Book 18

Book 18 was The Phoenix Unchained by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory. It's a new series set in the same world as her Obsidian Trilogy. It's a basic fantasy world-elves, magic, etc..

I tend to find Mercedes Lackey books comforting. They are reliable for me-always decent at the very least, with relatable and likable characters, solid world building and uncomplicated plots. This one was no exception-the two main characters set out on a coming of age adventure and meet challenges along the way. 

The greatest strength of the story is the friendship between the two main characters (Tiercel and Harrier). The depiction of their relationship is great-they have little arguments and disagreements, get annoyed with each other. It feels like they are real, and their friendship certainly read as though it is. Other than that, they book is a bit lackluster-it's a set up book, and ended a bit too soon-at only 398 pages (hardcover), they didn't really get anywhere with the bulk of the story (it's a trilogy!). Another 100 pages or so would have been nice. 

The Phoenix Unchained

Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory

1/18/18