Might of the Divided City by Jeremy Gordon Grinnell accomplished a rare feat while I was reading it. I planned to review it, I planned to take notes on it, but suddenly, I was so wrapped up in the plot and characters, I was just reading it with the abandon of a youngster. This novel is that sort of a book.
Might is the third in the Relics of Errus series. I had reviewed both the earlier novels some time ago, recalling that I had enjoyed them, and marveling at their unique spin on the tired portal fantasy genre. Three girls discover a magic compass on Earth that opens a doorway to the world of Errus. Errus has all manner of fantasy creatures, a war between two nations, and mystical items that empowers the bearer with special abilities. Yes, you’ve heard all this before. But, this narrative introduces two sides in a never-ending war, both of which are heroic and villainous. The relics are attached to elementals, and those fantasy creatures? They are born from major weather events and consider the elemental gods their parents.
Now that’s interesting.
The first book was told from the point-of-view of the adventurous middle child, an odd choice. The second from a character that was born in Errus and crosses paths with the girls, an odder choice. Might of the Divided City is told from the oldest girl’s perspective. Eloise, or Eli, is the traditional heroine in that she’s smart and studies a lot, but at times, her mind gets away from her and she’s not sure what to say. She’s also not the bravest of the three; in fact, she may be the most fearful. She and her sisters plot an escape to Errus over their spring break while their father is traveling as their mother has long since died. They didn’t anticipate landing in one of the remotest parts of this world.
When Eli is separated from her sisters, it appears as if she’ll never see them again, and perhaps never get back home. Her adventure on her own has her character grow, advance the series, and give the reader all the action and adventure an author can pack into a middle grade book.
As with any series that is put aside for a period of time while awaiting the next book, it’s a challenge to remember certain characters and events that transpired. This novel was no different. I’m happy to report, though, that this novel, similar to the two books that preceded it, providing a self-contained adventure. So, though this ends with a major revelation, it doesn’t feel unfinished.
Might of the Divided City fits well into the Relics of Errus chronicles. Third books are the crux of any series. They either promise bigger or better events in the future, or they show a never-ending pattern that will eventually peter out. Might is the former type, and I’m excited to see where Grinnell will take us readers next.