Luke's Dream

3.5 stars — Welp, this both gave me what I wanted and didn’t. I loved that we got to see more of who Luke was, what he was thinking, and just flavours of his personality that felt like they were missing from (Un)wise. Basically, his sense of humour. He made me laugh so much with his eating struggles, and his natural rebellious tendencies. I really appreciated getting to see the parts where he contacted Joshua, and later the parts where he talked to Nana Wini in his head…it definitely illuminated some of what he was thinking and where things went wrong. It also really showcased how he wasn’t given enough information from Bethi to really understand what was going on and make the right decisions. So part of me really felt for him struggling in the dark, trying to do the right thing without really understanding the problem. And while we definitely got a better look at his hang up on her age, especially since he initially thought her much younger than she was, I still felt like that wasn’t enough to fully explain his stubbornness. I couldn’t help but wonder why he held tight to the age thing, if it had something to do with how he was raised. And while we got pieces of his childhood, that actually left me unsatisfied too…like we didn’t really get any flashbacks, didn’t really know what his childhood was like, what his parents were like. I know we’re supposed to believe that he doesn’t understand why she wants the Claim, or how it might change her abilities, but then that just makes me feel like he wasn’t even trying — because there were clues all the way along, and got stronger and stronger once they got to the Compound. It just made him seem oblivious and uncaring, and unable to put her needs above his. I mean, really, he couldn’t have held himself back after the Claim? That doesn’t speak very highly of him, does it? And in the end, what changed his mind?? I was hoping it was actually something more, and not just her lie that did it. But it was just that. *shakes head* Very disappointed in that. But saying all that, other than that part, I did feel his feelings for Bethi. I felt how much he cared for her, worried about her, wanted to help her, protect her, keep her safe. And I loved how much he wanted a Mate, someone to take care of, and how he planned for their future together. It was kind of adorable. So another mixed bag for me. The parts I loved I LOVED. But inevitably I was looking for something in this book that just never materialized…or at least not in a way that satisfied me. But there were some revelations that are making me even more excited to keep reading and figure out how it all fits!!

A great series. I read all 6 books. I had to remind myself they were books and not real life. Parts broke my heart and caused me to cry. The characters are unforgettable. I didn't want to see Jim sacrificed with Olivia but it would have been preferable to Thomas and Charlene.

Cliffhanger. I had not read the first two so was strugling to catch up. Story is intense and fast paced.