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The Wandering Inn #5
The Last Light
Kings awake, and emperors build new lands. Change is coming to the world, from the King of Destruction moving to a certain doctor finding more friends from home.
The Wandering Inn has a princess who solves problems rather than creates them, and her name is Lyonette. Yet what happens when the innkeeper returns to manage her inn? Lyonette must learn to be a good employee rather than manage everything herself, and sharing power is never easy...
Nor is it ever simple in war, but that is where Geneva Scala remains. In bloodier and increasingly brutal battlefields, The Last Light of Baleros is now growing in fame, but there is no future there. She is desperate, working against hostile forces who see her intervention as dangerous, and still bears the wounds of her previous war to save lives. But she is no longer alone.
The Wandering Inn has a princess who solves problems rather than creates them, and her name is Lyonette. Yet what happens when the innkeeper returns to manage her inn? Lyonette must learn to be a good employee rather than manage everything herself, and sharing power is never easy...
Nor is it ever simple in war, but that is where Geneva Scala remains. In bloodier and increasingly brutal battlefields, The Last Light of Baleros is now growing in fame, but there is no future there. She is desperate, working against hostile forces who see her intervention as dangerous, and still bears the wounds of her previous war to save lives. But she is no longer alone.
Audiobook
First published November 23, 2021
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823 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
June 6, 2023
The best of the series (so far). It simultaneously shocks me that this author could write so many different storylines that are just so absolutely perfect, and upsets me that not enough people are reading this series.
Watch my video review by clicking here.
Watch my video review by clicking here.
April 24, 2022
*** 4.65 ***
Yep, we have officially reached that threshold where objectivity is completely out of the window and just the subjective love for the characters and the overall ark are enough for me to be in love with the story! So, if you expect a critical analysis from me, I will disappoint you. I LOVE this world, I LOVE these characters, and I LOVE both the writing and the audiobook narration ❤️❤️❤️! I think at this point, the two go hand in hand and the audio package is the best way to take the story in, despite the online serial to be quite brilliant on its own.
This was a very good example of this author's work. I am not blind, I know that she tends to get a bit melodramatic, the characters do emote quite a bit, and there are moments of incessant chatter about mundane stuff, but it is nothing compared to the vast and engaging storyline and multiple POVs, who grow or regress depending on the situation, who act as real people put in unreal scenarios and try to do the best they can, and with the cultural diversity of the species, who have stolen my heart... I am particularly fond of the Antenium and would like to adopt Pawn in my family ❤️! I'll take Bird as well, they both don't really fit in with anyone...
As I began the series, I used it as my "light and fluffy read", to enjoy something unassuming and relax while listening to it. As the series progressed, I have noticed that despite still having light and even humorous moments, the series has been gradually getting more complex and the mood has gotten progressively darker... The ending of this volume was the darkest yet, and I have to admit, there were moments I couldn't believe Pirateaba was putting us through so much grief!!! I wanted to scream at the useless death of a character, but I know that she is very consistent with her world building - this world is beautiful, but very cruel to all living creatures, and staying alive takes a lot of effort. I used to think that our two main protagonists are plot safe, but at this point I can't be sure about that either... And as painful as that is, it is wonderful as well! We really have no idea who is going to stay alive to the end and even who the good or bad guys are... What a wonderful gift that is for us the readers! I can't wait for the next volume, coming out on audio next week! Yay 😊👍❤️
Yep, we have officially reached that threshold where objectivity is completely out of the window and just the subjective love for the characters and the overall ark are enough for me to be in love with the story! So, if you expect a critical analysis from me, I will disappoint you. I LOVE this world, I LOVE these characters, and I LOVE both the writing and the audiobook narration ❤️❤️❤️! I think at this point, the two go hand in hand and the audio package is the best way to take the story in, despite the online serial to be quite brilliant on its own.
This was a very good example of this author's work. I am not blind, I know that she tends to get a bit melodramatic, the characters do emote quite a bit, and there are moments of incessant chatter about mundane stuff, but it is nothing compared to the vast and engaging storyline and multiple POVs, who grow or regress depending on the situation, who act as real people put in unreal scenarios and try to do the best they can, and with the cultural diversity of the species, who have stolen my heart... I am particularly fond of the Antenium and would like to adopt Pawn in my family ❤️! I'll take Bird as well, they both don't really fit in with anyone...
As I began the series, I used it as my "light and fluffy read", to enjoy something unassuming and relax while listening to it. As the series progressed, I have noticed that despite still having light and even humorous moments, the series has been gradually getting more complex and the mood has gotten progressively darker... The ending of this volume was the darkest yet, and I have to admit, there were moments I couldn't believe Pirateaba was putting us through so much grief!!! I wanted to scream at the useless death of a character, but I know that she is very consistent with her world building - this world is beautiful, but very cruel to all living creatures, and staying alive takes a lot of effort. I used to think that our two main protagonists are plot safe, but at this point I can't be sure about that either... And as painful as that is, it is wonderful as well! We really have no idea who is going to stay alive to the end and even who the good or bad guys are... What a wonderful gift that is for us the readers! I can't wait for the next volume, coming out on audio next week! Yay 😊👍❤️
February 29, 2024
4.0 Stars
Video Review: https://youtu.be/9q64BSnOQBg
After being a little underwhelmed by book 4, I am happy to report that book 5 pulled me right back in. This one felt like the right balance of character development and plot progression. I was particularly happy with the parts involving the emperor. This is another long novel but well worth the time. I look forward to reading the next entry.
Video Review: https://youtu.be/9q64BSnOQBg
After being a little underwhelmed by book 4, I am happy to report that book 5 pulled me right back in. This one felt like the right balance of character development and plot progression. I was particularly happy with the parts involving the emperor. This is another long novel but well worth the time. I look forward to reading the next entry.
January 10, 2024
Wow Just Wow 🤩 Pirate really leveled up with this one
September 22, 2023
Watch my FULL REVIEW here: https://youtu.be/8VmGZKfxDu0
5/5
What a great continuation of our journey through The Wandering Inn. If you've made it here then you know that this is a journey worth continuing. I cannot put into words how amazing this book was.
I loved reading through the following:
The story of Flos, the not-so-bad, bad guy. It was amazing to see him lead and it really puts into perspective how he's not really a bad guy. He is a king, and he must do what all kings must and that is to rule. I do have to say, he is a leader through and through, who fights with and for his people.
I loved reading about Geneva and how she carefully navigated through the battlefield she was in. I loved how the resolution of her arc in this book ended and how amazing she performed under the pressure she was in.
Laken was another main point in this book for me. He managed to do expand and grow not only his empire but his standing amongst people.
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The story overall was a 5/5: we see all of our characters and how their journeys connect, even though they are some, in different continents.
Character progression 5/5: man oh man. I think each major and most minor character pov's really changed in a positive way this book. We see a lot of personal growth through the trial and tribulations that they face.
World building 5/5: we really see a lot more of the different continents and their landscapes in this book. We revisit some interesting terrains and see some new ones!
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SPOILERS BELOW
Devastating. That is what this book was.
4 people die this book...... 4.......1 main character 1, almost main character (rip).... and 2 side characters.....
Please watch my video review where we talk about what the heck happened in the ending of this book.
5/5
What a great continuation of our journey through The Wandering Inn. If you've made it here then you know that this is a journey worth continuing. I cannot put into words how amazing this book was.
I loved reading through the following:
The story of Flos, the not-so-bad, bad guy. It was amazing to see him lead and it really puts into perspective how he's not really a bad guy. He is a king, and he must do what all kings must and that is to rule. I do have to say, he is a leader through and through, who fights with and for his people.
I loved reading about Geneva and how she carefully navigated through the battlefield she was in. I loved how the resolution of her arc in this book ended and how amazing she performed under the pressure she was in.
Laken was another main point in this book for me. He managed to do expand and grow not only his empire but his standing amongst people.
=0==0=0=0=0=0==0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=
The story overall was a 5/5: we see all of our characters and how their journeys connect, even though they are some, in different continents.
Character progression 5/5: man oh man. I think each major and most minor character pov's really changed in a positive way this book. We see a lot of personal growth through the trial and tribulations that they face.
World building 5/5: we really see a lot more of the different continents and their landscapes in this book. We revisit some interesting terrains and see some new ones!
=0==0=0=0=0=0==0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=
=0==0=0=0=0=0==0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=
SPOILERS BELOW
Devastating. That is what this book was.
4 people die this book...... 4.......1 main character 1, almost main character (rip).... and 2 side characters.....
Please watch my video review where we talk about what the heck happened in the ending of this book.
October 16, 2024
2024/10/15 Notes: 2nd Audio Re-read
Lots of necessary setups are done in this partitioned audio. Several bits make me want more of Grumpy Mage on page, but he's the grumpy mage for a reason. XD
Ending point for the audio was well done. Nice blend of slice of life, action and danger.
11/30/21 Notes: 1st Audio Re-read
Rating 4 Stars vs 3.5 Stars for Webnovel Version
Andrea Parsneau is great! I love the way she added emotions and atmosphere to the story with her narration. I've read the whole series on the website a few times. I'm actually near the end of Vol6 on the website & plan to wrap it up before the year ends. Who knows, maybe I'll re-read Vol7 and Vol8.
It was interesting to note what parts of the story felt sluggish in audio vs print and which parts moved faster. Also, it's hard to have patience with some aspects of growing pains that happens within the epic series, but worth making the effort because that's how the hard punches & goofy bits can be excellent emotional yanks on the heartstrings.
Flos is one of the weaker & yet important characters in WI. I liked the fact that his portions were easier to take in via audio format vs reading on the website.
Lots of necessary setups are done in this partitioned audio. Several bits make me want more of Grumpy Mage on page, but he's the grumpy mage for a reason. XD
Ending point for the audio was well done. Nice blend of slice of life, action and danger.
11/30/21 Notes: 1st Audio Re-read
Rating 4 Stars vs 3.5 Stars for Webnovel Version
Andrea Parsneau is great! I love the way she added emotions and atmosphere to the story with her narration. I've read the whole series on the website a few times. I'm actually near the end of Vol6 on the website & plan to wrap it up before the year ends. Who knows, maybe I'll re-read Vol7 and Vol8.
It was interesting to note what parts of the story felt sluggish in audio vs print and which parts moved faster. Also, it's hard to have patience with some aspects of growing pains that happens within the epic series, but worth making the effort because that's how the hard punches & goofy bits can be excellent emotional yanks on the heartstrings.
Flos is one of the weaker & yet important characters in WI. I liked the fact that his portions were easier to take in via audio format vs reading on the website.
April 20, 2025
If I didn’t just finish Book 6, I would say this was the best in the series, but alas. I can confidently say Volume 4 is currently the strongest in the series for many reasons. As Volume 4 was split into two books, I will review it in that manner.
In conclusion, yeah, Volume 4 is simply fantastic. I do like how it has become more epic fantasy as the series progresses, and I love seeing how the characters are changing slowly. I should note once again that Andrea Parsneau's narration is truly a blessing.
8.5/10
In conclusion, yeah, Volume 4 is simply fantastic. I do like how it has become more epic fantasy as the series progresses, and I love seeing how the characters are changing slowly. I should note once again that Andrea Parsneau's narration is truly a blessing.
8.5/10
February 20, 2023
Best book to date so far. Book 6 next 🏠
June 9, 2025
4.8/5
no goblin... lots of Erin and Ryoka... still amazing.
highest stakes yet.
still so addicted
no goblin... lots of Erin and Ryoka... still amazing.
highest stakes yet.
still so addicted
December 16, 2021
I'm going to stop waxing lyrical on Andrea's performance. It was absolutely top-notch,as usual.
The story however is slowing down to a crawl, and it's annoying. The author has a good pen, but a tendency for the melodramatic that often gets out of hand, slowing the narration even further. Not every moment needs to be immortal. Shifty POV, sometimes right within the flow of a scene, doesn't help either.
Both MCs still irritate me to no end, with the amount of willful stupidity they keep displaying.
But the overarching plotline is still good, and I still had a good time. So yeah. Still tracking this.
The story however is slowing down to a crawl, and it's annoying. The author has a good pen, but a tendency for the melodramatic that often gets out of hand, slowing the narration even further. Not every moment needs to be immortal. Shifty POV, sometimes right within the flow of a scene, doesn't help either.
Both MCs still irritate me to no end, with the amount of willful stupidity they keep displaying.
But the overarching plotline is still good, and I still had a good time. So yeah. Still tracking this.
February 28, 2023
1/3 of the book is dedicated to the Floss storyline, and I just don’t care, even a little, about floss or any of his companions.
The author really seems to be losing herself in the story threads a bit. It’s unclear at this point whether the story is actually developing towards anything at all or if it’s just going to be perpetually winding around itself. Some developments were mildly interesting, but overall, this was a pretty weak entry plagued by not only the poor quality prose I’ve come to expect from the author, but also uninteresting story beats. Hoping for improvement because I’m kind of too invested to stop at this point.
The author really seems to be losing herself in the story threads a bit. It’s unclear at this point whether the story is actually developing towards anything at all or if it’s just going to be perpetually winding around itself. Some developments were mildly interesting, but overall, this was a pretty weak entry plagued by not only the poor quality prose I’ve come to expect from the author, but also uninteresting story beats. Hoping for improvement because I’m kind of too invested to stop at this point.
May 21, 2025
RTC - really good entry! Once I've experienced the second half, Volume 4 could be a new favorite 👀
August 26, 2025
was slow in the beginning but picked up later on.
November 16, 2025
Wandering Inn Book 5 by Pirateaba
This felt like another step up for the series, but not in a way that made it too dark or heavy for me. There are some sad moments, but the book still has a lot of warmth, humour, and those strange little sparks of hope that make The Wandering Inn what it is. For me the balance worked really well.
Anything to do with the Antinium are still some of my favourite parts. Pawn, Klbkch, Xrn, the Workers becoming something new, all of it continues to be the emotional core of the story. Those chapters always make me pause because they are thoughtful in a way that sneaks up on me. There is something very gentle about the way the series handles their growth.
I also want to mention Ryoka because I know she divides people, but I honestly love her. She can be difficult and makes choices that frustrate others, yet I understand how she thinks and why she reacts the way she does. I tend to have a soft spot for the pricklier characters anyway. Pisces is another example. I did not like him at all at first, but he has grown on me so much, and I appreciate how the series lets him be complicated instead of trying to smooth out his edges. Ryoka and Pisces both feel very human to me.
Flos’ storyline also surprised me. I never connected with him in earlier books, and I used to be impatient whenever his chapters came up. This book changed that. I still would not call him a favourite, but I finally see what the author is trying to do with him. I did not expect to start caring about that plotline, but here we are.
Overall, Book 5 felt like it widened the world again while digging deeper into the characters. The emotional parts hit without drowning out the lighter moments, and the character growth all around made it very satisfying to read. I enjoyed this one a lot, and it reminded me again why this series has such a strong pull for me.
This felt like another step up for the series, but not in a way that made it too dark or heavy for me. There are some sad moments, but the book still has a lot of warmth, humour, and those strange little sparks of hope that make The Wandering Inn what it is. For me the balance worked really well.
Anything to do with the Antinium are still some of my favourite parts. Pawn, Klbkch, Xrn, the Workers becoming something new, all of it continues to be the emotional core of the story. Those chapters always make me pause because they are thoughtful in a way that sneaks up on me. There is something very gentle about the way the series handles their growth.
I also want to mention Ryoka because I know she divides people, but I honestly love her. She can be difficult and makes choices that frustrate others, yet I understand how she thinks and why she reacts the way she does. I tend to have a soft spot for the pricklier characters anyway. Pisces is another example. I did not like him at all at first, but he has grown on me so much, and I appreciate how the series lets him be complicated instead of trying to smooth out his edges. Ryoka and Pisces both feel very human to me.
Flos’ storyline also surprised me. I never connected with him in earlier books, and I used to be impatient whenever his chapters came up. This book changed that. I still would not call him a favourite, but I finally see what the author is trying to do with him. I did not expect to start caring about that plotline, but here we are.
Overall, Book 5 felt like it widened the world again while digging deeper into the characters. The emotional parts hit without drowning out the lighter moments, and the character growth all around made it very satisfying to read. I enjoyed this one a lot, and it reminded me again why this series has such a strong pull for me.
December 1, 2024
This book had some of the highest highs of the series thus far but it also had long extremely dull patches that made it hard for me to stay invested and interested. Luckily the best parts of the book were towards the climax.
September 22, 2023
Excellent installment! One of the best ones yet, if not the best. Just enjoyed it from start to finish.
