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The DeathSpeaker Codex #3
Realm of Mirrors Lib/E
The dead must answer to you, and no one else. Remember that, Gideon . He may be the DeathSpeaker, but Gideon Black has no idea what he's doing. The job didn't come with an instruction manual. That's why his half-brother Taeral plans to bring him across the Veil to the Fae realm of Arcadia, to consult with an ancient Fae who knew the previous DeathSpeaker personally. Those plans are violently interrupted when the royal Unseelie Guard invade their home, dragging Taeral and their father, Daoin, to Arcadia ahead of schedule. And Gideon will do anything to get them back. But the concrete jungles of Manhattan are nothing compared to the threats waiting in Arcadia. Facing deadly wildlife, even deadlier enemies, and magic he never imagined possible, Gideon must learn quickly to wield his power as both a Fae and the DeathSpeaker--before the vengeful Unseelie Queen can exact a cost higher than death from his family, and everyone he holds dear.
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First published April 23, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 9, 2016
Realm of Mirrors is the third installment in Sonya Bateman's The DeathSpeaker Code series. In this book Gideon finally visits the land of his father's ancestry, Arcadia, although not exactly in an advantage situation. Daoin and Taeral are captured and taken to Arcadia, while Reun followed along trying to save the two. So Gideon and Sadie are going to Arcadia to help saving them with the help of a new character, an Unseelie cast-off named Uriskel...
I really thought Gideon kicked ass here!! Basically because Gideon finally learned a whole lot more about his magic and ability as Deathspeaker after a Sluagh gave him tips. So yes, I was quite happy because he didn't suffer as much as the previous two books. Not that I didn't sympathize for what Taeral, Daoin, or Reun were going though in Arcadia though ... but it was nice to read about Gideon expanding his talent rather than being tortured by the bad people. I mean, that guy could take a breather!
It wasn't as intense as the previous two books but I surely though the development of Gideon's ability to be great progress. I can't wait to read book #4
I really thought Gideon kicked ass here!! Basically because Gideon finally learned a whole lot more about his magic and ability as Deathspeaker after a Sluagh gave him tips. So yes, I was quite happy because he didn't suffer as much as the previous two books. Not that I didn't sympathize for what Taeral, Daoin, or Reun were going though in Arcadia though ... but it was nice to read about Gideon expanding his talent rather than being tortured by the bad people. I mean, that guy could take a breather!
It wasn't as intense as the previous two books but I surely though the development of Gideon's ability to be great progress. I can't wait to read book #4
October 26, 2016
3.5 stars
So this was a well-written book with some good action/fight scenes and likeable characters, but I wasn't as crazy about the storyline in this book as I was with books 1 and 2. I know I previously said that I liked the fact that we get happy-ish endings, but now I kinda wish it wasn't so perfect and happy. I think it could do with a little bit of angst that goes beyond the story or beyond one book. The character development or relationships are not at a satisfying point yet for me.
The Irish aspect of the books is nice, but also kind of weird. The Fae language/spells are spelled like a weird almost phonetic realisation of Irish that really threw me off. When it's the "language of the old people" (e.g. the "Is feider leis..." death prayer thing) it's written as proper Irish. I wish they were all written that way. Btw, in Ireland if we use "ye" it is a plural pronoun not a singular one. That really bugged me here.
I guess we finally have a definitive answer on who is Sadie really with. I just wish we got to see more of that. Also, when did Reun and Denei happen? I felt like I missed a few chapters or something.
So this was a well-written book with some good action/fight scenes and likeable characters, but I wasn't as crazy about the storyline in this book as I was with books 1 and 2. I know I previously said that I liked the fact that we get happy-ish endings, but now I kinda wish it wasn't so perfect and happy. I think it could do with a little bit of angst that goes beyond the story or beyond one book. The character development or relationships are not at a satisfying point yet for me.
The Irish aspect of the books is nice, but also kind of weird. The Fae language/spells are spelled like a weird almost phonetic realisation of Irish that really threw me off. When it's the "language of the old people" (e.g. the "Is feider leis..." death prayer thing) it's written as proper Irish. I wish they were all written that way. Btw, in Ireland if we use "ye" it is a plural pronoun not a singular one. That really bugged me here.
I guess we finally have a definitive answer on who is Sadie really with. I just wish we got to see more of that. Also, when did Reun and Denei happen? I felt like I missed a few chapters or something.
April 30, 2016
Good fun reading
It's creAtive and light enough to be fun, conflict enough to be interesting with out airhead heroes/heroines who do stupid stuff just to create unnecessary drama. The good guys are likable while flawed enough to be relatable. and the bad guys are evil despite being cliches they add to the tales. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to the next. Thanks to the author for making each book in the series a complete novel...NO CLIFFHANGERS!!! That's an A plus in my gradebook. There were a couple of typos but they didn't detract from the tales.
It's creAtive and light enough to be fun, conflict enough to be interesting with out airhead heroes/heroines who do stupid stuff just to create unnecessary drama. The good guys are likable while flawed enough to be relatable. and the bad guys are evil despite being cliches they add to the tales. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to the next. Thanks to the author for making each book in the series a complete novel...NO CLIFFHANGERS!!! That's an A plus in my gradebook. There were a couple of typos but they didn't detract from the tales.
May 10, 2016
This is easily the best book in the series as it takes place in the mysterious Arcadia. The pace and the writing was mind blowing and I finished the book in a single sitting. Gideon evolves by leaps and bounds and I had to cheer him on as he discovers himself and embraces multiple facets of his personality. His relationships also mature and you get to know more about his past and his family.
There are a lot of new characters introduced in the book and the author does a great job in bringing out their quirks and making them relatable. A very good read. Looking forward to more of Gideon.
There are a lot of new characters introduced in the book and the author does a great job in bringing out their quirks and making them relatable. A very good read. Looking forward to more of Gideon.
May 2, 2016
The DeathSpeaker Codex
Another great Instalment of life of Gideon the Deathspeaker, reading about being in Arcadia the land of the fae . I could almost touch and taste the life there, really unbelievably good characters. Grim and forbidding enemies, great and loyal friends. A storyline to die for, what more can you ask for from a book. Fab
Another great Instalment of life of Gideon the Deathspeaker, reading about being in Arcadia the land of the fae . I could almost touch and taste the life there, really unbelievably good characters. Grim and forbidding enemies, great and loyal friends. A storyline to die for, what more can you ask for from a book. Fab
May 2, 2016
Smart, fun, funny, sweet, tough. I'm in love with the writing.
A paranormal fantasy where the characters are smart, funny, and don't create unnecessary drama because there's already enough inherent in the plot? Where they act kindly and like mature adults instead of like hormonal teenagers? Be still my heart!
A paranormal fantasy where the characters are smart, funny, and don't create unnecessary drama because there's already enough inherent in the plot? Where they act kindly and like mature adults instead of like hormonal teenagers? Be still my heart!
June 29, 2020
So I finished book 3 late this afternoon.
I like how the author is gradually letting the group come together instead of doing it suddenly. Daoin (Gideon and Taeral's father) is rescued but he's can't remember much. He's little more than a child. Unlike, the first two books, this book does not involve the cult, Milus Dei, but instead takes place in the land of the Fae, the Unseelie part known as Arcadia. When Daoin and Taeral are kidnapped and Reun immediately makes a portal and follows the "Faenappers", Gideon, Sadie, and Taeral know they will have to rescue all of them. To this end they go to the tattooist who gave Gideon his magical tattoos (Cobalt) who's brother is a noble of the Unseelie court. The brother, Uriskel, agrees to take them through the land of Arcadia.
Along the way, Gideon visits Nayanana(sp) who helps him learn about his deathspeaker abilities and tells him how to stop the pain in his head when he speaks with the dead. (IMO best part of the book). Arcadia is a strange place (not at all like the Faerieland I've read about in mythology and other books) as it's always night and the moon is always full. Needless, to say this does not bode well for Sadie the Werewolf.
But crisis arrive and are handled. Again, there is some torture but it's not against Gideon or his adventuring companions (which is a change). Needless, to say the Faerie Queen is not a nice Faeire.
Anyway, it was a nice change of pace from the first two books and quite enjoyable.
I like how the author is gradually letting the group come together instead of doing it suddenly. Daoin (Gideon and Taeral's father) is rescued but he's can't remember much. He's little more than a child. Unlike, the first two books, this book does not involve the cult, Milus Dei, but instead takes place in the land of the Fae, the Unseelie part known as Arcadia. When Daoin and Taeral are kidnapped and Reun immediately makes a portal and follows the "Faenappers", Gideon, Sadie, and Taeral know they will have to rescue all of them. To this end they go to the tattooist who gave Gideon his magical tattoos (Cobalt) who's brother is a noble of the Unseelie court. The brother, Uriskel, agrees to take them through the land of Arcadia.
Along the way, Gideon visits Nayanana(sp) who helps him learn about his deathspeaker abilities and tells him how to stop the pain in his head when he speaks with the dead. (IMO best part of the book). Arcadia is a strange place (not at all like the Faerieland I've read about in mythology and other books) as it's always night and the moon is always full. Needless, to say this does not bode well for Sadie the Werewolf.
But crisis arrive and are handled. Again, there is some torture but it's not against Gideon or his adventuring companions (which is a change). Needless, to say the Faerie Queen is not a nice Faeire.
Anyway, it was a nice change of pace from the first two books and quite enjoyable.
September 22, 2021
-5 stars. Love this series.
“i have done things. Terrible things. Coerced or not, they were still my actions. I am not as blameless as my brother believes. And so, I hold myself accountable...to ensure that it never happens again.”
“what you feel is right. You SHOULD feel it. Without that remorse, you're no better than the monsters you fight. Those who seek to destroy you and the ones close to you – they feel nothing.”
“so i'm better than them. Good for me.”
“aye, you are. The warrior carves his guilt upon his heart, and he bears those scars proudly. For it is pain that drives him to action, and remorse that allows him to take lives when he's called to do so.”
“damn it, I'm not doing this. You dont know shit about it, and-”
“i would if you told me.”
“-and I want to keep it that way! Do you think I want you to know my pathetic story?”
“i never wanted anyone to look at me, at this, and have to carry the burden of WHY. That's my goddamn burden.”
“all right. But just so you know, that's what friends are for. To help carry the burden.”
“this was your idea, brother? I am impressed.”
“thanks, i'm only an idiot half the time.”
“i have done things. Terrible things. Coerced or not, they were still my actions. I am not as blameless as my brother believes. And so, I hold myself accountable...to ensure that it never happens again.”
“what you feel is right. You SHOULD feel it. Without that remorse, you're no better than the monsters you fight. Those who seek to destroy you and the ones close to you – they feel nothing.”
“so i'm better than them. Good for me.”
“aye, you are. The warrior carves his guilt upon his heart, and he bears those scars proudly. For it is pain that drives him to action, and remorse that allows him to take lives when he's called to do so.”
“damn it, I'm not doing this. You dont know shit about it, and-”
“i would if you told me.”
“-and I want to keep it that way! Do you think I want you to know my pathetic story?”
“i never wanted anyone to look at me, at this, and have to carry the burden of WHY. That's my goddamn burden.”
“all right. But just so you know, that's what friends are for. To help carry the burden.”
“this was your idea, brother? I am impressed.”
“thanks, i'm only an idiot half the time.”
January 31, 2019
A not unexpected exploration into the origins of the Deathspeaker.
After showing a bit more of the werewolves in the last volume, we're headed to the fae realm. It develops a lot more the - unsurprising and classic - fae stuff, goes into fae politics and develops the deathspeaker aspect as the previous deathspeaker appears to have been fae (and presumably dead, leaving the office the new one). It's an interesting continution, but I found it
1) moderately uninspired
2) going into a different way about the deathspeaking stuff than I would have liked
Hopefully, the next book goes a bit better.
After showing a bit more of the werewolves in the last volume, we're headed to the fae realm. It develops a lot more the - unsurprising and classic - fae stuff, goes into fae politics and develops the deathspeaker aspect as the previous deathspeaker appears to have been fae (and presumably dead, leaving the office the new one). It's an interesting continution, but I found it
1) moderately uninspired
2) going into a different way about the deathspeaking stuff than I would have liked
Hopefully, the next book goes a bit better.
