Book Review--The Makilien Trilogy by Molly Evangiline

Have you ever used those Amazon "Look Inside" previews for books? Well, musing around, I decided to look at the one for Molly Evangeline's Trust, third and final book in the Makilien Trilogy. I had read the first book before and also enjoyed her novel, Resistance, written under a different author name. But alas--the preview left me off at a cliff-hanger (as is their way)! I couldn't just leave the poor hero off there! I had to find out the rest! So of course, I read the entire trilogy.

First off I will admit that while I enjoyed Truth, it was a little slow for me. But hey, it was one of the author's first books, and she certainly improves!

Courage brings the intensity to a new level with higher and more painful stakes and consequences. Characters are developed and deadly plots are revealed. And after a huge battle that spans over several chapters, we are left off on one of the best cliff-hangers I've encountered in a book. Rather then causing you to growl and throw the book against the wall, it makes you gasp in alarm/delight and dive for the next book.

Fortunately, I had the next book and could finally answer my questions from the Amazon preview. Trust is definitely the best of the three, bringing in an intense, mysterious style that was not present in the previous books, but serves this story splendidly. Along with the black and white/good and evil characters that were prevalent, we are introduced to new or revealed grey characters with deep, difficult conflict. I must say that after three books with these characters I was rather experiencing all their pain with them. And...Sirion...if you, like me, have a thing for noble, tortured heroes you'll love him. And if you, like me, enjoy the brooding, struggling anti-hero, you'll love Rylean. And Aeden is just cool.

Violence-- Battles are detailed as to combat, and while there no shortage of casualties, nothing is really gory or descriptive. Characters are often tortured throughout the books--beaten, burned, whipped--most notably in the last book, but description is handled with taste. Don't think I'm morbid, but it was super nice to see the author let the villain be as bad as they wanted. So often they'll fall short of their true nature because the author is merciful to their characters. Oh yes, there was discretion for the reader's stomach, but this author really let the villains have a go at the heroes! I only wish a little more attention had been paid to the reality of the victim's wounds. I understand that adrenaline can do amazing things, but sometimes the heroes could talk or move way too well for their injuries.

Sexual--Um...next to none? There is romance, but the characters are all extremely chaste, only gifting each other with an occasional embrace of encouragement and a kiss on the forehead. Which was very nice.

Langauge--None

Other--While this is a fantasy with an array of fantasy creatures, there is no magic.

This fantasy trilogy is an exciting, involving story of triumph over evil, faith in impossible situations, and all around good guys. The simplistic writing style serves the story well. I think the peak of my enjoyment might have been from tweens to early teens, but I enjoyed this nevertheless! If you're looking for a new adventure, definitely consider this one!