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Rooks and Ruin #3
The Ivory Tomb
The Ivory Tomb concludes the wildly original epic fantasy series bursting with intrigue and ambition, questioned loyalties, and broken magic that began with The Obsidian Tower.The Dark Days have returned. The Demon of Carnage mercilessly cuts through villagers and armies. The Demon of Corruption poisons/rots the land. The Serene Empire and the Witch Lords race towards war. And in the middle of it all stands Rxyander, the Warden of Gloamingard.Burdened by conflicting loyalties and guilt, Ryx searches desperately for a way to defeat the demons before the world she loves is completely destroyed. To find answers, she’ll have to return to where it all started…the black tower at the heart of Gloamingard.By blood the Door was opened and only by blood will the Dark Days end.
528 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2022
55 people are currently reading
2105 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Caruso
11 books1,031 followersMelissa Caruso is the author of THE TETHERED MAGE, first in the Swords and Fire trilogy, out now from Orbit books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
November 17, 2022
My thanks to Orbit books, Melissa Caruso and Netgalley.
Egads! I have dearly loved and enjoyed these books!
I hate to see it come to an end, but now I'm curious to read whatever is coming next from this author.
Egads! I have dearly loved and enjoyed these books!
I hate to see it come to an end, but now I'm curious to read whatever is coming next from this author.
November 25, 2023
And so the Rooks and Ruins trilogy is complete. I am not a fantasy reader, at all if I am honest, but I love this author. I completely fell into and loved the Tethered Mage and its trilogy, so naturally I was going to continue on with Rooks and Ruins.
This trilogy stars our Ryx, royal atheling of Vyksandander. Or is is Raverra, or Eruvia. No wait, its Alverra. Something that begins with an A. Something has always been wrong with Ryx. She cannot be touched because everything that touches her dies. She is the Warden of Gloamingard, raised by her grandmother, destined to a life of loneliness, but fierce protector of her land and everything and everyone in it. Rxyander is good and humane, and wants to protect others from her accursed powers. When it is found that the obsidian stone Morgrain (her estate and lands) has been protecting has let out one (or more) of the nine demons of hell, Rxy goes into action to save her people. As a skilled negotiator and emissary between countries and Witch Lords, she feels she can potentially both protect and help. She joins the Rookery, (international magical force) which somehow accepts her and alchemically helps her. And such becomes the journey over the three books where Ryx and her friends try to save their families and the world and each other from the Nine Demons of Hell. We learn more about Ryxander and her family and her past and how these awful powers came to be. Ryx learns to love and be loved. Ryx is a heroine of honor and true world compassion. She is a heroine to root for.
Ultimately, all of the characters, Demons and Graces and Vivomancers and Witch Lords and Chimeras and ordinary humans (are there really any in the book?) each and all have to figure out how to manage the darkness and light within themselves, and how to appeal to the light. Its a trope I love. Its Harry Potter, its Marvel Universe, its Star Wars. It really is about how we make the decision to be stronger than the forces within us that try to destroy us. And that with love and friendship and the honorable desire to serve the world, we can defeat any negative forces, no matter how big and bad and deadly. I apologize for continuing to bring the current state of affairs nationally and internationally into every review that feels remotely relevant these days, but all I think about these days are darkness and light. And how light and love always wins. Despite the sacrifices and the losses and the pain, somehow I always think the light wins, that love wins every single time. I love the heroic characters that march into danger, knowing their friends are right behind them who hold the same values, waiting to see if they save the world or die trying. It is never without loss. But there is a greater good and humanity drive that always seems to be the higher and highest version of power. Always, it is our connections that sustain us, transform us, and give us the power to fight and reclaim the magic in the world. And that to me, is no fantasy. Its everything and takes total belief and commitment. Are you with me? Lets defeat hatred and lack of humanity once and for all, using the powers we have. Most profoundly love.
But back to the book - yeah, I enjoyed it. Not the same total adoration that I had/have for the Tethered Mage Trilogy. But Melissa Caruso, this non-fantasy reader will pick up your books every single time. I will leave my beloved historical fiction and contemporary fiction and WWII and mysteries and bestsellers whenever you've got a new world to take me to. Actually it was the same world, just different characters within it. But I will visit anytime. In the meantime, I will be down here trying to be a part of the light.
This trilogy stars our Ryx, royal atheling of Vyksandander. Or is is Raverra, or Eruvia. No wait, its Alverra. Something that begins with an A. Something has always been wrong with Ryx. She cannot be touched because everything that touches her dies. She is the Warden of Gloamingard, raised by her grandmother, destined to a life of loneliness, but fierce protector of her land and everything and everyone in it. Rxyander is good and humane, and wants to protect others from her accursed powers. When it is found that the obsidian stone Morgrain (her estate and lands) has been protecting has let out one (or more) of the nine demons of hell, Rxy goes into action to save her people. As a skilled negotiator and emissary between countries and Witch Lords, she feels she can potentially both protect and help. She joins the Rookery, (international magical force) which somehow accepts her and alchemically helps her. And such becomes the journey over the three books where Ryx and her friends try to save their families and the world and each other from the Nine Demons of Hell. We learn more about Ryxander and her family and her past and how these awful powers came to be. Ryx learns to love and be loved. Ryx is a heroine of honor and true world compassion. She is a heroine to root for.
Ultimately, all of the characters, Demons and Graces and Vivomancers and Witch Lords and Chimeras and ordinary humans (are there really any in the book?) each and all have to figure out how to manage the darkness and light within themselves, and how to appeal to the light. Its a trope I love. Its Harry Potter, its Marvel Universe, its Star Wars. It really is about how we make the decision to be stronger than the forces within us that try to destroy us. And that with love and friendship and the honorable desire to serve the world, we can defeat any negative forces, no matter how big and bad and deadly. I apologize for continuing to bring the current state of affairs nationally and internationally into every review that feels remotely relevant these days, but all I think about these days are darkness and light. And how light and love always wins. Despite the sacrifices and the losses and the pain, somehow I always think the light wins, that love wins every single time. I love the heroic characters that march into danger, knowing their friends are right behind them who hold the same values, waiting to see if they save the world or die trying. It is never without loss. But there is a greater good and humanity drive that always seems to be the higher and highest version of power. Always, it is our connections that sustain us, transform us, and give us the power to fight and reclaim the magic in the world. And that to me, is no fantasy. Its everything and takes total belief and commitment. Are you with me? Lets defeat hatred and lack of humanity once and for all, using the powers we have. Most profoundly love.
But back to the book - yeah, I enjoyed it. Not the same total adoration that I had/have for the Tethered Mage Trilogy. But Melissa Caruso, this non-fantasy reader will pick up your books every single time. I will leave my beloved historical fiction and contemporary fiction and WWII and mysteries and bestsellers whenever you've got a new world to take me to. Actually it was the same world, just different characters within it. But I will visit anytime. In the meantime, I will be down here trying to be a part of the light.
November 30, 2022
4.0 stars
This was a solid conclusion to this epic fantasy trilogy. If you loved the first two books, you should be equally happy with this final book.
Picking up after the events of book two, this one was even paced with a good plot progression. Most of all, I enjoyed coming back to the characters. I have come to really enjoy Ryx and her animal companion. While this is classified as adult, it certainly does have some YA crossover in tone and character maturity. Yet it felt grown up enough to appeal to someone like myself who primarily reads adult fiction. The series is a bit tropey but I happen to enjoy most of the tropes the author used.
If you have not yet started this series then you'll want to go back to the beginning with The Obsidian Tower.
I would recommend this series to anyone looking for a fun epic fantasy.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This was a solid conclusion to this epic fantasy trilogy. If you loved the first two books, you should be equally happy with this final book.
Picking up after the events of book two, this one was even paced with a good plot progression. Most of all, I enjoyed coming back to the characters. I have come to really enjoy Ryx and her animal companion. While this is classified as adult, it certainly does have some YA crossover in tone and character maturity. Yet it felt grown up enough to appeal to someone like myself who primarily reads adult fiction. The series is a bit tropey but I happen to enjoy most of the tropes the author used.
If you have not yet started this series then you'll want to go back to the beginning with The Obsidian Tower.
I would recommend this series to anyone looking for a fun epic fantasy.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
November 21, 2022
What a thrill to receive an arc of this book! I adored the first two in this trilogy and to find out how events pan out was a top-of-the-list priority! It was perfect! All strands wrapped up well and satisfyingly. The Rookery were all wonderful characters and Ryx was masterclass. #chef’skiss. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
December 21, 2022
For those who have been reading it, the Rooks & Ruin trilogy has a fun and satisfying conclusion. If anyone was waiting to pick it up, wait no more.
In many ways this trilogy has the feel of a D&D campaign (which makes sense, because Caruso is a dedicated RPG aficionado). The assorted members of the Rookery - unofficially including Ryx and, to a lesser extent, Severin - all have the feel of characters born out of dice rolls, player classes, chosen feats, and carefully crafted backstories. This is not a criticism; well-done RPG campaigns are great exercises in creativity and wonderful starting points for a fun adventure. Mostly I’m just emphasizing this to give the feel for the kind of story this is.
The challenge the Rookery faces is the extension of the same one from *The Quicksilver Court*: namely, how do you defeat immortal extra-dimensional non-corporeal beings of extraordinary power and extraordinary malice, who will immediately jump to a new host if their present one is killed? And how do you deal with the fact that ?
Along the way we learn a great deal about the Dark Days, the period 4,000 years previously when the demons roamed free and humanity suffered greatly for it. We get nice development of the relationship between Ryx and Severin. Mostly we get a fun story with lots of clever scheming and swashbuckling adventure.
Highly recommended if you’re looking to curl up under a blanket with something fun and forget the world for a few hours.
My blog
In many ways this trilogy has the feel of a D&D campaign (which makes sense, because Caruso is a dedicated RPG aficionado). The assorted members of the Rookery - unofficially including Ryx and, to a lesser extent, Severin - all have the feel of characters born out of dice rolls, player classes, chosen feats, and carefully crafted backstories. This is not a criticism; well-done RPG campaigns are great exercises in creativity and wonderful starting points for a fun adventure. Mostly I’m just emphasizing this to give the feel for the kind of story this is.
The challenge the Rookery faces is the extension of the same one from *The Quicksilver Court*: namely, how do you defeat immortal extra-dimensional non-corporeal beings of extraordinary power and extraordinary malice, who will immediately jump to a new host if their present one is killed? And how do you deal with the fact that ?
Along the way we learn a great deal about the Dark Days, the period 4,000 years previously when the demons roamed free and humanity suffered greatly for it. We get nice development of the relationship between Ryx and Severin. Mostly we get a fun story with lots of clever scheming and swashbuckling adventure.
Highly recommended if you’re looking to curl up under a blanket with something fun and forget the world for a few hours.
My blog
February 21, 2023
3 1/2 stars
I adored the first book in this trilogy, and though I enjoyed the next two books in the series as well, I didn't love them the same way.
The Ivory Tomb was a page-turner after the first few chapters, but I found there weren't any scenes or lines that stood out to me as especially memorable after I finished it. I certainly had fun reading it; it just didn't have that special spark that made me love the first book in this series and the Swords and Fire trilogy.
Full Review on My Website
I adored the first book in this trilogy, and though I enjoyed the next two books in the series as well, I didn't love them the same way.
The Ivory Tomb was a page-turner after the first few chapters, but I found there weren't any scenes or lines that stood out to me as especially memorable after I finished it. I certainly had fun reading it; it just didn't have that special spark that made me love the first book in this series and the Swords and Fire trilogy.
