The action and romance speeds up
This book had the daunting challenge of setting up all the action before the final Judgment. Does it succeed? Yes, with some caveats.
This book is action packed. The gang sets into action their plan from the previous book. The "gang" is as vivid as ever (Jim is a constant delight, and we have a hilarious situation with Gabby and Clay), which is always great. There are a lot of laughs, and tears, to be found in this book. Isabelle is a fierce addition, strong, powerful, and damaged.
Isabelle, the Joy of the Judgments, finds herself and her best (and only) friend since childhood, Ethan, find themselves with the other Judgments running from Urbats. Isabelle does not trust them, but she has no choice. Further compounding the mystery, Carlos does not project his emotions like other people do. He is a peaceful void for Isabelle, and it confuses her. She finds herself drawn to Carlos, even though she loves Ethan.
Ethan was a delightful addition. He was caring, strong, and funny. Compare him to Carlos, who is stoic and... well, stoic, and you can understand Isabelle's dilemma. She should love Ethan, but she can't risk it due to her abilities. She's drawn to Carlos, but doesn't know why. She also refuses any attachments in general, resigned to what she considers to be the inevitable ruination of whoever she is close to. This makes her transition into part of the Scooby Gang difficult. It's unfortunate, because I love how the gang relates, and Isabelle doesn't integrate herself very well.
Here is where my biggest problem with the book is. The Ethan/Isabelle/Carlos situation is painful. It adds what I consider to be unnecessary angst and complications to Isabelle and Carlos' relationship. Isabelle doesn't bother asking about werewolves, or what the bond means, or what her role is. She doesn't care. She wants to protect Ethan and that's it. This stubborn refusal to "buy in" to the werewolf culture makes her relationship with Carlos seem forced. It's a quick transition from "ignoring him because I don't care about anything but Ethan" to "I'll Claim you and fight the Urbats no matter what." It was a big leap in my opinion. I also didn't get Carlos and Isabelle. They seemed to lack the connection and understanding that the other pairs had. Even Clay, who didn't speak for months, really understood who Gabby was as a person, and cared for her. I didn't sense that deep emotional bond from Carlos.
I think I just have very high standards when it comes to Melissa Haag's books. She does a slow build-up to a relationship so well. As the series continues and the action accelerates, that slow burn romance in each Claim becomes unsustainable. Accelerated relationships are necessary for the story to move forward. So, I still give this book 5 stars despite my reservations. I understand the necessity of speeding up the romantic relationships. This book still held my attention and made me feel a spectrum of emotions. I can't wait for the next book.