My Need to Read

From second read-through (July 19-21, 2011):Just as awesome and exciting as the first read through--though I'd forgotten many details, so it was kindof like a first time, anyway. ^_^ The pain upon finishing was much reduced, due to the fact that I already had Shadowfever on hand. And yes, I did pick it up as soon as I read the last work of this book. Heheh. A hearty five stars. Again. ^_^From first read-through (May 13-15, 2010):What can I say? I'm wrecked. Being anything further than a moment away from reading the next (and final) installment is a sad place to be. And since the last release is more than 6 months away as of this writing, you can color me all kinds of blue.But that's where the unfortunate things about this book end. It's an absolutely wild ride, picking up mere moments after the cliffhanger end of book four. We're able to enjoy a brief glimpse of the tale through the perspective of Dani, thirteen-year-old sidhe-seer extraordinaire. Once Mac picks up the storytelling reins, the book is intense and unrelenting. Romantic elements increase drastically from previous installments, and the violence is considerably more raw. One should expect previous questions to be answered, only to be replaced by crazier questions. ^_^This book definitely has the "second act" feel to it (think Empire Strikes Back), replete with the "aw, man....we're screwed" sense of despair. Basically, don't go looking for anything resembling a happy ending here. Of course, Ms. Moning herself has stated that series is about trials but ultimately triumph. So this book really should be viewed as the penultimate act of a "play." The darkness before the dawn, if you will.If you can stand to wait for the last one, you've got to pick up this excellent book asap. ^_^ Otherwise, wait for December to be wowed, when book 5 is released.