Full Review on My Website
December 4, 2022
Ana amazing conclusion to this trilogy! I am so sad it's over, though. I'm gonna need more books from Melissa Caruso because I've loved every single thing she's written. Full review to come soon!
April 11, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
March 3, 2024
8/10 ♡
My heart HURTS for the Demon of Disaster, Warden of Gloamingard. She walks the razor's edge of fighting for the world she loves and sparing them from her destructive power, both at constant odds with each other, and 4000 years in the making. The author grappled with the conundrum of her own creation to what I suppose is its best end.
The last hundred pages or so felt rushed. After reading the acknowledgements, it seems the author was strapped by deadlines, creativity's greatest threat. Too many story threads were wrapped up in quick succession, and the sheer weight of the implications that defined these books seemed lighter, but never lost. Ryxander and the Rookery clashing with these loose demons could have easily been expanded into another book, or even two, especially when you consider book two was almost entirely devoted to the demons Nightmare and Madness.
(Madness needs to be protected at all costs, I'm eternally grateful Disaster took a liking to her)
I loved this series, and this final chapter meets expectations, but doesn't surpass them. Book one will forever be my favorite, mostly because all the secrets were still hidden and oh so ominous.
Also, I will forever be debating tattooing the Gloamingard lore somewhere on my body
"Guard the tower, ward the stone. Find your answers writ in bone. Keep your trust through wits or war–nothing must unseal the door."
My heart HURTS for the Demon of Disaster, Warden of Gloamingard. She walks the razor's edge of fighting for the world she loves and sparing them from her destructive power, both at constant odds with each other, and 4000 years in the making. The author grappled with the conundrum of her own creation to what I suppose is its best end.
The last hundred pages or so felt rushed. After reading the acknowledgements, it seems the author was strapped by deadlines, creativity's greatest threat. Too many story threads were wrapped up in quick succession, and the sheer weight of the implications that defined these books seemed lighter, but never lost. Ryxander and the Rookery clashing with these loose demons could have easily been expanded into another book, or even two, especially when you consider book two was almost entirely devoted to the demons Nightmare and Madness.
(Madness needs to be protected at all costs, I'm eternally grateful Disaster took a liking to her)
I loved this series, and this final chapter meets expectations, but doesn't surpass them. Book one will forever be my favorite, mostly because all the secrets were still hidden and oh so ominous.
Also, I will forever be debating tattooing the Gloamingard lore somewhere on my body
"Guard the tower, ward the stone. Find your answers writ in bone. Keep your trust through wits or war–nothing must unseal the door."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2022
4.5 Stars!
Synopsis: The Dark Days have returned and Ryx and The Rookery must find a way to end this destruction.
CW/TW: Violence/Blood/Death/Imprisonment/Torture/Starvation imagery/others may be present.
Rep: Bisexual mc | Sapphic couple | Polyamorous rep | Non-binary side character | Trans side character |
Book1: The Obsidian Tower (Rooks And Ruin #1), by Melissa Caruso
Book 2:Book Review: The Quicksilver Court (Rooks and Ruin #2), by Melissa Caruso
https://kbbookreviews867789450.wordpr...
The Ivory Tomb by Melissa Caruso is a fantastic, action-packed and emotional conclusion to a gorgeous trilogy.
I’ll keep this review short and sweet because it is the conclusion and I don’t want to give away spoilers!! But if you’re interested then check out my reviews for book 1 and 2, or better yet – check out this amazing series for yourselves!
Melissa Caruso has created an absolutely fantastic conclusion to such a brilliant trilogy. The Ivory Tomb ties up everything from the first two books in an engaging, action-packed and emotional way. Every single character has developed and does develop more over the course of this book and we get to see the bonds made between them strengthen over the events that occur. But, we also get the tension, conflict and angst needed between the characters to keep the complex and dynamic.
I absolutely adored Ryx’s character in this book, her stubborn determination, diplomatic skills and hot-headed tendency to dive into situations makes this book all the more fantastic and readable! I love Ryx, her passion, complexity, flaws and strengths all truly come together to give us such a raw picture of Ryx and a satisfying end to her story. Similarly, the Rookery also develops well over the course of the book. I particularly loved Ash, Kessa, and Bastian’s growth and focus. I also thought each of the Rookery had a deserved or suited ending to their own stories (and yes I would read more stories of the Rookery and their jobs because I love them). Severin also goes through a lot in this book and I enjoyed watching his strengths and flaws combine, to watch some more of his vulnerability show alongside his own smooth and dramatic flair for a scene. I really loved Severin’s arc and thought his character got a well-suited end. (Also love love Whisper, and Discord, in this book – truly a delight).
The plot was fantastic, we got action, tension, emotion, sensitivity, backstories, memories and more. I really did love the plot, the meeting of the different Demons and the displays of their unique powers. I adored piecing together Ryx’s ‘lost’ memories and the reactions of those around her acknowledging her true identity. But most of all I loved that the action was still intwined with diplomatic strategies – the true heart of Ryx. The action was well balanced with the magic, the emotion and the clever diplomatic plans and ideals.
Finally, I liked that, even though we are now fully immersed in this world and know how it works, we still get subtle worldbuilding elements that continue to enhance and add finesse to the world and its magic. From the Witchlords to their Domains we learn those smaller more delicate elements of the world and it makes the book all the more incredible.
Overall The Ivory Tomb, by Melissa Caruso is an excellent conclusion to an already brilliant trilogy that I cannot recommend enough!
*I received an eARC via Netgalley from Orbit Books in exchange for an honest review – Thank you!! *
Synopsis: The Dark Days have returned and Ryx and The Rookery must find a way to end this destruction.
