In the long-awaited and highly-anticipated third installment of the Amazon bestselling Scion Saga Series, Carly abandons her innocence to progress into a mature young adult. Amidst a succession of changes, an unlikely ally will not only reveal the origin of the Descendants, but also the Iksha’s. Believing the Iksha has been their worst enemy for a millennium, the Descendants discover a more lethal force. Specular unveils a realm of history, exposing secrets, confirming truths, breaking old bonds, and forming new ones.
Cālix is the published author of the Young Adult Sci-Fi/Fantasy series, the Scion Saga [Opaque, Split Adam, Specular]. She's a certified paralegal and a member of SFWA and RWA.
I have to say the first Scion Saga book I was not sure if it was for me, by the second book I was enjoying it but it safe to say that Specular is my favourite to date. I am not sure if that is because if focuses a bit more on Carly than Adam or we see the characters mature both in the sense of aging and in their powers.
I really liked the way we went a bit more sci-fi with this one over urban fantasy. Leigh-Reign merges these two genres really well and creates a gripping and engaging tale. I loved the idea of other planets and inhabitants and I also loved seeing the friendships and relationships of the group mature and build. This also ties to Adam since while he is still not an absolute favourite I do like him a lot more now than the first book which is testament to the author and her writing.
I really hope we get more in the saga in the future even if it is the new decedents!
The third book in the Scion series ‘Specular’ follows Adam and Carly and their group of descendants as they delve into their history and discover where they truly come from.
There was definitely a different sort of vibe to this book compared to the first two. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
As always, there was so much character building, and I’ve gone from not liking Adam to really respecting how his grown, which is amazing writing by the author.
I’ve loved following all the character developments in this series and experiencing Adam and Carly grow and mature.
Was this the last chapter for Adam, Carly and their budding community? I really hope not!!
The Descendants face a lot of challenges this time around, both normal human ones and extraordinary ones. This time, beings from other worlds are challenging the Descendants, demanding they pass a test to protect humanity, or risk being eliminated. Will the teens be able to rise to the challenge? Meanwhile, they still have to deal with hormones, relationships, and the Iksha. It’s almost to much for a group their size to handle.
This book focused more on Carly, whereas Adam was the central character of the previous two books. I enjoyed getting to see her flourish as a character – and you can see that I also really enjoyed having this little Carly doll as a reading buddy! I also really enjoyed seeing her various relationships grow, and her strength as a leader grow. Her relationship with Jo, Adam’s mother, is really special. I think all of us wish we were able to develop such a bond with our significant other’s parents!
I don’t know if this is the final book in the series, the ending was a little ambiguous. It was wrapped up neatly, but it also definitely left room for more to happen. I would love to see more in this world, whether it was specifically Adam and Carly’s story, or some other story.
Who’s It For?
If you love fantasy, you’ll love this story. It’s more urban/sci-fi fantasy than high fantasy, so keep that in mind. It’s a great book, part of a great series. It does feature some uncomfortable subjects, most prominent in the first book.
" [...] Everyone does something others disagree with and we sometimes hurt the ones we love in the process. [...]"
I'll start with the cover. It is delightful and eye-catching. I found several illustrations inside the e-book. I was surprised when I saw these illustrations because I didn't expect them. A plus for the author. "Specular" is the third part of the "Scion Saga" series. I admit that I don't know the previous two volumes. Despite everything, I found myself here very well. Of course, I hope to make up for it someday. The plot is very good. The ending made me think that after some time there might be another part that I will read with pleasure. The action moves at a perfect pace. There is no time for boredom here. We move in different worlds - planets. The main characters are: - Carly Wit, 19 years old, student. She doesn't see her future without Adam. Will the world allow them to be together? I liked this heroine. - Adam, 18 years old, has mutant genes. He is a fierce introvert who loves Carly. His behaviour often irritated me. - Jo, Carly's future mother-in-law. She is a shopaholic. There are even more characters, but I will leave them for you to discover. You will also meet the Afrax Council (Descendant Council). Is she corrupt? Who can be trusted here, and who should be avoided? This book is perfect for Young Adults and all lovers of Science Fiction books. Here, the heroes are endowed with great powers. Is it safe for them? I encourage you to learn about the history hidden on the pages of the novel "Specular".
The Descendants have grownup a bit and big changes are on the horizon in this third book in the Scion Saga. The pacing in the first half of the book felt a little slow, and I would have liked to see a bit more tension building for what happens in the middle of this book.
It’s literally an out of the world plot turn, followed by a lot of information. My head was spinning and I had to re-read a few passages because there was just so much being fed to me. I’m terrible with names in real life, so the info dump was a bit overwhelming.
