Halt's Peril by John Flanagan

This is the 9th book in the series and the second in another two book cycle. It always happens with these big series. The end is in sight so I start reading them faster. It's not precisely a rush. I just want to see how it ends.

Will continues to grow and develop. Halt continues to age. As mentioned, this book really is the conclusion to the plot line introduced in the 8th, The Kings of Clonmel. Halt's character continues to really develop which allows for his relationship with Will to develop as well. In previous books, Halt is a little more two dimensional. He's a sort of gruff mentor archetype. Now, however, he has weaknesses and failings. He betrays emotion and the relationship between he and Will feels deeper and more paternal.

One of Flanagan's more creepy villains, Tennyson, comes back as the Outsider cult continues to be a problem.

All in all, a solid satisfying read with a touching ending.