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The Cruel Gods #3
The End of Time
WHEN THE SAINTS FALL, THE SINNERS RISE.
Calamity has befallen the steam-powered city of Chime as the gods declare war on each other, choosing Chime's streets as their battleground. Kayl has the means to end their reign for good and create a new world free from their whims. But recruiting an army against divine beings is no easy task, and as her allies fall one by one, Kayl is left to shoulder her burden alone.
Finally free from his own god's shackles, Quen is bound in service to Chaos, who only wants revenge against Quen's former master. Torn between his desire for vengeance and justice, Quen is no stranger to the gods' cruelty and will do whatever it takes to see Kayl's vision through—even if it destroys his soul.
To ensure a new future, Kayl and Quen must unite mortals against their makers and decide the gods' fate before time itself comes to an end.
For the era of gods is over.
The End of Time is the third and final book in The Cruel Gods series—a gaslamp fantasy featuring magical portals, gothic cosmic deities, quaint Britishisms, and steampunk vibes. This is an adult book containing strong language and mature themes that some readers may find disturbing. For a full list of content warnings, visit Trudie Skies's website.
Calamity has befallen the steam-powered city of Chime as the gods declare war on each other, choosing Chime's streets as their battleground. Kayl has the means to end their reign for good and create a new world free from their whims. But recruiting an army against divine beings is no easy task, and as her allies fall one by one, Kayl is left to shoulder her burden alone.
Finally free from his own god's shackles, Quen is bound in service to Chaos, who only wants revenge against Quen's former master. Torn between his desire for vengeance and justice, Quen is no stranger to the gods' cruelty and will do whatever it takes to see Kayl's vision through—even if it destroys his soul.
To ensure a new future, Kayl and Quen must unite mortals against their makers and decide the gods' fate before time itself comes to an end.
For the era of gods is over.
The End of Time is the third and final book in The Cruel Gods series—a gaslamp fantasy featuring magical portals, gothic cosmic deities, quaint Britishisms, and steampunk vibes. This is an adult book containing strong language and mature themes that some readers may find disturbing. For a full list of content warnings, visit Trudie Skies's website.
751 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2024
14 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Trudie Skies
9 books152 followersTrudie Skies is a non-binary author based in North East England, though they have been living inside fantasy worlds ever since they discovered books and refuse to return to reality. Within Trudie’s daydreams you’ll find SPFBO and BBNYA finalist The Thirteenth Hour, a gaslamp fantasy described as obnoxiously British and best read with a cup of tea.
When not conjuring new worlds, Trudie spends their free time exploring the realms of indie books and video games, staring at clouds, and chasing after their fluffy companions.
Visit Trudie’s worlds at www.trudieskies.com
When not conjuring new worlds, Trudie spends their free time exploring the realms of indie books and video games, staring at clouds, and chasing after their fluffy companions.
Visit Trudie’s worlds at www.trudieskies.com
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March 7, 2025The Cruel Gods series has now come to an end with the release of The End of Time, the final book in the trilogy. This journey began in 2021 with The Thirteenth Hour - a book I never expected to find so many readers who enjoyed it!
To you, I truly hope you enjoy this conclusion to Kayl, Quen, and Jinx's story. Though this is the end, I hope to return to Chime in the future.
Thank YOU for journeying with me across the domains. I hope the years have been kind to you, and you'll join me on many more adventures.
To you, I truly hope you enjoy this conclusion to Kayl, Quen, and Jinx's story. Though this is the end, I hope to return to Chime in the future.
Thank YOU for journeying with me across the domains. I hope the years have been kind to you, and you'll join me on many more adventures.
April 30, 2024
Disclaimer: I beta read this book because I couldn’t wait to read it, even in its imperfect form. I will re-read the final version but for now, these are my thoughts on the book as I read it. I got Trudie’s okay to post this and the review doesn’t contain any incorrect information about the content. My thoughts are my own, although there certainly is bias. I guess that’s what you get when you’re reading the last book in a series you love.
The End of Time is the final book in The Cruel Gods trilogy. With the short story collection, Tales From Across the Domains, we have four books set in and around Chime, but rumour has it these won’t be last. I’m already looking forward to what’s coming next, even though it’ll take a few years to be released. For now, Quen still has the lead role. And Kayl is there too.
The set up for the climax of the story started in first book, maybe even the first half. I already had a strong feeling about how it would end even before Trudie started writing it. If you’ve read the second book, Children of Chaos, you’ll know. It’s so obvious. But even if it’s predictable how it ends, there’s no way anyone could’ve guessed it would happen like this.
The End of Time is a chonker of a book and it needs the space. There’s so much to tell, to do. Kayl and Quen have to deal with Jinx’s chaos in addition to whatever nefarious plans Dor comes up with. They both have their own struggles but together, they find a way out. Kayl and Quen are the power couple of the century. Jinx herself has the biggest transformation. All three PoV characters have their own trauma to heal from (which they all do, we love coddling our trauma babies) and they need to, if they want to defeat Dor.
We meet all the gods again and see them in their full glory. If you like overpowered battles, this is the book for you. There’s so many of them and many of them have a unique battlefield because of the domains. How do you fight a god who lives in the depths of the ocean when you breath air? Or a god without a face, who can take anyone identity and regenerates? Seriously, go check it out.
All in all, The End of Time is the perfect ending for the trilogy. I cried several times but the ending was the worst. Because those final pages were the signal Quen and Kayl’s story is over.
The Cruel Gods is an exciting fantasy series with unique worldbuilding and incredible characters. The author’s ambition seeps through the pages. There’s hardly anything like this out there.
The End of Time is the final book in The Cruel Gods trilogy. With the short story collection, Tales From Across the Domains, we have four books set in and around Chime, but rumour has it these won’t be last. I’m already looking forward to what’s coming next, even though it’ll take a few years to be released. For now, Quen still has the lead role. And Kayl is there too.
The set up for the climax of the story started in first book, maybe even the first half. I already had a strong feeling about how it would end even before Trudie started writing it. If you’ve read the second book, Children of Chaos, you’ll know. It’s so obvious. But even if it’s predictable how it ends, there’s no way anyone could’ve guessed it would happen like this.
The End of Time is a chonker of a book and it needs the space. There’s so much to tell, to do. Kayl and Quen have to deal with Jinx’s chaos in addition to whatever nefarious plans Dor comes up with. They both have their own struggles but together, they find a way out. Kayl and Quen are the power couple of the century. Jinx herself has the biggest transformation. All three PoV characters have their own trauma to heal from (which they all do, we love coddling our trauma babies) and they need to, if they want to defeat Dor.
We meet all the gods again and see them in their full glory. If you like overpowered battles, this is the book for you. There’s so many of them and many of them have a unique battlefield because of the domains. How do you fight a god who lives in the depths of the ocean when you breath air? Or a god without a face, who can take anyone identity and regenerates? Seriously, go check it out.
All in all, The End of Time is the perfect ending for the trilogy. I cried several times but the ending was the worst. Because those final pages were the signal Quen and Kayl’s story is over.
The Cruel Gods is an exciting fantasy series with unique worldbuilding and incredible characters. The author’s ambition seeps through the pages. There’s hardly anything like this out there.
June 20, 2024
4.5 stars
This book wasn't perfect, and the ending isn't my favourite, but damn, am I sad to be saying goodbye to this series. Also, so rude of Trudie Skies for making me cry in public. Would recommend perhaps reading the second half of this book in the privacy of your own home unless you want to embarrass yourself on the subway like I did 🤡
This book wasn't perfect, and the ending isn't my favourite, but damn, am I sad to be saying goodbye to this series. Also, so rude of Trudie Skies for making me cry in public. Would recommend perhaps reading the second half of this book in the privacy of your own home unless you want to embarrass yourself on the subway like I did 🤡
June 1, 2024
Dark gaslamp fantasy with themes of war, religious intolerance, and xenophobia. Great end to the trilogy but damn this book was thicc, 989 pages to be exact. Despite the page count this book moved quickly and lacked filler, there was a whole lot of ground to cover in order to wrap things up. Admittedly I felt the actual ending itself was overly happy and too much like wish-fulfillment, I wanted some gritty realism to balance the saccharine sweetness.
Highly recommend this series if you like dark themes (with regards to the plot, not the romance), creative worldbuilding, and MCs who aren’t overpowered edgelords (Kayl is forgetful and addicted to junk food, Quen is a sensitive sadboi who prefers tea over violence).
CWs: war, religious intolerance, xenophobia, genocide, death, injury detail, dismemberment, sexual assault, unrequited incest, domestic abuse, torture, slavery, suicide
Highly recommend this series if you like dark themes (with regards to the plot, not the romance), creative worldbuilding, and MCs who aren’t overpowered edgelords (Kayl is forgetful and addicted to junk food, Quen is a sensitive sadboi who prefers tea over violence).
CWs: war, religious intolerance, xenophobia, genocide, death, injury detail, dismemberment, sexual assault, unrequited incest, domestic abuse, torture, slavery, suicide
May 3, 2024
Trudie Skies, the author of The End of Time, has taken to Bluesky to express their worries about how the readers will feel about the ending.
Endings normally happen at the end.
Which is where I decided to reveal my feelings about the ending.
*
The Children of Chaos, the second book in The Cruel Gods series, was my favourite read of 2022. Could The End of Time improve on a masterpiece? Was I going to have TWO Trudie Skies favourite books among my all-time #1 faves?
The problem with The Children of Chaos is that it’s a book two, and because of how series work, the second book tends to sell fewer copies than the first. As I pointed in my original review, The Thirteenth Hour has a pacing problem in the first 20% or so – fast-paced action + elaborate worldbuilding with 12 races, 12 Gods, and 12 domains = a tug-break-tug-break effect. This is the only weakness of the entire trilogy. Unfortunately, that weakness is the beginning of the first book. Which still nearly won SPFBO with the second joint highest score in the contest’s history. If you as much as liked The Thirteenth Hour, you will LOVE The The Children of Chaos and you can have my firstborn if I’m lying.
The problem with The End of Time is that it’s a book three in a trilogy. (Hint for the author: four book trilogies are all the rage these days. Just ask Tim Hardie or Tammie Painter.) It needs to tie all the loose ends and fill all the plot gaps. 12 races, 12 Gods, 12 realms, three MCs, and tens of subplots mean…a lot of work. The paperback is not available yet, but I know Skies had to make the text smaller for Amazon to print a book this long. The e-book is 999 pages long. It should have been longer. Yes. A book too long/thick for Amazon to print should have been longer. It should have had at least 300 more pages and/or been split into two volumes.
This is my honest opinion. I did NOT receive a free copy from the author, and I have not been bribed, and they might actually be pissed off by me complaining about not enough pages. The author probably never found themselves noticing they’re on page 220 out of 999 and feeling alarmed at only 770 pages being left.
*
I wasn’t even going to read The End of Time so soon. I’m eight to-review-ASAP books behind. When the preorder duly showed up on my iPad at 0:01am (at the thirteenth hour!!!! sort of) of May 1, I decided I’d be patient. I would wait. Har. Har. I managed until dinner, got to 22% before being forced to go to bed, and May 2 has been The Official Day of Reading The End of Time in my household. Well, on my side of it. Husby did actual things and stuff, apparently. I have 1) worked out for 30 minutes, 2) eaten, 3) spent some time in bed, 4) read The End of Time.
I normally go to sleep around 1:30am. But when the feral hour came, I was at 89%. There was no way I was going to stop at 89%. Even though I knew this meant 110 pages left. I finally fell asleep at 3am. Furious. Because the book went and ended on me.
*
As I mentioned, The Thirteenth Hour has a pacing problem in the first part. The Children of Chaos doesn’t – it’s just wonderfully, immensely cinematic. Why Netflixes or other Amazon Primes haven’t jumped at it yet is beyond me. The book has no soggy middle, because it’s like a visceral novel in parts, and each of those parts is a gem. The End of Time is paced like that steam cart when the law is briefly suspended. It’s a lot of book. Somehow, the characters (not just the MCs) are fully fleshed, relatable… except perhaps the Leander penises… yes, there are details… and the pacing only ever slows down for that wine-and-cards evening, and during slightly randomly placed sex scenes. Fast-paced, character-based book with 999 pages? I’ll need a while to get over that even being possible.
The queerness of The End of Time is lovely and unforced (Cosmo’s non-reactions to ‘he’ or ‘she’ are beautifully self-explanatory). Jinx, Kayl, Quen keep constantly raising the stakes, and you’d have thought the very existence of the Universe should be stakes high enough. The remaining Gods become more and more afraid, angry, and sneaky, trying to boost their egos with more and more hubris, convinced each of them is the only one who can become The Only One… but they don’t know this book is not called The Mostly Peaceful Middle of Time. Those huge clocks on the book covers are there for a reason.
There are battles, there’s blood, some of my favourite characters die horrible deaths, sometimes self-inflicted. Spoiler you have to live with: fucking Elijah comes back. I really, really didn’t need fucking Elijah to show up again and I had to keep hate-reading on – Skies knows how to keep my attention for sure – waiting for him to get what he deserves. (Does he? I have thoughts about that particular bit of the ending…)
Quen remains Quen, except some body parts, and newfound interest in sin, including curses worse than ‘blasted’ and ‘saints.’ Kayl and Jinx, though… are… even more awesome than usual. And in this case ‘usual’ means ‘already incredibly.’
*
Trudie Skies possesses a rare ability to make horrible things funny enough for me to acknowledge they’re horrible without turning into a puddle of tears. I only know two other artists capable of that. Marian Keyes, my second favourite author ever, and Pedro Almodóvar.
The End of Time is dark as fuck. I’ve been avoiding grimdark for at least a year, because have you seen reality recently? With renewed energy and other parts, Quen, Kayl, and Jinx always keep it just inappropriate enough for me to deal with the atrocities, and the word is not an exaggeration. The balance is always just right, which is why I couldn’t stop reading. It was a sweet torture, like going to a concert, needing to use the bathroom, promising yourself you’ll go when the band plays some song you don’t like, and they clearly looked at your iTunes playlists to find out what sound your bladder will make when it explodes. (I’m talking about you, Garbage.) The characters’ personalities shine through the book. Except the ones which no longer… oops! Spoiler. Well, except those. And even that is morbidly fascinating.
We get to meet the Gods who didn’t get enough attention in The Children of Chaos. They don’t disappoint, if that’s the right word, in their complete, sociopathic egotism. The God of Fauna seems the least horrible, because they simply ignore their mortals, which sounds like a good thing… except other mortals sometimes get help from their Gods. The Fauna never do. As the book progresses, we get to know Dor and Corentine (Dor and Cor?) better and better – same as Quen, Kayl, and Jinx. There was a risk of Jinx turning into a cartoon. Instead, Skies went and made her more multidimensional in ways I did not foresee.
