Although I can totally see that this might not be for everyone, I thought this was beautiful. The story is not fast, the events are not earth shattering, they don't even always seem to make sense or to be connected. But the writing is slightly poetic and maybe not dreamlike, but instead sort of trance-inducing, creating a flow of words that I was very content to float along with. Somehow this was a book I was happy to just be in, rather than wanting to move through it to the end.

The ending was not what I had expected, less clear, less resolved. I understand this will be addressed in Gabriel's road, but quite frankly, even if that were not the case, I do believe that the ending fits the book. ( )

Totally glad to be back in the world, and the vast majority of the book was strong and fascinating. Unfortunately, the ending was... confusing? A bit of a fizzle? Just not really there? I read it a couple of times trying to figure out what exactly happens that sorts the long-building situation out and I got: a magician. And also if you aren't part of the bargain that keeps the territory alive, the territory will cease to be alive and this is what that will look like, ok? And it just didn't come together for me. Anyway, I hope that adventures continue in this world, because it's a heck of a world. ( )

This is a review of the trilogy as a whole. It is an interesting alternate history/magical historical realism type tale that almost but doesn't completely deliver on its promises. But it delivers on enough of them that it is still well worth the read. ( )

Isobel and her mentor Gabriel have been on the road for nearly a year. They have met all sorts of challenges but it looks like the greatest one is still ahead. They have reached the southern end of the Territory controlled by the Devil. The city of Red Stick is the largest population center Isobel has ever seen. It sits on the bank of the Mudwater which causes problems for Gabriel. He is a water-child but doesn't want to submit to the water.

Tensions are palpable in the city. There is pressure from homesteaders on local Indian tribes; there are those who worry about the Americans across the river who likely have designs on the Territory. There are those who feel a connection to the land who resent those who don't. Isobel knows her job is to solve problems but no one is willing to say what the problem is.

Isobel is also growing in her powers - both the powers given her by the Devil as a result of their bargain and the powers that seem to have been born in her as a child of the Territory. She'll have to learn to balance her powers and stand on her own two feet to make her judgment.

This is a fascinating historical fantasy with a complex and intriguing mythology. The characters are well-developed. I like the way Isobel has changed in the past year of their travels. I liked this episode especially because it gave more depth to Gabriel and his struggles. ( )

The final book in the Devil's West Trilogy, this book really could have used a more defined threat/antagonist and resolution. And the city of Red Stick isn't nearly as well evoked as a setting as the open country and small towns of the Road. Even the Mudwater doesn't come across as strongly as it should. The book flowed well and the characters and their development is well done, but not the greatest conclusion to a fantasy series ( )