3.5 stars to The Maelstrrom. Judging from the other ratings for this book, I feel I am in the minority. So I will start by saying that I enjoyed this book. A lot. Mr. Neff has created a series that I've followed with eager interest and anticipation. I truly can't wait for the final book and see how he wraps everything up.So why the average rating? I will explain, but be warned I will give away major spoilers, so if you haven't read this book but are planning to do so, stop now. Also, this review kind of drones on about one thing I had a bee in my bonnet and I apologize in advance.There are a few threads in this book that didn't satisfy me and/or left me with a furrowed brow--literally. I also confess that it took me several weeks to finish this book. I did enjoy it, but at times I wondered why it stretched on and on n certain parts.Anyway, my first gripe is the romantic subplot. Anyone who has read my previous reviews will know that I'm a big romantic. I love romance novels and I also adore books that aren't specifically romance, but have a strong and positive romantic subplot.For myself, I've suspected that Max never really cared for his ex-girlfriend, Julie Teller, the same way she did about him. In life, this happens. And as in this book, the two went their separate ways. Julie's parents didn't want her dating a character that was always surrounded by danger. Max agreed, but in truth, he was thinking his ability to break off with Julie so easily had more to do with his heart being engaged elsewhere.To me, I wasn't surprised, although disappointed. I'm one of those readers that I latch on to certain characters and who they're paired up with romantically and hope that they'll be together to the end. In the case of Max and Julie, I saw the writing on the wall and knew this would not be a Harry Potter-Ginny Weezly kind of deal. However, as I mentioned, I was okay with this. What I had a hard time coming to terms with is that in this fourth book, Max finds that Scathach, the female who trained him in the other dimension, has come to Rowan to look out for him. Both of them verbally acknowledge feelings, and it is obvious that Max is thrilled by the turn of events.I want to say that when I concluded the book and mulled over the final pages, I realize that I like the turn of events. I'm more than all right with Max and Scathach and how Mr Neff made it so that she was able to join the Red Branch and be alongside Max. If I'm to understand what being in the Red Branch means, Red Branch members will live for a long, long time, and only pass on when they pass their Red Branch membership to another person. If I have this part wrong, I hope someone will correct me. But this is what I understood. So Scathach and Max both being members means that the two of them are equals. As a romantic couple it wouldn't be one member always running off into danger while the other, weaker half stays out of the fray and worries. Love it.I know this review is going on, so I'll get to my point and digress back to the Max-Julie thing. I was and still am unsettled at how Max and Julie parted. Julie comes to see Max and the two of them clear the air. However, to me, it seems that Julie still has lingering feelings for Max, but knows that her future is not with him. She has chosen Thomas, a steady man who cares deeply for her. She doesn't love him the way she should, but she'll take that over a rocky romance with Max. Putting aside the fact that Max doesn't feel the same way about Julie. I feel it's almost unfair that Max finds his love, but Julie is just...well, again, she's settling for ThomasI apologize for rambling in this review. I know some will roll their eyes and say, come on, this is how it works sometimes. As I mentioned, I'm a romantic. If I can't have the couple I originally wanted together, I'd at least hope that the two could separate as friends and go on to find their soulmates. I got one part of my wish, but not the other. And, if I may speculate, the war isn't over. Who knows if Max or Scathach will survive the final book? From the way that Mr. Neff isn't shy about making noteable characters die, I'm not counting on anything.Also, a small note. I'm puzzled by the sudden romantic coupling of David and Cynthia. To me this came out of the blue. I'm suspecting it may have been something added to turn the story back to romantic couples and thus, the Max and Scathach thing could be brought up and it not seem so odd. But to me, it seemed out of place. I'm not upset by it. I just feel it was kind of out-of-the-blue and kind of took me off guard. I'm sure Mr. Neff had his reasons for doing this. Again, I'm not unhappy by it. It was just the abruptness of it all.Now that I've said all that, the other parts of this book that I feel conflicted are thus: I will probably go back and read it again, but the explanation that David gives on how he figured out how to stop the imps destroying Rowan is murky. I'm still not quite clear on the explanation, and furthermore, how Mina, the young Child that Max brought to Rowan comes walking out and does what Max and David combined couldn't do--take down Prusias with hardly any effort and send him into a retreat.The other things is Elias Bram. He's released from the prison of Astaroth and livs at Rowan. He keeps to himself and makes no effort in helping defend Rowan when Prusias's army attacks. I'm sure things will be revealed in the final book, but to me, I'm only confused. This character contributed little to the plot. He was simply there. I mean no disrespect. I'm sure he's vital. But why have a powerful magic-user like Bram if he's not going to at least help the citizens of Rowan when it was on the brink of destruction? Almost 500 Rowan citizens perished, including some well-known characters.Overall, despite my rating, I really liked the book. I'm looking forward to the final one. No matter what the outcome, this is definitely a series to read. As noted about the other volumes in this work I hesitate about the YA fantasy shelf. It is considered YA, but I urge parents and guardians to read these first to be sure they are appropriate for the youth you have in mind.Well, things have come to a head in some ways. Rowan is a (supposedly) independent kingdom but now that push has comer to shove (I assume you have read the volume preceding this one) the demons who rule the rest of the world are somewhat...displeased. They have decided to enforce their will and give Rowan a list of demands that must be met otherwise they will invade and then things will get somewhat unpleasant.Strangely among their list of demands they don't demand Max. You see the most deadly group of assassins in the world have written Max's name in their "book". No one ever...ever gets away from these assassins.Things don't look good.Having already gone through one siege that defeated them can Rowen survive this...can Max?These are good, readable, well constructed books. There is a decidedly young feel to the story itself but there are elements that are very dark and painful. I find that the way the mythology of Ireland, the Celts and others is handled in a way here that doesn't "burn" me as some other's handling of them. This one "sort of" closes a part of the story but sets up what looks to be the extended climax of the saga. Sadly this is the last book in print...back to waiting for the next book to be published.sigh.
What do You think about The Maelstrom (2012)?
Enjoyed this as much as the second book, and more than the third! Now I can't wait for the 5th!
—lindseyross
I m dying to read the finale. one of the best series this I one is you can't afford to miss
—NickF227
Loved it! A wonderful and enthralling book.
—chelli1778
