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Symphony of Ages #7
The Merchant Emperor
The war that they had feared is now upon them. Ashe and Rhapsody, leaders of the Cymrian Alliance, are gathering their allies to combat the machinations of Talquist, who will soon be crowned emperor of Sorbold. Gwydion Navarne remains by Ashe’s side. Anborn, Lord Marshal, has taken to the field. And Rhapsody has been forced into hiding to protect the life of her infant son.
The Merchant Emperor of Sorbold has unintentionally allied himself with a pair of demons and has begun targeting the dragons that remain on the Middle Continent. Talquist will stop at nothing until the Cymrians are wiped out and the entire continent and the rest of the Known World is under his rule.
Assailed by danger from all sides, surrounded by lies and intrigue, Rhapsody is left with one undeniable truth: if their forces are to prevail, she must join the war herself, wielding the Daystar Clarion, an ancient weapon whose power is nearly unparalleled. As she struggles to reconcile her duties as a mother and ruler, a danger far more devastating than Talquist is stirring beneath the surface of the land itself.
The Merchant Emperor of Sorbold has unintentionally allied himself with a pair of demons and has begun targeting the dragons that remain on the Middle Continent. Talquist will stop at nothing until the Cymrians are wiped out and the entire continent and the rest of the Known World is under his rule.
Assailed by danger from all sides, surrounded by lies and intrigue, Rhapsody is left with one undeniable truth: if their forces are to prevail, she must join the war herself, wielding the Daystar Clarion, an ancient weapon whose power is nearly unparalleled. As she struggles to reconcile her duties as a mother and ruler, a danger far more devastating than Talquist is stirring beneath the surface of the land itself.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 2014
80 people are currently reading
2207 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Haydon
50 books1,025 followersElizabeth Haydon (* 1965 in Michigan) is a fantasy author, whose 1999 debut, Rhapsody: Child of Blood, garnered comparisons with Goodkind, Jordan, and even Tolkien. She has written two fantasy series set within the same universe, The fantasy/romance/whodunit fusion called The Symphony of Ages and the young adult series The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme.
An herbalist, harpist, and madrigal singer, Elizabeth Haydon also enjoys anthropology and folklore. She lives on the East Coast of the United States.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabet...
An herbalist, harpist, and madrigal singer, Elizabeth Haydon also enjoys anthropology and folklore. She lives on the East Coast of the United States.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabet...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 27, 2014
OH SWEET MOTHER OF ALL THINGS HOLY!!!!!! I have NEVER been this excited over a book in all my life! This series is *the* reason I am an avid devourer of books. I had completely given up any hope of Hayden ever finishing it. And in fact it is due to the MIA #7 that I outright refuse to read incomplete series. I heartbreak I experienced was so much that about 100 pages before finishing Assassin King I had to stop because I couldn't bare leaving the story where it was headed. I've looked longingly and lovingly at Assassin King for the past 8yrs and NOW i can FINALLY re-read it in preparation for Merchant Emperor.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
June 11, 2014
2 and a half.
I like the series. I love some characters. I was so glad to see the series continued and to meet all the cast again. But... But the book is so badly written, it's just painful. Nothing moves. Everything is drowned in overexposure and repetition.
It's the 7th book in the series! It stands to reason, that no-one will start the series with this one. Then WHY are we "treated" to the summaries of the previous 6 books in endless monologues? Why?
Why every scene of importance is first shown and then retold in dialogs in detail, sometimes twice? Why, also, Rhapsody seems to forget Book 5 and the discussion with Achmed? (it's obvious why he doesn't like her son, he told her why! How come she forgot?)
I didn't appreciate Achmed lowing, btw. Anborn is making him wait? The non-marriage to Anborn is discussed in so much unnecessary detail, while all the Rhapsody's connection/attraction to Achmed is somehow not there? (Their kisses were also forgotten? Or what?) I like Anborn, but that was too much.
Scenes with Rhapsody and Ashe ("Oh my love!" "Oh how I suffer" "Oh my soulmate!") are so horribly over-sweet, I came to root for something bad to happen, f.ex. for Ashe's Dragon to reject Rhapsody and Ashe meekly following it.
I liked the Merchant Emperor himself, btw. He is a good antagonist. The problem is, this book has no protagonist. The POVs are all over the place, and no-one emerges as dominant.
Also, we have to read endless repetitions of everything we know already instead of something new, instead of character development, of relationships development. Yes, there's some info about the war - but nothing else. No-one really changes. And nothing really happens. It's as if the book is afraid of its own conflicts and hides from them.
In summary: good series, bad book. Only for the series fans.
I like the series. I love some characters. I was so glad to see the series continued and to meet all the cast again. But... But the book is so badly written, it's just painful. Nothing moves. Everything is drowned in overexposure and repetition.
It's the 7th book in the series! It stands to reason, that no-one will start the series with this one. Then WHY are we "treated" to the summaries of the previous 6 books in endless monologues? Why?
Why every scene of importance is first shown and then retold in dialogs in detail, sometimes twice? Why, also, Rhapsody seems to forget Book 5 and the discussion with Achmed? (it's obvious why he doesn't like her son, he told her why! How come she forgot?)
I didn't appreciate Achmed lowing, btw. Anborn is making him wait? The non-marriage to Anborn is discussed in so much unnecessary detail, while all the Rhapsody's connection/attraction to Achmed is somehow not there? (Their kisses were also forgotten? Or what?) I like Anborn, but that was too much.
Scenes with Rhapsody and Ashe ("Oh my love!" "Oh how I suffer" "Oh my soulmate!") are so horribly over-sweet, I came to root for something bad to happen, f.ex. for Ashe's Dragon to reject Rhapsody and Ashe meekly following it.
I liked the Merchant Emperor himself, btw. He is a good antagonist. The problem is, this book has no protagonist. The POVs are all over the place, and no-one emerges as dominant.
Also, we have to read endless repetitions of everything we know already instead of something new, instead of character development, of relationships development. Yes, there's some info about the war - but nothing else. No-one really changes. And nothing really happens. It's as if the book is afraid of its own conflicts and hides from them.
In summary: good series, bad book. Only for the series fans.
August 3, 2016
I started screaming when I saw this! I had absolutely no idea that it was coming out - and so soon! I have been waiting for this since Assassin King came out years ago. I kind of want to call out sick to work just so that I can read the series again before I get the new book.
Want to read
October 22, 2013SO EXITED! Love this series!
February 5, 2015
It took a while for things to really get moving & while I notice that many other readers have been complaining about the rehashing & summaries in this book, I don't agree with them. I love this series & normally with such a great gap in time between book releases I would reread the series but I just didn't have it in me to do so as I was too impatient after such a long wait to read this book. So the rehashing was very useful to remind me of a few things I had forgotten over the years. Like I stated above, it took a little while for the story to really start moving along but once it did I was reminded why I love this series so much. I was reminded just how much I love Achmed, hands down the best character in the series. With a rampant "love triangle" rampage going on in most books series these days it was refreshing to see how one can be written so well that it doesn't fall into that dreaded mess. Achmed tearing off after Rhapsody's revelations of her time with Michael & her fear of what Talquist has planned, was just awesome. Oh & that last scene with Tristan: AHAHAHAHAHA! So epic!
May 23, 2017
The Merchant Emperor is the seventh book in The Symphony of Ages series by Elizabeth Haydon. With an 8 year gap since the release of book 6 and the couple more years it took me to discover that Haydon has finally finished the series, this one has been a long time coming. I was so happy to be back in this world that I've come to love with characters that I've missed.
The war for the known world has come. Talquist, former merchant and now the Emperor or Sorbold, has two ambitions: exterminate everyone involved in the Cymrian Alliance and become immortal. With the aid of a giant statue animated by a pair demons Talquist is confident he has almost everything he needs to acheive his goals. There is just one piece remaining. According to an ancient prophecy, to gain immortality Talquist needs to eat the living heart of the Child of Time. Unsure of his name or where the child is located, one thing is certain: the Child of Time is Rhapsody's newborn son. To protect her son and save her people Rhapsody must reconcile her duties as a mother and a ruler to join the war herself, wielding Daystar Clarion, whether she likes it or not.
Now that I've finished it, I have to say I feel conflicted. I think Haydon found herself in a bit of a bind when writing this book. How much would her fans remember of the previous books? With that in mind she spends a good portion of the book giving the reader reminders of what went on before through character dialog and memories. This bogs down the books pacing dramatically. Just as actual plot is revealed another flashback would be described for a few pages. While I appreciate the idea, I think she went overboard with all the reminders as they started to distract from the story itself. This continues for a good three quarters of the book before the real story begins to move forward. Once it does, I remember why I love this series so much!
The writing is wonderful as always. All the characters I have missed are back. Each of the personalities are the same as before, with their flaws and and some fantasy tropes mixed in. Achmed and Grunthor are not given near enough page time. Achmed's scene with Tristan at the end does not disappoint! Talquist's character is fleshed out more. His motivations are revealed and he's become the ultimate sociopath villain. Rhapsody's character arc came as a surprise. I'd gotten so used to her Mary Sue ways that when circumstances force her to change, it's an unexpected breath of fresh air and completely in line as something her character would do in such a situation.
The Merchant Emperor is one of those middle books that feels like the set up for something much bigger. All of the characters have been moved to their places, the stage is set, and just as things start to happen, it ends. This is definitely the bridge between what has happened before and what is going to happen next.
The war for the known world has come. Talquist, former merchant and now the Emperor or Sorbold, has two ambitions: exterminate everyone involved in the Cymrian Alliance and become immortal. With the aid of a giant statue animated by a pair demons Talquist is confident he has almost everything he needs to acheive his goals. There is just one piece remaining. According to an ancient prophecy, to gain immortality Talquist needs to eat the living heart of the Child of Time. Unsure of his name or where the child is located, one thing is certain: the Child of Time is Rhapsody's newborn son. To protect her son and save her people Rhapsody must reconcile her duties as a mother and a ruler to join the war herself, wielding Daystar Clarion, whether she likes it or not.
Now that I've finished it, I have to say I feel conflicted. I think Haydon found herself in a bit of a bind when writing this book. How much would her fans remember of the previous books? With that in mind she spends a good portion of the book giving the reader reminders of what went on before through character dialog and memories. This bogs down the books pacing dramatically. Just as actual plot is revealed another flashback would be described for a few pages. While I appreciate the idea, I think she went overboard with all the reminders as they started to distract from the story itself. This continues for a good three quarters of the book before the real story begins to move forward. Once it does, I remember why I love this series so much!
The writing is wonderful as always. All the characters I have missed are back. Each of the personalities are the same as before, with their flaws and and some fantasy tropes mixed in. Achmed and Grunthor are not given near enough page time. Achmed's scene with Tristan at the end does not disappoint! Talquist's character is fleshed out more. His motivations are revealed and he's become the ultimate sociopath villain. Rhapsody's character arc came as a surprise. I'd gotten so used to her Mary Sue ways that when circumstances force her to change, it's an unexpected breath of fresh air and completely in line as something her character would do in such a situation.
The Merchant Emperor is one of those middle books that feels like the set up for something much bigger. All of the characters have been moved to their places, the stage is set, and just as things start to happen, it ends. This is definitely the bridge between what has happened before and what is going to happen next.
September 4, 2015
I just got too bored to even finish this, nothing seems to happen other than the author showing us that the bad guy is really bad and that none of his cohorts can be bothered to check his amazingly horrible stories.
July 10, 2014
EDIT
AH MY GAWD.
Come one, girlfiend please please please don't leave me hanging on like this :(
Original:Oh sweet June, come soon
I've waited so long, to complete this song
AH MY GAWD.
Come one, girlfiend please please please don't leave me hanging on like this :(
Original:Oh sweet June, come soon
I've waited so long, to complete this song
October 30, 2025
Unbelievably, these books keep getting worse. Even more unbelievably, I keep reading them.
🔴She gives you the same explanatory aside on every character and place, every time they pop up. This could be someone who shows up thrice in the book, this could be someone who’s on every page.
🔴I thought removing the, ahem, more maudlin aspects of Rhapsody’s personality would make her more palatable. Thus far, I am mistaken.
🔴All the time and space given to Rhapsody and Ashe’s separation—like, pages and pages of melodrama—shines a massive spotlight on how stupid and unnecessary it is. Like, uh, why is this a good or interesting idea? How does this serve the plot?
🔴These nine books could have been three. Seriously. There is so much banal filler. It’s a huge shame. An editor could have done so much to improve these novels but I guess Haydon’s hates her.
🔴She gives you the same explanatory aside on every character and place, every time they pop up. This could be someone who shows up thrice in the book, this could be someone who’s on every page.
🔴I thought removing the, ahem, more maudlin aspects of Rhapsody’s personality would make her more palatable. Thus far, I am mistaken.
🔴All the time and space given to Rhapsody and Ashe’s separation—like, pages and pages of melodrama—shines a massive spotlight on how stupid and unnecessary it is. Like, uh, why is this a good or interesting idea? How does this serve the plot?
🔴These nine books could have been three. Seriously. There is so much banal filler. It’s a huge shame. An editor could have done so much to improve these novels but I guess Haydon’s hates her.
February 20, 2017
It finally looks as if the disparate races might be drawing together, despite (or maybe because of) Talquist. Dragon- and Namer-lore are coming together, and old enmities forgotten as they must concentrate on the ultimate goal. Meanwhile Talquist's casual cruelty seems unending, the ultimate sociopath: nothing will stop him getting what he wants, and everything/everyone else is disposable.
Rhapsody was the big surprise. You know her so well by this point that the impact of her changing roles was huge, and yet still true to her. Understanding more of the price she paid was a shock, but it showed how much she tempered just by being her.
Let's just say I'm glad I've got the next 2 waiting for me!
Rhapsody was the big surprise. You know her so well by this point that the impact of her changing roles was huge, and yet still true to her. Understanding more of the price she paid was a shock, but it showed how much she tempered just by being her.
Let's just say I'm glad I've got the next 2 waiting for me!
September 4, 2015
I was so excited for this book. I have waited 10 very long years to read this book. And it seems like Ms. Haydon forgot everything that happened in the 5 previous books. Seriously. Rhapsody somehow doesn't know in this book why Achmed is treating her so poorly, despite the fact that he's never made it secret he's in love with her and thinks she should have chosen him over Ashe (I agree). Grunthor is an afterthought to Anborn, of all characters, who wasn't all that interesting to begin with. The fact that Rhapsody is completely a Mary Sue never was painful for me before, but it was in this one. "Oh, she's beautiful, every man wants her," and it feels like for most people who were discussing her that's all there was to it.
What was with the very painful Anborn/Rhapsody marriage discussion? It lasted for more pages than it should have and was not needed. Was it to remind us that they nearly did marry? Also, when Rhapsody makes a big decision later involving her son, who seems more of a burden than I want kids to be in novels like this, the effect makes Rhapsody a horrid character. It seems arbitrary for her to even have done it.
Oh, and something FINALLY happens in this book that should have happened 3 books ago, and it was so anticlimactic that I wonder why it took so long. The discussion between Anborn and Rhapsody on sex and marriage lasted about the same amount of pages as this scene, and had about as much feeling to it.
Ashe and Rhapsody have lost all chemistry. As have Achmed and Rhapsody. Melisande was the most interesting character, but her part seemed completely forgotten, as she did, after the beginning of the novel.
What's with it taking as long as it did for the "main" three to even show up in the book?
