I purchased the whole series on sale. I thoroughly enjoyed the first 6 books. The MC was smart and competent and the story was intresting and entertaining. But I have not even finished this book. When there was still 4 hours left I could not stand to listen anymore and am struggling to finish this one. When I first saw the negative reviews for this book I thought I’d still give it a chance because I knew I really liked the story so far and maybe others didn’t like the direction the story went but I would. But this is so terrible. I never not finish a book but I can barely bring myself to continue this one. I do like the back and forth between past and present. I’m okay with the multiple perspectives and side characters. It brings a sense of scale to the conflict. I’m good with the bad guys winning as long as there is hope for the future.

What I cannot stand is the author making the characters be stupid on purpose.

If you really enjoy stories where the characters are stupid on purpose just to raise the suspense of the plot then you will be OK with this book. The Arthur in this book is not the same character as in the previous books. In this one, he is a completely different character. He’s dumb, immature (especially for someone who has lived 2 lives), incompetent and indecisive. He also purposely sacrifices others, even his own family, to go try and rescue the girl but he can’t even manage that.

What I also cannot stand is all the multiple betrayals. Way too many. The betrayal in the previous book worked and was enough. When everyone, even the MC, betrays everyone else, what’s the point of fighting a war. Just surrender and stop making everyone die needlessly. I’m going to try and at least finish this book, but I don’t see much hope.