A review by fastasashark
Guardians of the Keep by Carol Berg

4.0

4.5/5 stars

Most of this book I loved and would have been another 5 star read. The characters and story were well done, and I enjoyed Berg's style of storytelling. My only problem was the conclusion which was frustrating/disappointing and felt inconsistent with the rest. Son of Avonar remains my favourite of the series so far (easy 5 stars). I loved having Seri as the single pov in SoA, and living her life, experiences. I still loved her povs in this book along with the younger pov in this one who I'll avoid naming. Major spoilers:

Spoiler

Saving Gerick and the ease with which it was done at the snap of a finger felt entirely implausible in the context of the story and worldbuilding around Zhe'Vna, the Lords etc. Not only that but it was a far less interesting conclusion than had Gerick remained in the Wastes and joined the Lords. He spent a year or just over a year under the influence of their immense power and darkness. Not only that but it was said earlier throughout the book that the Lords all share minds. It made sense that he might be able to keep a corner of his thoughts to himself before his transformation, but afterwards logically his mind would join with the others. Anyway this and certain other aspects of the conclusion were things that I found frustrating and disappointing after loving the rest of the book. I think that's the other thing. After all the plots and counterplots variously foiled (taking the approach of the good guys not being able to just resolve things easily by planting people in Zhe'Vna etc) the ending just seemed too convenient and easily resolved. Gerick should have remained a Lord imo