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A review by awaywithforestfae
Wildwood Imperium by Colin Meloy
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
A delightful and emotional conclusion to the Wildwood series, which is dear to my heart. I won't give a synopsis for this one, so as to not spoil the first two in the series. But if you love adventurous and nature-filled middle grades, with plots deeply entrenched in politics and capitalistic criticisms, that definitely pick this series up!
While the second book was my favourite of the series, this one had much of the same themes and focuses as the other books, the vines of plot and thematic focus flowing through.
As always, there was beautiful nature descriptions, of a land deep in spring, though less of this than the previous ones, so I would've liked a little bit more! But regardless, the lands of the Impassable Wilderness are delved into with rich description, albeit changed a little due to the events of the book.
Similar industrialist criticism and upheavals were continued from book 2, following the orphans' storyline through to a delightful conclusion. I also loved the addition of the Chapeaux Noir to the plotline, though I felt them a little contradictory at times. I felt that they aligned really well with the bandits in this, who I also found to be this way. Additionally, the discussions of different regimes and their negatives was interesting to ponder upon, be it a hyper-violent revolutionist regime or a fascist theocratic one. While the discussions felt quite packed in, I did like how the pros and cons were weighed up within the narrative.
I adored following our main characters in their further journey as it came to a conclusion, as well as meeting new faces. I felt that all of the storylines were tied up nicely, while allowing for growth and ponderings upon the events after the book's ending. The story meandered between a slow and intensely fast and action packed pace. I think this one had likely the most action of the series.
Also, it was interesting to ponder philosophically on the nature of life, and on morality, separate from the political debates. What is living and is living forced upon us? What is bad and good? Why do people do the things they do? When is it right to forgive? I love to think introspectively on these kinds of things, and see the takes of characters. However, with so many messages and discussions, it did at times feel confusing and too packed in, though with it's conclusion at the end, it felt satisfying.
All in all, a lovely conclusion to the Wildwood series, which I would happily recommend to many readers.
While the second book was my favourite of the series, this one had much of the same themes and focuses as the other books, the vines of plot and thematic focus flowing through.
As always, there was beautiful nature descriptions, of a land deep in spring, though less of this than the previous ones, so I would've liked a little bit more! But regardless, the lands of the Impassable Wilderness are delved into with rich description, albeit changed a little due to the events of the book.
Similar industrialist criticism and upheavals were continued from book 2, following the orphans' storyline through to a delightful conclusion. I also loved the addition of the Chapeaux Noir to the plotline, though I felt them a little contradictory at times. I felt that they aligned really well with the bandits in this, who I also found to be this way. Additionally, the discussions of different regimes and their negatives was interesting to ponder upon, be it a hyper-violent revolutionist regime or a fascist theocratic one. While the discussions felt quite packed in, I did like how the pros and cons were weighed up within the narrative.
I adored following our main characters in their further journey as it came to a conclusion, as well as meeting new faces. I felt that all of the storylines were tied up nicely, while allowing for growth and ponderings upon the events after the book's ending. The story meandered between a slow and intensely fast and action packed pace. I think this one had likely the most action of the series.
Also, it was interesting to ponder philosophically on the nature of life, and on morality, separate from the political debates. What is living and is living forced upon us? What is bad and good? Why do people do the things they do? When is it right to forgive? I love to think introspectively on these kinds of things, and see the takes of characters. However, with so many messages and discussions, it did at times feel confusing and too packed in, though with it's conclusion at the end, it felt satisfying.
All in all, a lovely conclusion to the Wildwood series, which I would happily recommend to many readers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Abandonment