Review: The weakest link
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 05 15, 2014
I read the three of these books together, and this book is definitely the weakest link.  This book continues with all the writing faults of the first 2 books - extreme repetition, bad grammar, bad spelling, but what saved the first 2 books - lots of good action and a plot that has potential - missing.Syn has gone from a warrior to a whining victim who needs to be amused by all the men who surround her.  Ryder's character is softening - and it's OK because he is basically still true to who he was - but I struggle with what he finds interesting in her except for the sex.  And there is just one sex scene, repeated every other chapter with only minor variations, making it all very skippable.So if you skip the sex scenes, what happens in this book?  Not much of anything.  They find a relic and beat up some mages.  That's about it.  There are some interesting character reveals, but his book felt like more of a setup for a future book, than a value added addition to what could be a good series (if only there was someone editing it).There are also some plot inconsistencies.  * SPOILER* Danu is angry that Syn won't use her powers, but Ryder has put a collar around her neck to prevent her from using her magic (to keep her safe! - control freak).  Ristan eventually removes it so she can save herself, but the dialogue surrounding it makes it look like she got angry enough to use her magic, instead of the barrier preventing her from using it is removed.  Given that the magic issue was kind of a big deal to saving Faery, you'd have thought this would have been done better.I have read some of the other reviews that criticize Ryder's character.  You may not like him and what he does, but Syn seem to like him regardless of what others are labeling as abusive behavior.  Lots of women like men who treat them badly - she is just another in a long line of co-dependents.  He is very upfront about who he is and what wants - and she keeps volunteering to be stepped on, because she thinks he change him (stupid girl).  So, if you want a book where the hero has a heart of gold, this is not for you.  Don't blame the author - he is one of many well drawn characters.