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davinareads's reviews
839 reviews
The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? No
4.0
What if the unsung nobodies of Arthurian legend stepped into the spotlight? That’s the question The Bright Sword sets out to answer, delivering an adventure filled with daring quests, rich backstories, and a fresh take on a familiar world.
Right off the bat, I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity in this book. When I picture King Arthur’s time, it doesn’t exactly bring to mind a cast of characters as varied as this one. It was refreshing to see representation that felt thoughtful and purposeful, adding new dimensions to the story.
The structure of the narrative was another highlight for me. At its core, this is a straightforward adventure — one main storyline pulls you along, but the way the characters’ backstories are woven in keeps things lively and layered. It’s one of those books where you get to feel deeply connected to the cast, whether they’re center stage or playing a smaller role. Fans of King Arthur lore are in for a treat, as The Bright Sword pays homage to its roots while carving out a story all its own.
That said, the ending felt dragged out. It seemed unsure how to wrap things up, which made the conclusion feel drawn out. And while the multiple backstories were mostly a strength, a few felt unnecessary and didn’t really add to the overall experience.
Despite these minor things, this was a fast-paced, fun, and adventurous read that I’d recommend to anyone who loves tales of knights, quests, and discovering greatness in unexpected places. If you’re ready for a fresh take on Arthurian legend, The Bright Sword won’t disappoint.
Yellow Birds: A Novel by Karen Green, Karen Green
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Yellow Birds is a bohemian love story about self-discovery and found family, with a unique, almost dreamlike vibe. A groupie love story wasn’t exactly on my reading bingo card this year, but I found myself drawn in by the free-spirited world Karen Green created.
One of the things I loved about this book was the immersive setting. I’m not sure if "culture" is the right word, but the story has a distinct setting —a world that feels like an endless summer party for outcasts and misfits. The level of detail and vivid descriptions made me feel like I was right there, experiencing this scene with the characters. It’s a story about identity, belonging, and finding family in unexpected places. The ending tied everything together nicely and was a highlight of the book for me.
However, the character growth felt a bit off. Kait, the main character, does evolve, but it’s almost like her growth is pushed by outside forces rather than coming from within. It left me wishing for a bit more self-driven change instead of the constant need to be saved. I also found it hard to connect with Kait, especially when she seemed to hold herself above others and set a level for what she considered to be an authentic experience.
Overall, Yellow Birds was a fascinating read that felt like stepping into a different world. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories about found family, identity, and the messy side of self-discovery.
One of the things I loved about this book was the immersive setting. I’m not sure if "culture" is the right word, but the story has a distinct setting —a world that feels like an endless summer party for outcasts and misfits. The level of detail and vivid descriptions made me feel like I was right there, experiencing this scene with the characters. It’s a story about identity, belonging, and finding family in unexpected places. The ending tied everything together nicely and was a highlight of the book for me.
However, the character growth felt a bit off. Kait, the main character, does evolve, but it’s almost like her growth is pushed by outside forces rather than coming from within. It left me wishing for a bit more self-driven change instead of the constant need to be saved. I also found it hard to connect with Kait, especially when she seemed to hold herself above others and set a level for what she considered to be an authentic experience.
Overall, Yellow Birds was a fascinating read that felt like stepping into a different world. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories about found family, identity, and the messy side of self-discovery.
Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson
emotional
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Small Worlds is a beautifully written story about the joy of living in your own space, discovering your passions, love, and personal history. It captures the simple pleasure of just existing in your own "small world," and I absolutely loved it.
One of the standout elements for me was the masterful use of repetition. It wasn’t overdone—it was impactful and purposeful, showing just how effective repetition can be when used right. The writing itself is lyrical and flows with its own rhythm, almost like a spiritual experience, just as the book says.
Emotionally, it takes you through a range—happiness, sadness, and even anger. The characters were wonderfully drawn, and the plot, while simple, was executed with such depth and grace. It’s a book that doesn’t need flashy twists to make an impact; its strength is in how it makes you feel.
Overall, Small Worlds is a 5-star contemporary read for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a moving, beautifully crafted story.
One of the standout elements for me was the masterful use of repetition. It wasn’t overdone—it was impactful and purposeful, showing just how effective repetition can be when used right. The writing itself is lyrical and flows with its own rhythm, almost like a spiritual experience, just as the book says.
Emotionally, it takes you through a range—happiness, sadness, and even anger. The characters were wonderfully drawn, and the plot, while simple, was executed with such depth and grace. It’s a book that doesn’t need flashy twists to make an impact; its strength is in how it makes you feel.
Overall, Small Worlds is a 5-star contemporary read for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a moving, beautifully crafted story.
The Dark King Swallows the World by Robert G. Penner
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
The Dark King Swallows the World follows Nora, an American girl living in World War II-era Cornwall. After the tragic death of her younger half-brother in a car accident, Nora’s grief-stricken mother becomes involved with Olaf Winter, a mysterious man Nora believes is to blame for the accident. Determined to win back her mother’s love and undo the damage caused by Winter, Nora embarks on a fantastical journey into a world filled with faeries, giants, and the land of the dead, where she must confront the dark king himself. However, it takes quite some time for the main story to unfold.
While the premise is rich with potential, I found the execution didn’t fully deliver. For a story set during a global war, the characters seem surprisingly untouched by the chaos around them, and the plot could have easily occurred in a different time period. This lack of impact from the war left the setting feeling underdeveloped. Additionally, the writing style felt disjointed, with scenes reading like brief clips that didn’t always flow well together. I also struggled with the pacing, as much of the book felt long and repetitive, making it difficult to stay engaged at times.
Nora’s age was another element that didn’t quite work for me. Although she’s written as a 12-year-old, her dialogue and actions often felt far too mature, which created a disconnect in her character. Moreover, while the story hints at magical elements and adventure, these moments felt overshadowed by unnecessary information, leaving me wanting more from the fantasy elements the synopsis promised.
That said, there are bright spots. The last 100 pages finally bring the action and story to life, with the pace picking up and the plot feeling more cohesive. There are also glimmers of brilliance scattered throughout—small, imaginative ideas and scenes that I found truly captivating. I only wish the book had focused more on these elements.
Though The Dark King Swallows the World didn’t fully resonate with me, it’s still a unique story that may appeal to readers who enjoy a slow-burn narrative with character-driven tension. While it wasn’t for me, I’d encourage others to give it a try and see if it offers a different reading experience for them.
While the premise is rich with potential, I found the execution didn’t fully deliver. For a story set during a global war, the characters seem surprisingly untouched by the chaos around them, and the plot could have easily occurred in a different time period. This lack of impact from the war left the setting feeling underdeveloped. Additionally, the writing style felt disjointed, with scenes reading like brief clips that didn’t always flow well together. I also struggled with the pacing, as much of the book felt long and repetitive, making it difficult to stay engaged at times.
Nora’s age was another element that didn’t quite work for me. Although she’s written as a 12-year-old, her dialogue and actions often felt far too mature, which created a disconnect in her character. Moreover, while the story hints at magical elements and adventure, these moments felt overshadowed by unnecessary information, leaving me wanting more from the fantasy elements the synopsis promised.
That said, there are bright spots. The last 100 pages finally bring the action and story to life, with the pace picking up and the plot feeling more cohesive. There are also glimmers of brilliance scattered throughout—small, imaginative ideas and scenes that I found truly captivating. I only wish the book had focused more on these elements.
Though The Dark King Swallows the World didn’t fully resonate with me, it’s still a unique story that may appeal to readers who enjoy a slow-burn narrative with character-driven tension. While it wasn’t for me, I’d encourage others to give it a try and see if it offers a different reading experience for them.
You Know What You Did by K.T. Nguyen
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
You Know What You Did is a thriller that offers strong writing, but the plot falls on the milder side. While it didn't deliver the intensity I usually crave in a thriller, there were still plenty of reasons to keep turning the pages.
One thing I really appreciated was the dynamic between Annie and her mother. It felt real and layered, which added depth to the story. From fleeing Vietnam and starting with nothing in the US, her mother's actions made sense and the effect they had on Annie was captured effectively. Although the plot wasn't a heart-pounding rollercoaster, I devoured the book in less than a day—it was just that easy to read. And the unexpected moments of gore? They were so well done, I physically squirmed. That said, if you're sensitive to certain triggers, be prepared because some scenes definitely go there.
As for Annie, she’s the kind of character that takes a while to warm up to. I’m never a fan when the main character starts out so unlikable, but by the end, she grew on me. My biggest frustration, though, was how disconnected Annie’s daughter seemed from their cultural roots. I get that this was part of her character arc, but the way she came off so aggressively ungrateful made her hard to root for. It felt like her westernization was overplayed, which left me wanting more balance.
The pacing also could've been tighter. At times, I felt like the book dragged, especially with some repetitive sections that didn’t add much. A bit of trimming could have made the story leaner and sharper, without losing any of its impact. The jumping between timelines—past, present, and future—was interesting in theory, but in practice, it felt disorienting. I had to recalibrate more often than I wanted, which pulled me out of the flow.
In short, You Know What You Did may not have delivered the high-stakes thriller I was hoping for, but it's still a solid read if you're in the mood for something with well-developed relationships and some dark, squirm-inducing moments.
One thing I really appreciated was the dynamic between Annie and her mother. It felt real and layered, which added depth to the story. From fleeing Vietnam and starting with nothing in the US, her mother's actions made sense and the effect they had on Annie was captured effectively. Although the plot wasn't a heart-pounding rollercoaster, I devoured the book in less than a day—it was just that easy to read. And the unexpected moments of gore? They were so well done, I physically squirmed. That said, if you're sensitive to certain triggers, be prepared because some scenes definitely go there.
As for Annie, she’s the kind of character that takes a while to warm up to. I’m never a fan when the main character starts out so unlikable, but by the end, she grew on me. My biggest frustration, though, was how disconnected Annie’s daughter seemed from their cultural roots. I get that this was part of her character arc, but the way she came off so aggressively ungrateful made her hard to root for. It felt like her westernization was overplayed, which left me wanting more balance.
The pacing also could've been tighter. At times, I felt like the book dragged, especially with some repetitive sections that didn’t add much. A bit of trimming could have made the story leaner and sharper, without losing any of its impact. The jumping between timelines—past, present, and future—was interesting in theory, but in practice, it felt disorienting. I had to recalibrate more often than I wanted, which pulled me out of the flow.
In short, You Know What You Did may not have delivered the high-stakes thriller I was hoping for, but it's still a solid read if you're in the mood for something with well-developed relationships and some dark, squirm-inducing moments.
I Think We've Been Here Before by Suzy Krause
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I Think We've Been Here Before is the definition of bittersweet, gently breaking my heart in the most subtle way possible. From the very start, I was intrigued by the characters and their journey, even though the beginning felt a bit off. But by the time I reached the end, everything clicked into place, and I realized how intentional it all was. The build-up was worth it.
The characters were the highlight for me. They each felt like lost pieces of a puzzle, searching for their way back together. Watching their lives intertwine, seeing their struggles and growth, pulled me deeper into the story. There were so many moments that twisted my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
The ending was pure genius. I didn’t expect it at all, but it couldn’t have been more perfect. It was the kind of conclusion that just makes sense, the one that satisfies every question you had. It's something I can believe in. I found myself in awe of how well it was done, leaving me very satisfied in how it wrapped up.
This book is a gentle reminder to live fully, love deeply, and forgive quickly. It’s a slow-paced read, but one that holds so much meaning. If you’re looking for a heartfelt contemporary novel with a perfect ending, this is it. Suzy Krause has created something special, and I highly recommend it.
The characters were the highlight for me. They each felt like lost pieces of a puzzle, searching for their way back together. Watching their lives intertwine, seeing their struggles and growth, pulled me deeper into the story. There were so many moments that twisted my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
The ending was pure genius. I didn’t expect it at all, but it couldn’t have been more perfect. It was the kind of conclusion that just makes sense, the one that satisfies every question you had. It's something I can believe in. I found myself in awe of how well it was done, leaving me very satisfied in how it wrapped up.
This book is a gentle reminder to live fully, love deeply, and forgive quickly. It’s a slow-paced read, but one that holds so much meaning. If you’re looking for a heartfelt contemporary novel with a perfect ending, this is it. Suzy Krause has created something special, and I highly recommend it.
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I went into Blue Sisters really wanting to love it, and while there were moments that truly resonated with me, I ended up with some mixed feelings.
Let’s start with the positives—because when this book hit its stride, it really worked. The beginning drew me in right away. I found myself fully invested in the characters, curious to see where their stories would lead. Each of the sisters had their own distinct personalities and journeys, and by the end, I felt like they were right where they should be. The last few chapters made me my eyes water and I loved the epilogue—it wrapped everything up beautifully, leaving me feeling satisfied.
Character-wise, Bonnie Blue definitely was the hightlight. Her less confrontational personality made her to be my favorite among the sisters.
That said, the pacing was slow, and at times, the story felt bogged down by the sheer amount of sister and family drama. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good family dynamic, but this one had a lot of it. Maybe a bit too much, to the point where some scenes felt repetitive. It’s one of those books where I wanted to skip ahead at certain points just to see how it all resolved.
Overall, while I didn’t love Blue Sisters as much as I hoped, there were definitely moments that pulled me in emotionally, and the character development was solid. If you’re into slower-paced stories with lots of family drama, this one might be more up your alley!
Let’s start with the positives—because when this book hit its stride, it really worked. The beginning drew me in right away. I found myself fully invested in the characters, curious to see where their stories would lead. Each of the sisters had their own distinct personalities and journeys, and by the end, I felt like they were right where they should be. The last few chapters made me my eyes water and I loved the epilogue—it wrapped everything up beautifully, leaving me feeling satisfied.
Character-wise, Bonnie Blue definitely was the hightlight. Her less confrontational personality made her to be my favorite among the sisters.
That said, the pacing was slow, and at times, the story felt bogged down by the sheer amount of sister and family drama. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good family dynamic, but this one had a lot of it. Maybe a bit too much, to the point where some scenes felt repetitive. It’s one of those books where I wanted to skip ahead at certain points just to see how it all resolved.
Overall, while I didn’t love Blue Sisters as much as I hoped, there were definitely moments that pulled me in emotionally, and the character development was solid. If you’re into slower-paced stories with lots of family drama, this one might be more up your alley!
Looking After The Ashes by Kopi Soh
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
When I read the synopsis, I heard my mom. When I read the preface and the first pages, I knew this one is for me.
A little bit about myself because it fits with this book a little. My parents are from a small county called Brunei (you may be going where in the world is that and I'll just say it's very far away from Canada) so my parents grew up with Malaysian culture integrated into their lives. All of these random sounding superstitions were then passed on to me as they told me about their time growing up. So I was very surprised to see all of the old wives tales and taboos captured in this book because no one really talked about them. And what's even better, Kopi captured it all perfectly.
Looking After the Ashes is a funny read pierced with some supernatural events and a few sad moments as well. This was a culture rich book filled with uncommon superstitions and captivating stories about growing up in a Taoist influenced Peranakan family. Some of them I've been told before while others were fun to discover.
We learn about what happens when you point at the moon, the ghost people who play at the playgrounds at the night, and the evil spirits that want your soul. And were there many evil spirits trying to take souls.
I was surprised to see words like Angkong hoo appear and described. And while the old wives tale is the focus, I'm so glad that Kopi included as much as she can about growing up. The food - specifically the desserts of red tortoise cake and kau chan kuihmade are my absolute favorite things to eat - made my jaw drop at being mentioned. The traditions, from weddings to funerals were detailed and things I've experienced. It was just perfect.
While the pacing was excellent I did find some of the stories to end abruptly where I was looking for a more of a wrap up. I wanted more like the greedy monster I am 😂
Overall, if you want to dive into a Malaysian read pick this up. You'll find a world different from your own and I think you'll have fun reading it.
A little bit about myself because it fits with this book a little. My parents are from a small county called Brunei (you may be going where in the world is that and I'll just say it's very far away from Canada) so my parents grew up with Malaysian culture integrated into their lives. All of these random sounding superstitions were then passed on to me as they told me about their time growing up. So I was very surprised to see all of the old wives tales and taboos captured in this book because no one really talked about them. And what's even better, Kopi captured it all perfectly.
Looking After the Ashes is a funny read pierced with some supernatural events and a few sad moments as well. This was a culture rich book filled with uncommon superstitions and captivating stories about growing up in a Taoist influenced Peranakan family. Some of them I've been told before while others were fun to discover.
We learn about what happens when you point at the moon, the ghost people who play at the playgrounds at the night, and the evil spirits that want your soul. And were there many evil spirits trying to take souls.
I was surprised to see words like Angkong hoo appear and described. And while the old wives tale is the focus, I'm so glad that Kopi included as much as she can about growing up. The food - specifically the desserts of red tortoise cake and kau chan kuihmade are my absolute favorite things to eat - made my jaw drop at being mentioned. The traditions, from weddings to funerals were detailed and things I've experienced. It was just perfect.
While the pacing was excellent I did find some of the stories to end abruptly where I was looking for a more of a wrap up. I wanted more like the greedy monster I am 😂
Overall, if you want to dive into a Malaysian read pick this up. You'll find a world different from your own and I think you'll have fun reading it.
Secrets in the Water by Alice Fitzpatrick
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A cozy mystery with low stakes and a milder plot is what I need sometimes and Secrets in the Water was it. However, I wanted more story to it for it to be a great mystery read.
Right from the start, Alice captured this tight-knit town of Meredith Island with some lovely characters. It was a strong opening and got me in the mood for this mystery novel. The characters in this book is the highlight for me and I really liked their interactions with one another. The protectiveness the Islanders had for their own was beautiful and it felt like I was engulfed in family. I also really liked Kate and Siobhan's friendship. It felt very natural and I love how they contrast each other so well.
While I loved the characters and the atmosphere, the story is on the weaker side. There wasn’t much of it and I found the events and information to be repetitive. For the information discovered, it felt too loose and there wasn't a lot. I wasn't a fan on how things were tied together essentially. I think the storyline was just missing more depth to it and if that was improved this would have been a solid read.
One thing I did like about how the story was told is it reminded me of the old Cold Case TV show where it gives flashback to the younger days of the Islanders. With this, the descriptive nature given to Meredith Island and the atmosphere were excellent.
Overall, the characters in Secrets in the Water won me over but I wanted more story. I'd recommend this to anyone who's looking for a cozy and lighter read. I do think if you're looking into starting reading mystery, this would be a grear place to start as well.
Right from the start, Alice captured this tight-knit town of Meredith Island with some lovely characters. It was a strong opening and got me in the mood for this mystery novel. The characters in this book is the highlight for me and I really liked their interactions with one another. The protectiveness the Islanders had for their own was beautiful and it felt like I was engulfed in family. I also really liked Kate and Siobhan's friendship. It felt very natural and I love how they contrast each other so well.
While I loved the characters and the atmosphere, the story is on the weaker side. There wasn’t much of it and I found the events and information to be repetitive. For the information discovered, it felt too loose and there wasn't a lot. I wasn't a fan on how things were tied together essentially. I think the storyline was just missing more depth to it and if that was improved this would have been a solid read.
One thing I did like about how the story was told is it reminded me of the old Cold Case TV show where it gives flashback to the younger days of the Islanders. With this, the descriptive nature given to Meredith Island and the atmosphere were excellent.
Overall, the characters in Secrets in the Water won me over but I wanted more story. I'd recommend this to anyone who's looking for a cozy and lighter read. I do think if you're looking into starting reading mystery, this would be a grear place to start as well.
Morning Star by Pierce Brown
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
I went on a journey with this series and it wrapped up with this finale and it was perfect.
Morning Star took a 180 turn from Golden Son. I'm not talking about a ligbt defeat, I'm talking about total character destruction. I was stressing through the whole book and I panicked for at least half of it. This was an event to get through and I loved every second.
This series is a perfect example of a character and plot based story. There were strategies behind our characters actions, high stakes with high risks, and phenomenal character development. It's fascinating to me how Red Rising felt like a completely different story when it comes to the last two books in this trilogy. Red Rising was the intro - still a great read - but Golden Son and Morning Star is where the meat is at and ranks so much higher than Red Rising. This is a series that gets better and better. Well written, and well paced.
As for the characters themselves, this was where I was screaming. I loved them. They're all so well made that they felt real. The growth in them is stunning and mind blowing from where they started from in Red Rising to who they are now. Perfection.
I of course love Servo and his relationship with Darrow is one of my favorite things. They brought much needed humor to this dark read and I needed it to survive. We meet new characters as well and I really liked how they turned out. Our old friends made their appearances and some of them broke my heart (oh Roque and gently giant Ragnar). Victra and Mustang had their moments, especially Mustang. She killed it with her intelligence and I'd follow her anywhere. Did I feel intense dislike to our antagonists? Absolutely. But that just shows how well crafted they are. And we can't forget our main character Darrow. Without him, we wouldn't have had this story and his growth was one of the strongest out of all of them.
In the end, I got goosebumps as I read the last pages and felt a deep satisfaction with how it wrapped up. I know there are a few more books after this but as it is with how this trilogy is currently, I think it was an amazing adventure that will stick with me for a while.
Morning Star took a 180 turn from Golden Son. I'm not talking about a ligbt defeat, I'm talking about total character destruction. I was stressing through the whole book and I panicked for at least half of it. This was an event to get through and I loved every second.
This series is a perfect example of a character and plot based story. There were strategies behind our characters actions, high stakes with high risks, and phenomenal character development. It's fascinating to me how Red Rising felt like a completely different story when it comes to the last two books in this trilogy. Red Rising was the intro - still a great read - but Golden Son and Morning Star is where the meat is at and ranks so much higher than Red Rising. This is a series that gets better and better. Well written, and well paced.
As for the characters themselves, this was where I was screaming. I loved them. They're all so well made that they felt real. The growth in them is stunning and mind blowing from where they started from in Red Rising to who they are now. Perfection.
I of course love Servo and his relationship with Darrow is one of my favorite things. They brought much needed humor to this dark read and I needed it to survive. We meet new characters as well and I really liked how they turned out. Our old friends made their appearances and some of them broke my heart (oh Roque and gently giant Ragnar). Victra and Mustang had their moments, especially Mustang. She killed it with her intelligence and I'd follow her anywhere. Did I feel intense dislike to our antagonists? Absolutely. But that just shows how well crafted they are. And we can't forget our main character Darrow. Without him, we wouldn't have had this story and his growth was one of the strongest out of all of them.
In the end, I got goosebumps as I read the last pages and felt a deep satisfaction with how it wrapped up. I know there are a few more books after this but as it is with how this trilogy is currently, I think it was an amazing adventure that will stick with me for a while.