when i read the raven king, i thought there was something missing between the last chapter and the epilogue. thankfully, this is where this story takes place and it‘s so lovely! i really enjoyed opal‘s voice and the new ideas about ronan‘s dreams, and the college conflict, because it‘s so realistic. plus, it was very very cute (and it didn‘t read like fanservice!!)

A short story (42 pages) about the summer after the final book. It's from the point of view of Opal (formerly called Orphan girl) and takes place at the barns. We learn more about her and her life there with Ronan and Adam. (⬇️includes little relationship spoiler from "The Raven King" ⬇️) It was a nice, short read to continue the series a bit, and I especially liked the scenes with Ronan and Adam. Though I wonder if we will ever know more about how their relationship really started. They kissed in "The Raven King" but it wasn't talked about and now they are together. So that conversation happened "off screen," and I want to know more. Well, let's see what happens in the Dreamer Trilogy.

This is the second time I have read Opal and this time I listened to the audiobook. The first time I read it, the short story didn't really give me much, but with Will Patton's voice and the way he ... how he portrayed Opal and the feelings and all the fragility and all the emotions and the bizarreness ... I actually lay in bed crying. (I recommend the audiobook!) Opal gives us a glimpse into the life of Opal (formerly known as "Orphan Girl") and her mindset; her character. It is perhaps even more of a character study? And I think if you also approach the text with this "expectation", you can enjoy it very much. Opal is quirky, is loving and loud and daring and young and old. I can't say much more, because I don't want to spoil anything ... but this text is gentle and loving. Is warm. Shows Opal and Ronan and Adam ... somehow shows a little family.