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A review by kp_hobbitreads
A Wish Upon the Stars by TJ Klune
4.5
#1 The Lightning-Struck Heart: ★★★★★ | 5 stars
#2 A Destiny of Dragons: ★★★★★ | 5 stars
#3 The Consumption of Magic: ★★★★✮ | 4.5 stars
#4 A Wish Upon the Stars: ★★★★✮ | 4.5 stars
Ooof....this was a wild ride. And, while I am unbelievably glad that there are more stories to be told in this world, I do think this is a very satisfying conclusion to Sam & Ryan's story.
This book is set nearly a year after the dramatic ending to Book 3 (if you know, you know). And, Sam has finally returned to save the day. But, the City of Lockes he left is not at all the one he returns to. Vadoma's people are enslaved, the King is pooping in a bucket in the dungeons, and the Dark wizard Myrin is sitting on the throne. But, luckily all is not lost as there is a small group of resistance fighters led by our favorite heroes attempting to make things right again.
This book is pretty plot heavy - there is a lot of action and adventure to be had as the good guys attempt take back the City and rescue the King. But, there are also a lot of really emotional moments too. Sam has to deal with the fallout of his leaving and the reality of what life was like for those who had to find a way forward without him. I liked how realistic that situation was portrayed - there was no right side or wrong side. Just a bunch of really hurt people trying to make the best choices they can and deal with the hands that they've been dealt.
But, I will say that I had the same issues with the racism in this book that I did with Book 3. We find out that Lady Tina is now a "good guy" who is fighting with the rest of the resistance. And, I got really tired of people telling Sam that he should basically get over it because she's been helping Ryan and Justin. Well, guess what: she never had a problem with Ryan and Justin so helping them fight does nothing to take away from her on page, explicit racism. And, it definitely doesn't mean that she's now a good person. And, white characters telling a person of color how they should work with a person who was racist to them gave me the ick. But, the worst part? Not once, did she ever actually apologize for her racism. There was no "I'm sorry". There was no "I was wrong". No admission of guilt. Yes, at the end of Book 3 she said she would try to make it right. But, that's not an apology; and it was about Morgan, not about her bigotry that had literal devastating consequences. Sam feeling obligated to help a bunch of racist people because they're scared and it's the right thing to do made me a little ragey.
Three Thoughts:
1. I love Kevin. Never thought a perpetually horny dragon would end up being one of my favorite characters, but he is. Underneath all the sex jokes, is a truly kind heart. And, I love him for it.
2. So many good Ryan and Sam swoon moments, and I'm here for every single one.
3. Okay, you are forgiven TJ Klune for my heartbreak. You made it right, and I thank you. "But above all else," he whispered in my ear as I sobbed into his shoulder in the garden, "I chose you, little one, because a world in which I could not see your face isn't a world I'm ready to live in."
Ultimately, this is a wonderful conclusion to this story arc. And, I can't wait to see where things go next.
content warnings: violence, racism, death, enslavement, drugged assault reenactment (not sexual), use of the word g*psy, crude/offensive humor, mentions of past abuse, sex (on page)
#2 A Destiny of Dragons: ★★★★★ | 5 stars
#3 The Consumption of Magic: ★★★★✮ | 4.5 stars
#4 A Wish Upon the Stars: ★★★★✮ | 4.5 stars
Ooof....this was a wild ride. And, while I am unbelievably glad that there are more stories to be told in this world, I do think this is a very satisfying conclusion to Sam & Ryan's story.
This book is set nearly a year after the dramatic ending to Book 3 (if you know, you know). And, Sam has finally returned to save the day. But, the City of Lockes he left is not at all the one he returns to. Vadoma's people are enslaved, the King is pooping in a bucket in the dungeons, and the Dark wizard Myrin is sitting on the throne. But, luckily all is not lost as there is a small group of resistance fighters led by our favorite heroes attempting to make things right again.
This book is pretty plot heavy - there is a lot of action and adventure to be had as the good guys attempt take back the City and rescue the King. But, there are also a lot of really emotional moments too. Sam has to deal with the fallout of his leaving and the reality of what life was like for those who had to find a way forward without him. I liked how realistic that situation was portrayed - there was no right side or wrong side. Just a bunch of really hurt people trying to make the best choices they can and deal with the hands that they've been dealt.
But, I will say that I had the same issues with the racism in this book that I did with Book 3. We find out that Lady Tina is now a "good guy" who is fighting with the rest of the resistance. And, I got really tired of people telling Sam that he should basically get over it because she's been helping Ryan and Justin. Well, guess what: she never had a problem with Ryan and Justin so helping them fight does nothing to take away from her on page, explicit racism. And, it definitely doesn't mean that she's now a good person. And, white characters telling a person of color how they should work with a person who was racist to them gave me the ick. But, the worst part? Not once, did she ever actually apologize for her racism. There was no "I'm sorry". There was no "I was wrong". No admission of guilt. Yes, at the end of Book 3 she said she would try to make it right. But, that's not an apology; and it was about Morgan, not about her bigotry that had literal devastating consequences. Sam feeling obligated to help a bunch of racist people because they're scared and it's the right thing to do made me a little ragey.
Three Thoughts:
1. I love Kevin. Never thought a perpetually horny dragon would end up being one of my favorite characters, but he is. Underneath all the sex jokes, is a truly kind heart. And, I love him for it.
2. So many good Ryan and Sam swoon moments, and I'm here for every single one.
3. Okay, you are forgiven TJ Klune for my heartbreak. You made it right, and I thank you. "But above all else," he whispered in my ear as I sobbed into his shoulder in the garden, "I chose you, little one, because a world in which I could not see your face isn't a world I'm ready to live in."
Ultimately, this is a wonderful conclusion to this story arc. And, I can't wait to see where things go next.
content warnings: violence, racism, death, enslavement, drugged assault reenactment (not sexual), use of the word g*psy, crude/offensive humor, mentions of past abuse, sex (on page)