Started: 10/06/21
Finished: 16/06/21
Spoilers: Yes. Spoiler section marked.
Man, what a fucking ride! I'm going to miss these characters so much.
Characters
Chel has come such a long way in just two books. He's grown so much. But I think what I love most about him is how the people around him grow because of him. He's an unintentional positive influence on them all, especially Rennic, and I love how Chel has almost become the glue that holds the group together.
Now let's talk about Lemon. She swears so much, I mean, they all do, but Lemon swears in nearly every sentence and I fucking love it. I fucking love her! Lemon is easily, EASILY one of my favourite characters ever. And just when I thought I couldn't love Lemon any more, I do believe we learn that Lemon is ace. (At least that's how I interpreted it.) Even the cover art with all the characters. Every time I look at the book, my eyes are drawn to Lemon. She's such a magnetic character. I love her dearly.
Foss is such a gentle giant. What a lovely, soft character he is. And Rennic is so loveable in his own abrasive way. I think at heart, he's a sensitive soul, and just needs a hug.
I also love how Chel and Tarfel's relationship has grown into such a genuine friendship.
The overall dynamic of this whole group is fantastic, and one of my favourites that I've read.
I loved learning a bit more backstory to our main characters too. Some really fantastic character-building done very naturally through dialogue.
Plot
Picks up immediately where the first book leaves it and runs with it from the get-go. No pussyfooting around here. Just straight into the action. Much like the first book, the pacing is smooth and speedy. There's always something interesting happening and never a dull moment.
This got dark in that final battle. Real dark. But it didn't feel out of place. It was an interesting turn from the usually humorous adventures, and I really enjoyed that battle. I love a good battle, especially siege wars and this one was gripping and intense, and excellently written.
The ending was mightily unexpected and left completely ambiguous. The whole last three chapters came totally out the blue and left me a little befuddled as to how I feel. I was under the impression that this was a duology, but the ending is left so wide open that there’s no way there can’t be a third book in the works. I sincerely hope there is, otherwise I fear I’ll forever feel unsatisfied by the ending. I mean, it was an epic ending as far as cliffhangers go, but not so much as a finale to the series. There’s so many loose threads, so many open-ended plots, so many unanswered questions. Surely, surely, there’ll be a third book. I loved it, but I’m also left quite confused if this is truly the end.
***SPOILER SECTION***
For instance, we don’t even see Lemon again, or Foss. After all the drama, and amazing battle sequences, and my concern over Foss’s fate, we didn’t even get to see them again after the battle. All felt very weird and forgotten. And the fact that Loveless fucked off before the battle even began. Maybe it would’ve been too obvious and cliche for her to return and help, but I also wasn’t expecting to never see her again. And all the hints that Tarfel wasn’t quite the squeaky-clean king Chel thought he’d be. This is begging for a sequel, isn’t it? Because it’s not really a conclusion, it’s a question mark.
***SPOILER END***
So, I say it again. SURELY this wasn’t the final book in the series. Otherwise, those last three chapters wrapped up nothing. Normally when I complete a series there’s a feeling of closure. Whether things end well, things end bad, or things just…end, I always feel satisfied that Yes, this is the end of the road. And yet…I don’t feel that here. It doesn’t feel like an ending, it feels like a middle, like the best is yet to come and it’ll be fucking amazing. This is a character-driven story, so to cut the readers off from so many of the characters without closure feels like a bad choice. But I’m only one reader among many, and I’m sure plenty of people will love how unconventional this ending is. One thing this story isn’t at risk of is being cliché. That’s for sure.
Setting
Even though there's no map, the world is so well depicted that a map isn't necessary. I can see everywhere very clearly in my mind. Even scenes from the first book, I can still see everywhere so clearly, which has a lot to do with how well these books are written.
Speaking of which...
Writing Style
The writing is top quality. Beautiful descriptions that don't distract from the narrative. Effortless writing style that makes for an incredibly easy read that flows smoothly.
And the use of profanity is an art form. The finest art form. I said it in my review for the Black Hawks, I'll say it again now. David Wragg is like a vulgar poet. He has such a way with swear words that it never feels gratuitous to me. Maybe because I'm a heavy swearer myself, but still, there's a fuck tonne of swearing in these books and yet it always seems to suit the tone of each chapter.
The creative use of insults inspires me to up my banter game. The writing, the dialogue, there's just something so wonderfully, deliciously British about it all.
Final Impression
I'm going to miss these characters so much. Please don't take Lemon away from me. Ahhh. It's fine. I'm fine.
...I'm not fine.
Look, if you haven't read these books yet, do yourself a favour, let Lemon into your life. Read these books. Just read them. I'm very excited to see what David Wragg writes next. One thing's for certain, I'll be reading it.
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