The Problem With Promises (Mystwalker, #3)

by Leigh Evans

[layawaydragon]

At the end of Mystwalker's first and second installments, I was cautiously optimistic about continuing. Because while entertaining, I found major flaws in each. Finally, The Problem with Promises builds upon everything that came before without letting me down. The main cause for celebration is Hedi's comeback!

My dark hero, forever flawed, has been resurrected and kicking ass. Not only does Heidi's spark return, she progresses wonderfully throughout. There's no more losing herself in Trowbridge. Heidi finds inner harmony, rather than falling victim to her magic and past. She makes some good snap decisions and even better plans. In lieu of waiting around for Balto, she goes to save his hairy ass. Seeing her stand firm fighting to protect all her "mines" was a thing of fucking beauty.

Further, it has the same refined feel as The Thing about Weres and continues world building. Including, surprising details about their Earth. We also progress towards finding and seeing The Big Bad behind all their earthly troubles.

The Problem with Promises continues from where The Thing about Weres stops. No stalling or moping time-outs required. It hits the ground running and doesn't stop, leaving our characters coming out of a barrel roll when it ends.

There's more surprises than before without any convenience or bullshit moments that I recall. I was so embroiled in their dramatic action. At 30% finished, it's surprising how much happened and remained.

The Saving Trowbridge plot line does wind up nicely settled so no cliffhangers. It's Merenwyn's continuing  story arc I can't wait to follow. I'm ecstatic for Mystwalker's fourth installment now.      
Rating: 4 stars; great, cut above the rest.

Recommendation: Wholeheartedly fucking worthwhile. Whether you just finished The Thing about Weres or are deciding on starting the series, I'd recommend trying it. There may be ramp up time before dazzling for the series, but I love Hedi's dark hero progression and the world building. Cordelia's also a top-notch best-friend and a great character. Trowbridge has grown on me though I'm not usually one for salivating over alpha wolves in general. So, if that's your bag, you could do worse than Bridge.