In my review of Book 1, I talked about one particular incident that was mentioned in a flashback because, well, it was pretty terrible. And that incident was pretty much what this book was about. Or rather, it was about the child affected in that incident wanting revenge. And I liked that, that instead of just being brushed aside as backstory, the incident was brought forward and that there were consequences for it. And also, because I already knew the story and felt for the child who became the villain in this book, I could understand where he was coming from; while I didn't agree with his actions, I did feel that he had been wronged.
Another thing I mentioned in my review of Book 1 was that I wasn't sure how I felt about James (the MC's---Dale's---partner), not as a character, but rather as a person. He came off as being not a good person, someone who could be cold and do terrible things without remorse, and that was brought up in this book too. I love when later books in series end up acknowledging things I had already been thinking in the previous books.
Then there was the fight between Dale and James. It was serious and intense, much more so than most fights between couples in books. And again, I could see both sides. I didn't agree with James's actions at all, but I also felt like maybe it wasn't right for Dale to have control over him.
I really felt for Dale though because he just had people angry at him on all sides---the villain taking revenge on him even though Dale wasn't even the one who killed his father, James blowing up at him over the spell thing, Coyote threatening him because of how Dale and James put Daphne in danger. I could *feel* everything spiraling down around him, pressing in on him. Things got quite dark. But the sadistic part of me that likes to suffer through characters loved it because it was the kind of feeling that really sucked me into the story.
But ah, something happier now, Lloyd was back! He's such a wonderful friend to Dale. I want a friend like Lloyd. Everyone should have a friend like Lloyd.
Last but not least was the Coyote-Daphne relationship. I'm glad their relationship is getting some attention in the series because they're so cute together, and they're likeable characters, and I do care about them and their relationship.
I still had a few little issues though, pretty much the same issues I've had in all the books: the head hopping/omniscience thing that happens on occasion and too much villain backstory. It's great that the villains do have motives and backstories, that they had lives before becoming a villain, but I feel like those sections don't always add to the story (e.g. how the villain met their significant other), and usually I just want to get back to Dale's POV already.
But even though I do sometimes get frustrated by certain things in these books, the characters are so well-written, and that's the most important thing. I'm invested in them. Even James, despite his actions. And I thought this book was even better than the others because of the struggles and intensity and unpredictability. I'm definitely interested in what might happen next!
Rating: 4 Stars
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight (link in profile)
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
![The Watcher's Son (Dale Bruyer Book 3) by [J.L. Aarne]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51eaGit-scL._SY346_.jpg)
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 19, 2018
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 18, 2016
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 27, 2017
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 27, 2017