October 15, 2024
Absolutely fantastic, heartbreaking, and every other emotion humanly possible. I loved this book and this series is truly something special
December 27, 2021
Wow pirateaba and Andrea Parsneau gives us another Stellar book!
In The Last Light pirateaba gives us much more of the King of Destructions story and what's going on with the Atwood twins, plus we get a much better understanding of what makes Gazi tick, she's the being behind those eyes. We also get a lot more insight to Magnolia, Lionette, Ivolethe, Niers, Pawn and maybe one of my favorites Laken the self-proclaimed Emperor, and of course plenty more of our main players! But pirateaba doesn't stop there, they go back to pick up story threads that were noticeably absent in the last book like for instance Toren, Doctor Geneva and all the players that had been sucked into the new world while waiting for connections in an Australian airport... We even meet a Pirate! Just in time too as The Last Tide the graphic novel will be released soon!
And yes I'll admit the books are long this one's clocking in at 52hrs and 17min according to Audible and it's only part 1 of 2! I'll even admit the first 48.5hrs was the best evarrr, but the last 3+hrs were tough and left me bereft! I need next book Now! I need more answers Now!
In The Last Light pirateaba gives us much more of the King of Destructions story and what's going on with the Atwood twins, plus we get a much better understanding of what makes Gazi tick, she's the being behind those eyes. We also get a lot more insight to Magnolia, Lionette, Ivolethe, Niers, Pawn and maybe one of my favorites Laken the self-proclaimed Emperor, and of course plenty more of our main players! But pirateaba doesn't stop there, they go back to pick up story threads that were noticeably absent in the last book like for instance Toren, Doctor Geneva and all the players that had been sucked into the new world while waiting for connections in an Australian airport... We even meet a Pirate! Just in time too as The Last Tide the graphic novel will be released soon!
And yes I'll admit the books are long this one's clocking in at 52hrs and 17min according to Audible and it's only part 1 of 2! I'll even admit the first 48.5hrs was the best evarrr, but the last 3+hrs were tough and left me bereft! I need next book Now! I need more answers Now!
January 7, 2022
What a ride. The introduction of Ken and the others and their meeting up with Last Light was awesome.
The Necromancer is scary in his desire to remain undiscovered and his 2 undead that hunt down Ryoka are off the leash insane. I couldn't believe it when Brunkr was killed.
Erin can still be annoying at times with her mindless actions but still interesting to see her develop.
I still want to shout at Ryoka at times and tell her to talk to the people around her, she's messed up. I hope she develops too. But the breaking of her fingers by Vsnita was cruel to watch and her chase towards Teriarch's cave had me breathless.
The Horns of Hammerad are still developing but I'm sure they've got the potential to be really powerful.
Larkin's fight with the goblins... wow. Such a battle. Had to hold my breath during that battle.
So many others to talk about too (Magnolia, Ressa, etc.) but that can wait to the next book.
I wish these books were available in print. My favourite series in the LitRPG genre and I want them on my bookshelf! I loved this book!
4 stars - Loved it
The Necromancer is scary in his desire to remain undiscovered and his 2 undead that hunt down Ryoka are off the leash insane. I couldn't believe it when Brunkr was killed.
Erin can still be annoying at times with her mindless actions but still interesting to see her develop.
I still want to shout at Ryoka at times and tell her to talk to the people around her, she's messed up. I hope she develops too. But the breaking of her fingers by Vsnita was cruel to watch and her chase towards Teriarch's cave had me breathless.
The Horns of Hammerad are still developing but I'm sure they've got the potential to be really powerful.
Larkin's fight with the goblins... wow. Such a battle. Had to hold my breath during that battle.
So many others to talk about too (Magnolia, Ressa, etc.) but that can wait to the next book.
I wish these books were available in print. My favourite series in the LitRPG genre and I want them on my bookshelf! I loved this book!
4 stars - Loved it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2022
This series is so much fun. It makes me laugh. It makes me cry. It makes me want more. Andrea Parsineau is a genius. Pirateaba is makes me care about all the characters after just a chapter. We get a few new folks introduced in this entry, but also a lot of our old favs, and and some more background on people who have been only slimly introduced in previous chapters, including Geneva and Flos.
Ksmvr and Bird make me laugh out loud every scene they are in, without fail.
Lots of character growth, and lots of tears.
