I was really into this series but this book kinda killed it for me. Ilyan and Joclyn are just too mushy together, every other paragraph he was stroking her face or calming her with his magic. I understand that she is suffering from PTSD, but this book is really strong on the romance. I also wished the story would have been stretched out over a couple months, not a few days; it would have made the character development stronger. I don't think I'll read the last book. I love this whole series, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but was also frustrated by it. It felt so repetitive and didn't go anywhere. There was no plot development and forward movement - it felt kind of stagnant, like a stand still. I love what happens between Joclyn and Ilyan, and I know she was trying to show Joclyn "overcome," but it seemed like every time she gained some new strength, it was only dashed away again. Then she'd be strong only to fall apart again. And again and again. It just felt so repetitive. And as much as I love the intensity between Jocyn and Ilyan, it also felt repetitive. Every touch was amazing and thrilling and healing and igniting that eventually it didn't mean as much when she felt those things. Granted, I'm glad she included that, and I wouldn't want it to be otherwise. It's just that it felt repetitive. I think it's more that when she felt those things they were so strengthening in the moment, but then they wouldn't last when opposition came. What's the point of being strong only to be weak in the face of opposition? Yes, in the end with the battle she was strong, but every hindrance along the way seemed to push her back to the beginning, and that was a little frustrating. Of course, I might be feeling this way because I read the entire series in a matter of one week! Four books are going to sound a little repetitive that way, but this last one felt especially that way.That being said, I loved this book, love Ilyan, love their relationship, how he makes her stronger, how she's not afraid to depend on him (even though at times she does it a bit too selfishly), and I was glad to see her pouring her strength into him toward the end too. I love that they are very much equals, and their devotion is incredibly strong. I like that she didn't end the book with the "foreseen battle," that she left an opening for more to happen, for a greater defeat.I liked how things went with Ryland, that they fought, and that they are both battling to overcome their demons. I like that she gave him back his heart and wants him to be okay, that she didn't totally write him off, that she wants to get to the point where they can have a friendship. And I like the conversation they have at the end. Ironically, my favorite part, the most tender part of the whole book to me is at the very end when Ilyan falls asleep in her lap and she's "taking care of" him. I thought that was the strongest scene in the whole book. AND, I'm Sorry, but who on earth gets bonded and then they don't sleep together?!?!?!!!! Not that I want to read about it, but sooooo unrealistic! He's been waiting for her for 800 years - don't tell me the boy wouldn't have taken the first opportunity he got to be with her!!!! Most unrealistic part of the whole fantastical story!! And, like I said, I don't want to read the details, but I can't help but think that would have been such a strengthening thing between them. They were already so joined that it seemed natural that they should've joined in that way too. I have to admit, that was kind of a letdown.Overall, great book, great series! One I would highly recommend!
What do You think about Soul Of Flame (2000)?
I love this series! I can't wait to read the next book.
—nada
