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DarkGlass Mountain #3
The Infinity Gate
“Sara Douglass has the breadth of vision necessary to create sweeping epics and the storyteller’s gift that makes readers love her.”
—Locus
Sara Douglas fans have been eagerly awaiting the third book of her epic DarkGlass Mountain fantasy trilogy…and now the dramatic conclusion is here! The Infinity Gate—a magnificent tale of love, magic, and betrayal set in the world of her bestselling Wayfarer Redemption—has the sweep, passion, and excitement of the best world-building efforts of Jacqueline Carey, Raymond E. Feist, Robin Hobb, and Lois McMaster Bujold, as it brings Douglas’s breathtaking fantasy saga to a powerful and extraordinarily satisfying end.
—Locus
Sara Douglas fans have been eagerly awaiting the third book of her epic DarkGlass Mountain fantasy trilogy…and now the dramatic conclusion is here! The Infinity Gate—a magnificent tale of love, magic, and betrayal set in the world of her bestselling Wayfarer Redemption—has the sweep, passion, and excitement of the best world-building efforts of Jacqueline Carey, Raymond E. Feist, Robin Hobb, and Lois McMaster Bujold, as it brings Douglas’s breathtaking fantasy saga to a powerful and extraordinarily satisfying end.
548 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2009
About the author
Sara Douglass
71 books1,053 followersDouglass was born in Penola, South Australia. She attended Annesley College, in Wayville, a suburb of Adelaide. She studied for her BA while working as a Registered Nurse, and later completed her PhD in early modern English History. She became a lecturer in medieval history at La Trobe University, Bendigo. While there she completed her first novel, BattleAxe, which launched her as a popular fantasy author in Australia, and later as an international success.
Until the mid-2000s, Douglass hosted a bulletin board on her website, with the aim of encouraging creative thinking and constructive criticism of others' work. She maintained an online blog about the restoration project of her house and garden entitled Notes from Nonsuch in Tasmania.
In 2008, Douglass was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She underwent treatment, but in late 2010 the cancer returned. She died on 27 September 2011, aged 54.
She also wrote under her real name Sara Warneke.
Until the mid-2000s, Douglass hosted a bulletin board on her website, with the aim of encouraging creative thinking and constructive criticism of others' work. She maintained an online blog about the restoration project of her house and garden entitled Notes from Nonsuch in Tasmania.
In 2008, Douglass was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She underwent treatment, but in late 2010 the cancer returned. She died on 27 September 2011, aged 54.
She also wrote under her real name Sara Warneke.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 5, 2017
[3.5 stars] A satisfying conclusion. The novelty for me at this point is how cool I think it is that many of Douglass’ works tie together. Had I realized that, I may have read this series ages ago because it’s a loose continuation of the Wayfarer series. It got bonus points for being unconventional at every turn. It lost a few for occasionally being too freaking weird for my tastes. Overall, it was memorable. And I’m glad I finished the series.
December 23, 2009
Before talking about the Infinity Gate, the conclusion to the Darkglass Mountain trilogy by Sara Douglass, just a quick word about her previous works that led to this trilogy.
First of all I liked very much the first trilogy, “Battleaxe”, “Enchanter” and “Starman”. The story, embedded in the magic of prophecy, surprised me a few times and kept me going for the entire trilogy without being bored. Sure, the characters are very black and white, it’s a good fairy tale ending-type of story, but still I liked the originality of the magic system, and the good feeling I had with the way the land Tencendor was created, and the variety of its magical beings. On the other hand, I hated the second trilogy “Sinner”, “Pilgrim”, and “Crusader”, plain and simple to me it sucked. Just to make a quick summary, everything that was built in the first trilogy, and that you came to care about, is completely and utterly destroyed, and everyone is killed. I mean, it’s not bad enough that Tencendor and its people are destroyed, the land mass is even wiped out of the map! It was so depressing it was not even funny. I usually don’t mind characters or world being killed or destroyed in books, like, I remember being shocked by the Land’s destruction in Covenant’s second trilogy but it was written in such a way it was made as part of the plot. However in this case there is something about the writing that makes it just pointless destruction. And it feels like reading the first trilogy was a waste of time, even though it’s a better story. And at least in Covenant’s book there was a chance of rebuilding, not so in this case when the island is under the sea!
Anyway, Douglass then put in place the elements of her third trilogy by first writing two stand alone stories (“Beyond the hanging wall”, and “Threshold”) where she introduces characters and back-story that are used in this new trilogy. Overall, these two books are nothing exceptional, but still good reads.
Now, to be fair I liked the first two books of this new trilogy, “Serpent bride” and “Twisted citadel”. Not as good as the first trilogy, but certainly better than the second one. Among the bad things are characters that suddenly come out of nowhere from the previous trilogies, even though they should all be dead, like Icariis that were conveniently elsewhere when Douglass destroyed everything, and also, amazingly, the icarii enchanter Stardrifter, that was last seen killed and dismembered at the end of the previous trilogy. I was not convinced by the explanations on his survival….And last, but not the least, the famous Battleaxe himself, Axis Sunsoar, that she brings from the dead… What the heck really… did she regret what she did with Tencendor and tried to bring these people back? It sure looked that way to me.
