Stars: 4 out of 5.
Guyime and Seeker have come a long way since the Exacration, in endless pursuit of Seeker’s daughter. They traversed several continents and gathered other companions (and cursed swords) along the way. In this book, they finally learn the identity of the demon possessing the sword Seeker’s daughter is carrying, as well as the purpose of the Seven Cursed Swords.
I really enjoy this series. The books are pretty short – more novellas than novels, so they are quick to read and full of action and adventure. The author created a wonderfully awful world that each book explores a little bit deeper. This particular book is a pirate adventure, including sea monsters, a dreaded pirate captain, and a cursed treasure.
And we finally learn the purpose of the seven cursed blades, as well as how their bearers can finally break the curse and be free of them. I must admit that the prospects are grim.
I liked the whole sea adventure and the magical Spectral Isle, though I must admit that the author spent too little time on the isle itself. I would have loved to explore it more. But I will have to be content with the sea monsters and a pirate battle instead.
Speaking of the final battle, the dreaded pirate captain that had terrorized the Five Seas is a bit… underwhelming, to say the least. I mean, yes Seeker uses sorcery to defeat him, but even just as a character he was nothing to write home about. He is shown as a husk of a man, possessed by a cursed weapon (curiously, not one of the seven swords), who isn’t even capable of rational thought. I would say there was a whole lot of build up to this encounter, but the result is disappointing.
I am still looking forward to book 6. Will Guyime and his companions arrive at their destination on time to prevent the end of the world? Will Seeker be able to save her daughter’s soul? Or has she damned herself by picking up the Morningstar?
I would definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a quick read full of adventure and fast-moving action.
PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.