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The Gray Tower Trilogy #3
Circadian Circle
Isabella.
Octavian.
Ammon.
The Akashic Record...
Nazi warlock vampires, a rampaging Black Dragon, Vatican wizards, demonic corruption, and a Time Wizard gone mad. In this gripping, action-packed conclusion to The Gray Tower Trilogy, things go to hell in a hand basket -- and the world will never be the same.
Octavian.
Ammon.
The Akashic Record...
Nazi warlock vampires, a rampaging Black Dragon, Vatican wizards, demonic corruption, and a Time Wizard gone mad. In this gripping, action-packed conclusion to The Gray Tower Trilogy, things go to hell in a hand basket -- and the world will never be the same.
342 pages, ebook
First published October 24, 2013
About the author
Alesha Escobar
47 books267 followersAlesha Escobar writes action-packed paranormal fantasy with a dash of humor and romance mixed in. She’s the author of the bestselling Gray Tower Trilogy, a WW2 paranormal fantasy often described as “Agent Carter meets Hellboy.”
She is also the author of the Magic and Mayhem series, featuring Jack Crowley, a black sheep among wizards who’s called upon by a secret government organization to catch a supernatural thief who’s stolen three Names of God.
Her co-authored books include the Aria Knight Chronicles with USA Today bestselling author Samantha Goodno and the Immortal Brotherhood series with award-winning author H.M. Jones.
When she's not delving into fantastic worlds with her characters, Alesha enjoys coffee and chocolate, and spending time with her six children and her husband Luis, a storyboard artist for The Simpsons TV show.
To stay in touch and grab a free fantasy book to start reading, go to http://bit.ly/FMMReads
Alesha is also on Facebook @AuthorAleshaEscobar, so she would love to connect with you there as well!
She is also the author of the Magic and Mayhem series, featuring Jack Crowley, a black sheep among wizards who’s called upon by a secret government organization to catch a supernatural thief who’s stolen three Names of God.
Her co-authored books include the Aria Knight Chronicles with USA Today bestselling author Samantha Goodno and the Immortal Brotherhood series with award-winning author H.M. Jones.
When she's not delving into fantastic worlds with her characters, Alesha enjoys coffee and chocolate, and spending time with her six children and her husband Luis, a storyboard artist for The Simpsons TV show.
To stay in touch and grab a free fantasy book to start reading, go to http://bit.ly/FMMReads
Alesha is also on Facebook @AuthorAleshaEscobar, so she would love to connect with you there as well!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 30, 2013
I've enjoyed keeping up with the heroine Isabella and watching her grow throughout this trilogy. In Book Three she really gets her arms around her powers and her unique potential without losing her humanity. But to truly realize her destiny she has to make a deal with the Devil and make some heart-wrenching sacrifices. I especially liked the ending which hints at a whole new chapter in Isabella's life.
November 24, 2014
Note: This was submitted by the author in exchange for an honest review. Full review can be found on The Review Board.
The best way to describe what this book (as well as the other two in The Gray Tower Trilogy) has taken me on.is an emotional roller coaster. Before I dig all these feelings out of the deepest darkest corners of my being, let me share what brought out some snapshots of happy.
Pros:
1. Syntax stayed the course. There were very few mistakes to be seen in the .mobi copy I had for review.
2. Abstract covers remained in unity for the presentation of the trilogy.
3. There were actually a few characters that I got a chance to know, amidst all of the narrative, dialogue and action. One character I liked from the start was Gregory, despite him being distrusted by everyone. Another character I found enticing was Ammon. Yes, I know it is strange because he is the one the reader is supposed to hate, yet there was something cunning in the fact that he seemed always one step ahead. Finally, there’s Nikon: the more I discovered about her, the more I admired her “this is how I am, no apologies”. There is this resolve and tenacity in her that garnered my respect.
4. Although the author (upon initial reach out) stated that these works couldn’t actually stand alone, for me they actually could. This is a plus to the reader who wants to read something without being lost, or to one who has read one book and opts not to continue with the rest of the books. In other words, one doesn’t feel as if he has to finish the whole thing. There is enough back tracking to fill in the gaps, even if you were to start with this book or with book two (Dark Rift), as opposed to book one (Tower’s Alchemist).
5. The author has a great way of describing the setting prior to some of the action sequences.
6. There was a better balance in chapter lengths.
Opportunities for improvement:
1. In Circadian Circle, I was trying to figure out the time line. Was it in fact still World War II? The setting wasn’t as prominent this time around. Some form of time stamping would have helped developing side stories make sense.
2. Predictable conflict: Have you ever looked at a show and thought, “Hey they used that same trick three seasons ago!”, or wanted to look at a new episode of a program, only to discover that you’re watching a rerun? That is the best way to discover the crisis cycle that is Isabella.
3. When 'Circle' turns into comedy: Circadian Circle has been deemed fantasy fiction, action adventure, and/or even a mashup. Who knew that it was a comedy book too? Wait, I wasn’t supposed to be laughing, was I? Well, let’s think. There’s a heroine that the reader is supposed to get behind that uses her temper more than her brain to make decisions, then thinks she is getting over on the bad guys but playing right into their hands. On top of that, the dialogue Isabella has back and forth between people makes me shake my head in confusion and disdain. Plus, she is supposed to have over the top powers but instead of being trained earlier in this book (hell, even the last book), Isabella wants to get down to business without reading the instruction manual on how to do things properly but behaves like a brat when things don’t go her way.
4. Not enough growth to get behind the main character: Yes, Isabella may be the high and mighty Drifter but her overall disposition didn’t grow with her powers. Her stubbornness and inability to really adapt hindsight and truly blossom caused me to disengage from her story. It’s hard for me to get behind three long books worth of a person who is the main focus if the progress is lackluster or nonexistent. I’m not saying a hero doesn’t make mistakes but the greatest of heroes uses unfortunate circumstances to not only persevere but flourish into a better person and not meet those pitfalls again. You don’t continue to make errors; you go outside yourself and think of the whole as opposed to your own selfish needs and wants. That’s the meaning of sacrifice and it doesn’t always make one popular. I found Isabella to care way too much about popularity and wanting to cheat her way to being powerful rather than learning to be accountable, responsible, and diligent in her resolve.
Verdict: 2.75 out of 5 (ONLY rounding up to three because there's no way to do a three-quarters star)
If you want to go on an emotional roller coaster ranging from confusion, shock, shaking your head, and all things in between, leading to a very eerie pounding in your head and heart, then by all means, go for it.
As for me, I’m glad to get off this ride. I’ve never seen anything quite like this. There are not enough Circles of Protection, mental locks, talismans, heart binds, and Zaman’s Fires to invest any further.
The best way to describe what this book (as well as the other two in The Gray Tower Trilogy) has taken me on.is an emotional roller coaster. Before I dig all these feelings out of the deepest darkest corners of my being, let me share what brought out some snapshots of happy.
Pros:
1. Syntax stayed the course. There were very few mistakes to be seen in the .mobi copy I had for review.
2. Abstract covers remained in unity for the presentation of the trilogy.
3. There were actually a few characters that I got a chance to know, amidst all of the narrative, dialogue and action. One character I liked from the start was Gregory, despite him being distrusted by everyone. Another character I found enticing was Ammon. Yes, I know it is strange because he is the one the reader is supposed to hate, yet there was something cunning in the fact that he seemed always one step ahead. Finally, there’s Nikon: the more I discovered about her, the more I admired her “this is how I am, no apologies”. There is this resolve and tenacity in her that garnered my respect.
4. Although the author (upon initial reach out) stated that these works couldn’t actually stand alone, for me they actually could. This is a plus to the reader who wants to read something without being lost, or to one who has read one book and opts not to continue with the rest of the books. In other words, one doesn’t feel as if he has to finish the whole thing. There is enough back tracking to fill in the gaps, even if you were to start with this book or with book two (Dark Rift), as opposed to book one (Tower’s Alchemist).
5. The author has a great way of describing the setting prior to some of the action sequences.
6. There was a better balance in chapter lengths.
Opportunities for improvement:
1. In Circadian Circle, I was trying to figure out the time line. Was it in fact still World War II? The setting wasn’t as prominent this time around. Some form of time stamping would have helped developing side stories make sense.
2. Predictable conflict: Have you ever looked at a show and thought, “Hey they used that same trick three seasons ago!”, or wanted to look at a new episode of a program, only to discover that you’re watching a rerun? That is the best way to discover the crisis cycle that is Isabella.
3. When 'Circle' turns into comedy: Circadian Circle has been deemed fantasy fiction, action adventure, and/or even a mashup. Who knew that it was a comedy book too? Wait, I wasn’t supposed to be laughing, was I? Well, let’s think. There’s a heroine that the reader is supposed to get behind that uses her temper more than her brain to make decisions, then thinks she is getting over on the bad guys but playing right into their hands. On top of that, the dialogue Isabella has back and forth between people makes me shake my head in confusion and disdain. Plus, she is supposed to have over the top powers but instead of being trained earlier in this book (hell, even the last book), Isabella wants to get down to business without reading the instruction manual on how to do things properly but behaves like a brat when things don’t go her way.
4. Not enough growth to get behind the main character: Yes, Isabella may be the high and mighty Drifter but her overall disposition didn’t grow with her powers. Her stubbornness and inability to really adapt hindsight and truly blossom caused me to disengage from her story. It’s hard for me to get behind three long books worth of a person who is the main focus if the progress is lackluster or nonexistent. I’m not saying a hero doesn’t make mistakes but the greatest of heroes uses unfortunate circumstances to not only persevere but flourish into a better person and not meet those pitfalls again. You don’t continue to make errors; you go outside yourself and think of the whole as opposed to your own selfish needs and wants. That’s the meaning of sacrifice and it doesn’t always make one popular. I found Isabella to care way too much about popularity and wanting to cheat her way to being powerful rather than learning to be accountable, responsible, and diligent in her resolve.
Verdict: 2.75 out of 5 (ONLY rounding up to three because there's no way to do a three-quarters star)
If you want to go on an emotional roller coaster ranging from confusion, shock, shaking your head, and all things in between, leading to a very eerie pounding in your head and heart, then by all means, go for it.
As for me, I’m glad to get off this ride. I’ve never seen anything quite like this. There are not enough Circles of Protection, mental locks, talismans, heart binds, and Zaman’s Fires to invest any further.
February 21, 2014
This is a fantastic finale to a series of espionage and fantasy woven into a complex plot with well-developed characters and intriguing story line. I could not put this book down! There was tension, suspense, magic, love, mystery, and moreover, an exciting conclusion! Circadian Circle gripped me to the very end. Though I think this story ended on a natural curve, I certainly hope Miss Escobar continues with a follow up novella to detail how the characters adjusted to their "new" life. There's bound to be more magical mischief and espionage to be had!
This has to be the best book out of the trilogy, though I loved each one. You won't be disappointed taking this series on. I promise.
I read the ARC edition of this book.
This review will be found at samanthalafantasie.com and Amazon.
This has to be the best book out of the trilogy, though I loved each one. You won't be disappointed taking this series on. I promise.
I read the ARC edition of this book.
This review will be found at samanthalafantasie.com and Amazon.
March 28, 2015
The third book in the trilogy is very much of a piece with the others, with all the same strengths and, unfortunately, the same issues - mainly that the past perfect tense goes unaccountably missing, things are occasionally phrased in an odd way, there are anachronisms, and the feeling of tension doesn't always match the situation.
Good news on that last one, though. By the end of the book, it was distinctly exciting and tense. I'd been waiting for that the whole way through the trilogy, and when it arrived it was excellent.
Good twist ending, too, I thought.
I received a copy from the author, unsolicited, because I had reviewed the other books in the trilogy.
Good news on that last one, though. By the end of the book, it was distinctly exciting and tense. I'd been waiting for that the whole way through the trilogy, and when it arrived it was excellent.
Good twist ending, too, I thought.
I received a copy from the author, unsolicited, because I had reviewed the other books in the trilogy.
January 17, 2014
WOW! An awesome end to a truly unique series!
It can't be over... can it?? Noooooo, there's more, right??
Full review at http://t.co/5G7tEfNgB6
It can't be over... can it?? Noooooo, there's more, right??
Full review at http://t.co/5G7tEfNgB6
April 19, 2018
This is the final book in the Gray Tower Trilogy and it is bursting with fast paced action all the way. After the fall of the Gray Tower everyone was trying to reach a safe haven. However, as all this happens during World War 2 the Nazi's and their own warlocks and black wolves are all over Europe so no place is really safe. The drifter is wanted and hunted down by many but she is set on having a confrontation with Octavian and bringing him and his cult of dark magicians down. Isabella finds help and support from many but death threats, trouble and chaos follow close at her heels. She gets involved with a demon and makes a few mistakes at a time when she needed the trust of the other wizards on her side. There is so much doubt about the drifter in everyone's minds that she could really have done without Ammon. I love the grand finale and face off and the way all loose ends are so neatly tied off in the end. An exhilarating read full of action, love, deceit, courage and some of the best fighting scenes topped off with lots of magic. At times the book did get a bit too repetitive though.
