I think this is my favorite one yet! (The fact that I'm writing this review having stayed up until 4 in the morning to finish the book may be a hint.) It's pretty much FILLED WITH AWESOME. The Graveyard Hag is one of my favorite fictional gods now. Zombies and dice and rats!In this volume, Daine goes to Carthak and finally gets to confront their power-hungry Emperor, who caused the trouble she faced in the first two books. Along the way, of course, she makes friends with new animals and experiences strange new powers. Hijinks ensue. Alanna is there, being awesome in the background as usual.
I love Daine's darkness. I love that her animal nature means she can identify with all animals, from the cuddliest fruit-eating monkey to the most vicious, kin-murdering hyena. More of this please. I think this is what I was missing in the last book. The bloodrain was plenty dark, but Daine never had to face that darkness head-on, and it felt a bit too easy.
Zek is adorable. I googled pygmy marmosets and almost melted from the cute. And he's the cleverest monkey of all, too. He proves that despite the old joke, a monkey CAN open a door. Hee.
Also, FUCKING DINOSAURS. DINOSAUR SKELETONS COMING TO LIFE AND FUCKING SHIT UP. I CAN'T EVEN DEAL WITH HOW AWESOME THAT WAS. *FLAIL*
I can't believe there's only one book left. I WANT MOAR DAINE.
