Now that the series is over, what do you think of it in general? And do you think that TFB was a worthy finale?
Survivors is my favorite Erin Hunter series, but I may not be the fairest of judges as I've only read the first four books of
Seekers and none of
Bravelands, albeit I have read the first six series of Warriors plus some. I've been in the
Survivors fandom for five years and to this day, it's still small, yet one of the best I've been in.
I picked up the first three books five years ago, not really planning to get them, but I did. I recalled reading a comment on Youtube once, saying how
Survivors was better than
Warriors, and I wanted to see if it was true. Despite not many people liking the first book, I loved it, and I shipped Lucky and Sweet from the get-go and hoped to the Lord that Sweet would come back, and when she did, I was shocked because she was so different. The second book was where things got interesting from Bella making Lucky a spy so he could help the Leashed Pack. It's not hard to see that Lucky definitely had a soft spot for Sweet during his time with the Wild Pack and when they had moments, I was squealing. I hated Whine and wasn't so fond of Bella, especially when she betrayed Lucky. I loathed her, until I read a post on the old forums, that went in deeper as to why she did what she did. I started loosening up on Bella.
With the third book,
Darkness Falls, it was great. Inbali's writing felt heavier and darker as opposed to Gillian's and it was a change of pace. When Lucky was exiled, I felt so bad for him. No matter how much he tried to convince himself that it was better off this way, he knew he didn't want to be alone and sought after Mickey.
Some of the characters are just so likeable. Mickey is nice, caring, and loyal. He wanted the best for the best and Lucky, when he heard those pups howling, he helped them, despite the fact that they were Fierce Dog pups. He usually saw good in others. Storm had to learn self-control and discipline because of what she was. No matter what was thrown in her path, she stayed loyal.
The fourth book was my favorite of the first arc and it turned out to be the foundation of the second arc. This was the book that Bella became my favorite character; Lick, who I liked, joined the Fiery search patrol and made the book more enjoyable; Martha and Lick's relationship, as well; overall, it was a good, solid book. It made me appreciate the character relationships in this book series. Lucky and Bella, who lead different lives, falling back into line with each other because of their kinship; Lucky and his father-like relationship with Storm; Lucky's dynamic with Sweet. I also just really like the set up of the Wild Pack in general.
Okay, I don't want this to be too long, so I'll try to sum up other things. Lucky and Sweet's relationship was one I enjoyed and I was happy to see that they became mates in
Storm of Dogs. I liked any scene Bella was in because I'm as biased as one can be. I liked Arrow. He was refreshing, different, and had a good heart. He realized that Blade was crazy when she killed Fang. I also like that Arrow and Bella's relationship can be traced back to the last book of the first arc. She playfully whacked his ear. Who doesn't love it when someone playful whacks your ear? Not to mention, she was the first one to come to his aid when he was having trouble.
The second series had Storm as the pov and she was a great one at that. Storm, at this time, had calmed and matured some more unlike the first series, where she was quick to rage. I really liked Tiny and Nibble; they're so cute. Arrow and Bella was the new Lucky and Sweet for me, but I ended up liking them more, probably because I'm biased towards Bella. Bella is the #1 pro Fierce Dog activist. She was good friends with Storm and loved her like a sister. When the dogs ganged up against Arrow, Bella wasn't cowardly, she stood up for her mate. I can't believe Dart had the gall to say she wasn't right in the head.
Bella as an Alpha, no matter how small the Pack was, made me happy.
Now, to skip onto the finale. It was pretty slow. Most of the book was them trying to find Lucky and Sweet's pups and we knew they were going to be alive due to a vision Lucky had in
Storm of Dogs when they had their adult names. The ending of the book instantly made it better, though, as it made me feel a flurry of things. I cried when Bella died. I felt so bad for Arrow because he has had it bad. He left the Fierce Dogs, joined the Wild Pack only to be chased away, his daughter died, and then his mate.
I'm also glad that they didn't make Pack life for a dog as complex as it is for Clans. It feels more realistic the way
Survivors goes about it. Each dog has at least one defining characteristic and I like that. Also unlike
Warriors, is their religion. While their life is more simple, their religion is an interesting read. They have all of these spirits and these stories and I just find it so cool.
The ending was happy, despite Bella having died. In chapter twenty-one, Lucky's pups are having their Naming Ceremonies, and Storm sees the spirits of Bella, Tufty, Bruno, Spring, Wiggle, Fiery, Ruff, Martha, Alfie, and even the former Alpha of the Wild Pack was there (leaves me wondering where Fang is, though). They all look happy. Whisper is standing before them and then they leave.
The epilogue, which takes place around a year later after chapter 21, also talks of how the Wild Pack will never forget Bella and Tufty as long as Tough (Nip) and Golden (Scramble) are around.
I thought the ending was satisfactory. I cried a bit through out the day, though.
Survivors has ended and Bella is dead. I may seem to be very emotional, but hey, crying is good for the soul. I hope one day this series gets more recognition.