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The Paladins #4
The Broken Pieces
Overview
“Trust, lies, truth, and sanity no longer matter when you deal with a fanatic. Don’t pretend to understand Valessa. Don’t think you know why she does what she does. She’s not just unfinished; she’s a broken thing, and it’s the broken pieces that are most likely to cut when you touch them.”
The war in the north is coming to an end, but more and more it seems neither brother, Arthur or Sebastian, will end as the true victor. The priest Luther rallies an army of Karak, his aims unclear. Further north, Cyric continues to proclaim himself a god, and his followers are many. Caught between two enemies, Darius and Jerico must stand together to prevent the destruction of everything they hold dear.
And the key to their victory might be someone sworn to kill them both.
THE BROKEN PIECES by David Dalglish
Even the strongest can break before a furious god.
“Trust, lies, truth, and sanity no longer matter when you deal with a fanatic. Don’t pretend to understand Valessa. Don’t think you know why she does what she does. She’s not just unfinished; she’s a broken thing, and it’s the broken pieces that are most likely to cut when you touch them.”
The war in the north is coming to an end, but more and more it seems neither brother, Arthur or Sebastian, will end as the true victor. The priest Luther rallies an army of Karak, his aims unclear. Further north, Cyric continues to proclaim himself a god, and his followers are many. Caught between two enemies, Darius and Jerico must stand together to prevent the destruction of everything they hold dear.
And the key to their victory might be someone sworn to kill them both.
THE BROKEN PIECES by David Dalglish
Even the strongest can break before a furious god.
275 pages, Nook
First published August 19, 2012
36 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 29, 2015
5 Stars
The Broken Pieces, book four and conclusion to the Paladins series by David Dalglish is the best of the series and an awesome finish for it all. As with all the other books in the series, we still see the story from our two heroes points of view, but this one turns out to be more focused on Darius. Their trials and tribulations and mutual respect for each other have led Darius and Jerico them to this point. We are treated to more from Valessa and more from Luther, as well as Redclaw and Kaide.
Darius is our hero that shows the most growth and changes through out the story. His life literally was once put in the hand of his friend Jerico, a man that should have been his enemy but instead was his savior. 4 books in Valessa undergoes even more changes than our champion and that makes it freakin awesome…
“She’s not just unfinished; she’s a broken thing, and it’s the broken pieces that are most likely to cut when you touch them.”
This is a dark and action filled book and a dark series. Dalglish develops all of our characters slowly through out the series and as a result the emotional weight of series increased from start to end. This is not just a story of an unlikely between two powerful men. The Paladins series works because of the amazing characters within. They will be unforgettable.
I loved both Darius and Jerico for different reasons. The ending action sequence which had our hero Jerico, the punching bag with a giant heart leading the way with his friend Darius the driven man with a giant and sword following behind was one of the best action sequences in memory. Picture a man with a large and shining shield and an even bigger heart leading the way and smashing through the ranks as his friend, the man that was once consumed with doubt and who wants to believe lashes out with his massive shining sword. It truly was magical and had me cheering out loud.
Dalglish ends this series in magnificent fashion. The conclusion of a four book series can be tough to pull off and even tougher to appease the crowds. I feel that Dalglish accomplishes both things here and that to me it was perfect. I reread the last portion of the book a second time to take it all in….I loved it.
I have to also mention that though this book centers on the two Paladins and it also spends a small amount of time with other characters, it is Luther that most interests me. Right from the first start in the way that he was introduced, in the way that he carries himself, and of course as a result from his actions I thought wow this guy is interesting. He is a man who is so much more. I wish that we would have got more from him and I am glad to know that he might be part of further works from Dalglish. Luther reminds me of one of my very favorite fictional characters of all time, Glokta from Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law trilogy. Glokta to me is the definition of what a true anti hero should be. He is a bad man, but he is so much more. I saw him in Luther and I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciated this and wanted more. Bravo!
“Luther looked to the burning forest, and he heard Jerico’s words echo in his ear.
We save this world by healing it. Not with fire, not with destruction. I pray you one day realize this, and believe.
Kaide had been a man of fire. He’d been a man of destruction. No longer.
Luther’s eyes, for the briefest moment, dared open to a world of possibilities that frightened him…”
These novels are very accessible. They are quite Young adult friendly without being dumbed down. The Old Ways is the best book of The Paladins and I cannot recommend it enough. The men remind me Hadrian and Royce from amazing and accessible The Riyria Revelations fantasy series by Michael J Sullivan. These are adventures that are memorable and fun because of the Men that lead within.
I loved this series and hope that you do to!
The Broken Pieces, book four and conclusion to the Paladins series by David Dalglish is the best of the series and an awesome finish for it all. As with all the other books in the series, we still see the story from our two heroes points of view, but this one turns out to be more focused on Darius. Their trials and tribulations and mutual respect for each other have led Darius and Jerico them to this point. We are treated to more from Valessa and more from Luther, as well as Redclaw and Kaide.
Darius is our hero that shows the most growth and changes through out the story. His life literally was once put in the hand of his friend Jerico, a man that should have been his enemy but instead was his savior. 4 books in Valessa undergoes even more changes than our champion and that makes it freakin awesome…
“She’s not just unfinished; she’s a broken thing, and it’s the broken pieces that are most likely to cut when you touch them.”
This is a dark and action filled book and a dark series. Dalglish develops all of our characters slowly through out the series and as a result the emotional weight of series increased from start to end. This is not just a story of an unlikely between two powerful men. The Paladins series works because of the amazing characters within. They will be unforgettable.
I loved both Darius and Jerico for different reasons. The ending action sequence which had our hero Jerico, the punching bag with a giant heart leading the way with his friend Darius the driven man with a giant and sword following behind was one of the best action sequences in memory. Picture a man with a large and shining shield and an even bigger heart leading the way and smashing through the ranks as his friend, the man that was once consumed with doubt and who wants to believe lashes out with his massive shining sword. It truly was magical and had me cheering out loud.
Dalglish ends this series in magnificent fashion. The conclusion of a four book series can be tough to pull off and even tougher to appease the crowds. I feel that Dalglish accomplishes both things here and that to me it was perfect. I reread the last portion of the book a second time to take it all in….I loved it.
I have to also mention that though this book centers on the two Paladins and it also spends a small amount of time with other characters, it is Luther that most interests me. Right from the first start in the way that he was introduced, in the way that he carries himself, and of course as a result from his actions I thought wow this guy is interesting. He is a man who is so much more. I wish that we would have got more from him and I am glad to know that he might be part of further works from Dalglish. Luther reminds me of one of my very favorite fictional characters of all time, Glokta from Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law trilogy. Glokta to me is the definition of what a true anti hero should be. He is a bad man, but he is so much more. I saw him in Luther and I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciated this and wanted more. Bravo!
“Luther looked to the burning forest, and he heard Jerico’s words echo in his ear.
We save this world by healing it. Not with fire, not with destruction. I pray you one day realize this, and believe.
Kaide had been a man of fire. He’d been a man of destruction. No longer.
Luther’s eyes, for the briefest moment, dared open to a world of possibilities that frightened him…”
These novels are very accessible. They are quite Young adult friendly without being dumbed down. The Old Ways is the best book of The Paladins and I cannot recommend it enough. The men remind me Hadrian and Royce from amazing and accessible The Riyria Revelations fantasy series by Michael J Sullivan. These are adventures that are memorable and fun because of the Men that lead within.
I loved this series and hope that you do to!
January 15, 2020
not quite like an ending but acceptable
>> reintroduced Jerico in another book
Keep the AShhurr chant for the last battle so that chant seems so great.
(last resort)
The embodiment of God wrath make up for a not-so-good death for Darius
Nice explanation for the being that gains strength by imagination.
>> reintroduced Jerico in another book
Keep the AShhurr chant for the last battle so that chant seems so great.
(last resort)
The embodiment of God wrath make up for a not-so-good death for Darius
Nice explanation for the being that gains strength by imagination.
January 28, 2013
I do not know why I torture myself by reading David's books.
