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Twenty Palaces #5
The Flood Circle: A Twenty Palaces Novel
The three original spellbooks, source of all magic in the world, have been found, and Ray Lilly has already “acquired” one. Now he and Annalise are on a historic mission to get the other two and they’re ready to kill anyone who gets in their way.
If they succeed, the Twenty Palace Society will become more powerful than it has ever been and could truly safeguard humanity from both extra-dimensional predators and the people who summon them.
But this time their enemies are more formidable than any they’ve ever faced before. What starts as a covert mission to hunt sorcerers quickly collapses into a desperate—and very public—struggle to survive. Can Ray and Annalise track down and kill these sorcerers before they execute a plan to drive the human race to the edge of extinction?
If they succeed, the Twenty Palace Society will become more powerful than it has ever been and could truly safeguard humanity from both extra-dimensional predators and the people who summon them.
But this time their enemies are more formidable than any they’ve ever faced before. What starts as a covert mission to hunt sorcerers quickly collapses into a desperate—and very public—struggle to survive. Can Ray and Annalise track down and kill these sorcerers before they execute a plan to drive the human race to the edge of extinction?
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First published October 29, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 6, 2022
I was really pleased to see Connolly put out another Twenty Palaces book so soon after the last one and I snatched it up right away and started reading it.
I still think this is one of the better urban fantasy series - some of the most original magical systems world-building. It also really amps up the stakes of the series, not just fighting a monster of the week but really a high level "what the predators want to do to earth." I appreciate how Ray has grown as a character and how this ties in to the last novel, Iron Gate. Did kind of make me want to re-read the whole series again.
Also really hoping the next book is in the pipeline!
I still think this is one of the better urban fantasy series - some of the most original magical systems world-building. It also really amps up the stakes of the series, not just fighting a monster of the week but really a high level "what the predators want to do to earth." I appreciate how Ray has grown as a character and how this ties in to the last novel, Iron Gate. Did kind of make me want to re-read the whole series again.
Also really hoping the next book is in the pipeline!
November 19, 2024
Wow! What a finish. I didn't expect such a change in scale for this series.
November 7, 2022
Great Escalation of the Twenty Palace Series!
A great new addition to Twenty Palaces, and a huge escalation in the tempo and stakes of the story. I particularly like that Connolly takes the time to show His character development, and as always, the action is fast-paced and well-directed.
Story-wise, this book really ups the existential threat level faced by Ray and Annaliese. Previous books had a bit of a "Monster of the Week" thing going, which only made sense, given that Rays job is literally to hunt monsters. This time however, the threats a bit more global in scale.
For characterization we have Ray dealing with the cumulative effects of his situation; His life is insane, and despite his protagonist status,
dealing with monsters and killing people is a great way to develop some serious PTSD.
I also really enjoyed how Annalise has grown over the last 2 books. little by little, she's grown more human, and the little queues that show it are well-done.
A great new addition to Twenty Palaces, and a huge escalation in the tempo and stakes of the story. I particularly like that Connolly takes the time to show His character development, and as always, the action is fast-paced and well-directed.
Story-wise, this book really ups the existential threat level faced by Ray and Annaliese. Previous books had a bit of a "Monster of the Week" thing going, which only made sense, given that Rays job is literally to hunt monsters. This time however, the threats a bit more global in scale.
For characterization we have Ray dealing with the cumulative effects of his situation; His life is insane, and despite his protagonist status,
dealing with monsters and killing people is a great way to develop some serious PTSD.
I also really enjoyed how Annalise has grown over the last 2 books. little by little, she's grown more human, and the little queues that show it are well-done.
November 5, 2022
Harrowing is right!
The other books edge between dark urban fantasy and horror, but this one goes solidly over the edge into horror. That said, it was an intense, compelling story that I had trouble putting down, and I’m vaguely ashamed of the fact that I loved the ending. I so can’t wait for the last one!
The other books edge between dark urban fantasy and horror, but this one goes solidly over the edge into horror. That said, it was an intense, compelling story that I had trouble putting down, and I’m vaguely ashamed of the fact that I loved the ending. I so can’t wait for the last one!
November 10, 2022
Ray Lilly and his boss Annalise hunt monsters for a living. Working for the Twenty Palaces Society doesn't make it any easier, especially when they keep a tight rein on their magic. There are three original spellbooks in the world, the source of all magic, and some crazy billionaire has been trying to find them. Ray and Annalise must not only try to hunt down this rogue sorcerer, but battle all the monsters he leaves in his wake. Ray might be realizing he's very tough to kill, but the rest of the human race isn't, and the monsters are hungry.
It's been a long time since I've read a Twenty Palaces novel, and I'm so happy to fall back into that dark world of magic and extra-dimensional predators. The story is told from Ray's point of view, and he's struggling with trying to hold onto his humanity as his magic and kill count increase. Add that struggle to the fact that more and more predators are being unleased. I hated the jerk of a billionaire from the start, and it was an amazing ride to watch his evil plans unfold. I especially liked seeing much more of Annalise, and getting a peek at what goes on inside her head as she and Ray spend way too much time together. This urban fantasy is gritty and gory and a standout in the genre. I can't wait for the next book!
It's been a long time since I've read a Twenty Palaces novel, and I'm so happy to fall back into that dark world of magic and extra-dimensional predators. The story is told from Ray's point of view, and he's struggling with trying to hold onto his humanity as his magic and kill count increase. Add that struggle to the fact that more and more predators are being unleased. I hated the jerk of a billionaire from the start, and it was an amazing ride to watch his evil plans unfold. I especially liked seeing much more of Annalise, and getting a peek at what goes on inside her head as she and Ray spend way too much time together. This urban fantasy is gritty and gory and a standout in the genre. I can't wait for the next book!
November 15, 2022
Even better than the last one!
Harry starts at a slow burn and ends in a 4 alarm fire! The groundwork he laid in his last book with his character development and obvious growth in his writing skills pays off in spades in this novel. Excellent work and a very worthy addition to the 20 Palaces saga. I hope he's got the next novel already in the works because it will be a day one purchase for me so that I can continue to see where he takes this story next.
Harry starts at a slow burn and ends in a 4 alarm fire! The groundwork he laid in his last book with his character development and obvious growth in his writing skills pays off in spades in this novel. Excellent work and a very worthy addition to the 20 Palaces saga. I hope he's got the next novel already in the works because it will be a day one purchase for me so that I can continue to see where he takes this story next.
November 27, 2022
Another excellent Twenty Palaces novel.
A nicely layered mystery that offers a big contrast to the small-town hijinks of the previous volume. The bigger it gets, the scarier it gets, and that doesn't let up straight through to the end.
In some ways, the finale didn't quite feel sufficiently earned, but the way it ends definitely has me wanting more.
A nicely layered mystery that offers a big contrast to the small-town hijinks of the previous volume. The bigger it gets, the scarier it gets, and that doesn't let up straight through to the end.
In some ways, the finale didn't quite feel sufficiently earned, but the way it ends definitely has me wanting more.
November 7, 2022
This book is so great! Most of the novels in this series (Twenty Palaces) start out as a cool, creepy mystery while the main character, Ray Lilly, figures out what's going on. Once he does, the action kicks into gear and it's spectacular, as he wipes out sorcerers and some very weird magical beings called predators with wits, relentlessness and only one spell of his own (and sometimes the help of his boss, Annalise, who is a bulldozer of killing but not as willing to do the smart or merciful thing as Ray is).
In this book, the action kicks in almost immediately because the baddie is onto Ray and Annalise, and outwitting them every step of the way. They have to investigate WHILE scrambling to stay alive and take out threats, and it makes for a spectacular book.
There are also some really fun Easter eggs, if you're someone tired of some of the political extremism and financial inequality in the United States right now. Some of those villains seem very familiar!
Verrry enjoyable, and a solidly-plotted, thick book too. I recommend this!
In this book, the action kicks in almost immediately because the baddie is onto Ray and Annalise, and outwitting them every step of the way. They have to investigate WHILE scrambling to stay alive and take out threats, and it makes for a spectacular book.
There are also some really fun Easter eggs, if you're someone tired of some of the political extremism and financial inequality in the United States right now. Some of those villains seem very familiar!
Verrry enjoyable, and a solidly-plotted, thick book too. I recommend this!
November 14, 2022
Wow! Action, action, action!
The Twenty Palaces novels are dirty, gritty, and different from any other urban fantasy you've read. Magic is difficult, ugly, and makes monsters out of the users. Connolly delivers another brilliant 20 Palaces novel, hard on the heels of his previous book.
Highly recommended
The Twenty Palaces novels are dirty, gritty, and different from any other urban fantasy you've read. Magic is difficult, ugly, and makes monsters out of the users. Connolly delivers another brilliant 20 Palaces novel, hard on the heels of his previous book.
Highly recommended
November 12, 2022
Best of the Series
And that's saying quite a bit. If you haven't already started the Twenty Palaces, do yourself a favor and buy them now.
And that's saying quite a bit. If you haven't already started the Twenty Palaces, do yourself a favor and buy them now.
November 7, 2022
HOLY HECK! Not what I was expecting, we have pivoted to the endgame. The stakes are high and our heroes are having a tough time. I cannot wait for the next book, and I do hope it will be a two-fer as I can't imagine wrapping all this up in one book.
I wish this series had gotten more public attention, I supported the KickStarter campaign that paid the author to write this and the last book, and will HAPPILY contribute for the next (2).
I wish this series had gotten more public attention, I supported the KickStarter campaign that paid the author to write this and the last book, and will HAPPILY contribute for the next (2).
October 16, 2023
I recently completed the fifth installment in Harry Connolly's Twenty Palaces series. While my initial enthusiasm for the series was strong, my current feeling is somewhat indifferent.
It's disappointing to realize that if I never discover what happens next, it wouldn't greatly affect me. This sentiment lingers after investing my time in all five books of the series.
The first book, "Child of Fire," was a remarkable start. It excelled in storytelling and pacing, earning a well-deserved starred review from Publishers Weekly and a spot on their top 100 books of 2009 list.
However, as I progressed through the subsequent books, I found them increasingly uninteresting. They felt sluggish, weighed down by excessive verbosity, and at times, they even became a bit of a chore to read.
By the end of the fifth book, I had almost reached a state of apathy. While I still appreciated the characters and the intricately crafted world that Connolly had built, books four and five lacked the vibrancy and vitality of the initial installment. It appears that the longer the series continues, the more it loses its initial appeal.
Should a sixth book be released, I will likely pick it up out of curiosity, but I'm not eagerly anticipating its arrival.
It's disappointing to realize that if I never discover what happens next, it wouldn't greatly affect me. This sentiment lingers after investing my time in all five books of the series.
The first book, "Child of Fire," was a remarkable start. It excelled in storytelling and pacing, earning a well-deserved starred review from Publishers Weekly and a spot on their top 100 books of 2009 list.
However, as I progressed through the subsequent books, I found them increasingly uninteresting. They felt sluggish, weighed down by excessive verbosity, and at times, they even became a bit of a chore to read.
By the end of the fifth book, I had almost reached a state of apathy. While I still appreciated the characters and the intricately crafted world that Connolly had built, books four and five lacked the vibrancy and vitality of the initial installment. It appears that the longer the series continues, the more it loses its initial appeal.
Should a sixth book be released, I will likely pick it up out of curiosity, but I'm not eagerly anticipating its arrival.
July 19, 2023
Still loving the hell out of this series! This latest installment is suitably epic in scope and kept me rapt from start to finish. Mr. Connolly's wit and flair place him head and shoulders above most other writers in this genre. This latest work, in addition to the customary thrills & chills of Ray and Annalise vs. all of the bad monsters, contains some deeply amusing and none-too-subtle swipes at MagaWorld mentality along with Zucker-level Silicon Valley malign weirdness. Unfortunately, the book contains the usual quota of bizarre and distracting typos: "I hate clothes at fit," instead of "that fit"; "... and how Hardy and Serrac are after you," instead of "now after you"; "debrief" instead of "brief"; "With a sign," instead of "With a sigh"; "... consider whether to say it aloud or now," instead of "... or not"; and, finally, these bolluxed phrasings: " ... the spell itself was had been cast on paper," and " This fight felt overwhelming in ways none of our previous jobs never had." Jeez, Harry! To quote that ancient sage, Archie Bell (of Archie Bell and the Drells), "Come on and tighten it up/ Tighten it up now/ You can do it!" Really, you can. Just proofread the damn thing!
January 27, 2023
Honestly, I was just so delighted when I found out that this series was continuing after a long hiatus (why aren't you people buying these books? - You need to do so immediately!)
At the very darkest end of urban fantasy with believable characters (who do actually grow within the stories). "Good" guys trying to prevent us all being eaten (literally and figuratively depending on the creature summoned) who aren't that good, but they're getting by.
This installment is more action oriented than the previous entry and is none the worse for that, you still get the intelligent world building and a few new characters thrown in, with a bit more background on the "Twenty Palaces" methodology.
Look, it's good, I just hope we get at least one more to probably finish off the series, certainly that's the set up. (The book does stand alone, but there is a cliff hanger of sorts - which I usually hate, but I'll forgive Connolly this time.)
At the very darkest end of urban fantasy with believable characters (who do actually grow within the stories). "Good" guys trying to prevent us all being eaten (literally and figuratively depending on the creature summoned) who aren't that good, but they're getting by.
This installment is more action oriented than the previous entry and is none the worse for that, you still get the intelligent world building and a few new characters thrown in, with a bit more background on the "Twenty Palaces" methodology.
Look, it's good, I just hope we get at least one more to probably finish off the series, certainly that's the set up. (The book does stand alone, but there is a cliff hanger of sorts - which I usually hate, but I'll forgive Connolly this time.)
June 16, 2023
Okay, I'm just gonna come out and say this. I'm gonna need all of you to start buying the Twenty Palaces books. It's a banger of a story. There's no obligatory romance/love triangle. It's full of real stakes and hard choices. The first four books set up the ways our protagonist is screwed and start to hint at why the entire secret organization is institutionally screwed and why they're likely to lose unless something changes really soon. And Flood Circle, the fifth book, drops the bomb to bring all those troubles home. The last two books were funded by a kickstarter, and they end with a hell of a cliffhanger. But for some reason these books are not selling. So I need you to pick up the slack so I can find out what happens.
September 18, 2023
Okay, so I had only read the first book until recently - I bought the first three, heard that the series was cancelled, then I needed something to read and I found the second and third book in the series hiding in my house. So, I decided to read it.
I was so happy when I discovered there were a fourth and fifth book - this book was damn good. I need a sixth book now because holy CRAP I love the world of this series - people must not be reading Mr. Connolly if he got dropped by his publisher since his worldbuilding is great, along with the magic in his universe.
5/5 - everyone needs to read this if they enjoy urban fantasy
I was so happy when I discovered there were a fourth and fifth book - this book was damn good. I need a sixth book now because holy CRAP I love the world of this series - people must not be reading Mr. Connolly if he got dropped by his publisher since his worldbuilding is great, along with the magic in his universe.
5/5 - everyone needs to read this if they enjoy urban fantasy
November 27, 2022
It drives me mad that five books in,
And the only reasons I can see for it is extra-textual, i.e. , most of the tension would be gone without the author raising the stakes. Inside the story, though, I don't get it.
Beyond that niggling concern, these are consistently good.
And the only reasons I can see for it is extra-textual, i.e. , most of the tension would be gone without the author raising the stakes. Inside the story, though, I don't get it.
Beyond that niggling concern, these are consistently good.
November 17, 2022
Another excellent installment in this series.
This one was a fast paced ride toward a cliff. It had all the signature motifs of the series but Connolly is definitely pulling it towards a conclusion. In this book we are firmly in the modern day so our magical monster hunters have to deal with a world where social media, idiot techbros and internet infamy are a thing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this so don't read anything into a short review. Recommended.
This one was a fast paced ride toward a cliff. It had all the signature motifs of the series but Connolly is definitely pulling it towards a conclusion. In this book we are firmly in the modern day so our magical monster hunters have to deal with a world where social media, idiot techbros and internet infamy are a thing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this so don't read anything into a short review. Recommended.
January 4, 2023
Right from the jump, the bad guys from the end of the last book are on the trail of Ray and Annalise. No calm before the storm in this book, it just leaps right into action. It seems like an entity to be named later has possession of 2 of the 3 original spellbooks and they want the third from Ray and Annalise.
The book runs at a breakneck pace pretty much through the length of it. The main reason for only 4 stars is that it ends on a cliffhanger, how annoying.
The book runs at a breakneck pace pretty much through the length of it. The main reason for only 4 stars is that it ends on a cliffhanger, how annoying.
March 27, 2023
An excellent read.
This story was great, just like all Harry Connolly's Twenty Palaces stories. The editing, however, was terrible. I normally find very few errors in his publications. I don't know if he changed editors or if they were just in a hurry to get this book published, but I say, slow down and get it right. This is the first time I've ever had to give him less than five stars.
This story was great, just like all Harry Connolly's Twenty Palaces stories. The editing, however, was terrible. I normally find very few errors in his publications. I don't know if he changed editors or if they were just in a hurry to get this book published, but I say, slow down and get it right. This is the first time I've ever had to give him less than five stars.
August 21, 2023
Weakest entry in this series, and that's after the scooby doo hijinks of the previous book. Humans don't act the way some of the ones in this book do, and in some books that wouldn't be a problem, but this series set itself up with a gritty realism premise and that's now just gone out the window. Not holding out much hope for the conclusion, if it comes. Unless you’re really invested in the world already, avoid. At this point I can no longer recommend this series.
November 17, 2022
Action-Packed Twenty Palaces Novel
Another great addition to the storyline with Ray and Annalise. Great pacing and numerous revelations pave the way for what's to come. Hoping Harry Connolly can pull a rabbit out his hat and produce the next book before the year is out (he spoiled us with two books in two months this year).
Another great addition to the storyline with Ray and Annalise. Great pacing and numerous revelations pave the way for what's to come. Hoping Harry Connolly can pull a rabbit out his hat and produce the next book before the year is out (he spoiled us with two books in two months this year).
November 20, 2022
One of the stronger books in the series, in my opinion. With the end of the series in sight Connolly is unleashing havoc and irrevocable changes upon the world. Reminds me of what Charles Stross is doing with the Laundry Files. Really looking forward to the finale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2023
OK, I read this very slowly, but in my defense it's the last one written! Now there are no more Twenty Palace books. This is sad.
Also it was very scary. Ray got hurt a lot. He found out a lot. And Connolly managed to raise the stakes in several different directions. Did I mention there aren't more written yet? Yikes!
This is a great series from a vastly underappreciated author.
Also it was very scary. Ray got hurt a lot. He found out a lot. And Connolly managed to raise the stakes in several different directions. Did I mention there aren't more written yet? Yikes!
This is a great series from a vastly underappreciated author.
November 21, 2022
I absolutely love this series, and recommend them. However, this book is book 5 of a 6 book series, and just dropped. It has a bit of a cliffhanger ending. So you may want to sit pat for a while if you are the kind of person who likes consuming all at once.
December 7, 2022
Fast-paced.
Can't get enough of Ray & Annalise. The story line is tight and although it moves quickly one cannot help but be drawn into the plot. Waiting for the next book to come out is the only complaint.
Can't get enough of Ray & Annalise. The story line is tight and although it moves quickly one cannot help but be drawn into the plot. Waiting for the next book to come out is the only complaint.
June 27, 2023
This book has far more of a cliffhanger ending than many of the others. It is still really good, but just a heads up for those that would be bothered by loose ends. The pacing felt a little slower to me, but I still enjoyed it, and already looking forward to the next one!
November 7, 2022
Amazing!
Another great book in a fantastic series. Ray is one of the best characters in this genre. Can't wait for the next book!
Another great book in a fantastic series. Ray is one of the best characters in this genre. Can't wait for the next book!
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November 15, 2022These books have always been sort of dark, but the torture scene was close to my limit in this one.
February 21, 2023
great series
Really happy this series is back. One of the better examples of this genre. Looking forward to reading the next one.
Really happy this series is back. One of the better examples of this genre. Looking forward to reading the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews