Reviews

Unitas: Trio by J. Houser

talesbeyondpine's review

adventurous reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Jan 28th I don't know that I could've asked for a better "last" installment. This book is the end of the original trilogy but not the official end of the series and it truly ties up all the right ends, while it opens all the right doors. This book had me on the edge of my seat for the majority of it. I wish I could say more about how great this book was but I have committed to spoiler-free reviews always. I will say again if you haven't picked up this series I highly recommend grabbing the whole trilogy. When you're as hooked as I am don't forget there's a sequel trilogy too!

authorxanathar's review

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I received a copy I'm exchange for an honest review. And honestly... I love it! The world is beautiful, the characters are lovely. The villain is definitely someone I cannot stand but he's the villain. I cannot wait to continue reading her books, and I can't wait to see what happens in this world. The magic is unique! The twist are fun and enjoyable. Rarely do plot twists catch me off gaurd and this series always catches me off gaurd.

courtnee_'s review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Unitas: Trio is the third book in J. Houser's series about the Green Lands. The reader gets pulled back into the story with familiar characters, like Rachel, Saff, and Kaylah, and immediately realizes that the war is escalating. Kaylah develops a strategy to help Unitas, and sends Rachel and her trusted cousin, Guillen, on a mission through the "stunted" communities in the Ivy Kingdom. Rachel's feelings for Guillen grow as she spends more time with him, but will she be able to let down her guard enough to begin a relationship with him (and does he feel the same about her)? Unitas makes progress until someone goes missing. Will that person and the Unitas cause be saved in time?
I enjoyed the book. I was swept up in some of the romance and drawn in when strategies were discussed. I recommend the book for young adults and experienced readers.
Thank you, J. Houser, for a copy of your book in return for my honest review.

unsaidmuffins's review

adventurous emotional funny inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I have read both the first two books and completely love them. This is an honest and voluntary review. Reviews are for readers - it's important that they be honest so that readers get a fair idea of what they are getting into before they start a book. It's also important that readers know they can trust my reviews. When I read something I really enjoy, I want the rest of the world to feel the way I feel at the end of the book! That won't happen if I'm not honest.

The lack of specific details is due to a desire to not let any spoilers slip - for any of the books :)

Unitas picks up right were book two (Trouble in the Green Lands) left off. This is great. I've seen books pick up in a completely different spot and act like nothing is missing. I much prefer a clear sense of continuity instead of being left to try and work out what I missed. Unitas introduces us to new characters, ideas, facts and really allows the reader to get a very clear idea of the Ivy side of the Green Lands. Readers also get to reconnect with characters from the first two books. There's a real sense of balance between familiar and new which results in a novel that really brings all the important elements of the first two books to a stunning conclusion. However, there is a book four and I can already tell that it's going to be completely excellent.

The plot is exciting and full of twists and turns. There were many times when I felt surprised, I didn't know we were going that way but I liked the change of direction. I maybe felt we were going left but no, we went right and it is exciting. Information is provided as needed. During the first reading, I wanted to know more. But now as I reread I am delighted by the little hints that I missed first time around.

All three books involve a certain amount of secrecy, mistrust and uncertainty due to the inclusion of spies, assassins, people in hiding for their own safety, and the people trying to get to the ones hiding. J. Houser knows exactly how to balance what is known and when to really add intrigue and intensity to the stories. When you can, I very strongly recommend that you obtain a copy of all three because once you start, you will not want to stop. You will not regret it.

It's not just reading a story, or three. In a fashion similar to The Neverending Story, it's getting picked up and taken away from reality and then taking a journey within the characters world. Something we all need - especially these days.