As legions of undead swarm the Radiant Isles, a young warrior makes a chilling decision for the fate of the people, in this post-apocalyptic fantasy.
For years, Zeke Blackwood fought tooth and nail to defend the powerless and avenge the fallen, becoming one of the strongest people in the world and a match for any monster or magic-wielding sorcerer in the Radiant Isles. One life-or-death battle after another forged him into the ideal solder, meant for a war between good and evil. But when an encounter with the demon realm leaves him transformed, his body shattered, he’s forced to follow a far more dangerous path.
As a cambion, Zeke stands on the thresholds of both Heaven and Hell, belonging to neither. Consumed with frustration at the tireless conflict between the mighty entities vying for supremacy throughout the Isles, he seeks the Portal of Ascension, a gateway that will allow him to escape the mortal realm once and for all.
Meanwhile, Abraham Micayne has unleashed hordes of undead creatures in a quest to slaughter the living—or turn them into servants damned to do his foul bidding. Zeke understands this is a fight he can’t win, no matter how powerful he becomes. The people of the Radiant Isles will have to face this apocalypse on their own.
Now, to reach the Portal of Ascension, Zeke and his companions—his soul-bonded dire bear, Pudge; the unliving Talia Nightingale; and the archer Abby—must search high and low to uncover its location as they battle brigades of demons and other monstrous beings. But even greater enemies hunt the portal, and Zeke will face opposition from a rather unlikely source . . .
I really enjoyed this fourth book in the series. Glad that a certain relationship ended as I didn't like the way that they always acted like they knew better than Zek. Looking forward to the next book.
This is a hard review. On the one hand there is so much in this book that is good, but on the other there is so much that is bland. Let's start with the good.
This book could be considered the end of an arc. What has been building in the last few books has come and the final chapters are amazing. Incredible even:
"You focused so much on technique," ... "That would have worked in the old world. But here? This is a world of magic, . Can't you feel it? The underlying concepts of the universe run through everything we do. You neglected that because you were stuck in the old world." "I don't understand," ... "And that's why you lose," ...
You could end the whole series on book 4 and I think you'd come away with a satisfying conclusion. However, book 5 is already out and after reading a few chapters of it there are many chances to redeem itself and grow even more. Where book 3 removed hope for the future of the series it seems that book 4 has inspired it. Though not enough to not be wary.
This brings us to the bad. It's the other characters. Carlos was always bland without being or doing much of anything interesting. Except he's even more annoying here interjecting his teenage emotional philosophy during the first half of the book. The second half of the book focuses on Abby. The author really wanted to destroy this person. I never had a problem with her in the first books and it would require a re-read to see if this was just me or the author trying to amp this up for a bigger payout of an idea introduced here. This does mean that most of the book is inundated with dialogue that feels like it belongs with teenagers on social media.
I really hope book 5 saves the series and I can come back to 5 stars like I did the first few.
The book was a lot of fun and I enjoy where the plot is headed. I only have one complaint and it’s that I think certain ideas can be flushed out more. There are moments that happen to the characters where defining decisions are made and it feels like there was no build up to it. The payoff was still good but I do think it could be better. Despite this, the book was still a great read.
The character choices stay true to their narrative. The plotlines are wrapped up nicely. The next stage is adequately prepped. What more could you want?
A great series.. Great character development.. Emotional depth... Interwoven plotting... Just great writing and story.. Highly recommend JD Glasscock Author of the Series Blood Brothers and the Dream
Really enjoyed this one. It is a little sad but I don’t want to ruin it for you. Our MC is really growing up and having to face the realities of the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like the growth and maturity that the MC had in throughout this book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Tucker!!!!!! This was full of action and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Can’t believe it took me so long to read these books. On to the next.
Recap... Abby betrays Zeke and Pudge, coz she is fucking wanker. After Pudge is hurt he realizes Abby has been using him and he breaks up with her. Hopefully Abby gets killed in the next season and if not goes her separate way. But knowing the author he's gonna keep her. He kills of Abraham and Alina's mom. Tucker saves him by returning through the Portal. They all leave for the next realm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm rating this November 4 2023. Only because a couple idiots gave it a bad rating when it hasn't even been released yet. I gave it 5 stars just because I already know it's gonna be good. Haters gonna hate.