This last book of the trilogy, “Infinity gate” was a good read, but also a little of a letdown. There was a chance for epic battles considering the massive armies walking around, but nothing large scale happens rather some individual actions are taking places. A few copouts too, out of nowhere a 1-year old baby is the most powerful enchanter ever born and provides the solution to the final problem. Some good things too, I thought the redemption of the Skraelings was neat, the ending was also left open ended, which may be annoying for some, but I always like that since it leaves room for the imagination. With the glimpse we got of the young Stardancer’s power combined with the One and Ravenna’s baby stuck in the Nightmare world, you can expect that Douglass had in mind a confrontation between these characters in a future book. Considering her unfortunate terminal illness whether or not we ever see this book is pure speculation right now. I certainly wish her the best.
First of all I liked very much the first trilogy, “Battleaxe”, “Enchanter” and “Starman”. The story, embedded in the magic of prophecy, surprised me a few times and kept me going for the entire trilogy without being bored. Sure, the characters are very black and white, it’s a good fairy tale ending-type of story, but still I liked the originality of the magic system, and the good feeling I had with the way the land Tencendor was created, and the variety of its magical beings. On the other hand, I hated the second trilogy “Sinner”, “Pilgrim”, and “Crusader”, plain and simple to me it sucked. Just to make a quick summary, everything that was built in the first trilogy, and that you came to care about, is completely and utterly destroyed, and everyone is killed. I mean, it’s not bad enough that Tencendor and its people are destroyed, the land mass is even wiped out of the map! It was so depressing it was not even funny. I usually don’t mind characters or world being killed or destroyed in books, like, I remember being shocked by the Land’s destruction in Covenant’s second trilogy but it was written in such a way it was made as part of the plot. However in this case there is something about the writing that makes it just pointless destruction. And it feels like reading the first trilogy was a waste of time, even though it’s a better story. And at least in Covenant’s book there was a chance of rebuilding, not so in this case when the island is under the sea!
Anyway, Douglass then put in place the elements of her third trilogy by first writing two stand alone stories (“Beyond the hanging wall”, and “Threshold”) where she introduces characters and back-story that are used in this new trilogy. Overall, these two books are nothing exceptional, but still good reads.
Now, to be fair I liked the first two books of this new trilogy, “Serpent bride” and “Twisted citadel”. Not as good as the first trilogy, but certainly better than the second one. Among the bad things are characters that suddenly come out of nowhere from the previous trilogies, even though they should all be dead, like Icariis that were conveniently elsewhere when Douglass destroyed everything, and also, amazingly, the icarii enchanter Stardrifter, that was last seen killed and dismembered at the end of the previous trilogy. I was not convinced by the explanations on his survival….And last, but not the least, the famous Battleaxe himself, Axis Sunsoar, that she brings from the dead… What the heck really… did she regret what she did with Tencendor and tried to bring these people back? It sure looked that way to me.
This last book of the trilogy, “Infinity gate” was a good read, but also a little of a letdown. There was a chance for epic battles considering the massive armies walking around, but nothing large scale happens rather some individual actions are taking places. A few copouts too, out of nowhere a 1-year old baby is the most powerful enchanter ever born and provides the solution to the final problem. Some good things too, I thought the redemption of the Skraelings was neat, the ending was also left open ended, which may be annoying for some, but I always like that since it leaves room for the imagination. With the glimpse we got of the young Stardancer’s power combined with the One and Ravenna’s baby stuck in the Nightmare world, you can expect that Douglass had in mind a confrontation between these characters in a future book. Considering her unfortunate terminal illness whether or not we ever see this book is pure speculation right now. I certainly wish her the best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2018
A wonderful, intricate, well-written and interesting finale to an amazing trilogy. Hats off to Sara for her ability to drag the reader into the world her characters inhabit and to create intricate characters and a rich landscape. So many heroes, so many enemies: not black against white, but grey against darker grey, if you get me. Loved that the heroes were not flawless, and the bad guys weren't all completely evil, simply less good, trying to get the best deal for themselves and their followers. Loved it, gonna look out for more from this author for sure! xx
April 1, 2011
Sara is one of my all time favourite authors. I will not hesitate to buy one of her new releases and I have enjoyed all of her books... and I enjoyed this one, but I found myself slightly dissatisfied with this book...
This book was very plot driven. We've had two books to get to know a lot of characters, and I felt we really did get to know some of them quite well... but in this book it was nearly all action. Action, action, action. There was not many personal moments, and characters who were once prominent were now put on the complete backburner - Salome for example is not even mentioned until the last third of the book. A lot of the characters felt more 2D, than the 3D rounded characters they had been in the past. And there were characters who I now wonder what the purpose of was... Hereward for example. I was very unsatisfied with her story-arc. She HAD one. I was wondering what was going to happen between her and Isiah, why she was saved when everyone around her was killed... we got to know her, I thought she had some purpose. But then she's killed off in one sentence and that's the last we hear of her. No one cares that she's dead. No one really even notices. It felt like the author just couldn't be bothered with the character anymore so just got rid of her.
I still enjoyed the book though. It wrapped everything up rather neatly, while still leaving the way open for future books (Isiah & Axis' adventures, Ravenna & her son...). It was well written, and fast paced, all in all a good Douglass book and read. Yet I still feel dissatisfied.
