Blooms of Consequence

Dusk Gate Chronicles #4

by Breeana Puttroff

It’s time to make her choices.

Quinn Robbins is stuck in Eirentheos, unable to use the gate to go home, and she’s facing the biggest decisions of her life. Will she accept the destiny that was handed to her – one she never wanted – or will she walk away?

With events spiraling out of her control, Quinn is forced to make some difficult decisions – and some of those choices have consequences she’s not prepared for.

In the final installment of the story begun in Seeds of Discovery, Quinn is about to discover who her family really is, and that sometimes love, faith, and trust are the things most worth fighting for

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Adventure, Magic, Fiction, Young Adult Fantasy

479 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2012

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fair warning, to write this review without spoilers for any of the rest of the series is going to be absolutely impossible, and also fair warning, if you haven't read the rest of the series, you will be utterly lost on this one.

I waited what felt like forever for this book, but was really just a couple of months. I have followed this series from nearly the beginning, having been in contact with the author when the second book was out, and as soon as I finished the first one, I was completely hooked.

A story where there is an alternate universe where there are castles and horses and princes? Yup, I am all over that. Quinn is a character that is strong-willed and stubborn, very much like myself, and you instantly are drawn to the young woman that she is.

Blooms picks up right where Thorns left off, with the completion of the tattooing episode. The continuation of the storyline is excellently written, although I did have to go re-read the last few pages of Thorns so that I could remember what was happening. Well worth it, in my opinion.

I had to wait about a week to write this review because I was afraid that my review would be tainted by my sadness that the series ended and that I have had to say goodbye to the people who have become my friends. Breeana's writing is such that you feel as though you really KNOW the characters and have been a part of their story. When something happens to one of the characters, you feel the pain and loss that they feel, and the panic that those who care for them experience.

Trying to right this spoiler free is very, very difficult, my faithful readers, because I want to talk about what has happened so much, but I am sure most of you have not read the stories, and then I am afraid I will ruin it for you.

I have never felt the way I felt when I finished this series and I feel lost, like I have said goodbye to a friend. I really feel that this is a must read for everyone!

[Sharon Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this series. For the first time in a long time I didn't want the story to end, I am left craving more even with a satisfying ending. I don't always become as emotionally connected to characters in a novel but this one I did. The sweetness and innocent love between the characters is exactly the kind of escape I long for in a book. I don't often give five stars to a book, but when I do it made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me empathize with the characters within it.

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite series of the year (so far)!! Puttroff wraps the series up nicely, but in her acknowledgements she says some of the characters spoke to her so she added more books with more points of view. This should be an exciting thing, I will try the next one to find out!

[Maren · Rating 3 out of 5]

We finally get the plot going at the right pace in this one. Still plenty of super cheesiness with extra cheese, but there's a little action and intrigue mixed in.

I'm feeling like this is like a Hallmark movie. You know they are going to live happily ever after, and you know they will hit all the cliches on the way there, you know it is completely unrealistic. When you're not in the mood it makes you roll your eyes and groan, but when you're in the right mood it is just fun.

[Brynlie Sherrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh my gosh this series is one of my top favs so far!!!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh no! The forth and final book! I always find it bittersweet to read the final book in a series that I have totally fallen in love with. Breeana has taken us on an incredible journey in the Dusk Gate Chronicles series and each book that I had the pleasure of reading was better then the last!

In Blooms of Consequence, we get to see the true Quinn as she was meant to be, she is strong willed, stubborn, loving, and just so super amazing! She has totally come a long way from the first book, each book we saw her changing just a little bit more… growing into an amazing women!

The same goes for William! I have honestly thought he was so cute throughout the whole series, but in this book… well he is not a boy anymore he has become a grown up and is the perfect match for Quinn.

I had the pleasure of being a beta reader for this book, but I didn’t get to read the last few chapters until it was released, and honestly I was dying to know where the story would take me!

