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The Towers of the Earth #3
A Touch of Darkness
In the shadows, treachery and betrayal grow unseen.
The state funeral of Princess Olivia at Port Ruth marks the end of the Mistress of the night. Yet, as Lucinda, Magda and Ascara attend this grand ceremony, a storm of secrets and lies emerge from the shadows, and threaten to destroy them all.
Even when they make their way home, peace and safety are still not theirs. Malice and betrayal, hidden and out of sight, finds them. The shadows reach out and engulf them in a storm of darkness and pain. For the trinity of Raven, Fire and Ice, there can be only one way forward, but at what price?
Start the adventure today. Raven, Storm, and Shadow the third installment in the Touch of Truth steampunk fantasy series.
The state funeral of Princess Olivia at Port Ruth marks the end of the Mistress of the night. Yet, as Lucinda, Magda and Ascara attend this grand ceremony, a storm of secrets and lies emerge from the shadows, and threaten to destroy them all.
Even when they make their way home, peace and safety are still not theirs. Malice and betrayal, hidden and out of sight, finds them. The shadows reach out and engulf them in a storm of darkness and pain. For the trinity of Raven, Fire and Ice, there can be only one way forward, but at what price?
Start the adventure today. Raven, Storm, and Shadow the third installment in the Touch of Truth steampunk fantasy series.
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About the author
Nita Round
28 books87 followersNita Round is a British author who creates vibrant and unique new worlds as quirky as she is. She takes inspiration from her studies of history and blends together ‘what was’ and creates fantastical worlds, ‘what could be’.
Monsters, heroines, magic, and the strange are all woven into tales of hope and courage. Where women battle evil, something with nothing more than a stout heart, and no matter the odds, ultimately prevail.
If you want to know more about new books, then subscribe to Nita's reader's list. Free short story Dark Mission available via website, and exclusive to newsletter.
https://www.nitaround.com
Monsters, heroines, magic, and the strange are all woven into tales of hope and courage. Where women battle evil, something with nothing more than a stout heart, and no matter the odds, ultimately prevail.
If you want to know more about new books, then subscribe to Nita's reader's list. Free short story Dark Mission available via website, and exclusive to newsletter.
https://www.nitaround.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 14, 2019
4.25 Stars. I just love this series! This is the third installment of Round’s Touch of Truth series and another really good read. This series has been extremely consistent with all the books being well written and entertaining reads. Round has an incredible imagination that makes this steampunk-fantasy series really special. There is nothing out there in lesfic like this series and I just love authors that can be so completely different.
This is a series so each book picks-up where the last one ended. This series really needs to be read in order, but since all the books are good, it’s no hardship. Round recently decided to try self-publishing so this third book is less expensive than the first two. Currently at only 4.99, in my opinion this book is a steal. And while it is self-published, I didn’t notice any issues sometime common in self-publishing. This book was as well written as Round’s books always are.
This book is a bit of a set-up book for the next big adventure. Book 2 was a big battle against a great enemy, where this book was about picking up the pieces and tying up loose ends. Some previous unanswered questions were finally answered and a bit more important information was given. That is not to say that this book slowed down or was boring. There was still plenty of excitement and I’m also dying to know what happens next. These books don’t end on cliffhangers, but you are always excited to read the next installment.
While I would still not put these books in the romance category, there is a real interesting f-f-f bond/relationship forming. These three women are so connected that I really enjoy them together. I don’t want to ruin anything but I will say talk of their relationship actually progressed a bit in this book and I like the direction it is heading.
I would absolutely recommend this series to fantasy and or steampunk fans. I love this highly imaginative world and characters Round has created. I’m so glad we get at least one more book in this series but my fingers are crossed for even more than that.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
This is a series so each book picks-up where the last one ended. This series really needs to be read in order, but since all the books are good, it’s no hardship. Round recently decided to try self-publishing so this third book is less expensive than the first two. Currently at only 4.99, in my opinion this book is a steal. And while it is self-published, I didn’t notice any issues sometime common in self-publishing. This book was as well written as Round’s books always are.
This book is a bit of a set-up book for the next big adventure. Book 2 was a big battle against a great enemy, where this book was about picking up the pieces and tying up loose ends. Some previous unanswered questions were finally answered and a bit more important information was given. That is not to say that this book slowed down or was boring. There was still plenty of excitement and I’m also dying to know what happens next. These books don’t end on cliffhangers, but you are always excited to read the next installment.
While I would still not put these books in the romance category, there is a real interesting f-f-f bond/relationship forming. These three women are so connected that I really enjoy them together. I don’t want to ruin anything but I will say talk of their relationship actually progressed a bit in this book and I like the direction it is heading.
I would absolutely recommend this series to fantasy and or steampunk fans. I love this highly imaginative world and characters Round has created. I’m so glad we get at least one more book in this series but my fingers are crossed for even more than that.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
June 12, 2019
I’ve been waiting for what seems like ages for this instalment and it did not disappoint. It opens with Magda preparing for the funeral of Olivia, princess of Port Ruth and Magda’s late wife, with the assistance of Lucinda and Ascara. Lucinda can sense the darkness around her but also knows Magda needs closure. Prince Mogharan is being accommodating now that Magda has brought his sister’s body home. Sh’Na has been defeated but the clockmaker is still out there and unknown.
This is a little slower in pace compared with the first two (well, with the exception of the latter part of the novel) but it’s what the story needs to entrench who the characters are and where they come from. However, I read it faster than I did the first two and I suppose it’s because the world and characters are more familiar now. The language is a lot more formal but it doesn’t feel out of place and makes sense because of the number of formal occasions that take place. The meetings go a long way to cementing who Magda, Lucinda and Ascara are but I missed light-heartedness that encompassed much of their communication previously.
I’m thoroughly enjoying where the story is going and I liked the expansion and clarification on the world that this gives. The exploration of the characters’ gifts unfolds a little more here giving enough information to be in awe of their power and leaves just enough open-ended to know there is more to come. The trinity of women has captured my imagination and I can’t wait to see where they go from here.
This is a wonderful third in the series but it definitely cannot be read as a standalone. If steampunk fantasy with strong women characters attracts you then you can’t go wrong by starting at the beginning.
Book received from the author for an honest review.
This is a little slower in pace compared with the first two (well, with the exception of the latter part of the novel) but it’s what the story needs to entrench who the characters are and where they come from. However, I read it faster than I did the first two and I suppose it’s because the world and characters are more familiar now. The language is a lot more formal but it doesn’t feel out of place and makes sense because of the number of formal occasions that take place. The meetings go a long way to cementing who Magda, Lucinda and Ascara are but I missed light-heartedness that encompassed much of their communication previously.
I’m thoroughly enjoying where the story is going and I liked the expansion and clarification on the world that this gives. The exploration of the characters’ gifts unfolds a little more here giving enough information to be in awe of their power and leaves just enough open-ended to know there is more to come. The trinity of women has captured my imagination and I can’t wait to see where they go from here.
This is a wonderful third in the series but it definitely cannot be read as a standalone. If steampunk fantasy with strong women characters attracts you then you can’t go wrong by starting at the beginning.
Book received from the author for an honest review.
November 18, 2020
Not my favourite of all the books with the information overload but I suspect we're just getting prepped for an epic battle.
Wolves are probably my favourite animal, so it makes me smile when Ascara lets her beast out. I'm very much looking forward to seeing Mag kick a betrayers arse and for Lucinda to suck someone's soul outta their eyeballs heheh.
Wolves are probably my favourite animal, so it makes me smile when Ascara lets her beast out. I'm very much looking forward to seeing Mag kick a betrayers arse and for Lucinda to suck someone's soul outta their eyeballs heheh.
July 1, 2019
I love this series! The books are not standalone - you need to read the previous ones to really know what's going on in the world and between the women. I read all three books back to back so I'm not exactly sure in which book some events happened. If you like steampunk, gaslamp, fantasy, sci fi and other similar stories, you'll enjoy this series. It's a great adventure with three strong women protagonists who have a bond with one another.
January 24, 2021
I blazed through this one. It was the shortest so far. Aside from the highly detailed days long funeral at the beginning it had the least amount of cultural descriptions and political machinations. There was lots of action with a great battle sequence at the end and some good tension.
There was the "talk" between the three initiated by Lucinda where they discussed their feelings for one another but ultimately nothing seems to have changed between them so not nearly as satisfying as I hoped.
I enjoyed them all further coming into their power and I'm quite pleased that this is really shaping up to be Magda's story.
This book feels a little less like its own story with all the proper pieces and much more like the introduction to the fourth book....which now I have to buy. It is nonetheless an enjoyable experience.
There was the "talk" between the three initiated by Lucinda where they discussed their feelings for one another but ultimately nothing seems to have changed between them so not nearly as satisfying as I hoped.
I enjoyed them all further coming into their power and I'm quite pleased that this is really shaping up to be Magda's story.
This book feels a little less like its own story with all the proper pieces and much more like the introduction to the fourth book....which now I have to buy. It is nonetheless an enjoyable experience.
December 5, 2020
Damn, I'm enthralled by this series. No further words can be spoken since I am off to the next one....
April 6, 2020
My favorite book in the series, so far. The trinity of Raven, Fire and Ice continue to encounter dark powers and plotting. The story moves quickly from Port Ruth, where the last story ended, back to Verity, my favorite airship. Verity makes an excellent stage for adventure, espionage, romance and danger.
A Touch of Darkness further explores the closeness of the three friends Lucinda, Magda and Ascara. This is a slow burning romance that is moving at just the right pace, with flirting mostly. But finally, there is an outright serious relationship conversation, with hints of what may come.
This book also explores the background of Magda and Ascara a bit more, and sets them on future paths that are sure to be formidable. One of these paths means the trio heads for Magda’s home float (a group of boats gathered to form a community). Naturally, it won’t be a straightforward trip. I would be so disappointed if there was not some peril. I was not disappointed.
A Touch of Darkness does end on a cliffhanger. So minus ½ star for that. Only ½ because the author has stated the next book is not far behind. If you don’t mind a bit of a cliffhanger, and you do like steampunk adventure, great characters and the best airship in steampunkdom, this your book.
Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
A Touch of Darkness further explores the closeness of the three friends Lucinda, Magda and Ascara. This is a slow burning romance that is moving at just the right pace, with flirting mostly. But finally, there is an outright serious relationship conversation, with hints of what may come.
This book also explores the background of Magda and Ascara a bit more, and sets them on future paths that are sure to be formidable. One of these paths means the trio heads for Magda’s home float (a group of boats gathered to form a community). Naturally, it won’t be a straightforward trip. I would be so disappointed if there was not some peril. I was not disappointed.
A Touch of Darkness does end on a cliffhanger. So minus ½ star for that. Only ½ because the author has stated the next book is not far behind. If you don’t mind a bit of a cliffhanger, and you do like steampunk adventure, great characters and the best airship in steampunkdom, this your book.
Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
May 9, 2020
Oh! Lots going on... I still want to be there. I think I could well develop a thing for stoic captains. Mind you, leather-clad Ascara is also appealing. But the story... It's like the world has opened up even more.
Need the next one!
Need the next one!
May 30, 2022
The Towers of the Earth!
Thus far a very entertaining and wonderful series. Love the symbolism and the statements about humanity. The tech underlying what appears to be what we where like in the 18th century is a mystery that keeps me hooked! But Ms. Round-where is the sex? I realize not every author is comfortable writing in detail but all this teasing three books in is a little exasperating. Do you think that it would not have happened by now in the synonyms of reality. So please give us something because it’s the only thing that is aggravating about this series.
Thus far a very entertaining and wonderful series. Love the symbolism and the statements about humanity. The tech underlying what appears to be what we where like in the 18th century is a mystery that keeps me hooked! But Ms. Round-where is the sex? I realize not every author is comfortable writing in detail but all this teasing three books in is a little exasperating. Do you think that it would not have happened by now in the synonyms of reality. So please give us something because it’s the only thing that is aggravating about this series.
August 22, 2020
This book is so well written I can't share much because it will spoil the reader's enjoyment. Will Magda, Ascara, & Lucinda ever get a break from people trying to kill them? Who are they really and which of the three is the focal point of their power? Questions are asked and there are few answers. I felt the heat of the desert, heard the noise of 'the slug', and I don't like spiders on any day. I'm on to the next in the series and the way the author's written this story, it's my estimation that the story may not end with #4. OMG
July 5, 2020
This series is, one hell of, an epic adventure! I’m totally addicted and can’t get enough of it. Everything you could possible dream of is here. Mummies, Magic, Gods, Witches, Pirates, Robots, Krackens, Mermaids, the fight for all humanity, and so much more. I especially love the bond between Magda, Ascara, and Lucinda. With each book their connection and Trinity only strengthens and becomes deeper. I definitely can’t wait for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2022
3.5 Stars
July 7, 2024
This series just keeps getting better and better. Nothing i can say I havent said before. Bring on the next 1
August 11, 2023
Great storytelling
The trio continues their mission with amazing adventures. The author’s imagination is matched only by her ability to put you right there with the Raven and her Fire and Ice. Just love all the details and clever writing. Definitely will finish this series.
The trio continues their mission with amazing adventures. The author’s imagination is matched only by her ability to put you right there with the Raven and her Fire and Ice. Just love all the details and clever writing. Definitely will finish this series.
February 17, 2022
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: full-time writer, butch character, non-US/UK setting, out of your comfort zone, unusual job, not a romance, established "throuple"; UNICORN: faith (possibly others)
The third book in the Towers of Earth (5th, if you include the prequels) brought the trio to Rabia and Frika to participate in the funeral rites of the Princess of Port Ruth. It ended up putting our favorite trinity and the crew of Verity into significant danger, and while they tried to escape, they were pulled into a rescue mission. We were introduced to nurse Evie Chester, a character with a spin-off series, as a secondary character, unlike in the previous book. (She could be a contender for the favorite character against Lucinda, Ascara, and Magda for some fans of the series.) More was discovered about the Raven's acquired gifts, " Fire" learned about a family secret, and "Ice's" early past lead the women to travel toward the Northern Float.
This series was an outstanding read when I discovered it last year, and it will continue to remain on my reread list for years to come.
The third book in the Towers of Earth (5th, if you include the prequels) brought the trio to Rabia and Frika to participate in the funeral rites of the Princess of Port Ruth. It ended up putting our favorite trinity and the crew of Verity into significant danger, and while they tried to escape, they were pulled into a rescue mission. We were introduced to nurse Evie Chester, a character with a spin-off series, as a secondary character, unlike in the previous book. (She could be a contender for the favorite character against Lucinda, Ascara, and Magda for some fans of the series.) More was discovered about the Raven's acquired gifts, " Fire" learned about a family secret, and "Ice's" early past lead the women to travel toward the Northern Float.
This series was an outstanding read when I discovered it last year, and it will continue to remain on my reread list for years to come.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews