I feel really conflicted about this installment in the series. So far it is definitely my least favorite. It is hard to pinpoint down exactly what fell short in comparison to the previous books but I just did not end up enjoying it as much. After all, there is a lot of action keeping the readers on their toes, more than enough heartfelt scenes and a few twist and turns to spice things up. Naturally, the writing upholds the high standard from all previous books. So, what am I missing?
After some consideration, I think my dissatisfaction mainly boils down to the role of our two most beloved MCs in this book. While Nehelon and Gandrett - or just Nehelon, tbh - carried the previous books on their backs, they came across sort of bland in this one. Don't get me wrong, I love them individually and am totally invested in their romance. However, they sort of lost their shine. Their character portayal is so firmly focused and reduced to the romance aspect that it misses any of the former depth and complexity. At least that is how I saw them in this book. Furthermore, the way Valyn evolved in this book bugged me a lot. I don't really see why it was necessary to make him the villain and then give him an easy way out. It just didn't add anything to the story but some uncalled for drama.
Now, all the other side characters definitely saved this book. And that is kind of ironic, since I have never cared for them as much as for our power couple. Although I always really liked what they added to the story. On this note, I am glad that we got some closure for Mckenzie, some progress in Addie's fight and some hope in form of a romantic interest for Brax. Hands down, Brax was my favorite character in this book and his budding romance is completely adorable.
So, war is brewing and battles have already been lost. Faced with an acient evil and odds not on their side, I cannot wait to find out how our beloved chatacters will save everyone (including themselves). And I am beyond excited to hopefully see them all come together once again in their final fight and the aftermath. The fact that we ended on several cliffhangers with precious lives in the balance only exponentiates the anticipation. Argh. I want this journey to end but I dread its culmination just as much. How will I be able to say a final goodbye to this wonderful cast?