Ciardis Weathervane returned to the imperial court of Sandrin to unite her foes. But her efforts hit a stumbling block. The imperial kind. She never thought that before rallying an empire, she'd have to fight the emperor himself.
An imposter sits the throne and the court she turned to for help is in turmoil. Ciardis hasn't survived assassination attempts, torture and really bad luck to be taken down by her own ruler. So she devises a plan. But first she needs to get Sebastian and Thanar to agree. Each seems to love her in their own way. But neither is listening to her. Pushing them to put aside their differences, in an effort to ward off catastrophe, might be harder than displacing an emperor who would do anything to keep his throne.
Butting heads at court isn't Ciardis's only problem. With the princess heir's threat looming she is forced to travel to the mythical city of Kifar, where it is up to her small group to stop the destruction of the entire city while heading a rebellion that could foment a revolution. It wouldn't be the first revolution that Algardis has ever known. But with Ciardis Weathervane at its head--it would certainly be the last.
This fifth novel continues the story of Ciardis Weathervane from Sworn To Secrecy.
**I received this book for free from Terah Edun in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Fantasy, Coming of Age *Rating* 3.0
*First Thoughts*
I found myself struggling mightily to get through Sworn to Defiance. Before you jump on me for this review, or my comments, you need to cut me some slack knowing that I enjoyed the setting for this book, and even appreciated some of the secondary characters whose very presence makes the story even better. I enjoyed the previous 4 novels in this series because there WAS plenty of action, and will be reading Sworn to Ascension to find out if Ciardis and gang are successful against the mad god blutgott.
Sworn to Defiance picks up right where Sworn to Secrecy left off. Edun introduced readers to a new character in Sworn to Secrecy named Jason SaAlgardis, but he just as quickly disappeared from the scene along with his perky daughter Seraphina because there are already too many mysteries and problems for Ciardis and crew to deal with. The usual cast of characters like Ciardis Weathervane, Sebastian Algardis, Vana Cloudbreaker, and Thanar the daemoni prince all maintain their presence as part of Ciardis inner circle.
Why did I struggle you ask? For me, too much time was spent in the heads of Ciardis, and Sebastian, and Thanar. Too much time was spent with silly wedding plans that I truly disagree with due to Sebastian's past actions, and the fact that Ciardis is still wet behind her ears when it comes to understanding her real powers, or how she is expected to act at court, or even her Companion training which she had not completed and probably won't.
I am sure there are tons of readers who get intrigued by a series only to be let down by certain books. Not all books in every single series are 4 or 5 star rated. There are a few that sink to 2 or even 3 stars because the storyline doesn't move along quicker, or the cast of characters falls into a slump where all they do is babble incessantly. There is also the fact that Ciardis is apparently BONDED to two different male characters who really don't much appeal to me on a personal level. I hate 3 way love triangles in the first place, so, when you bound the 3 together for eternity apparently, you cut me deeply in ways that I eagerly choose to by pass as quickly as humanly possible.
I don't normally write negative reviews. I respect the authors and the books they put together and would hope that if one of my books were to ever be published, that I receive the same fair treatment, and not have everyone DNF my hard work. I found myself having issues with editing in this particular book. Chapter 29 especially. There were words left out of sentences. There were words that were flipped from IS to IF. I'm not sure if this was an actual ARC, or the real book that was released. I would say that this book should be gone through editing one more time, or maybe twice, to catch all the errors that were left behind. I think perhaps the book would be even better if that were to happen.
*Recvd 04/29/2014 via Author* Published: April 28th 2014
I kept on with this series despite my growing frustration with careless mistakes made by the author that could have easily been avoided with a proof reader. Now, however, I've reached a point where I am unsure I want to continue. It shows a certain amount of arrogance and disregard for craftsmanship to ignore basic rules of grammar and continuity in writing. I kept trying to overlook it, hoping that the issues would be resolved in the next book or the next, but they never are. I sincerely hope the author takes the time to have her work edited before publishing the next installment. I'm unsure whether or not I'll be reading it.
[Full disclosure: I received a free ebook copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.]
When I realized that this wasn’t the last book in the Courtlight series as I had believed it to be, I’ll admit I got a little nervous. After all, where could the story possibly go from here? It seemed like Terah Edun was wrapping things up already in Sworn to Secrecy, the fourth book. And when there were several pages of backstory right at the beginning I was even more skeptical about this fifth book.
As usual with Terah Edun, my skepticism and anxiousness was for nothing. After the initial info dump things quickly picked up and just wouldn’t let go. I had intended to only read a few chapters before bed but once I got past the exposition (which was important) I couldn’t stop and ended up finishing the book at one in the morning. Yes, the plot was that fast-paced and there were that many awesome twists. But first I’ll start with the thing that surprised me most: the characters.
Once again the characters surprised me. Ciardis is finally demanding respect from others and not caring what they think of her (unless they’re trying to kill her). She’s started to master the commanding air of her mother and is becoming knowledgeable about the intrigues of the Algardis court. And finally, finally she’s made up her mind about where she stands with Sebastien. I won’t tell you which way she decided, but let’s just say that I was both surprised and pleased with her stance until the little complication with Thanar was thrown in. Sebastien too has grown up, even though he’s only sixteen years old. He’s finally starting to take responsibility as the prince heir and is even more determined to save Algardis from the blutgott that’s threatening to destroy their entire world. He’ll do whatever it takes, even journey to a city that’s been sealed off from the rest of the world for 50 years.
Once again Terah Edun took the time to expand on her world-building just a little bit more. We finally learn more about the special connection Ciardis and Sebastien have as well as the rather unfortunate consequences of the Thanar complication coming into play. This is quite literally the most heart-wrenching, complicated and realistic love triangle you are ever going to see. I swear it’s not the typical love triangle, mainly because Ciardis is a woman that finally knows her mind but even she can’t control people like Thanar. I also liked how we finally learn that there may be a way to stop the blutgott but that it’s way more complicated and dangerous than you’d expect.
Basically, I got everything I could have wanted out of this fifth installment in the Courtlight series: romance, character development, a complicated plot and an expanded world. You really can’t ask for more in a series and after that insane cliffhanger I’m so anxious for Sworn to Ascension, book 6.
This is a great storyline, but probably needs someone with a good eye to go over it. There are a lot of contradictory things in this story fron the previous books, and it's annoying. I'm probably only noticing them because I've read them so fast, but it's really annoying.
The saga of Cards Weathervane continues with more than the usual hurdles for our heroine to jump. There is so much that happens in the 5th installment, but I can't mention most of it because they'd all be spoilers. Suffice it to say, the poor girl can't catch a break, but she keeps moving on and through any and all obstacles!
Ciardis learns more about the Imperial court and royal family as she continues her effort to save the empire. Bonds are made and plans set afoot as the Weathervanes issues with the Emperor and the nobles come to the fore.
I love the characters in this series. Especially Ciardis, there are times she tends to forget things she was told, which drives me nuts, but a lot of her internal dialog cracks me up.
I literally have no words for this book..... it was fantastic and amazing. I can't believe that Terah manages to continue to escalate the plot with every novel. This series is so incredibly intricate.
Ok, rarely can you find an author who can keep the story moving in each and every book! This author is brilliant! This is the fifth book and I still can't out it down!
I think Sworn to Defiance is my favourite of the series so far! I liked how the plot keeps getting thicker and the characters keep developing. This one is filled with more action than some of the previous ones, which was awesome. I always prefer the action part rather than the political conversations.
Ciardis's mother is still imprisoned for murder, and though she wants to free her mother, she has a lot of other things to worry about too. She and Sebastian have discovered that the man sitting on the throne is not, in fact, Sebastian's father, but his uncle. And they don't know how long he's been an imposter. Moreover, Ciardis and her allies need to do everything they can to stop the blutgott. Ciardis has powerful people by her side, but things get complicated when she realizes she has a bond with both Sebastian and Thanar. Can the three of them settle their differences in order to work together?
I've said this before but I'll say it again - I'm constantly wowed by the strength and sense of purpose I see developing in Ciardis. I love that she's independent and doesn't need a male to help her. She's tough as hell and I really wouldn't want to cross her. I can't wait to see what more she does in the next book. Ciardis is certainly one of the most interesting characters I've come across. Nothing's ever boring with her around!
I really like both love interests, Sebastian and Thanar. I normally hate love triangles, but this one keeps things exciting. Though Ciardis is with Sebastian, she feels a pull towards Thanar that she can't deny. Sebastian has his kingdom to worry about as well, but he really does care for Ciardis even though he's slow on picking up on her feelings. Thanar, on the other had, is solely focused on Ciardis and is incredibly protective of her, but he's a daemoni prince after all. He can't be trusted. So I totally get Ciardis's dilemma. I have to say I was leaning towards Thanar in this book, though.
A lot happens in this book, like I said, and there's a lot of substance in it. I could feel the buildup towards a great climax which is possibly in the next book, and I'm so eager for it now! There are so many plot threads weaving about, and I can't imagine what it'll be like when they converge. I'm sure it'll be one hell of an explosion, and I'm definitely looking forward to it.
*Thank you to Terah Edun for providing me with an eARC for review*
I have to say it, I was a little bit disappointed with this particular book. I started earlier this week with the free Kindle download of Sworn to Raise. I tore through all 5 books in about 7 days. I was hooked! Non-stop plot twists and surprises! Sworn to Conflict was my hands down favorite. (I am a fan of the C and S romance through and through).
So back to this book- Not much happened. There was a little bit of character growth. Not enough. The plot did not really progress. There was alot of filler stuff. I actually skimmed through some sections.
I think the other issue is- the author is at the point of the story where she has to grow it up a little bit or it will start to fall flat. The love triangle she is trying hard to maintain will NOT feel true, the relationship complexities between the three of them will not feel true- unless there is more *!*!* (she can keep it PG-13 if she wants to keep it YA, but it needs to be there!)
Update (next day)- I correct my assessment a little bit. I went back and re-read my favorite parts of book 3 and 4 just for fun this morning. Its not that the *!*!* was not there- it was definitely starting to develop- and then as soon as (Spoiler alert) they got engaged- it just stopped! The fifth book just suddenly died.
(more spoilers) Thanar didn't really make any more moves on her - Why? I think thats what his character would be drawn to do. And Sebastian wasn't much Mad that she also shares a once-in-a-lifetime soul bond with someone else! REALLY?!
I was expecting more buildup and more plot twists a the end(as in the previous books)- the first 40% of the book was the usual awesome! And then it just died. Its like she was filling space with stuff and delaying important things from happening until the next book- because now the series is supposed to end at 8 or 9 books instead of 5 or 6.
Please, Ms. Edun! I know its a tall order but please bring #6 back to where we were at books 3 and 4. I need more adventure, romance, PASSION, plot twists, LIFE-threatening situations, and all the other good stuff that kept me glued to your books all of this past week.
What a bind mage Ciardus Weathervane finds herself in. Caught as she is between two men (in more ways than one), Prince Sebastian, heir to the throne whom she loves and Thanar, a daemoni Prince whom she is attracted to. Ciardus is trying to stop a god from wreaking destruction upon her world, is caught up in the machinations of an emperor who is not all he seems, is reviled by the nobility and is trying to save her mother. All this as she is still discovering her powers. Oh, and did I mention that she tends to speak before she thinks, particularly when under stress. Not always a good thing. The Emperor, who is not the emperor but Sebastian's uncle abiding in his father's body, is whom Sebastian and Ciardus must elicit help from to take on the coming threat of the god, the blutgott. A god determined to obliterate Algardis. At the same time they need to keep their knowledge of the Emperor's true self hidden in the hopes that they can find Sebastian's father. Having been attacked by the Duchess of Carne and failed in their efforts to capture her, Sebastian and Ciardus now have to work out how to win over the nobles, the companions, the false Emperor and the army to their cause. No small thing but Ciarus and Sebastian are giving it their best shot. There is still the small problem of Ciardus's mother being imprisoned by the Emperor. Thanar of course features front and centre, allied with Ciardus in more ways than one. But can Ciardus trust Thanar to be more than self serving? Can she keep Thanar and Sebastian from conflict with each other? Along the way uneasy alliances are forged and new enemies made. I am continually amazed at how Edun holds our interest from one book to the next. The action and interplay of new diverse challenges for Ciardus and her companions doesn't flag and subsequently my interest is maintained. Another excellent episode in Edun's 'Courtlight' opus!
Ciardis Weathervane lowered her glaive slightly as she watched the reaction of Sebastian to Jason SaAlgardis’s claims. Emotions played across the prince heir’s face. Shock. Wariness. Anger. Eventually coldness settled over his features like a mask. She could still read Sebastian like an open book, even when others saw nothing but the careful persona he intended them to see. She knew the prince had trained himself to hide his feelings as well as his intentions while at court. He had to. From the time he was a toddler until just about a year ago, most of the imperial court had thought him worthless at best. That had actually not been so bad . Those individuals overlooked him as an inconvenience. For other courtiers, he had been more than a hindrance, he had been a threat to their very livelihoods. As a consequence, a few had ganged together to kill him off and let another take his place as the heir to throne. Ciardis knew Sebastian hadn’t considered those men friends. But he hadn’t really known them , either. They were just four courtiers out of the thousands that flocked to his father’s court every year. It was a scary thought. To think that someone you didn’t know, that you bore no grudge, would still attack and kill you because they felt they had been wronged. So now Sebastian kept his face unreadable. Masked emotions meant Sebastian was less likely to open himself up to a threat or be wounded by courtiers skilled in the art of internecine political warfare.
I love screw-up heroines. I love who she generally runs around and makes a mess of things, and then is all, whatever dude, walk it off. I love how vain she is and just barges in and starts power tripping. I do not like how over the moon she is about mister keeping secrets prince wonder. i think the love triangle options is really entertaining because she is so honest with herself about it. like, "yep, dude is smoking, yep i could totally get down with that in a back alley, nope, can't take him home to mama. what to do?" but prince whatshisface is annoying. i know i need to get over it, but i can't. what a weeny. i love how callous everyone is in this realm- she slayed all those dudes, and how no one really cared at all. like nobody. like they were actual pawn pieces. dude, sucks to be the palace guards in this town. dang. and where are the dragons? I over look the issues with this story that bug me, because the heroine rates bath time above boy time and causes delightful chaos everywhere she roams. but it is not for people who hate lose ends flying around. because they are a plenty. totally in for round 6. but hoping the end is in sight and prince darkly gets more screen time. yummo.
This novel is intensely adventurous from the very first sentence. Action and adventure abound, keeping you completely immersed in the original storyline. The past and present collide in a thrillingly suspenseful manner. Intrigue abounds and allies are in short supply. You also get an in-depth look at various forms of magic in this novel. Edun demonstrates & narrates in a manner that keeps you captivated while still learning more about this remarkable world. This plays directly into the court intrigue & deception that will keep you on your toes.
The personal growth in the main characters is remarkable in this novel. They’re really coming into their own. You can no longer see them as children or headstrong youth. They are becoming a force to be reckoned with. I appreciate the fact that Edun’s characters don’t grow stagnant. You continue to learn new tidbits about all of the major players in the story throughout.
This novel was well and eloquently written. It was captivating for readers of all ages. I definitely couldn’t put it down for a second, nor can I wait for the next instalment in the series.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I still really enjoy this series, but I think the grammatical errors have only gotten worse. I'm not sure who the author is using to proof-read, but she desperately needs to find some more editors. Friends/family that can look over it with fresh eyes - or even pay an English teacher to read over it. I'm sure there are even fans that would be willing to read over early versions just to find out what happens before anyone else!
Other than that, I REALLY hate love triangles. I was disappointed when such a...permanent...situation was created in this series. That's the only real complaint I have with the plot. And I still plan on continuing the series as more books are released.
I was willing to give this book a try because I really liked the first three............ I would even guess that the first three were written by a writer other than 4 and 5. Editing was worse in this one than the last one, it was redundant and extremely stupid in places. I skipped over many, many pages and the same things were being said. It boggles my mind that these books have gotten such great reviews! I absolutely will not buy another book by this author, and while I really dislike cliffhangers, I can't justify purchasing another in this series.......... I do like fantasy, but not mindless meanderings. ,,
Back in the court of Sandrin we see changes happening with the trio. You will learn with Ciardis that things always happen for a reason. She with her guys will be working towards another adventure but have to get certain things finalized before hand. However, we did find out something that messes up plans until the end. This one was a lot of plotting that happened so certain things in the next books that would work out. Not much action is in this one but you still need to read it to understand what will be happening next.
All the cover art for this book series is gorgeous! Just in case I haven't mentioned it before now.
The latest novel in the Courtlight series continues to entice readers with sassy characters and interesting subplots. The book has its share of jaw-dropping scenes sprinkled throughout, but you definitely get the feeling that a lot of this installment is part of a major setup for the next novel. Something big is coming! My favorite scene is the one where Ciardis illustrates new powers.
I enjoy this series, however this book made me slightly frustrated. The spelling and grammar mistakes are abounding in this book and it's very distracting because it halts the flow of a passage. Also, I felt that nothing was resolved in this book, it was pages and pages of dialogue where nothing of importance really happened. I look forward to the next book and hope that Terah Edun redeems herself with an amazing ending to a good series. I just hope it's less wordy and has more resolutions.
This world that Ciardis is getting better and better with each book. I like love triangles only if they come in the third book and up. Not really into it with the first book.
Terah Edun, never falls to bring something new to the plot line. The bastard son to Sebastien grandfather, and his daughter. Or Ciardis marriage proposal to Sebastien, i never seen that coming.
This is a magical world that i love and now i need the rest of the series out.
Another great volume in the series, however perhaps a 3.5 rating due to the book feeling more like an 'imbetween' book... Each of the previous novels have more of a build-up to a final battle/epic moment, giving way to the next adventure by the end of it. This was different, and seemed like constant preparation for the 'big battle'. Saying that, many great happening also! And will definitely download the next book as soon as it's out!
I stand by my initial rating of the first book, decent storyline that keeps drawing me back. Low ratings for the book due to the frequent misspelled words and grammatical errors. I don't know if the author has someone proofreading these or not, but I would highly recommend it. The story would be much more enjoyable.
Sworn to Defiance is very good reading, Terah Edun continuously entertains me with her writing abilities. I was completely absorbed with this book Onto the next installment, can not wait.