Fans of this series are in for a treat this time. The author changes things up with new point of view characters and also a little more continuity, along with the same mix of silly comedy and gripping tragedy.
Normally, only Elaina's point of view is shown. The default assumption is we are following the same Ashen Witch we always have. This time, we get a few POVs from Fran, Elaina's mentor and also from Saya, Elaina's biggest fan. There is also a surprise PoV, which I will not spoil here. They're all fun surprises, especially because the author ties them in with Elaina's catchphrase, "That's right. She's me."
As for continuity, some of the stories are more connected to each other. Such as the Object Lesson series, which shows Elaina's development of an Animate Object spell during her training, Fran's reaction to it, and then Witch-Elaina using it in a pinch. The story "Retroactive Grief" makes several callbacks, and then there's the final story of this volume, which makes a LOT of connections to prior stories.
The author must find masochists or the ideal of masochism in general to be funny, because it shows up in several stories here, such as One Girl's Trouble, Grape Stomping Ladies and the Object Lesson series.
The stories "Retroactive Grief" and "Peaceful Slumber" are tragedies, but not total downer endings. It's interesting how the author does this. The story "Ten Year Ceasefire" is sweet, and "The Wall Travelers Inscribe" made me laugh.
Trickster Eric Noves gives "Wandering Witch" volume 3 an A+
Click here for my previous book review: Rising of the Shield Hero volume 3
Brian Wilkerson is an independent novelist, freelance book reviewer, and writing advice blogger. He studied at the University of Minnesota and came away with bachelor's degrees in English Literature and History (Classical Mediterranean Period concentration).
His fantasy series, Journey to Chaos, is currently available on Amazon as an ebook or paperback.
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