Ryan Skinner’s Reviews > The Strength of the Few > Status Update

A fair amount happened in 30 or so pages! In Lucium, we pretty much got “The Last Samurai” - Diago waking, being treated, and learning to live with a peaceful family who’d lost their father. Felt lifted right from that movie - and I loved it. Meanwhile, in Res, Relucia made more demands, Lanistia and Vis shared a laugh, Eidhin was a great friend, and I SO BADLY want to trust Emissa again.

Well, that Golden door in Obiteum seems to have done a number on Vis! It seems like it will be hugely important to the story there, and possibly to his role as Synchronous. Him testing that theory with Tash was cool, even if I felt bad for the guy - and Caeror seems pretty great. Worried about Lanistia in Res though.

Ok, the way Vis put Ulciscor in his place was awesome - basically I no longer need you, but will share an uneasy alliance with you - and especially the line "you chose your dead brother's reputation over my life." Damn! Hard to argue with that. It was good to see Lanistia again as well - and further emphasizes why Res is my favorite world to revisit currently.

And we're back to Luceum! A whole lot is happening, and it's all fairly confusing. An escape attempt into hopefully safe territory proved false - and Cian's death was definitely the most shocking one so far to me. Ruarc's men really want Vis dead. I like that in this world though, Vis has had some agency in dealing with his problems - he saved 3/4 of a family, and I wonder how he escapes his burning predicament.

Well, I've spent a bit more time in Obiteum, and the plot continues to thicken! This book is definitely more disjointed than The Will of the Many, but still well-written, and I suspect it'll all make sense in time. The Gleaners are super cool, unique enemies, and I feel bad for Djedef's fate. I also appreciate that we seem to be pulling back the veil a bit - seemingly, Ka, a Synchronous man seen as a God, must die.

Whew, ok, there's a lot to keep track of in this book! Three separate worlds, three completely unique scenarios tied together only by the main character. In one, we're to kill a God in a desolate wasteland. In another, we're captives of a seafaring people in a remote village, needing to escape before others arrive. Finally, we're home - with all sorts of political landscapes to navigate. I'm ready to tackle it all!

This is the third time I've attempted to listen to this Audiobook! Loved the first book in the series, my favorite book I read last year - but due to the nature of the twist, this one starts out all sorts of confusing! I don't have a firm handle on the world and threat itself - but Obiteum is a scary place, and I question where Vis's journey through it will lead. Same with Luceum (what's different?) and Res.