I felt it was the weakest of the series and rated it accordingly.

I have enjoyed that each book expanded the scope a little more. We learned more about the world and saw hints of powers and beings beyond the current known borders, Lindon worked on his advancement to fulfill Suriel's vision and there were some creative battles. Yet this time it felt that an adversary or any external threat was lacking. Yes there were fights with higher ranked Lord characters and Lindon had to show creativity to survive but it didn't feel like there were any stakes involved.

I was reminded of a quote from Harry Potter that goes "progress for progress's sake must be discouraged" and while in Ghostwater Lindon was able to advance at an exponential rate because of his access to the Dream, Life and Spirit Wells. It felt that Lindon was able to use a cheat code to enhance his abilities and that was the story.

The book indicated that more privileged families have access to elixirs and can advance their family but for Lindon it felt too easy. This detour to Ghostwater was a shortcut through a pocket world where everyone levelled up and returned back to where they were before, no harm and no foul.

The other story we followed had Yerin and Mercy and their struggles felt like there was more at stake. They both faced challenges on their advancement and Yerin was forced to assess herself and her passenger and understand what her capabilities and hurdles truly are.

Perhaps that's why I felt the story was hollow is that outside of Lindon growing his skills we didn't learn anything more about him...and maybe there isn't much to share? Perhaps Lindon isn't as dynamic of a character I want him to be and it is starting to feel a bit tiresome. After five books I don't feel like there have been any struggles or dilemmas that define or adjust who he is as a character. He battles, he cycles, he advances and then repeats.

I will look at other reviews of this book and see what I missed, perhaps I am in the minority here or missed something but for a penultimate story it was a letdown. I won't turn back now, I will carry on with Cradle #6 and see how the series finishes.