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The Gold Seer Trilogy #3
Into the Bright Unknown
The stunning conclusion to Rae Carson’s New York Times–bestselling Gold Seer trilogy
Leah Westfall’s journey has been one of ever-present peril, hidden magic, harsh realities, loss, life, determination, and love. She has searched for a place to belong and a place to call home, and people who can accept a girl with magical powers that prove to be both blessing and curse.
Rae Carson has been lauded as one of YA’s best writers of fantasy, and fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J. Maas, and Westworld will be riveted by the conclusion of this remarkable historical fantasy trilogy.
Leah is poised to have everything she ever dreamed of on the long, dangerous journey to California’s gold fields—wealth, love, the truest friends, and a home. Thanks to her magical ability to sense precious gold, Leah, her fiancé Jefferson, and her friends have claimed rich land in California Territory. But their fortune makes them a target, and when a dangerous billionaire sets out to destroy them, Leah and her friends must fight back with all of their power and talents.
Leah’s magic is continuing to strengthen and grow, but someone is on to her—someone who might have a bit of magic herself. The stakes are higher than ever as Lee and her friends hatch a daring scheme that could alter California’s history forever.
With a distinctive heroine and a unique interpretation of American history, Into the Bright Unknown strikes a rich vein of romance, magic, and adventure.
Leah Westfall’s journey has been one of ever-present peril, hidden magic, harsh realities, loss, life, determination, and love. She has searched for a place to belong and a place to call home, and people who can accept a girl with magical powers that prove to be both blessing and curse.
Rae Carson has been lauded as one of YA’s best writers of fantasy, and fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J. Maas, and Westworld will be riveted by the conclusion of this remarkable historical fantasy trilogy.
Leah is poised to have everything she ever dreamed of on the long, dangerous journey to California’s gold fields—wealth, love, the truest friends, and a home. Thanks to her magical ability to sense precious gold, Leah, her fiancé Jefferson, and her friends have claimed rich land in California Territory. But their fortune makes them a target, and when a dangerous billionaire sets out to destroy them, Leah and her friends must fight back with all of their power and talents.
Leah’s magic is continuing to strengthen and grow, but someone is on to her—someone who might have a bit of magic herself. The stakes are higher than ever as Lee and her friends hatch a daring scheme that could alter California’s history forever.
With a distinctive heroine and a unique interpretation of American history, Into the Bright Unknown strikes a rich vein of romance, magic, and adventure.
343 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2017
244 people are currently reading
8292 people want to read
About the author
Rae Carson
40 books5,897 followersRae Carson was born in 1973 in California and now lives in Arizona. She developed an enthusiasm for storytelling in her earliest childhood. She studied social sciences and worked in various industries after graduating from university before she realized her dream and became a writer. The Girl of Fire and Thorns is her debut novel.
In her own words, she "write[s] books about teens who must do brave things. [Her] books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. [She] especially love[s] to write about questions [she doesn't] know the answers to."
Has also published as Rae Carson Finlay.
In her own words, she "write[s] books about teens who must do brave things. [Her] books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. [She] especially love[s] to write about questions [she doesn't] know the answers to."
Has also published as Rae Carson Finlay.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 694 reviews
March 4, 2018
2.5 stars. I found this pretty meh, though not necessarily bad. I was just bored, which is pretty much the opposite of what a heist story should ever make you feel. Yes, it's a Wild West heist story, but I found some parts predictable, and I wasn't wowed by the reveal of how they pulled it off. The group of characters was nice to spend more time with though!
Audiobook - The narration was good and is probably half the reason I got through this once I realized I was bored.
Audiobook - The narration was good and is probably half the reason I got through this once I realized I was bored.
October 21, 2017
FANFREAKINGTASTIC!
I have loved this series way more than I thought I would. I am kind of glad I waited for the final book to come out so I could read all three this past week. I loved the plot, characters, and well, everything about this series! This trilogy has been a great reading experience!
I have loved this series way more than I thought I would. I am kind of glad I waited for the final book to come out so I could read all three this past week. I loved the plot, characters, and well, everything about this series! This trilogy has been a great reading experience!
November 11, 2017
If Ocean's Eleven took place in the Old West and had parts for actual fully formed woman it would be this book.
I'm not usually into Westerns. I don't watch movies or tv shows that take place in The Western Frontier. Its not my thing, but I discovered The Gold Seer trilogy by accident and I've found the entire series to be fun and unique. I couldn't have asked for a more suitable ending to this series. The writing was stellar and the plot was complex. So complex that at times I lost the thread of the story but I found my way back.
I highly recommend the entire The Gold Seer trilogy.
I'm not usually into Westerns. I don't watch movies or tv shows that take place in The Western Frontier. Its not my thing, but I discovered The Gold Seer trilogy by accident and I've found the entire series to be fun and unique. I couldn't have asked for a more suitable ending to this series. The writing was stellar and the plot was complex. So complex that at times I lost the thread of the story but I found my way back.
I highly recommend the entire The Gold Seer trilogy.
January 19, 2018
I adore this series as a whole and this was a great ending I think, fitting to the rest of the story.
Full review and rating to come.
Full review and rating to come.
June 5, 2018
I found the beginning slow and was concerned I wouldn't like this last book in the trilogy, but thankfully it picks up a little after half-way and goes back to the action and adventure I remember and enjoyed so much from the first book. A satisfying, albeit overly perfect, conclusion.
January 25, 2018
A great conclusion to a really terrific series. This final book had a bit less eminent danger than the previous two, and entailed more of a complicated advance plan than Leah and her companions have previously had in order to deal with their problems. The outcome therefore had a more permanent feel to it, giving a true sense of real peace and safety for the community of Glory, California in the future.
This is a series I enjoyed from start to finish. Maybe I like western historical fiction more than I thought?
This is a series I enjoyed from start to finish. Maybe I like western historical fiction more than I thought?
May 31, 2022
I think the covers of all three books got better each time, and this last one was the best of them all. Idk, why, but that first one was kinda creepy....?
Anyway, I'm glad these characters got the closure and the ending they both needed and deserved ❤️ What a good ending to a beautiful trilogy. Leah 'Lee' Westfall is one of my favorite heroines out there.
Anyway, I'm glad these characters got the closure and the ending they both needed and deserved ❤️ What a good ending to a beautiful trilogy. Leah 'Lee' Westfall is one of my favorite heroines out there.
Want to read
March 28, 2016Oh my. You know you love an author when you mark a third book in the series to be published in a year as to-read even before reading #2.
October 13, 2017
This was a lovely end to the series. It's not as exciting as the previous books, actually it's a little mellow, but it works for a finale. And as always I adored the cast here.
RTC
November 26, 2017
"I don't see many prospectors of the female persuasion. It's too hard a life for the weaker sex."
"I'll hear no more from you about the weaker sex until you've birthed three babes."
The final book in Carson's The Gold Seer Trilogy might not have been my favourite of the three but it still gave me almost everything I had hoped for after starting this series. We get more of Lee being a little hotheaded but learning to temper herself and rely on Jefferson as opposed to going off half-cocked. We have more of Jefferson being supportive and wonderful and just totally amazed to be loved by the one he loves instead of only amazed by what Leah can do. We have more of this delightful assortment of characters, this unlikely family, and all the dynamics it involves. And we get a new Big Bad to deal with, a plan, and extra complications.. as if they needed more of those.
"You aren't planning to shoot Hardwick, are you? With your daddy's rifle?"
"No!"
"Because that would be wrong--"
"Because that would be ineffective."
I'll admit that Hardwick felt a little too much like Hiram, who they had finally defeated in book two, in his dastardly evilness but on a much bigger scale. Though it did make it pretty satisfying to see him topple down from the heights he had managed to scale. But really what kept this from making me 100% happy with the end of the series was the ending. I just wanted more. I wanted the wedding in full. I wanted more of Lee and Jefferson's life afterwards. I wanted an epilogue. But considering that this was a series where the romance was more background than in your face, I probably should've expected it. Yes, it was an abrupt ending that made me pout more than it made me smile but nevertheless I'm happy with this series, with these characters, the writing, the author, everything. Carson is one of my favourites and after living through, and loving, her stories about chosen ones and gold-touched girls, I can't wait to see where she goes next.
3.75 "this is what I have to look forward to for the rest of my life : Jefferson's morning cheer assaulting me like a bag of bricks" stars
"I'll hear no more from you about the weaker sex until you've birthed three babes."
The final book in Carson's The Gold Seer Trilogy might not have been my favourite of the three but it still gave me almost everything I had hoped for after starting this series. We get more of Lee being a little hotheaded but learning to temper herself and rely on Jefferson as opposed to going off half-cocked. We have more of Jefferson being supportive and wonderful and just totally amazed to be loved by the one he loves instead of only amazed by what Leah can do. We have more of this delightful assortment of characters, this unlikely family, and all the dynamics it involves. And we get a new Big Bad to deal with, a plan, and extra complications.. as if they needed more of those.
"You aren't planning to shoot Hardwick, are you? With your daddy's rifle?"
"No!"
"Because that would be wrong--"
"Because that would be ineffective."
I'll admit that Hardwick felt a little too much like Hiram, who they had finally defeated in book two, in his dastardly evilness but on a much bigger scale. Though it did make it pretty satisfying to see him topple down from the heights he had managed to scale. But really what kept this from making me 100% happy with the end of the series was the ending. I just wanted more. I wanted the wedding in full. I wanted more of Lee and Jefferson's life afterwards. I wanted an epilogue. But considering that this was a series where the romance was more background than in your face, I probably should've expected it. Yes, it was an abrupt ending that made me pout more than it made me smile but nevertheless I'm happy with this series, with these characters, the writing, the author, everything. Carson is one of my favourites and after living through, and loving, her stories about chosen ones and gold-touched girls, I can't wait to see where she goes next.
3.75 "this is what I have to look forward to for the rest of my life : Jefferson's morning cheer assaulting me like a bag of bricks" stars
October 12, 2017
This was disappointing and unnecessary. The plot was thin. The storyline was boring. It’s also a bit preachy, which I wasn’t in the mood for. I don't mind when books have lessons or make a good point, but I hate that feeling like it is forced upon me...like the author is hitting me over the head with it. When that happens, it disrupts the story more than it helps or makes a point.
I gave this 3 stars, because I still love the characters and setting (and typically love everything Rae Carson). In reality, it’s more of a 2.5.
Unfortunately, this lacks intrigue, action, emotional resonance, and a satisfying conclusion. There's a happy ending. I just didn't enjoy it. In fact, by that point, I didn't even care anymore.
The longer you read, the more tedious and cliché the story becomes. The displays of power are lackluster. Most of those questions I’ve been carrying with me since book one remain unanswered, which is both disappointing and a missed opportunity. Any answers you do get are vague and along the lines of –-because it just is what it is, grasshopper.
I honestly can’t really understand why this book was necessary, other than it was part of the publishing contract. It definitely did not grow the series or contribute positively towards it. Almost everything I loved about the previous books was missing in this addition.
If you really like period pieces and/or happy endings, enough to overlook things like plot and character development, then you’ll probably still enjoy this. It just wasn’t enough for me. My overall impression of this story is – meh.
And I'm pretty sad about that.
Pages: 432
I gave this 3 stars, because I still love the characters and setting (and typically love everything Rae Carson). In reality, it’s more of a 2.5.
Unfortunately, this lacks intrigue, action, emotional resonance, and a satisfying conclusion. There's a happy ending. I just didn't enjoy it. In fact, by that point, I didn't even care anymore.
The longer you read, the more tedious and cliché the story becomes. The displays of power are lackluster. Most of those questions I’ve been carrying with me since book one remain unanswered, which is both disappointing and a missed opportunity. Any answers you do get are vague and along the lines of –-because it just is what it is, grasshopper.
I honestly can’t really understand why this book was necessary, other than it was part of the publishing contract. It definitely did not grow the series or contribute positively towards it. Almost everything I loved about the previous books was missing in this addition.
If you really like period pieces and/or happy endings, enough to overlook things like plot and character development, then you’ll probably still enjoy this. It just wasn’t enough for me. My overall impression of this story is – meh.
And I'm pretty sad about that.
Pages: 432
November 1, 2017
Into the Bright Unknown is the third and final installment in Rae Carson's young-adult historical fiction trilogy titled The Gold Seer. Set in the gold rush era, Ms. Carson puts her spin on history by adding a bit of magical realism which added some interest. Topics related to gender, race/slavery, the treatment of Native Americans, and corruption are brilliantly showcased in my opinion and added a depth that many YA authors could learn from. Overall, my investment in this trilogy as a whole ebbed and flowed, but I found this final installment to be engaging and satisfying.
My favorite quote:
"It's always the most vulnerable who suffer most."
My favorite quote:
"It's always the most vulnerable who suffer most."
