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The Legend of Eli Monpress #4
The Spirit War
Eli Monpress is vain. He's cocky. And he's a thief.
But he's a thief who has just seen his bounty topped and he's not happy about it. The bounty topper, as it turns out, is his best friend, bodyguard, and master swordsman, Josef. Who has been keeping secrets from Eli. Apparently, he's the only prince of a rather feisty country and his mother (a formidable queen who's every bit as driven and stubborn as he is) wants him to come home and do his duty, which means throwing over personal ambitions like proving he's the greatest swordsman who ever lived.
Family drama aside, Eli and Josef have their hands full. The Spirit Court has been usurped by the Council of Thrones and someone calling herself the Immortal Empress is staging a massive invasion. But it's not just politics --- the Immortal Empress has a specific target in mind: Eli Monpress, the greatest thief in the world.
But he's a thief who has just seen his bounty topped and he's not happy about it. The bounty topper, as it turns out, is his best friend, bodyguard, and master swordsman, Josef. Who has been keeping secrets from Eli. Apparently, he's the only prince of a rather feisty country and his mother (a formidable queen who's every bit as driven and stubborn as he is) wants him to come home and do his duty, which means throwing over personal ambitions like proving he's the greatest swordsman who ever lived.
Family drama aside, Eli and Josef have their hands full. The Spirit Court has been usurped by the Council of Thrones and someone calling herself the Immortal Empress is staging a massive invasion. But it's not just politics --- the Immortal Empress has a specific target in mind: Eli Monpress, the greatest thief in the world.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 5, 2012
119 people are currently reading
2093 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Aaron
35 books3,038 followersHello, my name is Rachel Aaron, and I write the Heartstriker books, a new Urban Fantasy series about misfit dragons, starting with Nice Dragons Finish Last. I also wrote The Legend of Eli Monpress fantasy series for Orbit Books about a wizard thief and the poor bastards who have to try and stop him. PLUS I'm also the author of the new, rolicking fun Science Fiction romance Fortune's Pawn under the name Rachel Bach.
I was born in Atlanta, but I currently live a lovely, nerdy, bookish life in Denver, CO with my lightspeed son, perpetually understanding husband, and far too many plants. Besides my own books, the internet knows me best for writing very fast. The best way to get to know me is probably to read my blog or follow me on Twitter.
I was born in Atlanta, but I currently live a lovely, nerdy, bookish life in Denver, CO with my lightspeed son, perpetually understanding husband, and far too many plants. Besides my own books, the internet knows me best for writing very fast. The best way to get to know me is probably to read my blog or follow me on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
July 13, 2019
This surprised me with its ups and downs how dark this story has become as compared to that light first book. Every character had a great growth so far, whereas at first they seem invincible but over the course of four books we have been told their strengths, past, and weaknesses. The way things ended here, finale will be on the edge story.
April 8, 2018
Via Book Reviews by Niki Hawkes at www.nikihawkes.com
I want to start out by sharing the overview for the first book:
I don't know about you, but that short teaser convinced me right away that I wanted to give the series a try - and it was even better than I could have imagined. The first three books have to be, by far, one of the most memorable trilogies I've ever read. There was a high level of originality and it was spectacularly funny without ever crossing over to stupid or overdone.
I have to give major kudos to Aaron for pulling off two things you rarely see done well in fantasy: creating a feel of wonder, and doing so using almost poetic imagery. A lot of authors try to introduce wonder into their stories but it usually comes off ridiculous rather than awe-inspiring. Aaron pulls it off in a cheeky, fun manner without losing any more serious and thought-provoking overtones. She did this through exceptional character development and dialogue and introducing epic world-building and magic systems. I can't say enough good things about this series. I am hooked, and will definitely read anything Aaron publishes in the future.
Surprisingly, compared to the first three novels, I thought the Spririt War started out a bit slow. Luckily, it was still rich, quality writing, so the pace didn't bother me like it might have in other books. Regardless, the slower pace can be attributed to Aaron's choice to expand on some minor characters and introduce some new ones, which means that she couldn't possibly take it any faster if she wanted to develop them properly. I have criticized authors in the past for telling their stories from multiple viewpoints. I believe the key to doing this well is making sure all of your characters add directly to the overall arc - with each perspectives taking nothing away from the story's momentum. All of Aaron's viewpoint characters help maintain this momentum, adding a complexity to the story that still blows my mind.
Aspiring writers out there, including myself, could learn a lot by studying the way this author weaves the story, creates and maintains characters, and describes her world. She brings things to life and does so in a beautifully effortless manner. I will definitely be rereading this series for tips because there were moments of pure brilliance in every aspect of her writing.
Recommendations: As I said before, this series is whimsical without being ridiculous. I find myself recommending it to many types of readers because it's one of those stories that has appeal for all ages (but for the sake of a few "scary" moments, I keep the recommends to 10+). It is probably best for fantasy lovers who are in the mood for something different. Its also my number one choice when someone says they want something "fun" to read.
I want to start out by sharing the overview for the first book:
Eli Monpress is talented. He's charming. And he's a thief.
But not just any thief. He's the greatest thief of the age - and he's also a wizard. And with the help of his partners - a swordsman with the most powerful magic sword in the world but no magical ability of his own, and a demonseed who can step through shadows and punch through walls - he's going to put his plan into effect.
The first step is to increase the size of the bounty on his head, so he'll need to steal some big things. But he'll start small for now. He'll just steal something that no one will miss - at least for a while.
Like a king.
I don't know about you, but that short teaser convinced me right away that I wanted to give the series a try - and it was even better than I could have imagined. The first three books have to be, by far, one of the most memorable trilogies I've ever read. There was a high level of originality and it was spectacularly funny without ever crossing over to stupid or overdone.
I have to give major kudos to Aaron for pulling off two things you rarely see done well in fantasy: creating a feel of wonder, and doing so using almost poetic imagery. A lot of authors try to introduce wonder into their stories but it usually comes off ridiculous rather than awe-inspiring. Aaron pulls it off in a cheeky, fun manner without losing any more serious and thought-provoking overtones. She did this through exceptional character development and dialogue and introducing epic world-building and magic systems. I can't say enough good things about this series. I am hooked, and will definitely read anything Aaron publishes in the future.
Surprisingly, compared to the first three novels, I thought the Spririt War started out a bit slow. Luckily, it was still rich, quality writing, so the pace didn't bother me like it might have in other books. Regardless, the slower pace can be attributed to Aaron's choice to expand on some minor characters and introduce some new ones, which means that she couldn't possibly take it any faster if she wanted to develop them properly. I have criticized authors in the past for telling their stories from multiple viewpoints. I believe the key to doing this well is making sure all of your characters add directly to the overall arc - with each perspectives taking nothing away from the story's momentum. All of Aaron's viewpoint characters help maintain this momentum, adding a complexity to the story that still blows my mind.
Aspiring writers out there, including myself, could learn a lot by studying the way this author weaves the story, creates and maintains characters, and describes her world. She brings things to life and does so in a beautifully effortless manner. I will definitely be rereading this series for tips because there were moments of pure brilliance in every aspect of her writing.
Recommendations: As I said before, this series is whimsical without being ridiculous. I find myself recommending it to many types of readers because it's one of those stories that has appeal for all ages (but for the sake of a few "scary" moments, I keep the recommends to 10+). It is probably best for fantasy lovers who are in the mood for something different. Its also my number one choice when someone says they want something "fun" to read.
June 9, 2021
A new-found favourite, The Spirit War was a fantastic penultimate volume in The Legend of Eli Monpress, a series which just kept getting better.
The Spirit War continued to expand on the worldbuilding and develop the main characters; this time with more focus on Josef. Back in the earlier books, there was a mention of the Immortal Empress, who appears to have dominion over a significant part of the world. Here we learn that her spectacular rise to power came from the very same omnipotent source that would have availed Eli with even more given his current status as "the favorite", if he had not decided to reject it and cut himself loose. Well, as loose as he can be, which is not entirely. To say anything more than this will be a spoiler, so I will refrain. We also finally get to see more of the political power behind the Council of Thrones and the Spirit Court as the return of the Immortal Empress in her conquest of the entire world will require no less than a united front of the military and the wizards to contain.
