** spoiler alert ** With each book, I am loving this series more. The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is because sometimes the situations and writing is geared towards younger readers. But, hey, I'm an adult reading a kid's book, so of course it's that way! But, I really love the series and look forward to revisiting it in a couple of years when I can read it to my daughter. I continue to love the unflinching harshness of parts of it -- characters die, are hurt, have conflicts, experience complex emotions. The conflict Gregor feels about being a rager and the experience with the snakes of killing with a smile on his face, and trying to meld that with the peace-loving person he knows himself to be is wonderfully written. I am also enjoying the budding romance between Gregor and Luxa. It is developing very slowly, with just hints here and there. That's fitting, since they are young, but the right age to be starting to feel this way. Very sweet and nicely done! And, of course, Ripred is an absolutely fantastic character! Love his wit.