I've read books with numerous cliffhangers. I've always been eager to read the next book and taken some time to process the abrupt ending, but I've never been so stunned I wanted to grab the author and shake her by the shoulders while shouting, "What have you done?!" over and over again. Well Third Debt changed all of that. I can say this book has given me a serious book hangover. How can I go on after experiencing such trauma at the hands of a story?
The story picks up where the last book left off and it was such a huge twist I hadn't seen coming. I was worried about what a separation would do to both of them and it seems my worries were for good reason. I felt both Jethro and Nila's pains at being separated. I also understood how adrift Nila felt at being thrust back into her old life after so long and having the blinders taken off. The reality she was facing was much different from the one she'd left when she was taken in Milan.
Just when I thought I might have Jethro figured out, he turned the tables on everyone. I couldn't understand what his condition was that caused Cut to hate him. His behavior was also completely sketchy. You never knew if you were going to get the strong arrogant guy, or the sympathetic and understanding lover. It wasn't just Jethro who was a mystery, Kestrel, and Jasmine, two of his siblings were just as mysterious too. It wasn't just their knowledge of Jethro that made them interesting, but also what they wanted from Jethro and what had happened to them in the past, that I was eager to know.
Once again Pepper Winters has written a very masterful story. She manages to somehow further the story of the Hawks and Weavers while giving readers few answers and raising even more. I was completely gripped by this dark and twisted tale. I was so absorbed in what was happening, I didn't even realize I was weeping. It's amazing how painful and full of despair Nila and Jethro's journey to freedom is, yet still beautiful and hopeful. I know since I was blown away by the end, there are going to be some disgruntled readers, but somehow I think waiting for the next installment in August will be worth it.