I’d like to file a complaint so rare from me that I can’t believe I’m having it: this book needed more sex scenes. And fewer ruined orgasms. So many possibilities, so few elevator rides and shopping trips, and Quen’s only got an hour, but he’s got to do so much that, that…
…oh, oh, the ending, it’s COMING!
(I’ll be here all week. Catching up with the eight books I neglected.)
*
The way The End of Time constantly turns the heat up makes it feel like an ever-growing build-up to the greatest climax ever. Halfway through I only knew we were not heading for the actual ending yet because I knew I had 500 pages left, and unless Skies traded the acknowledgments section for the phone book, there was going to be more. As I kept on reading, I became more and more concerned – about how many pages those acknowledgments could steal from the few (hundred) that I had left. Then the only not-very-interesting cottagecore light part happened – I would have loved it, only not in this specific book – clearly leading to the final HUGE ENDING. And it did.
Oops. Actually that wasn’t the huge ending yet. Surely now the HUGE HUGE ending will folllow?
(Cue in the sound of Skies cackling in the background. A lot of time will pass before the actual HUGE HUGE HUGE ending. A lot.)
The final_final_final ending is absolutely bjørnkers. My sofa has turned into a rollercoaster with no safety belts and nobody overseeing the machinery. There was so much of everything happening that it made the previous 900+ pages boring and slow. Since Skies is also one of those “you have a favourite character? not anymore!” authors, I genuinely had no idea where it was heading. I had hopes, but most of the characters in the book had hopes until suddenly they didn’t even have souls.
Finally, I got lost, and I felt like so did the author. (Mind, it was 2:30am.) Perhaps the final 10-15% could have done with another editing pass by someone who hasn’t worked with the text before, or an extra beta-read by someone who did not beta the book yet. Not that I know how you get a beta who magically knows what happened in the previous 85% and can calmly read 150 pages of explosions of flamethrowers spat out by napalm-drinking dragons where there are so many realities that even the protagonists don’t know which one is real. This could have been the desired effect, of course – the book-rollercoaster turning into a Space-X rocket performing a planned disassembly into the ENDING ending that Skies worried about.
(I got tired writing this paragraph.)
There is no way for me to even hint at the final ending to end all endings without spoiling it. I can see why they are concerned, though. It’s…different. In a different way than everything else has been different before. Now I get to cackle, though, because whether Skies realised or not, they have given us an open ending. This trilogy needs at least three more books from my new auto-buy author. Skies worries about having to repeat the worldbuilding from The Thirteenth Hour – I don’t think it will be necessary, though. As long as the readers have enough brain cells to realise that it is possible for a series to start with book one and continue from there, we’ll work it out. This worldbuilding is just too intricate, visceral, gorgeous, scary, detailed to waste it on mere three books that don’t even total 3,000 pages together. Although with imagination this vast, Skies is probably halfway through creating a whole new universe.
*
So… the final question. Is The End of Time another absolute masterpiece?
No. Improving on 11/10 is, apparently, not possible. There have been too many questions to answer and too many puzzles to solve left to fit it all into 999 pages. Certain aspects of Jinx’s personality made me raise my eyebrows – not as in “this would never happen” but – “oh?” I was not at all satisfied with Elijah’s, ah, career development. I’m very pleased with the ending to end all endings, and can’t wait to see what’s next (this trilogy better have more than three books). While there is never a soggy middle, though, there are bits that become too convenient or simply too quick. As I said, The End of Time is too short.
Just like the previous two, this book poses a lot of questions way deeper than just will-they-won’t-they. Trudie Skies definitely has a lot of knowledge and understanding of religions, and let’s say that religions and Gods don’t end up looking good in this book. The, as Elijah proves, definitions of sin invented specifically by Dor are… um, let’s say displeasing to the Good Fath– Wait, this review is HOW LONG?! *stops before reaching 999 pages*
I recommend this book to everyone who appreciates wit, depth, wars, destructions of worlds, incredible worldbuilding, genocide, childhood, adulthood, tea with wrong milk, longing for family and love, betrayal mixing with loyalty in surprising proportions, regrets, joy, oral sex, descriptions of Leander penises (I don’t think I will get over this ever), not enough descriptions of naked Wolfsbane (do I really have to write fanfic for my needs to be satisfied?), diversity that puts #diversity to shame, and pure enjoyment.
Please spare a moment of silence for the so-called ‘traditional’ publishing which has to be satisfied with lesser authors when they could have Trudie Skies. (Tru, please do not accept an advance lower than high six figures. Per book.)
Rating: 4.999/5 rounded to 5/5 for Goodreads.
My ratings:
5* = this book changed my life
4* = very good
3* = good
2* = I probably DNFed it, so I don't give 2* ratings
1* = actively hostile towards the reader
Endings normally happen at the end.
Which is where I decided to reveal my feelings about the ending.
*
The Children of Chaos, the second book in The Cruel Gods series, was my favourite read of 2022. Could The End of Time improve on a masterpiece? Was I going to have TWO Trudie Skies favourite books among my all-time #1 faves?
The problem with The Children of Chaos is that it’s a book two, and because of how series work, the second book tends to sell fewer copies than the first. As I pointed in my original review, The Thirteenth Hour has a pacing problem in the first 20% or so – fast-paced action + elaborate worldbuilding with 12 races, 12 Gods, and 12 domains = a tug-break-tug-break effect. This is the only weakness of the entire trilogy. Unfortunately, that weakness is the beginning of the first book. Which still nearly won SPFBO with the second joint highest score in the contest’s history. If you as much as liked The Thirteenth Hour, you will LOVE The The Children of Chaos and you can have my firstborn if I’m lying.
The problem with The End of Time is that it’s a book three in a trilogy. (Hint for the author: four book trilogies are all the rage these days. Just ask Tim Hardie or Tammie Painter.) It needs to tie all the loose ends and fill all the plot gaps. 12 races, 12 Gods, 12 realms, three MCs, and tens of subplots mean…a lot of work. The paperback is not available yet, but I know Skies had to make the text smaller for Amazon to print a book this long. The e-book is 999 pages long. It should have been longer. Yes. A book too long/thick for Amazon to print should have been longer. It should have had at least 300 more pages and/or been split into two volumes.
This is my honest opinion. I did NOT receive a free copy from the author, and I have not been bribed, and they might actually be pissed off by me complaining about not enough pages. The author probably never found themselves noticing they’re on page 220 out of 999 and feeling alarmed at only 770 pages being left.
*
I wasn’t even going to read The End of Time so soon. I’m eight to-review-ASAP books behind. When the preorder duly showed up on my iPad at 0:01am (at the thirteenth hour!!!! sort of) of May 1, I decided I’d be patient. I would wait. Har. Har. I managed until dinner, got to 22% before being forced to go to bed, and May 2 has been The Official Day of Reading The End of Time in my household. Well, on my side of it. Husby did actual things and stuff, apparently. I have 1) worked out for 30 minutes, 2) eaten, 3) spent some time in bed, 4) read The End of Time.
I normally go to sleep around 1:30am. But when the feral hour came, I was at 89%. There was no way I was going to stop at 89%. Even though I knew this meant 110 pages left. I finally fell asleep at 3am. Furious. Because the book went and ended on me.
*
As I mentioned, The Thirteenth Hour has a pacing problem in the first part. The Children of Chaos doesn’t – it’s just wonderfully, immensely cinematic. Why Netflixes or other Amazon Primes haven’t jumped at it yet is beyond me. The book has no soggy middle, because it’s like a visceral novel in parts, and each of those parts is a gem. The End of Time is paced like that steam cart when the law is briefly suspended. It’s a lot of book. Somehow, the characters (not just the MCs) are fully fleshed, relatable… except perhaps the Leander penises… yes, there are details… and the pacing only ever slows down for that wine-and-cards evening, and during slightly randomly placed sex scenes. Fast-paced, character-based book with 999 pages? I’ll need a while to get over that even being possible.
The queerness of The End of Time is lovely and unforced (Cosmo’s non-reactions to ‘he’ or ‘she’ are beautifully self-explanatory). Jinx, Kayl, Quen keep constantly raising the stakes, and you’d have thought the very existence of the Universe should be stakes high enough. The remaining Gods become more and more afraid, angry, and sneaky, trying to boost their egos with more and more hubris, convinced each of them is the only one who can become The Only One… but they don’t know this book is not called The Mostly Peaceful Middle of Time. Those huge clocks on the book covers are there for a reason.
There are battles, there’s blood, some of my favourite characters die horrible deaths, sometimes self-inflicted. Spoiler you have to live with: fucking Elijah comes back. I really, really didn’t need fucking Elijah to show up again and I had to keep hate-reading on – Skies knows how to keep my attention for sure – waiting for him to get what he deserves. (Does he? I have thoughts about that particular bit of the ending…)
Quen remains Quen, except some body parts, and newfound interest in sin, including curses worse than ‘blasted’ and ‘saints.’ Kayl and Jinx, though… are… even more awesome than usual. And in this case ‘usual’ means ‘already incredibly.’
*
Trudie Skies possesses a rare ability to make horrible things funny enough for me to acknowledge they’re horrible without turning into a puddle of tears. I only know two other artists capable of that. Marian Keyes, my second favourite author ever, and Pedro Almodóvar.
The End of Time is dark as fuck. I’ve been avoiding grimdark for at least a year, because have you seen reality recently? With renewed energy and other parts, Quen, Kayl, and Jinx always keep it just inappropriate enough for me to deal with the atrocities, and the word is not an exaggeration. The balance is always just right, which is why I couldn’t stop reading. It was a sweet torture, like going to a concert, needing to use the bathroom, promising yourself you’ll go when the band plays some song you don’t like, and they clearly looked at your iTunes playlists to find out what sound your bladder will make when it explodes. (I’m talking about you, Garbage.) The characters’ personalities shine through the book. Except the ones which no longer… oops! Spoiler. Well, except those. And even that is morbidly fascinating.
We get to meet the Gods who didn’t get enough attention in The Children of Chaos. They don’t disappoint, if that’s the right word, in their complete, sociopathic egotism. The God of Fauna seems the least horrible, because they simply ignore their mortals, which sounds like a good thing… except other mortals sometimes get help from their Gods. The Fauna never do. As the book progresses, we get to know Dor and Corentine (Dor and Cor?) better and better – same as Quen, Kayl, and Jinx. There was a risk of Jinx turning into a cartoon. Instead, Skies went and made her more multidimensional in ways I did not foresee.
I’d like to file a complaint so rare from me that I can’t believe I’m having it: this book needed more sex scenes. And fewer ruined orgasms. So many possibilities, so few elevator rides and shopping trips, and Quen’s only got an hour, but he’s got to do so much that, that…
…oh, oh, the ending, it’s COMING!
(I’ll be here all week. Catching up with the eight books I neglected.)
*
The way The End of Time constantly turns the heat up makes it feel like an ever-growing build-up to the greatest climax ever. Halfway through I only knew we were not heading for the actual ending yet because I knew I had 500 pages left, and unless Skies traded the acknowledgments section for the phone book, there was going to be more. As I kept on reading, I became more and more concerned – about how many pages those acknowledgments could steal from the few (hundred) that I had left. Then the only not-very-interesting cottagecore light part happened – I would have loved it, only not in this specific book – clearly leading to the final HUGE ENDING. And it did.
Oops. Actually that wasn’t the huge ending yet. Surely now the HUGE HUGE ending will folllow?
(Cue in the sound of Skies cackling in the background. A lot of time will pass before the actual HUGE HUGE HUGE ending. A lot.)
The final_final_final ending is absolutely bjørnkers. My sofa has turned into a rollercoaster with no safety belts and nobody overseeing the machinery. There was so much of everything happening that it made the previous 900+ pages boring and slow. Since Skies is also one of those “you have a favourite character? not anymore!” authors, I genuinely had no idea where it was heading. I had hopes, but most of the characters in the book had hopes until suddenly they didn’t even have souls.
Finally, I got lost, and I felt like so did the author. (Mind, it was 2:30am.) Perhaps the final 10-15% could have done with another editing pass by someone who hasn’t worked with the text before, or an extra beta-read by someone who did not beta the book yet. Not that I know how you get a beta who magically knows what happened in the previous 85% and can calmly read 150 pages of explosions of flamethrowers spat out by napalm-drinking dragons where there are so many realities that even the protagonists don’t know which one is real. This could have been the desired effect, of course – the book-rollercoaster turning into a Space-X rocket performing a planned disassembly into the ENDING ending that Skies worried about.
(I got tired writing this paragraph.)
There is no way for me to even hint at the final ending to end all endings without spoiling it. I can see why they are concerned, though. It’s…different. In a different way than everything else has been different before. Now I get to cackle, though, because whether Skies realised or not, they have given us an open ending. This trilogy needs at least three more books from my new auto-buy author. Skies worries about having to repeat the worldbuilding from The Thirteenth Hour – I don’t think it will be necessary, though. As long as the readers have enough brain cells to realise that it is possible for a series to start with book one and continue from there, we’ll work it out. This worldbuilding is just too intricate, visceral, gorgeous, scary, detailed to waste it on mere three books that don’t even total 3,000 pages together. Although with imagination this vast, Skies is probably halfway through creating a whole new universe.
*
So… the final question. Is The End of Time another absolute masterpiece?
No. Improving on 11/10 is, apparently, not possible. There have been too many questions to answer and too many puzzles to solve left to fit it all into 999 pages. Certain aspects of Jinx’s personality made me raise my eyebrows – not as in “this would never happen” but – “oh?” I was not at all satisfied with Elijah’s, ah, career development. I’m very pleased with the ending to end all endings, and can’t wait to see what’s next (this trilogy better have more than three books). While there is never a soggy middle, though, there are bits that become too convenient or simply too quick. As I said, The End of Time is too short.
Just like the previous two, this book poses a lot of questions way deeper than just will-they-won’t-they. Trudie Skies definitely has a lot of knowledge and understanding of religions, and let’s say that religions and Gods don’t end up looking good in this book. The, as Elijah proves, definitions of sin invented specifically by Dor are… um, let’s say displeasing to the Good Fath– Wait, this review is HOW LONG?! *stops before reaching 999 pages*
I recommend this book to everyone who appreciates wit, depth, wars, destructions of worlds, incredible worldbuilding, genocide, childhood, adulthood, tea with wrong milk, longing for family and love, betrayal mixing with loyalty in surprising proportions, regrets, joy, oral sex, descriptions of Leander penises (I don’t think I will get over this ever), not enough descriptions of naked Wolfsbane (do I really have to write fanfic for my needs to be satisfied?), diversity that puts #diversity to shame, and pure enjoyment.
Please spare a moment of silence for the so-called ‘traditional’ publishing which has to be satisfied with lesser authors when they could have Trudie Skies. (Tru, please do not accept an advance lower than high six figures. Per book.)
