I've had "This Star Shall Abide" on my bookshelves since the mid 1970's, when I was in junior high, and I was delighted to find out that Engdahl had continued the series and done so in so satisfying a way. In this book (the third in the series), former heretic Noren continues his journey of questioning and seeking, and brings his story to an unexpected, compelling conclusion.

It's hard to say more than that without spoilers. While this book could stand alone, it will be much more enjoyable if you read the first two volumes before you start this one.

It's never quite the same when I don't write a review the moment I finish reading a book. It's worse when over a week passes and I finish multiple books in that time. Suffice it to say that I thought this book was fantastic, at least as good as the first book in the series and increased my opinion of the 2nd book. I liked what the whole series said about the nature of good and evil and what one should be willing to do for truth.

re-read Feb 14

never know what to re-read after I finish this series. It is such a good comfort read for me.

Overall the concepts in the series were more interesting than the actual plotline. I found that Engdahl relied too heavily on inner dialogue to explore the themes of the book instead of weaving it into the (outer) dialogue and plot. It did get me thinking about the value of stories in religion in particular--whether they are literally true or not. She seems to be arguing that there is value, which I agree with, but think she has inflated somewhat. Overall, it didn't live up to my expectations after having read the first book.