April 26, 2020
Great Finale
This is the best of the lot after a slow but steady start this series as finished with a rollercoaster of a ride.
Full of action and high adventure would definitely recommend this series
This is the best of the lot after a slow but steady start this series as finished with a rollercoaster of a ride.
Full of action and high adventure would definitely recommend this series
November 25, 2014
This will probably be the quickest review I’ve done for TRB (or on my own) to date.
I was disenchanted with this trilogy as a whole. From the first book I found way too many things that I felt were not kosher with the series.
First, I must say this; I am a lover of fantasy fiction, and I realize that in books of fantasy fiction the truth must be stretched to make way for the fictional aspect of the story. However, the trick to a good fictional story is to make it believable, and I felt that the Gray Tower Trilogy failed in that aspect. This is a grand shame because the elements of the series could’ve made for an outstanding trio. Yet, the lackluster articulation made this collection highly unattractive to me.
Following are the elements that I did not like about Circadian Circle:
* Still I did not take a liking to the character of Isabella. I still felt that she was obnoxious and temperamental, as well as immature. One would’ve expected there to be some sort of maturity in the character considering that this was the third part of the series, but there wasn’t.
* I cannot believe that she got over the loss of Ken so quickly. That bothered me quite a lot.
* There was way too much additional dialogue and narrative in this book which made it twice as long as it needed to be. It was way too wordy and I felt as though the majority of it was there just to elongate the story, and for no other reason and truthfully had no place in the book.
* The beginning of the story starts just like the first book is the series, full of action but lacking true reason. Then the story drops in action and becomes boring… again.
* There is tons of magic, demons and things of the sort–it kind of felt like an episode of Charmed at times–but I feel that as a whole, the handling of these elements were mediocre.
* Another thing that bothers me is that throughout the series we find a ‘set in stone’ implementation of ‘rules’ as it pertains to magic and the otherworldly being, however time and time again, it seemed as if those rules did not apply to Isabella the MC. Basically, I kept feeling like these laws were broken just to get Isabella out of trouble. That bothers me. Because a rule is a rule for a reason. It cannot be broken, not even by the MC.
* The ending, to me, was unbelievable and anticlimactic. As the matter of fact, I had to read it twice and still I didn’t get the full gist of it. I was fully frustrated.
As a whole, I’d like to reiterate that I was not impressed with this story, or the trilogy for that matter, and was very let down… AGAIN.
Unfortunately, because I’d hoped that this book would make up for the shortcomings of the rest, yet didn’t, my rating for this one is even lower than the others.
I’m sorry, but the Gray Tower Trilogy was just not what I expected it to be at all.
Truth says… 1 Star.
I was disenchanted with this trilogy as a whole. From the first book I found way too many things that I felt were not kosher with the series.
First, I must say this; I am a lover of fantasy fiction, and I realize that in books of fantasy fiction the truth must be stretched to make way for the fictional aspect of the story. However, the trick to a good fictional story is to make it believable, and I felt that the Gray Tower Trilogy failed in that aspect. This is a grand shame because the elements of the series could’ve made for an outstanding trio. Yet, the lackluster articulation made this collection highly unattractive to me.
Following are the elements that I did not like about Circadian Circle:
* Still I did not take a liking to the character of Isabella. I still felt that she was obnoxious and temperamental, as well as immature. One would’ve expected there to be some sort of maturity in the character considering that this was the third part of the series, but there wasn’t.
* I cannot believe that she got over the loss of Ken so quickly. That bothered me quite a lot.
* There was way too much additional dialogue and narrative in this book which made it twice as long as it needed to be. It was way too wordy and I felt as though the majority of it was there just to elongate the story, and for no other reason and truthfully had no place in the book.
* The beginning of the story starts just like the first book is the series, full of action but lacking true reason. Then the story drops in action and becomes boring… again.
* There is tons of magic, demons and things of the sort–it kind of felt like an episode of Charmed at times–but I feel that as a whole, the handling of these elements were mediocre.
* Another thing that bothers me is that throughout the series we find a ‘set in stone’ implementation of ‘rules’ as it pertains to magic and the otherworldly being, however time and time again, it seemed as if those rules did not apply to Isabella the MC. Basically, I kept feeling like these laws were broken just to get Isabella out of trouble. That bothers me. Because a rule is a rule for a reason. It cannot be broken, not even by the MC.
* The ending, to me, was unbelievable and anticlimactic. As the matter of fact, I had to read it twice and still I didn’t get the full gist of it. I was fully frustrated.
As a whole, I’d like to reiterate that I was not impressed with this story, or the trilogy for that matter, and was very let down… AGAIN.
Unfortunately, because I’d hoped that this book would make up for the shortcomings of the rest, yet didn’t, my rating for this one is even lower than the others.
I’m sorry, but the Gray Tower Trilogy was just not what I expected it to be at all.
Truth says… 1 Star.
February 24, 2014
Great ending to a great trilogy!
In this installment, the MC, Isabella George, faces her darkest battle yet. To complicate things further, she learns that her father and someone she's trusted her whole life have a devised a failsafe in case she loses control of her Drifter powers. Let's just say this failsafe would not really benefit her... If that wasn't enough to bring her down at a time when she needs most to believe in herself, the trust of many of those who would help her in what can only be the final battle with Octavian was broken because of a questionable deal she made (with an evil demon) that was too tempting to pass up.
Unlike the first two books that kept the pace in a rhythm that alternated between intense action and scenes that took the action down a notch to let you catch your breath, this last installment was like a roller-coaster where the action and tension ratcheted up more and more and more until the very end when you're freefalling towards the conclusion, the end of the ride. And what a ride it was! I think the accelerated pacing was perfect for the final book in a series, and the ending was perfectly satisfying, without giving away any more than that... Are you dying to know more?! You've GOT to read these books!
Ms. Escobar is one to keep your eye on! She's definitely one of my favorite gems on my ever-growing list of awesome indie writers!
In this installment, the MC, Isabella George, faces her darkest battle yet. To complicate things further, she learns that her father and someone she's trusted her whole life have a devised a failsafe in case she loses control of her Drifter powers. Let's just say this failsafe would not really benefit her... If that wasn't enough to bring her down at a time when she needs most to believe in herself, the trust of many of those who would help her in what can only be the final battle with Octavian was broken because of a questionable deal she made (with an evil demon) that was too tempting to pass up.
Unlike the first two books that kept the pace in a rhythm that alternated between intense action and scenes that took the action down a notch to let you catch your breath, this last installment was like a roller-coaster where the action and tension ratcheted up more and more and more until the very end when you're freefalling towards the conclusion, the end of the ride. And what a ride it was! I think the accelerated pacing was perfect for the final book in a series, and the ending was perfectly satisfying, without giving away any more than that... Are you dying to know more?! You've GOT to read these books!
Ms. Escobar is one to keep your eye on! She's definitely one of my favorite gems on my ever-growing list of awesome indie writers!
October 4, 2016
Circadian Circle is the final volume in The Gray Tower trilogy, and it does not disappoint! We rejoin Isabella George as she continues to refine and develop her powers, while playing a dangerous game with the demon Ammon. Guided by her father and others wizards which are allies (many are against her because of the grave risk she presents with her special abilities), Isabella seeks a showdown with Octavian, but must be wary of the evil designs of Ammon. Circadian Circle is a real page turner as the story continues on a fast pace towards its conclusion. Well defined characters, fast paced action and plenty of battles. Escobar is at the top of the game when it comes to writing battle scenes with wizards and warlocks and magic. I don't think anyone does it better. I highly recommend this series to anyone that likes a great, unique read with an original and authentic feel.
July 4, 2014
Well, the series ended and boy that was some ending. Isabella's growth throughout the story was so remarkable, I was literally in tears. I'm not going to spoil this awesome book, but I will say that it ended well. A true happily ever after. Well done Ms. Escobar. Well done =D
April 17, 2016
A very fitting, though unexpected, ending to the trilogy. Heroine Isabella continues to develop her powers and fight the good fight against the Nazis (and a demon) in WWII. Most definitely an alternate history worth further exploration.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews