Impostor Syndrome by Mishell Baker

Mishell Baker concludes The Arcadia Project trilogy in outstanding fashion with Impostor Syndrome. The events pick up shortly after where they left off in Phantom Pains and both the Arcadia Project and Arcadia itself are in turmoil. With part of the United States Project members split off after discovery of Worldwide and UK head Dame Belinda’s treachery, the whole project is in chaos. Many project members are unsure who to follow and it is even more confusing for Aradia, already poised on the brink of civil war, to figure out which side of the conflict is right.

It is up to Millie to come up with a plan to prevail in the conflict without destroying all the progress that has been made in both worlds. Matters get more complicated when her own partner is framed for murder. Now all she needs to do is free her partner, save the project and try not to destroy Arcadia.

Baker has created some very layered and interesting characters. They navigate physical, mental and emotional difficulties while fighting to save the future of two worlds. Baker paints this picture very clearly and sympathetically while keeping the focus on the tasks her characters face. Millie and Caryl, former project head, are interesting in their own rights and even more so together. The fae characters are also well-drawn with their complicated politics and agendas. Baker has created not just one fully realized world here, but two.

Millie is inexperienced, but very creative and passionate. The plot kicks into action quickly and sustains for the whole book. Millie concocts a plan to break into London Project headquarters, win the war to change the leadership of the Project, broker a peace between rival Fey royals and free enslaved fey. The plan goes awry time after time only to be modified on the fly and hopefully move towards a satisfying outcome. Her characters go through a crucible that both tests and changes them.

Baker’s skill has grown throughout this series resulting in an entertaining conclusion. Great characters, skillful plotting and a fascinating setting make this a book and a series to go out of your way to read. Highly recommended.

I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book.

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