A review by andra_mihaela_s
Maelstrom (Book V of the Winter Fire Series) by Laurie Dubay

challenging emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

After finishing "Maelstrom" I really need the next book in the series! >..<

What can I say? This installment is damn near perfect when it comes to shocking revelations, memorable scenes, intense interactions, tension between our MCs, and last but not least, great action!

Although I will give it 5 stars, I noticed some oversights when in comes to the main antagonist of this book. Ferbauti has a lot of potential, especially due to his unique position as Loki's "father". It is mentioned that he loves Laufrey and I wanted more character development that used that info, and added some more. Right now, he feels like a dangerous foe that lacks something to be truly memorable. 
Maybe the author will take that into consideration for future books, as we get a schocked Ferbauti by the end when he finally understands why Loki is so powerful.

If I remember correctly, up until now, each book finished in a satisfying manner, so if you wanted to stop, it felt ok. Now, we get a strange interaction between Loki and Jenna at the end that, I feel, will explain Bren's anger and Ferbauti's reasons for trying to kill her.(After all, Loki is right. Trying to kill her will affect Ferbauti as well not only the others, so why do it????)

I loved the whole action, from beginning to end. Not only we got more backstory and explanations for something very important between our MCs, but also we got to see what I believe is trauma taking root into Jenna. (as a bonus factor, I'm even more convinced that Jenna belongs with the guy I choose for her :)))))) )
I really enjoyed how the author used previous plot points to her advantages in order to show us something new about our MCs! ^^

Sif has some serious explanations to give! Bet she already knows the end of Jenna's struggle. I wonder what her role actually is in all of this...hmm

I also noticed that Jenna sometimes had strange priorities, or missed information right under her nose...I think that is very plausible given her situation and her mental state, but that didn't make it less annoying. She was wrongly at odds with Loki for him doing what was right. I understand it was necessary to get her realising the gravity of their actions, but man it was difficult not to scream at her! :))) ^_^

P.S. Loki's comments regarding who was more dangrous to sleep next to WAS ON POINT! :)))

Overall, I consider this a great book in a wonderful series! I cannot wait to read more! ^^
I highly recommend this series to everyone wanting to see a normal girl entangled in Norse Mythology!

Enjoy

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