While Eli remained as the main protagonist which the overarching story revolves around, he does not dominate the narrative. The key characters around him are given equal, if not more, development and growth as they increasingly find a firm footing within his story. Even the supporting characters, both old and new, have roles to play and are skilfully woven into various threads leading into the larger narrative that was being revealed.
Josef's birth-right could have been handled in the most cliched manner but Rachel Aaron did not make it easy for him. I cannot say that I am a huge fan of Josef the swordsman (nope, he's nothing like Hadrian Blackwater) but I don't dislike him either. If nothing else, his absolute trust in Eli and extreme care and concern for Nico, made him a compelling character. And his direct and blunt demeanour can be quite refreshing, and funny, at times. Especially in comparison to his wily and cunning companion. Nico's continuous struggle with her demonseed possession came to a most intriguing and disturbing development in this chapter of the story, just before we arrive to the cliffhanger ending.
Miranda, on the other hand, is beginning to annoy me with her self-righteousness. There are moments where she struck me to be a sympathetic character, but the moment she encounters Eli and his cohorts, she becomes positively unbearable. I think the only aspect of her character which I love without exception is her incredibly strong relationship and bond with her ghosthound, Gin. I get that she has taken oaths and is duty-bound to protect all the spirits in the world – but for goodness' sake woman, please take a chill pill!
The stakes are significantly higher as we approach the final book of the series, and the pace is unrelenting. Even the light-hearted tone of the story has taken a a bit of a turn as Eli is increasingly backed into a corner to embrace the powers that he did not want as the world falls around him, placing all that he loves in mortal danger. That cliffhanger ending that I mentioned earlier played out exactly what I feared would happen and my aching heart went to my throat the moment the ball was dropped. If I didn't already have the final book already in hand, I think I would have gone into some serious flailing and hysterics.
You can purchase the book from Bookshop.Org (Support Independent Bookstores | Amazon US , or the omnibus edition (books 4 & 5) from Amazon UK.
You can find this and my other reviews at Novel Notions.
The Spirit War continued to expand on the worldbuilding and develop the main characters; this time with more focus on Josef. Back in the earlier books, there was a mention of the Immortal Empress, who appears to have dominion over a significant part of the world. Here we learn that her spectacular rise to power came from the very same omnipotent source that would have availed Eli with even more given his current status as "the favorite", if he had not decided to reject it and cut himself loose. Well, as loose as he can be, which is not entirely. To say anything more than this will be a spoiler, so I will refrain. We also finally get to see more of the political power behind the Council of Thrones and the Spirit Court as the return of the Immortal Empress in her conquest of the entire world will require no less than a united front of the military and the wizards to contain.
While Eli remained as the main protagonist which the overarching story revolves around, he does not dominate the narrative. The key characters around him are given equal, if not more, development and growth as they increasingly find a firm footing within his story. Even the supporting characters, both old and new, have roles to play and are skilfully woven into various threads leading into the larger narrative that was being revealed.
Josef's birth-right could have been handled in the most cliched manner but Rachel Aaron did not make it easy for him. I cannot say that I am a huge fan of Josef the swordsman (nope, he's nothing like Hadrian Blackwater) but I don't dislike him either. If nothing else, his absolute trust in Eli and extreme care and concern for Nico, made him a compelling character. And his direct and blunt demeanour can be quite refreshing, and funny, at times. Especially in comparison to his wily and cunning companion. Nico's continuous struggle with her demonseed possession came to a most intriguing and disturbing development in this chapter of the story, just before we arrive to the cliffhanger ending.
Miranda, on the other hand, is beginning to annoy me with her self-righteousness. There are moments where she struck me to be a sympathetic character, but the moment she encounters Eli and his cohorts, she becomes positively unbearable. I think the only aspect of her character which I love without exception is her incredibly strong relationship and bond with her ghosthound, Gin. I get that she has taken oaths and is duty-bound to protect all the spirits in the world – but for goodness' sake woman, please take a chill pill!
The stakes are significantly higher as we approach the final book of the series, and the pace is unrelenting. Even the light-hearted tone of the story has taken a a bit of a turn as Eli is increasingly backed into a corner to embrace the powers that he did not want as the world falls around him, placing all that he loves in mortal danger. That cliffhanger ending that I mentioned earlier played out exactly what I feared would happen and my aching heart went to my throat the moment the ball was dropped. If I didn't already have the final book already in hand, I think I would have gone into some serious flailing and hysterics.
You can purchase the book from Bookshop.Org (Support Independent Bookstores | Amazon US , or the omnibus edition (books 4 & 5) from Amazon UK.
You can find this and my other reviews at Novel Notions.
June 19, 2012
Soooo I seriously love this series. I just love it to death, and this book doesn't disappoint. We learn a TON about Josef, and get a lot of world-building context as the author builds towards the fifth (and final) book, released this fall. CAN IT BE NOW PLEASE?!
The tone of this one is a bit more serious than the previous ones, but it is definitely due, as the glibness of characters is stripped back to reveal WHY they're so glib, and what they're really hiding. And the ending...OMG THE ENDING I was like, "WHAT!?!?!" really really good.
There was a LOT of setup for the ending, but I see brilliance in the threads she's spinning, I'm so confident the ending book will blow my top off. If you like light-ish fantasy, you definitely need to read this series. The first book shows a bit of the newness of the author, but each of the subsequent books gets better and better and better. Characters + Great Worldbuilding = Wonderful series!
The tone of this one is a bit more serious than the previous ones, but it is definitely due, as the glibness of characters is stripped back to reveal WHY they're so glib, and what they're really hiding. And the ending...OMG THE ENDING I was like, "WHAT!?!?!" really really good.
There was a LOT of setup for the ending, but I see brilliance in the threads she's spinning, I'm so confident the ending book will blow my top off. If you like light-ish fantasy, you definitely need to read this series. The first book shows a bit of the newness of the author, but each of the subsequent books gets better and better and better. Characters + Great Worldbuilding = Wonderful series!
March 2, 2024
*** 4.68 ***
Best book of the series so far! Filled with action and the whole spectrum of emotions! I can't wait to see what happens next!!! 👍😀
Best book of the series so far! Filled with action and the whole spectrum of emotions! I can't wait to see what happens next!!! 👍😀
December 26, 2024
A breath of fresh air!
August 9, 2025
“Have no fear, this is the last war. When we are done, the whole world will be under my law, at there wil be no more need for monsters”.
Esta saga está infravalorada. No solo esta saga sino esta autora.
Esta cuarta parte puede no ser el mejor libro que he leído de ella, pero lo que no voy a negar es que la señora tiene potencial.
Me encantan los sistemas de magia y los personajes. Si, puede pecar de falta de profundidad, pero la historia funciona y acabas enganchada.
Es una pena que no los hayan traducido al español.
Totalmente recomendables.
Esta saga está infravalorada. No solo esta saga sino esta autora.
Esta cuarta parte puede no ser el mejor libro que he leído de ella, pero lo que no voy a negar es que la señora tiene potencial.
Me encantan los sistemas de magia y los personajes. Si, puede pecar de falta de profundidad, pero la historia funciona y acabas enganchada.
Es una pena que no los hayan traducido al español.
Totalmente recomendables.
March 12, 2015
Wow I really dislike Miranda. Intentions are all well and good but her obsession over capturing Eli is really over the top. She reminds me of religious fanatics who will mow down anybody who stands against her ideals. I just really dislike her treatment of Eli. She demands things out of everybody while not informing herself. To me, her badgering of Eli was kind of victim blaming and I kind of hate her for that. Oh Eli. I'm so sad for you. Benehime is really really creepy. I think that is my biggest contention against Miranda, she blames the victims and it was just really sad for Eli because Eli believed it too. She pushed him over the edge and it made me so mad. She can't see beyond her own self-interest. She wasn't the only one to lose in that war and her tendency to point the finger at Eli is unjustified. I want Nico to punch her face so she can at least get her head out of her ass.
Nico's arc is really interesting too. She became a new demon, independent of the seed. I really like her. I wish she and Josef could just get it together. Josef's princely identity was news. I wish he'd investigate why he gets worried when Nico isn't at his side though.
And Eli. I would have been completely fine if Eli abandoned the war. It would have been understandable. Benehime is really creepy.
I loved this book. I thought the story was engrossing, the characters likable, except for Miranda. I loved Eli, Nico, and Josef. They are written well.
Honorable scene mention: When Eli confided that the spirits think Josef is a murderer because they confused him with his predecessors. I thought that was adorable.
I also thought Eli promising the wind spirits favour from other people was funny. I love Eli's interactions with the spirits.
The story revolves around Josef's kingdom. His bounty had been raised, and he saw it for what it was, a call to come home. His mother had been sick and he ordered Josef to do his duty, that is to father an heir to the throne. To Nico and Eli's surprise, they discover that Josef had been married. In his defense, it was done in his absence. Nico was heartbroken over this and over the prospect of Josef fathering a child with his wife. However, things are not as they seem. Josef had been falling asleep during inopportune times. This made him suspicious and he enlisted Eli and Nico's help. Also, the heir to the kingdom and guards had been murdered making Josef look bad. He already had a reputation for it. It turns out that it was his wife. She was a sleeper agent for the Immortal Empress assigned to destabilize the kingdom. Her mother had been poisoning the queen for ten years. This all came out but not soon enough. The queen died, stabbed by a knife. Josef and his wife fought with the subjects cheering on the wife. Josef wasn't well liked because of his reputation and absence while the wife had been living there for a long time. It was only when Eli asked the wind spirits to carry the voices that the people heard her confession. Josef managed to defeat her with the Heart of War. However, the threat doesn't end there.
The empress was spurned into conquering the kingdom in the name of the shepherdess. Benehime wanted Eli desperate enough to call for help even if it meant waging war. They held on for a very long time. Josef attacked the ships. Nico killed Den the warlord. In doing so, she became a new demon and was injured very badly. There were a lot of casualties including Eli's spirit. It was a hopeless situation. The Spirit Council finally came and held the attackers at bay. However, the empress was very determined to prove herself and forged on. When Miranda's last attack failed, she lashed out at Eli. At this time the empress revealed that she was a star cluing in Miranda about Eli. She blamed him and guilted him into action. He finally broke and gave up. He went to meet the empress and wrested the spirits from her. Benehime came down and took him away.
Nico's arc is really interesting too. She became a new demon, independent of the seed. I really like her. I wish she and Josef could just get it together. Josef's princely identity was news. I wish he'd investigate why he gets worried when Nico isn't at his side though.
And Eli. I would have been completely fine if Eli abandoned the war. It would have been understandable. Benehime is really creepy.
I loved this book. I thought the story was engrossing, the characters likable, except for Miranda. I loved Eli, Nico, and Josef. They are written well.
Honorable scene mention: When Eli confided that the spirits think Josef is a murderer because they confused him with his predecessors. I thought that was adorable.
I also thought Eli promising the wind spirits favour from other people was funny. I love Eli's interactions with the spirits.
The story revolves around Josef's kingdom. His bounty had been raised, and he saw it for what it was, a call to come home. His mother had been sick and he ordered Josef to do his duty, that is to father an heir to the throne. To Nico and Eli's surprise, they discover that Josef had been married. In his defense, it was done in his absence. Nico was heartbroken over this and over the prospect of Josef fathering a child with his wife. However, things are not as they seem. Josef had been falling asleep during inopportune times. This made him suspicious and he enlisted Eli and Nico's help. Also, the heir to the kingdom and guards had been murdered making Josef look bad. He already had a reputation for it. It turns out that it was his wife. She was a sleeper agent for the Immortal Empress assigned to destabilize the kingdom. Her mother had been poisoning the queen for ten years. This all came out but not soon enough. The queen died, stabbed by a knife. Josef and his wife fought with the subjects cheering on the wife. Josef wasn't well liked because of his reputation and absence while the wife had been living there for a long time. It was only when Eli asked the wind spirits to carry the voices that the people heard her confession. Josef managed to defeat her with the Heart of War. However, the threat doesn't end there.
The empress was spurned into conquering the kingdom in the name of the shepherdess. Benehime wanted Eli desperate enough to call for help even if it meant waging war. They held on for a very long time. Josef attacked the ships. Nico killed Den the warlord. In doing so, she became a new demon and was injured very badly. There were a lot of casualties including Eli's spirit. It was a hopeless situation. The Spirit Council finally came and held the attackers at bay. However, the empress was very determined to prove herself and forged on. When Miranda's last attack failed, she lashed out at Eli. At this time the empress revealed that she was a star cluing in Miranda about Eli. She blamed him and guilted him into action. He finally broke and gave up. He went to meet the empress and wrested the spirits from her. Benehime came down and took him away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2017
…Well, that was disappointing. And unexpected. And depressing. Oh, don't forget depressing.
I usually like it when series start out kind of lighthearted and get more serious as the story progresses. However, the reason this didn't work for me this time around can be easily summed up.
Josef & Miranda
I've never really been a fan of Miranda. I thought she was kind of fun when she was always chasing (and loosing) Eli and then when they had to team up together. But I've never really liked her. (And now, right now, I hate her. All high and mighty, know what's best shoving someone back to their abuser! ... I really hate her.) Josef I flat-out don't like. Right from the start he was one of those 'stoic swordsmen' characters and those are exactly the type of characters I never like. The apparent character development in this story made me like him less, because, really, I have little respect for him finding out what I did about his past and he is kind of cruelly oblivious in his treatment of Nico.
Besides, every time Josef starts in with his wanting to be the greatest swordsman in the world and his talk of a sword cutting what the swordsman wants it to, I keep thinking of:
Benehime
She is a total creep. (Think rapist/sexual assaulter.) I really, really hope she dies at the end of the series, but I see absolutely no way that will/can happen/work. Especially without a little detail like destroying the world in the process. (And I won't even go into my special hatred of Sara 'morality is relative'.)
Didn't I like anything about the book? Actually, I did. Eli. I absolutely adore his character and want to go back to when he was unequivocally the main character in the story. Also, I do admit, I rather like the interesting turns that Nico's character is taking.
That being said, this story is mostly about Josef, Miranda and a new character, the Empress.
I usually like it when series start out kind of lighthearted and get more serious as the story progresses. However, the reason this didn't work for me this time around can be easily summed up.
Josef & Miranda
I've never really been a fan of Miranda. I thought she was kind of fun when she was always chasing (and loosing) Eli and then when they had to team up together. But I've never really liked her. (And now, right now, I hate her. All high and mighty, know what's best shoving someone back to their abuser! ... I really hate her.) Josef I flat-out don't like. Right from the start he was one of those 'stoic swordsmen' characters and those are exactly the type of characters I never like. The apparent character development in this story made me like him less, because, really, I have little respect for him finding out what I did about his past and he is kind of cruelly oblivious in his treatment of Nico.
Besides, every time Josef starts in with his wanting to be the greatest swordsman in the world and his talk of a sword cutting what the swordsman wants it to, I keep thinking of:
Benehime
She is a total creep. (Think rapist/sexual assaulter.) I really, really hope she dies at the end of the series, but I see absolutely no way that will/can happen/work. Especially without a little detail like destroying the world in the process. (And I won't even go into my special hatred of Sara 'morality is relative'.)
Didn't I like anything about the book? Actually, I did. Eli. I absolutely adore his character and want to go back to when he was unequivocally the main character in the story. Also, I do admit, I rather like the interesting turns that Nico's character is taking.
That being said, this story is mostly about Josef, Miranda and a new character, the Empress.
October 5, 2012
This series started out as a fun, light, quirky fantasy with a cast of witty and lovable characters, but has subsequently grown with each book into one of my favourite series. All the ingredients for a good book are there: great writing, characters you can't help but love, lots of laugh out loud moments, clever and believable scenario resolution, quick pace and a detailed back story that cracks open at unpredictable moments to surprise the reader. But the thing I love most is that Rachel Aaron seems to have thrown the guidebook-to-writing out of the window. Some of the more traditional scenarios don't play out as expected. Details of what I'm referring to are in the spoiler: Can't wait for the next one! :)
October 10, 2016
It occurs to me that I committed a grave injustice in my review of The Legend of Eli Monpress, the omnibus collection of the first three Eli Monpress novels -- I mentioned Eli himself and his companions Josef and Nico, but I completely neglected to name Spiritualist Miranda Lyonette, his would-be nemesis and sometimes reluctant ally. (And all of the spirits she has helping her, not least of whom is the spirit-hound Gin.)
Anyhoo, so after the relatively world-shaking events at the end of the previous book, we now embark upon events that are even more world-shaking, during the course of which we learn Josef's back story. (Which I won't tell, because that would be spoiling.) But anyway, on the other side of the ocean is the empire of the Immortal Empress, whose probing attack was barely beaten back, at great cost, a generation ago, and who now (for Reasons, most of which revolve around Eli himself) has decided to come back and finish the job, beginning with the island nation of Osera, where our heroes find themselves drawn. And in the meantime, on the mainland, there's all kinds of infighting going on between the Spiritualists and the wizards who serve the Council (because what better time for infighting than in the face of overwhelming invasion?) and really, nobody can ever catch a break, can they?
Not much in the way of actual thievery this time, and events are considerably less light-hearted, but no less engaging.
Anyhoo, so after the relatively world-shaking events at the end of the previous book, we now embark upon events that are even more world-shaking, during the course of which we learn Josef's back story. (Which I won't tell, because that would be spoiling.) But anyway, on the other side of the ocean is the empire of the Immortal Empress, whose probing attack was barely beaten back, at great cost, a generation ago, and who now (for Reasons, most of which revolve around Eli himself) has decided to come back and finish the job, beginning with the island nation of Osera, where our heroes find themselves drawn. And in the meantime, on the mainland, there's all kinds of infighting going on between the Spiritualists and the wizards who serve the Council (because what better time for infighting than in the face of overwhelming invasion?) and really, nobody can ever catch a break, can they?
Not much in the way of actual thievery this time, and events are considerably less light-hearted, but no less engaging.
March 13, 2021
In this volume 4 of the Eli Monpress series, as in the previous volume, the story grows darker as more of the previously hinted-at backstory is revealed. When the story opens, Miranda, Spiritualist (a type of wizard who works with the spirits inhabiting animate and inanimate entities, not the spirits of the dead as the word would normally indicate), travels with the bear-headed Shaper called Slorn to the Shaper Mountain. Slorn's reception is not, on the face of it, positive, but there are agendas within agendas. Miranda learns a great deal about the backstory - the fact that the Shepherdess, one of the three Powers that underpin creation, is undermining the world's existence, and the fact that her favourites are called Stars and that Eli is one of them, along with other information previously hinted at in earlier volumes.
Despite this, Eli does not figure largely in this volume which concentrates instead on the fate of his friend Josef, who has a surprising origin , and to some extent on Nico, who is still mastering her control over the demonseed placed inside her years before. Only in the tour de force conclusion does Eli play an indispensible part at great personal cost. In fact, Josef, Nico and Miranda all experience loss in this story, which pits them against a seemingly invincible enemy, the Immortal Empress, as the Shepherdess uses this ex-favourite of hers against Eli.
I found the beginning quite slow and around page 100 actually laid the book aside to read another, but I did eventually go back to it, and it built well once Josef returned home to face his responsibilities. After that, there was non-stop action and intrigue which built to the tense and exciting climax. So I am awarding this a 4 star rating.
Despite this, Eli does not figure largely in this volume which concentrates instead on the fate of his friend Josef, who has a surprising origin , and to some extent on Nico, who is still mastering her control over the demonseed placed inside her years before. Only in the tour de force conclusion does Eli play an indispensible part at great personal cost. In fact, Josef, Nico and Miranda all experience loss in this story, which pits them against a seemingly invincible enemy, the Immortal Empress, as the Shepherdess uses this ex-favourite of hers against Eli.
I found the beginning quite slow and around page 100 actually laid the book aside to read another, but I did eventually go back to it, and it built well once Josef returned home to face his responsibilities. After that, there was non-stop action and intrigue which built to the tense and exciting climax. So I am awarding this a 4 star rating.
July 13, 2012
Full Review Over At Fantasy Book Critic
OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: It’s always harder to review series books, the further you get into the series. For one, most of the plot points become spoilers for previous books, secondly it becomes a bit harder to keep repeating why you like this world or the over all series and lastly the highs of the previous volumes keep raising the bar of expectation to its zenith. So in spite of all the afore mentioned reasons, the Spirit War, book four in the Legend Of Eli Monpress series completely enthralled me and has lead me to believe Rachel Aaron is an author destined for dollops of fame and success. Once again to reiterate the following review might contain spoilers for the previous three books as otherwise it will be very hard to even speak or write about its plot (though I’ll try my best to keep them to a minimalistic level). So for those readers who haven't read the first three books, consider yourselves warned.
The Spirit War opens after the tumultuous events of the Spirit Eater but the prologue once again gives us a look into events past, focusing on Josef and how he procured the Heart of War. The first chapter however introduces us to characters that have been alluded to, but haven’t officially made their presence known. These characters are Den the Warlord and Nara the Immortal Empress, these two have a connection and Den is looking to catch the Empress on her word. He does manage to find her as well as subvert her mood to his wishes and its from here the basic plot begins. The reader will then meet Eli, Josef and Nico on the other-side of the world as they are waiting for Eli's newest bounty; things however take a crazy turn when Josef’s picture adorns the bounty wall besides Eli with his bounty being higher than Eli’s as well. This peculiar bounty alerts Josef to his family and heritage summoning him and they journey back to Osera wherein a whole new cauldron of troubles awaits them.
Miranda on the other hand, has gone with Slorn and soon gets to know one of the fundamental aspects of the world they inhabit. Fate however put her on a crash course with events occuring in Osera but there are a slew of things and plot twists that occur in between & will have to be gleaned by the reader themselves. This book contains many plot threads, some singular and concerning a particular character and others that focus on many and concern everyone. The basic gist is that the Immortal Empress has decided to reclaim a title that she deems she has lost and her fury has been refocused on Osera wherein the heart of the story lies.
This book following the previous books pattern by focusing on one character’s background and this time its Josef’s turn. Not only do we learn that he’s a Prince but also that his future kingdom is now in sights of the Immortal Empress. Josef as a character has always been intriguing and in this book we learn a lot about his past, his choices and the main reasons why he has become the man he is today. There’s also a bunch of plotlines dealing with the horrific issues of the world (as touched upon in book III), namely the presence and meddling of the Shepherdess, the containment of demon seeds, and the overall mystery of the origin of the world and beyond. There are a few answers given but now everything hinges on the last book as it will have answer every question that has arisen so far as well as end the saga on a thumping note. But going by the way things have panned out so far, I have every confidence that the author will surprise us and end the saga on an enthralling note.
One of the biggest surprises in this book is the revelation about the world’s past and the Shepherdess’s role in it. We have had some pointers previously, however in this book we get a lot more information about it. Also this leads to an even more dangerous conclusion as all is definitely not well in the world and not only do the great spirits know it, but the humans are slowly realizing it as well. The character cast is the biggest one featured so far and suitably so as there are multiple plot threads in this book and the author admirably handles them all. This book was a lengthy one however it does not waste any of its pages, the increased length serves to encompass a huge story that is action packed and character driven at the same time.
Characterization is always important with an increased cast and in this book the author admirably showcases all characters with their flawed but understandable viewpoints. This was extremely helpful as otherwise the book’s plot ran the risk of seeming ludicrous. The characters who have been in the background so far like Slorn, Sara, Tesset, Etmon Banage, etc are given more page time as per the story dictates and this was a smart move on the author's part as they reveal more about the world and a bit about the secrets of the world as well.
The only complaint I could have from this book is while Miranda in the previous books has always been a headstrong character, in this one she comes off as bit over zealous. Usually portrayed as "feisty" and protective of her spirits, but herein, I felt her character came across a bit shrill in the climax. This is just my observation and many others might think otherwise on it. The other main characters Nico & Eli do have their parts to play but they sort of take a back seat to Josef in the earlier two-thirds of the book however in the climax they each have their own battles to fight and again have life-changing events occur in the end. The book also ends on a cliffhanger that will have the readers clamoring for the final book and to help is the fact that the book also features a chapter from Eli’s POV from Spirit's End which helps satiate the wait until November.
