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The Impavidus Cycle #3
Impavidus
Tenuous peace has at last been reached within Sylva’s walls - yet beyond them, in the cold recesses of the dark world of Hatheg Kla, Z’xolkuloth’s will continues to twist and poison all it touches. Gripped in the throes of a strange illness and facing down forces that threaten all he holds dear, Albtraum must return to the dark world to seek answers... yet there the horrors he faces will test the limits of his mind, body, and soul. He must fight for his humanity more than ever before - the very fabric of the world he has come to love so much depends upon his success.
- GenresFantasy
684 pages, Paperback
Published December 8, 2023
5 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 17, 2023
I was lucky enough to be one of the first people to read through Impavidus as an alpha reader. I've been with the series since the first book's release and it has been such a pleasure to see the story unfold, and the characters grow. The Impavidus Cycle is easily one of my favourite fantasy series, a title I do not grant easily as it's a genre I am incredibly picky with. Vice has set a new standard for my reading and I am forever going to compare all other Dark Fantasy to this one.
I will keep this review spoiler-free for Impavidus, but if you have not read the first two books, you may find some spoilers mentioned here!
Albtraum's journey to free himself from his father is coming to an end, but that doesn't mean the road is getting any easier for our hero. Impavidus is full of dark twists and turns as the cast dig into the Order of Azoth's roots and uncover even more secrets that have been holding them back from achieving their goals. It gives us the finale to a series that has been phenomenal since the beginning. There are definitely darker elements in this book compared to the others, but it is the natural progression of the series and situations the characters find themselves, and Vice blends a dark atmosphere with glimmers of hope well.
Impavidus had me wanting more, eager to find out the answers to all of my (and the cast's) questions. Vice did not disappoint!
I will keep this review spoiler-free for Impavidus, but if you have not read the first two books, you may find some spoilers mentioned here!
Albtraum's journey to free himself from his father is coming to an end, but that doesn't mean the road is getting any easier for our hero. Impavidus is full of dark twists and turns as the cast dig into the Order of Azoth's roots and uncover even more secrets that have been holding them back from achieving their goals. It gives us the finale to a series that has been phenomenal since the beginning. There are definitely darker elements in this book compared to the others, but it is the natural progression of the series and situations the characters find themselves, and Vice blends a dark atmosphere with glimmers of hope well.
Impavidus had me wanting more, eager to find out the answers to all of my (and the cast's) questions. Vice did not disappoint!
March 20, 2024
After Nightfall, the final installment of this trilogy had a lot to live up to. There were so many questions to answer, so many arcs to complete, and--yes, so many tears left to wring out of me. Impavidus accomplished it all.
It was a painful ride (/complimentary), but it was well worth it in the end. From seeing many of these wonderful characters getting the happy ending they deserve, to seeing certain less wonderful characters getting what *they* deserve, it was a more than satisfactory conclusion to Albtraum and co.'s story.
I've mentioned it in prior reviews, but I love the themes of the Impavidus Cycle and what it has to say about family, love, grief, and perseverance. Without spoiling any identities, there's a revelation that two people are related, and I love that the reaction is essentially "we were already chosen family; what does blood matter compared to that?" Again, I love how it's the bonds that people form which give them the strength they need, and how openly characters are allowed to show their love for each other (whether romantic, familial, or friendly) on the page. Many authors would shy away from such sentimentality, but it's a strength of the series. It's so incredibly sincere, and often a light amidst the dark events the characters are dealing with.
Like with Nightfall, I also appreciate how characters are allowed to react so realistically to horrible situations. Even strong people still crumble under the weight sometimes; it's what makes us human. And Vice's characters (whether human or not) feel so very human. One of the strengths of the trilogy is the characters get to show weakness without being demonized for it.
Reading the author's note at the end also solidified my impression of Z’xolkuloth as depression in addition to a really awful parent, and as someone who's dealt with severe depression, Albtraum's struggles against him can hit really hard. But in the end, it's cathartic to see him realize that, regardless of his parentage or depression, he's surrounded by love and support and he *deserves* it, and it's a good reminder to us too.
Side note: there are far less typos or formatting errors than in previous books, and so I have nothing to nitpick.
Other side note: can I just call attention to the lovely cover art? Nothing but respect for this beautiful power couple.
This is a heartfelt, powerful, dark, but ultimately very hopeful ending to the Impavidus Cycle, and I'm confident that this won't be my last time reading it. There's something very healing about this story. It rips you open and then puts you back together again, a little bit stronger than before.
It was a painful ride (/complimentary), but it was well worth it in the end. From seeing many of these wonderful characters getting the happy ending they deserve, to seeing certain less wonderful characters getting what *they* deserve, it was a more than satisfactory conclusion to Albtraum and co.'s story.
I've mentioned it in prior reviews, but I love the themes of the Impavidus Cycle and what it has to say about family, love, grief, and perseverance. Without spoiling any identities, there's a revelation that two people are related, and I love that the reaction is essentially "we were already chosen family; what does blood matter compared to that?" Again, I love how it's the bonds that people form which give them the strength they need, and how openly characters are allowed to show their love for each other (whether romantic, familial, or friendly) on the page. Many authors would shy away from such sentimentality, but it's a strength of the series. It's so incredibly sincere, and often a light amidst the dark events the characters are dealing with.
Like with Nightfall, I also appreciate how characters are allowed to react so realistically to horrible situations. Even strong people still crumble under the weight sometimes; it's what makes us human. And Vice's characters (whether human or not) feel so very human. One of the strengths of the trilogy is the characters get to show weakness without being demonized for it.
Reading the author's note at the end also solidified my impression of Z’xolkuloth as depression in addition to a really awful parent, and as someone who's dealt with severe depression, Albtraum's struggles against him can hit really hard. But in the end, it's cathartic to see him realize that, regardless of his parentage or depression, he's surrounded by love and support and he *deserves* it, and it's a good reminder to us too.
Side note: there are far less typos or formatting errors than in previous books, and so I have nothing to nitpick.
Other side note: can I just call attention to the lovely cover art? Nothing but respect for this beautiful power couple.
This is a heartfelt, powerful, dark, but ultimately very hopeful ending to the Impavidus Cycle, and I'm confident that this won't be my last time reading it. There's something very healing about this story. It rips you open and then puts you back together again, a little bit stronger than before.
December 21, 2023
A perfect ending to a beloved series.
The Impavidus Cycle is a series near and dear to my heart, and I couldn't be more happy with its natural conclusion. M.A. Vice has outdone herself a second time with the final installment.
This is a series that I believe benefits from no spoilers in your first read through, so this will be a spoiler-free review.
Impavidus is a clear showcase of its author's main strengths; genuine character development, and genuine character interaction. Impavidus leaves no character static by the end of the series and nothjng feels cookie-cutter in the middle of an industry era reliant on copy and paste. Or worse yet, AI generated. This is a truly unique work of art.
Albtraum and company continue to be some of the most genuine, realistic, and heartstring-tugging characters in all of media to me. I've laughed, I've cried...I've cried more......cried multiple times in the same chapter and then multiple chapters in a row. No emotions have ever felt forced and that's so important to me.
Impavidus as the third installment and as a whole series sticks with you It leaves you changed as much as our protagonist is by the end. I believe there is something for everyone within the themes of the story and the more you identify with the more you will love the ending.
Its a story about hope and persistence in the face of the impossible, about the light at the end of the tunnel, about how no matter how dark the night may be you can still have that bright tomorrow. It's a story about love, connection, family, friends, the start of something new, the weight of the world and our own personal worlds crashing down around us. It's about loss, anger, depression, growth, happiness, hope. Its the undaunted will to go on and never give up for the good you believe in.
This is a series that the world needs dearly now and I am so glad to have been able to follow it through its progression. All in all I would give Impavidus a perfect score. I think it wrapped up what Birthright started in the most satisfying and true to itself way it could. As a fan and huge supporter I can say this is a series that will be loved, always.
The Impavidus Cycle is a series near and dear to my heart, and I couldn't be more happy with its natural conclusion. M.A. Vice has outdone herself a second time with the final installment.
This is a series that I believe benefits from no spoilers in your first read through, so this will be a spoiler-free review.
Impavidus is a clear showcase of its author's main strengths; genuine character development, and genuine character interaction. Impavidus leaves no character static by the end of the series and nothjng feels cookie-cutter in the middle of an industry era reliant on copy and paste. Or worse yet, AI generated. This is a truly unique work of art.
Albtraum and company continue to be some of the most genuine, realistic, and heartstring-tugging characters in all of media to me. I've laughed, I've cried...I've cried more......cried multiple times in the same chapter and then multiple chapters in a row. No emotions have ever felt forced and that's so important to me.
Impavidus as the third installment and as a whole series sticks with you It leaves you changed as much as our protagonist is by the end. I believe there is something for everyone within the themes of the story and the more you identify with the more you will love the ending.
Its a story about hope and persistence in the face of the impossible, about the light at the end of the tunnel, about how no matter how dark the night may be you can still have that bright tomorrow. It's a story about love, connection, family, friends, the start of something new, the weight of the world and our own personal worlds crashing down around us. It's about loss, anger, depression, growth, happiness, hope. Its the undaunted will to go on and never give up for the good you believe in.
This is a series that the world needs dearly now and I am so glad to have been able to follow it through its progression. All in all I would give Impavidus a perfect score. I think it wrapped up what Birthright started in the most satisfying and true to itself way it could. As a fan and huge supporter I can say this is a series that will be loved, always.
December 10, 2023
I am so happy that I was one of the first people that got to read the book before its release, it's such a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy. I've never been happier that a book was this long ♥
There are so many characters that have become my favorite, I cannot really put into words just how much I've grown to love them. It made it even harder to see them go through a difficult time or even die. M.A. Vice does such a great job at making deaths mean something, they're never thrown in as a cheap way to shock the reader. I wish every character that has supported the protagonist had gotten the chance to have a happy end but alas... :")
Speaking of the main character, has he gone through a lot and grown so much. For those struggling with mental health I'd recommend checking the content warnings before reading because the story gets incredibly dark as the main character struggles with self-worth and suicidal thoughts. I will not spoil the ending here because I think everyone should read the series in its entirety - I will say though, that it is a well-earned ending and not one that feels undeserved or rushed.
There were some parts I had to put away the book because I was crying to hard to continue reading. Just thinking about some scenes makes me tear up all over again. It was some good crying though, and if you too love books that make you feel something, this series will not disappoint.
There are so many characters that have become my favorite, I cannot really put into words just how much I've grown to love them. It made it even harder to see them go through a difficult time or even die. M.A. Vice does such a great job at making deaths mean something, they're never thrown in as a cheap way to shock the reader. I wish every character that has supported the protagonist had gotten the chance to have a happy end but alas... :")
Speaking of the main character, has he gone through a lot and grown so much. For those struggling with mental health I'd recommend checking the content warnings before reading because the story gets incredibly dark as the main character struggles with self-worth and suicidal thoughts. I will not spoil the ending here because I think everyone should read the series in its entirety - I will say though, that it is a well-earned ending and not one that feels undeserved or rushed.
There were some parts I had to put away the book because I was crying to hard to continue reading. Just thinking about some scenes makes me tear up all over again. It was some good crying though, and if you too love books that make you feel something, this series will not disappoint.
December 14, 2023
At last, we’re to the namesake volume of the Impavidus Cycle—and I must admit, I struggle to find the words to describe it. I’ve greatly enjoyed all of the series up to this point, but Impavidus truly knocks it out of the park in every way; I don’t believe I’ve ever cried so much at a book, due to both tears of sorrow and joy, with much of the latter third or so of the book spent in near constant weeping, frankly. To put a long story short: if you’re a new reader, please pick up this series right now; if you’re a returning one, then I can say that this book should not disappoint. I don’t say it lightly to say that I have a new favorite novel.
For people who love character driven stories with complex and poignant themes, this series is a must-read. Do note that it is delivered through increasingly intense darkness—Impavidus, in particular, dips into true horror at times—but this only makes the ending that much more impactful and beautiful. I'd prefer not to say too much more, for it's best to come in with few spoilers; if you're on the fence, please read my other reviews to learn more about the rest of the series. But for those of you who are already invested in these characters, this world, and hope to at last see them triumph—Impavidus will be more than satisfying. I know the ending in particular will stay with me for a long time yet.
For people who love character driven stories with complex and poignant themes, this series is a must-read. Do note that it is delivered through increasingly intense darkness—Impavidus, in particular, dips into true horror at times—but this only makes the ending that much more impactful and beautiful. I'd prefer not to say too much more, for it's best to come in with few spoilers; if you're on the fence, please read my other reviews to learn more about the rest of the series. But for those of you who are already invested in these characters, this world, and hope to at last see them triumph—Impavidus will be more than satisfying. I know the ending in particular will stay with me for a long time yet.
December 16, 2023
A perfect ending to a beloved series.
The Impavidus Cycle is a series near and dear to my heart, and I couldn't be more happy with its natural conclusion. M.A. Vice has outdone herself a second time with the final installment.
This is a series that I believe benefits from no spoilers in your first read through, so this will be a spoiler-free review.
Impavidus is a clear showcase of its author's main strengths; genuine character development, and genuine character interaction. Impavidus leaves no character static by the end of the series and nothjng feels cookie-cutter in the middle of an industry era reliant on copy and paste. Or worse yet, AI generated. This is a truly unique work of art.
Albtraum and company continue to be some of the most genuine, realistic, and heartstring-tugging characters in all of media to me. I've laughed, I've cried...I've cried more......cried multiple times in the same chapter and then multiple chapters in a row. No emotions have ever felt forced and that's so important to me.
Impavidus as the third installment and as a whole series sticks with you It leaves you changed as much as our protagonist is by the end. I believe there is something for everyone within the themes of the story and the more you identify with the more you will love the ending.
Its a story about hope and persistence in the face of the impossible, about the light at the end of the tunnel, about how no matter how dark the night may be you can still have that bright tomorrow. It's a story about love, connection, family, friends, the start of something new, the weight of the world and our own personal worlds crashing down around us. It's about loss, anger, depression, growth, happiness, hope. Its the undaunted will to go on and never give up for the good you believe in.
This is a series that the world needs dearly now and I am so glad to have been able to follow it through its progression. All in all I would give Impavidus a perfect score. I think it wrapped up what Birthright started in the most satisfying and true to itself way it could. As a fan and huge supporter I can say this is a series that will be loved, always.
The Impavidus Cycle is a series near and dear to my heart, and I couldn't be more happy with its natural conclusion. M.A. Vice has outdone herself a second time with the final installment.
This is a series that I believe benefits from no spoilers in your first read through, so this will be a spoiler-free review.
Impavidus is a clear showcase of its author's main strengths; genuine character development, and genuine character interaction. Impavidus leaves no character static by the end of the series and nothjng feels cookie-cutter in the middle of an industry era reliant on copy and paste. Or worse yet, AI generated. This is a truly unique work of art.
Albtraum and company continue to be some of the most genuine, realistic, and heartstring-tugging characters in all of media to me. I've laughed, I've cried...I've cried more......cried multiple times in the same chapter and then multiple chapters in a row. No emotions have ever felt forced and that's so important to me.
Impavidus as the third installment and as a whole series sticks with you It leaves you changed as much as our protagonist is by the end. I believe there is something for everyone within the themes of the story and the more you identify with the more you will love the ending.
Its a story about hope and persistence in the face of the impossible, about the light at the end of the tunnel, about how no matter how dark the night may be you can still have that bright tomorrow. It's a story about love, connection, family, friends, the start of something new, the weight of the world and our own personal worlds crashing down around us. It's about loss, anger, depression, growth, happiness, hope. Its the undaunted will to go on and never give up for the good you believe in.
This is a series that the world needs dearly now and I am so glad to have been able to follow it through its progression. All in all I would give Impavidus a perfect score. I think it wrapped up what Birthright started in the most satisfying and true to itself way it could. As a fan and huge supporter I can say this is a series that will be loved, always.
December 13, 2024
This book, and this series as a whole, is a primal reminder that love, compassion and humanity are the most powerful forces in this world and beyond. But it is also like a call to arms against the darkness within and without, a roar of not merely survival but to truly live.
Love and kindness have often been written about as something that conquers all, but this series also recognizes the importance of fighting and defending yourself against that which threatens yours and others' freedom, yet without casting away what makes you human.
I come away from this story a different person. Just like Albtraum I am wanted, I belong, and there are people whose lives would not be the same should I disappear. Even when depression feels as if it has poisoned every last inch of me, something will always remain that has been touched by the warmth of my found family and home, and that remnant will burn persistently, undaunted against the deceptively powerful darkness.
Love and kindness have often been written about as something that conquers all, but this series also recognizes the importance of fighting and defending yourself against that which threatens yours and others' freedom, yet without casting away what makes you human.
I come away from this story a different person. Just like Albtraum I am wanted, I belong, and there are people whose lives would not be the same should I disappear. Even when depression feels as if it has poisoned every last inch of me, something will always remain that has been touched by the warmth of my found family and home, and that remnant will burn persistently, undaunted against the deceptively powerful darkness.
November 27, 2023
At Journey's End
Here we are, the third and final novel of The Impavidus Cycle. And what an intense, amazing ride it's been. The stakes are high, the end is near, and Albtraum shoulders more than ever before as he grapples with a leadership position he never asked for while searching for a way to end Z’xolkuloth once and for all. If Nightfall was a worthy sequel, Impavidus reaches even greater heights that tie the trilogy together and bring it to a satisfying conclusion. This series has so much to offer and M.A. Vice's storytelling ability has earned them a lifelong fan.
Here we are, the third and final novel of The Impavidus Cycle. And what an intense, amazing ride it's been. The stakes are high, the end is near, and Albtraum shoulders more than ever before as he grapples with a leadership position he never asked for while searching for a way to end Z’xolkuloth once and for all. If Nightfall was a worthy sequel, Impavidus reaches even greater heights that tie the trilogy together and bring it to a satisfying conclusion. This series has so much to offer and M.A. Vice's storytelling ability has earned them a lifelong fan.
November 28, 2023
Impavidus fantastically builds on the tension from the previous book Nightfall, and all the threads finally come together in what is a thrilling and heartfelt conclusion! The Impavidus Cycle is such a monument and love letter to what it means to cling on to hope no matter how dark it gets, and the courage it takes to fight for those you love.
January 8, 2024
M. A. Vice is excellent at just escalating the tension of this story, and yet what a satisfying ending for these characters I've come to love. This series is going down as one of my favorite high fantasy trilogies. Each book is a chonker and packed with amazing worldbuilding and character development. They're not fast, breezy reads, but they're engrossing.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews