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Evermen Saga #3
The Path of the Storm
Two years have passed since the war, yet without essence the Empire's economy has collapsed. Trade is at a standstill, famine sets in, and, with no food and no essence, the people begin to riot.
In the midst of the growing unrest, Miro struggles to balance his life with Amber against his resolve to keep threats to the Empire at bay. His sister, Ella, helps to build the machinery the Empire desperately needs, but she longs to find Killian and believes his powers will be needed in the conflict to come.
News of a wedding brings a much-needed ray of hope to the weary people. But as citizens and leaders gather from afar for the festivities, an evil threat shatters the fragile one of the Evermen has returned. And he will not rest until he has completely destroyed the humans he despises.
This is the third book in the epic Evermen Saga.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2013
1471 people are currently reading
2546 people want to read
About the author
James Maxwell
16 books1,098 followersJames Maxwell is a British-Australian best-selling author of epic fantasy novels, with millions of copies sold in multiple languages worldwide. With over a dozen acclaimed novels, including Enchantress, Golden Age, and A Girl From Nowhere, he is celebrated for his richly imagined worlds and epic, interwoven plots. His books have received multiple award nominations, including the World Fantasy Award, the Aurealis Awards, and three Arthur C. Clarke Award nominations, as well as garnering tens of thousands of reviews on Amazon.
Born in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, and raised in Brisbane, Australia, James attended Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School and the University of Queensland, where he studied a diverse mix of arts and sciences.
Since becoming a full-time author in 2012, he has made his home on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, where his writing is accompanied by the rumbling sound of the sea and the antics of his capricious white cat.
Blood and Empire, published in March 2025, begins James Maxwell’s latest gripping series, The Gateway Saga.
Born in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, and raised in Brisbane, Australia, James attended Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School and the University of Queensland, where he studied a diverse mix of arts and sciences.
Since becoming a full-time author in 2012, he has made his home on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, where his writing is accompanied by the rumbling sound of the sea and the antics of his capricious white cat.
Blood and Empire, published in March 2025, begins James Maxwell’s latest gripping series, The Gateway Saga.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
December 25, 2014
I quite enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next.
My only complaint: (Small rant coming.)
When will authors learn that there's no need to write cliffhangers and then switch to another character's story. It doesn't make me want to continue reading; it just ticks me off. I end up thinking about that character I just finished reading about rather than the one the author is currently writing about. In short, if you write well, I will read your book. You don't need to trick me into it.
My only complaint: (Small rant coming.)
When will authors learn that there's no need to write cliffhangers and then switch to another character's story. It doesn't make me want to continue reading; it just ticks me off. I end up thinking about that character I just finished reading about rather than the one the author is currently writing about. In short, if you write well, I will read your book. You don't need to trick me into it.
November 2, 2020
Awesome read I love the evermen saga great characters interesting places an other dimensions.
December 22, 2014
The third book in and I'm still not exactly fond of any of the main characters. However, I keep reading because the world and the lore are interesting and I want to know more about them and the Evermen.
March 9, 2015
This is the weakest book of the series so far. The plot drives the characters and consequently they become two dimensional. They make poor decisions that are hard to believe based on who they were at the end of books two. I'm going to finish the series and hope that he allows the characters to regain the dimension they had after the first two books. It's still a good read but not up to par with the others.
June 4, 2021
Then a tear rolled down “so and sos “ face... it happened too many times, and at the same time the action was all there was to the story, besides the moments of dramatic relationship perspective. Even those felt more action focused. It’s just not so much my cup of tea.
I thought this was the last in the series and felt driven to find out the outcome so soldiered through, hah, but unfortunately I don’t think I’ll finish the last book.
I thought this was the last in the series and felt driven to find out the outcome so soldiered through, hah, but unfortunately I don’t think I’ll finish the last book.
Read
September 13, 2024this one kind of toned down on the battle scenes, but it did introduce new kingdoms and new characters which it's always fun. 👌🏻
also ...
now that Killian is back! I want him and Ella to sit the fuck down and talk about their feelings goddamn it. they're frustrating me!
also ...
now that Killian is back! I want him and Ella to sit the fuck down and talk about their feelings goddamn it. they're frustrating me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2019
This is the third installment in the “Evermen” series. After defeating the evil Primate in the previous installment, our heroes and heroines try to reunite the kingdoms and restore peace and prosperity to the land. We learn more about Everen Evenstar and the rest of the Evermen. We learn more about Killian, who made the biggest sacrifice for the victory by launching himself across a once secret portal into another realm to secure the safety of the kingdom. Our star crossed lovers, Miro and Amber finally make it to the altar only to see their big day ruined by a deadly attack. The story follows MIro and Amber as they travel to far way places to find a cure for their son who was hurt in the wedding day ambush and as they learn about the new threat facing the kingdom from the evil Everman, Sintar Sithrith (sp ? as I listened to the audio book). Sintar escaped through the portal before Killian could seal it. Ella makes it is her personal mission to rescue Killian from the other side of the portal and Rogan Jarvus struggles mightily to hold all of the new alliances together while Miro is away seeking a cure for his son. The characters are rather one dimensional but the magical settings and objects are great escapist entertainment.
August 26, 2018
This one was filled with action and edge of your seat suspense and battles. I'm still just absolutely in love with this series. Everything about it - the plot, the characters, the magic, the writing.
February 25, 2023
Action packed epic fantasy.
November 29, 2024
3.5 Stars
These books are very easy to digest and the magic system is interesting, but they are fairly predictable and…basic (for lack of a better word).
These books are very easy to digest and the magic system is interesting, but they are fairly predictable and…basic (for lack of a better word).
December 21, 2024
Great series, loved them all
September 25, 2017
Another good book in the Evermen Saga. Miro and Ambers wedding day arrives at last, only to be met with utter disaster. The pair have to go on a journey to far off lands in order to find a cure to the poison Amber son has been infected with. Ella is determined to try and save Killian, in her attempts to find a way she uncovers a great deal about his past and who he really is.
December 28, 2023
Adventurous read, but the series is getting a bit too ‘Walking Dead’ for my liking.
March 3, 2019
Good read!
Great story, I can’t wait to read the next. I usually don’t like when a book jumps back and forth from several characters part in the story but this one is well written and rack is interesting, all coming back together with a purpose. Enjoyed the book.
Great story, I can’t wait to read the next. I usually don’t like when a book jumps back and forth from several characters part in the story but this one is well written and rack is interesting, all coming back together with a purpose. Enjoyed the book.
July 5, 2016
Adventure, fantasy, and the zombie apocalypse genres are combined to produce yet another stellar novel by Maxwell. The last book left Miro and Amber together again while Ella is torn between two men. There is no time to determine her own feelings for them when the fate of the human race is quickly brought into focus. Their Gods have turned out to be slave drivers who sacrificed humans like cattle. What was once cast out to another world has come back with a vengeance. Will Ella and Miro stop their world from becoming the evil playground of the God of Night?
Miro and Amber have settled into a normal life and their wedding is the first opportunity for the community to celebrate in the midst of rebuilding after the epic battles ended two years prior. All the major players in the known world have come to the ceremony and in doing so have created the perfect opportunity for a game changer to make his move. After an explosive ending to the wedding, Miro and Amber cast their fates and the fate of their son on a ship crewed by mutineers.
Ella sets off determined to find a way to bring Killian home. The answer is in his heritage. He is a descendant of the Evermen, the Gods the world had just recently learned were evil slave masters. Killian is trapped on the world they were banished to and his only way back is to say the words that will activate the portal, but he doesn't know them nor does he know who he really is. Will she be able to bring him home? Will he be ready to accept his true legacy?
Miro and Amber have settled into a normal life and their wedding is the first opportunity for the community to celebrate in the midst of rebuilding after the epic battles ended two years prior. All the major players in the known world have come to the ceremony and in doing so have created the perfect opportunity for a game changer to make his move. After an explosive ending to the wedding, Miro and Amber cast their fates and the fate of their son on a ship crewed by mutineers.
Ella sets off determined to find a way to bring Killian home. The answer is in his heritage. He is a descendant of the Evermen, the Gods the world had just recently learned were evil slave masters. Killian is trapped on the world they were banished to and his only way back is to say the words that will activate the portal, but he doesn't know them nor does he know who he really is. Will she be able to bring him home? Will he be ready to accept his true legacy?
August 6, 2016
Now that one of the mythical Evermen has returned and shown that the beings humans worshipped as gods were in fact, not so nice and are intent on enslaving all of humanity. So off we go.
Now with pirates. Or at least a cross-oceanic journey in search of a cure for a mystery illness that results from a terror bombing at a royal wedding.
The search for the cure gets sidetracked several times but the discovery of a new continent and new kingdom that has eschewed the magical "essence" in favor of regular science and technology is enjoyable.
More battles, more generally forgettable secondary characters. But still decent fun.
Now with pirates. Or at least a cross-oceanic journey in search of a cure for a mystery illness that results from a terror bombing at a royal wedding.
The search for the cure gets sidetracked several times but the discovery of a new continent and new kingdom that has eschewed the magical "essence" in favor of regular science and technology is enjoyable.
More battles, more generally forgettable secondary characters. But still decent fun.
August 4, 2013
What a fantastic series! I read that some comparisons were made about this series with LOTR and Game of Thrones and I thought to myself, "Such arrogance!" Three books later, I'm duly impressed! Wholly engrossing, the storyline is riveting. You embrace these characters and cheer them in their victories and lament in their defeats. I am a fan and want many other fantasy readers out there to try this series out. You will not be disappointed!
July 4, 2013
Fast paced lots of action. Just a little too hard to believe that Miro and Amber would get out of impossible situation so many time. That's the one complaint I would have. Some holes in the story, but overall a good fantasy story. Looking forward to the final book in December!
October 8, 2014
Ok ending. Most of the characters lacked the depth that I like and felt like they were teenagers emotionally. Parts I just wanted to get through to see what happened at the end. Loads of action, almost too much.
June 4, 2016
It's great sequel to the first two books, and I enjoyed it. However, there are some repetitions, and a great deal of fighting again, and I'm not sure whether the book can be read and understood without the knowledge of the first two volumes, so that's why it's not a 5star rating.
May 12, 2015
Each book gets progressively better, but I still find myself rolling my eyes at the end of almost every chapter.
November 14, 2015
Better than the last book...
December 14, 2020
SPOILER ALERT - There are aspects of the story line I will try my best to not completely give it away.
What I liked: The world is continuing to grow, and the story's ability to continue. The additional cultures discovered in this book were the sole reason why I finished the book. I really questioned how the series would continue at the end of the last book. Yes, there was the demand for Essence, but that was already an issue seen in the second book. Then there were all the loose ends with a majority of the characters, but again that was something already seen and (in my opinion) kind of a given since it is a middle book.
What I didn't like: It's a lot of the same plot writing and structure. Ella still somehow always manages to be saved even when it is the least likely thing. Miro and Amber don't really grow much. While I liked them the best as a couple, their dependence on each other made it feel like they regressed a little. Then there was Killian who remains the lost orphan boy who doesn't know where he came from. I was sincerely bummed when a number of the supporting characters (Illathor, Bartolo and such) were quite literally there to fill page space. Illathor didn't even get true page time just a letter here or there to remind the reader hey Illathor is still here and yes he still wants Ella to love him back. While there were some details that added minor depth to one or two of the characters the book overall felt redundant.
What I liked: The world is continuing to grow, and the story's ability to continue. The additional cultures discovered in this book were the sole reason why I finished the book. I really questioned how the series would continue at the end of the last book. Yes, there was the demand for Essence, but that was already an issue seen in the second book. Then there were all the loose ends with a majority of the characters, but again that was something already seen and (in my opinion) kind of a given since it is a middle book.
What I didn't like: It's a lot of the same plot writing and structure. Ella still somehow always manages to be saved even when it is the least likely thing. Miro and Amber don't really grow much. While I liked them the best as a couple, their dependence on each other made it feel like they regressed a little. Then there was Killian who remains the lost orphan boy who doesn't know where he came from. I was sincerely bummed when a number of the supporting characters (Illathor, Bartolo and such) were quite literally there to fill page space. Illathor didn't even get true page time just a letter here or there to remind the reader hey Illathor is still here and yes he still wants Ella to love him back. While there were some details that added minor depth to one or two of the characters the book overall felt redundant.
February 22, 2019
I'm still enjoying this series and have gone on to the fourth and final book. In thinking back on this installment, while a lot happened, I felt it could be summed up a little easier as we're mainly following Miro and Amber's quest, Ella's quest, and our new villain.
Listening to the audio, and I enjoy the narrator. Occasionally I felt like the "voices" slipped a little. While I like Amber as a character, for some reason, as her name came up again and again, and the narrator pronounced it Amba, it got a little grating. But it was even worse when instead of her name, she would be referred to Miro's "the woman that he loved" ... again, over and over again.
I'm still wondering exactly how long Miro and Amber were gone ... months? Just wondering also how Tomas subsisted in a coma like state for that long (with the level of medical care in this fantasy) and being so young, how much growth/change should be happening at that time.
Our characters sure overcame a lot of unusual obstacles in this installment! I think it's good that most readers are already invested in the story, not starting here ...
Listening to the audio, and I enjoy the narrator. Occasionally I felt like the "voices" slipped a little. While I like Amber as a character, for some reason, as her name came up again and again, and the narrator pronounced it Amba, it got a little grating. But it was even worse when instead of her name, she would be referred to Miro's "the woman that he loved" ... again, over and over again.
I'm still wondering exactly how long Miro and Amber were gone ... months? Just wondering also how Tomas subsisted in a coma like state for that long (with the level of medical care in this fantasy) and being so young, how much growth/change should be happening at that time.
Our characters sure overcame a lot of unusual obstacles in this installment! I think it's good that most readers are already invested in the story, not starting here ...
April 20, 2023
This book really felt like a letdown. Though I will say that I've read some truly excellent fantasy books this year so it's possible this is a better book than I'm making it out to be, it's just in the company of the Discworld books and is just outclassed.
In the books credit, I'm intrigued to see what happens next. If it's free on Kindle Unlimited I might check it out soon.
Downsides then. Ella seems to have lost the spark that made her enjoyable in the earlier books. Her brother (Miro?) and Amber aren't much better. Plot 'twists' come thick and fast resulting in a seriously convoluted storyline. Huge distances are apparently spanned in days meaning there's no real feeling of expanse in this world. Given the new threat that they uncover that's a major issue as expanse is the thing they need! Additionally Ella seems to have a very happy knack of being exactly where the author needs her to be everytime, either she's somehow gained clairvoyance and the author forgot to say, or it's a case of plot overwriting world building.
So yes, I'll read on if it's free but I doubt I'll sink more money into this series.
In the books credit, I'm intrigued to see what happens next. If it's free on Kindle Unlimited I might check it out soon.
Downsides then. Ella seems to have lost the spark that made her enjoyable in the earlier books. Her brother (Miro?) and Amber aren't much better. Plot 'twists' come thick and fast resulting in a seriously convoluted storyline. Huge distances are apparently spanned in days meaning there's no real feeling of expanse in this world. Given the new threat that they uncover that's a major issue as expanse is the thing they need! Additionally Ella seems to have a very happy knack of being exactly where the author needs her to be everytime, either she's somehow gained clairvoyance and the author forgot to say, or it's a case of plot overwriting world building.
So yes, I'll read on if it's free but I doubt I'll sink more money into this series.
January 29, 2024
Tough to Review
This one is tough for me to review. It's a good series, but this book left me asking "What?" and many times I found myself saying out loud "That makes no sense."
Ella is portrayed as this "strong" female lead and during this book I found myself realizing that the writing isn't that of a strong lead female it's that of a petulant toddler. Ella does not listen to anyone, ever. She is told repeatedly to stay out of things during the series only to disobey the order and find herself in trouble and saying things that are very damsel in distress-ish. There have been many points in the book where a person has asked her to explain what is going on and she would say "No, there is no time to explain, just do as I say!" ... and then arguing would happen over her demand that they blindly follow her orders and she would exclaim "That's what I've been trying to explain if you would just let me!" ... Uhhhh, no; you, literally, just said that you were not going to explain and then *tada* her inability to follow directions manages to somehow save the day!
This one is tough for me to review. It's a good series, but this book left me asking "What?" and many times I found myself saying out loud "That makes no sense."
Ella is portrayed as this "strong" female lead and during this book I found myself realizing that the writing isn't that of a strong lead female it's that of a petulant toddler. Ella does not listen to anyone, ever. She is told repeatedly to stay out of things during the series only to disobey the order and find herself in trouble and saying things that are very damsel in distress-ish. There have been many points in the book where a person has asked her to explain what is going on and she would say "No, there is no time to explain, just do as I say!" ... and then arguing would happen over her demand that they blindly follow her orders and she would exclaim "That's what I've been trying to explain if you would just let me!" ... Uhhhh, no; you, literally, just said that you were not going to explain and then *tada* her inability to follow directions manages to somehow save the day!
December 15, 2020
I started this series I think back in 2015. And now at the end of 2020 I'm trying to finish it.
Its been on the back burner because high fantasy such as this needs to be concentrated on and then it just got pushed further and further back in my mind to read.
Starting this book a few days ago I was a little wary of getting into it again. I didn't go and reread the first 2 books which maybe I should have. I just jumped back into it and was a little confused for a chapter or two before I got my head around it.
From what I remember this doesn't feel like it needed to take place? Evermen have gone back to where ever they come from and its done. This was a stretch to get the final story out.
This story is a jam packed adventure, one I sort of enjoyed. I can't say even though I own this series I'd gravitate to reading it again. Its fine, it entertained me but really I just want these books off my tbr.
Its been on the back burner because high fantasy such as this needs to be concentrated on and then it just got pushed further and further back in my mind to read.
Starting this book a few days ago I was a little wary of getting into it again. I didn't go and reread the first 2 books which maybe I should have. I just jumped back into it and was a little confused for a chapter or two before I got my head around it.
From what I remember this doesn't feel like it needed to take place? Evermen have gone back to where ever they come from and its done. This was a stretch to get the final story out.
This story is a jam packed adventure, one I sort of enjoyed. I can't say even though I own this series I'd gravitate to reading it again. Its fine, it entertained me but really I just want these books off my tbr.
November 18, 2017
Victory and defeat
Miro and Amber travel to the Ochre Islands looking for the cure for their son and have to survive a mutiny, a storm, sharks and a strange new land. The Everman Sentra Scythran the Lord of the Night is loose in this country and destroying it city by city turning the people into Revenants. Ella travels to the Akari to learn the lore of the necromancers. She needs to learn all she can and then needs to find out about Killian’s parents so she can go through the portal to bring Killian back. Two completely different quests but all with the same goals in mind. They need to stop the Evermen from returning and stop the one already here. Fast paced and intense
Miro and Amber travel to the Ochre Islands looking for the cure for their son and have to survive a mutiny, a storm, sharks and a strange new land. The Everman Sentra Scythran the Lord of the Night is loose in this country and destroying it city by city turning the people into Revenants. Ella travels to the Akari to learn the lore of the necromancers. She needs to learn all she can and then needs to find out about Killian’s parents so she can go through the portal to bring Killian back. Two completely different quests but all with the same goals in mind. They need to stop the Evermen from returning and stop the one already here. Fast paced and intense
June 6, 2019
BEST ONE YET! Writers know that a good story keeps the tension and conflict going. James Maxwell does that in spades in The Path of the Storm. Especially in the characters Miro and Amber- it is one catastrophe after another. Make it bad, make it worse and then, when it can't possibly get any worse, make it worse yet! That is the plot of this story. Really well done! Keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I also found the use of magic nicely applied. These characters are memorable and the world Maxwell has built is fantastic. These books and this writer are well worth reading. I did listen to this one on audio. Simon Vance is an extraordinary reader. He brings the characters and the story to life. I am so into this series. Can't wait to start the next book.
December 24, 2020
Wow. This book covered a lot of new ground. Just as things began to settle down, an explosion set off another chain of events that led to the discovery of a new world and a path across the void to claim back a lost relic. Many characters travelled in different directions looking to accomplish different tasks. In turn, this created a lot of tension and suspense that carried us from beginning to end. I will say there are some darker moments in this book in regards to necromancy, which I am personally not the biggest fan. However, I will give the author credit and admit that it did help create the ultimate villain. I have a hard time imagining how this story will wrap up but can't wait to find out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews