Probably more of a 3.5.

I read the original trilogy back when it first came out and loved it. The books were action-packed, sarcastic, and flew by so quick that it felt like I was watching a movie. Then, years later, the author returned to the world and yet...I didn't read them. They were always on my radar, and I haven't had the chance to pick them up until now. I was a little worried that since these are middle grade books, I wouldn't find them nearly as fun as I used to.

Turns out I didn't need to worry - this one has just as much fun, twists and turns, and quips as the previous ones! I really enjoyed the first half and getting back into this world. I do think the second half of the book suffered a bit from too many twists and from stretching out conflicts for too long. Why did

Spoiler

Jaron have to go into the cave twice? Could that not have been condensed into just one venture into the cave? Roden went back and forth sooo many times,

and I found myself wanting the characters to just be a little more straightforward. Not too much though; the turns are what make this series what it is. I just think it was a bit overdone in this one.