Captain's Fury

Executive Summary: While this one didn't live up to my memory of it, it's still a really fun read with a lot to like.

Audio book: At this point, I'm used to Kate Reading as a reader and can't imagine anyone else doing it.

Full Review
I originally maintained my 5 star rating after finishing my reread, but I think if I'm honest and rate it how I would if I were reading it for the first time, it would be a solid 4 star. This book starts and ends really well, but slows down in the middle some.

Like the first two books, some of the subplots just move too slow and left me wanting to get back to Tavi's story. In particular Amara's story really dragged for me here. I felt the tedium of her journey a little too much for my liking.

The start of this book mostly picks up right where Cursor's Fury leaves off (albeit a few years have passed) with Tavi and the First Aleran fighting the Canim.

Mr. Butcher does war well, and I think of all the antagonists of the series, the Canim are by far my favorite. They remind me a bit of Klingons. They really fit the proud warrior trope merged with wolfpack mentality to create a fun and interesting race.

The politics are ramped up in this one along with the stakes. Alera is at war on two fronts, and something has to give. The senator and his “bodyguards” remind me of everything I hate about politicians, so Mr. Butcher did a good job on that front I think.

The dialogue and the humor are great once again. Mr. Butcher always writes an excellent climax and this one is no different.

While there is still a lot yet to resolve, this one ends in a nice place that allowed me to take a short break and read another book.