Windy City Ruins

The Talisman Series #3

by Brett Salter

It’s just a simple trip to New York. What could possibly happen to our loveable heroes THIS time? Faster-than-sound reptiles? Exploding Minotaurs? Generational secrets coming back to haunt them? Expect the unexpected in this third installment of The Talisman Series, “Windy City Ruins”. The war for Earth is creeping steadily closer, and Rome’s team is in a mad dash to figure out the Talismans before it’s too late. Can they amass enough talent to help them defend the realm? Or will The Tyrant King’s heinous minions sweep them off course and leave Earth ready for the taking? Windy City Ruins is the third installment of the Talisman Series.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Dragons

206 pages, Unknown Binding

Published August 1, 2018

About the author

Hey there! I write dragon novels!!!
@talismanbrett -
My background in writing stems mostly from the inspiration I found as a kid when I read Fantasy and Sci-Fi books. These include The Chronicles of Narnia, The Xanth Novels, The Time Quintet, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and everything from Shakespeare to Dr. Seuss. In my formative years, I joined several punk rock bands and wrote songs, poetry, and short stories aplenty. As an adult (?) I took on a dare and wrote the first book in my Talisman Series. I loved the feeling it gave me and the idea of inspiring others so much that I kept writing until I had an entire series.
@Talismanbrett

And now, a massive head's up! I am NOT a professional writer. That's why I write MG/YA instead of High, Epic Fantasy. I do all my own writing, my own editing, my own promoting, and my own stunts with my extremely limited free time. If you are okay overlooking a few typos and comma splices, then we can be friends. If you are expecting the next George R.R. Martin, then my apologies. I write for kids like my own and tell stories meant to entertain. Check out my books if you like action, dragons, and zany characters. Just remember everybody, it's Middle Grade fiction, not Applied Mathematics or Epistemology, so just have fun with it and try not to be too serious.

Stay cool and keep a wary eye out for portals!

Reviews

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Book 3 of the Talisman series, Rome, Julian, and Mrs. Case head to New York to meet with a contact and learn more about the talismans and their mission. Circumstances land them in the “Windy City” of Chicago, and they meet new friends and face new challenges. With targets on their backs and evil drawing ever closer, they continue to search for information on how to defeat the Tyrant King and his armies.

I continue to enjoy this series, as Rome and Julian learn even more about talismans and their mission, and they meet fascinating new friends along the way. Rome continues to grow and learn. While I was still frustrated with Julian’s rudeness early in the book, he begins to show some growth as well. The group meets even more players in this game and we are introduced to another type of dragon. There is a shocking surprise that will provide more challenges than ever.

I continue to be fascinated by the dragons in this series and the good vs. evil battle as a whole. Brett Salter has given us a fascinating world to explore in the Talisman series.

[Sophie ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know everyone is probably deeply sad inside that I won’t be doing my silly updates for this book every five minute lmao

But don’t worry there is still to more books left and I promise to devote myself in sharing how much I love Julian and how much I hate the tyrant king


I LOVED THIS BOOK!!

AHHHHHH!!!

Me:

😘 Kisses Julian

High fives Rome

Shakes hand of Mr Jones

Secret handshake with Krysta

Bows to Camela

Respects Mrs Case

Works with Wind Dragons

Role in mud with Clay and Jericho

Squeals for the fourth book!

[Meagan Poetschlag · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a short while since I visited these characters and world, but once I dived in I couldn't put it down.

This third installment of the Talisman series was action packed and picked up right into the center of the heroes search for more Talismans and Darkbrands.

This book introduced a handful of cool new characters, the wind dragons of Beacon, and Clay the earth dragon to name a few.

I loved how Brett brought Clay and his Knight into the story, with the fact that they are being controlled by a powerful Darkbrand called a Nocturne and the team of heroes has to figure out how to defeat them.

This gave the series more depth and excitement. Rome, Julian and their team had to discover who was friend and who was an enemy.

Im pretty sure this is now my favorite book of the series, at least, so far. And it's kid freindly, so what are you waiting for if you love dragons? I highly recomend this series.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved continuing the story of Rome and Julian and their allies! The new characters added in this book were exciting to meet and I liked exploring how they are all connected. You can feel the story building at a great pace and I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here! I am rooting for the characters and hope that they are triumphant!

[The Ghosts of Razgriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The greatest gift of all is absolute freedom in the skies, a gift many species are given, but one which humans gave to themselves.

These books are so fun, and I can't wait to read more! I already love Clay, just as much as the other two dragons, and all three riders. I can't wait to see where this goes next!

[Brett Salter · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second favorite book in the series. Introduces my favorite character. What are you waiting for? Contact me and I can get you free digital copies of all the books!

[Journalwhilstreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think they might just catch a break, Rome and Julian end up in new york! Looking to find out more information on talismans, they end up fighting against time to prepare before the inevitable war.

This book was so interesting, I loved learning about the dark family secret that surrounds Julians family. His character development is stealing the show for me!

I am so glad more dragons where introduced in this installment, 3 wind dragons and an earth dragon! The team is continually expanding and I'm honestly here for the banter!

I have to say the ending of the books have been spot on so far. With the characters leaving on the start of another adventure after being thrown in the deep end I cannot wait to drive into the next book!


Please show the author and these books some love, they are fantastic!

[Hastha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Windy City Ruins (book 3)
Author: Brett Salter

My take:

Windy City Ruins by Brett Salter is the third book of the Talisman series and one of my recent favourites. Picking up where book two left off, we follow Rome and Julian on their journey to Windy City, a place in Chicago, where they and their crew were on a mission to wipe out the darkbrands and learn more about the missing Talismans.

I have to say that this series is getting better and better with each book. The Darkbrands in this book are even stronger, both Rome and Julian have strengthened their powers and continue to eradicate the Darkbrands with the help of Stratus, Skye, Marin, Jericho and Clay. I liked how Rome and Julian communicated in mind using the spatial linking concept while fighting.

The Earth dragons and Wind dragons part were fascinating especially the fight scene. But I liked the wind dragons more than the Earth dragons because I felt Startus, Skye and Marin (wind dragons) were more helpful to Rome and Julian in finding the Darkbands than Earth dragons.

Rome and Julian are my two most favourite characters in this series, and they continue to be so. Krysta is another character I liked very much in book two, and I was expecting more scenes of her and Rome, but there weren't many, it was a bit disappointing. There are a few new characters in this book, but unfortunately, I couldn't connect with any of them.

This book is a perfect blend of adventure, action and magic. The fast-paced storyline kept me hooked till the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the action scenes in this book. It's more like watching than reading. The ending of the book was the same as the previous book. Again Rome and Julian embark on a journey in search of a Talisman. I can't wait to read the next book in this series and find out what awaits Rome and Julian on their new journey.

Actual rating: 4.5/5

*Thanks to the author for the review copy. All opinions are my own.*

[Swati Thalod · Rating 5 out of 5]

WINDY CITY RUINS : 3
THE TALISMAN SERIES.
PART THREE.

AUTHOR NAME : BRETT SALTER.
I couldn't  wait anymore  to buy the third part of this series, it's  getting more intense and more interesting  with each chapter  and each book. I ordered the third book as soon as I finished reading the second part of the series named  "RIDERS OF FIRE AND ICE". Again my expectations were quite high and again I wasn't disappointed at all. The narration has been done very perfectly. I couldn't stop myself once I started reading it. It's so captivating and interesting.

The author has provided a brief summary of the earlier part of the book for those who haven't read the earlier ones. And than the story continues from where it has been left in the past part . Rome and Julian, the knight and the dragon are now in a new city, NEW YORK !!!.
But what's more interesting is... what's there more to come ! So much of unexpected  events have happened in this part !


The events are fully and deeply detailed, every singles thing is explained. I could feel all the actions happening literally around me while reading the book.  The narration is too much lively. I just enjoyed reading  this book a lot.  A fully Action packed  book
Who knows where it would lead by the end of the book 😉😉

Grab a copy of the book. It's a full package of action and all emotions.