I think Book 3 could have really been divided into two books, as we see some pretty intense training and cultural shifts in the second of the book that I would have really loved to see fleshed out more.
Carly remained our steadfast, loyal gal, with a pure heart while we encountered new equally powerful characters. Adam took a bit of a step back from the main focus, which I liked since I’m still not his biggest fan.
I do wish the second half of the book had more content, as it seemed very rushed. There wasn’t enough tension for me, so I felt a bjt disconnected to the story.
The series ended in a way that ties up some loose ends and gives you a sense of finality, however there was just enough of a taste that could lead to another storyline sprouting from this one.
Thank you to the author, publisher and LBT for my copy. Overall rating ⭐️⭐️✨/5
It is no secret that fantasy and I are not great friends, however I have really enjoyed this series.
It is well written with an utterly absorbing story line and well developed characters, most of which I have come to love, especially the Descendants. I loved that this one acknowledged that they had grown up and so the problems they were facing and the way they were dealing with it felt more grown up and I was excited and intrigued the whole way through.
It got a bit confusing for me at times with all the planets and so forth in the book but I think in all reality that's more me and my brain than the book, and the world building in all of the books in this series have been amazing. This is definitely my favourite of the three and although I would love to see more from Carly and the Descendants, I also think this would be a great place to stop too.
Specular by Calix Leigh-Reign Scion saga book 3. Carly abandons her innocence to progress into a mature young adult. Amidst a succession of changes, an unlikely ally will not only reveal the origin of the Descendants, but also the Iksha’s. Believing the Iksha has been their worst enemy for a millennium, the Descendants discover a more lethal force. Specular unveils a realm of history, exposing secrets, confirming truths, breaking old bonds, and forming new ones. I really did enjoy this readalong. I really did enjoy this series. I love the group and watching them grow. Wasn't sure how I felt about the beings they did training with. I did find parts of the story slow but then other parts I couldn't put down. I did like how the group were together. I was impressed with Kane and what he did to stay with Rye. I loved the ending I would like to more to come. I feel like there is more to come. 4*.
This is the third in the Scion Saga, and despite not being a fantasy fan, I have really enjoyed the first two, this one got a little far-fetched for me at times, however the majority of the story was good. In keeping with the theme of the descendents growing up through the series, they face new adult woes and develop maturity. There's still plenty of material having been left open should the author continue on with this group of characters. However, I do feel they have come to a natural conclusion Now that I've gotten used to the vast number of characters, I felt like it flowed much quicker. The cover for this one is my favourite of the three, and if I saw this on a shelf, I'd be completely drawn to it, I wouldn't have on the covers of books 1 or 2. Overall, I've really enjoyed the series, and I would definitely look out for more by this author in the future.
Really enjoyed this series, Calix has done a brilliant job with bringing the team to life. I love Carly and Adam. Their love for each other shines out. The more you learn about the desendants, the more you want to know about the world around them, their powers and what they can do with them. Although some of the desendants are still new to their powers, it's good to read the description of each of the team, I still like How the dynamic is between them all and it just makes them stronger.
This book contains so much action, from Scionia and the metaverse, meeting different lifeforms along the way. Battles must be won, secrets uncovered, lives to save! The bloodlines are interesting as is reading about the different galaxies and planets surrounding the life we know.
Very well written, an enjoyable read and I look forward to more from Calix in the future!
This is the third, and I think final, instalment in The Scion Series, and it comes to a nice, natural conclusion. Having said that, I think it could easily have another storyline if the author so wished.
Specular sees Adam, Carly and the other Descendants discover secrets about their origins, and also that their world is far larger than they ever imagined.
I did lose track a little with all the new characters that were introduced in this book. But overall I enjoyed the action, and the friends and enemies that were made.
I still love the relationship between Jo and Carly. The love they have for each other, based on the love they have for Adam, is beautiful to see.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series, and think it would be great for older teens.
This was my first book by this author, and I will definitely go back and read the others in this series! This is Book 3 of the Scion Saga. You can read this without reading the others, but from reading this one, I would recommend reading the other 2 first.
There are a lot of characters to get used to, but it is great to see the character development and how the characters' relationships build, change, and grow throughout this book! This isn't my usual genre of book, but I'm so glad I got to be a part of this. There is so much to learn about their world, powers, and what abilities they have. Once i got my head around all the different characters, the world, and their powers,this was a great read, and I didn't want to put it down.
Specular is the 3rd book in the Scion saga. I read this one as a stand alone which you can do as it focuses more on Carly whereas I believe the first two were more focused on Adam. I will say though that I wish I'd had time to read the first two as I think I would have had a better relationship with some of the characters. That being said though, this book was a great read. I really enjoyed Carly as a character and I think she's a bit of a badass really! The descendents had quite a few challenges to face in this book and it was interesting to read how they overcome them. I particularly liked reading about Adam and Carly although I'm sure if the author wrote more books focusing on some of the others id probably feel the same.
Really well written book, good pace, love the fantasy and sci-fi and I think in addition to the story I really like the artwork (check out some of my other posts for this readalong) and the cover!
Specular is the third and final book in The Scion Series. The books follows Adam and Carly and a few other Descendants. It’s a great story about finding out where you came from and that world isn’t as small as you think it is.i This was my first book in the series so I will admit I was a little lost as to who was who. I would recommend reading the whole series to have a better grasp on the story. I enjoyed the story, the enemies they encounter and the found family they made. I am enjoying reading about this strong kick butt fmc and all of the descendants as individuals and how they mingle with one another.
"Specular," the third installment of the Scion Saga Series, takes readers on a thrilling journey as Carly transitions from innocence to maturity. As secrets are unveiled and alliances shift, the Descendants confront a new, more formidable enemy than the Iksha. The novel delves into the rich realm of history, revealing secrets, confirming truths, and forging new bonds, making it a compelling read for fans of the series. I particularly enjoyed how the book explores the complexities of friendship and loyalty amidst evolving circumstances.
I enjoyed this book. It was filled with drama, secrets, and lots of action. I liked learning about the descendants and their history and powers. With all the planets and galaxies, I did get slightly confused at times, trying to remember them all.
I loved the connection with Carly and Adam. Their love for each other was very touching and gribbing. And after they have been through, I hope they get their happy ending.
The world building and character development was excellent. The author did an excellent job bringing all this to life.
I am usually not into Sci fi or dystopian genres. That being said I really did enjoy this book. The author has a perfect writing style that keeps you engaged and that makes the storyline and characters flow well together.
I love Adam and Carly. They are a power couple in my opinion. Everyone looks up to them and go to them for everything. Carly is a kick a$$ MFC. She gets stuff done and is fearless. Adam is a loyal MMC. He feels like the world is on his shoulders. He is protective and courageous.
I loved the different worlds and the plot. It was a fun read.
Thank you Netgalley and author Calix Leigh-Reign for the e-copy of this book in exchange for a review.
"Carly abandons her innocence to progress into a mature young adult. Amidst a succession of changes, an unlikely ally will not only reveal the origin of the Descendants, but also the Iksha’s. Believing the Iksha has been their worst enemy for a millennium, the Descendants discover a more lethal force. Specular unveils a realm of history, exposing secrets, confirming truths, breaking old bonds, and forming new ones."
Reading book 3 to this series was exciting and doing a read along got me thinking about the way we live.
I felt like the storyline become out of this world.. lol.. it was a nice change of pace and brought a different kinda vibe to the Scion saga.
It was abit confusing trying to remember all the planets and universes but it was fun. I like how the story was conducted and did grip me in many places..
Will there be more to this series or will it be left as it is now??
I really liked this book, filled with drama, love, lost, and magic. I just wish I knew it was a series, as I was a bit lost in the beginning. Will go back and read the first two books in this series!!
Specular is the third instalment in the Scion Saga by Calix Leigh-Reign, which sees the Descendants confronting a more formidable enemy than the Iksha, in a completely unknown environment. Introduced to the metaverse, the Descendants must find a way to complete Onus Lyceum training, face new challenges and navigate new friendships and alliances. Relationships will be tested and new alliances will be formed as they learn about the different galaxies and planets yet to be explored.
There is a incredibly vast number of characters, so definitely prepare yourself! For me, there were a few too many, which meant that some characters were overlooked or got lost along the way. Whilst this third instalment is a little far-fetched for me, overall it was an interesting sci-fi fantasy story, that had all the elements you need in a good fantasy novel. Battles to be won, secrets that are unveiled and relationships truly tested. No one and nothing is safe in the metaverse.
And the cover! I had to take a minute to just appreciate how incredible this cover is! I usually am not a fan of people on covers, but this is one that you would see in a shop and immediately be drawn to!
Specular is the third book in the Scion Saga series by Calix Leigh-Reign. The book follows Carly, who abandons her innocence as she progresses into a young adult. As secrets are revealed and alliances shift, the Descendants confront a new, more evil enemy than Iksha. The novel dives into realm history, that uncovers secrets and forms new bonds. This is the first book that I have read by the author and even though I haven't read the rest of the series I still really enjoyed the book. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend. 💖 Thank you to @lovebooktours and the author, Calix Leigh-Reign for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.