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Rites of Resurrection #3
The Awoken City
The Dead Are Waking Up.
For three hundred years the Republic of Albastine’s dead have been resurrected as mindless servants who labor and wage war so that the living may focus on higher matters. Yet these Attendants are no longer the unthinking, unfeeling slaves they once were.
Called from the duties of new parenthood to examine reports of malfunctioning Attendants, necromancer Cassius Calvus discovers that his actions the previous year have inadvertently called the spirits of the dead back into the bodies of the Attendants, resulting in self-aware revenants. Led by the silently charismatic being who calls himself Wraith, these Awoken threaten the Republic’s orderly society with their very existence.
But the Awoken are not the only undead in the Pale City who are more than they appear. Throughout Albastine, a sinister force has been quietly gathering power in the shadows, corrupting the Attendants to its own ends. Hounded by an enemy long thought vanquished, Cassius and his allies are drawn into an epic battle for the fate of the Republic—and every soul within, living and dead alike.
For three hundred years the Republic of Albastine’s dead have been resurrected as mindless servants who labor and wage war so that the living may focus on higher matters. Yet these Attendants are no longer the unthinking, unfeeling slaves they once were.
Called from the duties of new parenthood to examine reports of malfunctioning Attendants, necromancer Cassius Calvus discovers that his actions the previous year have inadvertently called the spirits of the dead back into the bodies of the Attendants, resulting in self-aware revenants. Led by the silently charismatic being who calls himself Wraith, these Awoken threaten the Republic’s orderly society with their very existence.
But the Awoken are not the only undead in the Pale City who are more than they appear. Throughout Albastine, a sinister force has been quietly gathering power in the shadows, corrupting the Attendants to its own ends. Hounded by an enemy long thought vanquished, Cassius and his allies are drawn into an epic battle for the fate of the Republic—and every soul within, living and dead alike.
386 pages, Paperback
Published April 13, 2023
2 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Marshall J. Moore
34 books131 followersMarshall J. Moore is a writer, filmmaker, and martial artist who was born and raised on Kwajalein, a tiny Pacific island. He has trained a professional mercenary in unarmed combat, once sold a thousand dollars' worth of teapots to Jackie Chan, and on one occasion was tracked down by a bounty hunter for owing $300 in overdue fees to the Los Angeles Public Library.
He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Megan and their two cats.
He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Megan and their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 30, 2024
I had such a wonderful time with this book and this series as a whole. The concepts were very interesting, the characters were lively and real, and the world was so well-crafted that I truly hope more is done with it in the future!
I love the themes of family, loss, sacrifice, and morality. At its core, this book, specifically through the Ayuli religion, showcases how important family of any kind can be. Reverence for those we love is so important, and this book reinforces those ideals.
The 'magic' is so well thought out and honestly beautiful. Dance, song, and scripture make for a very interesting way to incorporate the supernatural elements of the story.
Lastly, I think that the character/relationship growth between Cassius and Bahlanni was so well done. Both were amazing characters, and it was so fulfilling to see where they ended up after book one.
I'm so sad it's over, but this was such a fun ride!
I love the themes of family, loss, sacrifice, and morality. At its core, this book, specifically through the Ayuli religion, showcases how important family of any kind can be. Reverence for those we love is so important, and this book reinforces those ideals.
The 'magic' is so well thought out and honestly beautiful. Dance, song, and scripture make for a very interesting way to incorporate the supernatural elements of the story.
Lastly, I think that the character/relationship growth between Cassius and Bahlanni was so well done. Both were amazing characters, and it was so fulfilling to see where they ended up after book one.
I'm so sad it's over, but this was such a fun ride!
April 21, 2023
THE DEAD ARE WAKING UP.
In this third and final installment to the Rites of Resurrection trilogy by the talented Marshall J. Moore, Cassius is drawn into a fight once again. But this time it is not a murder to solve, another mystery to uncover, but all of Albastine that is at stake. An adversary thought to be dead is slowly taking over the Attendants, and has been waging a silent war against the Awoken, bodies containing souls of those who have returned from the dead. Most of these souls stuck in dead bodies not their own were a fallout of the events of the last book, The Ashen City, and serves as a perfect tie-in to this story. It's the end, and many things are coming together, and Cassius must answer a final plea for help.
"Help us, Legate Calvus. Help us save your Republic and her people, those yet living and those already dead, one last time. (pg. 74)
As Cassius works with his friends and family to save Albastine the action is almost always high, and some interesting settings are used: from the Colosseum, to the bath houses, and the streets of Albastine and the Barrows themselves. And even with intense action there is always room lended to Cassius' introspective personality, and to important scenes for characterization. This is one of those books that is neither solely plot-driven or character-driven, but both. One cannot exist without the other.
