After their adventures with helping Raven in Volume 3, Adrienne, Bedelia, and Sparky go after Angoisse, who was imprisoned in a tower in the middle of a swamp. There's a fun side-adventure with some swamp gobins before they finally meet up with Adrienne's sister.

This was the darkest book of the four so far. This tackled a few more adult themes than previously, from political corruption in the goblin community to Angoisse's abusive relationship with her princely suitor.

And whoa, that relationship. A huge thumbs up to Whitely and company for accurately depicting an abusive relationship, and not just a physically abusive one. This raised every single red flag on what an emotionally abusive relationship looks like. Just, kudos.

I also liked seeing more with King Ashe and Prince Devin, who are such interesting characters. I hope that somewhere along the way we learn what made Ashe such a hardass.

Also! How the hell has no one figured out that the Queen is the Black Knight? HOW? It's so obvious. ( )

This volume tells an amazing story about overcoming abusive relationships. As we know from the story so far, Angoisse was manipulated by one of the knights her father sent after the dragon. It was great to watch her grow and make some important decisions.

Also, we see some adventures back in the main castle. The only brother gets his time to shine! This soft boy is an amazing subversion of toxic masculinity and he has a lot of potential. ( )

Prince Devin Ashe sets off on a quest with his unwanted and unwilling traveling companion. Meanwhile Princess Adrienne and Bedelia tromp through Grimmorium Swamp in their quest to rescue Adrienne’s sister Angoisse. The swamp presents considerable challenges to confront: killer squirrels, zombies, the dreaded swamp monster Grimmorax, and they need to avoid being eaten by goblins. Eventually they make their way to the castle. But to their surprise Angoisse gives them a warm welcome, and says she’s already been rescued by her new boyfriend Raphael. Bedelia thinks tall, dark and handsome Raphael is pretty hot, with all his sweet talk, but Adrienne finds him creepy. ( )

I feel that the series is really starting to hit its stride here -- as well as all the details that I suspect kids appreciate, it is starting to really work at the over-arching plot level. Many many details are becoming obvious. I'm not sure I like the way the story line for the young prince is going, but I have hopes that it will turn out to be more interestingly done than the early stages.

Also, the hints about the Black Knight are starting to become more frequent. I have a strong suspicion, mostly because these hints are not at all subtle. And there are starting to be some interesting hints dropped about Bedelia as well.

I liked the way that some of the vampire tropes played out here, in particular thrall, and what it says about each of the characters. ( )

Dear Action Lab:

If you do a reprint on this, please correct the spelling of Kelly Sue DeConnick's name on her blurb. Unless the blurb is actually from someone named "Kelly Sue Decconick" and you just want people to think it's from the other Kelly Sue, in which case it's kind of a crappy Marketing move.

Thanks.
Me

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