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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
So there's fast-paced.....
And then there's Shadow Wand-paced.
This was a whirlwind of a book. I could barely wrap my head around what was happening two pages ago when I slapped with another world-shattering event. A LOT happens in this book. I mean A LOT. As much as I loved the action and adventure, it got to the point where it was just too much thrown at me and was overwhelming.
So I'll probably have to read this again before the next book comes out because SO. MUCH. HAPPENED.
And then there's Shadow Wand-paced.
This was a whirlwind of a book. I could barely wrap my head around what was happening two pages ago when I slapped with another world-shattering event. A LOT happens in this book. I mean A LOT. As much as I loved the action and adventure, it got to the point where it was just too much thrown at me and was overwhelming.
So I'll probably have to read this again before the next book comes out because SO. MUCH. HAPPENED.
The world building once again deserves 5 stars, but Elloren has become a bit annoying in her "woe is me," "I have so much power, but I don't know how to control it" tirades that are really off-putting. I also don't like the love triangle. Team Lukas! I did like the beautiful descriptions of the Realms and their inhabitants, including the sentient trees. The Death fae and the Asrai, Tierney among them, were so well described they practically came alive on the pages.
3.This series was SO good and the author flew too close to the sun š too much of a good thing and it turned cheesy and lacked depth.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
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:
Complicated
More power, more allies and more enemies
This installment of this YA fantasy series was definitely another stay up too late, cannot put it down kind of book. I once again fell head first into the story and was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last. The storyline was imaginative, the characters were real and relatable, and the writing was captivating. Despite adding more characters and locations in this book, the world building continues to be phenomenal, woven together scene by scene, layer by layer. It now exists as a living breathing place full of three dimensional beings, so real it feels like you have been there. The story had a perfect balance of all the best plot elements. This is book 3 is the Black Witch Chronicles and picks up where the last book left us. Elloren and Yvan having discovered that they are the two points of the prophecy, the Black Witch and the Icaral, go together to be trained so they can fight and use their full powers to help the resistance. Unlike the first two books, this book has multiple chapters told from POVs other than Ellorenās as we see where the two three main characters are. Now Elloren just needs to learn to control her power so they all can defeat Vogel. I love that Ellorenās character, despite her unique and overwhelming powers, is a bit naive, scared, and reluctant to step into the role forced upon her which makes her a likeable and relatable hero. The pacing of this story was well done - the tension continuing to ratchet up higher and higher with a hopeful plateau right before the crushing storm. The story includes what youād expect from this genre - intrigue, fighting, dangerous situations, end of the world scenarios, paranormal creatures, evil masterminds, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, secrets, mystical coincidences, snark, laughs, soulmates, light spice, deep emotions, and so many plots twists. There is another cliffhanger ending and I am so excited to read the next book in the series.
Was this a quick read? Yes. Was I often annoyed by the main character? YES. Will I read the next book? Of course, itās the conclusion! 3 stars for the quickness of the read - I was already invested in the world building. But I really enjoyed the first 2 as a whole, so much more. I thought Elloren was a better character prior to this one too. She was learning and growing and interesting.
Spoilers ahoy!
Elloren was the source of so much frustration for me. Constantly unable to think or act when her lines are affected by Lukas. Like, cmon the guy you just said you loved died THREE DAYS ago and youāre already passionately embracing this other dude? Of course as the reader we KNOW Yvan canāt be dead with the stunted chapter he was given in this book. Not after two books learning about him. So itās extra frustrating that she so easily moved on and Forest throws in a few āI gave my heart to Yvan, donāt have time to grieve, loved him so muchā thoughts that are so insincere feeling for these scenes. And then āokay Iām gonna give myself completely over to him, itās time to move onā after like.. a week??? I get it, their affinities are a perfect match and yadda yadda yadda but she supposedly loved Yvan beyond anything. And his literal last words are āwait for meā WTF Elloren
Is Lukas a good guy, sure yeah heās taught her a lot and they FINALLY started training her in the last 10min. But cmon, Yvan gave her his fire!
And gee whiz, do you think Lukas survived? Wouldnāt she know from their fasting bond if he had died. Yes. But sometimes sheās real slow on the uptake of things she knows.
I much preferred the other character chapters. Hers were sooooo drawn out. I can only read about her fake grief and horniness so many times.
Spoilers ahoy!
Elloren was the source of so much frustration for me. Constantly unable to think or act when her lines are affected by Lukas. Like, cmon the guy you just said you loved died THREE DAYS ago and youāre already passionately embracing this other dude? Of course as the reader we KNOW Yvan canāt be dead with the stunted chapter he was given in this book. Not after two books learning about him. So itās extra frustrating that she so easily moved on and Forest throws in a few āI gave my heart to Yvan, donāt have time to grieve, loved him so muchā thoughts that are so insincere feeling for these scenes. And then āokay Iām gonna give myself completely over to him, itās time to move onā after like.. a week??? I get it, their affinities are a perfect match and yadda yadda yadda but she supposedly loved Yvan beyond anything. And his literal last words are āwait for meā WTF Elloren
Is Lukas a good guy, sure yeah heās taught her a lot and they FINALLY started training her in the last 10min. But cmon, Yvan gave her his fire!
And gee whiz, do you think Lukas survived? Wouldnāt she know from their fasting bond if he had died. Yes. But sometimes sheās real slow on the uptake of things she knows.
I much preferred the other character chapters. Hers were sooooo drawn out. I can only read about her fake grief and horniness so many times.
Iām enjoying this series a lotā¦I hope it stays good for the next book.
There is no way to get out of this book with your heart unscathed. 5 out of 5 throwing stars to the heart
Major Spoilers
I just need to say, I'm in Lukas's side. But I love Yvan too I don't know what to do. Then I thought, okay then maybe makes Elloren died, that would save me from picking sides. But dude Lukas is just soooo awesome, he pushed her to be a warrior, someone who believe in Elloren and always be even from the beginning. Give me a happy ending for Lukas, please. And I don't believe he's dead, he's likely become a monster for Vogel's plaything. Oh God I hate Vogel.
I just need to say, I'm in Lukas's side. But I love Yvan too I don't know what to do. Then I thought, okay then maybe makes Elloren died, that would save me from picking sides. But dude Lukas is just soooo awesome, he pushed her to be a warrior, someone who believe in Elloren and always be even from the beginning. Give me a happy ending for Lukas, please. And I don't believe he's dead, he's likely become a monster for Vogel's plaything. Oh God I hate Vogel.