CW/TW: Violence/Blood/Death/Imprisonment/Torture/Starvation imagery/others may be present.
Rep: Bisexual mc | Sapphic couple | Polyamorous rep | Non-binary side character | Trans side character |
Book1: The Obsidian Tower (Rooks And Ruin #1), by Melissa Caruso
Book 2:Book Review: The Quicksilver Court (Rooks and Ruin #2), by Melissa Caruso
https://kbbookreviews867789450.wordpr...
The Ivory Tomb by Melissa Caruso is a fantastic, action-packed and emotional conclusion to a gorgeous trilogy.
I’ll keep this review short and sweet because it is the conclusion and I don’t want to give away spoilers!! But if you’re interested then check out my reviews for book 1 and 2, or better yet – check out this amazing series for yourselves!
Melissa Caruso has created an absolutely fantastic conclusion to such a brilliant trilogy. The Ivory Tomb ties up everything from the first two books in an engaging, action-packed and emotional way. Every single character has developed and does develop more over the course of this book and we get to see the bonds made between them strengthen over the events that occur. But, we also get the tension, conflict and angst needed between the characters to keep the complex and dynamic.
I absolutely adored Ryx’s character in this book, her stubborn determination, diplomatic skills and hot-headed tendency to dive into situations makes this book all the more fantastic and readable! I love Ryx, her passion, complexity, flaws and strengths all truly come together to give us such a raw picture of Ryx and a satisfying end to her story. Similarly, the Rookery also develops well over the course of the book. I particularly loved Ash, Kessa, and Bastian’s growth and focus. I also thought each of the Rookery had a deserved or suited ending to their own stories (and yes I would read more stories of the Rookery and their jobs because I love them). Severin also goes through a lot in this book and I enjoyed watching his strengths and flaws combine, to watch some more of his vulnerability show alongside his own smooth and dramatic flair for a scene. I really loved Severin’s arc and thought his character got a well-suited end. (Also love love Whisper, and Discord, in this book – truly a delight).
The plot was fantastic, we got action, tension, emotion, sensitivity, backstories, memories and more. I really did love the plot, the meeting of the different Demons and the displays of their unique powers. I adored piecing together Ryx’s ‘lost’ memories and the reactions of those around her acknowledging her true identity. But most of all I loved that the action was still intwined with diplomatic strategies – the true heart of Ryx. The action was well balanced with the magic, the emotion and the clever diplomatic plans and ideals.
Finally, I liked that, even though we are now fully immersed in this world and know how it works, we still get subtle worldbuilding elements that continue to enhance and add finesse to the world and its magic. From the Witchlords to their Domains we learn those smaller more delicate elements of the world and it makes the book all the more incredible.
Overall The Ivory Tomb, by Melissa Caruso is an excellent conclusion to an already brilliant trilogy that I cannot recommend enough!
*I received an eARC via Netgalley from Orbit Books in exchange for an honest review – Thank you!! *
May 19, 2024
It makes sense given where we left things in book two, but in The Ivory Tomb, we open on a hopeless situation. All the demons are officially loose in the world again, a return of the Dark Days. The humans are outgunned no matter their clever alchemy and artificery, their wild vivomancy and powerful but distrusted demon ally. This finale is as fast-paced as the others in the series, the Rookery tumbling from one crisis to the next, constantly on the verge of personal loss and/or the end of the world.
This is a satisfying end to the trilogy on several levels. It celebrates Ryx and gives her room to celebrate herself before all is said and done. She's so long found herself barely worthy of human connection and a full life. Here, she takes a stand not only for everyone else but for herself in particular. She'll go down in history as one of my favorite protagonists for her earnest nature, how deeply she values her friends, and how high her hopes are for humanity. She loves with her whole self, even when it applies to family members who don't love her with the same depth and compassion. She tries again and again, ceaselessly yearning for something better.
The rest of the Rookery gets satisfying conclusions to their character arcs, as well. Severin stands out, and I'll forever be a Kessa and Ash stan. I'm obsessed with Caruso's dedication to having a fully queer team, even with the addition of Hylah in this book-- a trans artificer and religious scholar who has a past with someone in the Rookery. We get some delightful cameos, as well. All hail Ardith and their dedication to a good time. And reaching back deeper into the world's lore, I freaked out to see the Crow Lord back with his games.
This is a series about redemption, found family, and backing yourself. I love the emotional journey I took with these characters, and I sincerely hope they get a full night's rest for once now that their adventures are at a close. Thanks to Orbit for my copy to read and review!
This is a satisfying end to the trilogy on several levels. It celebrates Ryx and gives her room to celebrate herself before all is said and done. She's so long found herself barely worthy of human connection and a full life. Here, she takes a stand not only for everyone else but for herself in particular. She'll go down in history as one of my favorite protagonists for her earnest nature, how deeply she values her friends, and how high her hopes are for humanity. She loves with her whole self, even when it applies to family members who don't love her with the same depth and compassion. She tries again and again, ceaselessly yearning for something better.
The rest of the Rookery gets satisfying conclusions to their character arcs, as well. Severin stands out, and I'll forever be a Kessa and Ash stan. I'm obsessed with Caruso's dedication to having a fully queer team, even with the addition of Hylah in this book-- a trans artificer and religious scholar who has a past with someone in the Rookery. We get some delightful cameos, as well. All hail Ardith and their dedication to a good time. And reaching back deeper into the world's lore, I freaked out to see the Crow Lord back with his games.
This is a series about redemption, found family, and backing yourself. I love the emotional journey I took with these characters, and I sincerely hope they get a full night's rest for once now that their adventures are at a close. Thanks to Orbit for my copy to read and review!
December 5, 2022
This settles it. This woman, in my opinion, can not write a bad ending. I mean, I know this is only the second trilogy she’s finished but it gave me everything I wanted and then some. One of the most satisfying endings I have ever read.
But it was more than just the ending. It was everything that got them there. This book had me on the edge of my seat with worry for Ryx and the Rookery on more than one occasion along with all of the twists and turns that Caruso is so good at giving us.
If you haven’t read this amazing series, then I highly encourage to do so now that it’s finished. It’ll be the perfect series binge read; I promise you.
The Ivory Tomb is due to be released on December 6, 2022. I’d like to give a warm thank you to Orbit books, Melissa Caruso, and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
But it was more than just the ending. It was everything that got them there. This book had me on the edge of my seat with worry for Ryx and the Rookery on more than one occasion along with all of the twists and turns that Caruso is so good at giving us.
If you haven’t read this amazing series, then I highly encourage to do so now that it’s finished. It’ll be the perfect series binge read; I promise you.
The Ivory Tomb is due to be released on December 6, 2022. I’d like to give a warm thank you to Orbit books, Melissa Caruso, and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 5, 2022
TL:DR: Demonic chaos adds both actiony fun and self-reflection for the lead character, but the series finale shies away from truly embracing its darkness
(eARC provided by Netgalley)
The Ivory Tomb is a cinematic finish that shows how Caruso has found the most interesting aspects of the multi-series setting. The take on demons is both fun and thoughtful, with it elevated by the constant tie to Ryx's emotional bond. I actually really enjoyed the flashback sequences, and would honestly have had a few more of them, as they become a little sparse and functional as it moves on. And as ever, Caruso's writing has this propulsive element that, despite some slightly unnatural dialogue and characterisation, makes this an easy read. This is entertainment first, and it works as such, although it is not without theming. However, I am left with some significant dissatisfaction at the handling of the overall narrative: this book seems determined to place itself in dark adult fantasy, with constant, often quite graphic violence, but the tendency for death to happen to incomprehensible numbers of offscreen, unnamed characters, or, worse, characters that are just introduced for the purpose of being killed, feels like an attempt to distance readers from the serious themes. And this is particularly apparent in the overly neat end, which feels determined to tie everything off in a way that makes the books feel for a younger audience than they supposedly are. Still a fun read overall, and a trilogy that exceeded my expectations, but I wish it commited to the messy, hard-to-look-at elements it introduced.
Rating breakdown:
4 stars without rounding
7/10 in personal rating system
(eARC provided by Netgalley)
The Ivory Tomb is a cinematic finish that shows how Caruso has found the most interesting aspects of the multi-series setting. The take on demons is both fun and thoughtful, with it elevated by the constant tie to Ryx's emotional bond. I actually really enjoyed the flashback sequences, and would honestly have had a few more of them, as they become a little sparse and functional as it moves on. And as ever, Caruso's writing has this propulsive element that, despite some slightly unnatural dialogue and characterisation, makes this an easy read. This is entertainment first, and it works as such, although it is not without theming. However, I am left with some significant dissatisfaction at the handling of the overall narrative: this book seems determined to place itself in dark adult fantasy, with constant, often quite graphic violence, but the tendency for death to happen to incomprehensible numbers of offscreen, unnamed characters, or, worse, characters that are just introduced for the purpose of being killed, feels like an attempt to distance readers from the serious themes. And this is particularly apparent in the overly neat end, which feels determined to tie everything off in a way that makes the books feel for a younger audience than they supposedly are. Still a fun read overall, and a trilogy that exceeded my expectations, but I wish it commited to the messy, hard-to-look-at elements it introduced.
Rating breakdown:
4 stars without rounding
7/10 in personal rating system
July 5, 2023
Suffice it to say, even at my usual reading speed it's not often that I go through two books totalling over 1000 pages back to back in a single day - but once I'd finished The Quicksilver Court, there was no way I could have the final book in this trilogy sitting on my shelf and not pick it up immediately. Great ending to a brilliant series.
December 5, 2022
This settles it. This woman, in my opinion, can not write a bad ending. I mean, I know this is only the second trilogy she’s finished but it gave me everything I wanted and then some. One of the most satisfying endings I have ever read.
But it was more than just the ending. It was everything that got them there. This book had me on the edge of my seat with worry for Ryx and the Rookery on more than one occasion along with all of the twists and turns that Caruso is so good at giving us.
If you haven’t read this amazing series, then I highly encourage to do so now that it’s finished. It’ll be the perfect series binge read; I promise you.
The Ivory Tomb is due to be released on December 6, 2022. I’d like to give a warm thank you to Orbit books, Melissa Caruso, and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
But it was more than just the ending. It was everything that got them there. This book had me on the edge of my seat with worry for Ryx and the Rookery on more than one occasion along with all of the twists and turns that Caruso is so good at giving us.
If you haven’t read this amazing series, then I highly encourage to do so now that it’s finished. It’ll be the perfect series binge read; I promise you.
The Ivory Tomb is due to be released on December 6, 2022. I’d like to give a warm thank you to Orbit books, Melissa Caruso, and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 19, 2023
I'm just declaring a general review over this entire series in that it was pretty good. It had a lot of fun twists and good world building and powers. I liked the central conflict and the characters were fun. It got me through three books! It definitely had some general weaknesses but was overall a net positive series for me.
April 17, 2023
This was an amazing conclusion to a fantastic series. Melissa Caruso has definitely become one of my favorite authors, and just like with her Swords & Fire series, Rooks & Ruin is one I look forward to reading again in the future!
February 4, 2023
6 star forever favorite trilogy, this is so freaking good!!!!
February 19, 2023
Whew! What an exhausting, but satisfying conclusion to this series. Can't wait to see what Caruso comes up with next.
September 29, 2023
So much of this was hard to read as she was ostracised for things other people had done. I did love the idea that . The ending really brought the whole series back round in a circle.
Read
June 23, 2024immediately want to go back and start obsidian tower again
dnf
June 26, 2025DNF @ 10%
July 7, 2024
AHHHHHH I WANNA BE A WITCH LORD. Personally, I loved the original trilogy (tethered mage) but these were even better. More thought out and let's be honest I'm more partial to the witch lords in general.
February 4, 2023
This book was the amazing ending to the trilogy we all wanted!
I want more!! So much more!!
Grandmother and whisper and ryx and severin are my all time favorite characters and I love the ending the got (and deserved)
I was literally SO STRESSED while reading the last half of this book because the stakes were so high and NO ONE felt safe.
I want more!! So much more!!
Grandmother and whisper and ryx and severin are my all time favorite characters and I love the ending the got (and deserved)
I was literally SO STRESSED while reading the last half of this book because the stakes were so high and NO ONE felt safe.
October 23, 2022
I really enjoyed the return (and finale!) to the Rooks and Ruin series. It picks up right after the end of book 2 and never slows down from there. It is paced super fast with tons of running and fighting and snark from the outset. She does a fantastic job of moving through Ryx's now and then, letting the backstory come to the fore in a way that's woven in nicely. The endings are all well earned and true to the characters throughout.
Love this series and I'm excited to see what's next from this author.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and Netgalley to review.
Love this series and I'm excited to see what's next from this author.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and Netgalley to review.
November 28, 2022
There were some parts of this book I loved and some parts that I think could have been stronger.
I loved how we got to learn more about Disaster. The glimpses throughout the book about who Disaster had been in the Dark Days, her role in shaping the world as we know it now, the cameo of Kathe(!) and the general character development we've come to know and love from Caruso.
There were a few scenes, without too many spoilers, that as I said could have been stronger. The energy device, Carnage, Ashe and Kessa reunion scene in particular comes to mind. It did make for a nice epilogue but felt a bit out of left field, fan service for when it appeared. I also felt that it all wrapped up a little too nicely and neatly for legendary Nine Demons let loose on the world. It's not as if I was expecting everyone to die in the book (this isn't an R. F. Kuang book after all) but I did expect some heartbreak beyond what we had. (No one worry, Whisper was ok!)
Over all, this was another wonder end to a trilogy from Caruso and wholly stacks up against the previous trilogy we all enjoyed. And my final note is, going forward everyone should get their books signed by Melissa with a note calling them a 'horrible little attack weasel' because that is a fantastic series of words.
I loved how we got to learn more about Disaster. The glimpses throughout the book about who Disaster had been in the Dark Days, her role in shaping the world as we know it now, the cameo of Kathe(!) and the general character development we've come to know and love from Caruso.
There were a few scenes, without too many spoilers, that as I said could have been stronger. The energy device, Carnage, Ashe and Kessa reunion scene in particular comes to mind. It did make for a nice epilogue but felt a bit out of left field, fan service for when it appeared. I also felt that it all wrapped up a little too nicely and neatly for legendary Nine Demons let loose on the world. It's not as if I was expecting everyone to die in the book (this isn't an R. F. Kuang book after all) but I did expect some heartbreak beyond what we had. (No one worry, Whisper was ok!)
Over all, this was another wonder end to a trilogy from Caruso and wholly stacks up against the previous trilogy we all enjoyed. And my final note is, going forward everyone should get their books signed by Melissa with a note calling them a 'horrible little attack weasel' because that is a fantastic series of words.
December 2, 2022
4 & 1/2 STARS
I received this novel from Orbit Books through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review: my thanks to both of them for this opportunity.
Now that this second trilogy from author Melissa Caruso has reached its end it’s become clear to me that she likes to deliver her maximum narrative impact with the final book: the first two volumes in the Rooks & Ruin series set the playing field and shaped the main characters, and were certainly supported by a good dose of dramatic moments and momentous revelations, but The Ivory Tomb brings all those elements toward such a harrowing climax that at times I felt emotionally drained - and I say this in the most complimentary way possible.
Please be aware that this review will contain spoilers for the first two books in the series, so if you have not read them yet, you risk learning about important details that you had better discover on you own…
When we first met Ryx, the protagonist of the story, she led a forcibly sequestered life because her “tainted” magic made her touch deadly for any living thing, and it was only her meeting with the Rookery - a group of special agents dealing with out-of-bound magical phenomena - that she was allowed to interact with others in a normal way thanks to a jess (a sort of controlling bracelet) that muted her powers. Not long after she became part of the Rookery, Ryx could not enjoy her period of grace for long, because the escape of several demons, held captive in the prison to which her castle guarded the portal, threw the world into renewed turmoil, further weighted by the double revelation that Ryx had long been the host for the demon of Disaster and that her beloved grandmother was now hosting the demon of Discord.
The freed demons - particularly Carnage, Corruption and Hunger - are on a rampage in The Ivory Tomb, laying waste to everything and everyone they encounter on their path and doing their worst to compound such devastation by setting the Raverran and Vaskandar empires on the warpath through misinformation and the skillful rekindling of old grudges. Poor Ryx finds herself torn in more than one direction as she tries to help her friends defuse the situation, capture the escaped demons and save the people she loves from becoming victims of the ravages of war. Not to mention avoid being imprisoned (or worse) herself because of the demon to which she has long been a vessel…
My sympathy for Ryx was born in the first volume of the series as I discovered how despite the harsh circumstances of her existence she managed to forge a character that was both kind and resilient, compassionate and determined, but here she truly shines brightly because she is faced with such odds that would have defeated the strongest of personalities, and yet she still finds the courage and the strength to move forward, to face whatever hurdle circumstances set on her path, while struggling with the dreadful revelation about her true nature and with the danger of being subsumed by Disaster and the avalanche of memories collected by the demon during its time through other hosts.
One of the most intriguing narrative elements in this series, and in particular in this final book, is the revelation that not all demons are… well, demonic, and that some of them are - or have been - capable of mastering their nature thanks to the people they interacted with: this is very true for Disaster’s past history which is revealed in a series of flashbacks as the barriers between the demon and Ryx become more permeable. Intriguing as they are, these flashbacks ended up being a little distracting for me, taking me away from the dire situation that was developing in the ‘present’, as Ryx and the Rookery tried to stay abreast of the havoc meted out by the other demons: it’s not the book’s fault, I want that to be clear, but simply my reaction at having to set aside for a moment what for me was the main - and more important - narrative thread.
The other element that bothered me a little was the lessened focus on the Rookery members, whose characterization and interactions had always been very enjoyable for me: again, I understand how it was necessary for the story to concentrate on other narrative paths, and I can rationally see the reason for this choice, but emotionally I felt a little… cheated, for want of a better word, for not being able to see them as much as I wanted.
On the other hand, I have to acknowledge Melissa Caruso’s wonderful skill in weaving a romantic thread in her narrative without making me roll my eyes in annoyance: she might very well be one of the few authors who are able to present a developing romantic relationship in their stories and to make me appreciate it despite my usual aversion to the theme. Ryx and Severin make a delightful couple and their slow-burn romance feels appealing and true, their interactions are always consistent with their characters and the situations in which they develop, so that - let’s admit it - I was rooting for them all the time and hoping that they would enjoy a happy end. Well done, Ms. Caruso, indeed…. ;-)
The Ivory Tomb is not only the magnificent conclusion to a well-crafted saga, it’s above all a breathless, heart-stopping marathon through a series of events whose increasing stakes will compel you to turn the pages as quickly as you can. As for myself, I can only look forward to seeing what Melissa Caruso will have in store for her readers in the future: one thing is certain, it will be another great ride.
Originally posted at SPACE and SORCERY BLOG
I received this novel from Orbit Books through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review: my thanks to both of them for this opportunity.
Now that this second trilogy from author Melissa Caruso has reached its end it’s become clear to me that she likes to deliver her maximum narrative impact with the final book: the first two volumes in the Rooks & Ruin series set the playing field and shaped the main characters, and were certainly supported by a good dose of dramatic moments and momentous revelations, but The Ivory Tomb brings all those elements toward such a harrowing climax that at times I felt emotionally drained - and I say this in the most complimentary way possible.
Please be aware that this review will contain spoilers for the first two books in the series, so if you have not read them yet, you risk learning about important details that you had better discover on you own…
When we first met Ryx, the protagonist of the story, she led a forcibly sequestered life because her “tainted” magic made her touch deadly for any living thing, and it was only her meeting with the Rookery - a group of special agents dealing with out-of-bound magical phenomena - that she was allowed to interact with others in a normal way thanks to a jess (a sort of controlling bracelet) that muted her powers. Not long after she became part of the Rookery, Ryx could not enjoy her period of grace for long, because the escape of several demons, held captive in the prison to which her castle guarded the portal, threw the world into renewed turmoil, further weighted by the double revelation that Ryx had long been the host for the demon of Disaster and that her beloved grandmother was now hosting the demon of Discord.
The freed demons - particularly Carnage, Corruption and Hunger - are on a rampage in The Ivory Tomb, laying waste to everything and everyone they encounter on their path and doing their worst to compound such devastation by setting the Raverran and Vaskandar empires on the warpath through misinformation and the skillful rekindling of old grudges. Poor Ryx finds herself torn in more than one direction as she tries to help her friends defuse the situation, capture the escaped demons and save the people she loves from becoming victims of the ravages of war. Not to mention avoid being imprisoned (or worse) herself because of the demon to which she has long been a vessel…
My sympathy for Ryx was born in the first volume of the series as I discovered how despite the harsh circumstances of her existence she managed to forge a character that was both kind and resilient, compassionate and determined, but here she truly shines brightly because she is faced with such odds that would have defeated the strongest of personalities, and yet she still finds the courage and the strength to move forward, to face whatever hurdle circumstances set on her path, while struggling with the dreadful revelation about her true nature and with the danger of being subsumed by Disaster and the avalanche of memories collected by the demon during its time through other hosts.
One of the most intriguing narrative elements in this series, and in particular in this final book, is the revelation that not all demons are… well, demonic, and that some of them are - or have been - capable of mastering their nature thanks to the people they interacted with: this is very true for Disaster’s past history which is revealed in a series of flashbacks as the barriers between the demon and Ryx become more permeable. Intriguing as they are, these flashbacks ended up being a little distracting for me, taking me away from the dire situation that was developing in the ‘present’, as Ryx and the Rookery tried to stay abreast of the havoc meted out by the other demons: it’s not the book’s fault, I want that to be clear, but simply my reaction at having to set aside for a moment what for me was the main - and more important - narrative thread.
The other element that bothered me a little was the lessened focus on the Rookery members, whose characterization and interactions had always been very enjoyable for me: again, I understand how it was necessary for the story to concentrate on other narrative paths, and I can rationally see the reason for this choice, but emotionally I felt a little… cheated, for want of a better word, for not being able to see them as much as I wanted.
On the other hand, I have to acknowledge Melissa Caruso’s wonderful skill in weaving a romantic thread in her narrative without making me roll my eyes in annoyance: she might very well be one of the few authors who are able to present a developing romantic relationship in their stories and to make me appreciate it despite my usual aversion to the theme. Ryx and Severin make a delightful couple and their slow-burn romance feels appealing and true, their interactions are always consistent with their characters and the situations in which they develop, so that - let’s admit it - I was rooting for them all the time and hoping that they would enjoy a happy end. Well done, Ms. Caruso, indeed…. ;-)
The Ivory Tomb is not only the magnificent conclusion to a well-crafted saga, it’s above all a breathless, heart-stopping marathon through a series of events whose increasing stakes will compel you to turn the pages as quickly as you can. As for myself, I can only look forward to seeing what Melissa Caruso will have in store for her readers in the future: one thing is certain, it will be another great ride.
Originally posted at SPACE and SORCERY BLOG
December 7, 2022
Thank you to Orbit and Angela Man for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
CONTENT WARNING: blood, violence, murder, gore, grief, torture
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a sucker for a pretty cover, and this series has absolutely nailed it with the covers. But the stories behind the covers pack a hell of a punch. After reading the first two books in this series, I was primed to dive into this one and find out what was going to happen and how this story was going to wrap up. And as excited as I was to fly through this and get to the end, I also wanted to drag my feet and stay in this world as long as possible.
In this book, we’re thrust into chaos immediately. The world is on the brink of war, with all of the demons released from the Hells. While two have been temporarily contained, the ones still wandering around have some major problems, namely Carnage and Corruption. The Serene Empire and the Witch Lords are each preparing to attack each other, and naturally, Ryx is right in the middle of it. She’s trying to peacefully talk everyone down, and even with her skills at negotiation, it doesn’t necessarily look like she’s going to be successful. Plus, it doesn’t help that she always seems to turn situations into a hot mess anyway.
Through all of this, the bond between Ryx and Severin grows, and I was here for it. I really liked Severin’s character as soon as I saw through his mask, and watching them break down each other’s walls and accept all of each other’s broken pieces was a beautiful thing.
“Maybe that was what it was to love someone—to cease to be fooled by their masks and their armor and their fancy footwork. To see the weak and trembling core of them, to know you could strike it true, and instead to protect it with everything you had.”
Even as we get to see how hurt Severin has really been by the way he grew up and has been treated, we also see how Ryx and Severin manage this through humor. There’s so many funny interactions between the two of them, and I really enjoyed the way that not just these two, but all of the characters get to use humor throughout the book. But while this interaction broke my heart, it also made me laugh a little:
“‘Seasons witness, Severin, is it so hard to understand I might want you around but also respect your choices?’ He opened his mouth, then shut it again. In an embarrassed sort of voice, he said, ‘Yes, actually.’”
In this book, Ryx has come to terms with her new reality, and is starting to integrate the two different sides of herself. She’s starting to see the world differently, and this makes her immensely valuable in resolving the conflict. And while the Rookery and others can see her value, there are some who don’t see it that way, and it puts not only the Rookery’s mission in danger, but also Ryx herself.
“This was how I’d always done things—defying the roles people tried to lock me into and carving out my own path, using the odd tools I had available to do what could.”
With all the chaos in the story, it made for an incredibly interesting read. There were plot twists galore, and a lot of action. There’s fights and battles, and of course there’s politics behind the scenes, both in the Witch Lord domains (which we get to see more of) and the Serene Empire, and I enjoyed getting to see more of the inner workings of this world. The world-building was fantastic, and it was expanded beautifully in this story. While I was concerned that it wasn’t going to be wrapped up in time, Caruso manages to tie all the loose ends together perfectly, providing closure to this rollercoaster ride of a trilogy.
CONTENT WARNING: blood, violence, murder, gore, grief, torture
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a sucker for a pretty cover, and this series has absolutely nailed it with the covers. But the stories behind the covers pack a hell of a punch. After reading the first two books in this series, I was primed to dive into this one and find out what was going to happen and how this story was going to wrap up. And as excited as I was to fly through this and get to the end, I also wanted to drag my feet and stay in this world as long as possible.
In this book, we’re thrust into chaos immediately. The world is on the brink of war, with all of the demons released from the Hells. While two have been temporarily contained, the ones still wandering around have some major problems, namely Carnage and Corruption. The Serene Empire and the Witch Lords are each preparing to attack each other, and naturally, Ryx is right in the middle of it. She’s trying to peacefully talk everyone down, and even with her skills at negotiation, it doesn’t necessarily look like she’s going to be successful. Plus, it doesn’t help that she always seems to turn situations into a hot mess anyway.
Through all of this, the bond between Ryx and Severin grows, and I was here for it. I really liked Severin’s character as soon as I saw through his mask, and watching them break down each other’s walls and accept all of each other’s broken pieces was a beautiful thing.
“Maybe that was what it was to love someone—to cease to be fooled by their masks and their armor and their fancy footwork. To see the weak and trembling core of them, to know you could strike it true, and instead to protect it with everything you had.”
Even as we get to see how hurt Severin has really been by the way he grew up and has been treated, we also see how Ryx and Severin manage this through humor. There’s so many funny interactions between the two of them, and I really enjoyed the way that not just these two, but all of the characters get to use humor throughout the book. But while this interaction broke my heart, it also made me laugh a little:
“‘Seasons witness, Severin, is it so hard to understand I might want you around but also respect your choices?’ He opened his mouth, then shut it again. In an embarrassed sort of voice, he said, ‘Yes, actually.’”
In this book, Ryx has come to terms with her new reality, and is starting to integrate the two different sides of herself. She’s starting to see the world differently, and this makes her immensely valuable in resolving the conflict. And while the Rookery and others can see her value, there are some who don’t see it that way, and it puts not only the Rookery’s mission in danger, but also Ryx herself.
“This was how I’d always done things—defying the roles people tried to lock me into and carving out my own path, using the odd tools I had available to do what could.”
With all the chaos in the story, it made for an incredibly interesting read. There were plot twists galore, and a lot of action. There’s fights and battles, and of course there’s politics behind the scenes, both in the Witch Lord domains (which we get to see more of) and the Serene Empire, and I enjoyed getting to see more of the inner workings of this world. The world-building was fantastic, and it was expanded beautifully in this story. While I was concerned that it wasn’t going to be wrapped up in time, Caruso manages to tie all the loose ends together perfectly, providing closure to this rollercoaster ride of a trilogy.
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