Christina

First, let me say I love the LOTU series. Since Strider is my favorite Lord, I had high expectations. Unfortunately, I was severely disappointed. I was bored throughout most of the book.

The book starts off explaining how Kaia gets her nickname "Kaia the disappointment"(what a fitting nickname). Kaia and her sisters were invited to compete in the Harpy Games (basically last harpy standing). Kaia not only needs to win in order to shed her nickname but she also faces her greatest enemy from previous games.

As a whole, I like the harpies. I enjoyed Gwen's character and Taliyah seems interesting. However, Kaia was friggin annoying. When she was first introduced, I kept an open mind but in this book it all went downhill. Throughout the entire book all she did was whine and worry about what others thought of her. I can't stand whiners! OMG she needed to grow a backbone. All Kaia did was constantly self doubt herself......how do I look, does Strider want me, what will my sisters and mother think of me, did Strider like the kiss, nobody wants me, blah, blah, blah. I also couldn't stand the banter between Kaia and Bianka. I felt like I was back in high school. You get the drift, Kaia = annoying.

Next onto Strider. He was not the Strider I knew from the previous books. His character did a complete 180. He always had a humorous sarcastic wit about him but in this book it was totally gone. I was waiting for his usual sly remarks and his typical comebacks but they never came. I felt no passion from him. Strider deserves better.

The only redeeming qualities were Kane, William, and Paris. I found myself looking forward to them being mentioned. Although, Paris is starting to grate on me. His story line is getting dragged out for far too long.

One of the artifacts comes into play, which was an interesting twist to the storyline.

I will continue with the series even though Strider got the short end of the stick. Can't wait for William!