There is of course an adventure, especially in light of Quinn’s decision, I was also in shock over what happens to the bridge… I am still trying to process that! Especially with the knowledge that Breeana is doing a spin off series featuring Owen (which I think is going to be totally awesome!)

Throughout this series Breeana has been able to bring all of these characters alive for me, and I am so sad to have to say goodbye to everyone, however I am hoping that we will see them again in the near future… perhaps in future books.

Also, I do know that although the story is over in light of the super amazing ending Breeana is treating us to a special Christmas Book called A Christmas Rose which will be released on December 17… it is suppose to be short and sweet, more a life behind closed doors during the holiday season once all the real drama and danger is finally over and Quinn and William can finally be normal…

[Eule · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the story, but some recurrent aspects really feel like christian propaganda (always trusting the maker, marrying young etc). It seems as if the books' main purpose was the propagation of these views. This spoiled my enjoyment of these books.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blooms of Consequence is the fourth installment of The Dusk Gate Chronicles, and was the original conclusion to the series. Later, three more books were written (focusing on some of the side characters, from my understanding), but I haven't started those yet. This review will be more of a comprehensive assessment of the first 4 books in the series (and I'll do my best to skirt around spoilers).

The Good:
The characters and their development have definitely been the shining star of this first part of the Dusk Gate Chronicles thus far, and what has compelled me to continue on with this series. The dialogue rarely felt flat or unnatural, and I very much enjoyed the interactions and development.

The world-building was decent, and quite fun at times. While I normally prefer more magic in my fantasy novels, I was actually somewhat amused by the couple of "SCIENCE!" explanations for certain phenomenons. I do wish we would have gotten a confirmed answer to who/what exactly Alvin is (even though it was there in the subtext, really).

The overall conflict and story arch was pretty fluffy and simplistic, but it at least had a satisfying resolution, which I was pretty happy about.

The Bad:
I enjoy a good fluffy romance as much as the next gal, but at time this got a little saccharine even for me. (But then I have to remember that I'm not it's intended audience at 36 years old, and I'm sure middle school girls would probably appreciate that aspect more).

Some of the concepts still felt flimsy and awkward to me, particularly all the modern conveniences and attire in this medieval world. Yes, I understand the reasons for why those supposedly existed there, and that they didn't so much in the rest of the realm, but it still just seemed awkward and disjointed to me.

The Ugly:
So this is probably just me because I'm a Childfree person who is slightly weirded out by pregnancy and babies/young children, but this series has felt very heavy-handed with the love for large families and uncontrolled reproduction. Like, to the extent that I was getting kinda super creepy Duggar-approved Quiverfull vibes from it. I felt like there was a definitely message that in an idyllic world, there's no family planning, that all children are a blessing from the "The Maker," and all married couples just breed indiscriminately starting as young as 16 years old. Again, maybe that's just me, but it bothered me, okay? IT BOTHERED ME.

All that being said, because I really have enjoyed the characters and personalities in this series so much that I'll definitely be continuing on to the final three books.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each book in this series gets better as it goes along, this one was no excepton. The plot really thickened and stuff actually seemed to be happening and progressing. In general with these book I could normally see things happening lightyears away but I still enjoyed seeing all my theories unfold. My one big critique in this was that or a book that most things took a very long time to happen this had some things happening at the speed of light in my opinion, particularly in the romance department. I know there are 3 more books but this one felt kind of concluding in itself so I am not sure yet if I will pick up the other 3.

[Elda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great ending to a great series but not the end.

I'm glad this is really not the end because i really want to read more about what happens after this ending. This was such a sweet love story with lots of intrigue, adventure, mystery and some tense moments but I'm happy the good guys won and the bad guys lost. However, it's the way the good guys won and the bad guys lost that made reading about it so enjoyable and heartfelt. I highly recommend this series to all romance, mystery, and fantasy lovers everywhere.

[Margaret Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series, and I really liked how the characters have matured. The author has done a superb job of conveying the decisions Quinn has to make and how those decisions have helped her mature. William has also been forced by circumstances and decisions to mature as well. I liked the way Quinn and William have orbited each other through all four books and in this one they come together as a single ripening entity. I'm almost sorry this phase of the story is coming to an end.

[Shauna Salley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highlighted a ton of stuff in the book. I love the references about not letting fear control your life. While my heart broke for Quinn at times, I’m glad she had William and his love and comfort. Not to mention is amazing family, I would be so much fun to hang with Thomas and Linnea.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a good series

I like this series more every time I read it (about four times now). The characters are fabulous. The plot is unpredictable. The world-building is easy to follow.
Clean romance.

[Jaime (Two Chicks on Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love!!! On to the next one!

[Denise Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

On to the next.. I can't stop reading this series. So far this was my favorite of the series.

[Kelly Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read, I'm glad it's not the end of the series though as the world concept has lots of potential for more adventures. On to the next book

[Jessica Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I’m getting to pick this series back up. Not sure I love loved this book - maybe too much happened compared to the pace of the first 3? - but I definitely still flew through it. : )

[Darlena Lemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great ending

While ending the first section of the Dusk Gate Chronicles, this story begs for a continuation of the chronicles. Quinn shows a depth of maturity beyond her years that demands a continuation of the story of her life with William.

[Mella · Rating 4 out of 5]

And that's that. The main story is wrapped up. The pace really picks up in this last book, all the threads tie together and the pieces fall into place. The romance is sweet. I enjoyed all the characters. Although I'm rather fond of Alvin and Owen. My favourite scene was this;

“Your father and I had a very small wedding, you know.”
Quinn shook her head. She’d never asked about her parents’ wedding. She’d been at her mother’s second wedding, been the flower girl, actually. While it hadn’t been the kind of huge affair that Simon’s wedding here had been, it had been a big party, with lots of friends, and lots of Jeff’s family.
“It was only your father and I, and Nathaniel and Maggie. We had it outside in a little park. We’d asked a friend of Maggie’s father, who was a pastor, to perform the ceremony. But he never showed up. Instead, this strange old man came – it startled the heck out of Samuel, who seemed to know him. But he was nice.”
“Alvin,” Quinn whispered. She didn’t know whether to be awed or horrified.
“Yes, that was his name. How did you know that?”
“You’ll see him again downstairs. He’s marrying me and William.”
Megan was silent for several seconds, and then she shook her head.
“At this point, I almost feel like I should have seen that coming.”

Puttroff, Breeana. Blooms of Consequence (Dusk Gate Chronicles Book 4) . Thirteen Pages Press. Kindle Edition.



I was very amused but it was only topped by the following;

“The bridge still stands, Princess. As the guards King Stephen has sent to check on it will tell you later this afternoon. In any case, the operation of the gate is not terribly dependent on whether the bridge is intact, as the gate in your world would tend to indicate.”
“What is it dependent on, then?”
“Magnetism, mostly.”
“Excuse me?”
“Magnets. Now, I know you’ve heard of those.”
“I don’t know what they have to do with the gate.”
“Did you think the gate was magic?” She opened her mouth and closed it again. Truthfully, she sort of had thought that. “Well, it isn’t magic. Simple science, really. At certain times, these two worlds are lined up in just such a way that two powerful magnets, one on each side, can weaken the magnetic field between them, and allow someone to pass through.”
“And someone just figured that out?” William had come to stand with them. He put his arm around Quinn’s waist, and then his other hand on Owen’s shoulder. Quinn looked around the room. Everyone else was engaged in conversations. Nobody looked the least bit interested in their little group – or if they were, they were politely ignoring them.
“Yes, of course someone ‘just figured it out’. The difficulty level is somewhere below using magnets in electrical currents. Finding a location where it would work was another story. The first passage had to be in a place where there was both a place where the fields aligned and there was already a naturally occurring magnet on the other side. Humans are inventive, though. They managed it. Some by accident, even.” Alvin chuckled, his eyes lighting up.

Puttroff, Breeana. Blooms of Consequence (Dusk Gate Chronicles Book 4) . Thirteen Pages Press. Kindle Edition.



It's a great theory, definitely wasn't expecting that answer. Great end to a great series. 4 stars.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ended the main story of Quinn and William and the world of Eirentheos and Philothem. I think I can honestly say that this is one of the most incredible series I have ever read. I am in awe at the amazing world and plot that the author created. This is one of those stories that makes me just want to throw up my hands and give up on any feeble attempt at my own fiction. :P

I was really sad to finish this story...I totally fell in love with all the characters and their world. It's hard to say goodbye to them. However, I know there are several more spin-off stories on some of the characters, so I am planning on checking them out in the future as well. At the same time as being sad to finish the series, I am really satisfied and happy with how everything turned out, even though the end is somewhat bittersweet in one way. I did think the end was a bit rushed, and I was disappointed that it didn't go far enough to show Quinn's return to Philotheum and coronation. Anyhow, it was a great wrap-up to the series, although I think I'd say that my favorite book in the series is book 3.

I loved the overarching theme throughout the series of making not only the right choices, but also actually making those decisions at the right time to avoid letting "dandelions" overtake your garden. It was a really powerful lesson for me. Also, on the flip side, taking the time and effort to cultivate the "roses" in your garden, and being willing to give of yourself to strengthen relationships with people you love, even though it may be painful at times.

Another thing I thought was interesting about this series is that there is little if any magic involved. Pretty much the only thing in the books that you might think was magic is the presence of a gate between two different worlds. But then in this last book, we find out that it's not magic, but rather the result of a magnetic connection on both sides of the gate that weakens the magnetic field or something to that effect. So yes, it's kind of refreshing to find fantasy without people practicing magic or casting spells or enchantments or anything like that.

One aspect of this book that I maybe could have done without is the more intimate scenes between Quinn and William after they are married. It doesn't really go into any inappropriate details, but there are kind of a lot of things that are implied that made me a little uncomfortable. There is nothing wrong about what happens since they are a married couple, but it just might be a little more detail than we need to know. Some people might be fine with that but I just thought I'd give a little side note there just in case. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the entire series.

I am interested in seeing what happens in "A Christmas Rose," which I think continues the story a little bit after Quinn goes back to Philotheum.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodness, I have so much to say about this book. Let me start of with how much I thoroughly enjoy the characters you've created. This book centers more on Quinn and William and it was such a pleasure to see how well they coincide with each other. They both know the right things to say or do to calm each other's fears. Especially William, I feel like he sometimes has a greater understaning for Quinn's feeling than what she does herself.

The plot was still very gripping that kept me flying through this book having to know what happened next. I don't want to place any spoilers in here so I have to limit some of my opinions. This book was not in any way disappointing, but I felt like it was rushed a bit. Two key plots within this book I felt could have been spanned over a whole seperate book, maybe even two more actually. I also don't know if the ending would have sufficed me if I were Quinn herself. But I'm not Quinn, so that doesn't really matter.

I know you have a Christmas novella coming out that might answer a few things for me, but I kind of wish this book was set at a slower pace with a few of the main factors to this story, so there could have been another book to read during this timeline. I kind of wanted to experience Quinn becoming Queen firsthand. That can't be easy for her, or anyone else, actually. Would've liked to have seen who would have joined her other than William. I had a strong feeling that Thomas and Linnea would have fought to go with them. There's so many plots going on in my head that I think could have kept this series going without skipping 10 years ahead, or whatever amount the new novella will take place.

I guess I feel like there is still a huge opening that hasn't been filled, but other than that, I really did enjoy this book. Still in love with all the characters you've created. And yet again, I thank you for the wonderful read! -- lorraine

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series. I was happy that I was late to discover it because I was able to read all four books straight through but sad that I could have enjoyed them so much sooner. As soon as I was finished with each book I added it to my favorites shelf.

This conclusion, which come to find out is not really the conclusion at all, really tied things together. There were several phrases in the book I found myself striving to remember as they really related to life....odd in a fantasy genre. Puttroff really does have a way with words and thought and some of it was truly beautiful. She also has a way with characterization. I was sad to say goodbye to these characters who I'd really grown to love, as much as is possible for fictional characters. If you opt to end the journey here, you'd be ok, she has a great conclusion in store, but even without continuing on, I feel you'd be doing yourself a real disservice as each book seems to get better and better.

Yes, there were some typos but at no point did I feel I was distracted from the story. I felt I was in another world as a casual observer to all the excitement happening around me. It's rare to create such passion in readers but this a series that really creates such strong feelings.

My only minor complaint, and truly this is just personal preference, it was a little PG in the romance department. Now, that's just me who enjoys a little more smut with their romance but I understand it's not everyone's cup of tea. Remember also this is YA, so she's right in keeping it clean. In that regard however, Puttroff still tells a beautiful love story and I found myself laughing at the end wondering when I was going to meet my Will.

This was a fantastic journey from the beginning all the way until the end....see books five and six however as this is not THE END. If you stop here you'll be satisfied, but for me personally, I can't wait to continue.

5 stars!

[Denae Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minor spoilers, beware.

It didn't end the way I expected, with a coronation. It did end the other way I expected, with a wedding, surprisingly.
There seemed to be less time spent with little kids in this book than the others, especially the first two. I understand the action was picking up and little kids didn't quite fit, but this is an observation. Plus, there was more romance to fill it in. Oh, I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate BP for writing good, clean, yet passionate romance. Kudos. I would have preferred more actual fights, but I still found the clean romance refreshing. Not just the sweet scenes between Will and Quinn, but all the other lovely couples in these books.
Okay. The conclusion in this book seemed a bit rushed. Many of the conflicts in this book seemed a bit rushed, resolved almost too easily, almost too easily (similar to the first three books, actually). I suppose part of this is due to the author focusing much of the book's space on setting and character rather than physical confrontations. If you look at character development and such in this book, those types of "conflicts" are prolonged more. Speaking on characters, I was mildly disappointed there were no big revelations in this book about Quinn's or someone's identity. That was one thing I loved about Thorns of Decision.
Despite being a tad rushed, the conclusion fit the series beautifully. I don't know if I could have imagined a better ending to the story, and I was well satisfied. I am not easily satisfied with endings, but this one made me happy. :)

I haven't yet decided whether I will buy/read "Christmas Rose," the novella.

[Gabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn, unable to go back into her world, must stay in Eirentheos and save help save Philotheum from the rule of Tolliver. she also must make some tough decisions regarding where she will stay--Philotheum, her kingdom, or Bristlecone, her home.
Simply put, this was amazing. Have you ever had a series where you are waiting for the next book to come out, and the day it does you jump out of bed, run down the hallway, and buy it as fast as you can all well chanting, "Yay! Yay! Yay!" well, that was Blooms of Consequence for me.
All the loose ends were tied up, and I was satisfied with how it ended. (Unlike Mockingjay in Hunger Games!!!! Sorry, wrong series, I know.) there was one thing I was rather uncomfortable with and that was SPOILER! SPOILER! Telling, though not detailed, of how Quinn and William 'spent' their honeymoon night. It didn't give you any details whatsoever, but I still felt weird reading it. That's just me though. It wasn't disgusting or anything, and I doubt many people would have any problems with it whatsoever. SPOILER ENDED.
I really can't say too much about this book without giving away the whole ending, so I'll end it like that. So, yeah, it's awesome. I can't wait for the prequel and the sequel to this series!

[Suzana · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I did like it, but reading a little bit into it I noticed it's not as polished as the other books and talking with the BEST editor I know, who also happens to have edited the other books, I found out Breena published it before it was fully edited and unfortunately it's quite obvious. There was typos and inconsistencies in a couple of places in the book. I hate waiting for books in a series, but I also want them to be the best they can be before I get them, so next time take your time Breena. We'll wait and be patient, at least I will! :)

I enjoyed watching Quinn and William grow and mature even more through the story. Life is HARD, no doubt about it, but we learn that avoiding our problems is not going to make them go away. I especially enjoyed learning about the dandelion and rose that has been referenced through the books - that alone is worth the read. Loving someone can be difficult but how much do you want to make it work and are willing to sacrifice for it? Great lessons.

[Lncropper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book (originally to be the last one in the series) but maybe not as much as the earlier ones. I still think for maybe a middle school audience they are great. Too many questions were unanswered though: Who is Alvin, really? How is it he can affect the dreams of people in two different worlds?

Though I don't like books where none of the characters are likable, some of the ones in this series are a bit too much so. Entirely too many people call each other "Sweetheart!" On the other hand, the unreasonable action of Quinn's mother, Megan, in refusing to speak to her for so long seemed odd (I guess that may have been in book 3; they run together.)I get her being upset, but not the way she handled it.

Having said that, though, I still love the basic premise of the story (people traveling back and forth from one world to another.)I'm glad to hear there are to be more books in the series.

[Linz The Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but not nearly as much as I did the first books in the series. I was glad that all of the indecisions finally got resolved, but I felt like there was so much stuff crammed into this book. The ugh...relationship developments.... between Quinn and William seemed to happen unnecessarily fast. It felt like it was a bit rushed to get it all in this book. Which brings up another issue I have. It clearly says the end. It says it's the conclusion of the story, but then there are more books in the series. I know that shouldn't affect my judgement on this book, but it is anyways. Not sure if I'm going to read the rest of the series or not. I'm a big believer that series should definitely have a concrete ending to them, and I felt like the ending of this one was pretty decent. I still really enjoyed the book and the series. I pretty much devoured the series in just a few days and have recommended it to some friends.

On a side note, Go Linnea!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to think that this was supposed to be the last book. I honestly got lost in where one ends and the other begins. I was with Quinn as she found the Gate, Started her first relationship, went through her first heartbreak, fought with her mother, found love in William the only other person who knew first hand the difference's between the worlds, found out she had a family she didn't even know existed(Nathaniel being one of the uncles she never knew), Growing up and becoming the Heir to the Philotheum thrown, and Marrying William with her mother and siblings present. All of these things made me laugh, cry, upset, and ultimately impressed with this world and wanting to become part of it. I only hope that it will continue with their new lives in Philotheon. Becoming the Queen and giving birth to a new generation of Eirentheos-Philotheum children. Great books to read!!!

[Sandra Pulliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again I was taken away into another world with Quinn and Will. Just to let everyone know I had two books I was reading. One "Beautiful Redemption" by Kami Garcia and Margaret Shohl and obviously "Blooms" by Breeana Puttroff. Well the one still on my night stand unfinished is not "Blooms of Consequences"! I could not put this down. I so wanted to know what happened with Quinn. I loved the whole series! My only issue was that I wanted there to be another gate somewhere. I so wanted Quinn to have the best of both worlds. Owell, we can't get everything we want. I highly recommend this series, it's fun, age appropriate and keeps you up turning pages until you can't keep your eyes open any longer. Congrats Ms. Puttroff on a wonderful series!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was full of surprises, twists and lots of action. I loved every minute of it! Right from the start events took an unexpected turn with a new character whose allegiance was unclear. This is the first character that wasn't clearly good or bad. Of course with his "gift" being charm, right away I liked him but wasn't sure if I should! Quinn finally started to "man up" (I hate that saying!)and truly step into her new role. William continued to be the perfect boyfriend. All the other characters partner up into couples, just like I wanted. Everything was wrapped up nice and neat with a satisfying HEA ending. Happiness reigns in both kingdoms and warm fuzzies bloom in my heart. I'm going to miss these characters and will have to pick up books 5 and 6 to revisit them soon.