SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY
Alexa and her friends are pursuing Grindall his ogres and on a rescue mission to save Yipes. Sometimes Alexa has Armon by her side, other times she is forced to go it alone. But along the way, she reunites with Pervis, her father, and Ander the bear. And now Alexa has a new ability, hearing the voice of Elyon himself. But she might not like everything she hears.
RETURNING CHARACTERS
Alexa goes through ups and downs. She is just as down-to-earth as in book two. More than once, she believes that she will die. Other times, she wonders what on earth she is doing, and if she can really do what Elyon says. But she acts anyway, showing a bravery and an acceptance in her fate. She doesn't go blissfully unaware, thinking that her belief in Elyon will protect her.
Armon is in the majority of the story, always Alexa's close friend and protector. He senses things that no one else does, most likely because of his ancestry and his closeness to Elyon.
Victor Grindall returns as our villain. He is rather stereotypical in some ways and I do wish he had made some more eloquent arguments about his opposition to Elyon. He seemed to recognize that he was evil, and enjoy it, instead of thinking of himself as a hero, rationalizing his selfish behavior, which would have been more convincing.
Warvold isn't in a large portion of the book but when he returns, Alexa is grateful for his reassuring presence.
PACING
The pacing in this book is just as good as book two. We start with swarming bats and a massive storm and everything takes off from there. Carmen often ends his chapters in cliff-hangers, very effectively. Although I didn't mention if before, he did the same thing in book two.
REVELATIONS-SPOILERS
Alexa is told something by Elyon that shocks and upsets her. Eventually, it turns out to be not what she thought, although it is still sad.
At the very end of the book, Alexa learns a very big secret. She handles it well, and places all of the pieces together. Her maturity is revealed in this scene. Although I do wish more hints had been given, I felt completely surprised.
FORESHADOWING
In the very beginning, Alexa and Armon see something that we don't get to see. Carmen keeps this a secret from the reader, and it's not revealed until the end. I don't think I have ever read a story like that.
Usually, it works like this: nearing the climax, the characters make a plan that we are not let in on. So while they act it out, it is a surprise and the reader is left to see it happen in real time. But this happens right after we are left in the dark, so we are not left to wonder for very long.
ALEXA & ELYON
Alexa and Elyon further develop their relationship, as she can now hear his voice. Instead of becoming best friends however, on almost all occasions, Alexa is left confused about what she hears, not knowing what will come of obeying. One time, she hears something that breaks her heart.
Carmen captures the relationship between the individual and the idea of a Judaeo/Christian God perfectly. Alexa has to keep believing there is a plan and purpose even when she doesn't understand at all. She has faith in what she doesn't know, something that is mocked in our modern age where knowledge is so abundant.
DEUS EX MACHINA?
I didn't mention it in the review, but in book 1, Alexa is about to be attacked by Sebastian when out from a hiding place, springs Darius, who Yipes has brought into the tunnels. Alexa may have gone after Sebastian, being a large part of the climax, but the resolution, had nothing to do with her. I hesitated to call that Deus ex Machina, because, after all, we already know of Darius and Yipes, and they know of the tunnels. But I would have preferred it if Alexa had managed to outsmart him herself, or her friends had merely worked with her, not come in and saved her.
As for this book, I mentioned that Armon and Alexa see something that the readers don't see in the beginning of the book. We don't get let in on the plan. So when we see it come to pass, at the end of the book, it feels weird. I almost didn't know how to feel. I didn't have the normal experience of expecting to be surprised. So when I was, it wasn't exactly pleasant. I felt kind of cheated. Like, oh, that was the plan. I kind of forgot we had a plan.
This cant really be called Deus ex Machina, but I don't know what to call it. Maybe just forgetfulness on the part of the reader.
EXPLICIT CONTENT-SPOILERS
Some ogres are killed. But nothing is explicitly described. A main character is killed, but we don't see it.
CONCLUSION
The story is fast paced, Alexa matures and grows as a character, and the story is still original. Although I have mixed feelings about the climax I would still recommend it, as it is essential to the series. I think the unique relationship between Alexa and Elyon is what makes the story. I give “The Tenth City” three and a half stars.
What do you think? Have you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any of my points? Or just have an insight? Please let me know, by commenting.
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