Goodreads review:
From the very first line I was thoroughly caught by Julia's ability to write, becoming completely absorbed in the world that she had created. She possesses a rare skill in combining three elements which at first sight appear to have no connection into a perfectly unified story with no obvious seams.
With a firm historical background, a deeply compelling sense of suspense, and a fantasy element involving the prophet's supernatural powers, she combines all three aspects skillfully in each scene, making all the plot developments seem entirely natural and without any feeling of discontinuity. Even long after I had finished reading the book, the scenes kept going through my mind and would not disappear; I could not stop asking myself what would happen next to the characters who had remained with me so long, and I simply would not let them go.
Reading Journey escapes the outdated stereotypes commonly found in the historical adventure genre. Rather than using its characters just as means to move the plot along, the book gives each person caught up in the story genuine vitality, so that readers can clearly perceive the delicacy and tenderness that lie within them; the characters are not flat, one-dimensional figures who exist solely to overcome difficulties.
Goodreads review:
Journey was such an emotional and satisfying conclusion to this part of The Seer Chronicles. This series has been completely different from many of my usual reads, but it still included so many things I love, complicated characters, meaningful relationships, supernatural elements and found family.
I really enjoyed following everyone through this next part of their lives. The story combines their personal struggles with an incredibly dangerous historical journey and I loved seeing how everything connected. The different perspectives helped me become attached to so many of them and I was constantly worried about what might happen next.
The historical details were fascinating, especially the steamboat journey and the terrifying natural disasters they faced along the way. Even during the most dangerous parts, the friendships, romances and quieter family scenes gave the story so much warmth.
I especially loved returning to Gregor and seeing how much his life had changed since we first met him in Watcher. His home slowly became a place filled with family, friendship, acceptance and people helping one another. After everything he had been through, seeing him surrounded by so much love made me very happy.
Some parts made me nervous, others broke my heart and plenty left me smiling. By the end, I felt as though I had truly traveled alongside these characters. This was a beautiful and memorable read and easily another five stars for me!
