Book 4 of The Wandering Inn covers the second half of Volume 3 of the series. As such a lot of what was true about book 3 is true of this one. To begin with both Erin and Ryoka aren’t featured heavily. This is a look about the effect they had on the world around them and what it looks like now that they’re temporarily gone. Whether it’s Erin’s influence on Rags or Lyonette trying to keep the inn going by herself it’s wonderful to see just how people they’ve come into contact with have changed.

Also we get backstory on Ceria and Pisces and a look at their time together in the magical island school of Wistram. Which was a fun and slightly sad read. Pirate Aba is really good at character building and having people react in very realistic ways. It explains a lot and fills in some holes, though also leaves some more tantalising questions.

Of course Erin can’t stay away from the inn forever and the latter half of the novel sees her return, bringing everything full circle. And what a return it is, because of course things have changed in her absence and she herself has changed. But she remains, in a way, very much herself.

Honestly, I don’t think I can talk enough about how interesting a character Erin Solstice is. She doesn’t like violence, hates that she’s good at it, and is in some ways very silly. But she’s got a rock hard core of determination and guts, plus the willingness to do whatever it takes to protect people and stand up for what she feels is right.

This book also contains more of one of my favourite things, which is ‘characters learning the lore behind Erin.’ It doesn’t happen all that often but when a more newly introduced character learns that she can fight off shield spiders or poked out the eye of a Named Adventurer, it is very entertaining.

It all wraps up in an amazing finale, managing to end on a very eery note. Frankly the second last chapter would also be a great one to end on but the actual ending we got was amazing. The author keeps pulling surprise and terror into this world in new and innovative ways. It’s astounding that a book that has one of the main characters squealing because they almost touched a poo slime could also include that.

Basically this series continues to be amazing, building layer upon layer to make something fantastic. It’s a slow build at points and the books continue to be long but oh what a journey it is.