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The Reminiscent Exile #3
Knight Fall
“The Knights of Atlantis created the Infernal Clock, the Roseblades, and other weapons of celestial illusion. Yet today the Knights are less than a pale shadow of their former glory. A bonfire diminished to dying embers. None of the Order could wield Origin with enough conviction to even blemish the Everlasting.” Emily grinned and gave me a wink. “Well, save perhaps one shadowless fool.”
The peace forged by Declan Hale at the end of the Tome Wars was meant to last a hundred generations. Yet barely six years have passed and the drums of war echo once more across the thousands of worlds of the Story Thread.
With shadowed enemies loosed from the Void, the Knights Infernal again after his head, and the Everlasting wrapping him in their dark schemes, Declan will have to take the fight across worlds further than he’s ever gone before—or risk True Earth getting swept away in the maelstrom.
The peace forged by Declan Hale at the end of the Tome Wars was meant to last a hundred generations. Yet barely six years have passed and the drums of war echo once more across the thousands of worlds of the Story Thread.
With shadowed enemies loosed from the Void, the Knights Infernal again after his head, and the Everlasting wrapping him in their dark schemes, Declan will have to take the fight across worlds further than he’s ever gone before—or risk True Earth getting swept away in the maelstrom.
284 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2013
7 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Joe Ducie
19 books105 followersJoe Ducie (1987-) is a writer from Perth, Western Australia. By day, he charges a toll to cross a bridge he doesn’t own. Yet by night, in a haze of scotch-fuelled insanity, he works tirelessly on an array of stories both short and long. Joe possesses a fierce love of a smooth finish. Under no circumstances should you ask him just what that means.
Joe was born in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria in November 1987, and currently resides in Perth, Western Australia. He is primarily an author of urban fantasy and science fiction aimed at young adults. His current stories include Distant Star, Upon Crystal Shores, Red vs. Blue, and The Forgetful Library.
Joe attended Edith Cowan University and graduated in 2010 with a Degree of Counterterrorism, Security and Intelligence. He went back, the idiot, and completed post-graduate studies in Security Science in 2011. Joe has also studied Creative and Professional Writing at Curtin University.
When not talking about himself in the third person, Joe enjoys devouring books at an absurdly disgusting rate and sampling fine scotch.
Website: joeducie.net
Twitter: @joeducie
Facebook: /jducie
Joe was born in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria in November 1987, and currently resides in Perth, Western Australia. He is primarily an author of urban fantasy and science fiction aimed at young adults. His current stories include Distant Star, Upon Crystal Shores, Red vs. Blue, and The Forgetful Library.
Joe attended Edith Cowan University and graduated in 2010 with a Degree of Counterterrorism, Security and Intelligence. He went back, the idiot, and completed post-graduate studies in Security Science in 2011. Joe has also studied Creative and Professional Writing at Curtin University.
When not talking about himself in the third person, Joe enjoys devouring books at an absurdly disgusting rate and sampling fine scotch.
Website: joeducie.net
Twitter: @joeducie
Facebook: /jducie
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 11, 2014
Godlike Immortals and time travel? Librarians and universe hopping? Bookish fighters and magic? Yes, yes, and for the love of books, yes. Of the three books in the series with great covers, I like this one best. The covers tells some part of the story, but my guess about the story by just seeing the covers was way off course. It turned me around from what I thought would be the ending the the real ending with plenty of good plot twists.
One bonus star for the magic out of books, a rarely seen magic system, but once you see it you would say, "Why didn't more people think and then write about it?"
One bonus star for the magic out of books, a rarely seen magic system, but once you see it you would say, "Why didn't more people think and then write about it?"
May 22, 2014
I isn't enjoy this one as much as the first two. I've always respected the choices Declan made no matter how erratic they were. The choices here, though they ultimately got him where he needed to be were so stupidly selfish. I don't believe Sophie would ever have really asked that of him and it didn't feel genuine that he would agree. Quite disappointed in the ending.
April 10, 2018
Crazy stuff, wraps up a couple of things, and answers a few other questions...
March 17, 2014
In the third instalment of Joe Ducie’s Reminiscent Exile series, readers find a high current of fast-paced action, clever dialogue and fantastic world (multiverse) building. Knight Fall stands on its own as an entertaining, but all too quick, read and a fine continuation of the overall series.
The narrative uses various in-story tropes to weave together the past and present, from visions and flashbacks to magical means. The significance of the past, and history as a whole, works as a prominent motif in the story, massively influencing the plot. This novel is full of surprises and beautifully constructed scenes. The trick, and challenge, is to read it slowly, to pace yourself, because the urge to finish it in one setting is all-too-compelling.
Declan Hale, our brooding protagonist, returns in all his one-eyed splendour. His actions throughout the novel demonstrate how utterly formidable he is, why people are right to fear him, and the devastating consequences that hinge on his every action. Despite displaying more raw, brute force in the scenes in Voraskel than in the previous two novels, most of the confrontations work like puzzle pieces, solved by a clever dose of wit and ingenuity rather than hammering away with Will. I think this is the best approach that Ducie could have taken with his fight scenes. An epic battle between two colossal forces, while memorable and fantastic, can only be done so many times; and should probably only be reserved for the most significant moments.
Emily Grace, the immortal queen, returns in this novel, not so much a villain but as a companion to our protagonist. Emily is still ruthless and cold and calculating, but there’s a certain charm to her every action, of quality of character that can only described as “graceful.” I quite liked Emily Grace as a villain, or at least as an antihero. It was amusing to find that she had such chemistry with Declan despite the fact that she was the queen of the faction that the hero fought and killed and shed blood to defeat. Her scenes with Declan in the first two books showed promise of being a great recurring villain with the kind of cunning, manipulative force that trumps brute strength.
In a previous review, I said that the Reminiscence Exile is, at its heart, a romance story. With Knight Fall, that assessment remains unchanged. Declan will always carry the women he loved with him, as intangible as the merry band of literary ghosts in his bookstore. His reminiscences, his longing, his nostalgia are all a significant aspect of his makeup, as real as the idea of love lost, of pain endured, sacrifices rendered, and guilt everlasting.
Speaking of the Everlasting, we find out more about them than ever have before. We learn a childhood song sung in fear of them, we learn how many there are and what their qualities entail. Ducie creates these cosmic entities, great and powerful gods and goddesses, and he pits our single, lonely, drunken hero against them. At least it promises to be an amusing ride.
There are a couple things that I didn’t like about Knight Fall. One, there was not enough Annie Brie. Her characterization was one of the highlights in Broken Quill, one of its goddamn strengths, and her fleeting appearances here are notable. Two, in some of the battle scenes, Declan came off too all-powerful. Not to say that Declan’s weaknesses didn’t shine through with brilliance. This isn’t titled Knight Fall for nothing.
Knight Fall is a great installment to an already fantastic series. Ducie has carved a name for himself as a talented writer able to seamlessly blend the mythic with the urban, the ordinary with extraordinary and the mundane with the marvellous. I hope he keeps writing, the longer works the better.
The narrative uses various in-story tropes to weave together the past and present, from visions and flashbacks to magical means. The significance of the past, and history as a whole, works as a prominent motif in the story, massively influencing the plot. This novel is full of surprises and beautifully constructed scenes. The trick, and challenge, is to read it slowly, to pace yourself, because the urge to finish it in one setting is all-too-compelling.
Declan Hale, our brooding protagonist, returns in all his one-eyed splendour. His actions throughout the novel demonstrate how utterly formidable he is, why people are right to fear him, and the devastating consequences that hinge on his every action. Despite displaying more raw, brute force in the scenes in Voraskel than in the previous two novels, most of the confrontations work like puzzle pieces, solved by a clever dose of wit and ingenuity rather than hammering away with Will. I think this is the best approach that Ducie could have taken with his fight scenes. An epic battle between two colossal forces, while memorable and fantastic, can only be done so many times; and should probably only be reserved for the most significant moments.
Emily Grace, the immortal queen, returns in this novel, not so much a villain but as a companion to our protagonist. Emily is still ruthless and cold and calculating, but there’s a certain charm to her every action, of quality of character that can only described as “graceful.” I quite liked Emily Grace as a villain, or at least as an antihero. It was amusing to find that she had such chemistry with Declan despite the fact that she was the queen of the faction that the hero fought and killed and shed blood to defeat. Her scenes with Declan in the first two books showed promise of being a great recurring villain with the kind of cunning, manipulative force that trumps brute strength.
In a previous review, I said that the Reminiscence Exile is, at its heart, a romance story. With Knight Fall, that assessment remains unchanged. Declan will always carry the women he loved with him, as intangible as the merry band of literary ghosts in his bookstore. His reminiscences, his longing, his nostalgia are all a significant aspect of his makeup, as real as the idea of love lost, of pain endured, sacrifices rendered, and guilt everlasting.
Speaking of the Everlasting, we find out more about them than ever have before. We learn a childhood song sung in fear of them, we learn how many there are and what their qualities entail. Ducie creates these cosmic entities, great and powerful gods and goddesses, and he pits our single, lonely, drunken hero against them. At least it promises to be an amusing ride.
There are a couple things that I didn’t like about Knight Fall. One, there was not enough Annie Brie. Her characterization was one of the highlights in Broken Quill, one of its goddamn strengths, and her fleeting appearances here are notable. Two, in some of the battle scenes, Declan came off too all-powerful. Not to say that Declan’s weaknesses didn’t shine through with brilliance. This isn’t titled Knight Fall for nothing.
Knight Fall is a great installment to an already fantastic series. Ducie has carved a name for himself as a talented writer able to seamlessly blend the mythic with the urban, the ordinary with extraordinary and the mundane with the marvellous. I hope he keeps writing, the longer works the better.
November 1, 2013
What do I say about a book that has me torn in different directions? Declan Hale returns in the third installment of this ongoing saga. After being reinstated as a Knight Infernal, Declan is forced into play against the Everlasting, in an effort to not only save Forget, but to save True Earth. Along the way he allies up with some of his enemies, fights long-forgotten gods, and all while wearing a waistcoat.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the continuing adventure of Declan Hale, and at the same time I a bit miffed. As with any good on-going adventure, waiting the next installment is not the most pleasurable thing I imagine. Knowing that there is more to come, I wait anxiously for Ducie to produce.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the continuing adventure of Declan Hale, and at the same time I a bit miffed. As with any good on-going adventure, waiting the next installment is not the most pleasurable thing I imagine. Knowing that there is more to come, I wait anxiously for Ducie to produce.
September 20, 2017
Wow! What a way to end a book! I was desperately hoping that this would be the 3rd book in a trilogy, unfortunately it's the 3rd book in a longer series. :( I really love the way this series is going and the twists and turns are completely unexpected. I have no idea how it will turn out, although I really hope that the good guys survive. It is absolutely amazing that Declan Hale is still alive, and although she says he keeps doing things for the greater good, it appears to me that he is actually doing things to save his friends, which is pretty normal actually.
I am absolutely desperate for book 4 so Mr Joe Ducie, I know this book has only just come out, but I am really hoping book for is well on the way and will be out soon. Please…
I am absolutely desperate for book 4 so Mr Joe Ducie, I know this book has only just come out, but I am really hoping book for is well on the way and will be out soon. Please…
December 6, 2013
Well Declan Hale has to be one of my favorite characters of 2013. This installment of the Infernal Knights Saga is not so well written as the 2 previous. Where in book one and two, the author spent a little more time describing the intricacies of this world. Book three makes assumptions about the readers understanding of this world's rules. All would be well if Mr. Ducie didn't add new layers of confusing magic coupled with left field plot twists. His story is refreshing and feels very original. Thank you for that Mr. Ducie.
In the end I still enjoyed this installment and will probably read the next. I would ask Mr Ducie to strike a balance between where Jim Butcher over explains nuances of the Dresden world and his lack of clear prose in Mr Hales.
In the end I still enjoyed this installment and will probably read the next. I would ask Mr Ducie to strike a balance between where Jim Butcher over explains nuances of the Dresden world and his lack of clear prose in Mr Hales.
December 1, 2013
Another terrific addition to the Reminiscent Exile series. I was iffy about starting this series due to the new twist on a magic system involving books, but I am now addicted to this series. Best of all was the end of this book which leaves you thirsting for more. Can't wait till the next addition to this wonderful series is released.
December 6, 2013
Fantastic
An enjoyable, hard-charging read. Book three of the series and as good or better than the previous two. I would recommend to anyone that likes fantasy, world building, and plenty of action.
An enjoyable, hard-charging read. Book three of the series and as good or better than the previous two. I would recommend to anyone that likes fantasy, world building, and plenty of action.
October 31, 2013
AWESOME! Love Declan Hale! Great storytelling! Bring on book 4!
November 20, 2013
(Urban)Fantasy full of action and interesting characters. A bit short but otherwise a great book.
January 14, 2014
Neko sliktu par grāmatu negribas sacīt, un kopumā pat patika, bet bija visai grūti saprast lasīto, ņemot vērā, ka pirmās divas daļas neesmu lasījis.
December 14, 2015
This was as good as the first two. The ending was surprising, but not terribly the same time. If/when he makes book 4 I'll be excited to follow Declan but if he doesn't I'm happy with how it ended.
July 5, 2016
Good series
The series so far is great. If u like magic twisted with urban contemporary then give this series a go. Cant wait 4 the next book
The series so far is great. If u like magic twisted with urban contemporary then give this series a go. Cant wait 4 the next book
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews