The Mythmaker's Notebook

Overall, this trilogy gets a 4.3/5 for me. For a more concise breakdown of my thoughts on the prose, characters, and any complaints, please keep reading.

The third book is a wild ride, and I’m still reeling from how well it ties everything together. I really loved the first book and dove right into the second, but that one was a step down. I took a little break and read a few other books, then came back and read this one. If you’re into epic fantasy that keeps you guessing until the literal last page, this one’s for you. Islington really sticks the landing.

The Shadow of What Was Lost is an excellent set-up. We get introduced to the characters, setting, and a few early predictions right off the bat. It also does not take long for the action to get started.

An Echo of Things to Come expanded on everything in the first book, but still felt like a step down for me. A lot of that might have had to do with the slow progression of Caeden’s character in this book. This one focuses a lot more on Davian, Asha and Wirr’s development leading up to the final book. Caeden is working on himself for most of this one.

The Light of All That Falls is a sharp return to form. Firstly, the way Islington weaves all the plot threads together is insane. There is time travel, prophecies, ancient magic, and a cast of characters who he puts through the ringer. Somehow, he finds a way to make it all click.

My kids were at the trampoline park when I finished this one and I was sitting there, jaw dropped, when the big reveal hit at the end. It’s one of those moments where you’re like, “Wait, WHAT?!” and then you start connecting the dots from book one. I love the feeling like I’ve been on this epic treasure hunt, and Islington just handed me the map at the finish line, showing you how everything was connected. Truly excellent.

Prose – Solid. It’s not super flowery or anything, but it is clean and sharp and does a good job of keeping you hooked.

Characters – Caeden and Davian are the two that get the most development, and it is not particularly close. Caeden’s story is full of memory wipes, redemption, and a whole lot of moral grayness. A complicated but truly unique character and the character arc is finished off in a very satisfying way. Davian is the heart of the story, growing from this unsure kid into someone you’d follow into battle. The rest of the crew is… fine. Their development is lacking compared to Davian and Caeden. I suppose they can’t all be fleshed out to the max, but Wirr and Asha were left unfinished in my opinion.

Criticism – Maybe the prose could’ve been a little more poetic, and some characters felt like strangers, but honestly, who cares when the payoff is this good?

I am looking forward to checking out The Will of the Many later this year, shortly before its sequel drops in November. I have no doubt that I will love it.