This fourth volume focuses on Vapre and his ability to create and manipulate wind. While he and Echo are definitely at the center of the events and the eventual test, Syx plays a key role as well. The vampires and shapeshifters also have a contribution to make, and this mixes things up very nicely.

While Vapre is the key to winning the challenge, Echo is being tested as well. Or rather, Ares makes an attempt to distract him in an effort to have Vapre fail. Luckily, their relationship is strong enough to allow them to fight together. A simultaneous further threat from the outside means some of the demons need to leave, and I suspect that this strategy of trying to split them up is part of Ares's evil plan. We'll have to wait and see if this is true.

I liked how the group cohesion is getting better not only between the eight mates, but between them and the 'assorted other warriors' as well. The dynamics are definitely interesting to watch even if one thing remains unchanged: Echo is the dominant force in terms of group dynamics. Can't wait for the next volume.

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