CONCLUSION: Rachel Aaron spectacularly writes about the world wherein spirits are alive and part of everything. She makes the characters come alive and entraps the reader amidst her literary creation. Thought this book is not the way to start the series, it is a fine indicator of how good a writer she is. Grab a copy of The Spirit Thief to begin the series and know that you are in for one hell of a comical & highly entertaining ride.
July 19, 2019
NICEEE! It's the best one in the series so far. The author, Rachel Aaron, can describe the God like characters very well. She came close to Brandon Sanderson in that regard. Now, on to the final book🏇
May 27, 2019
The Spirit War is the fourth in The Legend of Eli Monpress by Rachel Aaron. The stakes are continuing to raise for our group of unlikely heroes and the world. Once you get this far into a series it becomes hard to summarize without spoilers. That said...
Following the previous pattern, this book focuses on one character's background and it is finally Josef's turn. I did not see him as so that was fun. I truly loved learning the backstory as to how he became the wielder of the Heart of War. It's unfortunate he became so dour and stubborn for most of the book. Thankfully he eventually comes around and has some truly spectacular scenes towards the end.
One of my favorite things about this series so far has been the world building. Each volume continues to add layers to the world and this installment is no exception. This time we're finally given insight into Benehime and her role in the world along with just how bad things have become due to her neglecting her duties. Benehime is quite a piece of work! She's uber creepy and doesn't understand or care about other people's boundaries at all. I felt so bad for Eli as her attention towards him comes across as almost rapey.
We're given a much more complicated story as Aaron begins to tie all the elements together in this penultimate volume. Many side characters get more page time, which helps the reader to understand just how vast the implications of events have reached, though it means less time for Eli and his antics. That's ok though as we really need these other points of view to understand what's happening in the world in general.
I hate to say it but the biggest downside to the story is Miranda. Her character comes across as over zealous and preachy for most of the book. As much as I love Gin, I really wasn't looking forward to her chapters.
The book ends in one heck of a cliff hanger. I'm so glad this series is already published so I can continue to the final book soon.
Following the previous pattern, this book focuses on one character's background and it is finally Josef's turn. I did not see him as so that was fun. I truly loved learning the backstory as to how he became the wielder of the Heart of War. It's unfortunate he became so dour and stubborn for most of the book. Thankfully he eventually comes around and has some truly spectacular scenes towards the end.
One of my favorite things about this series so far has been the world building. Each volume continues to add layers to the world and this installment is no exception. This time we're finally given insight into Benehime and her role in the world along with just how bad things have become due to her neglecting her duties. Benehime is quite a piece of work! She's uber creepy and doesn't understand or care about other people's boundaries at all. I felt so bad for Eli as her attention towards him comes across as almost rapey.
We're given a much more complicated story as Aaron begins to tie all the elements together in this penultimate volume. Many side characters get more page time, which helps the reader to understand just how vast the implications of events have reached, though it means less time for Eli and his antics. That's ok though as we really need these other points of view to understand what's happening in the world in general.
I hate to say it but the biggest downside to the story is Miranda. Her character comes across as over zealous and preachy for most of the book. As much as I love Gin, I really wasn't looking forward to her chapters.
The book ends in one heck of a cliff hanger. I'm so glad this series is already published so I can continue to the final book soon.
June 9, 2012
Oh. My. Word. There are hardly words to describe how I feel right now, but I'll give it a go.
At first, I was disappointed with Spirit War. I enjoyed seeing a lot of things from Josef's perspective, but there wasn't enough Eli to suit me. But the end-- oh the end!! Honestly, the last third of the book was an emotional roller coaster, and there aren't enough words on earth to explain how the ending made me feel. It's nice to see things finally all coming together, despite the dark(er) turn the novels are taking (which I love, don't misunderstand!). Augh, there is so much I want to say, but I'll wind up spoiling the entire book for you...
Overall, a very solid, very entertaining addition to the Eli Monpress saga. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I wanted to strangle people... It is an emotional investment and a wonderful novel. Rachel Aaron does it again! Highly recommended to all!
At first, I was disappointed with Spirit War. I enjoyed seeing a lot of things from Josef's perspective, but there wasn't enough Eli to suit me. But the end-- oh the end!! Honestly, the last third of the book was an emotional roller coaster, and there aren't enough words on earth to explain how the ending made me feel. It's nice to see things finally all coming together, despite the dark(er) turn the novels are taking (which I love, don't misunderstand!). Augh, there is so much I want to say, but I'll wind up spoiling the entire book for you...
Overall, a very solid, very entertaining addition to the Eli Monpress saga. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I wanted to strangle people... It is an emotional investment and a wonderful novel. Rachel Aaron does it again! Highly recommended to all!
November 29, 2017
Wow, this was great, other than the cliffhanger ending. We are left hanging, really hanging for Eli, and a little for Niko. The ending is abrupt so we don't know how it pans out after the war ends. What politics happy and how the Kingdom fares. It is pretty much all in the air other the end to the war. Argh, so two parter since the next is the end of the series. I liked this one probably the most.
I know some didn't like the direction Joseph took but he was always independent and aloof. In the end he really did step up though. His word means something to him. That is what really matters.
Eli is such a whiner at the beginning of the book that I almost stopped reading. He is like a little child. We know he is a Robin Hood in disguise but he sounds like a petulant teenager, or maybe pre-teen. Luckily petulant Eli doesn't stay very long and serious issues take over. Wow this was a ride and in the end, Eli was forced to play his hand. Miranda has no idea of anything and speaks out her ass like a fanatic. She tries to arrest Joseph before even understanding the situation and then refuses to believe it until it is pounded into her head. You kind of hate her and her holier than you attitude. Eli is a thief and I get that he is a criminal but... she is not the police of thieves but one for the ethical treatment of spirits. Not only does he treat spirits well but better than she does. So, all the people really take turns in this. I thought Miranda would've figure out that she didn't know everything but we are left cliffhanged on whether she realizes what Eli did in the end.
Now I don't have time to read the next one until next month which is only a few days away. Hopefully it is just as good. Glad I didn't read this when it came out.
I know some didn't like the direction Joseph took but he was always independent and aloof. In the end he really did step up though. His word means something to him. That is what really matters.
Eli is such a whiner at the beginning of the book that I almost stopped reading. He is like a little child. We know he is a Robin Hood in disguise but he sounds like a petulant teenager, or maybe pre-teen. Luckily petulant Eli doesn't stay very long and serious issues take over. Wow this was a ride and in the end, Eli was forced to play his hand. Miranda has no idea of anything and speaks out her ass like a fanatic. She tries to arrest Joseph before even understanding the situation and then refuses to believe it until it is pounded into her head. You kind of hate her and her holier than you attitude. Eli is a thief and I get that he is a criminal but... she is not the police of thieves but one for the ethical treatment of spirits. Not only does he treat spirits well but better than she does. So, all the people really take turns in this. I thought Miranda would've figure out that she didn't know everything but we are left cliffhanged on whether she realizes what Eli did in the end.
Now I don't have time to read the next one until next month which is only a few days away. Hopefully it is just as good. Glad I didn't read this when it came out.
May 29, 2019
Eli Monpress is vain. He's cocky. And he's a thief.
But he's a thief who has just seen his bounty topped and he's not happy about it. The bounty topper, as it turns out, is his best friend, bodyguard, and master swordsman, Josef. Who has been keeping secrets from Eli.
Meanwhile the Spirit Court has been usurped by the Council of Thrones and someone calling herself the Immortal Empress is staging a massive invasion. But it's not just politics --- the Immortal Empress has a specific target in mind: Eli Monpress, the greatest thief in the world.
I read the first three book in this series a few years ago and liked them a lot, but I got busy reading other things and never finished it. I'm happy that I finally got back to this series and with the fourth book read, I only have one left.