I was definitely blown away by many of the battles, and the settings in which they took place. I think the Colosseum battle in particular will be sticking with me for quite some time. I also really, really loved how we see Cassius building a family! After the events of the first two books it was about time that man had the right to give his full attention to the living. He seems changed as well. Even while on paternity leave and then having to interact with his students again it is clear that he had finally found ease in his new career, and that he knew how to talk to teenagers, and how to get through to them. I also noticed an added sense of humor with his dialogue, and it makes sense given that he's had some time to calm down and figure out who he is. We're shown who he is. Someone who is brave and loves fiercely, and that is linked all through the book. Cassius is a lovable character, especially seeing him as a family man now.
Of course, the book isn't just about Cassius. We're given a nice cast of characters with Lavinia being one of his best friends now, and I liked Khessia's part in this story as well.
There was never a dull moment in this book, and I have many quotes written down just because of either how epic they were, or how mind-blowing or introspective or caring.
I will say, never in my life would I have expected for a book with zombies to take so much care with grief. This was a book I definitely needed in my life, and even if it is not needed as a balm for grief for others it's still wonderful. Like I said, fantastic action scenes (many on-par with The Dresden Files if I might add), an interesting world, and a great character to follow. I'm endlessly glad I discovered Marshall J. Moore and his writing. Read The Rites of Resurrection. You won't regret it.
In this third and final installment to the Rites of Resurrection trilogy by the talented Marshall J. Moore, Cassius is drawn into a fight once again. But this time it is not a murder to solve, another mystery to uncover, but all of Albastine that is at stake. An adversary thought to be dead is slowly taking over the Attendants, and has been waging a silent war against the Awoken, bodies containing souls of those who have returned from the dead. Most of these souls stuck in dead bodies not their own were a fallout of the events of the last book, The Ashen City, and serves as a perfect tie-in to this story. It's the end, and many things are coming together, and Cassius must answer a final plea for help.
"Help us, Legate Calvus. Help us save your Republic and her people, those yet living and those already dead, one last time. (pg. 74)
As Cassius works with his friends and family to save Albastine the action is almost always high, and some interesting settings are used: from the Colosseum, to the bath houses, and the streets of Albastine and the Barrows themselves. And even with intense action there is always room lended to Cassius' introspective personality, and to important scenes for characterization. This is one of those books that is neither solely plot-driven or character-driven, but both. One cannot exist without the other.
I was definitely blown away by many of the battles, and the settings in which they took place. I think the Colosseum battle in particular will be sticking with me for quite some time. I also really, really loved how we see Cassius building a family! After the events of the first two books it was about time that man had the right to give his full attention to the living. He seems changed as well. Even while on paternity leave and then having to interact with his students again it is clear that he had finally found ease in his new career, and that he knew how to talk to teenagers, and how to get through to them. I also noticed an added sense of humor with his dialogue, and it makes sense given that he's had some time to calm down and figure out who he is. We're shown who he is. Someone who is brave and loves fiercely, and that is linked all through the book. Cassius is a lovable character, especially seeing him as a family man now.
Of course, the book isn't just about Cassius. We're given a nice cast of characters with Lavinia being one of his best friends now, and I liked Khessia's part in this story as well.
There was never a dull moment in this book, and I have many quotes written down just because of either how epic they were, or how mind-blowing or introspective or caring.
I will say, never in my life would I have expected for a book with zombies to take so much care with grief. This was a book I definitely needed in my life, and even if it is not needed as a balm for grief for others it's still wonderful. Like I said, fantastic action scenes (many on-par with The Dresden Files if I might add), an interesting world, and a great character to follow. I'm endlessly glad I discovered Marshall J. Moore and his writing. Read The Rites of Resurrection. You won't regret it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2023
Gaius Cassius Calvus, Akhenkatem had been a soldier and a legate and always fought for his city, that of Albastine, but he was now more than just that as he was a husband, a father and a friend but most of all a citizen committed to the safeguarding of all those he loved in the Pale City. So when it was brought to his attention that the attendants were no longer acting as mindless slaves he had to investigate. Albastine was a city served by the dead who carried out all the menial jobs leaving the citizens free to do other more important jobs but now there were more attendants its seemed and these were called the Awoken and they were sentient once again. Calvus found out that he was to blame for this situation as it was he who had danced the rite of resurrection bringing the dead back but returning them to the wrong bodies. Furthermore he found out that another legate was taking control of the attendants en masse and turning them against the city for his own nefarious ends. Calvus together with the support of his wife Belhanni, the priestess of the Ayu'li and the rest of their believers set out to right the wrongs against the dead and to protect the citizens both Estorani and Ayu'li, and their beloved city from the evil threatening all of them. I love that Calvus, the bellator is so courageous and puts everyone before his own interests including those of his wife and son even though this broke his heart. I also love the idea of using the ancillaries against the attendants knowing that one day soon the dead would be allowed to rest in peace as these would take their place to serve the Republic. This is a very thrilling series and this book with such a massive battle kept me hooked to the very end.
May 10, 2023
The Rites of Resurrection trilogy comes to a fitting end in The Awoken City, which consistently keeps the twists and turns coming. It's these twists and turns that made books 1 and 2 real page-turners and book 3 fits right in!
The stakes for Cassius, his family, his companions, and all of Albastine are the highest they have been thus far in this trilogy. As The Awoken Story begins, all is well for Cassius, his wife Bahlanni, and their newborn son. Magistrate Lavinia, Cassius' buddy cop Powerfrau, whom we met in book 2, asks him to investigate malfunctioning Attendants. Cassius, being the good friend he is, says "What's the harm in that?" Boy howdy. We find out. That's all I'll say.
The pacing is relentless and while the intensity heightens with each chapter, there are still tender, touching moments of humanity spread all throughout, reminding us of just how much we can care about these characters. For me, there were 2 definitive "gasp" moments, but you have to read it yourself to see if you can guess what those were.
Although this final volume of the trilogy brings it to a satisfying conclusion, I think there's still some room for possible spin-offs in this universe. It has to be noted that the world-building in this series is rich and very lived-in. As a fan, I'd love to explore more of Albastine and its neighbors, but if all we get are these 3 books, I can find no reason for complaint.
The stakes for Cassius, his family, his companions, and all of Albastine are the highest they have been thus far in this trilogy. As The Awoken Story begins, all is well for Cassius, his wife Bahlanni, and their newborn son. Magistrate Lavinia, Cassius' buddy cop Powerfrau, whom we met in book 2, asks him to investigate malfunctioning Attendants. Cassius, being the good friend he is, says "What's the harm in that?" Boy howdy. We find out. That's all I'll say.
The pacing is relentless and while the intensity heightens with each chapter, there are still tender, touching moments of humanity spread all throughout, reminding us of just how much we can care about these characters. For me, there were 2 definitive "gasp" moments, but you have to read it yourself to see if you can guess what those were.
Although this final volume of the trilogy brings it to a satisfying conclusion, I think there's still some room for possible spin-offs in this universe. It has to be noted that the world-building in this series is rich and very lived-in. As a fan, I'd love to explore more of Albastine and its neighbors, but if all we get are these 3 books, I can find no reason for complaint.
January 2, 2024
An awesome conclusion to the trilogy! I wasn't sure how this one would go considering the first two blew my mind with intense action and mysteries, and crazy plot twists. I didn't think it could be done again for a third book.
I was pleasantly surprised at this one, which still had some intense scenes and mysteries with plot twists just like the first two.
I think out of all three of them the first one is still my favorite. But each of them have their own feel and reasons as to why I gave them five stars and I wouldn't say any one of them is better than the other
I'm sad that it's over but like the saying says, All good things must come to an end.
I was pleasantly surprised at this one, which still had some intense scenes and mysteries with plot twists just like the first two.
I think out of all three of them the first one is still my favorite. But each of them have their own feel and reasons as to why I gave them five stars and I wouldn't say any one of them is better than the other
I'm sad that it's over but like the saying says, All good things must come to an end.
January 3, 2024
Satisfying conclusion to a fantastic trilogy!
This one had a few gasps and a few twists and just really wrapped up the trilogy very well.
Overall, this was an amazing series of books. I thought Moore did such a good job handling this world and building it while giving us tender moments between characters. The action is packed and fast paced.
Huge fan of this!
This one had a few gasps and a few twists and just really wrapped up the trilogy very well.
Overall, this was an amazing series of books. I thought Moore did such a good job handling this world and building it while giving us tender moments between characters. The action is packed and fast paced.
Huge fan of this!
Want to read
May 17, 2023Black kohl lined their eyes, just as it did my own. They stood with erect spines and lifted chins, their eyes echoing unseen before settled singer listener to the transcendent realm where was Allah?
Let's go.
Let's go.
March 8, 2024
I did enjoy reading the final book in this trilogy however, it was only really the last 25% that I enjoyed. In comparison to the other two books which I couldn’t put down I found myself struggling with this one.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews