Monstrum is third in the Fourth Talisman series by Kat Ross. Darius and Nazafareen continue to search for the elemental talismans, accompanied by Herodotus and several of the Maenads. Their travels lead them to Tjanjin, and beyond. Meanwhile, among the Marakai Selk fleet, a young girl with a penchant for getting in trouble become the focus of Nicodemus. The mysterious Vatra hunts the talismans as well, determined to free his kin trapped in the Kiln.
At Val Moraine, things go poorly for Victor. A parley with the other Valkirin clans ends in death, shattering any hope of truce. Several of his prisoners escape, landing themselves in the vicious Pythia’s clutches. Oops. Perhaps better planning? Culach is not among them, choosing to stay at the Maiden Keep. Confrontation comes to a head in Tjanjin, when thief-catcher Katsu sneaks Nazafareen and several others into the palace grounds, and pitting Nico’s flames against Nazafareen’s breaking magic. The consequences will shock of the all participants, leaving them to re-evaluate what they think they know. In Samarqand, Javid is working for Asabana, running shipments of spell dust to Prince Shakar. Javid’s own world gets shaken to its very core when he is chosen by Asabana to retrieve a new shipment of spell dust. Never could he have guessed the horrifying truth!
This books follows several PoVs, all handled with smooth ease. The story threads themselves criss-cross, with characters meeting, then going their own ways. Characters we know have their backstories and personalities expanded upon. New characters, like Meb, are fleshed out, without it seeming like an info dump. Even transitory characters, like Anuketmatma have depth. (I think and hope the Mother of Storms plays a large part in the next novel!)
I loved all of the storythreads. Javid and Nico are my favourite. Javid is a beloved character for me, and to have those chapters devoted to him alone was delightful. Getting to know Nicodemus left me really attached to him. I was truly terrified when Nazafareen got ahold of him! My fingers are crossed that Nico may evolve past what he’s been raised as. He seems to have a compassionate side buried deep down. I doubt it would happen, but I’d love to see him team up with Nazafareen and Darius, to rescue his brother and thwart the other Vatra’s plans. I still think the Pythia deserves a go in her brazen bull. The asshat…
Really, the whole thing with the Avas Vatra remind me of Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, where we learn that the planet Kirk left Khan on so many years previous turned from a lush, if somewhat dangerous, home to a desolate wasteland. And in all that time, no one checked on them!! This has always bothered me, and so it is with the Vatra. They were sealed away, and forgotten. No-one cared enough to see what really happened, it to consider any children born in the Kiln. A whole culture doesn’t deserve such punishment.
The rich cultures continued to be explored. This time, we get a glimpse of life on a Marakai ship, and are treated to the wonder of exploring Tjanjin. The Kiln is also discussed. The glass city of Pompeii sounds eerie and beautiful. The archaeologist in me would love to explore it, though the remains of the occupants would likely freak me out, just like our Pompeii!
I highly recommend this series! I’m so ready for the next one!
Read my other reviews for the Fourth Talisman series:
***Many thanks to XPresso Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