February 12, 2018
Well what can I say.... It took over a month to finish this.... It was predictable and a tad stale compared to the first two books.... BUT!!! I ended up enjoying it:) I hope there isn't a fourth book. Lets just stop at three please:)
April 26, 2020
This book definitely had a different feel from the first two in the series. Into the Bright Unknown is more like a heist and revenge plot of sorts instead of the hard drudgery of getting across the United States and then trying to set up your claim.
Lee and a few others are off to San Francisco to get Becky’s house and belongings. Once they get there nothing but trouble happens to the crew. It just so happens that the man who funded Lee’s Uncle’s mine is in San Francisco too and he seems to have his fingers in everything and is causing nothing but trouble for the gang from Glory.
If they want to make it back to their claims alive and with everyone who came with them they are going to have to outmaneuver the slipperiest kind of snake and find a way to beat him at his own game, ruin his reputation and make sure he can’t ever take advantage of others like that again.
Lee isn’t wrong and I couldn’t think of a better villain for this book.
I have come to like all of the characters from Glory and it was a lot of fun to have them in a different role. Everyone played their part in the scheme to make sure the man partially responsible for many of the woes they’ve had since coming to California can’t do it all over again. Jefferson and Lee have finally found their stride as a couple and sure they aren’t married yet but they are definitely teamed up.
This was a pretty cool snap shot of how the gold rush probably was in San Francisco and how it was possible to find a lot of gold and still loose your shirt back in those days. It seems like many of the people running the show were pretty crooked and if you were Black/Chinese/Mexican or a woman it was easy to get taken advantage of.
I’m very happy with where the series ended. I would definitely like to know a little more about Lee’s mother and what happened in Boston and how she ended up with her fiancé’s brother so I’m very much hoping there is a short story or a different series in there somewhere with those details. I know that you can’t always know who your parents were but I really wanted to get a little more on that front.
This is a great story if you are interested in Historical Fiction and want to spend some time getting to California and starting a life with a witchy girl who can sense and move gold and the friends/family she makes for herself along the way.
Lee and a few others are off to San Francisco to get Becky’s house and belongings. Once they get there nothing but trouble happens to the crew. It just so happens that the man who funded Lee’s Uncle’s mine is in San Francisco too and he seems to have his fingers in everything and is causing nothing but trouble for the gang from Glory.
“That man’s so low he has to reach up to rub the belly of a snake.”
If they want to make it back to their claims alive and with everyone who came with them they are going to have to outmaneuver the slipperiest kind of snake and find a way to beat him at his own game, ruin his reputation and make sure he can’t ever take advantage of others like that again.
“This is a good thing, right?” the Major says. “He’ll be out of California and out of our hair. We can go back to living our normal life.”
“How can you think that?” I snap.
The Major looks at me, genuinely confused.
“He paid to exterminate Indians—whole tribes of them, all of their families, destroyed. Muskrat is probably dead, and it’s because of him. He ignores the rights of free men, and profits off buying and selling people’s lives. He takes advantage of the poor and people without legal protection, and gets rich by using the law to rob people of their hard-earned wages.” I point across the table at Becky and the kids. “He steals from widows and children. It’s bad enough that he does it out here, but what if he’s in charge of the whole country? Think about everyone he’ll hurt.”
Lee isn’t wrong and I couldn’t think of a better villain for this book.
I have come to like all of the characters from Glory and it was a lot of fun to have them in a different role. Everyone played their part in the scheme to make sure the man partially responsible for many of the woes they’ve had since coming to California can’t do it all over again. Jefferson and Lee have finally found their stride as a couple and sure they aren’t married yet but they are definitely teamed up.
This was a pretty cool snap shot of how the gold rush probably was in San Francisco and how it was possible to find a lot of gold and still loose your shirt back in those days. It seems like many of the people running the show were pretty crooked and if you were Black/Chinese/Mexican or a woman it was easy to get taken advantage of.
I’m very happy with where the series ended. I would definitely like to know a little more about Lee’s mother and what happened in Boston and how she ended up with her fiancé’s brother so I’m very much hoping there is a short story or a different series in there somewhere with those details. I know that you can’t always know who your parents were but I really wanted to get a little more on that front.
This is a great story if you are interested in Historical Fiction and want to spend some time getting to California and starting a life with a witchy girl who can sense and move gold and the friends/family she makes for herself along the way.
