Willow -- Ronie Kendig
CW: Rape/attempted rape
This book really just took off from the beginning. From page one, you got a hint of danger and it really never let up. The things Willow and the others had to endure weren't easy by any stretch. Ronie Kendig did a good job of showing the horrors that the victims of human trafficking can endure, but also showed how hope can shine through even if you have to look harder to find it.
I liked that through everything, even when she was scared, Willow still managed to hold onto her fire. I liked that she thought of the others and was trying to keep them as safe as she could, even knowing there were going to be times she couldn't do anything. I liked how she took to Ife and wanted to protect him. Initially, it did seem like she was close to giving up but then things were revealed with Chiji and she got her hope back. Then she got them safely to land and at the end, she was going to be willing to do something she never thought, in order to protect Chiji this time. I did kind of waver on her frustration with God/when Chiji would ask her to pray. My own relationship with God/religion is complicated I'll admit but as much as I hate it, even I recognize that sometimes the answers aren't always what we want.
Chiji was great. I loved the way he was kind of a mentor to Tox, back in the Tox Files books and I did have to laugh at that conversation at the beginning. Kind of hope Tox and Haven are able to come and visit. Even though Chiji knew he wouldn't be able to stop everything, I did like the fact that he did what he could initially. Then it became too much, so he did what he had to to get Willow to safety. The whole thing with Chiasoka is interesting, and definitely has me the slightest bit worried. I hope Chiji is able to find her again and bring her back, but there's a small part of me that's worried that she's a little more willing than anyone is wanting to acknowledge. I also hope he's able to help Willow find Nkechi and the twins along with the others that were offloaded before they jumped off the boat
Like always, I loved the cameos! Not only with Tox, but there was a reference to Trinity/Breed Apart and then of course Canyon and Stone. Hopefully we get more cameos and maybe Leif/Iskra get to make an appearance?
Range was interesting, although I'll admit I wanted to smack him. I do want to know more about the reasons he's basically cut ties. He admitted himself that he wasn't planning on talking to any of his family again and coming from an interesting dynamic myself, there's baggage around statements like that. And then there was his call to Cord and let's just say I'm glad his book is next!
Of course Range's book being next means we have to wait a little longer to figure out what Brooke's up to. I really hope that it's not the fact that she somehow got involved in this ring that they're tracking and more like she's trying to go lone wolf (which is still stupid but at least that way Cord gets to save her; well, he's probably going to save her anyway but yeah)