There was a tremendous amount of detail over silly things while plot was glossed over. Haydon reached into Laurell K. Hamilton territories where conversations became painfully circular, failing to go anywhere or to just say what needed to be said.
Ten years for a book and it no longer feels like the series I fell in love with, the series that made me appreciate fantasy novels. Instead it feels like I read something unfamiliar with characters I couldn't like.
What was with the very painful Anborn/Rhapsody marriage discussion? It lasted for more pages than it should have and was not needed. Was it to remind us that they nearly did marry? Also, when Rhapsody makes a big decision later involving her son, who seems more of a burden than I want kids to be in novels like this, the effect makes Rhapsody a horrid character. It seems arbitrary for her to even have done it.
Oh, and something FINALLY happens in this book that should have happened 3 books ago, and it was so anticlimactic that I wonder why it took so long. The discussion between Anborn and Rhapsody on sex and marriage lasted about the same amount of pages as this scene, and had about as much feeling to it.
Ashe and Rhapsody have lost all chemistry. As have Achmed and Rhapsody. Melisande was the most interesting character, but her part seemed completely forgotten, as she did, after the beginning of the novel.
What's with it taking as long as it did for the "main" three to even show up in the book?
There was a tremendous amount of detail over silly things while plot was glossed over. Haydon reached into Laurell K. Hamilton territories where conversations became painfully circular, failing to go anywhere or to just say what needed to be said.
Ten years for a book and it no longer feels like the series I fell in love with, the series that made me appreciate fantasy novels. Instead it feels like I read something unfamiliar with characters I couldn't like.
September 7, 2014
One thing Haydon has done well since introducing the series has been changing -- and scaling (pun somewhat intentional, given the increasing number of dragons involved) -- up the conflict from the first books of the series. The main characters are now being confronted with a serious opponent who has many advantages, and yet *isn't* the at-times overpowerful demons of the past. Moreover, in this book, there are strong hints that the main characters are making some serious mistakes that will come to haunt them.
It has not lost its roots in romance, although this book had no overt couples near each other that I can remember. Instead, it kept a theme of revisiting past decisions, including at least two major romantic tangles, and providing some resolution to old threads. (On the other hand, there are strong hints in the book foreshadowing some of these resolutions leading to very tragic results).
It has not lost its roots in romance, although this book had no overt couples near each other that I can remember. Instead, it kept a theme of revisiting past decisions, including at least two major romantic tangles, and providing some resolution to old threads. (On the other hand, there are strong hints in the book foreshadowing some of these resolutions leading to very tragic results).
July 30, 2015
Another gripping installment in the Symphony of Ages
If you've been following the epic story told in Haydon's previous six books, then this next book in the series will pull you into the world of The Three once again. The multilayer plots build as the Alliance is under attack by the scheming merchant emperor, Talquist.
They also face dragons both friends and foe, old pantheon F'dor, an evil indestructible monster made of living stone, Ashe losing his sanity, Achmed's anger at Rhaspsody, the protection of baby Meridion, assassin's sent to kill Rhapsody, and Rhapsody. Voluntarily giving up her true name and part of her soul.
Somehow, with the help of friends and allies, they manage earn a few victories. In the process, they both gain new allies and lose old ones.
This book is as strong as the previous installments, if not even better! A must read for fans of the Symphony of Ages.
If you've been following the epic story told in Haydon's previous six books, then this next book in the series will pull you into the world of The Three once again. The multilayer plots build as the Alliance is under attack by the scheming merchant emperor, Talquist.
They also face dragons both friends and foe, old pantheon F'dor, an evil indestructible monster made of living stone, Ashe losing his sanity, Achmed's anger at Rhaspsody, the protection of baby Meridion, assassin's sent to kill Rhapsody, and Rhapsody. Voluntarily giving up her true name and part of her soul.
Somehow, with the help of friends and allies, they manage earn a few victories. In the process, they both gain new allies and lose old ones.
This book is as strong as the previous installments, if not even better! A must read for fans of the Symphony of Ages.
July 24, 2014
I absolutely loved the original trilogy in this series and have enjoyed the other books in various degrees but, to make us wait 8 years for a book that takes close to 400 pages to really get going and spends most of it's time wallowing in soap opera-ish melodrama, is nothing more then a disappointment coming from a writer like Haydon.
June 11, 2014
I really liked the first three, but the subsequent books slip into self-parody. Such wholly GOOD and wholly EVIL characters. Though Achmed remains. One moment with Achmed made me gasp and tear up. I'm still massively fond of Achmed, Grunthor and Anborn.
January 4, 2016
Why oh why can't they put out the paperbacks at the same time??? I get so excited about a new title coming and then I have to wait an extra year to buy it in my format of choice!
February 2, 2025
As a long-time fan of Elizabeth Haydon's work, "The Merchant Emperor" was a highly anticipated read for me. This series has been a significant part of my life since high school, marking my first foray into the fantasy genre. I've revisited the first trilogy at least five times, always marveling at Haydon's intricate storytelling and her ability to weave a complex narrative through multiple perspectives so that the entire tapestry of the story is always a surprise at the end. When I found out she had finished the series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on them to read.
In "The Merchant Emperor," Haydon continues to deliver believable characters whose personalities remain consistent despite the years between the books. However, this installment felt heavily laden with exposition. While I understand the need to set up the final two books of the trilogy, there were numerous instances of repeated information from the previous six books that felt unnecessary. It's unlikely that anyone would start the series with this book, making these recaps feel redundant.
The narrative pace was uneven at times, with moments where the story seemed to stall. Yet, there were instances where she still managed to surprise with genuine twists. Talquist stands out as a truly demonic villain, written so well that you can't help but loathe him. On the other hand, some new characters had motivations and loyalties that were hard to decipher, adding a layer of complexity to the story that left me feeling a little lost, having to go back and try to find them in previous installments to even remember who or what they are.
The interactions between Ashe and Rhapsody felt slightly off, which I believe was intentional given their circumstances. However, a pivotal scene near the end, which had been building up for three years in the story, fell disappointingly flat. This might have been a deliberate choice due to other factors affecting Rhapsody, but it was still a letdown for such an important moment.
Despite these issues, I remain committed to finishing the series. Haydon's storytelling has captivated me for years, and I am eager to see how she concludes this epic tale. However, I can't, in good conscience, rate "The Merchant Emperor" higher than 3 stars.
In "The Merchant Emperor," Haydon continues to deliver believable characters whose personalities remain consistent despite the years between the books. However, this installment felt heavily laden with exposition. While I understand the need to set up the final two books of the trilogy, there were numerous instances of repeated information from the previous six books that felt unnecessary. It's unlikely that anyone would start the series with this book, making these recaps feel redundant.
The narrative pace was uneven at times, with moments where the story seemed to stall. Yet, there were instances where she still managed to surprise with genuine twists. Talquist stands out as a truly demonic villain, written so well that you can't help but loathe him. On the other hand, some new characters had motivations and loyalties that were hard to decipher, adding a layer of complexity to the story that left me feeling a little lost, having to go back and try to find them in previous installments to even remember who or what they are.
The interactions between Ashe and Rhapsody felt slightly off, which I believe was intentional given their circumstances. However, a pivotal scene near the end, which had been building up for three years in the story, fell disappointingly flat. This might have been a deliberate choice due to other factors affecting Rhapsody, but it was still a letdown for such an important moment.
Despite these issues, I remain committed to finishing the series. Haydon's storytelling has captivated me for years, and I am eager to see how she concludes this epic tale. However, I can't, in good conscience, rate "The Merchant Emperor" higher than 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2020
As I approach the end of the Symphony of ages, I am intrigued by how much Haydon's writing style has changed. This last book feels more like a miniseries jumping from scene to scene. A lot more happens in a short period of time than in previous books and we see a lot more characters' POV. Though world building grows, there are a few too many monologues for my taste. This is part of why the book only got 3 stars.
Now to the characters going into an epic war. I appreciated getting more into Talquist's head, the nominal Merchant Emperor, even if he is a genuine piece of work. I would have liked more time with his secret weapons duo of Faron and Hrafa.
On the other hand, more time with Anborn is wonderful. We get to really learn more of his personal history and the person he used to be. It was really interesting how Rhapsody started exploring hypotheticals in various relationships. Though that reasoning was all explained as we build-up to the next book, Hollow Queen.
Ashe's mental breakdown was really surprising (I thought he was just being dramatic), but I guess the seeds were sown when Rhapsody left him the first time. I was really interested in how the Lightcatcher worked and hope to see more of that as we go forward. And remember all the time editor stuff with Meridion? And how it seemed kind of casual that no one in the present knew about it? Yeah, that comes up.
There were a few too many rehashings of previous books, but that happens a lot with epic fantasy. It was cool that Melisande got more screen time, though I almost suspected that her and Gavin were being set up for a future romantic relationship. But maybe I'm just reading too many romance novels in between Symphony of Ages books!
Some epic showdowns coming up, and hopefully we get to see more of the elemental swords at work. Gwydion is doing a really good job with maturity and Tysterisk, the air sword. Oh and be sure to read down to the very final chapter because a love-to-hate character gets his just desserts, finally.
Now to the characters going into an epic war. I appreciated getting more into Talquist's head, the nominal Merchant Emperor, even if he is a genuine piece of work. I would have liked more time with his secret weapons duo of Faron and Hrafa.
On the other hand, more time with Anborn is wonderful. We get to really learn more of his personal history and the person he used to be. It was really interesting how Rhapsody started exploring hypotheticals in various relationships. Though that reasoning was all explained as we build-up to the next book, Hollow Queen.
Ashe's mental breakdown was really surprising (I thought he was just being dramatic), but I guess the seeds were sown when Rhapsody left him the first time. I was really interested in how the Lightcatcher worked and hope to see more of that as we go forward. And remember all the time editor stuff with Meridion? And how it seemed kind of casual that no one in the present knew about it? Yeah, that comes up.
There were a few too many rehashings of previous books, but that happens a lot with epic fantasy. It was cool that Melisande got more screen time, though I almost suspected that her and Gavin were being set up for a future romantic relationship. But maybe I'm just reading too many romance novels in between Symphony of Ages books!
Some epic showdowns coming up, and hopefully we get to see more of the elemental swords at work. Gwydion is doing a really good job with maturity and Tysterisk, the air sword. Oh and be sure to read down to the very final chapter because a love-to-hate character gets his just desserts, finally.
January 13, 2021
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series. The middle books were rough for me to get through. Having the opportunity to finally read this one is great.
The biggest letdown is the sheer amount of exposition we seem to get from this book. I made a point to reread the series from the start so I wouldn't get lost, but it seems that Haydon took the time gap for her readers into account with the writing of this one.
While I have appreciated the majority of call backs and "memory" sequences throughout the series, this book definitely had quite a few more than I expected.
Having that out of the way, I find myself lost in the nostalgia and excitement of getting back into the world Haydon has created. There are so many ends being woven together that getting to see many points of view helps to complete the picture.
Perhaps upon a reread, when I'm not devouring it, I might find more things I don't like, but for now this was entertaining and what I expected to get from a long lasting series.
The biggest letdown is the sheer amount of exposition we seem to get from this book. I made a point to reread the series from the start so I wouldn't get lost, but it seems that Haydon took the time gap for her readers into account with the writing of this one.
While I have appreciated the majority of call backs and "memory" sequences throughout the series, this book definitely had quite a few more than I expected.
Having that out of the way, I find myself lost in the nostalgia and excitement of getting back into the world Haydon has created. There are so many ends being woven together that getting to see many points of view helps to complete the picture.
Perhaps upon a reread, when I'm not devouring it, I might find more things I don't like, but for now this was entertaining and what I expected to get from a long lasting series.
March 12, 2020
Again a middle book.
First time in ages we have Rhapsody, Achmed and Grunthor together in the same place.
Except Rhaps is too busying missing Ashe who appears to be going insane and being a mummy to pay attention to anyone or anything.
Achmed is still bad ass and king, but there is something quite whiny about him in this book and extremely jealous. Rhapsody for all her vaunted skills can't seem to work this out.
Grunthor is protecting and guarding the earthchild and Meridian.
But war is coming and has started in some places. We need to stop Talquist who engages his friends to help him on his war.
First time in ages we have Rhapsody, Achmed and Grunthor together in the same place.
Except Rhaps is too busying missing Ashe who appears to be going insane and being a mummy to pay attention to anyone or anything.
Achmed is still bad ass and king, but there is something quite whiny about him in this book and extremely jealous. Rhapsody for all her vaunted skills can't seem to work this out.
Grunthor is protecting and guarding the earthchild and Meridian.
But war is coming and has started in some places. We need to stop Talquist who engages his friends to help him on his war.
March 5, 2017
She tried to reprise too much, but it's still good.
The story continues, but Haydon, (or more likely, her editor) had to bring people up to date as if the previous 3 books hadn't existed. For those of us who have,it can turn into a slog.
However, there is plenty to keep you reading & I highly encourage you to do so.
Don't let an editorial decision keep you from this last series.
The story continues, but Haydon, (or more likely, her editor) had to bring people up to date as if the previous 3 books hadn't existed. For those of us who have,it can turn into a slog.
However, there is plenty to keep you reading & I highly encourage you to do so.
Don't let an editorial decision keep you from this last series.
November 8, 2019
I am SO excited that I finally found the last trilogy!! I'm afraid I will be devastated at the end; I have a theory that I kind of hope isnwrong.
Solid return to the Rhapsody universe. It's been forver since I read book 6, and am a little rusty on some of the details. I would like to re-read the entire set. I know there are so many little details and informative things that I've completely forgotten over time, it makes me sad.
I just love this world so much!
Solid return to the Rhapsody universe. It's been forver since I read book 6, and am a little rusty on some of the details. I would like to re-read the entire set. I know there are so many little details and informative things that I've completely forgotten over time, it makes me sad.
I just love this world so much!
May 11, 2019
4.5 stars. A great start to the great war. The child of time is hidden away and Rhapsody has lost all her emotion, everything that made her "sickly sweet". She has become a true warrior for the battles to come. One of my favorite books of the series. Hope the next one is just as good if not better.
December 8, 2023
Chapters 50 to the end were a slog.
I lost all respect for Rhapsody.
She's turned to straight shit.
Pages and pages of her repetitious CTE blathering had me skipping them altogether.
Meanwhile, other characters get a half page or less in between Rhapsody's diatribes.
If you get more out of it, then more power to you.
I lost all respect for Rhapsody.
She's turned to straight shit.
Pages and pages of her repetitious CTE blathering had me skipping them altogether.
Meanwhile, other characters get a half page or less in between Rhapsody's diatribes.
If you get more out of it, then more power to you.
Read
June 11, 2024DNF at 12%. As much as it kills me to admit it, I'm giving up on this series. It's repetitive and slow paced and I checked spoilers for the final book and the author does everything wrong(in my mind), killing the wrong character and shafting the most interesting one and I just don't want to do that to myself. I'm just going to pretend that the series ends after the first trilogy.
December 17, 2016
Great use of tension, without the nail-biting anxiety I feel when a beloved character is seriously in harm's way. We all know Meridion grows up, but how he's gonna get there is providing the underlying current of suspense.
November 30, 2019
The beginning of when this series started to go downhill.
July 11, 2021
This seventh book in this series did not disappoint! Flowing nicely. I am enjoying the ride!
Want to read
January 4, 2022Where's my Luis Royo cover?
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