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Rifter #6
Broken Fortress
The Volume Six
When he was ordained as the Kahlil of the Payshmura Church,
Ushiri Ravishan left behind his name and home. In the foreign
world of Nayeshi, he watched over the destroyer incarnation of
the god Parfir, though the young man—John Toffler—had no idea
of his own deadly potential.
Only once in ten years does Kahlil desert his duty. One night
he returns to Basawar to rescue his sister, Rousma, from the burning
convent of Umbhra’ibaye. After a deadly battle against the
witch Ji Shir’korud, he returns with his sister only to discover that
John and two of his friends have intercepted a message meant for
the Kahlil the golden key that unlocks the Rifter’s death.
Unwittingly, John and his friends have used the key and traveled
to Kahlil’s home world of Basawar.
Though the Great Gate is damaged, Kahlil attempts to follow
John in order to stop him from unleashing apocalyptic ruin on
his home. However, the passage back to Basawar leaves Kahlil
badly injured and deeply changed. When he arrives he no longer
possesses the Prayerscars that marked him as Kahlil, nor does
he bear the ugly red scar that once disfigured his face. But most
jarringly, his memories of his world’s history and his own past are
now all wrong. The Payshmura church had been utterly destroyed
and the Fai’daum revolutionaries now rule most of the northlands.
When he was ordained as the Kahlil of the Payshmura Church,
Ushiri Ravishan left behind his name and home. In the foreign
world of Nayeshi, he watched over the destroyer incarnation of
the god Parfir, though the young man—John Toffler—had no idea
of his own deadly potential.
Only once in ten years does Kahlil desert his duty. One night
he returns to Basawar to rescue his sister, Rousma, from the burning
convent of Umbhra’ibaye. After a deadly battle against the
witch Ji Shir’korud, he returns with his sister only to discover that
John and two of his friends have intercepted a message meant for
the Kahlil the golden key that unlocks the Rifter’s death.
Unwittingly, John and his friends have used the key and traveled
to Kahlil’s home world of Basawar.
Though the Great Gate is damaged, Kahlil attempts to follow
John in order to stop him from unleashing apocalyptic ruin on
his home. However, the passage back to Basawar leaves Kahlil
badly injured and deeply changed. When he arrives he no longer
possesses the Prayerscars that marked him as Kahlil, nor does
he bear the ugly red scar that once disfigured his face. But most
jarringly, his memories of his world’s history and his own past are
now all wrong. The Payshmura church had been utterly destroyed
and the Fai’daum revolutionaries now rule most of the northlands.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2011
23 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 17, 2020
4 Stars
The puzzle pieces are inching towards their final destination as our protagonists are finally reunited after a discombobulating prior 5 installments.
So much devastation and heartache have occurred, and I suspect more will come.
I want a happy ending for these two. I. Need. It.
The puzzle pieces are inching towards their final destination as our protagonists are finally reunited after a discombobulating prior 5 installments.
So much devastation and heartache have occurred, and I suspect more will come.
I want a happy ending for these two. I. Need. It.
October 5, 2019
Reread 10/5/19
I forgot how compelling this series becomes the further you get into it.
le sigh
ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ
THISCLOSE to my face springing a leak. THISCLOSE!
I fear my chances of getting out of this deal leakage free are dwindling though.
p.s. Jury came back on Fikiri. It wasn't a favorable ruling, I'm sad to say.
p.p.s. Really liking Hirran.
p.p.p.s. (is that even a thing?) How the hell did I get sucked into this vacuum? I believe the makes the 3rd Ginn Hale vacuum I've succumbed to this year. THIS YEAR!
I know, I know. 🙁
I forgot how compelling this series becomes the further you get into it.
le sigh
ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ
THISCLOSE to my face springing a leak. THISCLOSE!
I fear my chances of getting out of this deal leakage free are dwindling though.
p.s. Jury came back on Fikiri. It wasn't a favorable ruling, I'm sad to say.
p.p.s. Really liking Hirran.
p.p.p.s. (is that even a thing?) How the hell did I get sucked into this vacuum? I believe the makes the 3rd Ginn Hale vacuum I've succumbed to this year. THIS YEAR!
I know, I know. 🙁
July 26, 2020
4 Stars
This is a well-written high fantasy series, visionary both in its intricate plotting and impressive world-building.
I’d go as far as to say that this particular instalment was my favourite addition of the series yet, personally preferring this timeline, character POV and physical setting to a greater degree than those experienced in some of the earlier sequels.
However, I’ll admit to feeling a bit like I’m missing that awe-inspired connection to the story and the characters that many of my fellow readers seemed to have felt. I’m not quite sure why that is—I usually devour fantasy stories within the M/M romance genre (where here I’ve takes over 8 months to read 6 novellas)—but I’m hoping my enjoyment continues to build and cement itself a good deal more as I near the sagas undoubtedly high stakes climax.
Until then, I’ll keep an open mind and keep acknowledging all the aspects of the storytelling that I do enjoy. I certainly can’t deny that I’m intrigued to see how it will all wrap up for our heavily burdened heroes.
This is a well-written high fantasy series, visionary both in its intricate plotting and impressive world-building.
I’d go as far as to say that this particular instalment was my favourite addition of the series yet, personally preferring this timeline, character POV and physical setting to a greater degree than those experienced in some of the earlier sequels.
However, I’ll admit to feeling a bit like I’m missing that awe-inspired connection to the story and the characters that many of my fellow readers seemed to have felt. I’m not quite sure why that is—I usually devour fantasy stories within the M/M romance genre (where here I’ve takes over 8 months to read 6 novellas)—but I’m hoping my enjoyment continues to build and cement itself a good deal more as I near the sagas undoubtedly high stakes climax.
Until then, I’ll keep an open mind and keep acknowledging all the aspects of the storytelling that I do enjoy. I certainly can’t deny that I’m intrigued to see how it will all wrap up for our heavily burdened heroes.
February 3, 2016
“Tell me you won’t forget me,” Kahlil whispered.
Absolutely satisfying installment even if one is left in a state of anticipation, again. Like that deep breath before a surge, waiting in a false quiescence for the engagement.
I'm not talking about the characters or the plot points specifically because it would spoil, but more of the past is uncovered, new dangers rise, and while there seem to be alliances in place, in truth it looks more like a battle royale about to unfold.
I've picked a pair of quotes that resonated most strongly with me, and what I like most about them is how diametrically opposed they are. That constant state of struggle epitomizes humanity for me, life.
“To cling to what is lost, no matter how real it once seemed or once was, will lead only to madness.”
July 11, 2020
4.5 stars
Reviews are overrated. If you’re on the fence about this series, just read it already, you won’t regret it. At least I haven’t so far.
Now excuse me while I start the next book right now.
…
…
…okay, I guess I should at least try to write something since this is one of my favorite installments so far.
Reviews are overrated. If you’re on the fence about this series, just read it already, you won’t regret it. At least I haven’t so far.
Now excuse me while I start the next book right now.
…
…
…okay, I guess I should at least try to write something since this is one of my favorite installments so far.
December 29, 2016
I think I'm in the minority with this one. It was very military planning-ish, which is not my style. It's the first time since I've started this series that I haven't been glued to my kindle.
January 4, 2016
BEST BOOK OF THE SERIES ...(until the next one, I'm sure...)
I rarely highlight in books. I'm just too lazy.
I pretty much highlight 2/3 of this book! There are so many NUGGETS of brilliance! Life lessons. Plot explanations. Romantic swoony stuff. I DEVOURED THIS BOOK and then felt like savoring it! If I didn't have 4 more books in the series to read, I would've reread this one immediately!
Book 6 is when you start to really see the impact that the time jumps have had on the future and the past. And it's MIND BLOWING.
GINN HALE...WHY YOU SO AWESOME, YO?!
I can't stop...even though I'm SO ANXIOUS about what lies ahead!!!!!
June 19, 2013
“Thirty-one years! Bloody Hell!”
John Toffler has been in Basawara for thirty one years. But John Toffler is no more, he’s not even Jahn he's Jath'ibaye (stupid name btw)and I don't know how or why he's called that yet. I guess he's always just been the Rifter: God Parfir personified, harbourer of cataclysmic mass destruction , destroyer of worlds, bound to the earth, rivers, oceans and sky, immortal and forever bound by blood and bone to his Kahlil – his protector. Never has that fact been more prevalent than in Broken Fortress.
Jahn/ Jath’ibaye has grown into a man of immense God like stature with a profound presence – Ginn Hale descriptions of him raises the hair on my skin. His strength and aura bleeds through the pages with his Godly presence and yet he still proves to be capable of so much more, his humanity, remorse and dedication to replenish and heal the lands makes him truly exceptional – I am in awe of him! And like a mother hen I feel so proud of him. How ridiculous is that?!
And then we have our beloved Kahlil, the Kahlil of old who’s suffered loneliness, loss and torture in training with the Payshmura. Finally Kahlil is reunited with Jath’ibaye; so many years have passed and finally they are where fate dictates. Together - side by side - friends - lovers and defenders. Thank you Parfir!
“I followed you across the worlds, twice. I am bound to you. I have known since I was a boy that I would be with you. So there’s no point in denying me. Oh how I love you Kahlil … sigh.
Without the strength of his Kahlil, Jath’ibaye has suffered and endured years of grief and remorse, but now he’s back and my heart is overflowing with happiness right now. Together they are indestructible … right?
“…and in the hour of darkness, the Kahlil shall return, and in his wake, divine wrath shall fall upon our enemy and he will be no more…”
Right!
The armies of the South are converging on Vundomu and the Hungry Bones are approaching from the desolate North. Yes, I said hungry bones! It’s crazy – I can’t explain, but they are evil blood and soul sucking bones thirsty for, well…blood and souls. I think. {Frowny face}
It would appear that Fikiri has become an evil SOB and still has designs on gaining entry to Nayeshi (Earth) and he’ll stop and nothing to get there, including killing innocent children!
There are more revelations about how the Gates where originally destroyed and there is an influx more characters, namely the members who make up Jath’ibaye council. I love Ji, her wise nature and calm countenance is a soothing welcome. There is still 27 missing years of Jath’ibaye life to account for and all of what happened to the Payshmura. I know Jahn must have been pissed to destroy it all but I don’t know why. And I NEED to know
The focus of this book (for me) is the relationship between Kahlil and Jath’ibaye and the converging forces. Kahlil is struggling with mixed memories and insecure about not being the man Jahn fell in love with.
. “I may carry his memories, but I didn’t live his life. I didn’t make the choices he did.”
So now we wait, wait for Kahlil to prove his own sense of worth, even if it is only to himself. And we wait for the hungry bones and the gaun’im to make their move.
PS: My favourite quotes…
“Your flesh is my earth. Your blood is my river. Your breath is my sky. Your body is my world.” – Kahlil to Jath’ibaye. {and I swoon}
“Kahlil slipped his hand beneath the blankets. His fingers brushed over the ridges of Jath'ibaye's ribs. He felt the rise and fall of Jath'ibaye's breath and the smooth hardness of his abdomen. The muscles curved down into a deep cleft. Kahlil followed it to Jath'ibaye's belly button. His fingertip slid around the small circular indentation.
"Belly button," Kahlil whispered the Nayeshi words. It sounded so absurd, almost childishly cute. A belly button had to be the absolute antithesis of the world-crushing Rifter.
John Toffler has been in Basawara for thirty one years. But John Toffler is no more, he’s not even Jahn he's Jath'ibaye (stupid name btw)and I don't know how or why he's called that yet. I guess he's always just been the Rifter: God Parfir personified, harbourer of cataclysmic mass destruction , destroyer of worlds, bound to the earth, rivers, oceans and sky, immortal and forever bound by blood and bone to his Kahlil – his protector. Never has that fact been more prevalent than in Broken Fortress.
Jahn/ Jath’ibaye has grown into a man of immense God like stature with a profound presence – Ginn Hale descriptions of him raises the hair on my skin. His strength and aura bleeds through the pages with his Godly presence and yet he still proves to be capable of so much more, his humanity, remorse and dedication to replenish and heal the lands makes him truly exceptional – I am in awe of him! And like a mother hen I feel so proud of him. How ridiculous is that?!
And then we have our beloved Kahlil, the Kahlil of old who’s suffered loneliness, loss and torture in training with the Payshmura. Finally Kahlil is reunited with Jath’ibaye; so many years have passed and finally they are where fate dictates. Together - side by side - friends - lovers and defenders. Thank you Parfir!
“I followed you across the worlds, twice. I am bound to you. I have known since I was a boy that I would be with you. So there’s no point in denying me. Oh how I love you Kahlil … sigh.
Without the strength of his Kahlil, Jath’ibaye has suffered and endured years of grief and remorse, but now he’s back and my heart is overflowing with happiness right now. Together they are indestructible … right?
“…and in the hour of darkness, the Kahlil shall return, and in his wake, divine wrath shall fall upon our enemy and he will be no more…”
Right!
The armies of the South are converging on Vundomu and the Hungry Bones are approaching from the desolate North. Yes, I said hungry bones! It’s crazy – I can’t explain, but they are evil blood and soul sucking bones thirsty for, well…blood and souls. I think. {Frowny face}
It would appear that Fikiri has become an evil SOB and still has designs on gaining entry to Nayeshi (Earth) and he’ll stop and nothing to get there, including killing innocent children!
There are more revelations about how the Gates where originally destroyed and there is an influx more characters, namely the members who make up Jath’ibaye council. I love Ji, her wise nature and calm countenance is a soothing welcome. There is still 27 missing years of Jath’ibaye life to account for and all of what happened to the Payshmura. I know Jahn must have been pissed to destroy it all but I don’t know why. And I NEED to know
The focus of this book (for me) is the relationship between Kahlil and Jath’ibaye and the converging forces. Kahlil is struggling with mixed memories and insecure about not being the man Jahn fell in love with.
. “I may carry his memories, but I didn’t live his life. I didn’t make the choices he did.”
So now we wait, wait for Kahlil to prove his own sense of worth, even if it is only to himself. And we wait for the hungry bones and the gaun’im to make their move.
PS: My favourite quotes…
“Your flesh is my earth. Your blood is my river. Your breath is my sky. Your body is my world.” – Kahlil to Jath’ibaye. {and I swoon}
“Kahlil slipped his hand beneath the blankets. His fingers brushed over the ridges of Jath'ibaye's ribs. He felt the rise and fall of Jath'ibaye's breath and the smooth hardness of his abdomen. The muscles curved down into a deep cleft. Kahlil followed it to Jath'ibaye's belly button. His fingertip slid around the small circular indentation.
"Belly button," Kahlil whispered the Nayeshi words. It sounded so absurd, almost childishly cute. A belly button had to be the absolute antithesis of the world-crushing Rifter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 6, 2016
After the violence of the last book, the ... something-like-peace-ness of this book basically broke me and I cried all the way through it.
I have no more useful commentary to make.
October 6, 2018
This story is outstanding!
It's drifting a bit into deep strategy game territory what with the opposing armies gathering against each other - instead of focusing on John and Kyle's relationship, but that's alright, as the story has become an epic high fantasy dream journey with a time travel bonus on top.
I can hardly wait to find out how this will resolve.
Until then.. bring on those hungry bones!
5 stars for the fanclub of Kyle'insira!
It's drifting a bit into deep strategy game territory what with the opposing armies gathering against each other - instead of focusing on John and Kyle's relationship, but that's alright, as the story has become an epic high fantasy dream journey with a time travel bonus on top.
I can hardly wait to find out how this will resolve.
Until then.. bring on those hungry bones!
5 stars for the fanclub of Kyle'insira!
June 25, 2013
***Spoilers Ahead***
”Everything you dream of could have been real once.”
I feel mind-fucked! But in a lovely, tender, heartfelt way. Broken Fortress is my favorite book in The Rifter journey so far. A story alive with emotion and battles of the heart, time, space, and identity. My head and heart lived and loved every new layer and piece of this tale. A tale that pulled tears, sighs, smiles, and questions out of me at every twist and turn.
How far would I go? What would I sacrifice? Who and what would I destroy for the one I love?
