Companions Quartet (4) - The Chimera's Curse by Julia Golding
And, last but not least... The Chimera's Curse! (In German: Der Fluch der Chimäre). I read it in German where it contained 350 pages. Originally published in 2007.
Connie found a way to win over Kullervo - once and for all. But it would probably kill her. No wonder, the Companion's Quartet won't let her try... Nevertheless she always has an arrow in petto... and Kullervo an army to get her before she gets to strong. Meanwhile Connie's brother begins to discover own powers with fantasy creatures and Col his own feelings.
This book is soooo sweet! Especially the thing between Connie and Col. That was a little obvious, but it's nice it finally worked out. As for little George? I like him. And Connie was so right.
The things she learns are, by the way, really nicely done. But more than her new powers, I like how she copes with them. How she knows that it's her job to put Kullervo down, even though the others tell her to stay out of it. And hey, it works!
As for Simon: It's cool how she tries to protect him, but this was not the way. But his gift is nice. Poor bureaucrats, the Lionhearts really don't want to fit into their system.
Angrath rocks, as always. I love that little thing, she's so damn cute!
The ending rocks. First, how she manages to defeat Kullervo, second, how her self looks afterwards and third – well, basically the whole rest. Really, really cool.
I give it a star for the characters, the story, the ideas and the adequacy & tenseness, so same as always.