I’ve listened to all the books in this series, plus the previous series that led into it, so I came into this one fully invested. The main character has always been capable and calculated, which is why the final book feels so off.

The biggest issue for me was how his wife and baby were handled. They were supposed to be safe in a bunker, yet they’re senselessly killed off-screen. It feels unearned and completely out of sync with how careful and prepared he’s been throughout the series.

What makes it worse is what follows – or rather, what doesn’t. He doesn’t go back to confirm what actually happened, there’s no real investigation, and no meaningful retribution against the marauders who took over his home and sold him off. That lack of follow-through is frustrating and leaves a major gap in the story.

I’m hoping if the series continues, it corrects course – have him go back, question what he’s been told, and finally deal with those responsible. Right now, it feels like a big piece of the story is missing.