Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Darla Yocom

Helm of Awe by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book three of this series starts off with Van hiding in a wooded area, taking cover while she determines her next move in the Jaychund Games.  As the Anchoress and a senior, she is the final contestant remaining in the games except for the unwanted guest, Suixsha.

As the author described the importance of the games, the cameras in the trees and the event being streamed for everyone to see, I truly felt a bit of a Hunger Game vibe.  Van over-analyzed the situation as usual and allowed her emotions to get the best of her.  So upon coming face to face with her opponent, Suixsha, she allowed her anger to control her and Suixsha took advantage.

Of course, book three could not be complete without sending Van off onto another mission, all while she tries to deal with her internalized feelings for the Balish prince, Ferox and seeing her BFF Paley, endlessly and shamelessly flirting with her ex, Brux.  Bloodline legacies, Elemental rules, a heavy hand of fate and Grigori warrior expectations are a lot for Van to shoulder on top of the fact that she remains a typical emotional and hormonal teenager.

I know fluffy little Wiglaf does not receive enough attention in this series, but can we all agree that having a cute little Wiglaf of your own would be incredible?

Van experiences visions or internal discussions with the spirit, Jacynthia, who ultimately behaves like a guiding light when it comes to dealing with her feelings or questions regarding the circumstances of her life.  She provides Van with honest and true guidance without telling her specifically what she should do, allowing Van to make her own decisions.

The author provided us with a great delivery of imagery, plot, and character building in this book.  I truly hope she continues to write books within this series because I’m enjoying the characters and the action thus far.  Each book of this series has been page turners and captivates you from the start.  I think this is my favorite book so far although I think that after reading each one.  They continue to get better and better, if that is possible.

I enjoyed this book and am bummed that I finished it.  Until book number 4?  Fingers crossed.

I give this book 5 of 5 stars!

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