Reviews

I’ll write a proper review later but just wanted to get down that what I enjoyed the most about this book was the surprisingly nuanced exploration of what it’s like to attempt to reconnect/build/navigate relationships with abusive/neglectful parents as an adult. It is a super confusing and trippy experience that can be simultaneously hurtful and healing, and I thought that was captured well here. This book was obviously very optimistic about the outcome but idc it’s for a younger audience and thats the general vibe of the story despite how dark it gets at times. #lovewins

djmcewen's review against another edition

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4.0

Wonderful read

This is the second time I've read this book, the first time using been a few decades ago. I loved it then, and still do, but I also see flaws. Vanyel suffered for most of guys life and it showed, even if his duty was all that kept him going. The setting is great but doesn't distract from the plot. There's also foreshadowing for the final book in the trilogy.

As to what I didn't like is that Vanyel is a little too perfect, a definite Mary Sue. The world hinges on his continued existence. Every problem is also tidied up in a neat bow. Old hatreds are dropped and we learn most of them weren't really so bad after ask. Didn't like the overuse of italics to show emphasis. It's not needed and if it were spoken like this in real life you'd be given the person a sideways look.

Despite the faults, it's a great book and I highly recommend it.

kiki870's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional relaxing 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? Yes

5.0

As with the other books, this one is full of twists and turns and intrigue. I think that there is an added level of suspense in this particular book because Vanyel is, as the series title suggests, the last of his kind. He is the last Herald-Mage. So much rides on him and there are moments when you wonder, even knowing there is another book in the trilogy, if he is going to survive.

malreynolds111's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

sleepiestwolf's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

rainbowdragonz's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

The book was 99% incredible. I enjoyed it a lot, especially having read the later books and seeing the being of things.

However I feel it's a touch of it's time (1980s). There shouldn't ever be a question of being someone's lover when you're an adult and they're 16, the awnser should be an immediate no that is a child. Yes the right decision was come to, but I feel it this were written today that bit would be changed.

Content Warnings

jennjenn7447's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad medium-paced

5.0

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