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Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #3
Ravenshade
What readers are 'The author has saved the best for last. I could not put it down!' 'A thrilling and thought-provoking book.definitely the best of the three.' 'One of the best books I have ever read.' 'The story is like a fine-cut diamond; the deeper you look into it, the more mesmerized you become.' 'All books have a last page, but we know the story goes on. Hopefully, this one will.' Gaelen of the Greatwood has taken a desperate chance in placing Gorgon's ring on her own finger. Now there begins a tale of deceit and promise, of courage, betrayal, dark plans and poisonous alliances. Gaelen and Nelwyn have ventured farther from their homeland than any two Wood-elves in reckoning, but their journey now takes them deeper into desolation, forcing a confrontation that may well end in the downfall of the World that Is. At the heart of it all is the Stone of Léir, and the mighty but forlorn spirit trapped within.
552 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2007
15 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Marks
21 books123 followersC.S. Marks has often been described as a ‘Renaissance woman’. The child of an English professor, Chris has always loved classic literature as well as epic fantasy, and decided to try her hand at writing and illustrating an epic series. The result: The very successful Elfhunter trilogy, which has sold over 40,000 copies both in print and e-book form. This epic trilogy has garnered awards (Reviewer’s Choice Best Fantasy, Best Series) and nearly 200 reviews. She is now hard at work on an exciting new Alterran series, the Undiscovered Realms.
A former field biologist and avid horsewoman, Chris holds a PhD in Biology, and has competed both nationally and internationally in the sport of endurance riding. She is a full professor of equine science at a small liberal arts college in the midwest. She is in demand as a lecturer and presenter at conventions, academic fairs, and publishing workshops.
While Chris has enjoyed an ample measure of success as an independent author, she is now looking forward to a long and productive relationship with Parthian Press, bringing her wonderful Tales of Alterra to an ever-widening group of appreciative readers of all ages.
Find Me On Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/Alterra.CSMarks
Find Me On Google+:
https://plus.google.com/b/10916002233...
A former field biologist and avid horsewoman, Chris holds a PhD in Biology, and has competed both nationally and internationally in the sport of endurance riding. She is a full professor of equine science at a small liberal arts college in the midwest. She is in demand as a lecturer and presenter at conventions, academic fairs, and publishing workshops.
While Chris has enjoyed an ample measure of success as an independent author, she is now looking forward to a long and productive relationship with Parthian Press, bringing her wonderful Tales of Alterra to an ever-widening group of appreciative readers of all ages.
Find Me On Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/Alterra.CSMarks
Find Me On Google+:
https://plus.google.com/b/10916002233...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 20, 2008
This book is a nice ending to the trilogy and clears up all the loose ends. It also leaves room for another series to pick up off of it. The ending makes you think and is certainly interesting. This whole series was wonderful to read!
October 24, 2009
I can honestly say that Ravenshade, the third and final chapter in the Elfhunter trilogy, lives up to its billing. CS Marks has proven herself to be a master of the fantasy genre and those lucky enough to have taken the journey into Alterra have much to look forward to when they read this masterpiece.
Too often contemporary fantasy authors focus on gratuitous sex, mindless violence, and an excessive use of magic to tell their tales. If you are a fan of computer-generated fantasy names laden, gore-dripping, raunchy fantasy books, then you may want to look elsewhere. However, if you are a fan of epic fantasy fare and relish a highly imaginative tale told with rich, elegant prose, then you will find few fantasy books more captivating than this one.
Ravenshade picks up from where Fire-heart, the previous installment of this trilogy, left off. There is a score to settle between the heroes of The Company and the wretched villain Gorgon Elfhunter. The Dark Lord Wrothgar has implemented his sinister plan to bring about the final destruction of the forces of good. The battle for the future of Alterra is about to commence and only one side can claim victory. The fate of all now rests in the hands of two Elven hunter scouts, Gaelen Taldin and her cousin Nelwyn.
Without a doubt, Ravenshade is the most exciting of the three Alterran books. The battle for Alterra has never been more desperate and the stakes have never been higher. After having accompanied The Company on their epic quest through the previous two books, I found myself enamored of the heroes and enjoyed sharing in their triumphs and disappointments. The losses our heroes suffer are heartbreaking and their victories exhilarating. As I drew near to the end of the book, I found myself filled with dread pondering which of my beloved heroes would not survive the epic struggle for Alterra.
Interestingly, this is one of the few books that I have read recently that has no glaring weaknesses. Mrs. Marks has weaved a tale in which I can find no faults. Ravenshade satisfies on so many levels, that I’m left scratching my head to figure out how the book can be improved. Certainly, I wish all fantasy books had this problem!
In the end, Ravenshade and the entire Elfhunter trilogy stands as a bright beacon for the kind of quality storytelling which is possible only in a fantasy book. If only more fantasy authors would take note of Mrs. Marks example and tell their stories with the same incredible wit and imagination, this genre would be richer for it. Truly one of the best fantasy series out there and Ravenshade ends the trilogy on a high note. Can’t wait for the encore.
Too often contemporary fantasy authors focus on gratuitous sex, mindless violence, and an excessive use of magic to tell their tales. If you are a fan of computer-generated fantasy names laden, gore-dripping, raunchy fantasy books, then you may want to look elsewhere. However, if you are a fan of epic fantasy fare and relish a highly imaginative tale told with rich, elegant prose, then you will find few fantasy books more captivating than this one.
Ravenshade picks up from where Fire-heart, the previous installment of this trilogy, left off. There is a score to settle between the heroes of The Company and the wretched villain Gorgon Elfhunter. The Dark Lord Wrothgar has implemented his sinister plan to bring about the final destruction of the forces of good. The battle for the future of Alterra is about to commence and only one side can claim victory. The fate of all now rests in the hands of two Elven hunter scouts, Gaelen Taldin and her cousin Nelwyn.
Without a doubt, Ravenshade is the most exciting of the three Alterran books. The battle for Alterra has never been more desperate and the stakes have never been higher. After having accompanied The Company on their epic quest through the previous two books, I found myself enamored of the heroes and enjoyed sharing in their triumphs and disappointments. The losses our heroes suffer are heartbreaking and their victories exhilarating. As I drew near to the end of the book, I found myself filled with dread pondering which of my beloved heroes would not survive the epic struggle for Alterra.
Interestingly, this is one of the few books that I have read recently that has no glaring weaknesses. Mrs. Marks has weaved a tale in which I can find no faults. Ravenshade satisfies on so many levels, that I’m left scratching my head to figure out how the book can be improved. Certainly, I wish all fantasy books had this problem!
In the end, Ravenshade and the entire Elfhunter trilogy stands as a bright beacon for the kind of quality storytelling which is possible only in a fantasy book. If only more fantasy authors would take note of Mrs. Marks example and tell their stories with the same incredible wit and imagination, this genre would be richer for it. Truly one of the best fantasy series out there and Ravenshade ends the trilogy on a high note. Can’t wait for the encore.
April 22, 2009
After reading Elfhunter and Fire-Heart, this is a must read. Marks makes you care so much for the characters that you have to find out where their journey will end and how that end is achieved.
This final episode of the trilogy is as well written as the first two installments. It is also as engaging. There is plenty of action which will keep the reader turning the pages. Though the characters are well established, they still grow and change through the story. Marks did not slacken her artistry of character development at any time during the trilogy.
The one flaw for me is that I look for clues as to what will happen as I read and I felt a little lead astray at one point. Regardless of this, I found the ending a truly worthwhile destination. I can do naught but recommend the Alterra series.
This final episode of the trilogy is as well written as the first two installments. It is also as engaging. There is plenty of action which will keep the reader turning the pages. Though the characters are well established, they still grow and change through the story. Marks did not slacken her artistry of character development at any time during the trilogy.
The one flaw for me is that I look for clues as to what will happen as I read and I felt a little lead astray at one point. Regardless of this, I found the ending a truly worthwhile destination. I can do naught but recommend the Alterra series.
October 12, 2015
No war truly ends with the last battle...Gorgon Elfhunter--desperate, defeated--has never given himself over to the will of another. Is the sight of a thousand Elves dying at his feet worth the risk of losing himself? Gaelen Taldin--reluctant Elven warrior--fights to save her sanity, her people, and her world from the Shadow that lies within us all Lord Kotos--ancient and deadly agent of a greater evil--faces what might be his greatest challenge: the seduction of Gorgon Elfhunter. In the final chapter of the Elfhunter trilogy, fate turns on a delicate game of deception as old as Evil itself. The Monster, The Vixen, The Deceiver...who will end up pulling the strings?
The final battle is within.
I can honestly say that Ravenshade, the third and final chapter in the Elfhunter trilogy, lives up to its billing. CS Marks has proven herself to be a master of the fantasy genre and those lucky enough to have taken the journey into Alterra have much to look forward to when they read this masterpiece. Too often contemporary fantasy authors focus on gratuitous sex, mindless violence, and an excessive use of magic to tell their tales. If you are a fan of computer generated fantasy names laden, gore-dripping, raunchy fantasy books, then you would be best to look elsewhere. However, if you are a fan of epic fantasy fare and relish a highly imaginative tale told with rich, elegant prose, then you will find few fantasy books more captivating than this one. Great Reading Everyone!
The final battle is within.
I can honestly say that Ravenshade, the third and final chapter in the Elfhunter trilogy, lives up to its billing. CS Marks has proven herself to be a master of the fantasy genre and those lucky enough to have taken the journey into Alterra have much to look forward to when they read this masterpiece. Too often contemporary fantasy authors focus on gratuitous sex, mindless violence, and an excessive use of magic to tell their tales. If you are a fan of computer generated fantasy names laden, gore-dripping, raunchy fantasy books, then you would be best to look elsewhere. However, if you are a fan of epic fantasy fare and relish a highly imaginative tale told with rich, elegant prose, then you will find few fantasy books more captivating than this one. Great Reading Everyone!
February 23, 2011
Ravenshade: A Tale of Alterra, The World that Is this is the final book in the trilogy, and it brought about a satisfying ending to a long story. This installment was a bit more epic in that it introduced us to some of the Asarlas who were originally magical beings of light sent to aid the three main races (Elves, Men, and Dwarves) of Alterra. As we learned in the previous two books, many of the Asarlas died or were corrupted, and this book explores how the remaining ones support the struggle between good and the Wrothgar's forces of evil.
Young Adult readers may gloss over the deeper message of love and grief, but I enjoyed this aspect of the story. There was a lot of secretiveness between characters, and we see how this can have positive and negative effects.
Overall, I liked this trilogy, and I would highly recommend it to a young reader - especially if they enjoyed The Lord of the Rings. Both series include a long, epic tale with adventures across strange lands, a conflict between good and evil, and interesting, likable characters.
Young Adult readers may gloss over the deeper message of love and grief, but I enjoyed this aspect of the story. There was a lot of secretiveness between characters, and we see how this can have positive and negative effects.
Overall, I liked this trilogy, and I would highly recommend it to a young reader - especially if they enjoyed The Lord of the Rings. Both series include a long, epic tale with adventures across strange lands, a conflict between good and evil, and interesting, likable characters.
February 5, 2011
Ravenshade ties up the saga of Elfhunter very well. As with the previous books, it is well written and you can feel empathy with the different characters as they continue to develop.
I enjoyed this one just as much as the others and was once again hooked from the start and always needing to read just one more page to find out what happens next.
Once again you get drawn into the world of Alterra and have a vivid world painted for you complete with battles, romance, friendships and the ever present evil. Towards the end of the book I even found myself feeling sympathetic towards the Elfhunter himself, despite all he had done throughout his life. Ravenshade finishes the trilogy excellently, as the various plot lines intertwine and are completed. Though the pace is slower in places than in the previous two books, it has to be to work at times, but it never detracts from the story.
All in all an outstanding conclusion to the trilogy and I can't wait to read the next series.
I enjoyed this one just as much as the others and was once again hooked from the start and always needing to read just one more page to find out what happens next.
Once again you get drawn into the world of Alterra and have a vivid world painted for you complete with battles, romance, friendships and the ever present evil. Towards the end of the book I even found myself feeling sympathetic towards the Elfhunter himself, despite all he had done throughout his life. Ravenshade finishes the trilogy excellently, as the various plot lines intertwine and are completed. Though the pace is slower in places than in the previous two books, it has to be to work at times, but it never detracts from the story.
All in all an outstanding conclusion to the trilogy and I can't wait to read the next series.
July 24, 2015
Whew! An emotional roller-coaster ride. This is much darker than the last book. It works, but is quite creepy - unsettling. The feeling of despair nearly runs the entire story. There are moments of light and redemption, thank goodness! This isn't a bad thing, just heavy. Which makes it difficult to put the book down, especially when I was only able to grab moments here and there to continue reading. Very aggravating! I wanted to gorge the book but wasn't able. The final battle between Gaelen and Gorgon is a journey of loss, gain, redemption, empowerment and new loyalties found. Again the world of Alterra is described with such precision it makes one feel as if they are there with the company. The characters are quite varied, yet they all worked so well together. Exhilarating, maddening, hopeful and sorrowful. A most thrilling journey!
March 31, 2014
I thought this book, Ravenshade, by C.S. Marks, was a very well done completion of the Elfhunter trilogy. The relationship between the two main antagonists amused me at times, and the interaction of the characters is very entertaining! It is a wee bit darker than the previous two, but in no way gruesomely so, and there is lighthearted and sarcastic humor splashed all throughout that'll tickle you. The ending is somewhat surprising, and causes you to think, even after you've closed the back cover. Truly, C.S. Marks has done an outstanding job and I'm glad I took the time to read it.
August 17, 2015
4,5 Stars
Ending the trilogy again. It is ever my comfort-read, cleverly written in the vein of Tolkien. I love this trilogy. All books are great. After reading them all again, I think I'm maybe a little bit more in love with the first one since it was the first, but it has it's small insecurities and faults. This last book is probably the best written. The length and pacing is great, her most mature book yet. But of course you have to read all three, it is a trilogy and it is hard to rate them seperate. Just read them..
Ending the trilogy again. It is ever my comfort-read, cleverly written in the vein of Tolkien. I love this trilogy. All books are great. After reading them all again, I think I'm maybe a little bit more in love with the first one since it was the first, but it has it's small insecurities and faults. This last book is probably the best written. The length and pacing is great, her most mature book yet. But of course you have to read all three, it is a trilogy and it is hard to rate them seperate. Just read them..
July 7, 2011
This was the third book of a trilogy. I really enjoyed reading this series and I sincerely hope that C.S. Marks will write many more books because I am now a huge fan. I wholeheartedly recommend reading the trilogy "A Tale of Alterra, The World That Is" which comprise the following books:
1) Elfhunter
2) Fireheart
3) Ravenshade
Do yourself a favor and read these books. I am pretty sure you won't regret it.
1) Elfhunter
2) Fireheart
3) Ravenshade
Do yourself a favor and read these books. I am pretty sure you won't regret it.
March 22, 2014
One of the best books I have read in a long time. I hope you write some more, its been awhile since I read the books but the characters and the places they went to I definitely got into the story . thank you again for some good stories to read. carol
August 2, 2016
Great book and a great series!
Well written with enjoyable, like-able characters. I often found my self up at 3 am unable to put it down!! It's refreshing to not be able to see the ending by the middle of the story.
Well written with enjoyable, like-able characters. I often found my self up at 3 am unable to put it down!! It's refreshing to not be able to see the ending by the middle of the story.
January 26, 2014
This Is a very good book for anyone who is a C.S.Marks fan,It has all the excitement and suspense that Elfhunter has and more.
Read
March 7, 2011Third and last in the Elfhunter series. Excellent read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews