In book 4 of the Tairen Soul series, the world has become a much darker place. By the end of this book, though I very much want a happy ending, I'm not sure I'm going to see it. The forces of evil have aligned so completely that I don't know how the author will resolve this. Rain and Ellie are facing insurmountable odds now that fighting has finally started.
The battle scenes are well-written, immersing the reader. There are horrific scenes of torture and worse, though I'm happy to say the author was judicious in how graphic she made them, opting for more relating the results rather than details as it happens. Rain and Ellie have still not completed their true bond. Allies are not coming to the rescue and supposed friends turn traitor.
I'm anxious and I can't wait to see how this ends but I also want to read more slowly, not wanting to leave this wonderful world. Just one book to go... ( )

Listened to audio narrated by Emily Durante. Continuing their epic tale. The war has started, they learn of treachery and that the Eld have been planning this for far longer than they realized. Ellysetta can still be annoying, and childlike and Rain rages at the risks she continues to take with her life. I enjoy this series despite the immaturity of almost all of the characters, even though many are suppose to be leaders of their people. As with previous books the ending of the book isn't the ending of the story. This particular conclusion isn't very happy, leaving the reader not knowing how the characters will deal with all the dangers they are now facing.
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The war with the Eld is unavoidable, rain and Ellysetta must gather all the allies they can. She still carries hurt marks and tries to do as much good as she can while she can. The vision the oracle sent her haunts her every move. Rain is losing his grip on sanity, the bond is not completing and war brings the madness closer. They visit with the Elf King for a eye opening and disturbing premonition. Horrible truths are revealed, many lives will be lost. One pair of lovers has the ultimate ugliness thrust at them.
This was a very dark and pivotal book in the series. I found it sometimes hard to read, still a beautiful weaved tale, it dealt realistically with the darkness that had to be exposed. I loved the Elk kingdom, fantastic. ( )

This book was very different than the previous three books in this series. This book was a lot of traveling and the characters discovering new things and setting up for the final battle. This book started in motion many things I think will have major impact on the last book. Also, this book had almost zero naughty bits, which is off for a romance, but I think because there was so much to do and learn it didn't matter that much. Also, sex is probably the last thing you think when you are in a war.

I am still head over heels in love with these characters and am so happy I finally got to this book (the ones I haven't read) finally. I did not enjoy this book as much as the first three, the whole first 3/4ths of the book felt like it dragged for me, I found myself skimming quite often. The drama picks up in the last quarter and I found myself in the familiar dramatic reading position (rocking back and forth with the book as close to my face as I can get it).

The ending is major, I even teared up a little bit. I have come so far with these characters it hurts me when they get hurt. I can't wait to dive into the last story so I can truly find out what happens. I also recommend reading this series in order, they all start almost exactly on each others heels and have very little fill in. ( )

I do not love this author's attitude about women, and this series starts to get genuinely boring in this book--even if it does have characters that turn into giant flying cats. ( )