This book was very plot driven. We've had two books to get to know a lot of characters, and I felt we really did get to know some of them quite well... but in this book it was nearly all action. Action, action, action. There was not many personal moments, and characters who were once prominent were now put on the complete backburner - Salome for example is not even mentioned until the last third of the book. A lot of the characters felt more 2D, than the 3D rounded characters they had been in the past. And there were characters who I now wonder what the purpose of was... Hereward for example. I was very unsatisfied with her story-arc. She HAD one. I was wondering what was going to happen between her and Isiah, why she was saved when everyone around her was killed... we got to know her, I thought she had some purpose. But then she's killed off in one sentence and that's the last we hear of her. No one cares that she's dead. No one really even notices. It felt like the author just couldn't be bothered with the character anymore so just got rid of her.
I still enjoyed the book though. It wrapped everything up rather neatly, while still leaving the way open for future books (Isiah & Axis' adventures, Ravenna & her son...). It was well written, and fast paced, all in all a good Douglass book and read. Yet I still feel dissatisfied.
June 19, 2010
Oh, but this was disappointing.
Sara Douglass has a whole slew of books set in this universe, some stand-alone novels and some series. I started into the universe with Book 1 of this trilogy (The Serpent Bride), but that's the 9th book in. I thought I was missing some history, so read its sequel (The Twisted Citadel) then went back and read four (so far) of the ones I'd missed. But this was just published and so I jumped back to the Darkglass Mountain books.
It still doesn't work for me. It still jumps between too many characters and too many plot lines. I think this trilogy is supposed to be Maximillian's and Ishbel's, but they were nearly non-existent in the story till the end. There are still way too many different kinds of magic in this world (which feels like the author just makes up a new one whenever she needs it). Bringing together the world of _Threshold_ with the world of the Wayfarer's Redemption books still feels forced.
And, on a more editorial note, every so often the story would come to a screeching halt for a single paragraph that would say, in essence, "Character X couldn't believe that event A and surprising revelation B had come together to create difficult dilemma C!" As a reader I can't stand that. Summaries are for book reports.
This novel wraps up its own storyline, but clearly leaves space for sequels. I'm unlikely to read them.
Sara Douglass has a whole slew of books set in this universe, some stand-alone novels and some series. I started into the universe with Book 1 of this trilogy (The Serpent Bride), but that's the 9th book in. I thought I was missing some history, so read its sequel (The Twisted Citadel) then went back and read four (so far) of the ones I'd missed. But this was just published and so I jumped back to the Darkglass Mountain books.
It still doesn't work for me. It still jumps between too many characters and too many plot lines. I think this trilogy is supposed to be Maximillian's and Ishbel's, but they were nearly non-existent in the story till the end. There are still way too many different kinds of magic in this world (which feels like the author just makes up a new one whenever she needs it). Bringing together the world of _Threshold_ with the world of the Wayfarer's Redemption books still feels forced.
And, on a more editorial note, every so often the story would come to a screeching halt for a single paragraph that would say, in essence, "Character X couldn't believe that event A and surprising revelation B had come together to create difficult dilemma C!" As a reader I can't stand that. Summaries are for book reports.
This novel wraps up its own storyline, but clearly leaves space for sequels. I'm unlikely to read them.
July 1, 2010
I really enjoyed this book - enjoyed all of her books in these connected trilogies. I'm bummed because she leaves it open ended and the author is terminally ill. So no more. I guess I wanted more of ending seeing as she knew her situation. Does this make me sound heartless? I'm sorry if so, but I think we all have had that feeling of, oh no! don't let anything happen to them before they finish!
July 27, 2012
Considering the health of Sara at the time of publication, I say GREAT READ! The world lost a fantastic storyteller and this is one of her last books...
November 4, 2026
Okay, I really had to push myself through this one. The writing style continued to be clunky, repetitive, and bloated. You can feel the hand of the author pushing her characters around. It's such a classic case of an author in their late career not having enough editorial oversight which is a real pity. It (and the others in the series) reads like a first draft that has been through a spell check and little else. Here are a few quotes.
Page 258:
Page 402-403:
What I considered even more egregious is that Douglass was completely enamoured with her male characters. They were clearly her favourites, found them the most attractive, and gave them all of the agency at the expense of her female characters. Only Ishbel really retained any agency. Take Salome; a terrible person who was actually interesting in her terribleness, had a lot more character than even a lot of the men in book 1, is only present in passing here. She is outright reduced to this (page 392):
Yuck. Yuck. Can't have a woman getting in the way of this absolute sausage fest!
Which brings me to AXIS. Excuse me, why did he, who was completely useless prior to this instalment, become the main character? Why was he the one given the entire post climax resolution? Not Ishbel? Not even Maximilian? Douglass clearly LOVED Axis, and this series suffers for it. Granted I haven't read the prior novels, but in this series he is just hotheaded, horny, and pointless. I didn't like him or care about him at all. Inardle is better off without him (and all the other men in her life).
And I'm calling for justice for Hereward. Jesus girl, the narrative really did you dirty. All the characters instinctively hated her, it felt like the author hated her, but she really did nothing wrong.
As a genuinely positive note, I fucking loved StarDancer just as a concept. Having the king awkwardly approach an infant baby like 'you wished to talk to me?' Hilarious, 10/10. Absolutely loved it.
This story could've been a banging (if meaty) standalone. We did not need to go back and forth across the map willy nilly so many times and entire chapters could've been cut to benefit the narrative. There were some really fun concepts at work here.
Rest in peace, Sara. Sorry I didn't like it.
Page 258:
He was shifting water. He was using the water within Inardle to flow the poison back towards the puncture wounds.