I still need more Tom though. Gimme more Tom.
Ksmvr and Bird make me laugh out loud every scene they are in, without fail.
Lots of character growth, and lots of tears.
I still need more Tom though. Gimme more Tom.
July 9, 2023
The best one yet and it's not even close.
Unlike the previous volume, many more events happen and there is a lot of fighting and tragedy.
Better paced, more interesting povs and character growth make for a very, very solid entry.
I didn't care as much for the first PoV section, and I'm hoping the events at the end lead to sth because if not that would be plain sadistic.
But I'm hopeful about the future of this world and characters.
Unlike the previous volume, many more events happen and there is a lot of fighting and tragedy.
Better paced, more interesting povs and character growth make for a very, very solid entry.
I didn't care as much for the first PoV section, and I'm hoping the events at the end lead to sth because if not that would be plain sadistic.
But I'm hopeful about the future of this world and characters.
August 22, 2025
This is a seriously dense world set up. My first read through I tended to skim past the pov of the new additions and focus on my favorites... which was totally valid 🤔 but all the pov tie in to the overall plot later on.
A fun read that can go from goofy light hearted slice of life, to philosophical concepts, to action scenes, with some heart wrenching heroism and the aftermath. Somehow it still works as a cohesive story!
A fun read that can go from goofy light hearted slice of life, to philosophical concepts, to action scenes, with some heart wrenching heroism and the aftermath. Somehow it still works as a cohesive story!
June 18, 2025
How DARE
March 1, 2025
Another Wandering Inn completed and I'm ready to collect my thoughts. Overall - huge improvement from Book 4. I didn't think I could give a Wandering Inn book more than 4 ⭐️, but PirateAba hit all the right notes.
The Good:
- Overall the Flos and Chandrar section was well done. This book finally humanized Flos as a character and gives you more to go on then just a conquering king. I also appreciate some conflict between the twins in regards to the morality of war/enslavement.
- Bird has become my favourite character and made me genuinely laugh out loud several times.
- The smaller slice of life storylines were all entertaining. Testing the range of the magical door, construction on the inn, Lyonette dealing with the new staff, visiting the Strongheart farm. It helped to balance out some of the heavier overarching plot sections.
- Building up the significance of the Goblin Lord as a threat through a few key battle sequences. Also explicitly showing Az'Kerash's involvement was helpful.
- Geneva is back and although she shares some POV with new character Kenjiro, her storyline continues to be a favourite. The introduction of the new Baleros earthers was a big success as an introduction and elevating Geneva's established arc. A bit cheesy, but interested to see where the U.N. story goes and hoping they connect with the larger Terrandria plotline.
- Teasing Garen Redfang's past was clever and sets up a future conflict with the Halfseekers.
- Laken actually having to deal with conflict and war as opposed to just emperor skilling through any issue. It provided a reason to be invested in his ascension to a future emperor.
- Magnolia and her ghost ancestor was a fun and quick chapter to establish the upcoming war with the goblins.
- The Venitra and Ijvani ending was great start to finish. The Regrika reveal, Ryoka's predicament, Erin's detective reveal through cooking and finally an epic battle with real stakes (mind you it was only the least mentioned Griffon Hunt death) and the Teriarch ending was superb. It tied everything together nicely, progressed plot and character arcs and I'm happy to see Ryoka get away for awhile.
The Bad:
- I still don't care for Toren or their (now nonbinary?) inner monologuing. Somewhat clever way to sustain their existence in the dungeon setting and becoming a masked warrior.
- The Titan of Baleros storyline was boring. It was obviously leading to him leaving to Terrandria. No interest in his teaching methods or fighting rats.
- The ridiculous chapter of Ryoka just waking up and deciding she was going to be a bitch and pick fights. Why do we need to devolve this character more? It also felt redundant from previous Erin/Ryoka fights.
The Meh:
- The Antinium battles within the hive. It felt random that all of a sudden there was a surge in attacks that had them so stretched for resources and then was quickly resolved. I do enjoy the painted Antinium though and Pawn's development as a leader.
- The Horns of Hammerad creler battle. Felt like it was thrown in just to give them something to do this book.
- Again, why did we hype opening the dungeon under Liscor and still have nothing big come of it this many books later?
