I adore this series. The world building, the best antagonist, it's both imaginative and immersive. The gang make their way back to The Enemy's City with the Queen of Shipwreck island in pursuit with an invasion planned. Her desire for power driving her army. But she faces the full ugly reality of war as the City's Inquisition want power just as much she does, Anna leads this story, which is a nice change as I loved this character in the first book. The City has been drained due to Seth parting the sea, so there are twisty streets lined with muscles and silt to explore. The Enemy is back, more outrageous, ambitious and cruel than ever before but, he is so compelling and charismatic, a joy to read. But there are lessons to be learned for those in power and fear is the best control of all. While Ellie has to tackle her own memories and emotions to survive as The Vessel, The City faces attack from The Queen, The Enemy and its own Inquisition while Anna tries to protect those she loves most. A great finale to this fantastic series. A must read. Struan Murray is the best Children's writer out there right now. Adults would enjoy this series too.

Action and twists all the way, yet driven by brilliantly crafted characters - this is a story that is, at heart, simply about reconciling both the darkest and brightest parts of human existence. Everyone. Read. This. Series.

I've loved the first two books of this trilogy and the finale was definitely not a disappointment! Picking up right where book two left off, Kate is marching with an army across a dry sea bed. Ellie is fleeing ahead of her to the Enemy's City, where she's hoping to prevent the war and finish off the evil god inside her for good. The storytelling mechanics of this work really well, as we switch character points of view, seeing events unfold from multiple angles, and a flashback is used brilliantly. Smaller flashbacks, through the use of Ellie's mum's diary, are absolutely fascinating too, showing us a very different time in the city and giving us a deeper perspective on some of the key players in the drama. There's a literal Deus ex machina in this, and it is utilised incredibly effectively. This is a story about gods battling for the future of the whole world, and watching their schemes, manipulations, and best efforts in another realm being mirrored in the main one are exciting and thrilling. But this is also a story about ordinary people, ordinary conflict, and that's even more fascinating. This is a story about how good people can be led down bad paths, through fear, through hate, through manipulation. It's a story about individuals going astray, but also about whole populations being lied to, whipped up into a fanatical mob capable of terrible atrocities, or led to war against complete strangers because they've been taught to fear them. This is such a vital, powerful message and it is delivered in a captivating and enthralling plot with deep, complex, and ultimately likeable characters.

Wowza!! What an ending!! Definitely went out with a bang. This is for a sure 1 of my all time favorite trilogies now. These have so much depth, & imagination. Superb world/story building continues with this one. The City & everything/everyone/everything happening there, what’s below the City, a certain realm & everything about THAT, & just every last detail are written with such vivid detailed descriptions, that you can clearly envision & that just flow perfectly. Then the characters are written so well, & you love the good ones, & love to read about the bad ones too. All so good! The Enemy is sooooo well done! I feel like he’s in my own head tormenting me..maybe because I have my own “voice” in there that sometimes talks to me the same way, like many of us do. Ellie is such an intriguing & fascinating character. We have been through so much with everyone in the book, but ESPECIALLY her. We also got to learn more about her mom, & get a bigger picture/backstory there, & I thoroughly enjoyed that-along with some other characters we get to see for the 1st time in this current situation. Seth is also just as fascinating & intriguing, & such a strong soul. Anna is the most incredible best friend anyone could ever hope for. Kate’s story in this one really hooked me, & I loved the direction that took. Molworth just may have my heart though lol. Everything we’ve learned over the course of the trilogy, but especially in this 1, about the Inquisition..is very thought provoking, & a great conversation. Don’t want to spoil, but I think what they do & why can apply to many people/companies in real life. The ending was absolutely perfect. So many twists & turns, I was kept guessing & on the edge of my seat. I had goosebumps by the end, & it wrapped up perfectly, & was a very satisfying ending that these characters I’ve grown very fond of truly deserved. I will miss them, but I’m eager to see what this author writes in the future. I’ll be impatiently waiting lol HIGHLY recommend. Another STUNNING cover & inside illustrations by the amazing Manuel Šumberac too.

It’s everything that I’d hoped as an ending and more. I’ve followed from book one and have been very lucky to get book 2 and now book 3 as a pre-release on NetGalley. I couldn’t wait to dive in and get started and it didn’t disappoint. The development of each character throughout the books is incredible, and how the characters interweave through the twists and turns to such a satisfying ending is nothing short of amazing. I’d recommend this book to a mature Year 6 child, as the plot and the sheer amount of characters can be complex to follow at times, but I think the book is primarily aimed at those in year 7 onwards. Either way, I certainly enjoyed it!