Axis was not sure at what point he realised this, but somehow he did. Isaiah was using his own deep affinity with water to manipulate the mysterious water element within Inardle's body, to remove the poison from her system.
Page 402-403:
Black tentacles [...] were rising out of the water and grabbing juit birds out of the air. The great mass of birds was in such a panic that they were blundering into each other in the air, sometimes knocking into each other out of the air without any help from the roots, of which there appeared to be thousands, waving about in the air, grabbing birds and dragging them back underwater.
What I considered even more egregious is that Douglass was completely enamoured with her male characters. They were clearly her favourites, found them the most attractive, and gave them all of the agency at the expense of her female characters. Only Ishbel really retained any agency. Take Salome; a terrible person who was actually interesting in her terribleness, had a lot more character than even a lot of the men in book 1, is only present in passing here. She is outright reduced to this (page 392):
She had once delighted in intrigue and despair, but now she delighted in nothing but the love of her husband and their glorious son.
Yuck. Yuck. Can't have a woman getting in the way of this absolute sausage fest!
Which brings me to AXIS. Excuse me, why did he, who was completely useless prior to this instalment, become the main character? Why was he the one given the entire post climax resolution? Not Ishbel? Not even Maximilian? Douglass clearly LOVED Axis, and this series suffers for it. Granted I haven't read the prior novels, but in this series he is just hotheaded, horny, and pointless. I didn't like him or care about him at all. Inardle is better off without him (and all the other men in her life).
And I'm calling for justice for Hereward. Jesus girl, the narrative really did you dirty. All the characters instinctively hated her, it felt like the author hated her, but she really did nothing wrong.
As a genuinely positive note, I fucking loved StarDancer just as a concept. Having the king awkwardly approach an infant baby like 'you wished to talk to me?' Hilarious, 10/10. Absolutely loved it.
This story could've been a banging (if meaty) standalone. We did not need to go back and forth across the map willy nilly so many times and entire chapters could've been cut to benefit the narrative. There were some really fun concepts at work here.
Rest in peace, Sara. Sorry I didn't like it.
July 14, 2019
5 Stars
The Infinity Gate is the third book in the DarkGlass Mountain series by Sara Douglass. Part of my 2019 reading challenge was to read an Australian author- well how do I narrow that down, there are so many great Aussie authors, but Ms. Douglass was one of the first Aussie authors whose work I fell in love with. I have devoured everything she had ever written and was devastated when she lost her battle with cancer back in 2011. Her books really stuck with me over time, and I don’t revisit them as often as I’d like. The last few months have been emotionally draining for me, and I really wanted/needed to lose myself in another world- so I chose to revisit some old favourites that have a comforting nostalgia associated with them. I couldn’t choose just one of her books, they are all great, and quite a few of them are interconnected- so I chose to read them all.
The DarkGlass Mountain Series books are:
-The Serpent Bride (Book One)
-The Twisted Citadel (Book Two)
-The Infinity Gate (Book Three)
I still love this series as much as I did the first time I read it. It is an epic fantasy interwoven with danger, intrigue, sorcery, adventure, action, drama, magic, and so much more. Ms. Douglass weaves her stories quite masterfully, crafting a truly believable and sumptuous world in which to set her story. Her attention to detail brings her world and story to life.
This book/series is a spin-off to The Wayfarer Redemption series, bringing the same epic ‘feel’ of those stories, together with characters we know and love (or hate)- as well as introducing new characters and fascinating storylines. It is a totally different timeline and setting to the original series but set in the same ‘world’.
You don’t need to have read The Wayfarer Redemption series to enjoy this one- but I recommend that you do as there are cross-over characters who appear in this story and by having read the first series, it will allow you a richer reading experience of this book/series.
Epic fantasy done well!
Happy Reading!
The Infinity Gate is the third book in the DarkGlass Mountain series by Sara Douglass. Part of my 2019 reading challenge was to read an Australian author- well how do I narrow that down, there are so many great Aussie authors, but Ms. Douglass was one of the first Aussie authors whose work I fell in love with. I have devoured everything she had ever written and was devastated when she lost her battle with cancer back in 2011. Her books really stuck with me over time, and I don’t revisit them as often as I’d like. The last few months have been emotionally draining for me, and I really wanted/needed to lose myself in another world- so I chose to revisit some old favourites that have a comforting nostalgia associated with them. I couldn’t choose just one of her books, they are all great, and quite a few of them are interconnected- so I chose to read them all.
The DarkGlass Mountain Series books are:
-The Serpent Bride (Book One)
-The Twisted Citadel (Book Two)
-The Infinity Gate (Book Three)
I still love this series as much as I did the first time I read it. It is an epic fantasy interwoven with danger, intrigue, sorcery, adventure, action, drama, magic, and so much more. Ms. Douglass weaves her stories quite masterfully, crafting a truly believable and sumptuous world in which to set her story. Her attention to detail brings her world and story to life.
This book/series is a spin-off to The Wayfarer Redemption series, bringing the same epic ‘feel’ of those stories, together with characters we know and love (or hate)- as well as introducing new characters and fascinating storylines. It is a totally different timeline and setting to the original series but set in the same ‘world’.
You don’t need to have read The Wayfarer Redemption series to enjoy this one- but I recommend that you do as there are cross-over characters who appear in this story and by having read the first series, it will allow you a richer reading experience of this book/series.
