Review: Soldier

Soldier by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Julie Kagawa is dangerously good at what she does, blending fantasy and sci-fi like few other writers whose name isn't Marissa Meyer. As the Talon Saga reaches its midpoint (third of five planned books), the frenzy of action and intrigue and international conspiracies builds up to new heights. More than ever, we see the evils of both sides in this war, with Talon selling out their kind to the Order of St. George as they, like so many other so-called "Christians," hide behind their religion and use it as an excuse to persecute those they consider "lesser." The Order, in particular, reeks of so much toxic masculinity that you can't help but loathe them all.

As for the ongoing story arcs with Ember, Dante, Riley, and Garret, these keep going in new and unexpected directions. I only wish that the book could have included more of Dante's POV, although his role in the story, while small, proves quite important. Without Dante, we wouldn't have a window into Talon. The Ember-Riley-Garret love triangle gets some twists to keep it interesting, too. Although the last of these, I was hit hard by, because as usual, that's my ship going down in flames there!

Small flaws aside, though, Soldier keeps Kagawa's latest, best, and most addictive series going with all the forward momentum it can muster and then some. I can't wait to continue the story next year with Legion!

View all my reviews