The Pearl of the Soul of the World

As you can plainly see from the level of controversy present in the reviews for The Pearl of the Soul of the World, readers either loved the ending of this trilogy or hated it with every fiber of their being. For me, the ending was pretty close to perfect!

Without giving anything specific away, I think it’s important to remember that this story was never meant to be a love story, in any of the books. It’s always been about Aeriel, and the ending reflects that, as well as expanding on many of the themes present in the first two books. I think it’s a fitting end to the series, and a brave choice for Pierce to end it the way she did! This is definitely one of my favorite fantasy series of all time.

I've been hit by a wave of nostalgia lately which has triggered re-watches and re-reads all around. I initially read the series when I was in high school, late 90’s. I remember being so completely enthralled by Aerial and her struggles to save her loved ones and face down evil. I admired her courage and occasional bursts of vulnerability. Now, 20 years later, I can see where this trilogy has some flaws but my initial love still stands strong.

The plotline/setting still holds as unique now as back then. While holding some elements of your typical fantasy series (young person saving the world, unique creatures, some aspects of magic, etc.), the world and its history stand out. Set in some distant vision of the future, post colonization show more of the Moon, this vision of a dying world who’s creators have abandoned makes for a bleak and awe-inspiring setting for Aerial’s struggles.

The overarcing story also stands out. Elements like saving the world and fighting an evil witch may seem like they’re common place. Yet, it’s the small details that set this series apart. For most of the story, Aerial has allies, but they’re never with her for the full way. Most of the strength needed for this journey comes from her. Very unique creatures, minions of our villain, and atmosphere of the world give the trilogy a gothic, dark tone not often seen in young adult fantasy, either. This small detail makes Aerial’s struggle all the harsher as at times, she's facing her foes alone, unaided.

I loved Aerial as a character. Her courage knows no bounds, and her strength of will leaves me breathless. Ultimately, she doesn't let anything the White Witch throws at her stop her from saving her friends and world. Yet, she's also refreshingly vulnerable and lacks faith in herself at times. With so much responsibility placed on her shoulders, at times she feels lost and alone. This mix of strength and vulnerability make her a relevant character anyone can relate to.

I feel what really sets the series apart from the rest, though, is the ending. Without giving too much away (don't want to spoil anything for anyone), I will say that it's completely unexpected and so different than the usual, run-of-the-mill young adult fantasy trilogy. In a trilogy series written nowadays, it might not stand out as so different. However, the series was written between 1982 and 1990. For a trilogy from back then, it's a real departure.

While doing this re-read, though, I did notice myself having a hard time with time telling. The author uses an odd format of “fortnights” and “daymonths”. Nowhere in the book trilogy does it give any pointers on how these relate to normal methods of time telling. The reader’s left trying to suss things out for themselves given context.

As a young reader just flowing with the fantasy, this feature probably doesn't weigh that heavy against the book. Yet, as a mature reader, 20 years down the road, I found myself getting hung up on this. I kept trying to get a picture in my head of how the story was flowing and kept getting thrown out by the bizarre way of telling time. This may not be a problem with other readers, though, since it is such a small part of the book. Take that into account while we whether to read this trilogy or not.

Personally, I found this a pleasant revisitation of my early reading history. Aerial still stands as a wonderful character with hidden depths. The plot flows seamlessly in all its unique and vibrant glory. All my sweet and nostalgic youthful memories of this trilogy stand strong; even despite the issue with the time telling aspect, I would still recommend the series to readers today. People of all ages would find enjoyment out of Aerial’s tale of ultimate hope and arrival. show less

As I was expecting the ending of the story was sad and bittersweet.I wasn't surprised though because it was set-up in 'The Gathering of Gargoyles' that she couldn't be with Irrayalth.Even with the best of intentions people won't always give what you've given back to them.My favourite singer growing up was Sting so I learned that lesson early on. I listened to the wise old sage that possession is not a healthy way to love someone. I took those love songs to heart.Aeriel dealt with jeaously and the bitter truth [learned from that other old sage in my youth Fitzegerald] that sometimes when you've helped someone out or seen their worse they aren't comfortable in your presence. She couldn't force anything more lest she end up like the witch. show more Irrayalth squandered her precious gift because his capacity to love just wasn't as great as Aeriel's. She saw the bigger picture. Plus she had Erin. That friendship was the real love story in this series.They could have been but as in life ego and one's own opinion of themselves sometime get in the way. He was shown to be vain and self absorbed from the first book so I believed his truth love looked exactly like himself. The metaphor of returning his heart was poetic.My older sister would be furious they didn't get together if she read the series. show less

This is the final book in the Darkangel trilogy by Meredith Ann Pierce. It was written in much the same style of the previous two books. I found the ending very disappointing though and didn't think this book did a very good job wrapping up the series.

Aeriel has found all of the Guardians and is on her way to decipher the rest of the prophecy. Will her and her friends be able to defeat the water witch? In this book we finally meet the Ravenna and Aeriel finally faces the water witch.

This book was much like the previous two in tone. Pacing is again inconsistent with periods of action and then long periods of waiting. The writing is still beautiful and the premise continues to be very creative. The characters are only somewhat engaging show more and I didn't find any of them to be all that likable. You definitely need to read the first two books of this series to understand what is going on in this book.

I was very disappointing in the ending of this book. If you read the Publishers Weekly description on Amazon.com you will know what I mean. Aeriel is only briefly reunited with her husband before she has to go off to save the rest of the world. So, basically although the water witch is defeated, the book ends with the whole world still perched on the edge of destruction. Despite Aeriel's initial upset at having to leave her husband and her husband'sinitial comments about how sad he is; her husband has nothing to say about it in the last few pages of the book. It was like suddenly Irrylath fell out of the book and didn't have anymore say in the rest of the story.

Overall the writing style is much like previous books and it is a creative book. If you read the first two books you will have to read this one. I found the ending to be extremely unsatisfying and disappointing and not in keeping with the characters previous decisions. show less

was it the six-seven year gap between writing books 2 and 3 in this trilogy that made pierce lose her grip on what could've been an awesome story? maybe! damn, this book was disappointing.

The ending of the end of the trilogy, really tore at me. Sobbing angry tears 'an all that. Good book, solid end, but I still think it's wrong not to have happy endings...*sighs* It's called escapism people.

good series but not happy at all with the finale.