A review by momwithareadingproblem
Burnt Devotion by Rebecca Ethington

5.0

Initial Reaction:



And



And



Oh Rebecca Ethington you've done it again!!!! You've thrown a wrench into my perfect story and happily ever after and I just can't deal with it!!!!


Burnt Devotion by Rebecca Ethington is the long awaited book five of the Imdalind series. Originally this addition was going to be a novella told from Thom and Wyn's POV but it is SO much more than that and it is AMAZING!!!! While our main characters Jocyln and Ilyan are present, but lacking perspective, we the readers take a trip in the minds of Wyn, Ryland, and Sain. Picking up the story during the battle from Soul of Flame, we get to see what happened to Wyn, Thom, Ryland, Sain, and Dramin as they tried to escape while Joclyn and Ilyan distracted the army waiting outside their doors. It's a great overlap and the story continues with their escape into Prague.

I love how Rebecca Ethington is able to write in so many different POV and I never feel lost! It was a nice change to Wyn, Ryland, and Sain from Joclyn. Each character has a unique voice and their personality shines through in the the writing.

Wyn is struggling. She has her memories back and now it's like she is two totally different people trying to share the same body. It was easy for me to empathize with her as her mood swings and temper flared. I felt for her as she struggled and rooted for her as she came back into her magic, which I must say is kicka--!

If Wyn is struggling, Ryland is drowning. His mind is in pieces because his father has taken so much from him. It is a constant fight for him as he struggles to keep his father's thoughts out of his mind and take control of his own body. He hurts physically and emotionally and it comes through in Ethington's writing. At times I cried for him because he is so different from the boy Joclyn fell in love with in Kiss of Fire. Yet at the same time, I couldn't help but think who is he really.

Then there is Sain....oh how I loathe thee!!!!! Sain is a character that I just don't quite have pinned down yet. He is manipulative and sneaky and I don't know how much we can trust him. He's terrible to Joclyn yet loves Dramin. It's all very confusing. Then I have to feel sorry for him because he lost his true love - Ovalia (gag me!!!) - and is basically only half the man he once was. But oh!!! I still despise him.

The plot of this book really revolves around the vision Jocyln had at the end of Soul of Flame where the Vily have attacked the people of Prague. The question becomes if they will make it to Prague in time and can they stop it. It's fast paced, heart pounding, can't stop reading as the action unfolds. I found myself holding my breath, gasping aloud, and yes even sobbing. So prepare yourselves!!!

Overall - if you haven't already guessed - I loved this book! It was not at all what I expected, it was SO much more! I love these characters, the plot, the HUGE EPIC TWIST in the entire series thus far and then of course the writing. Rebecca Ethington has a way with words that pulls you right into the midst of her stories. I cannot wait for Dawn of Ash the ending to Imdalind and at the same time I don't want this series to end! I will miss Ilyan and Joclyn and of course all the other characters. If you enjoy fantasy, romance, and young adult lit I highly suggest you read the series. It's a favorite of mine and not one to miss!