The Land of Elyon – Book 3 – The Tenth City – Book Review

Posted by Samuel Walters

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The Land of Elyon – The Tenth City is a stirring and emotional ending to the Land of Elyon story that ostensibly began in the second book, titled Beyond The Valley of Thorns. Unfortunately for the book itself, it’s very slow to begin and its central revelations, though shocking and emotional, unfold just a bit too quickly. This pacing is the story’s biggest liability, but there are also a few minor issues with the plot twists that could also prove to be a detriment. As a result, the book will end on a thoroughly satisfying note – even if the journey itself isn’t quite as enjoyable.

The story begins immediately after the events in Beyond The Valley of Thorns, providing a direct continuity – unlike the connection between Books 1 & 2. Along the way, we follow Alexa and her improbable band of companions as they strive to defeat the dangerous agents of the evil spirit Abaddon: Victor Grindell, his odious ogres, and the malevolent dark swarm of bats determined to turn Alexa’s friend, Armon the giant into another of Grindell’s minions. We travel through the Lonely Seas, up treacherous cliffs, back through the familiar realms of Bridewell and Fenwick Forest and, ultimately, to the mystical and mysterious Tenth City.

Unlike the previous installment, Alexa’s character certainly goes through a great deal of growth and development and she ends the book both wiser and sadder than she began it. More importantly, within the context of the story at least, she realizes and understands the powerful benevolence of Elyon as a force of good in her world – and her destiny to be his agent, just as Grindell was an agent of Abaddon. Most surprising, though, is the final revelation about Alexa’s true lineage. We finally understand why Warvold favored Alexa, and why he chose her to go on such a dangerous mission (hint: Warvold is Alexa’s father and her adoptive mother is her aunt, sister to Warvold’s wife, Catherine).

Indeed, the book’s final moments are touching in their finality for Warvold and Alexa. The revelations are tinged with sorrow and understanding. In these moments, Alexa truly comes of age, learning about her place in the world – and that her childhood adventures talking to animals is about to come to an end. These are the book’s finest moments and for readers who were invested in the stories and characters the payoff is satisfying both emotionally and from a narrative standpoint.

Also noteworthy is the final confirmation of the Elyon-as-God analogy with the Tenth City being something akin to heaven (or the Undying Lands of Middle Earth, if you prefer). It is the place where those who have left the realm of the living go to continue their adventures in Elyon’s own city. More than once, Alexa makes mention of returning to the Tenth City when her own adventures are complete. This element to the story gives the entire tale a much more epic feeling and is, despite the rather transparent association, is quite enjoyable to read.