April 8, 2020
Family above everything else
Daion, Hudson's father and his brother Taeral have been magically transported to Arcadia the Fae realm. Gideon and his friends must risk death to save them.
Werewolf Sadie finds the control to withstand the nature of change with the help of the moonshine that Gideon always carries. In order to rescue their friends they must find a way into the palace of the Underlie queen and overpower her.
Things are different in the Fae realm, more vibrant and stronger, the three must get past the trials and work out the best way to survive.
An excellent read for all
Daion, Hudson's father and his brother Taeral have been magically transported to Arcadia the Fae realm. Gideon and his friends must risk death to save them.
Werewolf Sadie finds the control to withstand the nature of change with the help of the moonshine that Gideon always carries. In order to rescue their friends they must find a way into the palace of the Underlie queen and overpower her.
Things are different in the Fae realm, more vibrant and stronger, the three must get past the trials and work out the best way to survive.
An excellent read for all
May 16, 2018
Great story!
A lot happened in this book! Definitely some interesting new characters, new allies, and revelations about the past. The final battle(s) were a little different than I expected in some ways, but they made sense when you consider the top of the food chain predator feeling Gideon experienced when he was briefly full Fae instinct. I am really curious now about the next book and if some of the new allies will be involved.
A lot happened in this book! Definitely some interesting new characters, new allies, and revelations about the past. The final battle(s) were a little different than I expected in some ways, but they made sense when you consider the top of the food chain predator feeling Gideon experienced when he was briefly full Fae instinct. I am really curious now about the next book and if some of the new allies will be involved.
January 28, 2020
This is the third book in The Deathspeaker Codex
This was another great read from this Author I'm truly enjoying this series . I love the premise of these books but I also like how family oriented the story is the brotherly love was real in this one . I also love the fact that despite everything that Gideon has been through he has a strong foundation to call back on looking forward to the next book in this series .
This was another great read from this Author I'm truly enjoying this series . I love the premise of these books but I also like how family oriented the story is the brotherly love was real in this one . I also love the fact that despite everything that Gideon has been through he has a strong foundation to call back on looking forward to the next book in this series .
May 2, 2019
Continued fun
So Gideon and company head off to Acadia to right some wrongs and much adventure ensues... This third book of the series was a little less intense in terms of the physical harm but had a lot of learning and character growth for the crew. It was nice for a change but makes me wonder what's coming up in the next book.
So Gideon and company head off to Acadia to right some wrongs and much adventure ensues... This third book of the series was a little less intense in terms of the physical harm but had a lot of learning and character growth for the crew. It was nice for a change but makes me wonder what's coming up in the next book.
June 29, 2021
This one didn't hook me like the first two. It took me several weeks to finish, and I found it kind of underwhelming. Admittedly, I was also moving and didn't really have much time or brain power to focus on a plot, but the story didn't flow as smoothly and the climax seemed super rushed and, honestly, a wee bit disappointing.
August 12, 2017
THIS WAS AN AWESOME STORY!! And having it read to me not only seemed quicker, with some of the words being difficult to pronounce, I was able to enjoy it better!! I hope someone will give Sonya a chance, pick up this series, and make it into a show our a movie!! I'd definitely watch it!!!
September 2, 2017
Best one yet. The more I continue to read the series the better it gets.
November 24, 2017
A great series
A great urban fantasy story,I'd definitely recommend it to any urban fantasy fan, Gideon is a fab protagonist ,the series just gets better
A great urban fantasy story,I'd definitely recommend it to any urban fantasy fan, Gideon is a fab protagonist ,the series just gets better
February 8, 2018
Omg just gets better and better!! 3 books in 3 days!!!
May 13, 2018
This is still fun
3 books in, and I'm still having fun. The story is evolving nicely. Kudos to Sonya Bateman. I recommend this series.
3 books in, and I'm still having fun. The story is evolving nicely. Kudos to Sonya Bateman. I recommend this series.
January 24, 2019
These are very good books. I am hooked and making my way steadily through the series. I am on book 4 now. Thank you Sonya Bateman.
January 15, 2020
Just got boring.
January 13, 2021
Absolutely loved this book and the new characters. As well as learning more about the main characters. Definitely going to get the next one.
August 19, 2022
The Unseelie Queen was disappointing--cartoonishly villainous for little reason.
June 24, 2024
I really liked this one ...well not the narrator but you can't have everything.
October 29, 2016
This book was great on so many levels. There was a lot of badass-ery, cool magic, fun humor, unique characters, and heart-stopping suspense. It's one of those stories where you can't imagine how everything is going to work out--surely they can't beat these odds!--and then they come out on top in a totally believable way. One thing I loved is that there is character development for everyone. Relationships, old wounds, family dynamics, and many proficiencies are advanced here. Everyone returns from Arcadia profoundly changed for the better. The resolution was fantastic and complete yet had me excited about where the series will go from here. Kudos to Bateman on this great installment and the series as a whole.
May 14, 2016
Great book. Awesome Series
Gideon Black goes from one adventure in the previous book to another one. Several days have passed since Gideon's adventure in the second book. While there is action in this series and an awesome plot, this book is mostly centered around personal reflection, discovery, and growth. It seems as though each of the characters in this book go through some sort of growth, and/or change. Gideon also learned more about his powers as a DeathSpeaker. I cannot WAIT for the next installment.
Gideon Black goes from one adventure in the previous book to another one. Several days have passed since Gideon's adventure in the second book. While there is action in this series and an awesome plot, this book is mostly centered around personal reflection, discovery, and growth. It seems as though each of the characters in this book go through some sort of growth, and/or change. Gideon also learned more about his powers as a DeathSpeaker. I cannot WAIT for the next installment.
November 3, 2016
Wonderful storytelling
Such beautiful storytelling. Ms. Bateman took us on a journey to the realm of Arcadia and we got a peak into a wonderful world of the fae. She built a fantastic world full of wonders and dangers and such intrigue that between this realm and the humans, she has set up a whole host of idea on which to build upon. I am so excited, no only for the way that this book has turn out, but for the many possibilities to come. The first three books feel like the tip of the iceberg. I can't wait to read the rest.
Such beautiful storytelling. Ms. Bateman took us on a journey to the realm of Arcadia and we got a peak into a wonderful world of the fae. She built a fantastic world full of wonders and dangers and such intrigue that between this realm and the humans, she has set up a whole host of idea on which to build upon. I am so excited, no only for the way that this book has turn out, but for the many possibilities to come. The first three books feel like the tip of the iceberg. I can't wait to read the rest.
May 14, 2016
A good story that maintains interest and momentum.
Despite being an avid reader, I do not often manage to follow a series. Generally, the sweet has been chewed out of the characters by a third book, and that's being generous. However Ms. Bateman has constructed a world with plenty of interesting characters (but not too many), and enough genocidal threats to keep me entertained as we march towards Othergeddon. And she writes beautifully too.
Despite being an avid reader, I do not often manage to follow a series. Generally, the sweet has been chewed out of the characters by a third book, and that's being generous. However Ms. Bateman has constructed a world with plenty of interesting characters (but not too many), and enough genocidal threats to keep me entertained as we march towards Othergeddon. And she writes beautifully too.
September 13, 2016
Sonya Bateman takes us into the Fae realm for the first time. Many elements of this realm will feel familiar to those who have read any Celtic related/based stories in the past. The writing is quick and dialogue between the characters is still enjoyable. I particularly liked the addition of the new characters that added a level of diversity without feeling like it was forced into the story simply to have diversity.
September 28, 2016
I actually really liked this story except for the overuse of the word 'smirk'. Use a thesaurus if you have to, but find another word!
In this third installment in the tale of the DeathSpeaker you get to visit fairyland aka Arcadia. You get a chance to meet some new people and although there is a villain, they are always in the background until the final showdown. I did feel as if the ending was kind of sudden and anti-climactic. Overall it was a good solid story.
In this third installment in the tale of the DeathSpeaker you get to visit fairyland aka Arcadia. You get a chance to meet some new people and although there is a villain, they are always in the background until the final showdown. I did feel as if the ending was kind of sudden and anti-climactic. Overall it was a good solid story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews