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The Slayer and the Sphinx #3
The Protector and the Peacemaker
Every War Must End. Porter, Sarah, and their friends are running out of time. Arch-Mythic Rayalga plans to lead his army against humanity and lay claim to the earth, and the Slayers are marching to meet them. Porter and Sarah must hurry if they want to end the war without needless bloodshed… but how? The Master Slayer, Drake Mortoph, will do anything to stop them, and he has a secret powerful enough to make history repeat itself.
586 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 11, 2014
What a great story! Wow! It weaves so much together and I never lost track. There's so much detail but nothing felt overdone. I look forward to rereading these books someday. It will feel like visiting old friends.
Like the second book in this series there was a lot of action and fighting scenes. This one however went a lot deeper into their thoughts, feelings and emotions. It felt so much more personal. I had such a great feeling of hope the entire time I was reading. We all like reading a book we can connect with and this was it for me. This group of unmatched sorts all with a common goal of love and peace in the midst of hatred and chaos, left me wishing more people were like this in reality. So much good could be done.
The heroes, full of good intentions, kept trying no matter what odds they were up against and how much they started to doubt themselves. They always took a stand to help each other and they put themselves in danger to help others because it was the right thing to do. The villains were savage and heartless monsters that let no one or anything get in their way.
The djinn fire, when you looked into it you could see images of our greatest desires, what we want most. It got me thinking about what I would see in that fire. What would most of us see? Would it be worthy of something heroic or something for the villains? I think most people would fall somewhere between.
The allegory here for me is to find the courage within to remain strong and true to what you know is the right thing to do, not just for yourself but for everyone. Okay, there are about 20 others you could pick out of these books as well. I think this series would be great for group discussions. Get reading friends. Get reading.
Like the second book in this series there was a lot of action and fighting scenes. This one however went a lot deeper into their thoughts, feelings and emotions. It felt so much more personal. I had such a great feeling of hope the entire time I was reading. We all like reading a book we can connect with and this was it for me. This group of unmatched sorts all with a common goal of love and peace in the midst of hatred and chaos, left me wishing more people were like this in reality. So much good could be done.
The heroes, full of good intentions, kept trying no matter what odds they were up against and how much they started to doubt themselves. They always took a stand to help each other and they put themselves in danger to help others because it was the right thing to do. The villains were savage and heartless monsters that let no one or anything get in their way.
The djinn fire, when you looked into it you could see images of our greatest desires, what we want most. It got me thinking about what I would see in that fire. What would most of us see? Would it be worthy of something heroic or something for the villains? I think most people would fall somewhere between.
The allegory here for me is to find the courage within to remain strong and true to what you know is the right thing to do, not just for yourself but for everyone. Okay, there are about 20 others you could pick out of these books as well. I think this series would be great for group discussions. Get reading friends. Get reading.
November 2, 2014
I found this to be the best of the three in The Slayer and the Sphinx trilogy, though it was a very nearly a tie with book two.
My favorite aspects of this story include the personal growth of the characters, the battles and the magic. Even the minor characters are given their moment in the spotlight, and the reader is given insight into their motivations for both good and ill. Granger and Domino fall into this category. The time devoted to them makes their part in the story much more meaningful and memorable than it could have been if less time was spent developing them.
I also liked how Porter and Sarah's relationship is approached in this story. The connection of souls and it's manifestation in the physical world was a clever way to bind these two together. As I suspected, the potential love triangle from book two is abandoned in book three. I consider this a good thing. It would have just cluttered things up.
The battles and the magic are also noteworthy. The battles add action and danger to the story, as well as opportunities for tragedy and character growth. They are well executed and, as in the first two books, make you feel like you're there in the thick of things. The magic is interesting and the forms it takes are varied. Familiar magic from earlier installments is balanced with new magic introduced or expounded upon in book three. In particular, I enjoyed the parts about the different types of chimeras.
On the downside, though more realistic, I didn't particularly like that so many of the good characters perished. I guess I prefer the good guys to make it despite the odds, even if they don't make it out completely unscathed. There is as much tragedy as there is triumph, and in some ways, even the tiniest losses are hugely painful to read about. I'm not saying this story is like Game of Thrones or other stories where everyone dies, not at all. Still, no character seems protected from risk. The story weaves life and death together somewhat realistically, even for a fantasy, and the outcome doesn't always seem fair. It makes the danger seem all that much more real.
Overall, I thought this was a great story, though laced with emotional landmines. I would highly recommend this story, and the trilogy as a whole, to fans of modern fantasy. The story is appropriate for teens and adults, though those with an aversion to violence or those who prefer only happily ever after scenarios might find some parts tough to absorb. On the converse, those who like the unexpected and don't expect unicorns and rainbows at every turn will appreciate this story all the more for it's realistic approach to battle and conflict.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a review.
My favorite aspects of this story include the personal growth of the characters, the battles and the magic. Even the minor characters are given their moment in the spotlight, and the reader is given insight into their motivations for both good and ill. Granger and Domino fall into this category. The time devoted to them makes their part in the story much more meaningful and memorable than it could have been if less time was spent developing them.
I also liked how Porter and Sarah's relationship is approached in this story. The connection of souls and it's manifestation in the physical world was a clever way to bind these two together. As I suspected, the potential love triangle from book two is abandoned in book three. I consider this a good thing. It would have just cluttered things up.
The battles and the magic are also noteworthy. The battles add action and danger to the story, as well as opportunities for tragedy and character growth. They are well executed and, as in the first two books, make you feel like you're there in the thick of things. The magic is interesting and the forms it takes are varied. Familiar magic from earlier installments is balanced with new magic introduced or expounded upon in book three. In particular, I enjoyed the parts about the different types of chimeras.
On the downside, though more realistic, I didn't particularly like that so many of the good characters perished. I guess I prefer the good guys to make it despite the odds, even if they don't make it out completely unscathed. There is as much tragedy as there is triumph, and in some ways, even the tiniest losses are hugely painful to read about. I'm not saying this story is like Game of Thrones or other stories where everyone dies, not at all. Still, no character seems protected from risk. The story weaves life and death together somewhat realistically, even for a fantasy, and the outcome doesn't always seem fair. It makes the danger seem all that much more real.
Overall, I thought this was a great story, though laced with emotional landmines. I would highly recommend this story, and the trilogy as a whole, to fans of modern fantasy. The story is appropriate for teens and adults, though those with an aversion to violence or those who prefer only happily ever after scenarios might find some parts tough to absorb. On the converse, those who like the unexpected and don't expect unicorns and rainbows at every turn will appreciate this story all the more for it's realistic approach to battle and conflict.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a review.
June 16, 2016
(This review may contain spoilers).
I was really happy to be able to read the final book in this trilogy. There were things I did miss in this (such as how things went with Tick and Joseph), but there was a lot tension in this book and I kept reading throughout.
I liked seeing Porter and Sarah together, though I didn't really like how Sarah treated Porter after she was told about her parents. Even though I could understand why Sarah felt like that, I felt her personality became quite sharply contradictory and I could understand how Drake was able to target Porter.
It was interesting to see Granger and Ozzie. I liked Ozzie more than Granger, but it was good to see both of them questioning what they believed. It was sad to see that Misoka was so reluctant to trust that Ozzie was her brother and I felt she came across as very young emotionally in her interactions with Ozzie and Sarah especially.
I would have liked to see more of the secondary characters, such as others in the Mythics and Slayer ranks. It was good to see more of Drake's past and get some answers about what was going on with him... though I was a bit disappointed with the way things happened towards the end with Drake.
I felt a lot of sympathy for Domino. I did like seeing her with Tick and then later with Porter and Sarah. It was good to see that Porter and Sarah were trying to protect her... and also good to see them trying to do the right thing. I didn't like Gwinn very much, though. Even though he was Tick's father, I didn't feel like he really cared about his son's emotional wellbeing. At the same time, though, it was good to learn more about Tick's ability and the potential dangers involved in it.
I found this book to be really easy to read and I also liked learning more about some of the different types of creatures. And it was good to see Glenda and her relationship with Porter, even though he still didn't have any memories.
While the ending of this book was a bit sad, I did still find it really entertaining and engaging to read. I would love to read more books set in this world in the future.
I was really happy to be able to read the final book in this trilogy. There were things I did miss in this (such as how things went with Tick and Joseph), but there was a lot tension in this book and I kept reading throughout.
I liked seeing Porter and Sarah together, though I didn't really like how Sarah treated Porter after she was told about her parents. Even though I could understand why Sarah felt like that, I felt her personality became quite sharply contradictory and I could understand how Drake was able to target Porter.
It was interesting to see Granger and Ozzie. I liked Ozzie more than Granger, but it was good to see both of them questioning what they believed. It was sad to see that Misoka was so reluctant to trust that Ozzie was her brother and I felt she came across as very young emotionally in her interactions with Ozzie and Sarah especially.
I would have liked to see more of the secondary characters, such as others in the Mythics and Slayer ranks. It was good to see more of Drake's past and get some answers about what was going on with him... though I was a bit disappointed with the way things happened towards the end with Drake.
I felt a lot of sympathy for Domino. I did like seeing her with Tick and then later with Porter and Sarah. It was good to see that Porter and Sarah were trying to protect her... and also good to see them trying to do the right thing. I didn't like Gwinn very much, though. Even though he was Tick's father, I didn't feel like he really cared about his son's emotional wellbeing. At the same time, though, it was good to learn more about Tick's ability and the potential dangers involved in it.
I found this book to be really easy to read and I also liked learning more about some of the different types of creatures. And it was good to see Glenda and her relationship with Porter, even though he still didn't have any memories.
While the ending of this book was a bit sad, I did still find it really entertaining and engaging to read. I would love to read more books set in this world in the future.
October 27, 2014
They had no choice. It was run, or be slaughtered.
The Slayers were in Jellaska Kob Lertan, laying waste to all they came across. Porter, Sarah, and the rest of the band scattered to the four winds, hoping to be able to meet up again somewhere away from the carnage.
Tick is unfortunate enough to be caught by slave traders, and meets a young chimera by the name of Domino. The rest of the group has found each other and, accompanied by a strange chimera by the name of Gwinn, fights its way to the rescue of both youngsters.
From there, they encounter one perilous adventure after another, as they work out how exactly they will be able to save the world from imminent war between the Mythics and the Slayers. For the Mythics are headed by a half-mad gryphon, and the leader of the Slayers is much more than he seems. Both are faced off against each other, with humanity in the middle.
Much is learned, much is lost, and then found again. Hopes raised, then dashed. And just when the heroes believe they have all the answers they need, a new, terrible truth is learned–one that will make them question everything they have been through.
This, the last in the series entitled “The Slayer and the Sphinx”, is a sweeping, incredible end to a fantastic story. So much goes on in this book that it is just about impossible to describe it all.
There is so much here–love and betrayal, trust and disappointment, faith and fear. Through it all, the characters remain true to their comrades (for the most part), sacrificing their all to save each other–physically, mentally, psychologically. A very satisfying end to a well-told tale. I think Tolkien would have loved it.
Mr. Bolander left a few threads that just might turn into another series. We shall have to wait and see.
The Slayers were in Jellaska Kob Lertan, laying waste to all they came across. Porter, Sarah, and the rest of the band scattered to the four winds, hoping to be able to meet up again somewhere away from the carnage.
Tick is unfortunate enough to be caught by slave traders, and meets a young chimera by the name of Domino. The rest of the group has found each other and, accompanied by a strange chimera by the name of Gwinn, fights its way to the rescue of both youngsters.
From there, they encounter one perilous adventure after another, as they work out how exactly they will be able to save the world from imminent war between the Mythics and the Slayers. For the Mythics are headed by a half-mad gryphon, and the leader of the Slayers is much more than he seems. Both are faced off against each other, with humanity in the middle.
Much is learned, much is lost, and then found again. Hopes raised, then dashed. And just when the heroes believe they have all the answers they need, a new, terrible truth is learned–one that will make them question everything they have been through.
This, the last in the series entitled “The Slayer and the Sphinx”, is a sweeping, incredible end to a fantastic story. So much goes on in this book that it is just about impossible to describe it all.
There is so much here–love and betrayal, trust and disappointment, faith and fear. Through it all, the characters remain true to their comrades (for the most part), sacrificing their all to save each other–physically, mentally, psychologically. A very satisfying end to a well-told tale. I think Tolkien would have loved it.
Mr. Bolander left a few threads that just might turn into another series. We shall have to wait and see.
October 31, 2014
The protector and the peacemaker picks up right as book 2 (the convict and the captive) leaves off... Porter, Sarah, and their band of followers head off to save Tick from slave traders. This is just one quest this group have in this final installment of the series.
In this book we see armies taking shape on both the Mythic, and the Slayer's sides. We see just how far both leaders will go to win this war.
Our band of heroes come up with a plan on how they can prevent the war from happening...if they can make it in time. Along the way they have many roadblocks trying to get them off course, but finally, they reach their destination.
As everyone's plans unfold, and all three sides meet, there will be war...but is it the one you expect?
In my review of the second book I said that the romance doesn't seem to be needed. In this book, it turns out, there is a need for said romance, however the 'love' that these two characters share is very shallow and not felt in the readers eyes. I know these are books geared towards a younger audience, but there has to be more proof that these two love each other to the extent that people in the book seem to think.
At the end of the book, the idea Porter has to defeat the monster (who shall remain nameless to prevent any spoiler...if they haven't figured it out) was quite creative and interesting, not something you see everyday in books. Definitely win points for that.
I think these books definitely need an editors touch, and a bit more description in the 'romance' part, if that storyline is to be believed, but other than that pretty good books, I'd definitely recommend to kids to read.
In this book we see armies taking shape on both the Mythic, and the Slayer's sides. We see just how far both leaders will go to win this war.
Our band of heroes come up with a plan on how they can prevent the war from happening...if they can make it in time. Along the way they have many roadblocks trying to get them off course, but finally, they reach their destination.
As everyone's plans unfold, and all three sides meet, there will be war...but is it the one you expect?
In my review of the second book I said that the romance doesn't seem to be needed. In this book, it turns out, there is a need for said romance, however the 'love' that these two characters share is very shallow and not felt in the readers eyes. I know these are books geared towards a younger audience, but there has to be more proof that these two love each other to the extent that people in the book seem to think.
At the end of the book, the idea Porter has to defeat the monster (who shall remain nameless to prevent any spoiler...if they haven't figured it out) was quite creative and interesting, not something you see everyday in books. Definitely win points for that.
I think these books definitely need an editors touch, and a bit more description in the 'romance' part, if that storyline is to be believed, but other than that pretty good books, I'd definitely recommend to kids to read.
January 4, 2015
Full of imagination and vivid images. There were a few parts that really didn't add up for me and some silly clichés (eg all the good guys patiently taking turns to fight a powerful villain). Easily a 4 star book except that it's utterly riddled with errors. I've never read a book with this many typos and mistakes, in part because I'd stop reading if I ran into this...but I'm glad I looked past these issues for this story!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews