Krozalia’s fragile stability rests on Leann’s ability to protect Dolenta—the very same cargo she once ferried across the stars. With the Tanue untethered and the emperor dead, Captain Leann has less than three days to help the princess claim the throne. But this time, the captain's long-buried goals entwine with a decades-old scheme, unveiling a truth that will reshape the destiny of Krozalia and the galaxy itself.
In the conclusion of this action-packed science fantasy trilogy, readers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow Captain Leann’s journey through a galaxy where danger lurks at every turn and the line between friend and foe blurs in the midst of a galaxy-altering conspiracy.
Jina S. Bazzar is a Palestinian author, born and raised in Brazil. Like most writers, her love of books began at a young age. Unlike most writers, she never aspired to become one. It was only years after she became blind that she tried her hand at writing, giving voice to all the wild, rambling thoughts in her mind. She now lives in Palestine with her family, taking inspiration from the smallest things in life. When she’s not writing or networking on social media, you can find her in the kitchen, baking while listening to (often very loud) music. Find writing updates at: linktree/jina_bazzar
Overall, the quick part is I think my primary quibble for the series as a whole (aside from the similarities to Firebird Chronicles, which I mentioned in previous reviews ... though for what it is worth, nothing in this last book rung my bell as being very Firebird-like, so while the setup of the story has a lot of similar elements, it does tell its own story within that framework).
In terms of quick being a quibble, what I mean is that everything plays out at break-neck speed, right from the beginning. It makes it feel like nothing is a real struggle, because it all happens so fast - everything from the relationships to plot points. For example, the emperor ... I think that things could have been given more time, weight, detail, presence so that they had real emotional weight. As it is, I enjoyed the story but don't feel particularly emotionally engaged with it. That's super, super unusual for me. And I put it all down to the speed with which we punch through everything.
What is funny is that the only slow thing in the series is something that annoyed the absolute crap out of me by this last book: the relationship between Ravi and Lee. Again, this moved really fast, because on Ravi's end (MMC) there was a fated-mate thing going on. She, as human, didn't have that...but she had SOMETHING, maybe a resonance with it, because she was pretty much in love with him by the 2/3 mark of book 1. And they hook up in book 2. But she remains adamant that they can't be together for ... a stupidly long time. I mean, I wanted to punch her by like the 70% mark of this book. Because here's the thing: it undercuts my belief that she loves him. If you love someone, you consider options and fucking TRY to make it work because they become a priority to you. I never, at all in this entire series, feel like Ravi is a priority to her. That was disappointing to me. Ravi is all in, chases her, bends for her. She never meets him any kind of partway. So I'm left feeling like Ravi deserves better.
Last quibble, and this one really is minor - do you trust any of the human or non-Kroz organizations in this series? Actually, let me clarify ... I don't trust most Kroz organizations either, but I do trust Dolenta.
All that makes it sound like I didn't like the book, but I did. These are just points that could have been better, and that keep this book at a 3.5 star rating. Still, I'll read more from this author because I totally had fun.
The final installment of the Maclee Chronicles is the perfect ending to a great trilogy. Full of action, betrayal, and world building, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with a HEA that's well deserved.
ECLIPSED CROWN concludes Captain Leeann's story and it was a great mix of action, intrigue, and romance. I've really enjoyed following Leeann's journey and I'm definitely going to check out more by this author. After the shocking cliffhanger of book 2, this one jumps right into Leeann, Ravi, and their crew on the run again as they try to keep Dolenta safe from the rebellion.
New characters get introduced, old friends reappear, and things take a turn for the mystical as we learn more about the Krozalian Tanue (basically a spirit guide). The romance between Leeann and Ravi was great and I'm so thankful that Ravi's family decided to do some meddling and make sure these two lovable idiots ended up together. The ending did tie up a little too neatly but I won't complain too much about our main characters finding their happiness and beating the bad guys.
Overall, this was a great space adventure featuring a badass FMC, a swoony MMC, a whole crew of friends, intergalactic intrigue and a fated mates romance.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Favorite Quotes:
“Trust is earned,” I said softly. “It isn’t something I can give freely, even if I wanted to.”