Epic fantasy done well!
Happy Reading!
July 29, 2017
For me, this book is so bittersweet. While The Wayfarer Redemption trilogy (the second trilogy) in the series had a full sense of closure (in fact, I was at first surprised when Douglass returned to this fictional world), this book does not. It outright tells you that there is so much more that's going to happen. And that's all well and good, but unfortunately, Douglass passed away in 2011, which means those adventures are never to be written (at least, by her; there's a part of me praying she left outlines of books to come and her estate is just looking for the right person--maybe one chosen by prophecy--hahaha--to pick up the pen on her behalf). So in that regard, the book's entire movement feels like an act of reluctant engagement for the fan-reader because it ends (the book) but it doesn't (the adventures) but it really does (because we never get to know what those are).
Beyond that, the book is enjoyable but has its challenges. While the trilogy initially seemed to start with a strong focus on Maximilian, Ishbel, Isaiah, and Stardrifter, this one seems to throw much of that out. The strongest focus is on Axis--which don't get me wrong, is my favorite character--but it feels out of sorts to be so focused on him that these other characters feel like second-fiddles often.
But like her other books, it is a page-turn. It moves fast and one is constantly trying to determine where the next turn will happen. For the plot, we see the final rise of The One but like a good monster, every time, he's down, he's back up and this gets taken to almost amusing levels. In some ways, his infinite nature means he could always be brought back which feels a bit too formulaic. The Lealfast's treachery becomes evident and the Skraelings finally get a history to which makes readers rethink the entire history of the fictional world. Axis is as Axis does and while there seems some growth there, it's kind of hard to develop a character that's gone from human to Icarii to Star God to dead to back from the dead. But there's some room there. Douglass also manages to pull this final book in ways that tie back all the way to the first two books that she wrote long ago, which I appreciated.
In total, it's a must read if you've made it this far. But you're going to hit the last 50 pages and fight with yourself to read it, knowing that this is the complete end of a story that doesn't actually end (and that's not a spoiler; you get to know pretty quickly that Douglass had way more planned).
Beyond that, the book is enjoyable but has its challenges. While the trilogy initially seemed to start with a strong focus on Maximilian, Ishbel, Isaiah, and Stardrifter, this one seems to throw much of that out. The strongest focus is on Axis--which don't get me wrong, is my favorite character--but it feels out of sorts to be so focused on him that these other characters feel like second-fiddles often.
But like her other books, it is a page-turn. It moves fast and one is constantly trying to determine where the next turn will happen. For the plot, we see the final rise of The One but like a good monster, every time, he's down, he's back up and this gets taken to almost amusing levels. In some ways, his infinite nature means he could always be brought back which feels a bit too formulaic. The Lealfast's treachery becomes evident and the Skraelings finally get a history to which makes readers rethink the entire history of the fictional world. Axis is as Axis does and while there seems some growth there, it's kind of hard to develop a character that's gone from human to Icarii to Star God to dead to back from the dead. But there's some room there. Douglass also manages to pull this final book in ways that tie back all the way to the first two books that she wrote long ago, which I appreciated.
In total, it's a must read if you've made it this far. But you're going to hit the last 50 pages and fight with yourself to read it, knowing that this is the complete end of a story that doesn't actually end (and that's not a spoiler; you get to know pretty quickly that Douglass had way more planned).
April 13, 2019
There were so many problems with this book. If I wanted to, I could just file through the characters and catalog all the issues that way, but just as I gave zero fucks about the characters (and what an achievement since I had at one time actually cared about some of them) I give relatively few fucks about this book. Don’t read the trilogy at all. Pretend it never happened. You will be happier that way.
Also, I was laboring somewhat under the hypothesis that this may in fact have been ghost written. Douglass’s books do vary quite widely in quality, but since these books are the absolute WORST of hers, while being the last published (I think), it seems possible that she was not entirely responsible for this steaming pile of refuse.
Also, I was laboring somewhat under the hypothesis that this may in fact have been ghost written. Douglass’s books do vary quite widely in quality, but since these books are the absolute WORST of hers, while being the last published (I think), it seems possible that she was not entirely responsible for this steaming pile of refuse.
December 8, 2021
I am saddened to finish this series...I started with The Wayfarer Redemption (reread the 6 books) and read for the first time the Darkglass Mountain trilogy. I am saddened because I know Sara Douglas passed away from cancer about 10 years ago and throughout this whole trilogy I got the feeling that she would be returning to these characters again...so now the "rest" of Maxel, Ishbel, Ravenna, and the children's tale wont be told and no more word on Axis' or Isaiah's adventures.
With looking at just the Darkglass Mountain trilogy- not the best of Sara Douglas' works. I noticed her swearing got more "modern" or "simple" (more swear words from our "world"/"time") which I found slightly annoying.
With looking at just the Darkglass Mountain trilogy- not the best of Sara Douglas' works. I noticed her swearing got more "modern" or "simple" (more swear words from our "world"/"time") which I found slightly annoying.
June 30, 2026
This is the last book finished in a 3 trilogy, 9 book series and I am so sad. I would have happily read 9 more!
I have loooved these books by Sara Douglass. This last book even left some threads that would have supported another trilogy. Sadly Sara Douglass passed away and that trilogy never eventuated.
As these were my first SD books however I still have the rest of her backlist to catch up on!
A very fun long series spanning generations full of love stories, betrayals, prophecies, military battles and magic.
