It was tolerable I suppose.

Despite the increased scope of the setting, I felt that the events themselves weren't as interesting as in previous books. I think this arises from how the story receives what seems to be such a dire conflict, but it's resolved so simply and quickly. It doesn't help that we spend about 1/2 to 3/4 of the books traveling, with little to no conflict involved.

Further, some of the larger and more interesting problems that were established in the previous book have been done away with. Because of this, one of the more interesting characters--one of my favorites--seems to have been shoved to the side. This is a disappointment for me because I was hoping for them to become a major, recurring character which seems unlikely now.

Other events have been developed and I can see the potential for the sequels, but their potential at this stage seems rather pedantic compared to the issues the characters have faced before now.
The main character has undergone some development of her own, and I'm rather satisfied with it, even if it's not something I can relate to well.

I believe I will pick up the next book in the series, but unless it can really spice things up compared to this one I'm doubtful I will continue after that. ( )

I didn't realize this was the third book in the series when I first picked up this book. In hindsight, I probably should read them in order but whatever.

To me, this book and the characters seemed so....shallow. Like there is no depth to the characters what so ever. So typical to YA novels, a teenage girl has these secret abilities/powers, there's the cute/handsome/mysterious/nice/brooding guys who like her, the tag along BFF, and tendency to get into all sorts of trouble. You have to know where all this is going right?

So anyways Dana throws tantrums in typical teenage fashion. But hey I don't blame her, since people seem to either want to kill her or kidnap her, I would be pissed off too. Even though she has to keep her abilities secret (like duh! it is a really dangerous ability), the least she could do is practice and hone in on it, so that if she ever needs to use it (which is often enough in this book), she could do it!

I don't quite understand the whole relationship with Ethan. To be honest, he doesn't seem that great of a guy. He's so insecure, total liar and acts like every other hormonal teenager out there (like people please keep this book PG!). So he and Dana are supposedly a couple? Ummmm the brief moments they have together, it doesn't seem like madly in love or I cannot live without you type of thing.

Getting the see faerie world and all the neat magical stuff was pretty cool. Plot wise....not so much. You had to have expected that things would turn out the way it did. Like gets invitation to meet with the Queen of Seelie Court (who may or may not want to kill you), gets into dangerous situations along the way, gets framed for something you as the only half magical being would be able to do, escape, and only to come rushing back with a rash plan in hopes that it would work before your loved ones are killed. Check , check and check. OK, what else is new?

Oh yes the whole sexy Erlking thing.... so from what I understand, they made an agreement. I'm not entirely sure, but it seems Dana is quite interested in the Erlking, way more than Ethan, even though she claims the kiss meant nothing. Right.... whatever you say! The Erlking is an interesting person, not quite an ally but not quite an enemy. Personally, I want to know more about him and his past and why he plays games the way he does.

The ending was very open ended. Nothing was quite resolved. Like we aren't quite sure if Dana and Ethan will have a happily ever after, or if Dana should have driven a better bargain for her loved ones especially that poor Elizabeth or if the Queen of Unseelie Court will come after Dana now that her special ability is widely known.

Overall, it was a quick read and fairly typical YA book filled with not much substance. ( )

I am not a huge fan of YA books, but really enjoyed this series. It is a quick read and the story is fast laced. Dana makes mistakes and learns some hard lessons. I thisk she is a very strong character. I am also a fan of the Erlking. ( )

3.5 stars

This book was great, and would have been 4.5 stars if the ending had been different... The trip into faerie was exciting, filled with scary creatures, Dana's doubt about who she could trust as well as some really great fighting scenes.

Dana was getting smarter in her dealings with the fae as well, so when she had to make some bargains, she really thought about what it would mean to her - for the rest of her life - before she agreed or disagreed to anything.

The final resolution was just too easy! Both what happened with the Erkling, and what happened after everything was over. It felt a little bit like a cop-out! Too bad, because I really, really enjoyed this series.

I am sure other people will simply be happy there was a happy ending, though, and I am too, however, I wish it hadn't been so 'easy' in the end. ( )

I am extremely disappointed that she didn't end up with Keane. Ethan is just an extreme asshole. Also, for this to be the end of the series, the ending left me a lot to desire. I did not care for this as a series finale at all. ( )