These are by no means bad, but they're not as good as the first book in the series. The author never really earns the right to use the soapsuds trick as extensively as she does in these books; when it comes in at the end of the first book, it works on a temporary basis, but for it to be used this much, I'd expect some stronger limitations, or at least a better explanation, neither of which happen. More importantly, I was frustrated by the way Cimorene's character is dumbed down in the middle two books, apparently in order to give the newer characters a chance to shine. That said, book 4 is the second-best of the series, so it does end on an upswing.
Posted by Shmuel at February 2, 2003 1:14 AMThe same things frustrated me about these books -- Cimorene was so strong in the first book and then completely changed in the next two. Although I did like her in the second book; not so much in the third. I guess you could argue that in Book 2 it was to give Mendanbar a chance to be the main focus of the book. I loved Book 4; I think I want to be a fire-witch. If only I had red hair.
Posted by: Erin at March 12, 2003 11:10 AM