Looking forward to Book 6 and (presumably) some big old goblin wars.
The Good:
- Overall the Flos and Chandrar section was well done. This book finally humanized Flos as a character and gives you more to go on then just a conquering king. I also appreciate some conflict between the twins in regards to the morality of war/enslavement.
- Bird has become my favourite character and made me genuinely laugh out loud several times.
- The smaller slice of life storylines were all entertaining. Testing the range of the magical door, construction on the inn, Lyonette dealing with the new staff, visiting the Strongheart farm. It helped to balance out some of the heavier overarching plot sections.
- Building up the significance of the Goblin Lord as a threat through a few key battle sequences. Also explicitly showing Az'Kerash's involvement was helpful.
- Geneva is back and although she shares some POV with new character Kenjiro, her storyline continues to be a favourite. The introduction of the new Baleros earthers was a big success as an introduction and elevating Geneva's established arc. A bit cheesy, but interested to see where the U.N. story goes and hoping they connect with the larger Terrandria plotline.
- Teasing Garen Redfang's past was clever and sets up a future conflict with the Halfseekers.
- Laken actually having to deal with conflict and war as opposed to just emperor skilling through any issue. It provided a reason to be invested in his ascension to a future emperor.
- Magnolia and her ghost ancestor was a fun and quick chapter to establish the upcoming war with the goblins.
- The Venitra and Ijvani ending was great start to finish. The Regrika reveal, Ryoka's predicament, Erin's detective reveal through cooking and finally an epic battle with real stakes (mind you it was only the least mentioned Griffon Hunt death) and the Teriarch ending was superb. It tied everything together nicely, progressed plot and character arcs and I'm happy to see Ryoka get away for awhile.
The Bad:
- I still don't care for Toren or their (now nonbinary?) inner monologuing. Somewhat clever way to sustain their existence in the dungeon setting and becoming a masked warrior.
- The Titan of Baleros storyline was boring. It was obviously leading to him leaving to Terrandria. No interest in his teaching methods or fighting rats.
- The ridiculous chapter of Ryoka just waking up and deciding she was going to be a bitch and pick fights. Why do we need to devolve this character more? It also felt redundant from previous Erin/Ryoka fights.
The Meh:
- The Antinium battles within the hive. It felt random that all of a sudden there was a surge in attacks that had them so stretched for resources and then was quickly resolved. I do enjoy the painted Antinium though and Pawn's development as a leader.
- The Horns of Hammerad creler battle. Felt like it was thrown in just to give them something to do this book.
- Again, why did we hype opening the dungeon under Liscor and still have nothing big come of it this many books later?
Looking forward to Book 6 and (presumably) some big old goblin wars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2025
I’m getting more and more invested
4.5 stars
I don’t know if the books are getting better or if I just am starting to really feel for these characters, but I’m really hooked on these books. I know some have complained about the fact that the writing is less than original over the long series (the writing is good, but certain phrases and descriptions are constantly repeated), but for me, it just makes me think I’m watching someone play an RPG game. Despite some of these repetitive bits, what I’m liking is finding out more and more about the characters and this world. And there are some truly hilarious scenes as well. This is probably my favorite book so far in this series.
This book feels in some way like a coming together of many different groups, who meet for the first time, even though they’ve known mutual folks. We learn about some of the major players in the first and second Antinium war, and we also learn about some of the big politics occurring behind the scenes among the Antinium. Honestly, some of my favorite scenes involve them, including some truly moving moments. And while Ryoka and Erin are still annoying at times in their specific ways, I like that they’ve both made an effort to be more thoughtful about the impact their actions have on others. That doesn’t prevent them from getting at each other’s throats at times, and yes, they still misunderstand each other. But I think despite everything, they would still defend each other to the death if it came down to it.
I absolutely love the relationship between Ryoka and Evoleth, and have enjoyed watching it develop into something real. This book also spent a good chunk of time with the Emperor of the Unseen Empire, and I like that Ryoka and Evoleth were involved with some of the doings over there. Personally, I think that Laken may have made a mistake, even if his error came from a place of pain and desperation. It makes me think there may be issues in the coming books, but I guess I’ll find out.
This series is a huge investment, but honestly, I’m having a blast listening to these books. I did realize late in the book that I actually had this kindle book, so I decided to read some of it along with Parsneau, and it worked, but it wouldn’t have been the same without her amazing narration.
