The Earl & the Fairy Vol. 4by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 7 Lydia's spirit is trapped in a bottle. Nico and Edgar help her reunite with her body and save two other girls that a corrupt lord was planning to sell into slavery.After almost two years, I finally got my hands on this final volume, and I'm so glad I did. Volume 3 leaves things in a lurch with drama, Lydia imprisoned, and a mix of nasty behavior and shojo romance-y stuff. This volume ties things up nicely, while still leaving Lydia and Edgar's relationship open to the future and possibilities. Yes, Edgar lies to Lydia and uses her, but, like Lydia, I find myself trusting him again. At least, I trust that he is good at deception, is willing to do just about anything for revenge, doesn't want Lydia to actually get hurt, and, once his revenge is complete, that he's struggling to determine the best path forward for himself and his relationship with Lydia. She knows that he uses her and lies to her, but she also knows that he accepts her for what she is and genuinely needs her help, as opposed to the torment she usually receives from people regarding her skills. Lydia's spirit getting trapped is mainly to force Edgar's hand, and thus, force the plot forward as well. However, because it also shares an important insight into the natural and very real dangers of her job as a fairy doctor, it doesn't come off as forced. I also like that Edgar is able to converse with Nico when Lydia is unable to speak to him and needs his help. I doubt he would be able to if he didn't have a deep connection to Lydia. And I like that Nico realizes that Edgar is unaware that he is conversing with and understanding Nico. What Edgar does to Rosalie is cruel, but it certainly drives the point home and helps her realize her position. That plus the truth of what is planned for her, and Lydia's words of encouragement and support, help contribute to her slight attitude improvement by the end. After seeing how the bogey beast is able to twist Rosalie's feelings to use her as a tool, I definitely feel somewhat sorry for her. The fogman aspect of the story helps tie everything together from Edgar's past and the legend of the Blue Knight Earl to the present situation, but it's over much too quickly. While other magical creatures blow away the fog, saving Lydia, Edgar, and Rosalie, it doesn't seem like they actually destroy the fogman. As much as I wanted a kiss at the end, I was actually very glad that he didn't do it. I love that he realizes that it is Lydia that has saved him, so I'm very glad that he is able to have her stay by his side, working in London rather than returning to her home. I would definitely read more of this series if it ever picks back up, but I would hope that Edgar, now done with his revenge, starts opening up more to Lydia including being more honest with her and accepting her help, including her trying to help him out of the darkness of his hate. There are the beginnings of those steps through this series, and I also enjoy seeing Lydia's growth in both the ways of the world and her abilities as a fairy doctor. While not the most shojo or romantic series, there is a well-developed relationship that will really speak to some readers. Written: August 23, 2014
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