A review by jeremiah_mccoy
The Adversary by Erin M. Evans

2.0

So, here is book three... I still like the main character and her friends. I do. That is the best plus for this book and the series. That said, I hated most of this book and it was a slog to get through. The plot starts with Farideh yet again defending her abuser, but beyond that, there is another fatal flaw. The plot depends, hinges on, her being just dumb. She makes a deal with a devil early in the book. She repeatedly demonstrates a lack of understanding that Devils will trick you. She also doesn't trust the people around her to be competent, not even her sister who has repeatedly saved Farideh's life. The whole set up is based on her basic failing of decision making, but beyond that, she keeps making false assumptions and bad choices through the whole book.

It is not all bad. Dahl is more interesting in this one than the last. The bits with the Harpers are nice. The story of whats going on with the Chosen is also neat. Havilar's struggle to regain her footing is believable and interesting. There are things to like here.

That said, the fact the plot hinges on Farideh's bad decision making and the constant trope of finding one's abuser attractive just wore me down. I am not certain I could read any more of this series.