Powerful. Complex. Well researched. Challenging. Memorable. Heartbreaking. One of my favorite books by Ronie Kendig, and I’ve read them all.

I have read both books in Ronie Kendig's The Tox Files series: Conspiracy of Silence and the Crown of Souls and loved them, so of course, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Thirst for Steel. I have heard about this book since I finished the Crown of Souls, and I have been patiently waiting for this book like a little kid trying to behave on the way to Disney World for the first time. Finally, I got the book in my hand, and Kendig did not disappoint.

As always, Kendig's writing is top notch. I love how she draws me into every little detail of the setting that I need to know. I love how she describes the fight scenes, which are more detailed in male writings in my opinion, but not for Kendig, she rivals any male writer. I love her attention to detail and her ability to bring me into unfamiliar settings and make them familiar for me.

The plot. Of course, my favorite thing about a book. Does it hold my attention? Does my mind wander? As a word of caution when Thirst for Steel starts, there are many different viewpoints. I think, and I could be wrong, there are five present day viewpoints and a past viewpoint. So some readers might find it confusing for a while and wonder how they all are connected. BUT . . . if you have read Kendig before, then the miracle is how she does tie them all together in a pretty bow at the end of the novel. I knew she would, so I stuck though the novel trusting her to do what she promises. I really loved the action in this novel. It is fast paced, and I really had a hard time putting it down. I was running on the treadmill with the book in my hand. I didn't want to stop.

The characters. Kendig throws a couple of surprises toward the end of the novel. She made me gasp, but I understood and completely empathize with her reasonings for doing what she did. I loved seeing more of the lives of familiar characters as they struggle to achieve their desire for a normal life. I am sad to see the series end and say good-bye to these characters. But now that I have all three books, I think I will return to them and read them again in order, one right after another.

Overall, Thirst for Steel by Ronie Kendig is a wonderful ending to her Tox Files series. It is filled with surprises, actions, and characters I have grown to struggle and empathize with. I am sad to see the series end, but I can't wait to see what else Kendig has up her sleeve. Onto her next series.

I received a complimentary copy of Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.