4.0 stars. Spoilers within. I solidly enjoyed this book as a continuation of the series. Admittedly, I have already started the next book (which is highly disappointing) and have to try not to let my feelings overlap.

In Blackveil, Karigan continues to grow which I love to see. She begins training which enhances her skills and we learn more about her connection to the Black Shields. While her romantic interests are a plot point in the book, I don't feel that they overwhelm the character or the story too much. Admittedly, the subplot does not seem to be headed where I wanted.

Minor spoiler - The subplot and inclusion of Estral was very well done and has the potential to further the lore and storybuilding revolving around magic and its use in current day Sacoridia. However, by the end of the book, that entire subplot has been deadened (at the very least temporarily) and I couldn't help but feel it was unnecessary.

Though I have seen that other readers occasionally dislike Britains style of writing, I find it enjoyable as I do not need angst, mystery, and suspense to enjoy a story. Instead, Britain usually does a good job of moving the story along quickly. That said, the shift in focus between different groups and characters in the story is both good and bad. I think at some point we will verge on having too many different points of view and occasionally I felt as though the story of Karigan got lost in the noise. In contrast to Estral's storyline - Amberhill has a fairly significant focus in this book with absolutely no value added. I have already read enough of the next book and the review's of others to know that Amberhill becomes a major story villain and so far, it makes absolutely no sense and is a wasted filled addition. Ultimately, I could see how this book moved the story forward and in a realistic well written version of this series, this would be the penultimate book. It is not.

Minor spoiler alert - this book ends on a cliffhanger which I found to be annoying and feel other readers should know going in. ( )

I did love this book, especially getting to read 3-5 right on the heels of each other. I love the horses, and the riders. I love the deepness we started to get into with Karigan, Estora and Zachary among how the trio is playing out together (publicly and privately). I love continuing to watch The Riders grow. I have deep idea about what's going to happen with Grandmother's Daughter already, and I had a lot of Amberhill thoughts.

( )

The Green Rider series has always been a series I have greatly enjoyed. I do think the first few books are the strongest in the series but there are other books later in the series that are quite good too. My biggest complaint is the slow speed at which these books are published. These are a fun high fantasy read. ( )

This is the 4th volume in the series of fantasy novels that began with Green Rider. Despite there being some exposition at the beginning of this one, you are probably better starting at the beginning of the series rather than jumping on here.

There are many plot strands going on. The central one involves an expedition back into the magically tainted forest of Blackveil. Second Empire followers are plotting the downfall of the king; and a once master thief has a new quest. Meantime Karigan has to deal with her relationship with her father. And her relationship with her king. And a game of power politics is about to commence. The realm will never the same again as a result.

Written in the same style as the previous three books, this is a very amiable read. Although it takes till over the halfway point for the expedition to set off, there's still enough going on in the meantime, involving a lot of characters who you do come to care about, to make the pages turn very nicely.
This volume runs for 647 pages. And, with an almightly cliffhanger ending, it is most definitely not the end of the story. Thankfully, I have the next instalment right to hand – and will quickly rejoin Karigan and her friends on this journey. ( )

Blackveil - Kristen Britain
A truly long wait between books in this series. As well-written, action-packed as the others with the characters readers of this series will have invested in.

But lots of POV switching, took half the book to get to Blackveil and while not exactly a cliffhanger left everything up in the air. Hopefully series isn't being stretched out endlessly.

I probably would have have rated higher — because really is a very good book — had so much of it not really gone anywhere in a lot of pages or gone places I did not like (what happens with King Zachary even if I'm pretty sure where that thread is headed).

I have no no doubt this series will continue to be a favorite and the next books soothe my qualms about this one.

Maybe I should have let my book hangover resolve itself instead of rating so quickly; right now, this is my opinion of my reading experience. ( )