I was good. I really was. I didn’t peek at any reviews or sneak a look at the last page or two. I really enjoyed the first two books of the series and I didn’t want to ruin this last one. I did see some comments on social media from people who had read the book before me, and all of them were pretty similar. Everyone I’ve seen who posted about A Conjuring of Light on Twitter, Goodreads, etc. said something along the lines of “This book turned me into an emotional wreck. I loved it!” My reaction: nice ending but nothing spectacular. This leads me to now ask: is there something wrong with me or did I miss something here?
I loved A Darker Shade of Magic (book 1) for its introduction to an interesting world and promising characters. I equally enjoyed A Gathering of Shadows (book 2) for its continued building of the world, some great new characters, and action. The thing is there’s plenty of great stuff here in book 3 too. I loved the teases about Kell’s background, backstories on Alucard and Holland (not to mention actual Holland as himself), more details about how magic works in this world, the brief introductions to Maxim and Emira’s perspectives, the trip on the Ghost to the market and back, and the satisfying though not necessarily happy endings for everyone were all great. There are some really good stuff with characters too, both old and new. Holland was definitely the star of the book for me, and best new character would have to be Maris. Hastra definitely wins for side character given a moment or two to shine, and Rhy wins honorable mention along with Jasta, who also has a pretty good few moments.
I wanted to love this book.
I actually had to put down A Conjuring of Light and walk away for a few days, not because of emotional intensity, but because I got bored about a third of the way through.
There was just too much running around in circles wringing hands trying to figure out what to do in face of insurmountable odds, also known as Osaron. I was also slightly irritated by Emira turning out to be a grown-up version of Elsa from Frozen. And the twist with Col and Cora seems pointless. I can’t see any real reason given for what they were involved in. I still don’t like Lila Bard, but then I didn’t like her character in book 1. She never changes, and when she’s supposed to be sympathetic and relatable, she’s not because she’s too arrogant and selfish with no real reason for it. Am I the only one who was bothered by these things?