Though this time I learnt from past periods of intense anger and screaming to read the author's note at the back of the book first for spoilers. That way I am prepared.
Having read the Half-Orcs series before the Paladins, I had the feeling that Darius would die. But to sacrifice himself for his best friend. That was heart-wrenching and had me crying.
Even without reading the book, I would give anything by David Dalglish 5 stars!!!
Though this time I learnt from past periods of intense anger and screaming to read the author's note at the back of the book first for spoilers. That way I am prepared.
Having read the Half-Orcs series before the Paladins, I had the feeling that Darius would die. But to sacrifice himself for his best friend. That was heart-wrenching and had me crying.
Even without reading the book, I would give anything by David Dalglish 5 stars!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. I love how the characters develop throughout. I may appear generous with my rating but if I read a book or series from start to finish without stopping or complaint then how can I rate it anything but 5 Star. it helps though that this series is set in my preferred genre.
January 10, 2013
The book was awesome. Darius was the man til the end
January 24, 2013
Oh snap. Best ending ever! Too many craptastic bad dude pov's, but whatev's, I'm over it. Jericho seriously needs a hug though. For real.
November 22, 2021
Review under construction
It all starts with Questioning ; Knowledge brings clarity ; Faith deepens.
The fourth book felt unique from the three books, cuz faith was questioned, everyone questioned it, be it Valessa, Ciric, Darius, Luther.
My assumption that the war was between good and evil crumbled, when Luther had that conversation with Jerico, where he explained about the two gods.
Liked the conversation between each characters ;
> Darius and Valessa
> Jerico and Luther
> Darius and Jerico
> the other side characters
"Will she be waiting for me?"
The end was emotional, but felt relief how it ended. At least...
This book is one of my favorite fantasy ; the book on faith, friendship, paladins.
Thank You!
(Will do a detailed review later for this one which is one of my most favorite.)
It all starts with Questioning ; Knowledge brings clarity ; Faith deepens.
The fourth book felt unique from the three books, cuz faith was questioned, everyone questioned it, be it Valessa, Ciric, Darius, Luther.
My assumption that the war was between good and evil crumbled, when Luther had that conversation with Jerico, where he explained about the two gods.
Liked the conversation between each characters ;
> Darius and Valessa
> Jerico and Luther
> Darius and Jerico
> the other side characters
"Will she be waiting for me?"
The end was emotional, but felt relief how it ended. At least...
This book is one of my favorite fantasy ; the book on faith, friendship, paladins.
Thank You!
(Will do a detailed review later for this one which is one of my most favorite.)
January 30, 2025
The final book in this series delivered a great conclusion to the story of The Paladins. A little bittersweet in one regard, but we can't have it all.
Knowing that Jericho is in the Half Orcs series [He's on the cover of book 3] which is chronologically after this series according to the author, I knew he would make it to the end. However, we also have Darius, Valessa, Kaide, and a host of other characters whom we have no idea what will happen to them. Unless of course they are also in Half Orcs, and I haven't seen, or heard of such.
Much like the previous books this one reads very fast, and frenetic. Events happen, and happen, and happen, and happen in such quick order it's no wonder things ended the way they did. I won't spoil anything, but there was a genuine moment I didn't know how our Paladin bros were going to come out on top against the mad Cyric. Not to mention the Wolf men return!
That being said this was a great series. Short, maybe not so sweet in tone, but a fun read. Will definitely be consuming more of Dalglish's works.
Knowing that Jericho is in the Half Orcs series [He's on the cover of book 3] which is chronologically after this series according to the author, I knew he would make it to the end. However, we also have Darius, Valessa, Kaide, and a host of other characters whom we have no idea what will happen to them. Unless of course they are also in Half Orcs, and I haven't seen, or heard of such.
Much like the previous books this one reads very fast, and frenetic. Events happen, and happen, and happen, and happen in such quick order it's no wonder things ended the way they did. I won't spoil anything, but there was a genuine moment I didn't know how our Paladin bros were going to come out on top against the mad Cyric. Not to mention the Wolf men return!
That being said this was a great series. Short, maybe not so sweet in tone, but a fun read. Will definitely be consuming more of Dalglish's works.
May 15, 2023
I read these books on the Delight Games app; all but the last were turned into game books, which makes it harder for me to see them in the usual light I'd see literature in. Regardless, I'm glad I read these books, and I think the last few chapters of this one in particular really elevate the series as a whole. Without getting too spoiler-y, they ask the question "What was it all for?" with palpable human anguish, and, true again to humanity, they don't really have enough information for a true answer.
Also, if one ever plays a paladin in a TTRPG, you could have way worse codes/oaths than one of Jerico's order's mantras (paraphrasing since the app doesn't let you select chapters):
"We are the light that shines in the deepest pit. We watch so that the fearful may sleep. We are the strong who kneel before the weak. We are the mountain all may climb. We are everything good and joyful that must not perish."
Also, if one ever plays a paladin in a TTRPG, you could have way worse codes/oaths than one of Jerico's order's mantras (paraphrasing since the app doesn't let you select chapters):
"We are the light that shines in the deepest pit. We watch so that the fearful may sleep. We are the strong who kneel before the weak. We are the mountain all may climb. We are everything good and joyful that must not perish."
September 19, 2020
OMG! I LOVE THIS!
Darius...I love you. I hope you find forgiveness and happiness in the hereafter. The ending had me in freaking tears! I love this! 😭....
And Jerico! He's still alive! Although, about his future I feel sad and uncertain. If anything, I love him and I love those two people who survived after damnable Cyric's bullshit attacks! Also, WTF Luther? YOU ASSHOLE! YOU TRIED TO KILL MY JERICO! YOU DARED TO HURT MY DARIUS! I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU, YOU BASTARD! UGH!
Okay. Rage aside, it was a beautiful conclusion to an awesome book series filled to the brim with emotions of all kinds. I love this series and am so happy I got to finish it! Thanks for writing this awesome series and I will be reading the Assassins series too! ❤❤❤❤
Darius...I love you. I hope you find forgiveness and happiness in the hereafter. The ending had me in freaking tears! I love this! 😭....
And Jerico! He's still alive! Although, about his future I feel sad and uncertain. If anything, I love him and I love those two people who survived after damnable Cyric's bullshit attacks! Also, WTF Luther? YOU ASSHOLE! YOU TRIED TO KILL MY JERICO! YOU DARED TO HURT MY DARIUS! I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU, YOU BASTARD! UGH!
Okay. Rage aside, it was a beautiful conclusion to an awesome book series filled to the brim with emotions of all kinds. I love this series and am so happy I got to finish it! Thanks for writing this awesome series and I will be reading the Assassins series too! ❤❤❤❤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2021
Wonderful fantasy listening 🔰
Due to eye issues and damage Alexa reads to me.
Another entertaining will written fantasy Sci-Fi adventure thriller fourth book in the Paladins with interesting characters. The story line is complicated with a religious war going on for control of the north. I would recommend this series to readers of fantasy Sci-Fi adventures. Enjoy the adventure of reading 📚2021
Due to eye issues and damage Alexa reads to me.
Another entertaining will written fantasy Sci-Fi adventure thriller fourth book in the Paladins with interesting characters. The story line is complicated with a religious war going on for control of the north. I would recommend this series to readers of fantasy Sci-Fi adventures. Enjoy the adventure of reading 📚2021
January 2, 2023
A perfect wrap up
I have really enjoyed this series of books. They were everything I wanted for a holy warrior D&D style yet uniquely its own world and system. This last book was the perfect wrap up to the series. It makes me really excited to read the Half-Orc series!
I have really enjoyed this series of books. They were everything I wanted for a holy warrior D&D style yet uniquely its own world and system. This last book was the perfect wrap up to the series. It makes me really excited to read the Half-Orc series!
May 2, 2023
Oh but it's been such a long time since a book made me cry :'D absolutely adored this series. It's so grim, but ultimately it's the story of the tenacity of light against overwhelming darkness, and even if the ending is bittersweet, I still adored every second of it.
February 23, 2025
HOLY COW! Just wow!
I've read 3 series now by David, Shadowdancer, Half-Orcs, and Paladins, and they just keep getting better. I don't even like prequels, but this series was awesome.
I've read 3 series now by David, Shadowdancer, Half-Orcs, and Paladins, and they just keep getting better. I don't even like prequels, but this series was awesome.
August 24, 2018
Fantastic
I loved this book and the paladins series. It was hard for me to stop reading and get other things done. It was absolutely fantastic!
I loved this book and the paladins series. It was hard for me to stop reading and get other things done. It was absolutely fantastic!
June 9, 2019
Great books 👍 Highly recommended
What can I say , this was a fantastic read . If you can, read the whole series . Great ending wow!
What can I say , this was a fantastic read . If you can, read the whole series . Great ending wow!
February 11, 2013
The Broken Pieces is the fourth book in “The Paladins” series, and it continues the story of Jerico and Darius, two paladins of Ashhur, in their fight for survival against Karak and his dark priests Cyric and Luther.
Valessa plays an interesting role in this story as she seems to be torn between two worlds and two deities. Given the lack of background on the theological system in this series, it was kind of hard for me to sort out her abilities and what happens to her character as she under goes two major transformations.
At times, the book took on a bit of an unbelievable stance as we have Darius who is an infant in his faith to Ashurr, yet he is able to battle with the strongest of Karak’s followers. It seems like this book, or the previous one would have been a great time for the author to find some quiet place (perhaps a corner of The Wedge) where Darius and Jerico could compare the belief systems of Karak and Ashurr and for Darius to grow in his faith and abilities.
Overall, I think this book was an acceptable conclusion to the series. It still left some of unanswered questions about the two deities and how the world will continue considering the diminishing forces for Ashurr versus the strength of Karak. Perhaps that will be a book for another time…
Valessa plays an interesting role in this story as she seems to be torn between two worlds and two deities. Given the lack of background on the theological system in this series, it was kind of hard for me to sort out her abilities and what happens to her character as she under goes two major transformations.
At times, the book took on a bit of an unbelievable stance as we have Darius who is an infant in his faith to Ashurr, yet he is able to battle with the strongest of Karak’s followers. It seems like this book, or the previous one would have been a great time for the author to find some quiet place (perhaps a corner of The Wedge) where Darius and Jerico could compare the belief systems of Karak and Ashurr and for Darius to grow in his faith and abilities.
Overall, I think this book was an acceptable conclusion to the series. It still left some of unanswered questions about the two deities and how the world will continue considering the diminishing forces for Ashurr versus the strength of Karak. Perhaps that will be a book for another time…
November 5, 2013
Why do I read? I read to escape from the everyday. I want to be transported to another place...to other worlds. I want to feel, smell, experience a world through someone elses eyes. This series was perfect.
I find myself feeling very somber after finishing this book and realize that it is much the feeling after leaving a funeral. I'm just kind of numb. Sure, part of me is sad that the series is over. Very sad actually. More than that though is that I felt the torture and anguish of the characters in this book and I find myself going back in thought to each of their definitive moments.
There is so much depth in the series, but in this book the theological aspects really took hold of me. Dalgish has written a series that the casual reader will enjoy, but the mindful reader will learn from. It is something that (for those that care to see it and understand) can help to grasp the concept of faith.
The Broken Pieces is a tale of morality - of good and evil and all that lies between. Perhaps that is the most important aspect--the between...the journey to the light and those who guide the weary. Jericho to Darius; Darius to Valessa; Jericho to Kaide; Kaide to Luther; Valessa to Jericho.
Valessa to Jericho? Yes, Mr. Dalglish, I get it. Well done.
I find myself feeling very somber after finishing this book and realize that it is much the feeling after leaving a funeral. I'm just kind of numb. Sure, part of me is sad that the series is over. Very sad actually. More than that though is that I felt the torture and anguish of the characters in this book and I find myself going back in thought to each of their definitive moments.
There is so much depth in the series, but in this book the theological aspects really took hold of me. Dalgish has written a series that the casual reader will enjoy, but the mindful reader will learn from. It is something that (for those that care to see it and understand) can help to grasp the concept of faith.
The Broken Pieces is a tale of morality - of good and evil and all that lies between. Perhaps that is the most important aspect--the between...the journey to the light and those who guide the weary. Jericho to Darius; Darius to Valessa; Jericho to Kaide; Kaide to Luther; Valessa to Jericho.
Valessa to Jericho? Yes, Mr. Dalglish, I get it. Well done.
August 17, 2016
"The Broken Pieces" was a satisfying ending to a really enjoyable series; overall, I would rank it as the third best.
The two paladins, Jerico and Darius, again carry the story, and the conclusion of their character arcs were good. Valessa the shadow-whatever-she-is is interesting, and overall I thought her arc was fine, but it did seem like a repeat of Darius's in "Clash of Faiths". The main antagonists, Cyric, Luther, and Redclaw, were each solid. I did think that Arthur and Kaide, both "good" characters, had inconsistent "bad" moments, I think just for plot reasons which didn't quite work for their characters.
The plot moves well throughout, and the final big battle is really exciting. The very ending--as a non-spoiler I'll just say when really strange things happen--was still exciting, but I did think it was confusing. I was first attracted to "The Night of Wolves" because it was different from most fantasy books in that it wasn't about supergods battling for the fate of the world, and when the series ultimately does turn into this usual story it was handled well, but also I am just a hair disappointed.
Overall, "The Broken Pieces" is about a 3.4, so almost but not quite a 4, but well worth reading.
The two paladins, Jerico and Darius, again carry the story, and the conclusion of their character arcs were good. Valessa the shadow-whatever-she-is is interesting, and overall I thought her arc was fine, but it did seem like a repeat of Darius's in "Clash of Faiths". The main antagonists, Cyric, Luther, and Redclaw, were each solid. I did think that Arthur and Kaide, both "good" characters, had inconsistent "bad" moments, I think just for plot reasons which didn't quite work for their characters.
The plot moves well throughout, and the final big battle is really exciting. The very ending--as a non-spoiler I'll just say when really strange things happen--was still exciting, but I did think it was confusing. I was first attracted to "The Night of Wolves" because it was different from most fantasy books in that it wasn't about supergods battling for the fate of the world, and when the series ultimately does turn into this usual story it was handled well, but also I am just a hair disappointed.
Overall, "The Broken Pieces" is about a 3.4, so almost but not quite a 4, but well worth reading.
June 30, 2013
Wow. Just... Just... Wow.
This book is... Beyond my ability to describe. When it wants to be entertaining, it can be entertaining. When it wants to be awesome, hell yeah it can be awesome. And when it wants to make you want to drown yourself in tissues, it makes you want to jus bawl.
And the ending... Good Ashhur and Karak and whatever the hell the other one's name is. Screw Lord of the Rings, screw Harry bliddy Potter, screw any endingg to any series contrived by human minds, this, my friends, is how you end a book. Like something like Twilight (in my personal opinion) should be studied by all writers as a way of writing complete and utter bullsh*t and yet somehow being so popular you get five movies made, Dalglish's books should be studied-hell, worshipped- as how to write a great fantasy epic. I'm not gonna spoil anything for whoever the hell reads my ramblings, but... this, says I, this is a fantasy book. In fact, in my honest opinion, this is THE fantasy book. People will read this book in years to come and go:
"Now that is how you end a series."
This book is... Beyond my ability to describe. When it wants to be entertaining, it can be entertaining. When it wants to be awesome, hell yeah it can be awesome. And when it wants to make you want to drown yourself in tissues, it makes you want to jus bawl.
And the ending... Good Ashhur and Karak and whatever the hell the other one's name is. Screw Lord of the Rings, screw Harry bliddy Potter, screw any endingg to any series contrived by human minds, this, my friends, is how you end a book. Like something like Twilight (in my personal opinion) should be studied by all writers as a way of writing complete and utter bullsh*t and yet somehow being so popular you get five movies made, Dalglish's books should be studied-hell, worshipped- as how to write a great fantasy epic. I'm not gonna spoil anything for whoever the hell reads my ramblings, but... this, says I, this is a fantasy book. In fact, in my honest opinion, this is THE fantasy book. People will read this book in years to come and go:
"Now that is how you end a series."
September 11, 2014
I have found that the completion of every book by David Dalglish results in me just sitting there, contemplating what I have just read.
My parents often wonder why I am just sitting there staying into space. When I tell them I have just finished reading a book, they say it must have been a really good book. And damn right it was.
There are some books that have amazing stories that just make you keep reading. But the ones I love are the books that you can't stop thinking about after you have finished reading. Books that make you think about everything that the characters have been through (in this case, crisis after crisis that Jerico and Darius are put through that makes you just wish they could relax and have a beer) are the books I love. These are often the story's you can return to and read again and again, entertaining a slight, make that minuscule, chance that they might get a happy ending the second or third time round.
My parents often wonder why I am just sitting there staying into space. When I tell them I have just finished reading a book, they say it must have been a really good book. And damn right it was.
There are some books that have amazing stories that just make you keep reading. But the ones I love are the books that you can't stop thinking about after you have finished reading. Books that make you think about everything that the characters have been through (in this case, crisis after crisis that Jerico and Darius are put through that makes you just wish they could relax and have a beer) are the books I love. These are often the story's you can return to and read again and again, entertaining a slight, make that minuscule, chance that they might get a happy ending the second or third time round.
August 22, 2012
An incredible end to an amazing series. These back-story series tied to the original half-orc saga keep getting better. The nuance Dalglish gives to issues of faith and doubt, exemplified in his characters and their struggles, continues to be moving and ultimately sheds light on the human condition. In this book the faithful are questioned, the power of faith is pointedly connected to one's internal intention be it good or evil, and forgiveness is found in unlikely places. Then there's Darius, who's heart-wrenching tale the author was uncertain of writing but ends up being achingly incredible.
September 8, 2012
Wow, the final book of the series that started my love affair with David (just kidding, well kinda, it's more like an unattainable puppy love) has exceeded my wildest expectations.
Since that first book, "Night of the Wolves" I have been eagerly awaiting each book David has written about Dezrel. This final of the Paladin series is his best book yet. The ending was so powerful I teared up and that was unexpected.
I don't have the prose of other reviewers and can only put it in simple terms. If you read only one series this year, make it The Paladins, you will not be disappointed.
Since that first book, "Night of the Wolves" I have been eagerly awaiting each book David has written about Dezrel. This final of the Paladin series is his best book yet. The ending was so powerful I teared up and that was unexpected.
I don't have the prose of other reviewers and can only put it in simple terms. If you read only one series this year, make it The Paladins, you will not be disappointed.
February 1, 2013
Bravo, sir... Bravo! No ending has made me cry like that since Return of the King. I've not read any of Dalglish's other books outside this series, and the other books were great, but this is easily the masterpiece of the four. I nearly made the mistake of judging the books by their covers, but now I'm so very glad I didn't!
March 16, 2013
Pretty great little series of fantasy romps. I like the characters. I like the setting. I like the plot. I can't wait to dig into the Half-Orcs series to see what becomes of Jerico.
I have to be the only reader ever to read all of Dalglish's preambles before touching his magnum opus...but whatever. :D
I have to be the only reader ever to read all of Dalglish's preambles before touching his magnum opus...but whatever. :D
April 10, 2017
I came into The Broken Pieces a bit cold, as it had been sometime since I had read the other books in the Paladin series. However, it wasn't long before I was once more drawn into the struggles of Jerico and Darius, and this book is a fitting endpoint for their adventures. 'The Paladins' series may not be a "favorite" series, but it is has earned a permanent place on my Kindle.
December 28, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and especially this series by David Dalglish. The characters were interesting, the story compelling, and the adventures were so much fun to read. I highly recommend these books to anyone and everyone who likes the high fantasy genre. You won't regret it!
February 11, 2013
good end to the series, character development was meh, but story made up for it. Best book of the series to me, others may disagree but i really enjoyed it. If you just got done with this book and have not read the half or series i would suggest doing so.
August 27, 2013
Thrilling conclusion to the series.
March 22, 2013
I loved this series.
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