C. J. Daley
Book 3 of the Malitu trilogy and I have been so happy to be part of this ARC team.
Let me borrow from my review of the first book two years later and say: WOW, that is how you write an ending! The climax is just so incredibly epic and beautiful and dark at the same time. Threads that were weaved throughout the entire story coming together to make a beautiful little sweater of gut-punching, heartbreaking action and tension. I am blown away. —two books and a prequel novella later and this couldn’t be more true. I suppose that together they make a full jumpsuit of gut-punching emotional damage. Dulin pulls threads from his debut all the way until the bittersweet end of this one. Character development three books in the making finally comes together, blossoming as each character becomes their fully realized selves. Kaylo grows from an angry, shadow of a man to the caring, loving protector of Tayen. Finally capable of putting aside his regrets, his fears, and his desire for retribution. Tayen goes from a fearful ball of anger, from a consequences-be-damned and no-matter-the-cost revenge seeker, to understanding patience and the need to see the bigger picture. And I absolutely love how much her story mirrors his past, and I can’t say enough on how well the author has crafted this father-figure and daughter duo.
And then to quote myself reviewing book 2: As I did with the first (and now second), I’d again liken this to The Last of Us. Tayen is bereaved of all those in her life, she’s jaded, and she wants revenge. So when she finally lets someone in, Kaylo, she has such a hard time accepting his mistakes. Much like older Ellie and Joel. That is where the similarities end of course, as Dulin has offered us a rich world with lore, magic, culture. —I would go even further and say that Tayen has a similar revelation as Ellie in the end of Part II in this. Revenge will not bring the relief she seeks, nor will it ever make her whole. That doesn’t mean that she can’t make a difference though, that she can’t fight for what’s right.
Also from 2: of course the darker enthocentlrism, war, colonialism, and racism. I love the deep message of the story, and I really appreciate that you can also just read and enjoy it as a fantasy, too. —I also think these are quite deftly handled. When using or borrowing (or perhaps more truthful to these: highlighting) other cultures and peoples, it can be super hard to tow that invisible fine line of appropriation. I think the author’s boosting of others, including the works of others telling own-voice stories, has lended itself to him telling a story that feels wholly authentic. This is a fantasy jam packed with historical implications. Some of the not-so-small nods are messages that each and every person could do with some self reflection on.
Now when it comes to book 3 on its own, there was an incredibly tall order for it to hold up to the others. So does it? In my opinion, yes, absolutely. There are some areas where the pacing slowed for me, but even then, I was as engaged in Kaylo’s story as Tayen was. Therefore, while it may have stuck out in the back of my mind, I didn’t actually find myself consciously noticing or being bothered. Plus I expected a big action finish I think, and in that way I was maybe appeased with waiting. I do really feel like the author was successful here. Three books of weaving threads is a lot of work, and to end a book that feels satisfying is a triumph. I don’t think I’ve read many others that juggle so many side characters in a way that makes them all feel necessary. Sadly, that makes each and every loss hit like a brick to the face.
I do think there is enough emotional damage done here that a court may order reparations. I reeled myself in from messaging the author after finishing but that’s the sign of a well done ending.
Book 3 of the Malitu trilogy and I have been so happy to be part of this ARC team.
Let me borrow from my review of the first book two years later and say: WOW, that is how you write an ending! The climax is just so incredibly epic and beautiful and dark at the same time. Threads that were weaved throughout the entire story coming together to make a beautiful little sweater of gut-punching, heartbreaking action and tension. I am blown away. —two books and a prequel novella later and this couldn’t be more true. I suppose that together they make a full jumpsuit of gut-punching emotional damage. Dulin pulls threads from his debut all the way until the bittersweet end of this one. Character development three books in the making finally comes together, blossoming as each character becomes their fully realized selves. Kaylo grows from an angry, shadow of a man to the caring, loving protector of Tayen. Finally capable of putting aside his regrets, his fears, and his desire for retribution. Tayen goes from a fearful ball of anger, from a consequences-be-damned and no-matter-the-cost revenge seeker, to understanding patience and the need to see the bigger picture. And I absolutely love how much her story mirrors his past, and I can’t say enough on how well the author has crafted this father-figure and daughter duo.
And then to quote myself reviewing book 2: As I did with the first (and now second), I’d again liken this to The Last of Us. Tayen is bereaved of all those in her life, she’s jaded, and she wants revenge. So when she finally lets someone in, Kaylo, she has such a hard time accepting his mistakes. Much like older Ellie and Joel. That is where the similarities end of course, as Dulin has offered us a rich world with lore, magic, culture. —I would go even further and say that Tayen has a similar revelation as Ellie in the end of Part II in this. Revenge will not bring the relief she seeks, nor will it ever make her whole. That doesn’t mean that she can’t make a difference though, that she can’t fight for what’s right.
Also from 2: of course the darker enthocentlrism, war, colonialism, and racism. I love the deep message of the story, and I really appreciate that you can also just read and enjoy it as a fantasy, too. —I also think these are quite deftly handled. When using or borrowing (or perhaps more truthful to these: highlighting) other cultures and peoples, it can be super hard to tow that invisible fine line of appropriation. I think the author’s boosting of others, including the works of others telling own-voice stories, has lended itself to him telling a story that feels wholly authentic. This is a fantasy jam packed with historical implications. Some of the not-so-small nods are messages that each and every person could do with some self reflection on.
Now when it comes to book 3 on its own, there was an incredibly tall order for it to hold up to the others. So does it? In my opinion, yes, absolutely. There are some areas where the pacing slowed for me, but even then, I was as engaged in Kaylo’s story as Tayen was. Therefore, while it may have stuck out in the back of my mind, I didn’t actually find myself consciously noticing or being bothered. Plus I expected a big action finish I think, and in that way I was maybe appeased with waiting. I do really feel like the author was successful here. Three books of weaving threads is a lot of work, and to end a book that feels satisfying is a triumph. I don’t think I’ve read many others that juggle so many side characters in a way that makes them all feel necessary. Sadly, that makes each and every loss hit like a brick to the face.
I do think there is enough emotional damage done here that a court may order reparations. I reeled myself in from messaging the author after finishing but that’s the sign of a well done ending.