darkness and uncertainty and finishes with a world of light that we would all love to eventually be a part of.
This was a fun series and the author did a great job world building! I'm writing this review super exhausted and sleep deprived, because for the last half of fourth book, I couldn't put it down and stayed up all night reading. I have a short attention span, and it definitely affects my reading. It's HARD to keep me entertained for more than 3 books in a series, so you know it's a good series if I do! I really love the main character and how she retains her kindness throughout the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow, I loved the first couple books in this set and I really liked the third. Although the forth was good, it was really different from the first three (lots more violence and intrigue). I really felt like the third book was the natural ending to the story and the 4th was a forced addition.
I love this version of magic and human control of the elements. The characters are all unique and captivating and the story line is fascinating! The first 3 books are each 5-stars. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love this author’s works and am delighted to say this fabulous urban fantasy story with a scientific twist to the magic system lives up to my expectations. It’s a wonderful read, full of food for thought and a fantastic message to champion openness and tolerance of perceived differences. While epic and action-packed, it also includes wonderful, heartwarming moments that filled me with joy.
The cast of characters is an absolute delight. I honestly loved all of Aspen’s friends, even Ori and Savannah grew on me by the end.
I cannot wait to see what this amazing author will do next.
This series was fantastic! The author has a brilliant way of balancing suspense with humor; and her character development is so thorough that it makes it easy to understand why her characters behave the way they do. I read the entire trilogy - Wanting more, and was thrilled to hear she decided to do a fourth book, "The Reckoning!" I LOVED IT!! She did not disappoint, and tied up all potential loose-ends with every single one of her brilliant cast of characters. I am currently reading her next book, "The Girl Who Talks to Ashes," and once again, another home-run! What a refreshing and creative story! I see great things for this Indie author and I plan on reading every book she continues to publish!
The Lightning Conjurer would make a wonderful series for television. It has all the earmarks required to keep its’ audience enthralled. The ability to weild elements is a very interesting concept and the journey of the main character is fraught with danger. This is a compilation of four separate books, so get ready for a long, entertaining read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After reading book one earlier this summer, I knew I wanted to return to this series. I very recently bit the painful "giving Jeff Bezos money" bullet and signed up for KU, and this was one of my first reads! The series is epic in scope, but fast-moving and plot driven. A lot of wonderful secondary characters are introduced in books 2-4, but for me the heart of the series is Aspen's journey to self-discovery, and particularly her reunion with her parents moved me to tears.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I feel that there is one huge hanging thread so maybe there will be other books?
Going back to read over for clues though.
Now as an avid reader if I tell you that I am willing to continue the series n read over? Yeah IT is that good. Fantasy in our world with Humans who have special powers. How exciting. Read it.
The Lightning Conjurer: The Complete Series by Rachel Rener that I received through BookSirens was a great series and I highly recommend. I truly believe that anyone that enjoys a book that has magic and adventure, along with great characters, will enjoy this series. Each book of the series is available individually and as a whole on Amazon.
This series is Completely Outstanding! I have say that just reading a sample pulled me right in. This is quit the journey for Aspen to find out who she really is, plus her family. This is also a great example of the right person can absolutely change the world! I Loved this Elemental Fantasy series and feel very luck to have stumbled upon it!!! I would give it 20 stars if I could!
Wow! I loved this book series, although I thought it started out a little slow. Once the action started though it did not let up. It made me laugh and had people you couldn't help but love and those you couldn't help but hate. This was my first Rachel Rener book and I look forward to reading more.
Lost a bit of sleep reading these books as they were to interesting to put down. Starting with a young lady who wakes up alone in an off grid cabin alone with no memory. Then one day she gets in an accident and a tornado appears to save her from being run over by a bid truck. And that's just to start.
I cannot say enough good things about this series. It is so well written, you feel like you're right there, a part of the story. Rachel Rener has a gift for being able to include *just* the right amount of everything - detail, back story, twists and turns, surprise elements, and just enough romance to make the characters really feel human
I enjoyed this book because it had e everything, suspense, drama romance,envy and an ending that leaves you wondering if there's another book in the making. One of my favorite parts of the book was when they all had to pull together to defeat the villian. An over active imagination would wonder, how much of the story could be real.
I liked the magic system. Having people who can control one or more of the five elements is definitely intriguing and makes for an interesting book. The characters are well written and developed. Using fantasy to shine a light on problems in our society isn't new but the author does it judiciously. I liked that aspect of the book a great deal.