Ren Puspita's Reviews > The Secret

4 stars

The conclusion for Ava and Malachi story and the end of the first arc of Irin Chronicles (I hope so). The Secret answer some questions from The Scribe and The Singer, like who is Ava exactly. The revelation kinda shocking, but I praised Hunter again for her unique take from overused theme, like nephilim, band of warriors, angel theme, etc etc. In this book, the characters not pure black and white, there's always shade of grey. The bad honchos of course is bad, but not all Irin enemies, The Grigori, are bad. Hunter show that even the enemy have their own reason to attack the Irin and how the Irin and Irina were wrong about the Grigori.

The Secret is more complex and compelling compared to the previous. The Scribe introduce reader to the Irin society and introduction to Ava and Malachi relationship. The Singer reveal the Irina society, and how Ava and Malachi try to rekindle their broken connection. The Secret come to full circle, with Ava and Malachi strengthen their bond and the Irin and Irina become one once more. Also, reader will finally understand why one of the antagonist, the fallen angel Jaron always protect Ava, despite that he is a fallen. It's quite sad, tbh. The truth behind Ava's past is also sad, which include her father and grandmother. But glad that in the end, some peace come to them.

I like how Hunter handle the ending. Not too rushed, not too sweet either. For some, the final battle between Irin-Irina and The Grigori might not epic, but in the otherside its result are devastating. Hunter did a good job to explain the result, how its impact Malachi and Ava in some ways. Anyway that's not mean that the story end. Some loose tie is still...loose.

I will always recommend Elizabeth Hunter work. I love her Elemental Mysteries series, and in The Irin Chronicles she once again prove that she is one of premium PNR/UF author out there. I wonder if she got picked by traditional publisher, her name will hear often. But, even just indie, she already being fabulous as she is. I can't wait to read what next in Irin world.