4.5 stars
I don’t know if the books are getting better or if I just am starting to really feel for these characters, but I’m really hooked on these books. I know some have complained about the fact that the writing is less than original over the long series (the writing is good, but certain phrases and descriptions are constantly repeated), but for me, it just makes me think I’m watching someone play an RPG game. Despite some of these repetitive bits, what I’m liking is finding out more and more about the characters and this world. And there are some truly hilarious scenes as well. This is probably my favorite book so far in this series.
This book feels in some way like a coming together of many different groups, who meet for the first time, even though they’ve known mutual folks. We learn about some of the major players in the first and second Antinium war, and we also learn about some of the big politics occurring behind the scenes among the Antinium. Honestly, some of my favorite scenes involve them, including some truly moving moments. And while Ryoka and Erin are still annoying at times in their specific ways, I like that they’ve both made an effort to be more thoughtful about the impact their actions have on others. That doesn’t prevent them from getting at each other’s throats at times, and yes, they still misunderstand each other. But I think despite everything, they would still defend each other to the death if it came down to it.
I absolutely love the relationship between Ryoka and Evoleth, and have enjoyed watching it develop into something real. This book also spent a good chunk of time with the Emperor of the Unseen Empire, and I like that Ryoka and Evoleth were involved with some of the doings over there. Personally, I think that Laken may have made a mistake, even if his error came from a place of pain and desperation. It makes me think there may be issues in the coming books, but I guess I’ll find out.
This series is a huge investment, but honestly, I’m having a blast listening to these books. I did realize late in the book that I actually had this kindle book, so I decided to read some of it along with Parsneau, and it worked, but it wouldn’t have been the same without her amazing narration.
April 2, 2022
The best Wandering Inn installment to date and it's really not even close. Unlike a lot of the books in this series, there was a defined rising action that had a significant payoff in the climax. The character development, as always, is on point and the world building is still fantastic, as well.
There was a LOT of movement in the plot, so I'm leaving my notes here on where everything left off because, as good as the book was, I don't know if I can invest the time it takes to get through 1800 pages to reread this when the next book comes out.
Here's where we are:
There was a LOT of movement in the plot, so I'm leaving my notes here on where everything left off because, as good as the book was, I don't know if I can invest the time it takes to get through 1800 pages to reread this when the next book comes out.
Here's where we are:
November 30, 2024
4.6*
Cinquè llibre o primera part del quart volum, de la magna saga The Wandering Inn, on l'autora continua expandint l'univers i multiplicant els personatges, protagonistes i PdV, cadascun més encisador. Els capítols finals són brillants i aconsegueixen lligar caps de manera que ni te n'adones que es tracta d'una primera part d'un volum. Finalment, fer constar que el talent d'Andrea Parsneau no deixa de sorprendre'm.
Cinquè llibre o primera part del quart volum, de la magna saga The Wandering Inn, on l'autora continua expandint l'univers i multiplicant els personatges, protagonistes i PdV, cadascun més encisador. Els capítols finals són brillants i aconsegueixen lligar caps de manera que ni te n'adones que es tracta d'una primera part d'un volum. Finalment, fer constar que el talent d'Andrea Parsneau no deixa de sorprendre'm.
September 10, 2024
4.75/5.00
This series is going truly epic. Some dark stuff happens in this one with the highest stakes to date in the series. Loving all the POV episodes, and I find all characters developing in interesting ways. I personally enjoy the King, the Emperor, and the Doctor as much as any other characters. Ryoka redeems herself for me in this book, as I was starting to find her a bit annoying.
This series is going truly epic. Some dark stuff happens in this one with the highest stakes to date in the series. Loving all the POV episodes, and I find all characters developing in interesting ways. I personally enjoy the King, the Emperor, and the Doctor as much as any other characters. Ryoka redeems herself for me in this book, as I was starting to find her a bit annoying.
July 8, 2025
I want to scream into the void. For fictional characters living fictional stories in a fictional world this all felt way too real. It's going to be tough continuing reading, knowing that Pirateaba will keep making me fall in love with everyone and everything in their stories, while shattering my heart all over again.
still I will. So it goes.
still I will. So it goes.
May 16, 2025
3.75 stars
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