This series makes me think of a small-scale "Golden Compass" for the younger set. The first book is still my favorite, but 2 and 3 do not disappoint.

It's so weird to read something that's alluding to a god and a heaven-like place with a devil type creature. This whole series was wild.

Also, what is it with YA fantasy around this time period of release writing about young girls and squirrels. I mean, two fantasy series isn't a lot, but it sure is weird that there are two.

One more thing, why is it all men with her in every book? Even the animals tended to be men, and when there was a woman she was either hardly mentioned (Her mom back home), not given any dialogue really (Warvold's wife, Odessa), or just mentioned in a story/tale. It's so odd, but I guess that's a choice.

It's better than the dragon series I read, but jeepers not by much. Another series that proves to me anyone could probably be published if they sat down and wrote it.

Love the strong female character. Would recommend for girls who want a role model and love animals.

Good end to the series. Kinda saw the twist coming but it was intriguing nonetheless. The characters finally got more interesting.

After reading this book (the 3rd book) you should read "Into the Mist" before continuing on to the 4th book in the series.

I'm a big fan of this series, and was pleased with the third installment. I was surprised at how quickly things got SUPER Christian - some people say they saw it coming, I did not. In the past two books we've heard plenty about how Elyon created everything and lives in this mystical city, but that felt like it could kind of fit in with any fictionalized mythology / religious system. But book three got super Christian. Fine by me, but if that's not your thing (or if you're a parent and that isn't your thing, and you didn't know when your kid started reading this that was gonna be a HUGE part of it) you might feel a little duped.
And, as a Christian, I think Carman does a good job of weaving Christian elements and values (using those the world deems as weak for an important purpose - Alexa, Yipes, Murphy, Armon, and Odessa are an unlikely bunch).
Craftwise, he could have been more subtle about it. Someone else in their review mentioned things wrapped up too quickly - I didn't feel that way too much. It was a clean wrap-up, though - it felt like the end of the series. The first book felt this way too - that you'd be fine if you stopped reading the series. Whereas the second book left on a major cliffhanger.

The third and final installment of the core Elyon trilogy offers a very satisfying continuation to the series. Perhaps the best yet, book 3 reveals many mystical truths about the Land of Elyon. Alexa's destiny begins to unfold as she fights to rid the world of Abaddon, the source of all evil. She isn't alone is this pursuit, although. With the help of of her friends aboard the ship, Warwick Beacon, the forces of good may triumph.

The Land of Elyon series is comprised of a core trilogy, a semi-prequel, and the concluding novel. The first three books detail Alexa's adventures in the Land of Elyon, as she struggles to fight evil. The semi prequel (Into the Mist) takes place directly after the events in The Tenth City, but most of the story is taken up by Roland's tale of his childhood. The final novel (Stargazer) is of Alexa's adventure at the Five Stone Pillars where she discovers her true destiny.

Once again, Patrick Carman weaves his faith into his writing. The descriptions of the Tenth City being akin to heaven is the final confirmation of the Elyon-as-God analogy. It is the place where those who have left the realm of the living go to have new and better adventures in Elyon’s own city. Often, Alexa mentions returning to the Tenth City when her own adventures are complete. This gives the entire story an epic feeling.

Unlike the previous installment, Alexa’s character is much stronger. It undergoes a great deal of growth and development and she ends the book both wiser and sadder than she began it. She realizes and understands the power of Elyon as the greatest force of good in the world, and her destiny to be his agent. Alexa learns that the beauty of the Tenth City will be waiting for her. Most surprising, though, is the final revelation about Alexa’s true lineage. She finally learns where her love for adventure comes from. I don't want to give away any big spoilers, so you will have to read it for yourself!

The third installment of the Land of Elyon series could very well be the best yet. I enjoyed this adventure immensely and will cherish the spiritual impact it's allegories have had on me. Patrick Carman managed to create a tale that is infused with moral themes such as power, lust, and friendship. Contemporary issues such as respect for the environment also arise in the plot. His characters are very original, diverse, and definitely believable. They have both good and bad qualities. All in all, this a great book which I encourage anyone to read. Although, for the necessary flow of events, I recommend reading the series from the beginning.

It was a good final book to the series. The ending could have happened a couple pages before it actually did, but it was ok. I think this series is definitely meant for a younger reader.