In many respects, this series has held true to what I've come to expect from book series. The first book was okay. Not outstanding, but good enough to intrigue me to keep reading in the series. The second book was completely frustrating and difficult to get through. The third book redeems the series and is my favorite of the lot thus far.
What I didn't like: There was just so much . . . text. So many sub-plots and minor character storylines. It was about 100 pages too long for my taste. There were a few times when I found myself almost skimming the text instead of really reading it. I've had a similar experience with the first two books of the Caster Chronicles, as well, but this one even more so. All the extra clouded up my enjoyment of the main story arc and the main characters.
What I did like: This book, more than the other two so far, really packed an emotional punch. The last 100 or so pages had me on the edge of tears for sure. Granted, a few of the scenes were verbose (think Tolstoy describing cutting grass in "Anna Kareninia") but the imagery and depth of feeling were both present in a very strong way. And the ending is very intriguing. I'm usually not a fan of cliffhangers, but this one was quite well done, in my opinion.
My rating: 4/5 stars
