The Wicked Within

"The Wicked Within" by Kelly Keaton is the third book in the Gods & Monsters series. It follows the story of Ari, a girl with supernatural powers as a descendant of Medusa, who discovers she's the key to ending a war between gods and monsters. Throughout the book, Ari navigates treacherous alliances, battles, and personal challenges as she embraces her destiny and confronts the darkness within herself. Alongside her friends and allies, Ari fights to save both the human and supernatural worlds from destruction. Review: 1. **Plot and Storytelling:** 3/5 I found the plot to be intriguing, although not quite as captivating as the previous two books. While it was enjoyable, it didn't stand out significantly. 2. **Characterization:** 4/5. Ari and those around her experienced significant growth throughout the book. We delved deeper into their backstories and witnessed some compelling changes that added depth to the story. 3. **Writing Style:** 4/5 Keaton's writing is solid, maintaining a good pace throughout. I particularly appreciated her skillful blend of descriptive passages and engaging storytelling, as well as the lively banter between characters. 4. **Originality:** 5/5 The novel presents a fresh take on god-centric narratives, situated within an alternate Earth setting with humans. It skillfully combines various elements to create a unique reading experience. 5. **Emotional Impact and Resolution:** 4/5 While the book didn't evoke strong emotions from me, it certainly had the potential to do so. I also felt that the series could have concluded with the fully fleshed-out resolution presented in this book. I'm curious to see where the next installment takes the story. Overall score: 4/5 I found “The Wicked Within” to be a generally enjoyable read, despite some minor criticisms. Therefore, I would recommend this book with some caveats. If you enjoy supernatural stories with unique twists, well-developed characters, and engaging writing, you would likely appreciate this novel. However, if you are looking for a completely groundbreaking plot or deeply emotional narrative, you might not find it as satisfying. Overall, it's a solid addition to the series and worth recommending to fans of the genre. If you enjoyed "The Wicked Within" by Kelly Keaton, I recommend diving into Cassandra Clare's "The Mortal Instruments" series, which follows Clary Fray's discovery of her role as a Shadowhunter, tasked with battling demons. I have not read it but I understand that Sabaa Tahir's "An Ember in the Ashes" series presents a narrative of oppression, rebellion, and magic in a fantasy world inspired by ancient Rome. Both of these series promise captivating storytelling, rich world-building, and unforgettable characters for fans of supernatural fantasy.