(There are no major spoilers in this review).
A Summoning of Demons is the final book in the Chimera trilogy by Carol Berg, writing under the pen name, Cate Glass. (I gave Book One, An Illusion of Thieves, 5 stars and Book Two, A Conjuring of Assassins, 4 stars). I enjoyed every aspect of this book (the pacing, the plot, the author's slyly humorous writing style, and character relationships) except for the fact that it seems to bring the series to a premature conclusion.
The plot kicks off immediately into overdrive, with the Chimera team hired to investigate an unusual marriage contract. The author adds a layer of complexity to the "heist" feeling with the introduction of Donato and Livia, two wonderfully-written supporting characters that constantly force the Chimera team to reassess their biases and plans. The level of danger feels much higher than in previous books as the team's tactics don't always succeed this time around.
The world-building continues to impress, with the Italian Renaissance vibe of Cantagna so well-realized that it's almost an extra character in the story. There are also plenty of answers to lingering lore questions from previous books. This is why I was so greatly disappointed when I reached the final page -- the book's plot is self-contained and wrapped up neatly but I'm left with a huge investment in a world whose greater themes (the evil of sorcery, sorcery versus nature, and the truth behind religion and mythology) are left without enough closure to satisfy me. While there's a lot to be said for leaving the audience wanting more instead of running an idea into the ground, I was nowhere near ready for the story to conclude.
Still, I shouldn't review what ISN'T there -- Perhaps there are reasons outside of the author's control for stopping after three books or maybe her intent was always to conclude by emphasizing the intimate, close-knit bonds of the Chimera team over a grand good versus evil extravaganza. I loved reading this entire trilogy (and many other works by the author) and recommend it completely, even if I'm disappointed that Book Three is the End!
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The perfect finish to an extraordinary trilogy
I put off reading the last forty pages of this because I so badly didn't want it to end. I read the four books in the Divergent series in the meantime and then returned to this book. I had to reread the beginning so I could catch myself up, which was fine with me.Cate Glass is an amazing author and I LOVED the Chimera trilogy. The unfolding of the Chimera's work is more astounding book by book, and A Summoning of Demons provides a spectacular finish. If you like epic fantasy, strong leading female characters, magic in many and unexpected guides, obnoxious little brothers, diverse characters with enchanting complexities, majestic world-building and top-notch adventures, check out this trilogy. If you like ANY of those things, check out this trilogy. I will read and reread these books and enjoy getting lost in the world of Romy and her Chimera fellows again and again (and again). I LOVED this book and its preceding two. Cate Glass is an amazing author. Can't wait to see what's next.PS I don't remember where I originally bought this but apparently it wasn't here. Hopefully the pic provides adequate verification. Excuse the mascara bags, please.
