Time for a book review! I recently finished reading Knight in Retrograde by Lee Hunt, the third, and final, book of the Dynamicist trilogy. The review will be my own thoughts and feelings on the book. If you are interested in reading other reviews or learning more about the book series then check out Lee Hunt's website.
My plan is to keep this review spoiler free so that all can enjoy this book series.
While continuing the story set out in Dynamicist and Herald, Knight in Retrograde (KIR) takes place 4 years after the events of the first two books. At first you are left wondering what happened in the time in between, but Lee does a good job of filling in the blanks through character flashbacks and introspection as the story of KIR progresses. Things have changed for the main characters, but at the same time many things have not.
This book is different in that each chapter has a different point of view character, rather than just following the thoughts and actions of Robert. It allows for a more in depth look at each character as the historic events unfold around the cast. Lee writes each character very well, each with their own motivations and flaws. The characters have developed each in their own way over the 4 years and each continue to develop through KIR making them feel real and relatable. I very much enjoyed getting to know them all better, and I especially resonated with Robert, Heylor, and Luciena (a new addition to the series).
At the same time, none of the characters are immune to death as is common in other fantasy series. This is the real world, and there are real consequences to actions that bring new highs and lows to the final book of the trilogy.
The story of KIR is the most ambitious yet, as the loose threads from the previous books are addressed, meanwhile the characters face their toughest threats yet, and in the end irreversibly change the world. Is it for better or worse?
The coming of age theme seen in the first book is very prevalent in the final book, along with the science and math that is the underlying basis of the magic of the world. Prepare to see dynamicist magic in all its glory as the cast use their abilities to their full potential.
Another prevalent theme that comes to a head in KIR is the idea of looking forward or looking back. Do you wish to return to the "good old days", an idealized past when everything was better? Or do you look forward to a new world, a better world, one you can help create? We see both sides of this thinking from the main cast, their mentors and teachers, and the protesters seen in each of the three books. The final climatic decision comes down to this theme that has been subtle, but ever present, throughout the series.
The world is changing, new ideas and inventions are becoming more commonplace and changing the lives of every person. But are the people ready for this? Change is inevitable, and this book dives into how we as a society adapt and cope with great and sudden changes, both good and bad.
Overall it is a wonderful final book to the trilogy with tells a complete story. It really is a story broken into three books rather than three books in a trilogy. A must read for anyone who loves fantasy, grimdark, interesting worlds, new magic systems, and/or science and physics.
Love and friendship, creation and invention, science and mathematics, life and death. It is time to make a decision, one that will change the world as you know it. What will you choose? What is the price you are willing to pay? What will the world look like in your future?
Thanks for reading!
Attentea Danaxam
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