Brian Carmichael

4 stars

Didn't love the train setting this go round but it doesn't take away from the humor and heart of the series. Will be continuing Carl and donuts journey soon

This book absolutely slapped. The world is greatly expanded from the first trilogy and the fantasy + horror combo is present throughout the book. Plus mermen that have armor clad shark companions I mean come on that’s awesome!

Takes place after the events of ashes of man. Solid overall. always interesting to get into someone else’s head other than Hadrian

3.5 stars
Quick change of pace in between bigger books. A classic style whodunit just took me a while to get into the story

3.5 stars

Very solid definitely going to continue

Things I liked:

- the setting, I haven’t read too many books set in a desert and it was refreshing

- the worldbuilding. This story is pretty contained but it was setup to be greatly expanded on in future books

- Rai’s Pov. I enjoyed his character the most especially his interactions with his shadow fax

- Dust is the bomb

- the cosmic horror vibe

My totally subjective critiques

- the flashback chapters that kick off around halfway through the book slowed the books pacing for me

- nya’s choices felt inconsistent at times

- the travel from point a to point b at the end felt way to convenient