Rating: 4.999/5 rounded to 5/5 for Goodreads.
My ratings:
5* = this book changed my life
4* = very good
3* = good
2* = I probably DNFed it, so I don't give 2* ratings
1* = actively hostile towards the reader
June 24, 2024
This fantasy trilogy deserves so much more attention. Trudie Skies has created a truly original and wildly vivid world in Chime and the Twelve Domains, populated by a cast of complex, nuanced, engaging characters who get right under your skin.
This third volume plays out the ultimate battle between Kayl and her Godless against the tyrannical power of the gods, and it satisfies in every way. It's rare to find a fantasy saga this ambitious and sprawling that also knows how to stick a landing, but Trudie Skies has done it.
If you love steampunk vibes, punk misfits, magical creatures, and giving two fingers to authoritarianism no matter what form it takes, do yourself a favor and start this series today.
This third volume plays out the ultimate battle between Kayl and her Godless against the tyrannical power of the gods, and it satisfies in every way. It's rare to find a fantasy saga this ambitious and sprawling that also knows how to stick a landing, but Trudie Skies has done it.
If you love steampunk vibes, punk misfits, magical creatures, and giving two fingers to authoritarianism no matter what form it takes, do yourself a favor and start this series today.
May 7, 2025
4.5 rounded up because the world needs more queer left-field fantasy written with not one fig given for "what the readers expect" (just watch out for the darkness/trigger warnings)
This series ending is one mighty tome that will take you through a roller-coaster of emotions, discombobulate all the things you thought you already knew, swear at you, take your from epic clash to silly side moments, swear at you some more, then come to a resounding finale that is so satisfying to finally, finally get to.
Things I Loved:
- The writing. OK, so it's sweary and brash, but it drew me in with it's quirks and really reflects the characters who are providing our POV. The author knows how to give everyone and everything personality, not to mention balancing a slow pace with big story arcs and cruel twists.
- The End *let's out a breath they didn't know they were holding*
- Quen. It's hard not to love a posh bloke who just wants a life of peace and tea (and Kayl)
- The cute moments (well, as cute as horny Kayl/Quen can be). I've never found the romance element that big of a deal in the way, say, a romantasy would go all in on. But try not to ship them. Just try. Their whole "sinful" thoughts about each other had me cackling because; guys, you're in mortal peril. Not the time!
- The mangled relationships between everyone and every sentient thing. There's nothing clear cut about any of this, and if you're reading a story where Chaos is literally a personified force, you're not going to get the clear-cut good or evil from anyone. There is darkness as well as light. Abusive relationship described, betrayals galore, and a lot of pain they put themselves through. Don't expect an easy read.
- It's the queerest fantasy I've ever read that doesn't feel like it's a separate issue awkwardly jigsaw pieced into the plot and people it causes difficulties.
- So many secondary characters get their chance to be more (Zach, Sinder, even some of the Gods)
- The massive adventure through the book lore is mind-blowingly intricate. All those remaining Gods? Oh, you'll see plenty of them, their Domains, and their rag-tag assortment of mortals with all their different ways of life and beliefs.
Things I Noticed:
- The end left me with a question:
- This book, more even than the previous, is VERY big on sweary/rude language. NGL, sometimes I did feel a little TMI'd about all the body talk. It also felt a tiny bit less polished editorially to me (typos, a sudden influx of exclamation marks)
- I wished we'd come back to some characters to understand their motives and/or events that were glossed over (Person X died in battle but we hear it second hand, that sort of thing).
TL;DR: I read this book way past my bedtime because I had to know how this fabulously inventive, detailed, and unashamedly over the top steampunk/gaslamp adult fantasy ended. I can now return to the aether satisfied that this series lived up to its promise.
This series ending is one mighty tome that will take you through a roller-coaster of emotions, discombobulate all the things you thought you already knew, swear at you, take your from epic clash to silly side moments, swear at you some more, then come to a resounding finale that is so satisfying to finally, finally get to.
Things I Loved:
- The writing. OK, so it's sweary and brash, but it drew me in with it's quirks and really reflects the characters who are providing our POV. The author knows how to give everyone and everything personality, not to mention balancing a slow pace with big story arcs and cruel twists.
- The End *let's out a breath they didn't know they were holding*
- Quen. It's hard not to love a posh bloke who just wants a life of peace and tea (and Kayl)
- The cute moments (well, as cute as horny Kayl/Quen can be). I've never found the romance element that big of a deal in the way, say, a romantasy would go all in on. But try not to ship them. Just try. Their whole "sinful" thoughts about each other had me cackling because; guys, you're in mortal peril. Not the time!
- The mangled relationships between everyone and every sentient thing. There's nothing clear cut about any of this, and if you're reading a story where Chaos is literally a personified force, you're not going to get the clear-cut good or evil from anyone. There is darkness as well as light. Abusive relationship described, betrayals galore, and a lot of pain they put themselves through. Don't expect an easy read.
- It's the queerest fantasy I've ever read that doesn't feel like it's a separate issue awkwardly jigsaw pieced into the plot and people it causes difficulties.
- So many secondary characters get their chance to be more (Zach, Sinder, even some of the Gods)
- The massive adventure through the book lore is mind-blowingly intricate. All those remaining Gods? Oh, you'll see plenty of them, their Domains, and their rag-tag assortment of mortals with all their different ways of life and beliefs.
Things I Noticed:
- The end left me with a question:
- This book, more even than the previous, is VERY big on sweary/rude language. NGL, sometimes I did feel a little TMI'd about all the body talk. It also felt a tiny bit less polished editorially to me (typos, a sudden influx of exclamation marks)
- I wished we'd come back to some characters to understand their motives and/or events that were glossed over (Person X died in battle but we hear it second hand, that sort of thing).
TL;DR: I read this book way past my bedtime because I had to know how this fabulously inventive, detailed, and unashamedly over the top steampunk/gaslamp adult fantasy ended. I can now return to the aether satisfied that this series lived up to its promise.
May 18, 2024
I’ve been waiting excitedly for the release of this final part of the Cruel Gods series by Trudie Skies – and I have not been disappointed. It has met all my expectations – and then some!
Trying to justify that statement is difficult. There are so many plus factors it’s difficult to pick out one as the prime mover. I’ve chosen the plot. As a writer I know how difficult it is to bring together the threads of a story that connects three books. It’s like weaving a carpet, lots of separate threads that, only when woven together, do you see the whole pattern.
What astounded me in this third novel, is how the tension and excitement never lets up for a moment. It is relentless. It’s a complex story, it has to be with so many worlds, so many gods, so many people to bring together to a satisfying conclusion. To recap, like a clockface, there have been twelve different worlds, all accessed through a gateway located in the city of Chime. Each world is ruled by a god who, as the series title suggests, are not the sort of god you want ruling you. Kayl and her allies set out to bring about their downfall.
OK, so tying it all together is tough. Trudie Skies has not made is easy for herself because she has the entire universe to address. And time, let’s not forget that time can be stalled and rewritten. People die and can be brought back to life, repeatedly. However, when worlds end, that’s it, they’ve gone. Well, sort of.
My point is that this is a story where you need to pay attention. So much happens, so fast, blink and you’ll miss a key plot point. Writing a story with that amount of events happening in it, that requires an imagination as epic as the universe and Trudie Skies appears to possess one. Honestly, I do not know how she came up with it all.
In selecting the point that truly make this a brilliant book, my second factor is the humour. With so much happening in the story, it takes a back seat compared to the first two books. Even so, the wry humour, the sexual antics that are defined in glorious detail that leaves nothing unsaid, the wonderful turn of phrases that leave you smiling. They are all there and they give the author’s voice its own distinct identity. There is no one who writes like Trudie Skies.
I recommend it very, (very!) highly.
Trying to justify that statement is difficult. There are so many plus factors it’s difficult to pick out one as the prime mover. I’ve chosen the plot. As a writer I know how difficult it is to bring together the threads of a story that connects three books. It’s like weaving a carpet, lots of separate threads that, only when woven together, do you see the whole pattern.
What astounded me in this third novel, is how the tension and excitement never lets up for a moment. It is relentless. It’s a complex story, it has to be with so many worlds, so many gods, so many people to bring together to a satisfying conclusion. To recap, like a clockface, there have been twelve different worlds, all accessed through a gateway located in the city of Chime. Each world is ruled by a god who, as the series title suggests, are not the sort of god you want ruling you. Kayl and her allies set out to bring about their downfall.
OK, so tying it all together is tough. Trudie Skies has not made is easy for herself because she has the entire universe to address. And time, let’s not forget that time can be stalled and rewritten. People die and can be brought back to life, repeatedly. However, when worlds end, that’s it, they’ve gone. Well, sort of.
My point is that this is a story where you need to pay attention. So much happens, so fast, blink and you’ll miss a key plot point. Writing a story with that amount of events happening in it, that requires an imagination as epic as the universe and Trudie Skies appears to possess one. Honestly, I do not know how she came up with it all.
In selecting the point that truly make this a brilliant book, my second factor is the humour. With so much happening in the story, it takes a back seat compared to the first two books. Even so, the wry humour, the sexual antics that are defined in glorious detail that leaves nothing unsaid, the wonderful turn of phrases that leave you smiling. They are all there and they give the author’s voice its own distinct identity. There is no one who writes like Trudie Skies.
I recommend it very, (very!) highly.
April 27, 2025
The End of Time truly aims to wrap up the plot of the Cruel Gods trilogy while still leaving room for future stories, should the universe expand.
It has what I’d classify as a “happy” ending, though I’d argue some of the aspects of the end are a bit odd.
I found the ending to the “triangle” romance to be believable, heartfelt, and wholesome.
There were a few small plot hole esc aspects that could easily be passed over if you’re not concerned with this being a perfect set of stories.
I had a ton of fun with this trilogy and the add-on title Tales from Across the Domains. I found myself slowly realizing who these individual characters were in the grand scheme of the main story.
Adding a single chapter from a God’s perspective was also a nice touch towards the end.
The End of Time gets 4.5/5 stars from me, mainly because it’s so darn long. I wish the trilogy had been split among 5 smaller novels, but it was a good tale nonetheless.
I’d recommend this series to anyone contemplating it, though there are a few trigger warnings I would consider heavily throughout:
Suicide, murder, SA, abuse, manipulation, memory manipulation, forced romance (not in a pleasant way), rape, beating, drug use, alcoholism (touched upon), forced worship, death on and off screen, forced pregnancy, death during childbirth, transphobia.
Those aspects play into the plot and are not simply there for show. But I know first hand some of those topics can be upsetting.
———————————————————————
Thank you for reading this review of The End of Time by Trudie Skies! I’ve had a lot of fun burning my way straight through this trilogy this April, and I hope you enjoy them when you read them as well!
If you’d like to see more reviews like this, follow us at TheLibraryFromScratch on StoryGraph, Goodreads, and BlueSky.
We own over 1,500 physical books and 300 plus digital.
I have a hard goal of 30 books in 2025 and a soft goal of 72. Let’s see where I land!
Have a great 2025!!
Jillian
It has what I’d classify as a “happy” ending, though I’d argue some of the aspects of the end are a bit odd.
I found the ending to the “triangle” romance to be believable, heartfelt, and wholesome.
There were a few small plot hole esc aspects that could easily be passed over if you’re not concerned with this being a perfect set of stories.
I had a ton of fun with this trilogy and the add-on title Tales from Across the Domains. I found myself slowly realizing who these individual characters were in the grand scheme of the main story.
Adding a single chapter from a God’s perspective was also a nice touch towards the end.
The End of Time gets 4.5/5 stars from me, mainly because it’s so darn long. I wish the trilogy had been split among 5 smaller novels, but it was a good tale nonetheless.
I’d recommend this series to anyone contemplating it, though there are a few trigger warnings I would consider heavily throughout:
Suicide, murder, SA, abuse, manipulation, memory manipulation, forced romance (not in a pleasant way), rape, beating, drug use, alcoholism (touched upon), forced worship, death on and off screen, forced pregnancy, death during childbirth, transphobia.
Those aspects play into the plot and are not simply there for show. But I know first hand some of those topics can be upsetting.
———————————————————————
Thank you for reading this review of The End of Time by Trudie Skies! I’ve had a lot of fun burning my way straight through this trilogy this April, and I hope you enjoy them when you read them as well!
If you’d like to see more reviews like this, follow us at TheLibraryFromScratch on StoryGraph, Goodreads, and BlueSky.
We own over 1,500 physical books and 300 plus digital.
I have a hard goal of 30 books in 2025 and a soft goal of 72. Let’s see where I land!
Have a great 2025!!
Jillian
October 31, 2025
Oh my, what a finale to this trilogy. I'm not ashamed to admit that I didn't just shed a tear, I was fully in tears at one point of this, which is a rarity - I can count on one hand the number of of books that have made me cry. What started as a fairly insulated story, with a few characters and a linear narrative has sprawled out into a far wider reaching and world impacting climax that could be the end of the world as it stands. It's a huge book and honestly, it needs to be. There's one hell of a lot packed into those 750 odd pages.
This is a book of chaos and explosive action. The small Godless movement has metamorphosed into something far larger and potentially dangerous and Chaos is at its heart. Jinx, Kayl and Quen are all fighting to keep the world from the all powerful hands of Dor, God of Time, but they aren't all singing from the same hymn sheet and things get messy, fast. Like, really messy and really dark. Don't read this unless you want your heart torn apart and stomped on with semi-regular frequency. I repeat, it made me cry and I didn't cry at Watership Down.
And the characters absolutely shine through and become real in all their flaws and glories and complete and utter screw ups. We've got the prominent three of course, but it's more than that. It's the cast of side-characters, good, bad and that weird grey in between. It's the God's themselves in all their sociopathic glory. The different races, some of whom were virtual unknowns before this book and yet the structure, hierarchies, personalities and flaws all come to life. There's also romance, if that floats your boat, and quite a lot of sex scenes that are well executed even if that's the point where my eyes skim forward a few paragraphs at a time - that's on me, not the author.
This is an original and complex series with fantastic world-building and characters and a plot that comes together beautifully. It's superbly done from beginning to end and I'll be interested to see if any further series come out of the world, because oh boy, there's space for it with that ending!
This is a book of chaos and explosive action. The small Godless movement has metamorphosed into something far larger and potentially dangerous and Chaos is at its heart. Jinx, Kayl and Quen are all fighting to keep the world from the all powerful hands of Dor, God of Time, but they aren't all singing from the same hymn sheet and things get messy, fast. Like, really messy and really dark. Don't read this unless you want your heart torn apart and stomped on with semi-regular frequency. I repeat, it made me cry and I didn't cry at Watership Down.
And the characters absolutely shine through and become real in all their flaws and glories and complete and utter screw ups. We've got the prominent three of course, but it's more than that. It's the cast of side-characters, good, bad and that weird grey in between. It's the God's themselves in all their sociopathic glory. The different races, some of whom were virtual unknowns before this book and yet the structure, hierarchies, personalities and flaws all come to life. There's also romance, if that floats your boat, and quite a lot of sex scenes that are well executed even if that's the point where my eyes skim forward a few paragraphs at a time - that's on me, not the author.
This is an original and complex series with fantastic world-building and characters and a plot that comes together beautifully. It's superbly done from beginning to end and I'll be interested to see if any further series come out of the world, because oh boy, there's space for it with that ending!
October 16, 2024
I honestly have mixed feelings for this one. Mostly because Quen changed. Some people might like him better here, but I love my dork just as he was. I don't like him being 'cooler' (as in more swearing, more lovesick, less clever plotting). My boy was already perfect, so yes, I took my time reading this one because I started feeling strangely for Quen. But ultimately, I still love him and I still have no idea how he never broke his glasses in all the actions he's been in. Haha.
Kayl is still immature, still feels like a 16-year-old and sometimes I dally more on other stuff and delay reading when I get into her/Jinx's POV, unless there's Quen in it. So, yeah.
And Jinx. God, Jinx. Her very POVs are like a personification of rage. The sheer amount of swearing, the utter inappropriateness. I was reading on my Kindle, and I kept looking at the time needed to end her POV because her energy overwhelmed me. Sounds weird, I know. But it is what it is.
Honestly, reading this entire series had felt like blasphemy to me, but it's a good story. Although I'd say it's more new adult than adult. Because in my opinion, a whole lot of swearing and sex doesn't make a book adult. Not that anyone's asking, but I'm giving it anyway.
I also have mixed feelings about the ending. I'm not quite sure how or what to feel about it. It's weird, and definitely unexpected. I'm not totally opposed to it, but I'm not exactly satisfied by it either. It's just there in a weird place in my mind right now.
But, despite everything, I had an absolute blast reading the series. This last book is a lot longer than the other two, but don't let that deter you. Is it worth all the time I spent reading it? Hmm, maybe. But Quen is worth so much more, so yes, I'd reread some iconic Quen scenes without hesitation. ❤️
Kayl is still immature, still feels like a 16-year-old and sometimes I dally more on other stuff and delay reading when I get into her/Jinx's POV, unless there's Quen in it. So, yeah.
And Jinx. God, Jinx. Her very POVs are like a personification of rage. The sheer amount of swearing, the utter inappropriateness. I was reading on my Kindle, and I kept looking at the time needed to end her POV because her energy overwhelmed me. Sounds weird, I know. But it is what it is.
Honestly, reading this entire series had felt like blasphemy to me, but it's a good story. Although I'd say it's more new adult than adult. Because in my opinion, a whole lot of swearing and sex doesn't make a book adult. Not that anyone's asking, but I'm giving it anyway.
I also have mixed feelings about the ending. I'm not quite sure how or what to feel about it. It's weird, and definitely unexpected. I'm not totally opposed to it, but I'm not exactly satisfied by it either. It's just there in a weird place in my mind right now.
But, despite everything, I had an absolute blast reading the series. This last book is a lot longer than the other two, but don't let that deter you. Is it worth all the time I spent reading it? Hmm, maybe. But Quen is worth so much more, so yes, I'd reread some iconic Quen scenes without hesitation. ❤️
April 30, 2024
Disclaimer: I betaed this book, so obviously I already love the series and the author. I'm assuming if you're reading this, you've read the first two books in the series. If not, go now and read them!
In any case--I loved this book! It's a great ending to the series. I won't spoil anything specific for the third book (no promises about the first two) in this review, but I think most readers will appreciate the ending, even if certain details might not be exactly what they wanted/hoped for. Kayl and Quentin and the rest of the Godless are their usual chaotic selves in this book, which is, as the author says, a bit 'ruder' than the others (read: there are some mildly spicy scenes, and Quentin's linguistic boundaries are pushed to the very limit). Someone from a past book comes back, and...well, to say much of anything else about THAT would be a major spoiler.
I have to admit, I was a little nervous about the time travel aspects I knew were coming in this book. However, Trudie handled it all with aplomb (look at me, using British phrases for a VERY British book). No plot holes or loose dangling plot threads here! Bonus if you're not British; you learn the proper pronunciation of the word 'scone.'
Without spoiling anything, I will warn those of you who are prone to cry to have tissues handy. Seriously, right in the FEELS, time after time... I may or may not have stopped talking to Tru for a few days after one particular scene...
Anyway, if you read the first two books and enjoyed them, you won't be disappointed with this one. So buy it! Heck, if you haven't read any, buy all three and read them!
In any case--I loved this book! It's a great ending to the series. I won't spoil anything specific for the third book (no promises about the first two) in this review, but I think most readers will appreciate the ending, even if certain details might not be exactly what they wanted/hoped for. Kayl and Quentin and the rest of the Godless are their usual chaotic selves in this book, which is, as the author says, a bit 'ruder' than the others (read: there are some mildly spicy scenes, and Quentin's linguistic boundaries are pushed to the very limit). Someone from a past book comes back, and...well, to say much of anything else about THAT would be a major spoiler.
I have to admit, I was a little nervous about the time travel aspects I knew were coming in this book. However, Trudie handled it all with aplomb (look at me, using British phrases for a VERY British book). No plot holes or loose dangling plot threads here! Bonus if you're not British; you learn the proper pronunciation of the word 'scone.'
Without spoiling anything, I will warn those of you who are prone to cry to have tissues handy. Seriously, right in the FEELS, time after time... I may or may not have stopped talking to Tru for a few days after one particular scene...
Anyway, if you read the first two books and enjoyed them, you won't be disappointed with this one. So buy it! Heck, if you haven't read any, buy all three and read them!
June 8, 2025
More people should read this series. It is original, a cool combination of fantasy and steam punk and romance. And nothing I have read before.
Especially book number 1 is fantastic, well thought through and introduces you to the world and the characters.
Book two shows more in depth the different realms. Unfortunately this became a bit repetitive.
Book three fore sure serves a conclusion. Everything finds an end, if satisfying depends on personal taste.
But - if the other wanted to archive the chaos (one of the realms is named for) then spot on. This book was so chaotic. And surprisingly fast paced while also frustrating. Every chapter or every other chapter the main character made a decision acted upon that decision and it went awry. Every time and again and again. I needed long breaks in between to not let my frustration take over. The last part of the book was way better composed and more fluid again. So, while I really loved the first book and the general idea of the series, book 3 was not easy to read.
Especially book number 1 is fantastic, well thought through and introduces you to the world and the characters.
Book two shows more in depth the different realms. Unfortunately this became a bit repetitive.
Book three fore sure serves a conclusion. Everything finds an end, if satisfying depends on personal taste.
But - if the other wanted to archive the chaos (one of the realms is named for) then spot on. This book was so chaotic. And surprisingly fast paced while also frustrating. Every chapter or every other chapter the main character made a decision acted upon that decision and it went awry. Every time and again and again. I needed long breaks in between to not let my frustration take over. The last part of the book was way better composed and more fluid again. So, while I really loved the first book and the general idea of the series, book 3 was not easy to read.
September 4, 2024
This was a fabulous ending to such a unique trilogy. Just as a general overview, there are 13 domains. Each domain is the realm of a different god, and mortals are made in their god's image. So you have one group of mortals who can control time. Another group of mortals who can affect memory. I really love the different descriptions -- they're physically distinct and more interesting than most fantasy races.
But, of course, the gods are not great, and our heroes are out to stop them. Our heroes are totally a mess and I love them all, especially Quen. This book follows three POVs, and the chapter titles let us know which one we're following. And there's a special chapter that has the title in binary, which was cool (I definitely translated the binary to see what it said).
The gods are cruel, the world is cruel, the right choices aren't always made. But in the end, we get a satisfying ending that has left me smiling.
But, of course, the gods are not great, and our heroes are out to stop them. Our heroes are totally a mess and I love them all, especially Quen. This book follows three POVs, and the chapter titles let us know which one we're following. And there's a special chapter that has the title in binary, which was cool (I definitely translated the binary to see what it said).
The gods are cruel, the world is cruel, the right choices aren't always made. But in the end, we get a satisfying ending that has left me smiling.
October 14, 2025
A Perfect Ending That Left Me Wanting More
Holy cow — I wish there was more to this series! It’s been over twelve hours since I finished The End of Time, and I’m still sitting here thinking dang. This entire series has been an emotional roller coaster in the best way possible.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect going in, but the story completely blew me away. The pacing, the twists, and the way everything came together at the end felt satisfying and well-earned. It’s rare to find a finale that sticks the landing this well.
Even though I’m happy with how it all wrapped up, a big part of me still wishes there was another book — just to explore more of this world and these characters. I can’t wait to see what the author creates next, especially if it ties into this new world they’ve built.
If you’re on the fence about finishing the series, do it. The ending is worth every second.
Holy cow — I wish there was more to this series! It’s been over twelve hours since I finished The End of Time, and I’m still sitting here thinking dang. This entire series has been an emotional roller coaster in the best way possible.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect going in, but the story completely blew me away. The pacing, the twists, and the way everything came together at the end felt satisfying and well-earned. It’s rare to find a finale that sticks the landing this well.
Even though I’m happy with how it all wrapped up, a big part of me still wishes there was another book — just to explore more of this world and these characters. I can’t wait to see what the author creates next, especially if it ties into this new world they’ve built.
If you’re on the fence about finishing the series, do it. The ending is worth every second.
July 31, 2024
This trilogy broke my heart and put it back together again, over and over again. I haven't binge-read a series like this in a long time.
The trilogy was very, very dark, but with characters that I really fell in love with and a theme of personal sovereignty that I felt in my soul. Also, there was excellent representation of all kinds of people, sexualities, and gender identities. I really can't recommend this highly enough.
The world-building, the changing cosmology, was an absolute wonder: detailed, well thought-out, and completely absorbing. But what really made Cruel Gods stand out for me was the characters: Kayl and Quen, the Godless (a fierce Found Family) and even Jinx, who I loved and hated and loved again. I'm kind of sad that the adventure is over. I'm going to miss the Fauna and the Mesmer, the time-travel shenanigans, and love "to the end of time."
The trilogy was very, very dark, but with characters that I really fell in love with and a theme of personal sovereignty that I felt in my soul. Also, there was excellent representation of all kinds of people, sexualities, and gender identities. I really can't recommend this highly enough.
The world-building, the changing cosmology, was an absolute wonder: detailed, well thought-out, and completely absorbing. But what really made Cruel Gods stand out for me was the characters: Kayl and Quen, the Godless (a fierce Found Family) and even Jinx, who I loved and hated and loved again. I'm kind of sad that the adventure is over. I'm going to miss the Fauna and the Mesmer, the time-travel shenanigans, and love "to the end of time."
April 29, 2024
It's no exaggeration to say I've been waiting anxiously for this one. The last of the Cruel Gods series, this book is as good as the previous two.
Quen is almost a prisoner of Jinx and Corentine who wish to use him to destroy Dor, his former master while Kayl and the Mesmer trio are hiding in the undercity with no allies. The power to end the gods is of no use when the gods are hiding in their own domains. The Umber and Zephyr have openly allied with Dor and they are focussed on taking down the clock tower. Jinx is being her own chaotic self, and growing frustrated with the attitude of people she feels should be grateful to her.
I love Quen and Kayl so much, but I felt for Jinx as well. She has a lot of issues, and comes across as a relatable character in this, even despite her murder chaos vibes. I don't want to spoil too much, but the gods are all a**holes which doesn't need to be said at this point, but I have to say it again because ugh, I hate them so much.
The Mesmer and the Fauna are given greater roles here and I love Trixie and Wolfsbane. The Mesmer trio are pretty chaotic too, but in a wholly cute and annoying way. Loved the tea party and them calling Quen Papa and Kayl Mama, lol.
If you love epic fantasy with gods that deserve to be unalived, mortals fighting to have the right to live their lives free of divine whims, extremely high stakes and odds that just keep getting stacked against the good guys, you will love this. I did and I was yelling for the good guys to catch a break. Of course, the good guys aren't all good either. The characters are as morally grey as they come, but they're trying their best to do the right thing, for the right to choose their own fates.
Just go read it. But don't forget to read the first two books before!
Quen is almost a prisoner of Jinx and Corentine who wish to use him to destroy Dor, his former master while Kayl and the Mesmer trio are hiding in the undercity with no allies. The power to end the gods is of no use when the gods are hiding in their own domains. The Umber and Zephyr have openly allied with Dor and they are focussed on taking down the clock tower. Jinx is being her own chaotic self, and growing frustrated with the attitude of people she feels should be grateful to her.
I love Quen and Kayl so much, but I felt for Jinx as well. She has a lot of issues, and comes across as a relatable character in this, even despite her murder chaos vibes. I don't want to spoil too much, but the gods are all a**holes which doesn't need to be said at this point, but I have to say it again because ugh, I hate them so much.
The Mesmer and the Fauna are given greater roles here and I love Trixie and Wolfsbane. The Mesmer trio are pretty chaotic too, but in a wholly cute and annoying way. Loved the tea party and them calling Quen Papa and Kayl Mama, lol.
If you love epic fantasy with gods that deserve to be unalived, mortals fighting to have the right to live their lives free of divine whims, extremely high stakes and odds that just keep getting stacked against the good guys, you will love this. I did and I was yelling for the good guys to catch a break. Of course, the good guys aren't all good either. The characters are as morally grey as they come, but they're trying their best to do the right thing, for the right to choose their own fates.
Just go read it. But don't forget to read the first two books before!
May 18, 2024
4.5…losing 0.5 due to length and some small issues but rounding up to 5 due to awesomeness!
July 22, 2024
Great series!!!!
This is an amazing story that’s full of action, I really hope there will be spin offs!
The ending is amazing.
This is an amazing story that’s full of action, I really hope there will be spin offs!
The ending is amazing.
dnf
November 21, 2024Taking a break at 48%, hoping some time away will help to soothe some of my frustrations with the characters and plot progression
April 22, 2025
An amazing, absolutely epic ending to the Cruel Gods Trilogy
June 21, 2025
Excellent conclusion for a wonderful trilogy! Endings are never easy, and this one is very good.
December 22, 2024
Holy Heck! The whimsical,chaotic and cosmic conclusion to this series.
Yearning for more from Kayl and The Dark Warden. This was one of the wildest rides to a three part series that I could have expected.
Trudie Skies - you outdid yourself. It ended perfectly! This does not need a long review, if you read this far into the series you'd feel the same.
Bravo!
Yearning for more from Kayl and The Dark Warden. This was one of the wildest rides to a three part series that I could have expected.
Trudie Skies - you outdid yourself. It ended perfectly! This does not need a long review, if you read this far into the series you'd feel the same.
Bravo!
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