Meddling Mages

Meddling Mages, the fourth book in The Last Lumenian series, shifts focus from Lilla to Glenna. We are off with Ragnald to seek help for Glenna who is fighting off the corruption. S.G.’s incredible pacing and perspective changes remain a core part of how the book is written. We also get introduced to new characters and get a more in depth look at the inner workings of the Mages and how they are looked at by others. Meddling Mages keeps the same quality of storytelling we have seen in the past books, and though it may focus on a different character we still are progressing the overall story. As always we will be doing this with and without spoilers.

WITHOUT SPOILERS

The first thing of note is the focus shift, Glenna was always a pretty well fleshed out character with her own details and voice. This book simply allows the audience to see her in a different setting. This allows for her own character growth as well as allowing us to see more of her backstory. Glenna has always been one of my favorite characters so getting to see her have her own moment was really great.

We also get to know a lot more about Ragnald. He is back on the planet and with the people that raised and trained him. We get to see him in the context of being somewhat of a traitor. He doesn’t quite fit in with the Mages but they are still a large part of who he is. The dynamic between civilians and Mages is also very interesting and S.G. does a great job of exploring that and showing the audience what the impact of that relationship is.

Our new characters all have their own backstories and every single one of them is compelling. Having a new set of antagonists was also very interesting, with Glenna’s corruption keeping us tied to the overall plot of the story.

WITH SPOILERS

We FINALLY get to pay off the slow burn romance between Glenna and Ragnald. I love them. I think S.G. wrote their tension and build up so well and getting to see them finally fall into that was AMAZING. It is easily my favorite romantic relationship in the series. Especially with the corruption manifesting itself as Nick, Glenna has to fight through her grief really hard just to accept love and affection from anyone. And then there's the added layer of her working through all of her past trauma to see Ragnald as more than just a Mage. Their love story is just so well written and probably one of my favorite parts of the series.

The stakes of this story are also a lot more personal. They have been so cosmic all series and this book feels so much more grounded and more connected then some of the other books. Simply because the stakes are really only about 1 person. Glenna’s life hangs in the balance and not the entire universe. That is what makes this story different and amazing.

I love the idea of being able to follow each member of the group on their own journey. The fifth book comes out in December and we are back with Lilla and the group. But the book after is going to focus on Arrov which I am super excited about. And I happen to know who the book after that is about as well but I don’t think I can share it yet, but get excited. I simply can not wait until December. It is going to be a very merry Christmas to me.