The part where different fantastic species were dependent on each other and kept each other's populations in check added an almost unexpected layer of reality and really did make this book for me. I mean, the entire plot of this third and final instalment hinges on this natural balance, so...

When I began reading this spin-off series, I wasn't even sure I should read it. Overall, now that I've finished it, what I can say in conclusion is that I definitely needed to. Otherwise I might have asked myself 'what if' for a long time. As is, I know these are completely decent reads, maybe not the sort that makes me wish I could give them more than 5 stars, but very enjoyable indeed, and completely deserving of the 4 stars I've given them.