Previous books focused on Eli, Miranda, and Nico. This one focused on Josef. I enjoyed reading his back story, finding out who he really was, and how he obtained the sword. I would say that was the most enjoyable part of this book. Other characters were sparse, Miranda became slightly annoying, there wasn't enough magic used, and the series as a whole has taken a decidedly darker turn, with the ending feeling a little depressing to me. The previous book had some darker tones to it but they were balanced out pretty well with the lighter parts. This book was missing a lot of that light-heartedness. I definitely preferred the light-hearted tone to the previous books over this one.
All that being said though, I didn't dislike this one. Like I said, I enjoyed reading Josef's back story and that alone made this book worth reading. Because this book ends on a big cliffhanger I'm definitely anxious to get started on the last book in the series.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
But he's a thief who has just seen his bounty topped and he's not happy about it. The bounty topper, as it turns out, is his best friend, bodyguard, and master swordsman, Josef. Who has been keeping secrets from Eli.
Meanwhile the Spirit Court has been usurped by the Council of Thrones and someone calling herself the Immortal Empress is staging a massive invasion. But it's not just politics --- the Immortal Empress has a specific target in mind: Eli Monpress, the greatest thief in the world.
I read the first three book in this series a few years ago and liked them a lot, but I got busy reading other things and never finished it. I'm happy that I finally got back to this series and with the fourth book read, I only have one left.
Previous books focused on Eli, Miranda, and Nico. This one focused on Josef. I enjoyed reading his back story, finding out who he really was, and how he obtained the sword. I would say that was the most enjoyable part of this book. Other characters were sparse, Miranda became slightly annoying, there wasn't enough magic used, and the series as a whole has taken a decidedly darker turn, with the ending feeling a little depressing to me. The previous book had some darker tones to it but they were balanced out pretty well with the lighter parts. This book was missing a lot of that light-heartedness. I definitely preferred the light-hearted tone to the previous books over this one.
All that being said though, I didn't dislike this one. Like I said, I enjoyed reading Josef's back story and that alone made this book worth reading. Because this book ends on a big cliffhanger I'm definitely anxious to get started on the last book in the series.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
August 14, 2019
Actual rating 3.5 stars
I would've given it a 4 stars based purely on how fun these characters are but the conflicts are always too easily resolved which makes it hard to get invested in the plot.
I would've given it a 4 stars based purely on how fun these characters are but the conflicts are always too easily resolved which makes it hard to get invested in the plot.
April 28, 2023
Check out my blog, One Man Book Club
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
The Spirit Thief (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #1)
The Spirit Rebellion (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #2)
The Spirit Eater (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #3)
The Spirit War (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #4)
Spirit's End (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #5)
By: Rachel Aaron
My Rating: FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
Best for: 14 and up
Eli's still got it
It's been a decade since I first read about Eli Monpress and his Flynn Rider-ish adventures in magical thievery. I wanted to give the story another look with fresh eyes to make sure my years of recommendations weren't misguided.
They weren't.
Eli Monpress remains a tragically unknown story that's a ton of fun and full of adventure!
***October 2013***
Now THAT was a fun story!
My motivation for reading is simple. I read books to be entertained, and when I've finished reading them I want to feel happy. That's it. Really.
There was nothing that stopped me from being simply and completely entertained while reading Eli Monpress, and now that I’m finished I can’t wipe the satisfied smile from my face. The characters are strong, complex, and imperfect—which, ironically, makes them perfect. The writing is smooth—so smooth it’s hard to believe Rachel Aaron doesn’t have more stuff out there. The Eli books are it, but you’d think she’s been writing for years as a best seller. I saw no signs of her being a first time author. What a joy! And her story . . . wow. So, so much fun to read.
Eli Monpress is the world’s greatest thief. He’s also a wizard—someone who can communicate with the spirits that are the living parts of what everyone else sees as inanimate objects. He’s so smooth he can talk his way in or out of anything, and he’s got the bounty to prove it. Miranda Lyonette is the wizard Spiritualist—sworn to defend the spirits from those who would abuse them—who is tasked with catching Eli and bringing him to justice. Not that Eli abuses spirits as much as he gives the already-misunderstood wizards a bad name. But as hard as Miranda tries to catch Eli, for some reason they always end up working together in the end to save the day—and ultimately the world. Josef is the honorable Swordsman with the mysterious past. Nico is the girl who could end up saving them all . . .
The book’s themes center around the ambiguities in what is morally right and morally wrong, the unbreakable bonds of friendship, the imperative of having integrity, the importance of always keeping your promises, always doing the right thing—even (especially) when it’s the hardest thing, and most powerfully, the lesson that YOU are in charge of YOU and we all have the power to become masters of ourselves. All this in a fast paced story set in a completely unique and imaginative world. No language. No Sex. There is quite a bit of violence that adds to the drama.
I’ll say appropriate for 14 and up.
Happy Reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
The Spirit Thief (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #1)
The Spirit Rebellion (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #2)
The Spirit Eater (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #3)
The Spirit War (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #4)
Spirit's End (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #5)
By: Rachel Aaron
My Rating: FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
Best for: 14 and up
Eli's still got it
It's been a decade since I first read about Eli Monpress and his Flynn Rider-ish adventures in magical thievery. I wanted to give the story another look with fresh eyes to make sure my years of recommendations weren't misguided.
They weren't.
Eli Monpress remains a tragically unknown story that's a ton of fun and full of adventure!
***October 2013***
Now THAT was a fun story!
My motivation for reading is simple. I read books to be entertained, and when I've finished reading them I want to feel happy. That's it. Really.
There was nothing that stopped me from being simply and completely entertained while reading Eli Monpress, and now that I’m finished I can’t wipe the satisfied smile from my face. The characters are strong, complex, and imperfect—which, ironically, makes them perfect. The writing is smooth—so smooth it’s hard to believe Rachel Aaron doesn’t have more stuff out there. The Eli books are it, but you’d think she’s been writing for years as a best seller. I saw no signs of her being a first time author. What a joy! And her story . . . wow. So, so much fun to read.
Eli Monpress is the world’s greatest thief. He’s also a wizard—someone who can communicate with the spirits that are the living parts of what everyone else sees as inanimate objects. He’s so smooth he can talk his way in or out of anything, and he’s got the bounty to prove it. Miranda Lyonette is the wizard Spiritualist—sworn to defend the spirits from those who would abuse them—who is tasked with catching Eli and bringing him to justice. Not that Eli abuses spirits as much as he gives the already-misunderstood wizards a bad name. But as hard as Miranda tries to catch Eli, for some reason they always end up working together in the end to save the day—and ultimately the world. Josef is the honorable Swordsman with the mysterious past. Nico is the girl who could end up saving them all . . .
The book’s themes center around the ambiguities in what is morally right and morally wrong, the unbreakable bonds of friendship, the imperative of having integrity, the importance of always keeping your promises, always doing the right thing—even (especially) when it’s the hardest thing, and most powerfully, the lesson that YOU are in charge of YOU and we all have the power to become masters of ourselves. All this in a fast paced story set in a completely unique and imaginative world. No language. No Sex. There is quite a bit of violence that adds to the drama.
I’ll say appropriate for 14 and up.
Happy Reading!
December 6, 2012
First posted here
With truly horrible covers and very little publicity, the first three books of Aaron's series flew completely under my radar for a long time. It wasn't until they were put together in an omnibus, The Legend of Eli Monpress, that I discovered this very fun series. Eli Monpress is the greatest thief in the world, and his ultimate goal is to get enough notoriety to have the largest bounty ever placed on his head. He is doing so in a world were every thing has a spirit, with some people having the ability to persuade or control them for their purposes. After a fairly cartoonist first book, the quality in book two went up, followed by a third book that took the story down a much more serious path.
Which leads to The Spirit War, forth book in the series. While the series isn't turning into a dark tale and has kept some whimsy, this book defiantly keeps the more serious tone, with stakes that are higher than ever. The heist plot lines are gone, and while Eli and his crew still have the skills needed to be great thieves, those skills are now needed to save the world.
While Eli is still present, this time the story is more focused on Josef, the swordsman of the group, who is called back home to take his place as Prince of an island nation, surprising his friends in the process. Of course Nico(the third member of the group) and Eli have no choice but to follow along, where they soon find themselves helping prepare for war against the Immortal Empress, ruler of half the world.
This is not a complex book, reading more like an adventure tale. The joy in it come from the three main characters slowly learning a new piece of each others past, enormous clashes between spirits, and the different way's the groups less lawful skills come in handy in each situation. As a continuation of the series I can't recommend this book enough to people who are yearning for fantasy that is fun and less grim than the average series. The ending was the best of the series, even if it ends with a cliff-hanger. With an epic confrontation brewing, the ending would have seemed too simple if Aaron hadn't done so well in showing what a sacrifice was needed to make it happen.
Some small things hold the book back. Intrigue is not a strong point, and the first third of the book suffers from trying to include it. All the politics and betrayals were way too easy to spot, i knew who was going to cause problems almost from the character introduction. And as unique as the "everything has a spirit" angle is, it is often conveniently forgotten to advance the plot.
Pros: Tries to be fun, good banter between characters, a strong ending.
Cons: The spirit angle has constrained the author in some ways, and the politics truly are cliched.
4 stars.
With truly horrible covers and very little publicity, the first three books of Aaron's series flew completely under my radar for a long time. It wasn't until they were put together in an omnibus, The Legend of Eli Monpress, that I discovered this very fun series. Eli Monpress is the greatest thief in the world, and his ultimate goal is to get enough notoriety to have the largest bounty ever placed on his head. He is doing so in a world were every thing has a spirit, with some people having the ability to persuade or control them for their purposes. After a fairly cartoonist first book, the quality in book two went up, followed by a third book that took the story down a much more serious path.
Which leads to The Spirit War, forth book in the series. While the series isn't turning into a dark tale and has kept some whimsy, this book defiantly keeps the more serious tone, with stakes that are higher than ever. The heist plot lines are gone, and while Eli and his crew still have the skills needed to be great thieves, those skills are now needed to save the world.
While Eli is still present, this time the story is more focused on Josef, the swordsman of the group, who is called back home to take his place as Prince of an island nation, surprising his friends in the process. Of course Nico(the third member of the group) and Eli have no choice but to follow along, where they soon find themselves helping prepare for war against the Immortal Empress, ruler of half the world.
This is not a complex book, reading more like an adventure tale. The joy in it come from the three main characters slowly learning a new piece of each others past, enormous clashes between spirits, and the different way's the groups less lawful skills come in handy in each situation. As a continuation of the series I can't recommend this book enough to people who are yearning for fantasy that is fun and less grim than the average series. The ending was the best of the series, even if it ends with a cliff-hanger. With an epic confrontation brewing, the ending would have seemed too simple if Aaron hadn't done so well in showing what a sacrifice was needed to make it happen.
Some small things hold the book back. Intrigue is not a strong point, and the first third of the book suffers from trying to include it. All the politics and betrayals were way too easy to spot, i knew who was going to cause problems almost from the character introduction. And as unique as the "everything has a spirit" angle is, it is often conveniently forgotten to advance the plot.
Pros: Tries to be fun, good banter between characters, a strong ending.
Cons: The spirit angle has constrained the author in some ways, and the politics truly are cliched.
4 stars.
June 23, 2012
Overall: 6* (well-I have rated the previous ones in the series as 5*)
This is undoubtedly the best book in the series so far and I really love the way Rachel Aaron has woven the story here.
While Eli wants nothing more than an increased bounty on his head, Josef is forced to return to his homeland and take up his title as the Prince of Osera and fulfill his duty to provide the rightful heir to the kingdom.
The book is written from multiple PoVs and while the last one revolved around Nico, I was definitely intrigued enough by the wielder of the "Heart of War". While some of the earlier books felt lighthearted due to Eli's "naughty" behavior, this book wears a somber tone due to the impending invasion by the Immortal Empress.
I can't even start making a list of things that I liked about this book since it was so good. Rachel kept giving the reader glimpses into Josef's past while never letting the pace slacken. It is also quite difficult to place this book in one particular genre, since there is enough of action, intrigue and emotion to keep the reader glued to the story.
If you have read the series, DONT miss this book and if you haven't, drop whatever you are reading and start here
This is undoubtedly the best book in the series so far and I really love the way Rachel Aaron has woven the story here.
While Eli wants nothing more than an increased bounty on his head, Josef is forced to return to his homeland and take up his title as the Prince of Osera and fulfill his duty to provide the rightful heir to the kingdom.
The book is written from multiple PoVs and while the last one revolved around Nico, I was definitely intrigued enough by the wielder of the "Heart of War". While some of the earlier books felt lighthearted due to Eli's "naughty" behavior, this book wears a somber tone due to the impending invasion by the Immortal Empress.
I can't even start making a list of things that I liked about this book since it was so good. Rachel kept giving the reader glimpses into Josef's past while never letting the pace slacken. It is also quite difficult to place this book in one particular genre, since there is enough of action, intrigue and emotion to keep the reader glued to the story.
If you have read the series, DONT miss this book and if you haven't, drop whatever you are reading and start here
February 14, 2016
While reading this book I was pleasantly surprised. That surprise didn't last long.
The story in this book should have carried the series. Its scope is much greater than previously and the plot would have needed time to develop. Instead we get this hurried mess, crowbarred into the familiar structure of one half exposition, one half action.
Ironically the first half had me actually interested because I was sure that this plot could not be resolved in this book and that the finale would consist of two connected books. I was right – this plot could not be resolved in this book – and wrong – the book tries anyway, fails and ends like the other ones. The action is hurried, timing and scale are so out of place that they undermine the solid work that has been made so far.
The sad thing is that I can see a much better series in this book. If this plot had been expanded and given time to develop, it could have been great. Unfortunately it is a disaster.
The story in this book should have carried the series. Its scope is much greater than previously and the plot would have needed time to develop. Instead we get this hurried mess, crowbarred into the familiar structure of one half exposition, one half action.
Ironically the first half had me actually interested because I was sure that this plot could not be resolved in this book and that the finale would consist of two connected books. I was right – this plot could not be resolved in this book – and wrong – the book tries anyway, fails and ends like the other ones. The action is hurried, timing and scale are so out of place that they undermine the solid work that has been made so far.
The sad thing is that I can see a much better series in this book. If this plot had been expanded and given time to develop, it could have been great. Unfortunately it is a disaster.
June 10, 2012
There is no way I can be objective about this book because I've been waiting not-so-patiently for it for ages. And I have to say, it did not disappoint, which is a big thing, given how high my expectations had built.
I loved it to bits. There were so many moments where I went GLEEEEEEE! and possibly hugged the book. There is so much new information and a lot of interesting backstory and the last third of the book is non stop. The only thing wrong was that the book ended. How cruel to make us wait until November!!
Suffice it to say, if you're a fan of the series, then I think you'll love the book as well.
I've already started my reread.
I loved it to bits. There were so many moments where I went GLEEEEEEE! and possibly hugged the book. There is so much new information and a lot of interesting backstory and the last third of the book is non stop. The only thing wrong was that the book ended. How cruel to make us wait until November!!
Suffice it to say, if you're a fan of the series, then I think you'll love the book as well.
I've already started my reread.
February 7, 2020
Wow, this one had me going all the way from page 1 to the very last word! 4.5/5!
I'm not sure what to say, because so much happened and everything was so emotionally charged, even more so than in book 1. Aaron's writing is at its best so far in this book I think. I love the emotional highs and lows I found myself in while reading. And the lore was always fun in the first three books, but now it's much more fascinating, even harrowing.
Firstly, this is definitely Josef's book, which made me hesitant at first because I definitely liked him in books 1-3, but he was the clearest victim of a lot of the same-ness of the plots of those three books. His role was the same in all three - find a sword-wielding baddie to fight, almost lose but end up winning, save Nico once or twice. But in this book, even though the revelation that he's a prince is sudden, it's a heck of a lot of fun, and the whole thing with him needing to sleep with Adela for the sake of a kingdom he doesn't even want kept me turning the pages like crazy because NICO. I really enjoy her character and her struggles, and I'm completely and totally hooked on hers and Josef's relationship. So when the whole Adela situation broke her heart, my heart broke too, and I was basically frothing at the mouth over Josef being upset over Nico being upset. And how he always smiled whenever he saw her. I just had a lot of feelings, and I had a lot of feelings for these two in books 1-3, so it shouldn't have been as much of a surprise, but I was waylaid nonetheless.
