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A review by angielisle
The Earth Dwellers by David Estes
3.0
The last book in this series (Water and Storm Country) has been my favorite, so Earth Dwellers was a bit of a let-down after reading it. Two series were tied up neatly and predictably - the predictability in part because I knew that this book was the finale to both series. This last battle could have turned into another three-book war but it didn't so my mind was pre-programmed to draw the fastest, shortest conclusion. This might not affect a younger audience as much as it did adult-me.
I love the realness that makes it into this series. We meet narcissists and misogynists. Characters die just like real people do in real warfare. Drug addiction is shown and depicted as a weak path to choose as a coping mechanism. These are realities that some kids have to face on a daily basis and this series consistently shows characters pulling through and learning to live through tragedy by stepping up and taking control of their lives. I love these harsh real-world elements popping up into the story - that makes it easier for younger readers in similar situations to relate to the characters.
Like any series, there was a moment of sadness to see both sagas reach the end because I did become attached to certain characters (Adele). I look forward to reading Estes' future works - he has some interesting ideas and he grows as a writer between these older sagas and his newer series. It will be interesting to see where he is ten-years from now because I fully expect him to continue developing and expanding his abilities as a writer.
I love the realness that makes it into this series. We meet narcissists and misogynists. Characters die just like real people do in real warfare. Drug addiction is shown and depicted as a weak path to choose as a coping mechanism. These are realities that some kids have to face on a daily basis and this series consistently shows characters pulling through and learning to live through tragedy by stepping up and taking control of their lives. I love these harsh real-world elements popping up into the story - that makes it easier for younger readers in similar situations to relate to the characters.
Like any series, there was a moment of sadness to see both sagas reach the end because I did become attached to certain characters (Adele). I look forward to reading Estes' future works - he has some interesting ideas and he grows as a writer between these older sagas and his newer series. It will be interesting to see where he is ten-years from now because I fully expect him to continue developing and expanding his abilities as a writer.