Ravi nodded. “Then I’ll endeavor to prove myself to you.” He caught my hand and brought it to his mouth. “I’m not going to let you down, beloved. You’re mine, now and forevermore.”
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed following these characters throughout the three books, and I’m pleased they got a proper ending. This third book is slightly less focussed and maybe the weakest of the three as there’s more going on now that we are nearing the conclusion, but the plot points are kept interesting and on point with the ending and the characters are consistently in character. I won’t spoil anything, but suffice to say I highly recommend the whole trilogy. Every one of the books has kept me engaged throughout, and they’ve been on my mind during breaks from reading - the characters niggle their way into your subconscious.
I very kindly received an ARC in exchange for honest feedback (and this is an author who takes any feedback onboard!) 😊
Jina took us on a wild ride in this series and it really wraps itself up nicely. Her ability to create a visceral world really draws you in. Her plots are unique and the powerful female lead characters never disappoint.
Not quite as action packed as her previous books in the series it does however round out the storyline so well. There are definitely some things you will not see coming and that's what makes Jina such a great author.
The worldbuilding is good, and all the magic can potentially be explained by science, but... Crown is a satisfying conclusion to an enthralling trilogy. There are surprises, thrills, graphic violence, some laughs (Mac and the ghost was awesome), and heartwarming moments. I highly recommend this series.
I like this action packed adventure with a happily ever after. It's world building is spectacular. I had a little trouble with the pacing on this one though.
This finale of the trilogy is packed full of action like the previous books, and gives a satisfying conclusion to the sci-fi adventure. Ghosts from the past resurface, mysteries of the traitors are uncovered, there are dire consequences following the emperors assassination, and there's plenty of ambushes, traps and betrayals for the team to work through. I enjoyed the fast paced storyline and it helped answer questions about Leanne's past, but I felt we missed out on seeing more from Leanne and Ravi's bond, and the final battle missed some of the suspense and intensity seen in the previous books. Sad to see the series end though as it was a fun ride with great worldbuilding and brave and bold characters, but had a HEA.
This book was a satisfying end to a great trilogy. Mysteries are solved, betrayals are exposed, vengeance is had, and the characters get their happily ever after. I think the book could have been more detailed and a bit longer—but I’ve realized that this action-packed series is more about the events that brought the characters together than about the romance per say. I think that Ravi’s feelings towards Leanne are more clear throughout the series, so it seems like their romance is one-sided, but Leanne’s character gets more emotional development in this last book.
All in all, I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters and Krozalia, but I’m looking forward to what the author writes next!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It boggles my mind how few people know of this author. She is one of the most talented authors I've come across, every single book is just as phenomenal as the one before. Her vivid imagination is descriptive, alluring and an all round emotionally charged read, with the "inner workings" of her characters, alive, real, raw. This series gets more exciting and expansive with every book! Following on seamlessly from the previous book, Lenna and Mac are put through the ringer. Now that the Emperor is no more, now that Dolenta is the Empress, now that the rebels wanted her gone... permanently, had serious repercussions. It forced Lenna's hand and they barely escaped with their lives, and a whole can of worms spills out. But ...the biggest consequence is, now Ravi KNOWS! OMG! Lenna's biggest secret....he knows! And Ravi's reaction? Hells bells awesome! I sighed, I ooo'd, I coo'd, I mew'd in delight! Their lives are still in major danger, the planet Krozalia is in major danger, the rebels aren't the only ones putting the planet in danger, the very planet itself is, well, you'll have to read it to find out what!
Just when I thought, "aha, I know where this is going", blow me down if the author didn't throw a spanner in the works, oh yes, she DID! The twist, THAT twist was so unexpected! I cannot express how magnificent her creativity and imagination is, she has me enthralled, under her spell, the entire time. When the entire backstory of the failed mission 10 years prior surfaces, when she was still Captain Clara Coderaro, that led to Lenna's abduction, is replayed frame by frame, my appreciation of Baltsar rocketed into the stratosphere! But...yes, this incredible author churned it up again, I was reeling! I understood Lenna with every fibre of my being. Who to trust? Who not to trust? Where this story went to, where the plot veered off to, I may as well have been on a spaceship myself! Jina navigated the ship like the pro she is, taking the reader on a certain collision path, just to expertly steer away at the last minute.
As much as Ms Bazzar's characters are fictional, be they aliens, shifters, magic users, they are completely realistic in their approach to, well anything they undertake. I get the privilege of feeling them, seeing them, experiencing everything they do and heck did I go through a rollercoaster with these characters! Lenna and Mac, two sides of the same coin, have a gorgeous bond of love and understanding. Neither can exist without the other but neither pushes boundaries. Next is the absolute hunk, Ravi, who doesn't push boundaries. He must be the deadliest sweetheart in existence. I loved everything about him, although he knows what he wants, namely Lenna, he gives her space, he gives her comfort, he gives her protection. Not that she really needs protection, she has Mac and she's one lean, mean, fighting machine. Ok, half machine.
I can't really express all the nuances of this book, I'd have to give too much away, but shoot, this intricately woven tale surpassed any expectations I might have had, all I knew was that I was about to embark on an amazing Jina Bazzar book, but I had no idea HOW amazing it would be! Intergalactic politics, civil war, agencies that dabbled in illicit behaviour, incredible mouth drying action and a romance so sweet yet complex, just divine! This series is just divine! The culmination of the plot, the characters, the immensely riveting storytelling, the amazing pace and heck, just the whole enchilada, had me entranced, as I too, a passenger in this series, avoided astroids, and enemy fire! The bestest conclusion to a series! Outstanding once again!
4.25stars--ECLIPSED CROWN is the third and final instalment in Jina S Bazzar’s adult THE MACLEE CHRONICLES sci-fi, adventure trilogy focusing on Captain Colderaro aka Captain Leann Smith and Lord Ravi Drax aka Madrovi Fidraxi. ELCLIPSED CROWN should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book two IMPERIAL STARDUST.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Captain Leann and Ravi Drax) ECLIPSED CROWN picks up immediately after the event and cliff hanger of book two IMPERIAL STARDUST. At the end of book two, our heroine Captain Leann Smith was injured, trying to save the life of the princess Dolenta in the wake of the murder of her beloved father. Several more attempts on the princess’ life, a rebellion of rogue warriors determined to take control, and a senscient creature connected to the royal family find Leann and Ravi on the run, looking for help from whomever they could trust. A ghost from the past is a reminder to Leann that not everyone and everything is who they appear to be but betrayal, vengeance, and a fight for power threaten Leann and her misfit band of warriors and cyborgs such that they will either become outlaws or die trying. In order to protect the princess, and the future of the royal line, Dolenta will merge with her future, to return ten years to take the throne.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and complicated characters many of whom have ulterior motives. Friends will betray friends, trust must be earned, and throughout it all, Leann knows her time with Ravi will come to a close.
The relationship between Ravi and Leann become something more. Ravi has mate-bonded to our story line heroine but their separation and her need to run threatens the life of the man that she loves.
ECLIPSED CROWN is another story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, tragedy and grit. The fast paced, character driven premise is detailed, complex and entertaining; the characters are powerful and determined; the romance is subtle and passionate.
i didn't really like this book. it was also very inconstant over the 3 books what the AI could control in her body and what it couldn't, sometimes it could stop her feeling pain and sometimes that wasn't a function he had it was annoying and confusing. :(
Not bad, but I feel like the ending was rushed and didn't really tie up the loose end it felt like it was written to address.
I'm still not sure who the IGATF were, what they did, or who was funding them. I also unfortunately kept wanting to read that as "I don't give a fuck" every time they were mentioned, which was basically my opinion of them.
Overall I feel like these books were a little expensive for their length and amount of plot they contained. They could have easily been condensed in to one or two longer books dealing with all the stuff involving the Kroz, that would have then lead more organically in to a follow on book dealing with Leann's mission and the ramifications of a large scale conspiracy that could potentially threaten the entire galaxy.
I guess that would have got in the way of smooching and a HEA ending though, and despite the sci-fi backdrop they definitely began to feel more and more romance focused as time went on. As I said, not a bad read but not something I personally find fulfilling.
I'm so sad this series is over but quite happy that it was so amazing. I burned through these books so quickly and that hasn't happened in a very long time. The ending had our crew going back to Krozalia to secure the seat for Princess Dolenta and finally put an end to Krozalia's enemies and secure the planet's resources. I really enjoyed watching Ravi and Leann tag team areas of the mission. They are just so good together!! Without spoiling too much, we do get a surprise reveal that I was expecting but almost not expecting? I had two theories here. I also loved the moments Leann had with Dolenta and helping her to understand her role but also not pressuring her because of a title. It was very wholesome and caring. We got to learn Leann's full story and all the characters had great endings. I'm going to miss this world but I can't wait to read more from Jina!!!
Jina S Bazzar's Eclipsed Crown is the perfect conclusion to her Maclee Chronicles. Reader satisfaction is guaranteed!!!
All the story arcs are wound up in an effective and enjoyable way and there are a couple of shocking revelations. These surprises come early enough to be worked into the narrative, and elevate reader interest while maintaining tension. Pacing is fantastic, with action, political intrigue and our MC's relationship sharing the focus. The world built in this trilogy is a fascinating one that I would happily revisit, as the author has a wonderfully creative and visually evocative style.
This is a series I regularly recommend and will continue to do so well into the future.
A solid conclusion to this thrilling series! While I expected a bit more angst, Eclipsed Crown wrapped up the story quite neatly. The unexpected twists surrounding Dolenta's rise to power and the conspiracy behind it kept me on my toes. However, I would have loved to see more of the tension and arguments between Cassandra and Alex. My only other wish was for a more impactful resolution to the conspiracy and the scientists behind the hypermorph research, as well as a stronger conclusion to Leann and Ravi’s relationship. Despite these minor points, the series remains a gripping read with a captivating romantic undertone that makes it hard to put down.
This has been an incredible adventure and the author does a fantastic job with its conclusion. From book one I have been hooked and with each passing book, have found myself on the edge of my seat, enthralled, as we have followed Captain Leann’s journey in the stars. Set in incredible, descriptive and beautiful world building, protecting her precious cargo, there is now only three days left to get the princess onto the throne. Well paced, exciting with twists and turns and surprising revelations, questions are answered and our storyline is concluded and bought to a very satisfying end.
This series is really good—I’m so glad I picked it up. Honestly, the final book could have been split into three separate books to make it a five-book series. I found myself getting lost in all the names and the different races, which made things a bit confusing toward the end. That said, the author did a great job tying up all the loose ends. I just wish the story had been spread out over more books.
Read all three books as one. Space operas are rarely good romance novels but this trilogy is an exception. The story telling is good, the adventure and romance is fun and the characters are excellent. The sci fi was a little lacking in spots was easy to overlook because the story was so good. Biggest gripe, lasers are not projectile weapons!
Excellent final book of the series. Action galore as the enemy from the background is uncovered and the Kroz concentrate on working through the tumult of the emperor having been assassinated. Super read.
Welp, third book finished. I'm exhausted. So intense, unexpected, and so much love, humor and hope mixed in! A great trilogy I wasn't the least bit skipping words or pages, even tho I wanted to know what next!!! :) Now to start another by Ms. Bazzar....
Though described as space opera there is little singing. Leann, Ravi and the crew continue their adventures to overcome adversity of different sorts to save people while bringing criminals to justice.
Eh. I didn’t really care about the rapid fire action. No steam, not that that’s the biggest deal. This might have suffered some from me reading them back to back but I honestly don’t think that really changed anything.
Such a satisfying sci-fi journey. Is there more? Can there be more, please? Maybe a spin-off? There're many possibilities and so much more in thos world I would like to explore.
I was looking for a quick read but ended up grabbing all 3 books in the series. Well written with a good mix of adventure, romance and intrigue that progressed at a quick pace but still had plenty of description to keep my interest.