This is the last book of the Amtrak Wars series. I'm much less comfortable with Steven's character in this book -- he's always been a bit mixed up, and I don't blame him for that given his background, but in this book he's actively disloyal to those he loves, which is something new. That made the first 50 or so pages of this book quite hard to read, because I find it hard to read books where I hate the main protagonist.

A lot of people complain about the ending of this book, especially as its the last Amtrak Wars book written, but doesn't resolve the main plot line. I didn't think it was that bad though, although perhaps that's because the coda didn't appear in earlier versions? The coda resolves a lot for me, and although the ending is sad, I thought it was fair.

I liked this book overall.

http://www.stillhq.com/book/Patrick_T... ( )

Steve Brickman is now having an incredibly difficult time keeping his various stories straight.

Clearwater has had a child, and Mr Snow and the McCalls have spoken
of a prophecy called Talisman. This is based around a child that is
supposed to be 'thrice gifted'.

A lot is revealed about the relationship between the Mutes and the
First Family, and the horrible things the First Family does to the
Amtrak Federation people, and the secrets they keep.

It will be a shock ending, to some.

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2006/12... ( )