7th Time Loop

Last time for vol. 2, I said I couldn't get into it fully because it revolves around a key character's personal issue. This book is the same in the sense that it's heavily centered around a sub-character's background, but personally I like it a lot better. It's full of everything good about this series. Rishe continues to be clever, Arnold is slowly opening up yet remains a mystery, the sub-plot is closely linked to Rishe's personal goal, and her relationship with Arnold is developing too.

In vol. 3, Rishe goes to the Grand Basilica to annul her previous engagement. Yes, the one with her previous fiancé. She does have a reason for putting it off up until this point, but she can't proceed with her marriage to Arnold without dissolving it after all. The Grand Basilica is holding a festival and a young lady named Millia, who Rishe used to serve in one of her past lives, is filling in for the priestess, but some people might be after her life... and it has everything to do with her origins. While I thought it'd be similar to Michel's story in the previous book, delving into Millia's background not only reveals details about Arnold's past, but also offers a glimpse on the political landscape of Galkhein.

Since none of the royal guards are allowed to enter the Grand Basilica due to the festival, there's a much smaller cast featured in this book so it reads a lot like a closed circle mystery. There's never a dull moment, tension gradually builds up as Rishe gathers crucial information and reaches a gripping climax the moment she figures everything out. Due to how things play out, Rishe and Arnold become a lot closer too. While she still hasn't realized that she's falling in love, I absolutely love their dynamics. Both of them are frustrating each other out, for different reasons LOL. It's also hinted that Rishe is starting to pick up that she might've been wrong about Arnold, as there seems to be something about him that she missed in her past lives.

The way this series expands its world is just so amazing. There are two more books out as of now, so I can't wait to see where the story will take us to next.