Into the Bright Unknown by Rae Carson

Into the Bright Unknown by Rae Carson  (Book 3)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was disappointing and unnecessary. The plot was thin. The storyline was boring. It’s also a bit preachy, which I wasn’t in the mood for. I don't mind when books have lessons or make a good point, but I hate that feeling like it is forced upon me...like the author is hitting me over the head with it. When that happens, it disrupts the story more than it helps or makes a point.

I gave this 3 stars, because I still love the characters and setting (and typically love everything Rae Carson). In reality, it’s more of a 2.5.

Unfortunately, this lacks intrigue, action, emotional resonance, and a satisfying conclusion. There's a happy ending. I just didn't enjoy it. In fact, by that point, I didn't even care anymore.

The longer you read, the more tedious and cliché the story becomes. The displays of power are lackluster. Most of those questions I’ve been carrying with me since book one remain unanswered, which is both disappointing and a missed opportunity. Any answers you do get are vague and along the lines of –-because it just is what it is, grasshopper.

I honestly can’t really understand why this book was necessary, other than it was part of the publishing contract. It definitely did not grow the series or contribute positively towards it. Almost everything I loved about the previous books was missing in this addition.

If you really like period pieces and/or happy endings, enough to overlook things like plot and character development, then you’ll probably still enjoy this. It just wasn’t enough for me. My overall impression of this story is – meh.

And I'm pretty sad about that.

Pages: 432

Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson

Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a pretty solid follow-up to book one, which I really loved. I enjoyed having more time with some of my favorite characters, and it wrapped up more thoroughly than a lot of 2nd books do, which I appreciate.

Rae Carson has a great voice in the YA world. She writes strong, interesting female characters, grows relationships slowly, and includes a lot of diverse characters and perspectives which provides a nice depth to her worlds. I will definitely read book 3.

Pages: 432

The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson

Summary: "And she [Elisa] will discover secrets about herself and her world that could change the course of history. She must rise up as champion—a champion to those who have hated her most. Riveting, surprising, and achingly romantic, Rae Carson has spun a bold and powerful conclusion to her extraordinary trilogy."

Whew! What a journey this trilogy has been! I love Elisa and her wits, determination and guile. Her strategic brain is incredibly fun to read; she is one smart girl! This series is a must-read! I loved it. Even though I was a little disappointed with some parts of the 3rd book that felt like filler. And the conclusion of Elisa's "act of service" was a bit of a let-down. BUT, the storytelling in this series has been outstanding overall!

433 pages

The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson

Summary: "Hero. Foreigner. Queen. Elisa, at the age of seventeen, is all three. And all three draw enemies. Faced with assassins, court politics, and the threat of civil war, Elisa despairs of being the ruler her people need. Her only hope is the Godstone. She must master its power once and for all."

The Crown of Embers is the fun and intriguing sequel to The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson. I love Elisa as she is a strong, smart and determined heroine. She never gives up and has a strong strategic mind. The action in this series is non-stop - it's great! 

410 pages

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

"A fearful sixteen-year-old princess discovers her heroic destiny after being married off to the king of a neighboring country in turmoil and pursued by enemies seething with dark magic."

Wow! This book is a gem! The story moved quickly - I can't believe how much happens in just the first book. It has ample adventure and intrigue. I love that the author doesn't get bogged down in inane details and world-building - she gets right to the good stuff! I can't wait to see what happens next...

423 pages

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you ever played Oregon Trail growing up, then you need to run right out and read this book. This fantasy novel has many other great qualities, including interesting characters, social commentary on the historical time period, a touch of magic in a protagonist who has the ability to sense gold, and a terrible villain who murders, steals, enslaves, and covets without even a hint of remorse.

Anyone who loved Oregon Trail will find things to love in this dangerous adventure West, away from evil and towards gold. The concept alone is a chocolate cupcake filled with sweet cream, and the rest of the story is the frosting.

Pages: 448

Girl of Fire and Thorns Trilogy by Rae Carson

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elisa is the divine bearer of the Godstone and owes an act of service to God, whether she wants to or not. There is only one bearer per century, and the job comes with responsibilities no other can understand, the probability of death at a very young age, unique friends (often more false than true), and enemies who want the stone for themselves, even if it means carving it right out of her belly.

As the 2nd princess, and at the age of only 16, she is wed to a foreign king in a strategic alliance. Her new husband, a widower with a 6-year-old son, has only to ensure her safety from those who would hurt the bearer, and in return, he gets additional troops from Elisa’s kingdom. Unfortunately, he is not so adept at keeping Elisa safe, and she is kidnapped by renegades who drag her deep into the dessert on a mission to attempt to save their war-ravaged country.

And that’s just the beginning!

I read book one, for the Truman committee, 5 years ago when it first came out, and I loved it then. However, I never got around to finishing the series, and so much time passed that I couldn’t really remember what happened, which is why I read it again now.

I loved this book just as much, or possibly more, than the first time through. This is an excellent start to a YA fantasy series, and I can’t wait to see what happens in book two.

Pages: 448


The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love it when the second book in a trilogy doesn’t falter, ups the stakes, and makes me fall even more in love with the world and characters, and that is exactly what this book does.

Pages: 432



The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the kind of YA fantasy series that grows better every time you turn the page, until you have reached the end and can’t believe you have to part with the world and characters.

This is such an interesting, enjoyable, creative, and well-written series that I’m going to pick up Walk the Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson next, as I can’t imagine her latest novel won’t also be fantastic.

Pages: 448


PS: There are 3 novellas that go with this trilogy. They all occur prior to book one, but in this instance, I think it is best if you read them after you finish the trilogy and already love the characters, since they provide some more back story for your favorites.

Fire and Thrones Novellas by Rae Carson

These three novellas are prequels to The Girl of Fire and Thrones trilogy. I read book one years ago and am planning to repeat it and finish the whole trilogy. These stories are not mandatory, by any means, but they're well-written and enjoyable.


The Shadow Cats by Rae Carson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting perspective on Elisa's older sister. Elisa is the main character in the trilogy.

Pages: 54



The Shattered Mountain by Rae Carson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This novella explains how Mara became part of the revolution. Reading through these novellas has made me excited to go back and reread book one and finish the trilogy.

Pages: 106



The King's Guard by Rae Carson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This novella is the story of a young Hector, who is another important character in the trilogy.

Pages: 111