It is not often that I start off thinking a book series is just ok. Even less that I later feel the same series becomes a favorite of mine. Out of the first 3 books this one is by far the best one in the series. I found myself having to force myself to wait to continue listening. The mix of action and development was very good as in the last one. Instead of a focus on clan and settlement development, This book focuses on Oren developing a trade agreement with another settlement. Though it seems as if the cards are stacked against Oren with shady business men, city rules, and goblin racism in the Hobgoblin settlement. Oren strikes a devastating attempt at his old guild, and Vic finally gets the freedom for his people he has wanted all along… but is it for the best?
The ending to this book has a great hook for more story and I’m sure I am not alone when I say that as a fans of the series I can’t wait for the next book. However, I must say that the ending did something to the overall story in this book that may have cheapened what happened in the previous chapters in the book. Maybe it’s those chapters that made the ending less “this is the end”? Without spoilers, Oren works hard for a trade agreement through most of the book, Then through interludes we see the Mob Squad preparing for Oren to harass his old guild, then he does so, and then very suddenly the game world gets turned upside down. Each one of those parts felt sufficiently fleshed out but concludes in a hasty fashion. Still, I would recommend this book regardless.
Jeff Hays, Laurie Catherine Winkel and Annie Ellicott performance were amazing and even better than the last book. Each of their characters were well done. The digital enhancements and additions of background sounds really added to the immersion of the story. Looking forward to the next book!