Given all of that, I'm not entirely sure how much I can really discuss the book - as you can tell from the image, there's no artwork for it yet and as far as I'm aware there's not even a release date (I think 2014?). So apologies if you're hoping this is coming your way any time soon!
Firstly, if you haven't read SURRENDER and JUSTICE, books 1 and 2 in The Ferryman and the Flame series, then I suggest you do so right now. You will need to read those to have any scooby doo what's going on, but believe me, they're both worth your time.
The most exciting part of VULTURE for me was the relationship between Krishani and Kaleil; it has never been so intense and heartbreaking, and is just exhausting to read. The lengths they both go to to save the other is painful and you see such an evolution of their characters in VULTURE; it's not only refreshing to see the main characters convincingly struggle in their relationship but you begin to understand why they make certain decisions and finally see both of them get a grasp of just how dangerous their situation is.
As always, Paille's writing is wonderful and within the first few pages I found myself back in The Lands of Men and once again immersed in the beautiful surroundings and characters that Paille has done such a wonderful job of creating in the first 2 books. She isn't your typical YA writer so if you're looking for sarcastic best friends and witty one liners, you're probably in the wrong place. However, if you're looking for Tolkien-esque fantasy, unconventional narratives, and an impeccable writing style, Paille's your girl.
The story line is exactly what I wanted it to be and, more importantly, I think it's exactly what it needed to be. SURRENDER and JUSTICE had a certain urgency to them that Krishani and Kaleil seemed to be misunderstanding but in VULTURE the weight of everything finally hits them and I'm going to be terribly cliched and say that the whole story is just one huge roller coaster of despair and devastation. It's event after event of obstacles and war; like the the first 2 books were the gradual build up and VULTURE is the crescendo. And the best part about it is that it's not even the final book in the series.
Everything about this book, particularly K&K's relationship takes a darker and more desperate tone compared to SURRENDER and JUSTICE and it's just fantastic to read. The ending is just devastating, completely unexpected, and for me, hands down the best part of the book in terms of how well it was written (not that the rest was bad). VULTURE is one of those books that you can read, thinking you've got it sussed, then BAM! the ending hits you and you're right back to square one with a giant WTF! expression plastered across your face.
VULTURE is nothing like the rest of The Ferryman and the Flame series in some ways, but couldn't be a better and more relevant installment in others. Expect more passion, more deceit, more war, and more nightmares, and don't be fooled into thinking this is a love story with a happy ending.
Adored it, my favourite in the series so far. 5 out of 5 for Paille and the flawless world she has created.
