Reviews

Incredible and unexpected finale to this adventurous and feminist "memoir" series. What an incredible ride this series has been. I adored the main character, Isabella, all the way through. I would have like to have seen more maturation of her close associates, and less literal/direct parallels to the real world, but otherwise I have thoroughly enjoyed all five tomes.

2021: Second time reading my way through this series and I am once again loath to have it come to an end. What an absolute JOY this entire series is. And, yes, I still think that the world-building could have taken Isabella's world in much more imaginative directions rather than just basically renaming places found in our own geography. And yes, I also would have liked to see more emotional maturation in Isabella's close companions. But, Isabella herself (especially narrated by Kate Reading) is so incredibly wonderful. I look forward to the next time that I take this journey with her again.... perhaps in another few years (after I have forgotten what happens again).

seolhe's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

3.5

laurenreed's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

tinynavajo's review against another edition

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5.0

Excellent ending

Certainly not what I expected but it would be something that falls in line of what Lady Trent would do. Love this book series and all the characters we get to meet! Just wish I could be a dragon naturalist is all now...

addielgall's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 ⭐️
Within the Sanctuary of Wings was my favorite book in this series! It was so different than the others in the best way. Experiencing Isabella on her own during her expedition really showed her passion and drive. No matter what she faces in her field, she refuses to back down.

The emotional moments in this book are so beautiful. Brennan really takes the time to flesh out the connections and ties to each individual relationship. Isabella’s ferocity, especially in this book, shines through. And her discoveries in this book really blow the others out of the water. Her willingness to learn and put herself out of her comfort zone shown even more brightly.

Fantastic end to this series. While it’s not the end of these characters’ journey, I don’t feel like the story needed to detail more. The way it wrapped up was perfect.

robyn1xp's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Overall Rating: 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕

Plot Rating: 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕
Character Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Setting Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing Rating: 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕

What a wild ride this journey has been. I truly do love this series, and I devoured it, all 5 books within a month! I cherish these books, and can definitely see myself rereading them in the future.

The climax and ending in this final book felt very very abrupt though, and was almost dizzying to keep up with. But with the Afterword from Isabella it was all wrapped up quite nicely, and felt satisfying.

Regardless, I LOVE this series and am very looking forward to checking out the spin off novel about Isabella's granddaughter.

Thank you Marie Brennan for writing these stories.

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