Also, there was less of the whole, Oh no I'm at my limit, oh wait this isn't even my final form!!! stuff with Josef, which I was grateful for. He ends up caring for his people and wanting to save his kingdom, so he's not just a lone swordsman anymore. It was a genius thing to do for his character. I also hugely appreciated his and Eli's relationship this time around. In books 1-3, they felt like reluctant acquaintances to me, not friends, even though Aaron tells us over and over that they ARE friends. I finally bought their relationship in this book. They were fun to spend time with and they felt almost like brothers; you could really feel the love between them, even though they're such different people. I also felt like Eli has always been really hard on Nico for books 1-3, but he's a lot gentler with her this time, and feels a lot like her brother as well. It makes it all the more devastating when Eli goes back to Benehime at the end.
Once again, I wasn't as interested in Miranda's side of the story. She's mostly just sort of around until the very end when her big moment comes. But the lore she learns with Slorn and her big escape from the mountain are interesting and exciting. That and her big ending. The rest was forgettable for me. Her final fight with Eli was really painful and brings out some of the biggest flaws in her character, including failing to see who people are beyond her own principles, righteous though they are. But I love how Eli values her opinion of him so much, even to the point of saving everyone and going back to Benehime because HER words are the tipping point for him.
I never noticed that there isn't a starry sky in this world, and when that whole reveal happened I got goosebumps. Especially with the imagery of claws pressing onto the veil sealing the world from the outside. Really cool imagery and lore, and it really makes me want to find out what in the world is up with that, especially if Eli and The Empress are "stars."
I really loved how emotional Mellinor's disappearance/death was. It was just as emotional as him taking on Miranda as his shore in book 1. Basically I was just really pleased that Aaron got back to the original emotional punches of book 1, which were greatly lessened in books 2 and 3.
Book 4 was a super fun ride, and I'm ready to see it to the end in book 5!
I'm not sure what to say, because so much happened and everything was so emotionally charged, even more so than in book 1. Aaron's writing is at its best so far in this book I think. I love the emotional highs and lows I found myself in while reading. And the lore was always fun in the first three books, but now it's much more fascinating, even harrowing.
Firstly, this is definitely Josef's book, which made me hesitant at first because I definitely liked him in books 1-3, but he was the clearest victim of a lot of the same-ness of the plots of those three books. His role was the same in all three - find a sword-wielding baddie to fight, almost lose but end up winning, save Nico once or twice. But in this book, even though the revelation that he's a prince is sudden, it's a heck of a lot of fun, and the whole thing with him needing to sleep with Adela for the sake of a kingdom he doesn't even want kept me turning the pages like crazy because NICO. I really enjoy her character and her struggles, and I'm completely and totally hooked on hers and Josef's relationship. So when the whole Adela situation broke her heart, my heart broke too, and I was basically frothing at the mouth over Josef being upset over Nico being upset. And how he always smiled whenever he saw her. I just had a lot of feelings, and I had a lot of feelings for these two in books 1-3, so it shouldn't have been as much of a surprise, but I was waylaid nonetheless.
Also, there was less of the whole, Oh no I'm at my limit, oh wait this isn't even my final form!!! stuff with Josef, which I was grateful for. He ends up caring for his people and wanting to save his kingdom, so he's not just a lone swordsman anymore. It was a genius thing to do for his character. I also hugely appreciated his and Eli's relationship this time around. In books 1-3, they felt like reluctant acquaintances to me, not friends, even though Aaron tells us over and over that they ARE friends. I finally bought their relationship in this book. They were fun to spend time with and they felt almost like brothers; you could really feel the love between them, even though they're such different people. I also felt like Eli has always been really hard on Nico for books 1-3, but he's a lot gentler with her this time, and feels a lot like her brother as well. It makes it all the more devastating when Eli goes back to Benehime at the end.
Once again, I wasn't as interested in Miranda's side of the story. She's mostly just sort of around until the very end when her big moment comes. But the lore she learns with Slorn and her big escape from the mountain are interesting and exciting. That and her big ending. The rest was forgettable for me. Her final fight with Eli was really painful and brings out some of the biggest flaws in her character, including failing to see who people are beyond her own principles, righteous though they are. But I love how Eli values her opinion of him so much, even to the point of saving everyone and going back to Benehime because HER words are the tipping point for him.
I never noticed that there isn't a starry sky in this world, and when that whole reveal happened I got goosebumps. Especially with the imagery of claws pressing onto the veil sealing the world from the outside. Really cool imagery and lore, and it really makes me want to find out what in the world is up with that, especially if Eli and The Empress are "stars."
I really loved how emotional Mellinor's disappearance/death was. It was just as emotional as him taking on Miranda as his shore in book 1. Basically I was just really pleased that Aaron got back to the original emotional punches of book 1, which were greatly lessened in books 2 and 3.
Book 4 was a super fun ride, and I'm ready to see it to the end in book 5!
November 13, 2024
Another fun story following the misadventures of one Eli Monpress. This time around time around we have a lot less jokes, because the immortal Empress who has vanished for the past 26 years has finally returned to her island and plans continue what she failed at more than two decades ago, conquering the remainder of the world and bringing everyone under one banner, all in hopes to gain favor with the White Lady. Unfortunately, there is a small island country of little significance that stands in her way. The only real important thing is that Eli and gang are there on said island, but more importantly is that it is Josef’s home. A story of politics and war, this 4th book has it all. Elevating the Monpress series from a more little hearted fantasy romp to a full blown political fantasy.
This book was very enjoyable. Like the previous books it is just so easy to consume. You get going and next thing you know you did a hundred pages. Now while this one traveled into a much more dense fantasy with all the politics it still felt digestible, never getting to overwhelming. Which in my current reading mood was a huge plus.
Again characters are still the main thing. While not perfect and certainly have some plot armor, they are just likable. Even though if I had a friend like Eli in real life I’d probably try to strangle him at every dinner or someone like Josef who I’d constantly tell to stop being a stick in the mud. They just feel right in their own way.
All in all there isn’t much to stay. If you started this series and made it all the way to book for you will probably like it. You know what to expect and you’re probably happy with that.
This book was very enjoyable. Like the previous books it is just so easy to consume. You get going and next thing you know you did a hundred pages. Now while this one traveled into a much more dense fantasy with all the politics it still felt digestible, never getting to overwhelming. Which in my current reading mood was a huge plus.
Again characters are still the main thing. While not perfect and certainly have some plot armor, they are just likable. Even though if I had a friend like Eli in real life I’d probably try to strangle him at every dinner or someone like Josef who I’d constantly tell to stop being a stick in the mud. They just feel right in their own way.
All in all there isn’t much to stay. If you started this series and made it all the way to book for you will probably like it. You know what to expect and you’re probably happy with that.
January 28, 2022
I really enjoy these books. This one started very slowly for me because I wanted to spend time with Eli. Eli is who I love and it is the Legend of Eli Monpress and that is the character I am most interested in, and I get frustrated with not enough Eli time.
However. Once this one got rolling, I could not step away. Luke Daniels is amazing, as always, with the narration. One never knows quite what is going to happen next in this world. Very much worth a read.
However. Once this one got rolling, I could not step away. Luke Daniels is amazing, as always, with the narration. One never knows quite what is going to happen next in this world. Very much worth a read.
September 3, 2020
Whaaaaaaaaaat
August 10, 2022
Easily my favorite book in this series so far. We finally get more backstory and development for some of the characters who have been around since the beginning. The stakes are a lot higher this time around, and the storyline is darker while still maintaining the fun adventure vibe the other books have. After that ending, I can't wait to see the series' conclusion in the final book!
December 8, 2025
Lovely, explanations and more of story and a wide ing of the world. I enjoyed this book a lot, still very anime influenced while still being well written.
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