This one had less of a driving plot and more of a series of issues as Kaylin tried to go about a mostly-normal couple of days, but that's alright with me. This series, to me, is strongest when dealing with the relationships between characters, and this book gave us a chance to dig into some character relationships, as well as get to know some of the newer characters a bit better.I'm glad to see Kaylin standing up for herself a little more, having a little more confidence. I'm glad to see her aggressively tackling problems - running headlong into them because she knows she can make a difference. I dislike that she's still a lowly Private with the Hawks, although something the Arkon said resonates, there: it is in her interest to be underestimated/undervalued... and that he thinks it has given her great advantage. I think, too, that keeping her down a few pegs is how people keep thinking of her as "their" Kaylin - it keeps them from being scared of this tremendous power she wields.I'm okay with that, mostly, now that folks who know better are beginning to treat her as if she has some value. For example, the Arkon, who I've grown to really like.I liked the ending, I liked finally meeting this looming character, and I liked that he had more depth than Kaylin (and we) expected. And I'm interested to see where that goes.Sadly, I've gobbled up all the books (I just started with book 1 about 2 months ago), and now I've got to wait like everyone else. :( If only the author would attend to the romance of this series I would give this book 5 stars. This book was 100% romance free. Kaylin didn't have any time in the 3 days in which this book took place to deal with her past or make a choice which guy she wants to be with in her future or if she ever wants to be romantically involved at all. Readers have been waiting 10 books for her to make a choice. I don't think she will have time to get around to it if the series lasts 20 books. She saves the world every week or two. There is no time for the personal growth she needs before she can get involved in a romance.As for the cover it is lovely. Of course it has nothing to do with the story. The closest Kaylin comes to a dress in this story is hugging Tara. And the Chinese dragons while very exotic looking bear no resemblance to any dragon ever described in this series.All in all though this book was much better than the last two. And since she left us with a HUGE piece of unfinished business I will of course read the next one. In fact I keep thinking I need to get back to reading this one because it was left unresolved and I want completion. If only she could get some romance back into this series I would be content.
What do You think about Cast In Flame (2014)?
Loved it but do agree pacing left no room for even the reader to breathe.
—zack
