Den of Wolves

Book Title: Den of Wolves

Author: Juliet Marillier

Series: Blackthorn & Grim #3

Date Started: June 8th 2020

Date Completed: July 11th 2020

Genres: Fantasy, Historical, Mystery, Romance

Quality Rating: Three Stars

Enjoyment Rating: Four Star

Final Rating: Three Stars

Review:

This series might as well have been called 'something seems fishy' because these weird little mysteries literally follow Blackthorn and Grim around. But it doesn't matter how many dodgy lords or ladies they are, we love it.

Juliet Marillier always delivers an addictive story. Like I said when I first jumped into this series (about a month ago, ha), it was a lot more lighthearted and fun than what I expected to come across, regardless of the dark subjects it frequently touches upon. But that hasn't made it any less enjoyable for me. Den of Wolves was a fitting and satisfying end to the series, if a little tamer than I was hoping for in the final resolution. I also really appreciated that it had its own mystery and story once again as well as the overarching plot it drew to a finish.

The sleuthing ex-criminals and their meddling ways has always been fun, but this series is about the characters when it comes down to it. Each episode's cast have their own qualities and influences, but it was actually really lovely that the whole ensemble for the final chapter - and it's final resolution - included some recurring figures we've seen for a while like Conmael, Prince Oran etc. (though it would've been nice to have more of the girls like Emer and Flidais present for the finale too).

Blackthorn and Grim's ending itself just made me feel warm and content. Sure, I was expecting quite a lot of drama and frustration, but it didn't have to be angsty in the end and that speaks volumes really. Not to criticise YA protagonists unfairly, but it does make a difference having two adults in the romantic situation of a fantasy universe - there really are bigger things at stake than your angst. When things do tie up at the end, it's satisfying that it can be done gently, privately, which is just as big a gesture as the clichéd endings we've come to expect.

Juliet Marillier is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors, and the fact that she can deliver such a diverse variety of stories and characters is really exciting for me: what do her other books to have to offer? I won't be waiting long to find out.