Convergence

The penultimate entry of author Joe Jackson’s Eve of Redemption series opens with one of the Silver Blades, Erik, in pain and physical bonds as a consequence for seeking Taesenus the Tilcimer deep in the demon king Arku’s realm, thinking that being far behind enemy lines doesn’t warrant a rescue. The main chapters once again feature protagonist Karian “Kari” Vanador and her family living at an orphanage, her and her late husband Grakin’s estate having incinerated, the culprit interrogated early on. Throughout the story, Kari occasionally has dreams of a third child in addition to her boy and girl, related to an incident in the prior installment.

Fortunately for Kari, she receives aid for reconstructing her home while her friends and in-law, among them her new love interest Kris, going to Mehr’Durillia to rescue Erik. In the meantime, one of Kari’s brothers-in-law, Typhonix or Ty for short, is gradually recovering from the lower-body paralysis he received a few books ago. Kari herself visits the estate of Albrecht Allerius, its family at the time in mourning for the family patriarch recently killed in battle, and continues her work at the Demonhunter Order’s campus reading texts such as the writings of Turik Jalar.

Meanwhile, Kris and the Silver Blades sneak through towns in Mehr’Durillia, occasionally engaging in combat with erestram, although unbeknown to them, their rescue target Erik is already in a sort of exodus from his captivity. More combat erupts in the city of Agivak, with the heroes knowing that many will flock to the cause Kari initiated in overthrowing the demon kings, Karian herself ultimately venturing into Mehr’Durillia to personally take care of the demonic overlords. The seventh story ends on a triumphant note, and with Kari somewhat moving on from her past relationship with Grakin.

Overall, the second-to-last installment of Jackson’s series is very much on par with its predecessors, which isn’t a bad thing as it features plenty of good anthropomorphic characters and well-detailed battle sequences, in addition to occasional twists. As with its precursors, however, one can easily forget the appearances of the racially-diverse dramatis personae, and there are occasional parts that somewhat clash with the franchise’s fantastical setting, such as the naming of an infirmary San Bernardo Memorial Hospital. Regardless, those who enjoyed the seventh book’s prequels will most likely enjoy Convergence, and those unfamiliar with the franchise would best start from the beginning.