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genderless_queer93's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
4.5
aethena1313's review
5.0
This story is packed with so many relatable moments and characters. Growing up in a trailer in the woods surrounded by people and land that still bear the scars of the Great Depression. Yeah, I can definitely relate to that. The characters who are spun out of that environment feel all to real. It's hard to truly hate the bad guys when you can understand the challenges they faced. This is a reality Adam faces when he tries to set things right and bring balance to the two worlds his existence straddles.
This was a wonderful read/listen with some very introspective moments, vivid imagery, and character with very real personalities. I look forward to another addition to this series.
This was a wonderful read/listen with some very introspective moments, vivid imagery, and character with very real personalities. I look forward to another addition to this series.
teal_raven's review
5.0
I love this series! What a ride. Very exciting and twists around every corner. Will recommend
dkreading's review
5.0
What a ride! Adam Binder has really been through it in this series -- chasing an evil druid to Denver, getting involved in deadly plots with powerful enemies, falling in love, confronting his family and trauma, reconnecting with a lost love, losing loved ones, and traveling the spirit lands and to the underworld. His journey is filled with heartbreak and suffering, but also with healing and love. I think one of my favorite things about this series is how Adam is forced to face the pain in his past and get tangled up again with his estranged family. He struggles but he never shies away from what he believes to be right. Vic also has quite a journey, one that makes him ask difficult questions about his beliefs, his job, and his future path.
Deadbeat Druid in particular digs deep into the inner lives of the characters, with intense flashbacks of pivotal moments, reunions with ghosts, and major revelations. Vic and Adam, on their quest to find each other, find themselves time and again thrown into peril and facing impossible decisions. All of this is set against an interesting take on the underworld, one populated by hungry demons in many forms and restless cowboys who herd ghosts. As always, Slayton excels at weaving together rural Oklahoma and trippy fantasy landscapes, creating a world that feels both wearyingly known and yet infinitely magical.
Overall, I thought this was a fantastic conclusion to the series! It answers questions, brings everything home, and displays how much the characters have changed and grown, with promises that they'll continue to come into their own. Highly recommend to readers looking for a dark, rural fantasy with relatable characters and unique worldbuilding.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Deadbeat Druid in particular digs deep into the inner lives of the characters, with intense flashbacks of pivotal moments, reunions with ghosts, and major revelations. Vic and Adam, on their quest to find each other, find themselves time and again thrown into peril and facing impossible decisions. All of this is set against an interesting take on the underworld, one populated by hungry demons in many forms and restless cowboys who herd ghosts. As always, Slayton excels at weaving together rural Oklahoma and trippy fantasy landscapes, creating a world that feels both wearyingly known and yet infinitely magical.
Overall, I thought this was a fantastic conclusion to the series! It answers questions, brings everything home, and displays how much the characters have changed and grown, with promises that they'll continue to come into their own. Highly recommend to readers looking for a dark, rural fantasy with relatable characters and unique worldbuilding.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
sue_reilly's review against another edition
5.0
An excellent end to the series! I can't wait to read more books by this author. The audiobooks are excellent.
kohlsamanda's review
3.0
A nice end to the series.
Despite my general enjoyment, I am left feeling a bit unsatisfied. I appreciate where all of the main characters ended up (for the most part), but I do wish there was a little more to the epilogue or additional detail regarding what the lives of these people now look like. I feel as though I'm not sure where people like Bobby, for instance, go from here. This seemed like it was an ending too hazy for a lot of the conflict that was built up, especially regarding Death's storyline.
However, very calm, smooth pacing that keeps this firmly as a cozy fantasy for me. Hopefully there will be a fun slice-of-life novella or two down the line with some peeks into all of the characters again. Would still highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good, clean, and interesting LGBT+ fantasy.
Despite my general enjoyment, I am left feeling a bit unsatisfied. I appreciate where all of the main characters ended up (for the most part), but I do wish there was a little more to the epilogue or additional detail regarding what the lives of these people now look like. I feel as though I'm not sure where people like Bobby, for instance, go from here. This seemed like it was an ending too hazy for a lot of the conflict that was built up, especially regarding Death's storyline.
However, very calm, smooth pacing that keeps this firmly as a cozy fantasy for me. Hopefully there will be a fun slice-of-life novella or two down the line with some peeks into all of the characters again. Would still highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good, clean, and interesting LGBT+ fantasy.
katfeete's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
4.75
elemomi's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
falkensmage's review
5.0
A perfect ending to one of the most fun fantasy trilogies I’ve ever read. But more than that, the way David Slayton allows traumatized characters to encounter, dialogue with, and understand those who caused them trauma, not forgiving and forgetting, but seeing them as complete humans… well, it’s remarkable to say the very least.
readera's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.0