Red-Haired Ash Reads

After reading the previous book I couldn’t wait to start reading this book to see how Rig free the beasties and deals with traveling in the Waste. This book does have a little bit of overlap with The Rycke but it’s told from Rig’s POV and doesn’t last long. Rig’s story was another wonderful and fascinating addition to this series and introduces us to new monsters who I want to know more about now.

Like the previous books, I really enjoyed Rig’s character and determination to save the monsters trapped by Collector Mary. Rig may have started as a scared guy who hated being in the Waste’s but we quickly see him grow into a confident and determined man who will do anything to save Gloam and the other beasts trapped by Mary. I really loved Rig’s determination but also how sweet and compassionate he was. 

Gloam was a wonderful, protective, and extremely smart monster. I loved that while he is extremely strong, he is also so sweet and gentle. I love the fact that there is a monster out there who is all about preserving history and learning everything they can about the world. Rig and Gloam have an instant attraction and chemistry that was so sweet and wonderful to read. Their sweet story was just a great counterbalance to the tragic circumstances of Gloam’s imprisonment. 

Overall, this was another wonderful book for this series. I also really love how Mayne does small things to tie all these books together because it makes me even more interested in reading the rest of the series. I especially can’t wait to see what happens to the military since we are continuing to learn more about their evil deeds. 

Trigger Warnings: graphic gore and death, enslavement and maiming including the removal of free will and ability to speak; cannibalistic cult

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Previous books and reviews for the series:

#1. Soul Eater
#2. Edin
#3, The Rycke
#3.5 Wyn