[the.content. life · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first and second parts of the Talisman Series, It would be wise to say that I was in love with Rome! But this book made me fall in love with Julian. His character development was so immense and I loved reading more about him.
We follow our lead duo into the city of New York. In search for a new contact and thirsty for more information about the Talisman's, they land in the "Windy City" , in Chicago. Tyrant King and his army is even closer and more evil, they need desperate information to defeat them.
A book jam-packed with adventure and the most unique creatures you can think of, Faster-than-sound reptiles? Exploding Minotaurs?
One thing I love about Brett's writing is the way he adds a little element of surprise at the end of each book, giving the readers something to hang onto for the next book. As always his writing was wonderful, you would love it if you like Heroes Of Olympus by Rick Riordan .
This series is exactly what I would like any fantasy series to be, Fast paced, venturesome and enchanting.

[Neelanjali । booksmakemewhole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the third installment in the Talisman series by Brett Salter. Our protagonist, the fire dragon, Rome and his friend, Julian are back to the States with their guardian Mrs. Case. They land in New York and head on to the statue of Liberty straightaway, as they are to meet someone called the Beacon there. Guess their surprise when they are met with three other dragons there!

These dragons fly them to Chicago, the Windy City of Ruins. They introduce themselves as wind dragons. Rome and his team has to figure out the Talismans before it's too late, as the war is creeping uncomfortably closer. They need to pool all of their resources in order to stand a chance to defeat the Tyrant king and his minions.

There were some new characters introduced as the story proceeded and there's also an interesting fight scene between the Earth and Fire dragons. Overall, this one was just as brilliant and fun to read as the previous two books. Eagerly waiting to read the next one!

[BookishWeeb Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly believe this series just keeps getting better which each book. The first two books, "The Search for Synergy" and "Riders of Fire and Ice", set up the series really well. We had already got introduced to the main characters and received a pretty thorough well-developed backstory that had set up the rest of the series. In this particular book, we get to see more of Salter's imagination through minotaurs/ reptiles/ ruins! I found that this novel gave me strong Percy Jackson vibes as Rome and Julian traveled to New York this time. I also thoroughly enjoyed reading as both Rome and Julian continued to grow into their own characters. I can't explain how highly I recommend this series to middle-grade, young readers! It's really perfect!

[Malorie (Firereader)]

Review to come!

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Windy City Ruins by Brett Salter lets us see what the dragon and knight duo are up to next.

What will Rome and Julian uncover?

Rome, Julian, and Mrs. Case are off to New York to see who their new allies are and what they can do to help them. These three get into trouble immediately when they figure out where to meet this new ally in the Big Apple. Rome and Julian are having the time of their lives traveling around to figure out how to stop their enemy. Well, they are, and then they aren't. Since, of course, these two are always finding a way to get into trouble, or at least into a fight.

There is so much going on in this book, and one might think too much is happening. As the days seem like they roll into one, and the kids aren't dealing with jetlag. I know it's a middle grade fantasy story filled with magic, but no matter how you look at it, the characters should have experienced jetlag at some point. Right?

Rome, Julian, Krysta, and Camela don't seem to have grown much from the last book. Camela is still annoying, Krysta is still lovesick for Rome, Rome is still figuring things out, and Julian actually got knocked down a peg or two, but he's still his weird self. The one thing that concerns me is how Rome's parents are okay with him, just not checking in at home.

Three Stars
Windy City Ruins by Brett Salter has a bunch of traveling, two teenage boys exploring everywhere, and the House of Rider having a bunch of secrets uncovered. Mr. Salter puts tons of information into this book, but at times, some of it gets jumbled up. At least for me, some things got a bit lost, trying to keep everything straight in my head about the story. I am giving Windy City Ruins by Brett Salter three stars. I do, however, recommend it to all dragon lovers out there, as the basis of the story is good.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Windy City Ruins by Brett Salter.

Until the next time,



This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Arun Tankasali · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wait is over, and I can’t hold longer than this to write about the third book in the Talisman Series. Windy City Ruins by Brett Salter is yet another amazing continuation of the adventures of Rome and Julian and their fight against a and there are lots of incidents that have already taken place in the series. It is good that Brett has given a sneak peek of important events that took place in the previous 2 books, but it would be more interesting if the reader reads the previous books as well.

Rome, Julian, and Mr Jones travel to New York to meet with Mr Jones’s mysterious friend, Beacon who has collected some intel they believed is one of their allies and expected to help them in searching for the Darkbands. There are lots more in this book and I was super excited to learn more about the 9 Talisman and how the Great Synergy can be performed.

The writing style is consistent throughout the series and Brett doesn’t fail to amuse me by adding a unique feature to the story in every part of the series. This book was a very fast-paced read and I am waiting to pick up the next book in the series. I would highly recommend this entire series to those who love YA fiction, and I am sure this series will not fail to amuse the readers.

[Debbie Viscosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Talisman series. The power duo of Julian and Rome returns! Ever mindful of the upcoming battle for Earth, the boys travel with their chaperone, Mrs. Case to New York looking for additional information about the Darkbrands and their evil intentions. Their preliminary battles have matured and educated them on their needs and weaknesses. While they have some talismans, many more are awaiting discovery. Accumulating more talismans will benefit their side when the battle begins. The small fights that the boys have been in served as a measure of their fighting abilities. While Julian's die is a great help, far more allies will be needed to fight the army of Darkbrands.

Each book in this series builds from the one before so be sure to read books #1 and #2 first. In book #3, there is considerable progress made by the characters. Julian seems to be evolving into a more pleasant person. Krysta and Rome are developing feelings for each other. Is it because they are both dragons? Mr. Jones is using FaceTime to communicate and Mrs. Case will make a big career decision. Brett Salter seems to be more comfortable with each book he writes. This book moves quickly and is so action-packed that you will have to take several deep breaths when it ends.

[Anu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold on tight because things are about to get crazy as the heroes head to New York.

Windy City Ruins is the third instalment of the Talisman Series. This book is an action-packed adventure that masterfully blends magic and fantasy.

Expertly written action scenes and imaginative storytelling. Readers will find it difficult to put the book down because of the insights into Beacon, modern technologies for tracking Darkbrands, the Grand Hunter, and Earth Dragon that have been deftly weaved together to create an immersive world.

The detailed descriptions of the battle strategies, powerful weapons and daunting challenges provide a fantastic backdrop for the scene setting. The narrative takes many unexpected turns, keeping readers guessing what will happen next.

A fascinating page-turner. You won't have any trouble comprehending even if you haven't read the first two books in the series.

[Sara McClaflin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my full review here: https://onreviewbysara.com/2023/04/12...

My Rating: I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I love that we are constantly learning more. I never want these adventures to end and I find myself sad for thinking it could be over soon. I feel that the reader, of all ages, can read this and learn more. It is just amazing to read the emotions that each character has and the development is just wonderfully organic. I encourage you to read this series. You will never be disappointed.

[Ken Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great entry in the Talisman adventure. If you've been following the series, you will not be disappointed. This one continues Rome and Julian's story and brings more of Camela and Krysta into the fight. I think there might even be a couple of new members added to the team to help in the battle with the Darkbrands.

Tons of fun!

[Riley Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in this fantastic series and the adventure is still alive and strong! I am having a blast following Rome and Jules as they gather their allies in this fight against evil. You are starting to see the boys really working well together in the fights. Playing on each other's strengths while fighting Minotaurs, Garms, and Nocturns. Yes, thats right. We are facing off against another Nocturn in this one! I'll leave it to you to figure out who it is hiding within though.

I liked how there was a little more traveling happening in this one. We go from England (where we left off from book 2), heading off to New York to visit the Status of Liberty, a quick stop to the local library in Georgia, and whisking off to Florida for an epic stand off. At each destination we encounter something that always has you wanting to keep the pages turning. I always appreciate when authors managed to keep the readers constantly engaged in something. It can be a fine balance between too much and not enough, that is true, but Salter dances on that edge quite well. Perhaps a little too long in some of the fights (one seemed to go on a tad too long); however, I don't think those scenes were done poorly, far from it. I liked the details and the movement through the fights that we are given. The characters are learning to fight as we watch which is endearing to watch. But I have said from the beginning that this author is great with his details and descriptions. This book is no exception from that either. Smooth conversations, fun fight scenes, great details.

What a twist that Salter tossed at us towards the end! Also, with what happens to the party at the end? Oh my goodness! Pass the forth book over and let me find out what is next! Like the second one, this one leaves us in the position of looking for more talismans out there while overcoming the latest challenge that is tossed on the group.

Over all thoughts from me? I am loving this series and the characters are great! Writing is still fun and the adventure is still captivating. I would say this is drifting away from the Middle school age and heading into more Young Adult levels of reading - the story is starting to head into the thick of battle and only going to develop from here. Rome is absolutely adorable with Krysta. I completely ship these two! And if you haven't started to this series, I highly recommend it!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for a voluntary honest review.

[Escape Into Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Windy City Ruins is the 3rd book in The Talisman Series. While the author gives a quick rundown of the previous books at the beginning of this one, I would strongly recommend reading the previous books first.

Windy City Ruins takes place immediately after the events of Riders of Fire and Ice. Rome, Julian, and Mr. Jones are in New York City to meet with Mr. Jones’s mysterious friend, Beacon. Beacon has some intel, but they are not easy to find. Beacon tasks the boys (and Mrs. Case and Mr. Jones) with a riddle and a time to meet them. Their journey takes them to the closed-off torch of The Statue of Liberty and a big surprise. But, Beacon’s identity is the least of their problems. Something dangerous is stalking them, and it will take everyone (Beacon, Camela, Krysta, Mr. Jones, Mrs. Case, and the boys) to face the danger. Will they be able to beat that threat, and what will it cost them??

I was very excited to read Windy City Ruins. Why? Well, I have become invested in the series. I need to know what will happen to Rome, Julian, and their allies/friends. Plus, I find the worldbuilding and lore fascinating in this book. The author mixes different mythologies seamlessly.

Rome and Julian are still learning about their bonding. But, since they didn’t perform the Synergy correctly, they can’t use their bond to their advantage. I found that fascinating. Seeing Camela and Krysta’s bond (as well as the mark that it left on Krysta) made me wonder how the boys would be if/when they bond correctly.

As in the other books, dragons and talismans figure hugely in the plot. Wind dragons and earth dragons are discovered. I will admit that I wasn’t sure about the wind dragons. But as the book went on, they proved just how loyal and brave they were. The earth dragon scared me. Nothing could shake that thing. It was a freaking tank!

I liked that the author gave the Darkfiends more exposure in the book. I play ESO, and while I was reading this book, I was in Blackwood. One boss fight was a minotaur with firepower (it was more of a shaman, but still). That is how I imagined the minotaur from the main battle scene. I called my SO over to show/tell him about the minotaur that came out of the portal and how it looked like the one in my game. He could have cared less….lol.

I was a little irritated with Julian’s father. Especially when certain things came out at the end of the book (with the fight between the boys and Jericho/Clay). I was very frustrated with him. He caused too much harm that has reverberated throughout the book, and I feel that it will continue into the next one.

I was shocked at the events at the end of the book. Mainly by what happened with Nocturne and the boys. I was not expecting what happened to happen. But in a way, I was also happy that it did. It meant that the boys could do things right and hopefully take down the Tyrant King.

I would recommend Windy City Ruins to anyone over the age of 13. It is a clean book (no sex, no kissing). There is mild violence and very mild language.

[Suzan Amin Khoja · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.

This is the 3rd book in The Talisman Series where we see Julian and Rome go to Windy City in Chicago to learn about the Talisman and try to find a way to defeat the Tyrant King and kill The Darkbands.

I will say just 1 thing about this book: BLOWN AWAY!!!

Nobody will say that it is a book, I felt like it was a movie. The entire story was playing around in front of me. There were some new characters and an epic fight scene between the Earth Dragons and the Wind Dragons. The entire book was written smoothly and was apt to my liking, I wasn't confused anywhere.

There were some really good character developments in this book, especially with Julian's character. It really needed development as I don't like rude people and to be honest, I kind of despised him in the second book. Seeing him grow a little bit soft makes me feel a little better about him. Although I am still pissed off at his behaviour in the past 2 books now I feel a little happy.

One thing I felt like the book lacked was fewer scenes of old characters. I wanted more interactions between Krysta and Rome. We were introduced to new characters, it was hard for me to connect to them but still, I loved their characterization.

I am getting highly impressed by Brett Salter's writing style and the storyline. The story was super intense and the writing, oh God!!! So clean and precise and on point. The kind that I love. I am dying to get to the 4th book already.

Overall this book had me hooked like crazy and I can't get over it. The storyline is super intense and left me wanting more. The characterization is getting better and better with each book and I am so damn impressed already. Super high hopes for the 4th part.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure. This is a review of an e-book I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.

This is the third title in the Talisman series. It works fine as a stand-alone read but is better in my opinion to read all the books in order. Previously Julian and Rome have bonded as knight and fire dragon to defend Earth against the darkbrands, sealing portals from the void.

The story begins with a recap of who all the main characters are and the skills they possess from their Talismans, as the boys Julian and Rome fly from England to New York, accompanied by Mrs Case. The other three, Camela, Krysta and Mr Jones initially remain in Somerset, rejoining the team later in this book.

The plan is to make contact there with Beacon, a possible source of information on the darkbrands, whom Mr Jones has identified via email. But there is always the possibility that Beacon may not be an ally, so could they be heading into a trap?

And then Beacon’s email reply of where to meet is in code. Can they decipher it?

They are very suprised to discover that Beacon is not at all who they envisaged and faster than the speed of sound, they find themselves transported to a nerve centre in Chicago. But a Minotaur is hot on their heels!

More surprises abound, both good and bad. Who else might they encounter?

Mythology and knowledge of the elements play a part in this series and it is fascinating how this is wound into the story, in particular explaining how many Talismans there may be in total.

I’ve mentioned this in my reviews of the earlier titles, but the covers don’t do justice to the quality of the stories.

Another great fantasy instalment to this series. Suitable from age 11 upwards in my opinion.

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fire dragon Rome and his sworn brother and synergist knight Julian are back, and this time to New York and Chicago, the Windy City along with Mrs. Case as their guardian in "Windy City Ruins", the third installment in Brett Salter's The Talisman Series. The characters are joined with three newly introduced wind dragons. An earth dragon is introduced too! The protagonists have lot of rivals to fight with, several questions to find answers for, and new talismans to find and protect.

I thought it would be slight difficult to get hold of book three after a gap between reading the previous part, but the author has well-summarised the first two books so that we do not fall out of place.

This series has evoked my interest in fantasy books because earlier I used to shy away from the fantasy genre, wondering if I'd be able to comprehend the new worlds that they build.

The book is full of adventures and long action sequences, all marvellously described and full of excitement and the "battles becoming increasingly dangerous and complex". I like the fact that the battles or any obstacle isn't just peanuts for the protagonists but a different and difficult challenge each time. We get to see character development, new characters and new challenges in the third installment and it leaves the story hanging with a really interesting twist!

The book is undoubtedly well-written and is perfect for audience of all ages, I sincerely hope the series gets the fame it deserves. Quite excited to pick up book four super-soon!

[Eric Wilson Hector · Rating 4 out of 5]

Windy City Ruins is an amazing fantasy book written by Brett Salter. This is the third book in the Talisman Series. Once again we follow Rome and Julian, our favorite dragon and knight duo on their adventures.

It's just a simple trip to New York. What could possibly happen to our loveable heroes THIS time? Faster-than-sound reptiles? Exploding Minotaurs? Generational secrets coming back to haunt them? Expect the unexpected in this third installment of The Talisman Series, "Windy City Ruins". The war for Earth is creeping steadily closer, and Rome's team is in a mad dash to figure out the Talismans before it's too late. Can they amass enough talent to help them defend the realm? Or will The Tyrant King's heinous minions sweep them off course and leave Earth ready for the taking?

I had a great time reading this book it is so well written. I absolutely loved all the fight scenes they are so brilliantly written, all of them just keep the readers on edge, eager to know what happens next. Moreover the readers meet a lot of new and interesting characters, and the author has done a great job in writing all of the. In short this book has all the things required to make a good fantasy book, like interesting characters, epic fight scenes, big reveals, high stakes to name a few of them.

To conclude I'll recommend this to everyone please do read it. If you like fantasy books that have dragons and knights then you'll absolutely love it.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here comes book three of this series. It rolled right out of book two and evidently leads into book four. If you are someone who enjoyed the first half of the last Harry P story, you will love this book.

Here, the story of Rome and Julian is continued as they learn more about the enemy they and the world face. It is not hard to see that these two are merely 12 as they oft appear to be helpless in the face of any challenge.

The book is extremely full of descriptions. The action scenes are extremely intense, especially for a younger audience. The suspense and edge-of-seat nature will appeal to those who enjoy that sort of thing.

On a personal note, this reader really thinks the book series should be called Darkness and how it can't be stopped. The overall negativity is not conducive to making this a fun and easy read. Perhaps in the next book of the series, the good guys might actually be able to soundly defeat an enemy at least once in a while.

If you are a fan of the first two books, you will want to read this book. If you enjoy your heroes in dire straits, then this book is for you. Fans of dragons and magic will love this book.

Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Reviewed by: Mr. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Michelle (Chelle's Book Ramblings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great feeling when you pick a series and watch it grow with each book.

That's what happens here. This is the third installment in the Talisman series by Brett Salter.. and it's a wild ride.

I loved the previous books, the characters, their interactions, the magic, the friendship, and, of course, there were dragons (I love Dragons). In this book we continue Rome and Julian's journey to gather their army and find out more about the Darkbrands and the Talismans.

Everything I loved about the first two books is here, as well as more character growth.. and non-stop action.. The fighting scenes with the dragons were incredibly cinematic.. I could have been watching a movie play out.

We are introduced to new characters and what they bring to the table takes the stakes up a notch... there's not a dull moment between these pages.

I do wish that some of the secondary characters had a chance to shine a little more.. To me, Rome and Julian are the stars, but the others work so well, complementing them that you want to see more.

If you are a fan of adventure quests, fight for survival, a good vs. evil type of story, go no further and pick this series up.. It's an amazing tale.

[Arthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Windy City Ruins' is the third book in Brett Salter’s Talisman Series. The story starts with Rome, Julian and Mrs. Case meeting an informant in New York. Little did they know they would be meeting with three dragons that are siblings. I love that the world is expanding with more Dragons like the last book Riders of Fire and Ice but I think this one suffered for me for how many new people were introduced throughout this book. I think if made it a little difficult to get acquainted with all of the character since there were so many new ones. That’s probably my biggest complaint about this book.

I really enjoyed the action and adventure this story gave us. I felt like something exciting was happening every chapter and it made it super hard to set the book down. I know if I struggle to set a book down there are plenty of kids that would enjoy.

[Reading Mouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. I loved all the new characters and the turn of events in the story! The action scenes and addition of characters were so good that I finished in one day!

This book is captivating and adventurous, it is a blend of suspense, action, and unforgettable characters. Every page keeps readers hooked, making it impossible to put down. An exhilarating read from start to finish!

And I don’t think I ever brought this up on the other reviews for this series, but can we all take a moment to appreciate the perfect mix of greek mythology in this series? As someone who recently read the PJO, HOO, and TOA series, I love the bits of greek mythology that pop up in the books.

Thank you, Brett Salter, for crafting such an immersive and thrilling adventure! I am looking forward to more gripping tales from your imagination!

Enjoy 😘

[The Rising Tilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sworn brothers Rome and Julian travel to New York, Chicago, and Atlanta this time around. They find more allies and more monsters and continue their discovery of their world of dragons and knights.

This book is more action-packed than its predecessors. The adventures were more daring, and I was stressed out every 30 pages or three chapters. There was more mystery, plot twists, and battles that kept coming. New characters were introduced that the protagonists had wavering trust issues with. Battles improved, and so did Rome and Julian’s battle strategies.

A more detailed review can be found here: https://therisingtilde.com/2021/11/12...