I have loooved these books by Sara Douglass. This last book even left some threads that would have supported another trilogy. Sadly Sara Douglass passed away and that trilogy never eventuated.
As these were my first SD books however I still have the rest of her backlist to catch up on!
A very fun long series spanning generations full of love stories, betrayals, prophecies, military battles and magic.
February 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this trilogy and i really miss Miss Douglass' writing. I was legt with some questions and is almost certain (at least in my brain!) that Miss Douglass was planning to return to Axis and his adventures, in a near future. But she was taken from us too soon.
You are missed Miss Sara Douglass...
May 2, 2020
This was a bittersweet end to a series that I know will never get any other books because the author passed away shortly after writing it. While not as strong as the Axis trilogy, it did bring back a lot of nostalgia by tying in the stories from multiple books that she has written. RIP Sara Douglass.
July 11, 2017
A totally awesome conclusion to the series.
November 12, 2019
Great conclusion left just a hint of a possible follow up.
Douglass was such a strong voice in the fantasy landscape.
Douglass was such a strong voice in the fantasy landscape.
January 12, 2020
What in the world happened to Herewald??
April 23, 2020
Hate to see the extended series end knowing there will not be more
April 27, 2023
what an enjoyable fantasy series! #3 is especially riveting
July 2, 2024
There honestly felt like there should be more.
Abrupt end, but regardless I did enjoy it quite a bit.
Abrupt end, but regardless I did enjoy it quite a bit.
November 12, 2024
After effectively 11 books this still didn't effectively end. Still a cliffhanger in the epilogue. Is a fine enough story but lacking the conclusion I was hoping for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2013
♦ What I Liked. Almost everything. The action is intense. The situation is grim and continues going from bad to much much worse. The characters, omg how do I even give full credit to the characters. They are so, well, human. Even the non-human races, including the gods. They lash out in anger and frustration, then regret their actions, often too late. They make mistakes both large and small, then reap the consequences. They are by turns arrogant and compassionate, bumbling and competent, motivated and complacent. To sum it up, they are complicated, and they are so very real.
Everything in this story is layered. There are various levels of good and evil, each adding a unique flavor to the plot. This book and indeed the entire series is like an onion. As each layer is exposed it reveals a new, previously hidden layer. And this does not apply to just the forces of good and evil, it applies to the entire tale; its characters and the story itself.
This book will give you chills. It will give you thrills. It will make you angry and it will make you sad. It will surprise, amaze and enthrall you to the point where you stay up late and get up early, just to see what happens next. If you are looking for a book to get lost in, this very well might be it.
♦ What I didn't like. There was an odd mix of do nothing and do everything all at the same time. Let me see if I can clarify that without giving anything away. There is a siege. Now sieges are by nature, pretty much alot of people sitting on their hands waiting for either a miracle or somebody to knock the walls down. Not terribly exciting for either the reader or the characters.
Meanwhile, there are several different sets of characters out and about in the world trying to solve all of its problems all on their own. As they move from one crisis to another, to another, to another, it all feels a bit lopsided and rushed. And yet there was an odd lack of urgency. I'm sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for those walls to come down, while our heroes are out wandering around the countryside, taking side trips, and giving priority to things that in my opinion could have waited until later. Now granted, those little side trips to deal with this, that, or another thing, all contributed to unveiling those layers I was talking about. However I was still found myself going "What? You are going to run off and do this when there are several vital things people are anxiously waiting for you to do?"
But, now that I think about it, maybe this wasn't all that bad. It is an indication of how immersed I was in the story and its outcome. When you find yourself wanting to smack, kick, scream, shake and tell characters that you think they are complete idiots, you know you are well and truly hooked.
♦ Conclusion. I am going to have to do some research and see if this series was continued because it had a movie like ending. By that I mean the groundwork is laid for a possible sequel. The ending itself was surprising, bittersweet and definitely conclusive however the last page read just like a sequel tie-in. Sara Douglass obviously planned one but I'm not sure if she had enough time left to write it. I hope so. I am seriously hungry for more.
If you haven't read this, or any of Sara Douglass' books, you are sorely missing out on some award winning, world class Epic Fantasy.
Originally posted @ Dragons, Heroes and Wizards
Everything in this story is layered. There are various levels of good and evil, each adding a unique flavor to the plot. This book and indeed the entire series is like an onion. As each layer is exposed it reveals a new, previously hidden layer. And this does not apply to just the forces of good and evil, it applies to the entire tale; its characters and the story itself.
This book will give you chills. It will give you thrills. It will make you angry and it will make you sad. It will surprise, amaze and enthrall you to the point where you stay up late and get up early, just to see what happens next. If you are looking for a book to get lost in, this very well might be it.
♦ What I didn't like. There was an odd mix of do nothing and do everything all at the same time. Let me see if I can clarify that without giving anything away. There is a siege. Now sieges are by nature, pretty much alot of people sitting on their hands waiting for either a miracle or somebody to knock the walls down. Not terribly exciting for either the reader or the characters.
Meanwhile, there are several different sets of characters out and about in the world trying to solve all of its problems all on their own. As they move from one crisis to another, to another, to another, it all feels a bit lopsided and rushed. And yet there was an odd lack of urgency. I'm sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for those walls to come down, while our heroes are out wandering around the countryside, taking side trips, and giving priority to things that in my opinion could have waited until later. Now granted, those little side trips to deal with this, that, or another thing, all contributed to unveiling those layers I was talking about. However I was still found myself going "What? You are going to run off and do this when there are several vital things people are anxiously waiting for you to do?"
But, now that I think about it, maybe this wasn't all that bad. It is an indication of how immersed I was in the story and its outcome. When you find yourself wanting to smack, kick, scream, shake and tell characters that you think they are complete idiots, you know you are well and truly hooked.
♦ Conclusion. I am going to have to do some research and see if this series was continued because it had a movie like ending. By that I mean the groundwork is laid for a possible sequel. The ending itself was surprising, bittersweet and definitely conclusive however the last page read just like a sequel tie-in. Sara Douglass obviously planned one but I'm not sure if she had enough time left to write it. I hope so. I am seriously hungry for more.
If you haven't read this, or any of Sara Douglass' books, you are sorely missing out on some award winning, world class Epic Fantasy.
Originally posted @ Dragons, Heroes and Wizards
August 23, 2010
ome things about this book were really enjoyable, honestly. The excitement, the unexpected plot twists, the edge-of-your-seat action that gripped me and kept me flipping pages up until the very end. The emotion, the power, the strength of the multi-faceted characters, along with the well-crafted words that painted a mystical and beautiful picture...The Infinity Gate has so many good things going for it, but, unfortunately, these things were overshadowed by other items that left me with some mixed feelings about the overall epicness of this book.
The main thing? The heavy leaning on utilizing characters from The Axis Trilogy and the Wayfarer Redemption, and bringing far too many characters, plot points and world mechanics from these books into The Infinity Gate. Unfortunately, this has plagued the entire DarkGlass Mountain trilogy. Rather than simply mentioning the connections between this and previous novels, Douglass relies far too much on previous novels to propel the plot forward here. Old characters, especially Axis, and old plots, such as the rivalry between Axis and Borneheld, are given far too much attention here, I really would have preferred something new and more original...it's as if Douglass is so in love with Axis and Tencendor that she just can't let it go and really, it's time to move on to something new and fresh.
I wouldn't say The Infinity Gate and the DarkGlass Mountain trilogy is a complete bust, heck, it made me a fan of Sara Douglass again after being discouraged by Hades' Daughter, but she's capable of so much more. Maybe she needs to take a break from Axis and co. and do something a little different...
The main thing? The heavy leaning on utilizing characters from The Axis Trilogy and the Wayfarer Redemption, and bringing far too many characters, plot points and world mechanics from these books into The Infinity Gate. Unfortunately, this has plagued the entire DarkGlass Mountain trilogy. Rather than simply mentioning the connections between this and previous novels, Douglass relies far too much on previous novels to propel the plot forward here. Old characters, especially Axis, and old plots, such as the rivalry between Axis and Borneheld, are given far too much attention here, I really would have preferred something new and more original...it's as if Douglass is so in love with Axis and Tencendor that she just can't let it go and really, it's time to move on to something new and fresh.
I wouldn't say The Infinity Gate and the DarkGlass Mountain trilogy is a complete bust, heck, it made me a fan of Sara Douglass again after being discouraged by Hades' Daughter, but she's capable of so much more. Maybe she needs to take a break from Axis and co. and do something a little different...
July 8, 2018
I HATED THE ENDING. I HATE IT SO FUCKING MUCH I HATE IT I HATE IT I HATE IT IT MADE ME NO LONGER WANT TO READ ANYTHING.
So ... that being said. I H A T E D Ravenna and JFC if Maxel had just KEPT HIS GODDAMN DICK IN HIS PANTS THE FUCKHEAD.
And I HATE how Ravenna became "the heroine" and stupid StarDancer or whatever and his little baby face and his idiot parents and then Axis and just what a GODDAMN LET DOWN of an ending.
And ... honestly I think it really seemed like the author wanted to write more/was going to do a new trilogy (the female heir battling the male heir? and all the "usual players" coming back because they were gods that could die but WHATEVER) but then *she* the author died (which is of course sad) but omfg the fucking goddamn ending and the "hero and heroine" were just scrambling and everyone dies and FUCK.
[clearly the ending ruined so much]
And I got a bit annoyed about how the women were acting actually - with Inardle or whatrever being all "hey stop being a dick" which sure but HELLO YOU DESERVE IT?!
Only... [Herewith?] => see I kinda stopped caring I guess didn't deserve all that shit but then Isaiah did give up all his "god powers" for a bit just to save her life .... but meh.
I kinda read/skimmed the last chapters after reading everything FAITHFULLY but it was like 3 AM so I wanted to see how it ended but the ending SUCKED so then I went back to where I was and ~read it all and it was NO. BETTER.
... Not reading this author again. UGH.
D-
So ... that being said. I H A T E D Ravenna and JFC if Maxel had just KEPT HIS GODDAMN DICK IN HIS PANTS THE FUCKHEAD.
And I HATE how Ravenna became "the heroine" and stupid StarDancer or whatever and his little baby face and his idiot parents and then Axis and just what a GODDAMN LET DOWN of an ending.
And ... honestly I think it really seemed like the author wanted to write more/was going to do a new trilogy (the female heir battling the male heir? and all the "usual players" coming back because they were gods that could die but WHATEVER) but then *she* the author died (which is of course sad) but omfg the fucking goddamn ending and the "hero and heroine" were just scrambling and everyone dies and FUCK.
[clearly the ending ruined so much]
And I got a bit annoyed about how the women were acting actually - with Inardle or whatrever being all "hey stop being a dick" which sure but HELLO YOU DESERVE IT?!
Only... [Herewith?] => see I kinda stopped caring I guess didn't deserve all that shit but then Isaiah did give up all his "god powers" for a bit just to save her life .... but meh.
I kinda read/skimmed the last chapters after reading everything FAITHFULLY but it was like 3 AM so I wanted to see how it ended but the ending SUCKED so then I went back to where I was and ~read it all and it was NO. BETTER.
... Not reading this author again. UGH.
D-
April 20, 2012
I have been looking forward to reading the final book in this saga for some time and one thing I can say for sure about Sara Douglass is that she writes some pretty epic sagas. The 'final battle' took up most of this third book with it's intricacy and heart pounding action, much like the final book of the The Wayfarer Redemption.
Throughout this trilogy, I have really appreciated the character of Ishbel - priestess, queen, but ultimately just a really brave and sensible woman. She is by far the hero of this series and the one on whom the fate of the world really rests (though it takes the guys some time to figure this out).
I love Sara Douglass' imagination, her attention to detail and ability to revisit the same places and people in a totally consistent, but revitalizing way. In the tradition of epic fantasy, she has many central characters, but she manages to keep them distinct enough and introduces them so skillfully that they enrich, rather than confusing the readers.
Probably better for an adult readership, this series is a solid contribution to the fantasy-saga genre and not to be missed, especially if you have enjoyed previous Douglass books set in this world.
Throughout this trilogy, I have really appreciated the character of Ishbel - priestess, queen, but ultimately just a really brave and sensible woman. She is by far the hero of this series and the one on whom the fate of the world really rests (though it takes the guys some time to figure this out).
I love Sara Douglass' imagination, her attention to detail and ability to revisit the same places and people in a totally consistent, but revitalizing way. In the tradition of epic fantasy, she has many central characters, but she manages to keep them distinct enough and introduces them so skillfully that they enrich, rather than confusing the readers.
Probably better for an adult readership, this series is a solid contribution to the fantasy-saga genre and not to be missed, especially if you have enjoyed previous Douglass books set in this world.
October 7, 2009
Well, to say the least I had a lot of expectations on this book after reading through the first two and unforuntately book three just didn't reach those expectations. I found book three to be a letdown, to my mind the ending was ridiculous. There was so much on Axis in this book and I don't know if I speak for anyone else out there, but frankly I'm tired of Axis. I wanted to see more focus on Ishbel and Maximillian and how they are going to defeat the One, instead what I got was a super powered infant who miraculously had all the answers and Ravenna's child be giving the spotlight. I was just disappointed by the ending of the series, none of it added up so it felt like she (the author) just changed the rules of her world to do whatever she wanted. I like the ending with the Skraelings, it added a nice dimension to them but that is about the only thing I liked about the story. If further sequals are released I'll read them, but I sincerely hope the story reverts back to the feel of the first two books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2012
It was so much fun to read this series again! I’m still surprised by how much I had forgotten about this series. It never really stuck with me the way The Wayfarer Redemption did, but it was amazing nonetheless!
I loved the part with the Axis and Inardle in the ice hex, and the story behind the River Angels was riveting! I had completely forgotten that. The One was as creepy as I remembered, and it was satisfying to see him finally get what he deserved.
I enjoyed seeing everything play out (again), and found the end very fitting. I am going to miss this series and all of its characters!
This review was originally posted on Novel Heartbeat. To see a breakdown of my assessment, please visit the full review here.
August 22, 2010
Well she did it again. Where does Sara Douglass come UP with this stuff????
The conclusion (or is it, she always leaves herself room for another one, which is fine with me) to the Darkglass Mountain trilogy is great, kept me salivating for more after every page. It got a tad slow in the end, she could have cut alot of the "waiting" out...but I was fine with it.
It's not the best of the series in my opinion, but that is still saying alot seeing as how my regard for the series is so high.
You don't even need to know this if you have read the others, starting all the way back with the first Wayfarer Redemption (AMAZING to think of that story while reading this one...all the history we have gone through) , then of course you are going to read this one and of course you are going to at the very least like it!
The conclusion (or is it, she always leaves herself room for another one, which is fine with me) to the Darkglass Mountain trilogy is great, kept me salivating for more after every page. It got a tad slow in the end, she could have cut alot of the "waiting" out...but I was fine with it.
It's not the best of the series in my opinion, but that is still saying alot seeing as how my regard for the series is so high.
You don't even need to know this if you have read the others, starting all the way back with the first Wayfarer Redemption (AMAZING to think of that story while reading this one...all the history we have gone through) , then of course you are going to read this one and of course you are going to at the very least like it!
August 29, 2010
Sara Douglass did in 3 books what could have been better done in 1 long epic fantasy novel--the DarkGlass Mountain Trilogy was slow-moving, repetitive, and had few likable characters. But there was character growth, to some extent, and some moments of real beauty. The system of magic was interesting (if a bit too convenient, at times) and the whole idea of rebuilding a tower of memory was wonderful. I just could have done with a little less "my unborn child is going to change the world" and a LOT less Destiny, and the ending was too open-ended. But I couldn't help but cheer for the Skraelings in the end. Glad it's over, but glad I read it.
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