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jennybeastie's review
4.0
A bang-up ending to the series, and a really fun read. I love how Bruchac effortlessly weaves smaller stories in and out of the larger narrative, and how he talks to us about why that matters in Native culture. It's a different relationship to story than I have ever understood before, and I am glad to gain the perspective. Lozen continues to be gruff and bad-ass, but it is delightful to see her also become centered in her family and her chosen community. I also very much love that there is redemption available for even the most hardened killers -- not structured religious redemption, just peace in the soul that one arrives at as an individual. I admire that Lozen is able to keep her vow not to deliberately kill a human being after her cleansing ceremony, but I do find it convenient that others are willing to do that work for her -- it works, but it dies not absolve the necessity of killing in order to create a harmonious community, and that's complicated. I suppose it ever will be.
scostner's review
4.0
I first heard Killer of Enemies described as "post-apocalyptic Apache steam-punk" and I had to read it. The main character Lozen, can track, hunt, and fight with all the skill of her Apache, Navajo, and Pueblo ancestors. She and her family and friends live in a PC world. Not politically correct, but Post Cloud. A strange silvery cloud from space has enveloped the planet and there is no longer anything electromagnetic (hence the steam-punk).
In this third installment of her story, Lozen and some others have escaped from the compound ruled by tyrannical overlords and established a community for themselves. But those rulers are intent on revenge and send various attacks to kill Lozen and the others while also plotting to kill off each other and become the sole ruler. There are also still genetically modified creatures (gemods), that have escaped from the zoos and collections that were contained by electric fences and other gadgets. The characters have to defend themselves against giant crawdads, enormous spiders, and things like camelions that are part camel and part lion. There is also the mercenary Luther Four Deaths who went missing after a battle with Lozen and may also be coming for revenge.
Throughout the series Lozen has added to her combat training and skill with weapons and martial arts. Readers of the first two books will have seen the development of mental powers that she exercises and works to strengthen. Telepathy is just one of these skills; a warning sense of impending danger also comes in handy. In a quiet moment, Lozen speculates that the lack of electricity has allowed these powers to flourish. Not that there are many quiet moments, but still...
I highly recommend the entire series to any readers who like action, adventure, post-apocalyptic settings, female characters that can kick butt and maintain their attitude, or books that show how Native American stories and traditions find a place in whatever setting or time period the action happens to take place. Bruchac weaves in stories and beliefs from various tribes in a way that fits with the internal logic of the story.
dreamreader's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A good conclusion to this trilogy! The tension didn't feel quite as present in this installment, and therefore the stakes didn't feel as high as the first two books, but I enjoyed several of the character arcs and overall think this is a solid YA trilogy.
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