Not that dark anymore (but still dark overall, just nothing darker than the previous volumes), and no break that I hoped for either. 
I hope Be-con didn't get infected with the "I'm afraid to write breathers because I've written so much action and constant adventure these days, that I just don't know how it works anymore, so I'll never let my characters rest ever again" illness/trope for authors. Cause it's starting to feel that way. Chapter 16 had such a good opportunity to give the characters a bit of a break, yet a second after the big battle another attack happens. 

The ending of chapter 18 would've served as the perfect cliffhanger of a volume ending. Chapter 19 doesn't really fit into the whole volume, but also cause of the ending. A bit too bittersweet for my taste. (Although the series is still ongoing, I think, so more of a bittersweet beginning of a new plot-line.)

That new storyline, however, is one of these plots that make me wonder about and question the purpose of life. Props for the melancholic vibe but... Hmm. I don't know. 

Some side notes: 
Trugermanner has developed an interesting personality and I wonder how that works, but it's a fantasy world so I guess magic. 
Hadaki is pretty much not able to be saved anymore, although it sucks that it's emotional PTSD basically. 
I believe my theory about the world has been even more confirmed now, there has been a lot of clues. 

I will definitely continue reading because I'm curious about the lore and what exactly is up with the world. 

-13.08.2024