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Passage to Dawn #3
The Other Battle
The award-winning series continues in Book 3, The Other Battle!
The fate of the world hangs on choices Kibure hardly understands and the ripples of victory could just as easily turn to waves of defeat. Kibure and Sindri set off in pursuit of allies in a world beset by distrust and the schemes of their enemies.
As the Lugienese Empire sweeps across the continent, Rajuban uses his cunning to consolidate power as he prepares to unleash ancient monsters of myth, and seeks a weapon capable of vanquishing an entire people in moments.
Meanwhile, a prisoner extraction gone wrong forces Dwapek to add an unexpected companion to a quest that will return him to the demons of his past.
Dagmara and Kyllean find themselves confronted with choices of loyalty as they watch the threads holding the defenders of the free world fray against an enemy united.
Don't miss the third installment in an epic fantasy series abounding with unexpected heroes, betrayal, magic, and non-stop adventure. This series will continue to be enjoyed by fans of Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, Michael J. Sullivan, Edward W. Robertson, and Michael Wisehart.
The fate of the world hangs on choices Kibure hardly understands and the ripples of victory could just as easily turn to waves of defeat. Kibure and Sindri set off in pursuit of allies in a world beset by distrust and the schemes of their enemies.
As the Lugienese Empire sweeps across the continent, Rajuban uses his cunning to consolidate power as he prepares to unleash ancient monsters of myth, and seeks a weapon capable of vanquishing an entire people in moments.
Meanwhile, a prisoner extraction gone wrong forces Dwapek to add an unexpected companion to a quest that will return him to the demons of his past.
Dagmara and Kyllean find themselves confronted with choices of loyalty as they watch the threads holding the defenders of the free world fray against an enemy united.
Don't miss the third installment in an epic fantasy series abounding with unexpected heroes, betrayal, magic, and non-stop adventure. This series will continue to be enjoyed by fans of Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, Michael J. Sullivan, Edward W. Robertson, and Michael Wisehart.
- GenresCollectionsFantasy
554 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2024
122 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Derrick Smythe
6 books102 followersDerrick Smythe has been fascinated with all things elvish, dwarvish, and magical since his days of running through the woods with sharpened sticks in defense of whatever fortification he and his brothers had built that summer. After consuming nearly every fantasy book he could find, he was driven to begin work on one of his own. When he isn’t dreaming up new stories, he can be spotted hiking the Adirondack Mountains or traveling the world. He currently resides near his hometown in upstate New York with his enchanting wife, ethereal daughters, and his faithful-if-neurotic Australian Shepherd, Magnus.
Derrick's debut novel, The Other Magic, has been an Amazon bestseller in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The second book in the Passage to Dawn series titled, The Other Way, released in November of 2021 as a #1 Bestselling New Release.
Smythe has also penned two stand-alone prequels, To Earn the Sash (2020), and another #1 Bestselling New Release, To Wield a Plague (2022).
Work continues on the next installment in the Passage to Dawn.
Awards for The Other Magic:
Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, Winner (2020)
Global Book Award, Winner (2020)
Global Ebook Award, Runner-up (2020)
Independent Publisher Book Award, Runner-up (2020)
National Indie Excellence Award, Finalist (2020)
Indies Today Award, Finalist (2020)
Wishing Shelf Book Award, Finalist (2020)
Kindle Book Award, Semi-Finalist (2020)
Reader's Favorite, Honorable Mention (2020)
Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award, Finalist (2019)
B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree
Contact:
Email: author@derricksmythe.com
Website: https://derricksmythe.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/DerrickSmythe.Author
Sign up for Derrick's newsletter at: dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/80329/...
Derrick's debut novel, The Other Magic, has been an Amazon bestseller in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The second book in the Passage to Dawn series titled, The Other Way, released in November of 2021 as a #1 Bestselling New Release.
Smythe has also penned two stand-alone prequels, To Earn the Sash (2020), and another #1 Bestselling New Release, To Wield a Plague (2022).
Work continues on the next installment in the Passage to Dawn.
Awards for The Other Magic:
Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, Winner (2020)
Global Book Award, Winner (2020)
Global Ebook Award, Runner-up (2020)
Independent Publisher Book Award, Runner-up (2020)
National Indie Excellence Award, Finalist (2020)
Indies Today Award, Finalist (2020)
Wishing Shelf Book Award, Finalist (2020)
Kindle Book Award, Semi-Finalist (2020)
Reader's Favorite, Honorable Mention (2020)
Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award, Finalist (2019)
B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree
Contact:
Email: author@derricksmythe.com
Website: https://derricksmythe.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/DerrickSmythe.Author
Sign up for Derrick's newsletter at: dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/80329/...
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 19, 2024
Lies and deceit stain the empire. Power gained through all means. Against this darkness there remains a light in darkness.
Excellent book three. Lots of intrigue, mystery, schemes and prophecy. Great character work. Looking forward to the next installment!
Excellent book three. Lots of intrigue, mystery, schemes and prophecy. Great character work. Looking forward to the next installment!
July 31, 2024
“The Other Battle”, third in the “Passage to Dawn” series, takes place in a world with two kinds of magic, multiple gods and religions, political and religious machinations, ego-driven maniacs, prophesy, invasions, and battles. It is a natural progression of events from the first two books. The protagonists are trying to save the world from destruction and the antagonists are out to remake the world in their image, killing anyone who gets in their way.
If you’ve not read the previous books in the series, do read them first, although the two “Summary of Events” sections provide a synopsis of what happened in the first two books.
“To Earn a Sash”, introduces two major characters, Grobennar and Rajuban who have just manifested their magic and quickly become antagonists.
“To Wield a Plague”, introduces a very important character, Dwapek, and the events that take place before the time of the main books.
In “The Other Magic”, Kibure, suddenly manifests the “Other Magic” or atere magic and then escapes from slavery. He becomes hunted by the Klerol but heads to the Isles city of Brinkwell with Sindri, a former priestess of the Klerol. They meet Drailock, an ancient wizard, who appears at critical points in the events and journeys, and Dwapek, a Counsellor at the University.
A separate group are now also in Brinkwell: Aynward, fifth in line for the throne of the Kingdom of Dowe, is now at the University. He becomes friends with Kyllean, who is also from Drogen and has heritage of Tal-don and the Lumale riders.
Book Two, “The Other Way”, starts with Brinkwell having fallen to the Lugienese. Grobennar heads the invasion of the Continent of Drogan.
Some of the protagonists escape and head for the Kingdom of Dowe. Aynward, is accused of killing his father and is imprisoned. Kyllean, is now one of the Tal-don Riders and learns to wield magic. Dagmara, who is not Tal-don, unexpectedly links with one of the Lumales. Drailock and Dwapek show up and aid in the second rescue of Aynward, but Drailock leaves to find Kibure.
Kibure escapes to the hidden city of Purgemon with the aid of the She’yar who believe that Kibure will fulfill Asaaven prophecies, and they begin his formal training in martial and magical arts. Sindri and Drailock eventually find Kibure and while training, Sindri is told she has potential to become very powerful.
“The Other Battle” has Rajuban heading to Ninevah with his prisoner, Baldemar. Some secrets about Baldemar will be revealed and some surprising events occur later. Kibure continues his training regimen with the She’yaren on their voyage to Ninevah to retrieve the powerful kosmi stone now held by Rajuban.
The wizard, Drailock, sees possibilities. I really like the description of the dilemma with foresight: revealing future possibilities might impact actions and possibly change the future in unforeseen ways. The author gave interesting examples to explain the dilemma.
The book proceeds at a moderate pace, and suddenly picks up and reaches the point where I couldn’t put the book down. It’s a great book that keeps me wanting to hear more of the story.
The team sometimes splits to engage in adventures that are important to the full story. It’s always fun when they get back together because you’re ready for something momentous to happen.
There is good character development in the book. Dwapek has been the aloof, brilliant magic user and Aynward always the impulsive and argumentative type. It was nice to see the strained relationship evolve to one of grudging mutual respect and caring. I liked the relationship between Kyllean and Dagmara who began constantly at each other’s throats. The author chose an interesting way to show the changed relationship. There were very touching moments with Sindri/Liandra interacting with the dying father that she never knew she had.
Grobennar is a deep but challenging character. He has lost everything, but maybe there is hope after all, even for him. Will he, Kibure, and Sindri lose their mutual hatred?
For me, a bombshell toward the end sets the stage for complex happenings in the next book. Kibure must continue to strengthen his abilities to take on his prophesied future role and the intrepid band will continue to get into trouble while trying to help save the world.
I chuckled at some of the dialog and felt others were very poignant.
• “Saving the life of your enemy. If you’re not careful, someone might mistake you for a good man.”
• “I should have expected nothing less.” … “I really need to find some new friends.” -- ROTFL
• “We have before us a long road toward a place I’m not certain we can reach … we will need every able-bodied person we can find to help us get there.”
• Last line in the book. Funny, but also poignant. “Oh yes. A pastry baked in the oven of humility!”
For lovers of Epic Fantasy who find a different take on magic interesting, I highly recommend the entire series. But for me, “The Other Battle” is the best so far.
I am an ARC reviewer of this book, but have pre-ordered it so that I can re-read the final version.
If you’ve not read the previous books in the series, do read them first, although the two “Summary of Events” sections provide a synopsis of what happened in the first two books.
“To Earn a Sash”, introduces two major characters, Grobennar and Rajuban who have just manifested their magic and quickly become antagonists.
“To Wield a Plague”, introduces a very important character, Dwapek, and the events that take place before the time of the main books.
In “The Other Magic”, Kibure, suddenly manifests the “Other Magic” or atere magic and then escapes from slavery. He becomes hunted by the Klerol but heads to the Isles city of Brinkwell with Sindri, a former priestess of the Klerol. They meet Drailock, an ancient wizard, who appears at critical points in the events and journeys, and Dwapek, a Counsellor at the University.
A separate group are now also in Brinkwell: Aynward, fifth in line for the throne of the Kingdom of Dowe, is now at the University. He becomes friends with Kyllean, who is also from Drogen and has heritage of Tal-don and the Lumale riders.
Book Two, “The Other Way”, starts with Brinkwell having fallen to the Lugienese. Grobennar heads the invasion of the Continent of Drogan.
Some of the protagonists escape and head for the Kingdom of Dowe. Aynward, is accused of killing his father and is imprisoned. Kyllean, is now one of the Tal-don Riders and learns to wield magic. Dagmara, who is not Tal-don, unexpectedly links with one of the Lumales. Drailock and Dwapek show up and aid in the second rescue of Aynward, but Drailock leaves to find Kibure.
Kibure escapes to the hidden city of Purgemon with the aid of the She’yar who believe that Kibure will fulfill Asaaven prophecies, and they begin his formal training in martial and magical arts. Sindri and Drailock eventually find Kibure and while training, Sindri is told she has potential to become very powerful.
“The Other Battle” has Rajuban heading to Ninevah with his prisoner, Baldemar. Some secrets about Baldemar will be revealed and some surprising events occur later. Kibure continues his training regimen with the She’yaren on their voyage to Ninevah to retrieve the powerful kosmi stone now held by Rajuban.
The wizard, Drailock, sees possibilities. I really like the description of the dilemma with foresight: revealing future possibilities might impact actions and possibly change the future in unforeseen ways. The author gave interesting examples to explain the dilemma.
The book proceeds at a moderate pace, and suddenly picks up and reaches the point where I couldn’t put the book down. It’s a great book that keeps me wanting to hear more of the story.
The team sometimes splits to engage in adventures that are important to the full story. It’s always fun when they get back together because you’re ready for something momentous to happen.
There is good character development in the book. Dwapek has been the aloof, brilliant magic user and Aynward always the impulsive and argumentative type. It was nice to see the strained relationship evolve to one of grudging mutual respect and caring. I liked the relationship between Kyllean and Dagmara who began constantly at each other’s throats. The author chose an interesting way to show the changed relationship. There were very touching moments with Sindri/Liandra interacting with the dying father that she never knew she had.
Grobennar is a deep but challenging character. He has lost everything, but maybe there is hope after all, even for him. Will he, Kibure, and Sindri lose their mutual hatred?
For me, a bombshell toward the end sets the stage for complex happenings in the next book. Kibure must continue to strengthen his abilities to take on his prophesied future role and the intrepid band will continue to get into trouble while trying to help save the world.
I chuckled at some of the dialog and felt others were very poignant.
• “Saving the life of your enemy. If you’re not careful, someone might mistake you for a good man.”
• “I should have expected nothing less.” … “I really need to find some new friends.” -- ROTFL
• “We have before us a long road toward a place I’m not certain we can reach … we will need every able-bodied person we can find to help us get there.”
• Last line in the book. Funny, but also poignant. “Oh yes. A pastry baked in the oven of humility!”
For lovers of Epic Fantasy who find a different take on magic interesting, I highly recommend the entire series. But for me, “The Other Battle” is the best so far.
I am an ARC reviewer of this book, but have pre-ordered it so that I can re-read the final version.
August 2, 2024
Derrick Smythe has done it again. Book 3 – The Other Battle - in the Passage to Dawn series is another can’t-put-down saga. Plot twists abound. Just as you really begin to hate a character, he saves the day and earns redemption. Just as you begin to cheer for the hero, you realize that all may not be as it seems and victory may not be what you had envisioned.
Books 1 and 2 have laid the groundwork for this newest book – The Other Battle. As the Lugienese army is pushing forward, the forces to stop them are working across the Empire toward a common goal – stop the God-King Magog. This book focuses more on various efforts by Sindri, Drailock, Kibure, Kyllean, Aynward, Dawpek and the mysterious gray-cloaked women to thwart Magog than on actual battles. Yes, there are several encounters with the Lugienese and battles rage, but most of the book focuses on retrieving the stones that will assist in defeating the God-King and the Lugiense. The losses mount in this book, and loyalties turn. The Prince must work with a foe from Brinkwell, Sindri and Grobennar must leave their hatred behind, and Drailock continues to orchestrate the campaign in his mysterious ways.
Book 3 continues to develop the characters we have met previously, while dropping clues that there is more going on than a simple good vs. evil battle.
Smythe’s packs a lot into each book, but don’t worry. There’s a concise recap at the start of Book 3 to get you reacquainted with the plot and characters so you can jump right in. Smythe’s attention to detail, clear writing and intricate plot development are sure to keep you entertained, whether you typically enjoy the fantasy genre or not.
Books 1 and 2 have laid the groundwork for this newest book – The Other Battle. As the Lugienese army is pushing forward, the forces to stop them are working across the Empire toward a common goal – stop the God-King Magog. This book focuses more on various efforts by Sindri, Drailock, Kibure, Kyllean, Aynward, Dawpek and the mysterious gray-cloaked women to thwart Magog than on actual battles. Yes, there are several encounters with the Lugienese and battles rage, but most of the book focuses on retrieving the stones that will assist in defeating the God-King and the Lugiense. The losses mount in this book, and loyalties turn. The Prince must work with a foe from Brinkwell, Sindri and Grobennar must leave their hatred behind, and Drailock continues to orchestrate the campaign in his mysterious ways.
Book 3 continues to develop the characters we have met previously, while dropping clues that there is more going on than a simple good vs. evil battle.
Smythe’s packs a lot into each book, but don’t worry. There’s a concise recap at the start of Book 3 to get you reacquainted with the plot and characters so you can jump right in. Smythe’s attention to detail, clear writing and intricate plot development are sure to keep you entertained, whether you typically enjoy the fantasy genre or not.
July 16, 2024
Yet again Derrick Smythe has written a masterful epic fantasy, the third book in a saga that has captivated me from the first page of the initial instalment. In this third book, the author deftly weaves together the disparate threads of the characters' journeys, culminating in a climactic convergence that is both satisfying and poignant and also, it is clear, will lead to a fourth book- to which I am already looking forward.
One of the most striking aspects of The Other Battle is the nuanced development of its characters, whom I have followed through trials, tribulations, and triumphs. In this book, however, the sense of humour and wry comments of many of the protagonists is refreshing and amusing- more so I thought than in the previous books.
War and invasion are spreading across the world and religions and magic are the building blocks of conflict. The ambition and faction fighting, the friendships and the manipulations of each of the characters are fascinating. The convergence of these characters in a breathtaking showdown is an excellent climax leaving readers with a a deep appreciation for the journey so far- and looking forward to the next instalment.
This book is a must-read for fans of the series and a stellar example of fantasy literature at its best. (and if you haven't read the first two books you should!)
Disclosure- I received a free copy of this book as an ARC- but would have posted a glowing review anyway!
August 20, 2024
Derrick Smythe’s Passage to Dawn series is a gripping dive into a world where magic is a powerful force, shaping the lives of its characters in unexpected ways. This (current) three-book series explores themes of power, identity, and the world of magic with a mix of intrigue and excitement. From the first page to the last, Smythe pulls readers into an ever twisting and fascinating universe where nothing is quite as it seems and the struggle to control others' magic can be perilous to all sides.
This installment, The Other Battle, continues with the mission Smythe is on to showcase the multifaceted view on the road to an inevitable conflict between various sides all claiming to be on the side of good. The use of multiple perspectives with each changing chapter not only keeps you interested and invested in each character, but furiously reading on to see what twist magic will bring to them. Honed skills, betrayals, and old grudges will dictate just how far these characters are able and willing to go in order to achieve their goals.
Smythe’s Passage to Dawn installments have all been a gripping and fascinating tale and The Other Battle is no exception. My only hope is that the fourth installment comes out sooner than the last!
This installment, The Other Battle, continues with the mission Smythe is on to showcase the multifaceted view on the road to an inevitable conflict between various sides all claiming to be on the side of good. The use of multiple perspectives with each changing chapter not only keeps you interested and invested in each character, but furiously reading on to see what twist magic will bring to them. Honed skills, betrayals, and old grudges will dictate just how far these characters are able and willing to go in order to achieve their goals.
Smythe’s Passage to Dawn installments have all been a gripping and fascinating tale and The Other Battle is no exception. My only hope is that the fourth installment comes out sooner than the last!
August 12, 2024
The fate of the world hangs on choices Kibure hardly understands and the ripples of victory could just as easily turn to waves of defeat. Kibure and Sindri set off in pursuit of allies in a world beset by distrust and the schemes of their enemies.
As the Lugienese Empire sweeps across the continent, Rajuban uses his cunning to consolidate power as he prepares to unleash ancient monsters of myth, and seeks a weapon capable of vanquishing an entire people in moments.
Meanwhile, a prisoner extraction gone wrong forces Dwapek to add an unexpected companion to a quest that will return him to the demons of his past.
Dagmara and Kyllean find themselves confronted with choices of loyalty as they watch the threads holding the defenders of the free world fray against an enemy united.
What an epic story. Fantasy magic told in a unique way.
This book is so well written you will really believe it exists and only come back to reality when you are finished and crave for more .
Highly recommend.
As the Lugienese Empire sweeps across the continent, Rajuban uses his cunning to consolidate power as he prepares to unleash ancient monsters of myth, and seeks a weapon capable of vanquishing an entire people in moments.
Meanwhile, a prisoner extraction gone wrong forces Dwapek to add an unexpected companion to a quest that will return him to the demons of his past.
Dagmara and Kyllean find themselves confronted with choices of loyalty as they watch the threads holding the defenders of the free world fray against an enemy united.
What an epic story. Fantasy magic told in a unique way.
This book is so well written you will really believe it exists and only come back to reality when you are finished and crave for more .
Highly recommend.
January 10, 2025
Another Excellent Read From Passage to Dawn
The author has done another great job in furthering the storyline of the previous two books.
The storyline is very well done in weaving all of the characters into one comprehensive narrative, despite their differing situations.
There is not as much humor and banter as the previous two books (ie. Kyllean and Aynward), but as the story steers toward more serious consequences and situations, that is to be expected.
The political strategizing of Rajuban plays out very well in the plot, and makes it impossible to know where his storyline is going until it happens. A very cunning and devious antagonist, whom is also not the strongest villain (outside of intelligence) in the story. His rivalry with Grobennar Is an exciting dimension go the story.
The overall progression of the Grobennar has been multi-faceted. His original antagonist role has developed into a possible anti-hero. His story has been the least predictable, which also made it one of the more enjoyable.
Very much looking forward to the next addition in the series.
The author has done another great job in furthering the storyline of the previous two books.
The storyline is very well done in weaving all of the characters into one comprehensive narrative, despite their differing situations.
There is not as much humor and banter as the previous two books (ie. Kyllean and Aynward), but as the story steers toward more serious consequences and situations, that is to be expected.
The political strategizing of Rajuban plays out very well in the plot, and makes it impossible to know where his storyline is going until it happens. A very cunning and devious antagonist, whom is also not the strongest villain (outside of intelligence) in the story. His rivalry with Grobennar Is an exciting dimension go the story.
The overall progression of the Grobennar has been multi-faceted. His original antagonist role has developed into a possible anti-hero. His story has been the least predictable, which also made it one of the more enjoyable.
Very much looking forward to the next addition in the series.
September 2, 2024
This is not a short book, and it packs in a lot of action! The prologue helps to refresh one’s memory, or to summarize the previous two books, if you are new to the series. The pace is nonstop. Magog is trying to gain stones of power, while our band of heroes goes in different directions, both to prevent this, and to gain another one, to ensure it doesn't fall into Magog’s hands. Drailock is central, in orchestrating the actions of our heroes - how is he doing this? It's also a tale of redemption and forgiveness. I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment. I received a free copy of this book, with no obligation.
August 27, 2024
This is a wonderful continuation to this fantastic series!
It seems as though everyone is racing against time to succeed before disaster strikes. The descriptions of every conflict left me biting my nails and gripping the edge of my seat to discover the outcome and hope for the best for my favorite characters.
I found it fascinating to know and understand the magical bond between beast and rider more in depth in this book. The twists and turns that followed and the well developed lore and history kept me riveted and I am anxiously waiting for more!
It seems as though everyone is racing against time to succeed before disaster strikes. The descriptions of every conflict left me biting my nails and gripping the edge of my seat to discover the outcome and hope for the best for my favorite characters.
I found it fascinating to know and understand the magical bond between beast and rider more in depth in this book. The twists and turns that followed and the well developed lore and history kept me riveted and I am anxiously waiting for more!
March 8, 2025
This was a much easier read than the other books- the plot lines are coming together, and characters really developing.
I like the fact that the characters not always in the “good” camp or the “bad” camp but somewhere in between.
I still think the writing style can be a little strange and clunky.
Lots of typos and strange expressions - I don’t normally notice typos as so engrossed in the story so for me to notice them there must be a lot!
Change your editor?
Looking forward to the final instalment.
I like the fact that the characters not always in the “good” camp or the “bad” camp but somewhere in between.
I still think the writing style can be a little strange and clunky.
Lots of typos and strange expressions - I don’t normally notice typos as so engrossed in the story so for me to notice them there must be a lot!
Change your editor?
Looking forward to the final instalment.
July 31, 2024
Learning from the gray sisters is supposed to make him great Kibure and Sindre chase the seed thief,while Dwarpek goes on a rescue mission. The drama is thick, the Magic porous at times , and the Battles are epic. Put them all together and the city was a trap,and the emperors right hand man is tossed out like a dirty diaper. This makes the wait for book 4 almost unbearable. I am an Honest ARC reviewer this is an awesome series.
August 31, 2024
3,5 stars
I had problems engaging with the book the first 200 to 300 pages for some reason it just didn't grabbed me and found it slow moving. Especially since my favorite character Kibune has very little pov chapters. But the second half of this book is absolutely amazing when it took of it took of with a bang and i finished what i still had to read in a few hours.
The plot and action Especially Kyllean and Agywane pov become very interesting and can't wait for book 4.
I had problems engaging with the book the first 200 to 300 pages for some reason it just didn't grabbed me and found it slow moving. Especially since my favorite character Kibune has very little pov chapters. But the second half of this book is absolutely amazing when it took of it took of with a bang and i finished what i still had to read in a few hours.
The plot and action Especially Kyllean and Agywane pov become very interesting and can't wait for book 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
Complex and compelling!
Another great book in the series. Very creative and original storyline with characters who are both fascinating and unpredictable. I do have to admit there was a little too much doom and gloom without a few more lighter or happier breaks. ( Why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5). I need some hope and happier moments in books I read to stay motivated. I do look forward to the next book.
Another great book in the series. Very creative and original storyline with characters who are both fascinating and unpredictable. I do have to admit there was a little too much doom and gloom without a few more lighter or happier breaks. ( Why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5). I need some hope and happier moments in books I read to stay motivated. I do look forward to the next book.
August 24, 2024
RUSHED JOB, POORLY EDITED
This book did not flow smoothly like the previous 2 books. The story line seemed haphazard, with some characters appearing and then disappearing without explanation. The names of characters also changed from one paragraph to the next. This felt like a rush to print endeavor with very poor editing. Very disappointing after waiting so long.
This book did not flow smoothly like the previous 2 books. The story line seemed haphazard, with some characters appearing and then disappearing without explanation. The names of characters also changed from one paragraph to the next. This felt like a rush to print endeavor with very poor editing. Very disappointing after waiting so long.
Read
August 30, 2024There's so much happening in this book! Lots of danger and adventure in a world that's fresh and deep. Who doesn't love an intricately woven plot and a redemption arc or two?
And yes, I stayed up late to finish this one. Because of all the plot lines, it took me a hot moment to get into the plot, but once it starts it really gets going and doesn't stop.
And yes, I stayed up late to finish this one. Because of all the plot lines, it took me a hot moment to get into the plot, but once it starts it really gets going and doesn't stop.
July 8, 2025
Swept up in the adventure
The unexpected twists and turns in this part of the adventure pretty much consumed the last few days. Now I'm anxious to get to the resolution of this unexpected gem. Onward!
The unexpected twists and turns in this part of the adventure pretty much consumed the last few days. Now I'm anxious to get to the resolution of this unexpected gem. Onward!
October 6, 2025
Quite the adventure
I have enjoyed all 3 books in the series so far and can't wait for book 5 to see how grobes grows on his enemies side of things. Excited for the continuing adventures.
I have enjoyed all 3 books in the series so far and can't wait for book 5 to see how grobes grows on his enemies side of things. Excited for the continuing adventures.
April 26, 2025
This book will take on an adventure with all the characters from page to page you never can expect the outcome with so many twists turns, and unpredictable moments. When some of the characters are enemies to others they will have to accept at the time to get along which can be very hard for some because of all the trauma that has happened to them. War is coming and they all need to be prepared for it. Unexpected discoveries will be made and there will also be loss. At times the book was quite intense but it was worth it. Mr. Smythe has gone beyond making this third book outstanding. Looking for the next in the series.
Merged review:
This book will take on an adventure with all the characters from page to page you never can expect the outcome with so many twists turns, and unpredictable moments. When some of the characters are enemies to others they will have to accept at the time to get along which can be very hard for some because of all the trauma that has happened to them. War is coming and they all need to be prepared for it. Unexpected discoveries will be made and there will also be loss. At times the book was quite intense but it was worth it. Mr. Smythe has gone beyond making this third book outstanding. Looking for the next in the series.
Merged review:
This book will take on an adventure with all the characters from page to page you never can expect the outcome with so many twists turns, and unpredictable moments. When some of the characters are enemies to others they will have to accept at the time to get along which can be very hard for some because of all the trauma that has happened to them. War is coming and they all need to be prepared for it. Unexpected discoveries will be made and there will also be loss. At times the book was quite intense but it was worth it. Mr. Smythe has gone beyond making this third book outstanding. Looking for the next in the series.
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