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A Pandoran Novel #4
Heir of Pendel
Newer edition of this book. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Daria has fled to Orindor. She's left the man she loves to accept a marriage proposal from a man she doesn't, hoping to save the people of Gaia from her tyrant uncle. She needs the forces that Lord Danton Pontefract's hand in marriage will provide, and she's running out of time. Her uncle's army of shadowguard have laid siege to the castle of Valdon--where Stefan resides.
Meanwhile, Alexander Del Conte, with Thaddeus and Vera in tow, fights to rally what's left of a broken people in order to lead them in battle against Eris's shadowguard.
But Gaia is just a piece of what Eris wants. And if he isn't stopped, he'll turn his armies toward Earth.
Daria has fled to Orindor. She's left the man she loves to accept a marriage proposal from a man she doesn't, hoping to save the people of Gaia from her tyrant uncle. She needs the forces that Lord Danton Pontefract's hand in marriage will provide, and she's running out of time. Her uncle's army of shadowguard have laid siege to the castle of Valdon--where Stefan resides.
Meanwhile, Alexander Del Conte, with Thaddeus and Vera in tow, fights to rally what's left of a broken people in order to lead them in battle against Eris's shadowguard.
But Gaia is just a piece of what Eris wants. And if he isn't stopped, he'll turn his armies toward Earth.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
708 pages, Unknown Binding
First published May 1, 2015
33 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Kloss
16 books587 followersBarbara Kloss loves adventures, and finds them through reading, writing, trekking through the wilderness, and gaming—though she doesn't consider herself a gamer. She just happens to like video games. RPGs, specifically. She’s also a bit of a fitness enthusiast, a classically-trained pianist, and she believes that maintaining balance in life is a good thing (coffee excluded).
Barbara studied biochemistry at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA, and worked for years as a clinical laboratory scientist. She was lured there by mental images of colorful bubbling liquids in glass beakers. She was deceived.
She currently lives in northern California, with her gorgeous husband, three babies, and pup. Author of the award-winning Gaia’s Secret Series, and SPFBO4 finalist, The Gods of Men.
Sign up for Barbara's Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/barbara...
www.barbarakloss.com
contact@barbarakloss.com
Barbara studied biochemistry at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA, and worked for years as a clinical laboratory scientist. She was lured there by mental images of colorful bubbling liquids in glass beakers. She was deceived.
She currently lives in northern California, with her gorgeous husband, three babies, and pup. Author of the award-winning Gaia’s Secret Series, and SPFBO4 finalist, The Gods of Men.
Sign up for Barbara's Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/barbara...
www.barbarakloss.com
contact@barbarakloss.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 23, 2015
This was the PERFECT final book to this amazing series.
The whole book is a maze of twists and surprises that keep you furiously turning the pages to find out what happens at the end. You WON'T see this ending coming. I promise.
This is the perfect continuation of Daria's growth as a character, and I wish there was going to be another book so I could read more about what she's doing "after"! There aren't many protagonists I find myself wanting to actually be friends with, and Daria is one of them. I don't know how I'm going to fill the whole she's leaving in my (reading) life!
As a HUGE Thad fan, I can also say that I was VERY pleased at his role in this final installment. I don't think I could ever have enough Thad.
I really can't speak highly enough of this book. Fans of Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series need to read this one. The cast of characters, the twists, the subplots, it's all perfect! The growth of these characters throughout the series is portrayed SO well/realistically and it's fun looking back to where they started in book 1 vs where they end up in the final chapter of Heir of Pendel.
Read this book. You won't be disappointed.
The whole book is a maze of twists and surprises that keep you furiously turning the pages to find out what happens at the end. You WON'T see this ending coming. I promise.
This is the perfect continuation of Daria's growth as a character, and I wish there was going to be another book so I could read more about what she's doing "after"! There aren't many protagonists I find myself wanting to actually be friends with, and Daria is one of them. I don't know how I'm going to fill the whole she's leaving in my (reading) life!
As a HUGE Thad fan, I can also say that I was VERY pleased at his role in this final installment. I don't think I could ever have enough Thad.
I really can't speak highly enough of this book. Fans of Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series need to read this one. The cast of characters, the twists, the subplots, it's all perfect! The growth of these characters throughout the series is portrayed SO well/realistically and it's fun looking back to where they started in book 1 vs where they end up in the final chapter of Heir of Pendel.
Read this book. You won't be disappointed.
January 18, 2016
You know that feeling when your emotions have been put in a blender and pulverized? And then just when you start to feel the spinning stop, someone hits pulse again? This book is that blender. I experienced every emotion to the extreme throughout these pages. I cried - a lot. I laughed - there's a lot more humor in this one than the first three. I smiled. I got angry- oh, boy did I get angry. At one point I was cursing the authors name because I was so traumatized by what I thought had happened.
It was a ride, that's for sure. Daria thinks she can save her kingdom by agreeing to marry Danton. Everyone is under the assumption that she'll be safe in Orinder when in reality, nowhere is safe anymore. Her story is full of unexpected allies and a journey to save a world that may not be able to be saved.
While she's discovering what she needs to defeat the enemy, Alex - armed with the new knowledge of his family - must travel to earth in search of the one thing that could help him be who he is meant to be. I loved seeing Vera and Thad go to earth for the first time. I couldn't stop laughing at some parts when they saw things like cars for the first time.
There are so many parts to this book that are all leading in the same direction until they converge for the final show down. Once again, Ms. Kloss trapped me in her own mind in a story that I couldn't get out of until I finished. It was the perfect final book. The kind of book that you stay up late reading because you always have the energy for just one more page. I don't think I've read a fantasy that has so ensnared me since Robin Hobb's books. Truly a fantastic series. I loved every page.
It was a ride, that's for sure. Daria thinks she can save her kingdom by agreeing to marry Danton. Everyone is under the assumption that she'll be safe in Orinder when in reality, nowhere is safe anymore. Her story is full of unexpected allies and a journey to save a world that may not be able to be saved.
While she's discovering what she needs to defeat the enemy, Alex - armed with the new knowledge of his family - must travel to earth in search of the one thing that could help him be who he is meant to be. I loved seeing Vera and Thad go to earth for the first time. I couldn't stop laughing at some parts when they saw things like cars for the first time.
There are so many parts to this book that are all leading in the same direction until they converge for the final show down. Once again, Ms. Kloss trapped me in her own mind in a story that I couldn't get out of until I finished. It was the perfect final book. The kind of book that you stay up late reading because you always have the energy for just one more page. I don't think I've read a fantasy that has so ensnared me since Robin Hobb's books. Truly a fantastic series. I loved every page.
April 9, 2015
So. This book. I was super excited to get to read a pre-publication copy of this, because I love Barbara Kloss's writing, and I love the way she weaves stories. And this one was a fantastic end to a fantastic series. Barbara always manages to surprise me in her books--there's always something that happens and I don't see it coming, and I love that. It's hard for books to surprise me. And in this book, she threw me for a loop not once but twice, and it was fabulous. There were so many threads and plots to tie up, and Barbara wound them in and out of each other beautifully, and brought the story around in a very unexpected circle. Bravo to Barbara on a fun, thought out, and well-rounded series. I'm so glad I got to read it!
July 22, 2015
4.5/5.0
The plot set out in "Heir of Pendel" truly thickens with each chapter and the introduction of a vast variety of enchanting characters.
Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The plot set out in "Heir of Pendel" truly thickens with each chapter and the introduction of a vast variety of enchanting characters.
Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 12, 2015
I just finished Heir of Pendel and I’ve got to say, IT WAS SPECTACULAR! Ms. Kloss painted a beautiful world that felt vibrant and alive and her character development was superb. I love that Heir of Pendel was consistent with the previous book’s characters and world development; the author kept readers interested and didn’t bring in weird new things that distracted from the main story, which I think way too many authors end up doing when they write a series. I was really impressed with the whole Pandoran series but Heir of Pendel was my favorite for a few reasons, which I’ll break down below:
1. Daria does a lot of maturing in Heir of Pendel. She faces many challenges, both emotionally and physically, and she really grows into her character. She’s still head strong and stubborn but she’s learned a lot from her past experiences and is both more confident but also more cautious when it comes to making important decisions; it’s nice to see this side of her.
2. Alex and Daria have an adorable relationship and I loved watching them finally be able to truly be together in Heir of Pendel. There were some steamy scenes that were HOT, HOT, HOT but Ms. Kloss definitely kept the emotions about love and didn’t get too grown up with the bedroom stuff (just a bit of a bummer… LOL!). Alex is the best male interest I’ve read in a long time. He’s dark and brooding with those bright and intense green eyes, and even with all that distracting hotness he still has a very well developed moral compass (and back muscles, I bet).
3. THAD. I know everybody has their own favorites but Thad, oh Thad, why aren’t you in my life right now?! Thad was written so well! I loved his witty lines and his annoying sarcasm. He’s a perfect character to have in a story like this and provides the necessary comedic relief to prevent things from getting too serious.
4. Thad and Vera! I don’t want to give too much away… you’ll just have to read it! ☺
5. Thad, Alex, and Vera visit Earth and it’s HILARIOUS! If you didn’t love Thad before, you will totally love him when you read about him on Earth (or, you may want to throw him out the airplane window…). The dynamic of these three friends during these chapters is so well written and made me wish (not for the first time) that somebody make this a movie or TV series someday!
6. The ending of Heir of Pendel was amazing. I was worrying throughout the book about how things would end and, I don’t want to give too much away, but Ms. Kloss ended her series very, very well. I was surprised to find that she totally surprised me (which doesn’t happen often)! There’s a lot of sadness but also a lot of joy and hope for the future when you finally turn that last page.
All in all, I’m so sad that this amazing series is finished! I’ve enjoyed every moment of Daria’s journey, starting with the first time her fingers touched the globe in the hidden room of the Del Conte’s library. Heir of Pendel was the most perfect ending to a most perfect story and I’m sure I’ll re-read the whole series multiple times throughout my life. I LOVED this book and can’t wait for whatever comes next from the talented Barbara Kloss!
1. Daria does a lot of maturing in Heir of Pendel. She faces many challenges, both emotionally and physically, and she really grows into her character. She’s still head strong and stubborn but she’s learned a lot from her past experiences and is both more confident but also more cautious when it comes to making important decisions; it’s nice to see this side of her.
2. Alex and Daria have an adorable relationship and I loved watching them finally be able to truly be together in Heir of Pendel. There were some steamy scenes that were HOT, HOT, HOT but Ms. Kloss definitely kept the emotions about love and didn’t get too grown up with the bedroom stuff (just a bit of a bummer… LOL!). Alex is the best male interest I’ve read in a long time. He’s dark and brooding with those bright and intense green eyes, and even with all that distracting hotness he still has a very well developed moral compass (and back muscles, I bet).
3. THAD. I know everybody has their own favorites but Thad, oh Thad, why aren’t you in my life right now?! Thad was written so well! I loved his witty lines and his annoying sarcasm. He’s a perfect character to have in a story like this and provides the necessary comedic relief to prevent things from getting too serious.
4. Thad and Vera! I don’t want to give too much away… you’ll just have to read it! ☺
5. Thad, Alex, and Vera visit Earth and it’s HILARIOUS! If you didn’t love Thad before, you will totally love him when you read about him on Earth (or, you may want to throw him out the airplane window…). The dynamic of these three friends during these chapters is so well written and made me wish (not for the first time) that somebody make this a movie or TV series someday!
6. The ending of Heir of Pendel was amazing. I was worrying throughout the book about how things would end and, I don’t want to give too much away, but Ms. Kloss ended her series very, very well. I was surprised to find that she totally surprised me (which doesn’t happen often)! There’s a lot of sadness but also a lot of joy and hope for the future when you finally turn that last page.
All in all, I’m so sad that this amazing series is finished! I’ve enjoyed every moment of Daria’s journey, starting with the first time her fingers touched the globe in the hidden room of the Del Conte’s library. Heir of Pendel was the most perfect ending to a most perfect story and I’m sure I’ll re-read the whole series multiple times throughout my life. I LOVED this book and can’t wait for whatever comes next from the talented Barbara Kloss!
August 11, 2015
Oh wow! This book was so amazing. I honestly loved every minute of it. There's not much I can say about what happens without spoiling anything but just take my word for it, you need to read this book!
If you like fantasy books this series has everything you could want. There's plenty of magic, a wide variety of interesting species and characters, betrayal, and plenty of action. I really can't think of one single thing that would have made this series any better for me. It had everything I wanted.
First of all the characters are so well thought out and their growth throughout the series is wonderful. The main character Daria is by far one of my favorite female characters of all time. She is spunky and strong-willed but still has internal struggle that makes her entirely relatable. And Alex besides being totally swoon-worthy is an equally well developed character. He is everything that you could want in a heroic male leading character but is still entirely human. I love the struggle that he and Daria both have between their sense of responsibility and getting what they want out of life. I loved both perspectives equally and I was cheering them both on from page 1 until the very end. Even the progression of the side characters in this series was great. More than one character in this series I liked, then hated, and then loved. It was such a great representation of the fact that very few people are entirely good or bad.
Speaking of endings, this book definitely has some George R R Martin type tendencies when it comes to killing off characters. But I felt that their deaths where dealt with in the right way and the other characters' reactions to those deaths was entirely realistic for the situation. I was very happy with the way they were handled in this series. And as for the ending I don't know that I could have come up with a better one myself. This was one of those books where I couldn't predict what would happen but after it did it felt right.
The writing of this series is also wonderful. It's so immersive that you really feel like you are inside the world of Gaia. There weren't any points where the writing pulled me out of the story which is rare for me.
I could gush over this series for ages but in an effort to keep this review a manageable length I will just say one thing. Read this series! This is most definitely my favorite series I have read this year and while I'm sad that it's over I am entirely satisfied.
I was given this particular book in exchange for an honest review. And this has been my very honest opinion. I bought the other books in this series on my own and had every intension of buying this one before it was sent to me. I love this series enough that while I have it on my e-reader I will be buying it in physical form to go on my favorites shelf. Barbara Kloss has earned a fan and I will be reading whatever she puts out in the future.
If you like fantasy books this series has everything you could want. There's plenty of magic, a wide variety of interesting species and characters, betrayal, and plenty of action. I really can't think of one single thing that would have made this series any better for me. It had everything I wanted.
First of all the characters are so well thought out and their growth throughout the series is wonderful. The main character Daria is by far one of my favorite female characters of all time. She is spunky and strong-willed but still has internal struggle that makes her entirely relatable. And Alex besides being totally swoon-worthy is an equally well developed character. He is everything that you could want in a heroic male leading character but is still entirely human. I love the struggle that he and Daria both have between their sense of responsibility and getting what they want out of life. I loved both perspectives equally and I was cheering them both on from page 1 until the very end. Even the progression of the side characters in this series was great. More than one character in this series I liked, then hated, and then loved. It was such a great representation of the fact that very few people are entirely good or bad.
Speaking of endings, this book definitely has some George R R Martin type tendencies when it comes to killing off characters. But I felt that their deaths where dealt with in the right way and the other characters' reactions to those deaths was entirely realistic for the situation. I was very happy with the way they were handled in this series. And as for the ending I don't know that I could have come up with a better one myself. This was one of those books where I couldn't predict what would happen but after it did it felt right.
The writing of this series is also wonderful. It's so immersive that you really feel like you are inside the world of Gaia. There weren't any points where the writing pulled me out of the story which is rare for me.
I could gush over this series for ages but in an effort to keep this review a manageable length I will just say one thing. Read this series! This is most definitely my favorite series I have read this year and while I'm sad that it's over I am entirely satisfied.
I was given this particular book in exchange for an honest review. And this has been my very honest opinion. I bought the other books in this series on my own and had every intension of buying this one before it was sent to me. I love this series enough that while I have it on my e-reader I will be buying it in physical form to go on my favorites shelf. Barbara Kloss has earned a fan and I will be reading whatever she puts out in the future.
April 17, 2015
This series ends with a BANG! All of the characters have intense, defining journeys that add more depth to the their relationships and the plot. Especially with Daria, you can see a gradual/ realistic difference in her emotional maturity and confidence from book one to book 4.
Shocked by Daria's actual agreement to go through with marrying Danton, and in the thick of war, there really is a picture of hopelessness painted from the beginning. And you wonder how in the world anything is going to be solved, which had me hooked right away (even more so than the other books!)
Thad adds nice comic relief to the story, I couldn't get enough of him. You really get to know the dark side of Danton and his family, as well as the even better side of loyal Alex...especially when it comes to Daria. I crave romance in YA fantasy and thankfully I was not left hanging! There are some surprises, but thankfully no loose ends are left untied! One of the most satisfying aspects of this tale is the fact I thought I knew what was going to happen next, but was truly caught off guard with some great twists. Especially the ending, which I completely think is perfect for this series without being in any way predictable at all! Really cleverly done. I was not disappointed!!
Shocked by Daria's actual agreement to go through with marrying Danton, and in the thick of war, there really is a picture of hopelessness painted from the beginning. And you wonder how in the world anything is going to be solved, which had me hooked right away (even more so than the other books!)
Thad adds nice comic relief to the story, I couldn't get enough of him. You really get to know the dark side of Danton and his family, as well as the even better side of loyal Alex...especially when it comes to Daria. I crave romance in YA fantasy and thankfully I was not left hanging! There are some surprises, but thankfully no loose ends are left untied! One of the most satisfying aspects of this tale is the fact I thought I knew what was going to happen next, but was truly caught off guard with some great twists. Especially the ending, which I completely think is perfect for this series without being in any way predictable at all! Really cleverly done. I was not disappointed!!
August 4, 2015
What a finish! I am now officially depressed that this series is over. Kloss makes a strong finish in the Pandoran series with Heir of Pendel. I was on the edge of my seat for this ENTIRE book. Don't get me wrong - all of these books are page turners. But this H.O.P. is a spectacular ending to this series that rivals some of the best fantasy series out there. The character development is impeccable and the storyline is so perfectly twisted that I am sad that there isn't more to read. If you haven't started this book, or this series for that matter, RUN and get started ASAP. This is definitely one of my all time favorite reads!
April 26, 2015
I really love this series! The story, the magical world, the characters, the subtle foreshadowing . . . I've thoroughly enjoyed all of it.
And what a book this was. Whew! I'm normally a tad wary of alternating POVs but it works well in Heir of Pendel. The story is compelling no matter who is narrating. Lots of action and emotion. The plot and subplots all come together like pieces of a puzzle. It's obvious that careful consideration went into character development throughout the series. And I think I've finally decided that Thad is my favorite. Alex is a steadfast gentleman but Thad's wit and candor are incomparable! (Thad's experiences on Earth are reason enough to read this one! He's hilarious!) Heir of Pendel had me hooked from start to finish. If time had allowed, I probably would've read it straight through without stopping. A fitting finale to an amazing series!
And what a book this was. Whew! I'm normally a tad wary of alternating POVs but it works well in Heir of Pendel. The story is compelling no matter who is narrating. Lots of action and emotion. The plot and subplots all come together like pieces of a puzzle. It's obvious that careful consideration went into character development throughout the series. And I think I've finally decided that Thad is my favorite. Alex is a steadfast gentleman but Thad's wit and candor are incomparable! (Thad's experiences on Earth are reason enough to read this one! He's hilarious!) Heir of Pendel had me hooked from start to finish. If time had allowed, I probably would've read it straight through without stopping. A fitting finale to an amazing series!
April 30, 2016
The ending of this amazing series completely blew me away! I loved the way you (Barbara Kloss) tied up your writing magic, it was perfectly unseeable! It isn't something I as a reader can claim and for that, I thank you. I feel like I got to live out all my Gaia adventures, even if they were only in my head! Everything about your story sucked me in and kept me wanting more. I loved the way all the characters grew into their roles and how your style of writing fit each of them. You also did an amazing job killing off main characters and making my heart weep a little with each of them. Villains and heroes were made a new. Even though I wish the train ride never ended, I'm happy to report it's one of the best series I've read in a very long time. I'd recommend your work to anyone in a heart beat!
April 19, 2015
*ARC received from author in exchange for honest an review*
Dude. Dude. Duuuuuuuude. Let just say it took some time to recover from this book because I got so attached. My heart actually ached! I found myself putting off this book because I was dreading the end. I didnt want it to be over!
Be that as it may, I got through it and BK did not disappoint. What an amazing series! No one writes a fight scene like BK. Had me going, oh damn. Shit just got real.
All in all I give this book a very enthusiastic 5 stars*****
Dude. Dude. Duuuuuuuude. Let just say it took some time to recover from this book because I got so attached. My heart actually ached! I found myself putting off this book because I was dreading the end. I didnt want it to be over!
Be that as it may, I got through it and BK did not disappoint. What an amazing series! No one writes a fight scene like BK. Had me going, oh damn. Shit just got real.
All in all I give this book a very enthusiastic 5 stars*****
June 8, 2015
I could not put any of Ms. Kloss' books down, I was so captivated I dreamt of the characters. The 3rd and 4th books are my favorites but more so because the chemistry and bond between Daria and Alex strengthens and they have such a sweet love. I was surprised with some of the deaths, but it leads to reality during wars I suppose. I cannot wait to see what other books Barbara Kloss writes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2015
Yes! Yes! Yes!! Perfect ending! I am so satisfied with this series, nothing was missed. Thank you Barbara!
fantasy-scifi-dysto-ya
July 12, 2015For a star rating and review please see InD'tale magazine online, July/August 2015 issue http://www.indtale.com/reviews/young-...
October 27, 2015
an epic ending to an epic story! i barely put down this last book. That is 1800+ pages of Pandoran fiction that I really enjoyed. Great job Barbara!
April 7, 2020
This series has been a delight. The action is fast paced and intense. The is not just a single protagonist and each of the several protagonists reveals its actions and thoughts in their own chapters. As a result the reader gets a broader and more personal sense of the character of each of these individuals. This strategy requires the reader to pay closer attention to the various plot lines and events in the novel (and the series). Two individuals could be called the prime protagonists, Daria and Alex. Throughout the story the romance between these two is a primary and tension filled relationship.
This fantasy involves inter-dimensional travel, different species, including dragons and magic. Daria and Alex grow up together but are really from another world, Gaia. In fact, and unknown to Daria, both her and Alex are of royal blood on Gaia but were sequestered away on earth for their own protection. Daria is shocked to learn that she can generate magic (read earlier books in the series for the complete story).
The dialogue is filled with humor and light banter between and among several of the colorful characters. Readers come to care and root for the people who populate the story.
The ending is satisfying but that satisfaction is not guaranteed and comes as a hugh sigh of relief at the conclusion.
This fantasy involves inter-dimensional travel, different species, including dragons and magic. Daria and Alex grow up together but are really from another world, Gaia. In fact, and unknown to Daria, both her and Alex are of royal blood on Gaia but were sequestered away on earth for their own protection. Daria is shocked to learn that she can generate magic (read earlier books in the series for the complete story).
The dialogue is filled with humor and light banter between and among several of the colorful characters. Readers come to care and root for the people who populate the story.
The ending is satisfying but that satisfaction is not guaranteed and comes as a hugh sigh of relief at the conclusion.
November 30, 2017
Wonderful
What an explosive end to Daria bad Alex's story. I really like how it all came together, although I was impatient the whole time to see them together. And Daria showed so much strength to go through and realize what had to be done.
What an explosive end to Daria bad Alex's story. I really like how it all came together, although I was impatient the whole time to see them together. And Daria showed so much strength to go through and realize what had to be done.
January 4, 2020
Finished. And sad to part with this series. Thaddeus is sooooooo funny and he is definitely a highlight and a hard not to love character in this final book. Barbara Kloss is a such a good story teller and I would recommend this series to anyone who like books by Jennifer Ann Davis and Elise kova.
August 7, 2019
A fitting finale to this amazing tale, although there is also a tragic ending for some.
December 23, 2019
You will love it. The time and dedication put forth in creating this series is very evident.
March 7, 2021
So beautiful
This book is amazing. So full of love, life, and sorrow. Brings tears of joy and dread that i finished this amazing series.
This book is amazing. So full of love, life, and sorrow. Brings tears of joy and dread that i finished this amazing series.
April 9, 2021
I absolutely loved this series. The ending was perfect but I wish there was just one more book showing how all the important characters adjusted to their new lives.
June 3, 2021
The final book of the series was good. Not necessarily my favorite ending, but real world isn't all 100% HEA. The plot continued to pull me through and ultimately I was okay with how everything turned out. I was most disappointed by the lack of romantic closure. Alex and Daria had a few "almost" moments, and then in the end......
****** spoiler alert*****
....... nothing! It wasn't even something that was glossed over. This was my first read from this author, so I didn't know what to expect on the romance side, and I was most definitely disappointed by that.
****** spoiler alert*****
....... nothing! It wasn't even something that was glossed over. This was my first read from this author, so I didn't know what to expect on the romance side, and I was most definitely disappointed by that.
April 15, 2016
Wow.
Heir of Pendel is the action-packed conclusion to the Pandoran series, and let me just say, this could not have ended any better. The first three books have built up to this, and damn, I am a full-fledged member of Team Dalex. Seriously, Daria and Alexander are pretty much everything in a hero and heroine that you could possibly ask for.
I won't go too much into the plot, as others have done that and this was a whopping huge book. Here is what I loved the most.
1. Thad. OMG. The guy you love to hate became the guy you hate to love. He is the perfect mix of hero and comic foil, and I dare you not to adore him.
2. Thad and Vera. The hate-love-mostly-hate relationship between these two just jumped off the page. I swear, you could turn their relationship into a drinking game! (Do a shot every time she punches him. You'll be plastered a dozen times over.)
3. Dragons. Lots of dragons. 'Nuff said.
4. Car chase. Yes, the trip to Earth was worth the price of admission alone.
5. The ending. Man. I thought the battle of Helm's Deep was big. This was EPIC. With a capital "E" ten stories high.
So now it's over. All the wonderful characters, good, bad and ambiguous, is complete. It's bittersweet knowing that it's all done, just like I'm sure you all felt when you turned the last page on LOTR or Narnia or HP or The Hunger Games. But all good things come to an end, and the Pandoran series has been, for me, a thrill ride unlike any I've ever experienced. So if you're reading this review and have never read so much as a word of the series, go download Gaia's Secret and start reading. You won't be sorry you did.
Heir of Pendel is the action-packed conclusion to the Pandoran series, and let me just say, this could not have ended any better. The first three books have built up to this, and damn, I am a full-fledged member of Team Dalex. Seriously, Daria and Alexander are pretty much everything in a hero and heroine that you could possibly ask for.
I won't go too much into the plot, as others have done that and this was a whopping huge book. Here is what I loved the most.
1. Thad. OMG. The guy you love to hate became the guy you hate to love. He is the perfect mix of hero and comic foil, and I dare you not to adore him.
2. Thad and Vera. The hate-love-mostly-hate relationship between these two just jumped off the page. I swear, you could turn their relationship into a drinking game! (Do a shot every time she punches him. You'll be plastered a dozen times over.)
3. Dragons. Lots of dragons. 'Nuff said.
4. Car chase. Yes, the trip to Earth was worth the price of admission alone.
5. The ending. Man. I thought the battle of Helm's Deep was big. This was EPIC. With a capital "E" ten stories high.
So now it's over. All the wonderful characters, good, bad and ambiguous, is complete. It's bittersweet knowing that it's all done, just like I'm sure you all felt when you turned the last page on LOTR or Narnia or HP or The Hunger Games. But all good things come to an end, and the Pandoran series has been, for me, a thrill ride unlike any I've ever experienced. So if you're reading this review and have never read so much as a word of the series, go download Gaia's Secret and start reading. You won't be sorry you did.
February 23, 2016
wow.
that was invigorating yet exhausting.
i loved having different POV every few chapters. the characters did sound different and completely themselves, which was wonderful.
nothing was too obvious or too vague, with just enough insight to guess and hope, but always doubt, and really enjoy the ride...
i really hope there are at least a few novellas from other POVs... possibly Eris before Daria, Danton after Daria, Isla or Vera period. there were so many fleshed out characters that i loved immediately and want more of!!!
this series was so unexpected but has become a true part of me forever... like the Grisha triology or Graceling... there may be magic and monsters but people are the real wildcard.
still a few obvious editing mistakes, even one in the last few chapters, but not as bad, and the story was so amazing i am forgoing my own rule and giving this 5 stars.
besides some disgusting "chivalry" on alex's part, even the love stories were great... THIS IS WHAT TEENS SHOULD READ INSTEAD OF TWILIGHT. There's still an unknown, secret world, a teenage girl is thrust into it, family and friends become intermingled and confusing, power corrupts, fighting and sacrifice are necessary to protect lives and freedom... you're welcome. (and thanks barbara kloss)
that was invigorating yet exhausting.
i loved having different POV every few chapters. the characters did sound different and completely themselves, which was wonderful.
nothing was too obvious or too vague, with just enough insight to guess and hope, but always doubt, and really enjoy the ride...
i really hope there are at least a few novellas from other POVs... possibly Eris before Daria, Danton after Daria, Isla or Vera period. there were so many fleshed out characters that i loved immediately and want more of!!!
this series was so unexpected but has become a true part of me forever... like the Grisha triology or Graceling... there may be magic and monsters but people are the real wildcard.
still a few obvious editing mistakes, even one in the last few chapters, but not as bad, and the story was so amazing i am forgoing my own rule and giving this 5 stars.
besides some disgusting "chivalry" on alex's part, even the love stories were great... THIS IS WHAT TEENS SHOULD READ INSTEAD OF TWILIGHT. There's still an unknown, secret world, a teenage girl is thrust into it, family and friends become intermingled and confusing, power corrupts, fighting and sacrifice are necessary to protect lives and freedom... you're welcome. (and thanks barbara kloss)
February 11, 2016
I wanted more AND less.
I'm a sucker for happy endings, but I thought I would never make it to this one. This final installment is 700 pages, and unfortunately, I felt all 700. I kept thinking "just get to it, already". And then, ironically, I was a little disappointed in how abruptly everything ended. I wanted less of the build up and more of the happily ever after. I didn't dislike the book, and the author wrapped things up nicely, but after reading the other three books, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I was left unsatisfied.
I'm a sucker for happy endings, but I thought I would never make it to this one. This final installment is 700 pages, and unfortunately, I felt all 700. I kept thinking "just get to it, already". And then, ironically, I was a little disappointed in how abruptly everything ended. I wanted less of the build up and more of the happily ever after. I didn't dislike the book, and the author wrapped things up nicely, but after reading the other three books, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I was left unsatisfied.
May 16, 2015
Book #4
I love this book! I've been reading books off and on in between her last book and this one and I have to say, I missed her writing! I think this one may be a tie with the first book for my favorite in the series. Great imagery and story, awesome writing and character development. You can't help but love or hate the characters she brings to life because of her detail in the emotions and mannerisms.
I love this book! I've been reading books off and on in between her last book and this one and I have to say, I missed her writing! I think this one may be a tie with the first book for my favorite in the series. Great imagery and story, awesome writing and character development. You can't help but love or hate the characters she brings to life because of her detail in the emotions and mannerisms.
February 26, 2016
This was an excellent, excellent series! The characters were well developed, the story meaty and the premise was awesome! This was a classic "good vs evil"... I loved the fantasy, adventure, and romantic elements of this story. I also appreciated that the author " kept it clean. " You can have a warm and fuzzy romance without smut! The only real negative to me was that there were a few typos, but not enough to deter from the story. I highly recommend!
March 22, 2016
This series is one of the best Ive read. I loved how much Daria's character grew with each book, while still remaining likable. I only wish there were a few extra chapters at the end to wrap up the romances and show you how the people of Gaia were adjusting to earth. All you have to go by is what Alex tells Daria, and it didn't feel satisfying after such an epic series. I would be happy to read a fifth book about that.
May 11, 2015
A great conclusion- a lot of loss- sadness- especially about the dragon, and the other people who helped Daria- so glad so many of them escaped. This was the final book and it is nice how her and Alex make it through, but what now? Yale- their future awaits. Great story- sad to see it come to an end, but it is a good end.
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