The thing I cannot understand about this series is that I find it overly complex and not particularly satisfying, and yet, I cannot seem to put it down. Wierd. ( )

The series was okay, but didn't grab me like her Wolf series. I was hoping for more. ( )

Five odd honors is a fitting final instalment of the series. That is to say, it has competent heroes both male and female, old and young. The heroes have flaws, but are sympathetic. It has interesting magic and weird creatures.
I'm not sure I'm entirely a fan of the fact that large parts were written from the perspective of a new character, The Horse. He was ok, but I was personally more interested in Brenda, Pearl, and Riprap.
In a way, I think it is admirable that Jane Lindskold doesn't make this book end like a fairytale. Although things get resolved, other things don't, and part of the ending is not completely satisfactory, or even clear as to how it will turn out. That feels a little more like real life than a story. On the other hand, part of the ending disturbed me a bit. There is a considerable amount of hardship for some of the characters (which, incidentally, I didn't necessarily want to know about), especially some of the dead people. It seems to me that after all that, they are dismissed quite easily. They should have gotten at least something to show for it... Sure, a few characters mention that life is not fair, and I suppose that is true, but there were higher powers in play here. They could have made things a little more fair. I'm not saying that the dead should not have returned to death, but surely they could have gotten some compensation for all the trouble they went through?
Then there is the coming of age of Brenda, and her conflict with her father. Again, admirably realistic and un-fairytalelike. Still, I would have wished that Brenda had actually talked more to her dad instead of talking to others, doing what she feels is right without telling him, and then simply taking a stand when he wants her to go home. Already in college she is upset about his behaviour, and she never really confronts him. Even when she takes her stand, she never addresses all the issues, and that, I feel, is a shame.

Several other things are left not completely resolved, and although I can admire it, it also makes me feel a little unsettled. It's not that I want a happily ever after, but I wouldn't have minded just a little more closure. The one thing I don't mind not being resolved too clearly is the romance bit. It's been clear for three books that Brenda and Flying Claw are attracted to each other, but I'm fine with there not being a declaration of eternal devotion and undying love. ( )

I definitely need to read all the books in a row again, because although I was mostly able to pick up the plot threads & characters, I definitely felt like I was missing something. Great book, though, deeply engaging. Love the consistency and imaginativeness of her invented magic worlds & systems. ( )

The story of the Thirteen Orphans from the first novel comes together with the newcomers from the Land of Smoke and Sacrifice and everything that has gone wrong there. The new enemy does not hesitate to strike first. The group is shaken when Pearl is attacked.
In Brenda's heritage is also a link to tradition of magic. The troubles in the Lands of Smoke and Sacrifice threathen other worlds. Help comes from unexpected allies.

I really liked this part of the trilogy. The main character, Brenda, becomes a little more grown up. The multiple points of view keeps the reader on track with the story as group splits up and the suspense builds up to a satisfying climax. ( )