What these two have been through and sacrificed for each other simultaneously breaks and sets my heart all a’ flutter. Pieces of each other—actions and decisions--that make them who they are shattered and changed. I truly cannot begin to explain how alive and intertwined Kyle and Jath’ibaye feel to me. Linked in their hearts and lives, but also in mine.
When you look back on your life, do you recognize yourself? I look back on parts of my life now and can no longer identify with who that person was—the decisions I made in my life. *shakes my head* I can’t see myself in my own history sometimes. Did I really do that? Say that? So when Kahlil spoke of his past as not his—not his to claim. Not worthy of his past. It broke my heart. Hit me pretty damn hard actually. The pieces that make us whole can also shatter and change over time—change us over time. It will never cease to amaze me what actions, words, and moments leave a mark on us and alter our lives so completely. The way Kahlil and Jath’ibaye alter and touch each other’s lives absolutely charmed, stunned, and dazzled me!
Romance, longing, suspense, humor, and danger! In other words, everything. Haha….This tale has it all. From the adorable whispered words---“belly button” to the creepy shivers of the “hungry bones”! I loved it all! These words and characters have carved a permanent spot in my heart. One I will not forget. Ginn Hale can mind fuck me any time she wants! The way she flirts and plays with time and history will leave you begging for more.
The suspense, battles, and sacrifices are all coming to a head! It’s killing me! I just want to tell them to hold on to each other. Don’t let go!
Favorite Line:
September 18, 2024
This really is a spectacular series so far and I can't see it going downhill at this point. Really, the biggest problem with it continues to be that they split this single (really long, granted) book into ten parts. At least the splits have a rhyme and reason to them, but there are formatting issues that creep in, and it's obvious that no one bothered to go through and edit this when they bundled it together, which is a shame. There's no excuse given how old this is. There has been plenty of time for these things to be found and fixed.
BUT! The story is still fabulous. I'm surprised by how many of our theories have turned out right or close to right, but we have plenty more theories still left to go. The end is in sight and I have no idea how any of this is going to be resolved, which is great. Every time I think I know where the story is going to go, it swerves and does something unexpected, which is sadly uncommon for M/M. And really, other than the main MCs being gay, I wouldn't even really call this M/M. This is a fantasy first and foremost (and a sometimes dark fantasy at that) and the M/M is a distant second. So don't go into this expecting your typical M/M full of twitching dicks and female gaze (which frankly, I'm tired of those) but do go into this expecting intriguing world building, interesting characters and plenty of opportunities to come up with wild theories left and right.
Really, if you love fantasy, why haven't you read this yet? (I know, I know. The same reason I'm only reading it now: it's ridiculously overpriced. But it's on KU/Kindle Lending Library and scribd, so go for it!)
BUT! The story is still fabulous. I'm surprised by how many of our theories have turned out right or close to right, but we have plenty more theories still left to go. The end is in sight and I have no idea how any of this is going to be resolved, which is great. Every time I think I know where the story is going to go, it swerves and does something unexpected, which is sadly uncommon for M/M. And really, other than the main MCs being gay, I wouldn't even really call this M/M. This is a fantasy first and foremost (and a sometimes dark fantasy at that) and the M/M is a distant second. So don't go into this expecting your typical M/M full of twitching dicks and female gaze (which frankly, I'm tired of those) but do go into this expecting intriguing world building, interesting characters and plenty of opportunities to come up with wild theories left and right.
Really, if you love fantasy, why haven't you read this yet? (I know, I know. The same reason I'm only reading it now: it's ridiculously overpriced. But it's on KU/Kindle Lending Library and scribd, so go for it!)
March 14, 2016
So many things fell into place for me with this book. So as a natural result of that I did enjoy this installment more than previous books. I'm still not totally clear on all the details but I'm feeling like I have a solid grasp on some of the important ones that were confusing me and as a result things that are happening are now making more sense and I'm on to book #7 Enemies and Shadows because things are really starting to happen and I'm feeling totally invested in finding out how this story ends.
May 1, 2018
Ohh those tangled webs some weave.
This series just keeps getting better and better. I have butterflies! I can't wait for some people to die die die
Mare~Slitsread
This series just keeps getting better and better. I have butterflies! I can't wait for some people to die die die
Mare~Slitsread
Read
June 4, 2015
Cannot rate while the story is still in progress - this was one of the easiest parts for me to read though - will rate when I finish the whole lot.
On to Enemies & Shadows
BR with Irina
October 31, 2019
4.25 Stars
A bit laid back (relatively) considering how the last one ended, but I think I needed that breathing room...there's surely something horrendous on the horizon when Fakiri'sWhite Walkers Hungry Bones rise up and attack if John and Kahlil (and Ji) can't figure out a way to take them all out before the second front closes in from the south. (Also, I don't know if I'm just slow or what but until it was spelled out, I had no idea that Fakiri's "Lady" was someone very familiar.)
There was something heart-breaking about Kahlil's attempts to set himself apart from Ravishan...that he had some of the memories but had to make a point of saying he wasn't the same person. That he was more than just a little jealous there (for a while) of a dead man. Glad he and John got some time together in case, once again, something goes wrong. (Crossing my fingers it doesn't.)
Didn't think I'd get to this one so soon, but happily putting the next one on the challenge shelf since it's obvious I need to keep reading!
A bit laid back (relatively) considering how the last one ended, but I think I needed that breathing room...there's surely something horrendous on the horizon when Fakiri's
There was something heart-breaking about Kahlil's attempts to set himself apart from Ravishan...that he had some of the memories but had to make a point of saying he wasn't the same person. That he was more than just a little jealous there (for a while) of a dead man. Glad he and John got some time together in case, once again, something goes wrong. (Crossing my fingers it doesn't.)
Didn't think I'd get to this one so soon, but happily putting the next one on the challenge shelf since it's obvious I need to keep reading!
October 14, 2018
4.5 stars
“Your flesh is my earth. Your blood is my river. Your breath is my sky. Your body is my world.”
This was my favorite book so far. Parts are heartbreakingly sad and others are heartbreakingly beautiful. I love these two together.
I have a really bad feeling about the next book but onward I go.
“Your flesh is my earth. Your blood is my river. Your breath is my sky. Your body is my world.”
This was my favorite book so far. Parts are heartbreakingly sad and others are heartbreakingly beautiful. I love these two together.
I have a really bad feeling about the next book but onward I go.
April 16, 2013
This installment is told purely from Kahlil's perspective as he struggles to accept Ravishan's identity as his own. Kahlil's and Jath’ibaye's relationship is deepening and there are are some really touching moments. Moving straight on to Enemies & Shadows.
Just one thing - Please let Bill return at some stage!
Just one thing - Please let Bill return at some stage!
June 4, 2016
Okay, so John (Jath'ibaye) & Kyle (Khalil) are back together again in the future. Turns out that John was sent back into the past through the gateway, while Kyle was zapped forward to the future. Kyle had weird confused memories because Ravishan was killed 30 years back at the same time as he (Kyle) was babysitting John back on Earth. Get it.. me neither??? It's a most excellent series anyway..
"You are carrying two lives. One belongs to this history and another does not. You may not want to know the life you lived here. You may not want to be the man you were, but let me tell you that there is danger in not knowing. There are mistakes you could avoid if you would just allow yourself to know."
June 14, 2020
4,5 star
All this pain was worth seeing them happy for once TT-TT
All this pain was worth seeing them happy for once TT-TT
April 21, 2013
Broken Fortress is the piece that mends all the fragmented pieces of information on what has happened so far together. There's not a lot of action going on, but suddenly you get all the little hints that had been strewn around before. It makes you remember so many seemingly unimportant little descriptions and it brings them into a context that makes you understand what they really mean - and isn't it the greatest thing in the world when that happens while reading a book? It's the best sign of how well thought out and thought through the whole idea, the world, the plot, and the characters really are. And this series is VERY well thought out and through. Very very well.
These books are just absolutely incredibly brilliant. And I'll totally stop to gush now, because there are four more of them waiting for me. :-D
These books are just absolutely incredibly brilliant. And I'll totally stop to gush now, because there are four more of them waiting for me. :-D
June 2, 2015
“To cling to what is lost, no matter how real it once seemed or once was, will lead only to madness."
To me, the best instalment so far.
The story is finally starting to make sense and come together. It's getting more intense too. Even my failing patience has been rewarded with more romance and less 'preaching' here. Unlike its prequels, this was much easier and more pleasant to read. I'm looking forward to more now.
I'm just not sure about the structure of the series. These sudden jumps between the past and the future are slightly disconcerting. I think I would've enjoyed it more in chronological order, but I understand the reason for this disarray.
***4.5 stars***
May 14, 2016
4.5 stars
The romance blossoms. So tender. Sweet, quiet moments. Shared heartbreaking sadness. Both Jahn and Kyle have lost so much. The long wait, the separation, has been worth it, though. I love how there’s very little angst. No hand-wringing; it just is what it is.
This one stuttered a bit more at the beginning. It was almost like, now that they’re finally together, Jahn and Kyle don’t know what to do with each other. Given their convoluted past, that is easy to understand. They figure it out quickly enough though. They are true partners at last; they’re on the journey together.
Goodie! Onward! (I'm so glad I didn't read this when it was in serial installments. I would have been pulling my hair out.)
January 7, 2021
It's hard to not love-hate these cliffhanger endings 😅
June 9, 2016
4.8/5 Stars.
I know I'm being picky, but I JUST. Some things bothered me. I didn't like how we were told about everything that happened in the past instead of being able to experience it. It made it less emotional and anticlimactic. (Hopefully there's a reason for this, bc like everything else in this series, there's always a reason.)
However, despite that this installment was near perfect. I'm so utterly in love with Kyle. And him and John and even more perfect. We got really cute moments in this and I was obsessed with them. The plot is also progressing exceptionally. I'm still in awe of this world and how intricate it is. Ginn Hale is an amazing world builder.
Also, Ji is so cute and I love her so much.
I know I'm being picky, but I JUST. Some things bothered me. I didn't like how we were told about everything that happened in the past instead of being able to experience it. It made it less emotional and anticlimactic. (Hopefully there's a reason for this, bc like everything else in this series, there's always a reason.)
However, despite that this installment was near perfect. I'm so utterly in love with Kyle. And him and John and even more perfect. We got really cute moments in this and I was obsessed with them. The plot is also progressing exceptionally. I'm still in awe of this world and how intricate it is. Ginn Hale is an amazing world builder.
Also, Ji is so cute and I love her so much.
April 7, 2016
First read on January 8, 2016.
Re-read on March 18, 2016.
The entire story from Khalil's POV - I'm one happy reader right now.
Some of the questions are anwered...some of the past is revealed - and it's brutal and heartbreaking...
I kinda wish we don't get to read more of that past in details in the upcoming books..I mean they're spoiled now, aren't they??
One can only hope. :(
On the other side, this book was the best in the series so far. The most revealing, the most emotional, the most romantic...
“Your flesh is my earth. Your blood is my river. Your breath is my sky. Your body is my world.”
Oh, Khalil...
Re-read on March 18, 2016.
The entire story from Khalil's POV - I'm one happy reader right now.
Some of the questions are anwered...some of the past is revealed - and it's brutal and heartbreaking...
I kinda wish we don't get to read more of that past in details in the upcoming books..I mean they're spoiled now, aren't they??
One can only hope. :(
On the other side, this book was the best in the series so far. The most revealing, the most emotional, the most romantic...
“Your flesh is my earth. Your blood is my river. Your breath is my sky. Your body is my world.”
Oh, Khalil...
March 30, 2016
The 6th book was exquisite, it revolves mostly around Jaht and Kahlil's reunion. Much is explained, things are starting to fall into their places and we're almost caught up with all the mysteries regarding who is whom. But now the threat of war and of Jaht's murder is breathing down their necks and I'm cannot wait to see how they handle things!
June 4, 2016
this is!!! so!!! much!!!
September 2, 2022
This is so good! Things are beginning to come together more. I have a feeling the last four parts are going to be a ride! I love the world the author has built, the language, the characters... On to book seven!!
September 8, 2017
YELLS FOR DAYS!!!
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