SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY
When Wolf is taken by a group of strangers, it's up to Renn and Torak to track and rescue him. But this leads them to the far North, a land of frost and snow. A place they don't know how to survive in. And when they learn the truth about Wolf's kidnappers, Torak's recklessness could get them killed.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Torak is determined to save wolf and rushes off without telling anyone. He is still used to only relying on himself and trusting no one.
Renn does her best to support Torak even when she disagrees with him. She also searches for him to warn him of danger. And she later plays an even more important role.
Wolf spends the majority of the story separate from Torak and Renn. Through him we learn a little bit about his captors. Also he eventually helps Torak escape from danger, and Torak later has to rely on Wolf completely when he becomes disabled.
PACING
The pacing is just as good as it's been previously. Good chapter endings and going back and forth between Torak and Wolf's perspectives. Once even Renn. Also threats come from not just Wolf's kidnappers, but from another clan as well as animals and the weather. Not to mention Torak's first try at Spirit walking since he learned what he could do.
TORAK & RENN
They have many of the same issues regarding trust. Torak keeps the information of the kidnappers from Renn because he admits he thought she wouldn't help him. But it turns out that she already knew and was waiting to tell him. So both feared the others reaction. But Renn does take offense, saying she would have come even if she learned the truth from Torak.
And when a prophecy is revealed, Renn admits she dreamed it too. Torak is mad that once again she didn't trust him (although he is guilty of the same thing).
RENN'S ROLE
Renn does play an important role. She convinces Torak to trust the White Fox clan and they help them find where Wolf is being kept. She also faces her claustrophobia multiple times to rescue Torak when she discovers a secret. For someone who suffers from claustrophobia, I could empathize with her extreme anxiety.
FORESHADOWING-SPOILERS
When a man from the White Fox clan rescues them and takes them to his clan village it turns out he was sent to prevent them from doing a great evil. Turns out their mage dreamed of him attacking a hunter (which is forbidden, you can only attack prey). A wolf, with an axe. It's an interesting use of foreshadowing to see how this will come to pass.
Also, Torak learns his father saved the life of one of the Soul eaters.
TORAK'S DECEPTION
Torak ends up pretending to be someone else in his search for Wolf. In doing so, he learns more about his enemies but ends up putting his life on the line. Eventually things come to a head and all hell breaks loose (quite literally, actually).
RENN'S SECRET-SPOILERS
After Renn and Torak are on the run, she reveals that she stole an item of great value. Torak is furious she didn't tell him. They do argue a lot, until they realize that this item is manipulating them. Regardless, it reveals a pattern of both characters doing things without telling the other, sometimes keeping secrets for a long time.
SOUL EATERS PLANS-SPOILERS
It is revealed for the first time that the clans don't all do things the same. Because of this, the Soul Eaters believe the Wold Spirit is mad. That's why bad things happen. If they gain power, they can convince everyone to do things the same, the right way. Then the world will be peaceful and safe. I thought the motivation was plausible but none of the mages seemed to be doing this out of the kindness of their hearts.
RENN'S SACRIFICE-SPOILERS
Renn is separated from Torak, but realizes she alone has the power to end a horrible evil. But to do so she must sacrifice herself. She struggles with this but seems determined to do so. It's hard not to admire her, especially when it's clear she is afraid.
CLIMAX
Torak tries to stop Renn who wonders if he has a plan. There is great tension between these two and I was shouting along with Torak. Torak eventually uses his skill to defend himself. A debt is repaid, an evil sealed away and a life taken.
AFTERMATH
Torak acts slightly strange towards Renn. Fin-kedinn shows up and explains that the Soul eaters are right about one thing, the clans do have differences. But no one speaks for the World Spirit. He also reveals a truth about what the Soul Eaters power. There are hints about something that is troubling Torak and eventually the reader learns a huge secret he has. No doubt this will come out.
CONCLUSION
Paver creates a worthy story in her series. It's just as fast paced as the previous two with danger coming from all sides. Renn and Torak still struggle to trust each other but risk their own lives for one another. And we learn more about the world that Torak lives in, as well as the possible dangers. Crucial information is revealed in the end, setting up Torak's future path. I give “Soul Eater” four stars.
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