August 18, 2023
3 5 stars
Let's give some love to the three beautiful covers of this trilogy. They're absolutely stunning. I think the first two books in the series were much better at the adventure part. This one seemed to tie me up in knots because I wasn't sure anyone was going to make it. Not to fret though as it seemed that Rae Carson was just going to make sure her main character could handle it all.
Goodreads review published 18/08/23
Let's give some love to the three beautiful covers of this trilogy. They're absolutely stunning. I think the first two books in the series were much better at the adventure part. This one seemed to tie me up in knots because I wasn't sure anyone was going to make it. Not to fret though as it seemed that Rae Carson was just going to make sure her main character could handle it all.
Goodreads review published 18/08/23
June 23, 2018
Okay so my enjoyment of this installment was slightly less than the other books, I can't pinpoint what was exactly wrong with it but I do know that the romance was just not good.
October 19, 2020
I finished this book in October 2017. It’s October 2020 and I’m just now sure enough of my thoughts to write a small review.
I was very disappointed in this installment.
It didn’t add anything of value to the series. The first two books had so much substance and depth, it could’ve ended strongly at a duology. The plot here felt unnecessary and forced, as if it were written purely for the sake of publishing a third book (the main arc of the story was resolved completely in the second novel, so everything beyond that seemed contrived just to extend word count). Perhaps it added a bit of “where are they now?” but an epilogue could’ve covered the same ideas in a couple of pages had the same amount of substance.
I have the first two books prominently displayed in my library because they were awesome! I keep stalling on buying this one. I’m such a completionist, it bugs me not having the full set, but my disappointment in it was so strong, I almost think it would make me more unhappy having to designate shelf space to it. Harsh, I know. But Carson is such a good writer, I’d prefer to continue on pretending my precious duology is all she wrote for this series.
Recommendations: the first two books were top-notch – some of the best YA I’ve read to date. This third book did not add anything of value to the series. I’d recommend enjoying the first two, then pretending that everything worked out at the end of the second book. I don’t say this often, but skip this one.
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Other books you might like:
I was very disappointed in this installment.
It didn’t add anything of value to the series. The first two books had so much substance and depth, it could’ve ended strongly at a duology. The plot here felt unnecessary and forced, as if it were written purely for the sake of publishing a third book (the main arc of the story was resolved completely in the second novel, so everything beyond that seemed contrived just to extend word count). Perhaps it added a bit of “where are they now?” but an epilogue could’ve covered the same ideas in a couple of pages had the same amount of substance.
I have the first two books prominently displayed in my library because they were awesome! I keep stalling on buying this one. I’m such a completionist, it bugs me not having the full set, but my disappointment in it was so strong, I almost think it would make me more unhappy having to designate shelf space to it. Harsh, I know. But Carson is such a good writer, I’d prefer to continue on pretending my precious duology is all she wrote for this series.
Recommendations: the first two books were top-notch – some of the best YA I’ve read to date. This third book did not add anything of value to the series. I’d recommend enjoying the first two, then pretending that everything worked out at the end of the second book. I don’t say this often, but skip this one.
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Other books you might like:
January 3, 2019
A fabulous end to this gold rush story! This has a very colourful cast of prospectors, who have set out to make a life for themselves. With Hiram out of the way, Leah and the others now find themselves in San Francisco and up against Harwood, the power and finance behind Hiram’s scheme. How can they get the better of the man who rules the city? This is a powerful heist style adventure, where the sights, sounds, smells, lifestyle of San Francisco painted brightly by Rae Carson. I am a fan of historical fiction and this was the very best quality. If you are not a fan of hf and are reading this purely as a work of fantasy, you may well be disappointed, as the fantasy element, while crucial to the plot, is done with a very light touch. Recommended trilogy.
October 18, 2017
This book was one of my most highly anticipated reads of 2017, and now that I've finished it I just feel.. Meh.
And I'm so disappointed! The first two books were so strong, and I was so excited to finally wrap up this story! Usually the sequel is the weakest link in a trilogy, but in this case it was definitely the third one..
Now, don't get me wrong; I did enjoy this story. 'What?' I hear you ask. 'Your first half of this review doesn't give that impression at all.'
That's fair. BUT.
The majority of this book was great. I love these characters so much, and the villain was definitely hate-able, and I was interested to see how they planned on taking him down. The new characters that were introduced added something nice to the story as well. There was humor, cute shippy-ness, and at one point I was so nervous that I was actually shaking. That is great writing.
So where was that at the very end?
Honestly, it feels like the author was coming up on her deadline, and the ending really suffered for it.
If I hadn't known that the last page was the last page (meaning if I'd thought that the last page on the progress bar was the last page), I would have been even more upset by the way things ended. That last sentence was not satisfying at all, and I get that Carson was trying to end on a sweet note, but that didn't do it for me. And I'm a little bit bitter.
If you couldn't tell.
TL;DR - beautiful cover, lovable characters, hate-able villain, great plot, very unsatisfying ending.
3.5 stars (the extra half is because of the cover, not even gonna lie).
And I'm so disappointed! The first two books were so strong, and I was so excited to finally wrap up this story! Usually the sequel is the weakest link in a trilogy, but in this case it was definitely the third one..
Now, don't get me wrong; I did enjoy this story. 'What?' I hear you ask. 'Your first half of this review doesn't give that impression at all.'
That's fair. BUT.
The majority of this book was great. I love these characters so much, and the villain was definitely hate-able, and I was interested to see how they planned on taking him down. The new characters that were introduced added something nice to the story as well. There was humor, cute shippy-ness, and at one point I was so nervous that I was actually shaking. That is great writing.
So where was that at the very end?
Honestly, it feels like the author was coming up on her deadline, and the ending really suffered for it.
If I hadn't known that the last page was the last page (meaning if I'd thought that the last page on the progress bar was the last page), I would have been even more upset by the way things ended. That last sentence was not satisfying at all, and I get that Carson was trying to end on a sweet note, but that didn't do it for me. And I'm a little bit bitter.
If you couldn't tell.
TL;DR - beautiful cover, lovable characters, hate-able villain, great plot, very unsatisfying ending.
3.5 stars (the extra half is because of the cover, not even gonna lie).
March 27, 2019
A Lovely ending for a cast of wonderful characters.
November 19, 2017
This cover is even better than the last one.
Look at it.
Behold its glory.
And the title!!!
When I first saw this I was literally going to cry
Look at it.
Behold its glory.
And the title!!!
When I first saw this I was literally going to cry
March 24, 2020
We made it through all three books without a single sex scene! 🙌🏻😂
I loved this trilogy and thoroughly recommend it. ✨
I loved this trilogy and thoroughly recommend it. ✨
October 5, 2019
4.5/5.0
Absolutely ADORED this trilogy!! I SO wish Ms. Carson would continue it. There are still a thousand different areas to be explored with Lee, Jefferson and their merry band of friends. It seems way too soon to leave them when they are just getting started!
In this finale of the Gold Seer trilogy, Lee and friends travel to San Francisco only to find themselves caught up in all the deceitful manipulations of those determined to rise on the wave of the God of Gold and imminent statehood for California. Unlike the last book, which was filled with suspense, this one is more along the lines of a 19th century Ocean’s 11 where the reader gets the great enjoyment of figuring out all the angles and schemes right along with the gang as they dive in and work to out-maneuver all the manipulators.
I do think Lee’s age really should have been a bit older to fit her actions and the storyline. It was a pretty big stretch to believe so many influential people of the day would take her so seriously, along with her being the leader of those twice her age and with much more knowledge about things. Still, it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story - as long as I didn’t think about it and just pictured her as an full-fledged adult.
Again, Ms. Carson does an incredible job of weaving true historical fact into a fabulous tale of fiction which allows the reader to learn so much about the reality of the gold rush era without even realizing they’re being educated. We are too busy enjoying the ride and out-smarting the villains!
Absolutely ADORED this trilogy!! I SO wish Ms. Carson would continue it. There are still a thousand different areas to be explored with Lee, Jefferson and their merry band of friends. It seems way too soon to leave them when they are just getting started!
In this finale of the Gold Seer trilogy, Lee and friends travel to San Francisco only to find themselves caught up in all the deceitful manipulations of those determined to rise on the wave of the God of Gold and imminent statehood for California. Unlike the last book, which was filled with suspense, this one is more along the lines of a 19th century Ocean’s 11 where the reader gets the great enjoyment of figuring out all the angles and schemes right along with the gang as they dive in and work to out-maneuver all the manipulators.
I do think Lee’s age really should have been a bit older to fit her actions and the storyline. It was a pretty big stretch to believe so many influential people of the day would take her so seriously, along with her being the leader of those twice her age and with much more knowledge about things. Still, it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story - as long as I didn’t think about it and just pictured her as an full-fledged adult.
Again, Ms. Carson does an incredible job of weaving true historical fact into a fabulous tale of fiction which allows the reader to learn so much about the reality of the gold rush era without even realizing they’re being educated. We are too busy enjoying the ride and out-smarting the villains!
January 3, 2019
So this was a fitting conclusion to the Gold Seer trilogy and I really liked how it all wrapped up however the series as a whole was a bumpy ride. This specific book took on a heist type story line and I wasn't impressed or excited with it at all. Another thing this book suffered from was the magic system. Truly from my perspective, this book would have been just as good without the magic system. It was that blase. The author also tried to incorporate more to the magic system and for me it was to late.
The best parts of this book were the Historical references and the character development. Those two aspects were where the author truly shined. Learning so much about the Gold Rush era of the United States was so fascinating. Somethings I knew from studying it myself and other things I learned from reading this book. That experience for me was what truly saved this book from being just meh. Also Rae Carson had some really great final character arcs that really changed the dynamic for some.
All in all this was not necessarily a great trilogy and it wasn't bad either it was just okay. I would still love to read more from Rae Carson because I think she has some great ideas.
Walk on Earth a Stranger-3/5
Like a River Glorious-4/5
Into the Bright Unknown-3/5
Gold Seer Trilogy-10/15
The best parts of this book were the Historical references and the character development. Those two aspects were where the author truly shined. Learning so much about the Gold Rush era of the United States was so fascinating. Somethings I knew from studying it myself and other things I learned from reading this book. That experience for me was what truly saved this book from being just meh. Also Rae Carson had some really great final character arcs that really changed the dynamic for some.
All in all this was not necessarily a great trilogy and it wasn't bad either it was just okay. I would still love to read more from Rae Carson because I think she has some great ideas.
Walk on Earth a Stranger-3/5
Like a River Glorious-4/5
Into the Bright Unknown-3/5
Gold Seer Trilogy-10/15
March 30, 2019
Into the Bright Unknown was a very satisfying ending to The Gold Seer Trilogy. It takes place almost wholly in San Francisco during the California gold rush days in the 1800's. The historical aspects are based on real events that actually took place back then.
In this 3rd book, Lee and her new family go to San Francisco to get Becky's belongings, which had traveled by ship to California, and bring them back to Glory. They encounter evil Hardwick who thwarts them every which way.
In the meantime, Lee has a second sight of being able to sense gold and practices and learns what else she can do with her gold gift.
I adored Lee and Jefferson! And Becky and Wally, and Jim, and Henry, and... Well... all of the cast!
This book was a fun romp through historical San Francisco and I loved it.
In this 3rd book, Lee and her new family go to San Francisco to get Becky's belongings, which had traveled by ship to California, and bring them back to Glory. They encounter evil Hardwick who thwarts them every which way.
In the meantime, Lee has a second sight of being able to sense gold and practices and learns what else she can do with her gold gift.
I adored Lee and Jefferson! And Becky and Wally, and Jim, and Henry, and... Well... all of the cast!
This book was a fun romp through historical San Francisco and I loved it.
January 5, 2019
Great conclusion to a great series!
Read
July 28, 2022(btw this is for a collab with the amazinh El so I didn't read the first two books)
I didn't even read the first two books. But I'll get to that later.
So Into The Bright Unknown was actually a much better read than I expected! I connected with Leah, the main character (if you've read some of my other reviews you would know that that's a main criticism for books I don't like), and several of the side characters were also great- in particular Mary, Jim, and Henry. Ooh and Major and Melanchthon and Becky and her kids andddd Peony <3 <3 <3. That horse deserves allll the love 0.0 ;) As you can see, I really liked the characters!
There is criticism, but let's first cover the good things. :D Leah was actually a really nice feminist female protag, especially given that this whoooole story is taking place during the gold rush in California- the freaking 1800s, children! For that time period this book is reallyyy diverse- actually, scratch that. For even today's fantasy books, this book is quite modern! It has boss girls, colored characters (even in slave-USA), and isn't squeamish with talking about actual, serious issues like assault and rape.
Mary is a Chinese girl who's multilingual (actually, I think quadlingual...) and although she used to be a prostitute, she's now confident, helpful and determined (can I mention #goals??) and the whole gang respects her. It's great that they can look past her past life and instead focus on the person she became. I love how Rae didn't feed into some of the more common stereotypes and the furthest she went to describing her physical looks was "she brushed back her black hair" or something like that.
We have two main black characters, Jim and oof I can't remember his name buttt it starts with an H he's actually important see ok see I remember that at least some other guy that were both slaves, became free men, and taught Leah a bunch about white privilege and that even the well-meaning actions that she does may not be... the besttttt (ok what am I trying to say here?? idek ok I'm out).
Henry is honestly so adorable and I just love his character! Like he's actually in college and yadayada BUT he's a sweet one and goshh he's a cutiieee and his sincere love for stylishness and losing at gambling all the time is heartening :D
I liked the handling of Leah's gift
The dislikes? Well, this is supposed to be historical fiction and back in the 1800s people didn't speak like they do now. I'll admit that that would have made this book a lot less enjoyable if it was authentically written, but still. It was written like a YA fantasy (oh gawd it is a YA fantasy). That's written in the 21st century, I might add.
There's also the fact that Leah's relationship with Jefferson, her fiancee, was slightly odd. There's nothing necessarily wrong with it, it's just that I'm used to reading slow burn romance and the relationship isn't usually already in a book when I read it- or maybe that's just because this is the third book... out of three books. O.o whoops!
So the star that I took off was because of the modern writing, the Leah x Jefferson, and me reading this without any context in general.
I recommend reading this series! I'm going to check out the first two books as well :D and maybe I'll like them more! ;)
I didn't even read the first two books. But I'll get to that later.
So Into The Bright Unknown was actually a much better read than I expected! I connected with Leah, the main character (if you've read some of my other reviews you would know that that's a main criticism for books I don't like), and several of the side characters were also great- in particular Mary, Jim, and Henry. Ooh and Major and Melanchthon and Becky and her kids andddd Peony <3 <3 <3. That horse deserves allll the love 0.0 ;) As you can see, I really liked the characters!
There is criticism, but let's first cover the good things. :D Leah was actually a really nice feminist female protag, especially given that this whoooole story is taking place during the gold rush in California- the freaking 1800s, children! For that time period this book is reallyyy diverse- actually, scratch that. For even today's fantasy books, this book is quite modern! It has boss girls, colored characters (even in slave-USA), and isn't squeamish with talking about actual, serious issues like assault and rape.
Mary is a Chinese girl who's multilingual (actually, I think quadlingual...) and although she used to be a prostitute, she's now confident, helpful and determined (can I mention #goals??) and the whole gang respects her. It's great that they can look past her past life and instead focus on the person she became. I love how Rae didn't feed into some of the more common stereotypes and the furthest she went to describing her physical looks was "she brushed back her black hair" or something like that.
We have two main black characters, Jim and oof I can't remember his name buttt it starts with an H he's actually important see ok see I remember that at least some other guy that were both slaves, became free men, and taught Leah a bunch about white privilege and that even the well-meaning actions that she does may not be... the besttttt (ok what am I trying to say here?? idek ok I'm out).
Henry is honestly so adorable and I just love his character! Like he's actually in college and yadayada BUT he's a sweet one and goshh he's a cutiieee and his sincere love for stylishness and losing at gambling all the time is heartening :D
I liked the handling of Leah's gift
The dislikes? Well, this is supposed to be historical fiction and back in the 1800s people didn't speak like they do now. I'll admit that that would have made this book a lot less enjoyable if it was authentically written, but still. It was written like a YA fantasy (oh gawd it is a YA fantasy). That's written in the 21st century, I might add.
There's also the fact that Leah's relationship with Jefferson, her fiancee, was slightly odd. There's nothing necessarily wrong with it, it's just that I'm used to reading slow burn romance and the relationship isn't usually already in a book when I read it- or maybe that's just because this is the third book... out of three books. O.o whoops!
So the star that I took off was because of the modern writing, the Leah x Jefferson, and me reading this without any context in general.
I recommend reading this series! I'm going to check out the first two books as well :D and maybe I'll like them more! ;)
March 2, 2021
I am going to miss this series so much now that it is over. I loved the characters, the overall plot, the setting, all of it. <3
November 28, 2017
Extremely satisfying ending to a great trilogy. These books have had everything: plenty of historical detail, romance, adventure, magic, intrigue, and this one has an Ocean's 11 style heist!
February 13, 2018
Into the Bright Unknown was for me a weakest part of the series and a lukewarm ending to it. While everything is resolved I wish it ended with bigger impact.
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