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Symphony of Ages #9
The Weaver's Lament
Acclaimed author Elizabeth Haydon returns with a heartbreaking tale of love and valor in The Weaver’s Lament, the ninth and final installment of her USA Today bestselling Symphony of Ages series that began with Rhapsody.
For a thousand years, the lands ruled by the Cymrian Alliance have been at peace. When the brutal death of a dear friend catapults the kingdom to the brink of civil war, Rhapsody finds herself in an impossible situation: forced to choose between her beloved husband, Ashe, and her two oldest friends, Grunthor and Achmed. Choosing her husband will mean the death of thousands of innocents. Siding against him will cost Rhapsody the other half of her soul, both in this life and the next.
In The Weaver's Lament, the lines between the past and future are irrevocably blurred, and the strength of true love is tested in unthinkable ways. Bestselling author Elizabeth Haydon has delivered a spectacular conclusion to the Symphony of Ages.
"A full-scale tale of warfare and political intrigue that high-fantasy fans will enjoy. Fans of the series will be satisfied, and newcomers will find themselves welcome." —Booklist on The Hollow Queen
For a thousand years, the lands ruled by the Cymrian Alliance have been at peace. When the brutal death of a dear friend catapults the kingdom to the brink of civil war, Rhapsody finds herself in an impossible situation: forced to choose between her beloved husband, Ashe, and her two oldest friends, Grunthor and Achmed. Choosing her husband will mean the death of thousands of innocents. Siding against him will cost Rhapsody the other half of her soul, both in this life and the next.
In The Weaver's Lament, the lines between the past and future are irrevocably blurred, and the strength of true love is tested in unthinkable ways. Bestselling author Elizabeth Haydon has delivered a spectacular conclusion to the Symphony of Ages.
"A full-scale tale of warfare and political intrigue that high-fantasy fans will enjoy. Fans of the series will be satisfied, and newcomers will find themselves welcome." —Booklist on The Hollow Queen
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 21, 2016
48 people are currently reading
1377 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Haydon
50 books1,025 followersElizabeth Haydon (* 1965 in Michigan) is a fantasy author, whose 1999 debut, Rhapsody: Child of Blood, garnered comparisons with Goodkind, Jordan, and even Tolkien. She has written two fantasy series set within the same universe, The fantasy/romance/whodunit fusion called The Symphony of Ages and the young adult series The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme.
An herbalist, harpist, and madrigal singer, Elizabeth Haydon also enjoys anthropology and folklore. She lives on the East Coast of the United States.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabet...
An herbalist, harpist, and madrigal singer, Elizabeth Haydon also enjoys anthropology and folklore. She lives on the East Coast of the United States.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabet...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 15, 2016
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
The Weaver’s Lament is the ninth and final book in Elizabeth Haydon’s The Symphony of Ages series. Never having read any of the prior novels, I concede this book was probably not the best place for me to start my journey with these characters, but all in all, I found this finale an entertaining fantasy which I was able to fully enjoy. Ms. Haydon doing a wonderful job highlighting the important events of the past, making it easy for old fans or new readers to slide into this epic saga and understand why events are transpiring as they are and why, in the scope of the series as a whole, they are important.
From line one of the story, it becomes apparent that the “Three” are the focus of this tale. Rhapsody, Achmed, and Grunthor reuniting after significant time apart. Naturally, their reunion causes them to reflect on the past: the good and bad times, the successes and failures, and how a thousand years of peace since the War of the Known World has changed them. Achmed, in particular, muses that Grunthor has aged the most of their trio while Rhapsody has remained virtually untouched by time, though her joy for life is nothing like it once was; a fact which is not pleasing to Achmed at all. Of course, what makes Achmed’s thoughts important is how it highlights his continued desire for Rhapsody even after a thousand years, his disdain for her husband, Ashe, the Lord Cymarian, and the real reason he refuses to attend a “family reunion” Rhapsody has planned. (The family reunion is for the children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and so forth which Rhapsody and Ashe have accumulated during their prodigious life span.)
Even without her two, oldest friends in attendance however, Rhapsody’s family get together goes forward. But, underneath the tranquility, all is not blissful, because Ashe is finally feeling his age. Yes, the dragon blood coursing through his veins has kept him seemingly ageless, but inside he feels the decrepitness of age enveloping him; more and more effort required to hold back the dragon. This has caused Ashe to desire to shed his mortal shell, ascend to the elemental plane as a dragon like his father before him, and leave his family behind. All that is holding him back Rhapsody’s refusal to let him go and her desire to conceive yet another child. The two at an impasse, which they generally agree to disagree about.
Just when events seem to foreshadow Lament turning into an emotional but rather bland farewell tour, an unexpected and tragic event occurs, which throws things into a downward spiral of chaos. The death of a beloved character the catalyst for the sudden shift in tone. An unfortunate misunderstanding destroying the thousand year peace. Rhapsody, Ashe, Achmed, and Grunthor all playing huge roles in the global drama. The fairy tale ending of our heroes journey seemingly derailed and ruined, begging the question “Why? Why? Why?” as the final half of the book is devoured to its final conclusion.
The best quality of The Weaver’ Lament for me personally was the camaraderie between the Three and the depth of their history together. Rhapsody, Achmed, and Gruntor acting exactly like old friends reunited; their bond of friendship so tight no amount of time — whether it be ten years or a thousand years — capable of severing it. The casual, easy way they slide into age old roles proof of their love for and comfort with one another, no matter their new exalted social positions. And while I (a first time reader) did not know their full history, I still found their bond compelling, convincing, and worthy of this, a final farewell.
The love story between Rhpasody and Ashe was also very well done, I thought. A couple who has been together for a thousand years, raised a family together, braved dangers, fought wars, shepherded new nations, and seen the world around them transform from what they knew can’t remain the same: time changes everything, but these two accept that, desperately seek to remember and celebrate the past which brought them together, and hold on to one another. Of course, they still have problems. They still have rifts they chose not to discuss. (Achmed’s desire for Rhapsody to name one.) They do not always agree. But they attempt to keep their love alive — even when tragedy envelopes them.
And it is actually the bitter tragedies which occur here that I found least compelling. Not wishing to spoil the surprises in Lament, I will refrain from discussing exactly what events I’m referring to, but just know that they felt forced and more than a little convenient. Sure, they were completely plausible, but they did not work for me. Perhaps, constant readers of the series might view them differently, but for my uninitiated eyes, I felt they ruined the organic flow of events, merely giving the author an opportunity to close out plot threads which seemed to have been left dangling the whole series.
A wonderfully entertaining and richly textured novel– truly epic in every aspect — The Weaver’s Lament deftly evokes deep emotions in old and new readers alike. Elizabeth Haydon turning the finale of her Rhapsody saga into a mesmerizing affair, which is both an amazingly entertaining introduction to these character as well as a fitting farewell to them.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
The Weaver’s Lament is the ninth and final book in Elizabeth Haydon’s The Symphony of Ages series. Never having read any of the prior novels, I concede this book was probably not the best place for me to start my journey with these characters, but all in all, I found this finale an entertaining fantasy which I was able to fully enjoy. Ms. Haydon doing a wonderful job highlighting the important events of the past, making it easy for old fans or new readers to slide into this epic saga and understand why events are transpiring as they are and why, in the scope of the series as a whole, they are important.
From line one of the story, it becomes apparent that the “Three” are the focus of this tale. Rhapsody, Achmed, and Grunthor reuniting after significant time apart. Naturally, their reunion causes them to reflect on the past: the good and bad times, the successes and failures, and how a thousand years of peace since the War of the Known World has changed them. Achmed, in particular, muses that Grunthor has aged the most of their trio while Rhapsody has remained virtually untouched by time, though her joy for life is nothing like it once was; a fact which is not pleasing to Achmed at all. Of course, what makes Achmed’s thoughts important is how it highlights his continued desire for Rhapsody even after a thousand years, his disdain for her husband, Ashe, the Lord Cymarian, and the real reason he refuses to attend a “family reunion” Rhapsody has planned. (The family reunion is for the children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and so forth which Rhapsody and Ashe have accumulated during their prodigious life span.)
Even without her two, oldest friends in attendance however, Rhapsody’s family get together goes forward. But, underneath the tranquility, all is not blissful, because Ashe is finally feeling his age. Yes, the dragon blood coursing through his veins has kept him seemingly ageless, but inside he feels the decrepitness of age enveloping him; more and more effort required to hold back the dragon. This has caused Ashe to desire to shed his mortal shell, ascend to the elemental plane as a dragon like his father before him, and leave his family behind. All that is holding him back Rhapsody’s refusal to let him go and her desire to conceive yet another child. The two at an impasse, which they generally agree to disagree about.
Just when events seem to foreshadow Lament turning into an emotional but rather bland farewell tour, an unexpected and tragic event occurs, which throws things into a downward spiral of chaos. The death of a beloved character the catalyst for the sudden shift in tone. An unfortunate misunderstanding destroying the thousand year peace. Rhapsody, Ashe, Achmed, and Grunthor all playing huge roles in the global drama. The fairy tale ending of our heroes journey seemingly derailed and ruined, begging the question “Why? Why? Why?” as the final half of the book is devoured to its final conclusion.
The best quality of The Weaver’ Lament for me personally was the camaraderie between the Three and the depth of their history together. Rhapsody, Achmed, and Gruntor acting exactly like old friends reunited; their bond of friendship so tight no amount of time — whether it be ten years or a thousand years — capable of severing it. The casual, easy way they slide into age old roles proof of their love for and comfort with one another, no matter their new exalted social positions. And while I (a first time reader) did not know their full history, I still found their bond compelling, convincing, and worthy of this, a final farewell.
The love story between Rhpasody and Ashe was also very well done, I thought. A couple who has been together for a thousand years, raised a family together, braved dangers, fought wars, shepherded new nations, and seen the world around them transform from what they knew can’t remain the same: time changes everything, but these two accept that, desperately seek to remember and celebrate the past which brought them together, and hold on to one another. Of course, they still have problems. They still have rifts they chose not to discuss. (Achmed’s desire for Rhapsody to name one.) They do not always agree. But they attempt to keep their love alive — even when tragedy envelopes them.
And it is actually the bitter tragedies which occur here that I found least compelling. Not wishing to spoil the surprises in Lament, I will refrain from discussing exactly what events I’m referring to, but just know that they felt forced and more than a little convenient. Sure, they were completely plausible, but they did not work for me. Perhaps, constant readers of the series might view them differently, but for my uninitiated eyes, I felt they ruined the organic flow of events, merely giving the author an opportunity to close out plot threads which seemed to have been left dangling the whole series.
A wonderfully entertaining and richly textured novel– truly epic in every aspect — The Weaver’s Lament deftly evokes deep emotions in old and new readers alike. Elizabeth Haydon turning the finale of her Rhapsody saga into a mesmerizing affair, which is both an amazingly entertaining introduction to these character as well as a fitting farewell to them.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
December 22, 2022
I've been reading the Symphony of Ages series since I was 14 years old. Of course, my tastes have shifted a bit since then but on the whole, the books have remained satisfying reading through my adult years...at least up until now.
Spoiler free review: The momentum of the novel just did not hold up for me. The first half of the book was like an extended prologue. We're introduced to Rhapsody's six perfect children and million grandchildren, only one of which has any impact on the story at all. The second half read like an entirely different book that had been edited down to its bare bones. It just wasn't cohesive. The prophecies that have left a trail of breadcrumbs up to this point are fleshed out in several massive info dumps that are anticlimactic, to say the least. And I wasn't at all satisfied by the endgame for Rhapsody, Grunthor or Achmed. Finally, the central quest of this book seemed like an afterthought and the climax, such as it was, fell completely flat.
This book just left me with a whole bunch of questions and grievances, to the point where I almost wished I hadn't read it. Spoilers galore ahead!
Endings are really hard. There was potential here for a decent sendoff but I feel like everything just got rushed to print and we're missing some exposition that would have helped make sense of this mishmash. If you've read the whole series up until now, it's kind of a tossup on whether I recommend this. If a bad ending will retroactively ruin the entire series, I suggest you run away, quickly, and forget this book exists. Otherwise, just brace yourself for disappointment.
Spoiler free review: The momentum of the novel just did not hold up for me. The first half of the book was like an extended prologue. We're introduced to Rhapsody's six perfect children and million grandchildren, only one of which has any impact on the story at all. The second half read like an entirely different book that had been edited down to its bare bones. It just wasn't cohesive. The prophecies that have left a trail of breadcrumbs up to this point are fleshed out in several massive info dumps that are anticlimactic, to say the least. And I wasn't at all satisfied by the endgame for Rhapsody, Grunthor or Achmed. Finally, the central quest of this book seemed like an afterthought and the climax, such as it was, fell completely flat.
This book just left me with a whole bunch of questions and grievances, to the point where I almost wished I hadn't read it. Spoilers galore ahead!
Endings are really hard. There was potential here for a decent sendoff but I feel like everything just got rushed to print and we're missing some exposition that would have helped make sense of this mishmash. If you've read the whole series up until now, it's kind of a tossup on whether I recommend this. If a bad ending will retroactively ruin the entire series, I suggest you run away, quickly, and forget this book exists. Otherwise, just brace yourself for disappointment.
July 9, 2016
What I Want in Dirge:
- for it to actually be written & published
- Ashe to finally become full wyrm & a decent character again not just some whiny love sick dillhole
- Meridion to be grown up & a complete badass because Achmed comes to begrudgingly love him like a son & trains him in all kinds of awesomeness
- Meridion & Grunthor drunkenly singing tons of filthy songs
- Achmed to stop being such a giant weiner & tell Rhapsody he loves her
What I got from Weaver's Lament:
-it was written & published! Yay!
-Ashe became full wyrm but was still a whiny love sick dillhole, not to mention one of his temper tantrums got someone very beloved & important killed >:(
-well Meridion was all grown up but very far from a badass :(
-no drunken Grunther/Meridion singing, there was hope there at the beginning but alas nope Meridion is kind of noring book nerd
-Achmed finally manned up but it didn't go the way I hoped it would :(
Overall, I am satisfied with the ending but also unsatisfied with the ending. I was really excited after "the grievous blow" scene, really really excited that some awesomely epic stuff was about to happen but alas my hopes were doused. It all made sense because of who Rhapsody was but I still would've liked to see more happen in response to what happened to Grunthor.
Also I was REALLY unhappy with how the Achmed/Rhapsody relationship was brought to a close. Yes he does finally end up with kind of a "happily ever after" but after thousands of years being stuck in the friend zone Haydon could have given him a little more alive time with Rhapsody. That was probably my biggest disappointment of all, he didn't even get one real kiss :(
The very end was kind of slow & dull, it took me days to force myself through it, after everything that happened before I was pretty much emotionally wrecked & not in the mood to read about an underground treck along the root again. Though the very end was as it should've been, Achmed told Ashe back in book 3 how it would go & he was right. I just wish we had gotten a little more is all.
- for it to actually be written & published
- Ashe to finally become full wyrm & a decent character again not just some whiny love sick dillhole
- Meridion to be grown up & a complete badass because Achmed comes to begrudgingly love him like a son & trains him in all kinds of awesomeness
- Meridion & Grunthor drunkenly singing tons of filthy songs
- Achmed to stop being such a giant weiner & tell Rhapsody he loves her
What I got from Weaver's Lament:
-it was written & published! Yay!
-Ashe became full wyrm but was still a whiny love sick dillhole, not to mention one of his temper tantrums got someone very beloved & important killed >:(
-well Meridion was all grown up but very far from a badass :(
-no drunken Grunther/Meridion singing, there was hope there at the beginning but alas nope Meridion is kind of noring book nerd
-Achmed finally manned up but it didn't go the way I hoped it would :(
Overall, I am satisfied with the ending but also unsatisfied with the ending. I was really excited after "the grievous blow" scene, really really excited that some awesomely epic stuff was about to happen but alas my hopes were doused. It all made sense because of who Rhapsody was but I still would've liked to see more happen in response to what happened to Grunthor.
Also I was REALLY unhappy with how the Achmed/Rhapsody relationship was brought to a close. Yes he does finally end up with kind of a "happily ever after" but after thousands of years being stuck in the friend zone Haydon could have given him a little more alive time with Rhapsody. That was probably my biggest disappointment of all, he didn't even get one real kiss :(
The very end was kind of slow & dull, it took me days to force myself through it, after everything that happened before I was pretty much emotionally wrecked & not in the mood to read about an underground treck along the root again. Though the very end was as it should've been, Achmed told Ashe back in book 3 how it would go & he was right. I just wish we had gotten a little more is all.
October 15, 2023
I wish I had never read this book.
This series was one of my companions through most of my teenage years and there were few relationships that I cared about as much as the one between the Three. Book Three had a satisfactory ending, but of course I got greedy and wanted to see the dynamic between Achmed and Rhapsdoy resolved. Well, that it certainly was, but not in the way I can imagine anyone wanted it to end. Now all I can hope ia to forget so that I can read the first three books with the same enjoyment as before.
The emotional hits in this book felt rushed and ill-conceived, leaving me fairly cold as they rushed by on the way to the well-deserved end of a very long series, gently waving at me as I was left behind deeply confused and slightly hurt. The deaths of Aria and Grunthor felt so unfounded, caused by whims of fate more than narrative necessity or logic. Why couldn't Graal have been conceived the old fashioned way after years of emotional bonding and healing? Why did Grunthor have to die such an ignoble death? Maybe Haydon, same as her characters, was just tired of an eternity of working on this series.
This was a lament I wish I could un-hear.
This series was one of my companions through most of my teenage years and there were few relationships that I cared about as much as the one between the Three. Book Three had a satisfactory ending, but of course I got greedy and wanted to see the dynamic between Achmed and Rhapsdoy resolved. Well, that it certainly was, but not in the way I can imagine anyone wanted it to end. Now all I can hope ia to forget so that I can read the first three books with the same enjoyment as before.
The emotional hits in this book felt rushed and ill-conceived, leaving me fairly cold as they rushed by on the way to the well-deserved end of a very long series, gently waving at me as I was left behind deeply confused and slightly hurt. The deaths of Aria and Grunthor felt so unfounded, caused by whims of fate more than narrative necessity or logic. Why couldn't Graal have been conceived the old fashioned way after years of emotional bonding and healing? Why did Grunthor have to die such an ignoble death? Maybe Haydon, same as her characters, was just tired of an eternity of working on this series.
This was a lament I wish I could un-hear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2016
The ninth and last installment of Elizabeth Haydon's outstanding Symphony of Ages series has finally come to a close, as well as my reflection on the series as a whole.
Before I could even begin to write this review and as soon as I set the book down after reading it in under 24 hours, I ended-up moping around for the following few days feeling lost and emotionally distraught.
"Is she serious?!" You might ask and to answer that straight away is yes, yes I' am.
I won't go into details of the plot, or the story itself but will mention that it has fulfilled just about every wish I had for an ideal ending and hrekin! What an ending it was!
To describe it simply: it will make you question all the meaning in life and you will be made prone as I have, aimlessly wandering, searching your jumbled, wrecked, cognitive thoughts after experiencing something akin to emotional trauma! And after trying to pickup the pieces of your life you will grow angry, bitter at the lack of support from your friends and family as they struggle themselves to understand what became of their loved one as he/she had become an inanimate vegetable proclaimg: "Why Haydon? Whhhhhhhyyyy?!"
Yes, that's what you should expect after reading Elizabeth Haydon's Dirge/The Weaver's Lament!
And throughout you're sure to be grabbing a kleenex, having to stop reading to compose yourself and if not you must get yourself to your local doctor (or local Dhracian) to get yourself checked-out for being potentially possessed by a F'dor!
Ultimately, one thing to keep in mind while reading Haydon's Symphony is that, yes, death is imminent, it's something we all must face eventually. So do prepare yourself for that relentless roller coaster you will find yourself on while many questions are answered and certain relationships come full-circle or are brought finally to light.
You've been warned!
Grunthor: "That's ight geants! Now go get ta reading or i'll skewer you with Lucy 'ere and make you sing some of my famous marching cadences like 'Your the dirt of the ground I walk on' or 'O, Gwylliam was a piece o’-"
Achmed: "-Seriously though, for your own good you should probably listen to him, since he is capable of buggering you with his various assortment of-"
Rhapsody: "Really Achmed?! You two never change!"
Achmed: Coughs into his hand. "Ah hem, you are the one that changed the most, Rhapsody.
Grunthor: "He's right Duchess."
Rhapsody: "...No I haven't."
Both men's heads fall into their hands, sighing in exaggeration before meeting the others eye. As Rhapsody strolls away from them they can't help but smile before they fall-in behind the woman they had traveled across the continent with. As they continue ahead into a setting sun, Achmed pauses briefly to look over his shoulder at you, his eyes narrowing in keen annoyance:
"What in hogwash's name are you waiting for, you sorry piece of hrekin? Just go read the book... or I could make that decision for you."
Raises his cwellen and sights it at you, causing Rhapsody to call after him. Achmed sighs again before turning on his heels, following the other two of The Three.
They disappear into the sunset while you can just barley make-out the Sergeant Major's voice, rising in song.
Before I could even begin to write this review and as soon as I set the book down after reading it in under 24 hours, I ended-up moping around for the following few days feeling lost and emotionally distraught.
"Is she serious?!" You might ask and to answer that straight away is yes, yes I' am.
I won't go into details of the plot, or the story itself but will mention that it has fulfilled just about every wish I had for an ideal ending and hrekin! What an ending it was!
To describe it simply: it will make you question all the meaning in life and you will be made prone as I have, aimlessly wandering, searching your jumbled, wrecked, cognitive thoughts after experiencing something akin to emotional trauma! And after trying to pickup the pieces of your life you will grow angry, bitter at the lack of support from your friends and family as they struggle themselves to understand what became of their loved one as he/she had become an inanimate vegetable proclaimg: "Why Haydon? Whhhhhhhyyyy?!"
Yes, that's what you should expect after reading Elizabeth Haydon's Dirge/The Weaver's Lament!
And throughout you're sure to be grabbing a kleenex, having to stop reading to compose yourself and if not you must get yourself to your local doctor (or local Dhracian) to get yourself checked-out for being potentially possessed by a F'dor!
Ultimately, one thing to keep in mind while reading Haydon's Symphony is that, yes, death is imminent, it's something we all must face eventually. So do prepare yourself for that relentless roller coaster you will find yourself on while many questions are answered and certain relationships come full-circle or are brought finally to light.
You've been warned!
Grunthor: "That's ight geants! Now go get ta reading or i'll skewer you with Lucy 'ere and make you sing some of my famous marching cadences like 'Your the dirt of the ground I walk on' or 'O, Gwylliam was a piece o’-"
Achmed: "-Seriously though, for your own good you should probably listen to him, since he is capable of buggering you with his various assortment of-"
Rhapsody: "Really Achmed?! You two never change!"
Achmed: Coughs into his hand. "Ah hem, you are the one that changed the most, Rhapsody.
Grunthor: "He's right Duchess."
Rhapsody: "...No I haven't."
Both men's heads fall into their hands, sighing in exaggeration before meeting the others eye. As Rhapsody strolls away from them they can't help but smile before they fall-in behind the woman they had traveled across the continent with. As they continue ahead into a setting sun, Achmed pauses briefly to look over his shoulder at you, his eyes narrowing in keen annoyance:
"What in hogwash's name are you waiting for, you sorry piece of hrekin? Just go read the book... or I could make that decision for you."
Raises his cwellen and sights it at you, causing Rhapsody to call after him. Achmed sighs again before turning on his heels, following the other two of The Three.
They disappear into the sunset while you can just barley make-out the Sergeant Major's voice, rising in song.
March 4, 2017
Well... that was some ending. The summary for this book should be "random tragedy strikes randomly", and that - apart from a still unholy amount of exposition and repetitions of the pervious books - is my largest problem with it. Nothing in the book is logical, plot is non existent, all the tragedy comes from the stupidity (of Ashe and his generals) and of sudden prophecy execution. Not that sudden prophecy execution is in itself bad - but there's no, absolutely no reason to it, apart from the desire of the author to force Achmed to fulfill his role .
First part of the book is pure sugar. It's all about how everything is great in the world and how happy the big family of Ashe and Rhapsody is. Over and over again. And then the random tragedy strikes twice - and all falls apart.
First part of the book is pure sugar. It's all about how everything is great in the world and how happy the big family of Ashe and Rhapsody is. Over and over again. And then the random tragedy strikes twice - and all falls apart.
July 25, 2017
"That is the end of my tale, with illustrations, my song, a symphony of Ages spanning from before the Seren War in the Third Age to the end of this one, the Sixth Age, which in what little I can see of the Future will be known as Twilight. The paradox is complete."
The Weaver's Lament is the 9th and final book in Elizabeth Haydon's Symphony of Ages. I have mixed feelings about this book. I do think it is a fitting end to the series. That said, I also feel unsatisfied with a few key points that happened. A thousand years have passed and the realm has been at peace. The first third of the book is dedicated to introducing us to all of Rhapsody and Ashe's children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc., even going so far as to explain their roles in society though they are all irrelevant to the actual ending of the story aside from Meridion. Then comes an event so completely out of left field that it doesn't make sense in any way other than as a plot point. It was just too convenient to be authentic, especially given the character involved. Just as the situation starts to escalate the perpetrator is easily dealt with and we move on.
Up next is the second half of the book which feels like a different story entirely. This is more along the lines of what I expected when I picked up the book. The pace picks up and I was swept away into the adventure that felt a lot more natural and in line with the characters involved, though it too feels on the rushed side. Perhaps that's my main complaint. The book is too short!
There are some things I really liked. I quite enjoyed Achmed, Grunthor and Rhapsody's little reunion. It felt just like old times. I liked that we're given the explanation of the altered timeline from book 1 and what history would have looked like had there been no intervention. The undead "guardian" Jarmon seemed like a nod to the skeleton guard in The Last Unicorn. If he wasn't then that is quite a coincidence. I had been quite curious about what the underworld was like and it was great to have that curiosity satisfied. Also, Achmed continues to be a bad ass.
The series could easily have ended with the previous book. I do think the things I liked outweigh the things I didn't so I'm glad I read it. Just be sure to keep a box of kleenex handy if you decide to give it a go as you're in for an emotional roller coaster.
March 7, 2019
2.5.
This started off okay. Sure, there were way too many infodumps, who TF cares about these new members of Rhapsody's family when it's the last book, Ashe and Rhapsody's relationship still has some SERIOUS communication problems, but whatever. It was bearable.
Even the first two deaths were pretty well-telegraphed. They were clumsily handled, but there was some foreshadowing.
Then the second third of the book started and it took a nosedive straight into dreck. It turned into Haydon's final fuck-you to her fans, and man was it weird. Certain fans hated Ashe. Well, we got rid of him, but it was Rhapsody who did it! Other fans preferred Achmed and Rhapsody - well, that happened, but in a super-weird and frankly pretty disturbing way (like, not even a kiss, on the night she murders her husband, without having bathed in like a week, Achmed suddenly decides he wants a kid and that's what he's been gunning for this whole time).
And you thought Rhapsody's weird thing with kids and babies was over now that her kids were grown up! Lolnope, it's time for an even more magical baby! We'll mention it 20 pages before so we can say it's not an ass pull. Then Achmed gets to carry the caring-for-the-children torch. It was bizarre.
The last third of the book was okay - Achmed goes on a journey! I didn't think the journey was worth it in the end (MORE INFODUMPS), but whatever.
It was a better ending than the last book, I think. It just forced most of the characters to act contrary to their natures to achieve it.
Don't read past the third book, people. It's not worth it.
This started off okay. Sure, there were way too many infodumps, who TF cares about these new members of Rhapsody's family when it's the last book, Ashe and Rhapsody's relationship still has some SERIOUS communication problems, but whatever. It was bearable.
Even the first two deaths were pretty well-telegraphed. They were clumsily handled, but there was some foreshadowing.
Then the second third of the book started and it took a nosedive straight into dreck. It turned into Haydon's final fuck-you to her fans, and man was it weird. Certain fans hated Ashe. Well, we got rid of him, but it was Rhapsody who did it! Other fans preferred Achmed and Rhapsody - well, that happened, but in a super-weird and frankly pretty disturbing way (like, not even a kiss, on the night she murders her husband, without having bathed in like a week, Achmed suddenly decides he wants a kid and that's what he's been gunning for this whole time).
And you thought Rhapsody's weird thing with kids and babies was over now that her kids were grown up! Lolnope, it's time for an even more magical baby! We'll mention it 20 pages before so we can say it's not an ass pull. Then Achmed gets to carry the caring-for-the-children torch. It was bizarre.
The last third of the book was okay - Achmed goes on a journey! I didn't think the journey was worth it in the end (MORE INFODUMPS), but whatever.
It was a better ending than the last book, I think. It just forced most of the characters to act contrary to their natures to achieve it.
Don't read past the third book, people. It's not worth it.
May 24, 2016
I first started this series over a decade ago and am so glad to have the story end in such a satisfying way. While the brief introduction to some new characters was a bit distracting, we got to revisit almost all of our favorite ones from previous books. There was a little more rehashing of the previous books than I personally felt was necessary, it might be helpful for those who haven't read the series in a long time and need a refresher on events they discuss. Overall, this was a great last book in this epic fantasy series.
July 20, 2016
After finishing The Hollow Queen, I was a bit confused. "She has one more whole book," I thought to myself, "but she already finished up the story. Now what?" It seemed silly to leave the last book out of the ongoing plot and come up with a new one AND finish it AND wrap up everything in a satisfactory manner. It can be done, but I was skeptical.
The first half of this book was emotionally wrenching. Keep the tissues with you, folks. I was a wreck. Lots of stuff happens, much explanations are given for things that I admittedly wanted to know about. Second half was very different. The story slowed way down. It seemed to calm down, although, plotwise, the stakes were as high as they'd ever been. The books ends rather abruptly, lacking a real sense of wrapping up.
Maybe it's just me having too high of standards for a final book of such a substantial series, but I felt empty at the end. It wasn't at all what I wanted. I had hoped for better for pretty much all the characters. Other people seem to like it, but it wasn't satisfying for me.
The first half of this book was emotionally wrenching. Keep the tissues with you, folks. I was a wreck. Lots of stuff happens, much explanations are given for things that I admittedly wanted to know about. Second half was very different. The story slowed way down. It seemed to calm down, although, plotwise, the stakes were as high as they'd ever been. The books ends rather abruptly, lacking a real sense of wrapping up.
Maybe it's just me having too high of standards for a final book of such a substantial series, but I felt empty at the end. It wasn't at all what I wanted. I had hoped for better for pretty much all the characters. Other people seem to like it, but it wasn't satisfying for me.
July 13, 2016
Really just a very long epilogue and tedious at that. Series really should have ended after three books. the whole story of the Sorbold emperor wasn't worth the time.
June 22, 2016
I got the Kindle download this morning and read straight though until a few moments ago. I was absolutely blown away. Anyone who enjoyed this series, you owe it to yourself to read this. It's utterly beautiful. All the things I'd been longing to see were there, every question was answered. It was intelligently and masterfully written, and several times I had to stop to either wipe tears away, take a breath, or blink. The humor that made me fall in love with Haydon's writing in the first place is first rate--and it was completely unpredictable. I cannot believe how this turned out, except I don't know how it would otherwise have ended. Do yourself a favor--read this. And stop bitching about recapping. It's done expertly here, and if it wasn't in a final book, people would be complaining about not remembering what happened earlier. Every "i" is dotted, every "t" is crossed, and I love that more than anything.
June 26, 2016
So it ends. I went from trepidation, to shock, then more shock with a bit of despair, curiosity at how he rest would fall out and ended in a whole lot of inner tears. I'd call this ending a tragedy, but with so much triumph involved, I'm not sure that fits. Tragi-umph? I don't know. What is clear is that these characters were more than just people in the pages of a book, they represented the best qualities of humanity, even when they were anything but human. Their journey went to the heights of myth and to the depths of emotional difficulty, to express a love of life in every way possible. Now to start the whole series again.
February 5, 2017
With a heavy heart, I finished the BEST series I've yet to read and let's be serious, there won't be any better ever written.
I'm so happy, albeit bitterly; to finally hear the end of this tale.
It's so wonderfully woven together, no wonder it's been so easy to wrap myself in it like a blanket.
Thank you, E.H
thank you so very much
I'm so happy, albeit bitterly; to finally hear the end of this tale.
It's so wonderfully woven together, no wonder it's been so easy to wrap myself in it like a blanket.
Thank you, E.H
thank you so very much
June 29, 2016
It has been 15 years since I began the journey of the Symphony of Ages. I have had several questions go unanswered and now, finally, "I have seen the Weaver's tapestry beyond the Veil of Hoen," and it was incredible. Elizabeth Haydon has outdone herself.
"I have seen both the first strand of Time, which was burned when Time was altered, and the second one in which it was remade."
Why was Rhapsody an old woman when she first met Ashe and why was he insane? The tale of the original strand of Time, before it was altered, is finally revealed to us. We learn about a woman from Achmed's past named Werinatha and what became of her. I was shocked to see prophecies being fulfilled that I incorrectly thought had long been fulfilled.
This is the 9th and final book in the Symphony of Ages series and is set 1,000 years after the Hollow Queen. We have so many new characters to meet and I loved them all. I had a little trouble keeping them straight and remembering all their names, but so many had names with such meaning that at times I would tear up or smile to myself and think, "I caught that, Ms. Haydon." Haydon made me feel so much nostalgia, joy, sadness, heartbreak, pure rage and love for the characters who I will miss so dearly. When I finished this book I was emotionally spent and had gone through a good deal of kleenex, I might add.
If you've never read Threshold, the short novel Haydon wrote for the book Legends II back in 2004, I highly recommend it. I had to put the Weaver's Lament aside and reread Threshold because it ties in so well and really shows how Haydon knew exactly where she was going and how the story would end, early on. It tells of the final days of MacQuieth's son, Hector, and his companions who stayed behind on Serendair right before the island's cataclysm and fills in the gaps of the terrifying, near disaster that we learn about in Weaver's Lament.
"That is the end of my tale, with illustrations, my song, a symphony of Ages spanning from before the Seren War in the Third Age to the end of this one, the Sixth Age, which in what little I can see of the Future will be known as Twilight. The paradox is complete." - Meridion
At long last, and with heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Rhapsody, Grunthor, Achmed and Ashe. This was an amazing finale to a wonderful story many, many years in the making! I can't say that it was a satisfying ending because, to be honest, I will never be truly satisfied and will always want more stories from Haydon. She is a dragon's treasure trove of tales and I will wait patiently, as I always do, for her next masterpiece.
-SW
"I have seen both the first strand of Time, which was burned when Time was altered, and the second one in which it was remade."
Why was Rhapsody an old woman when she first met Ashe and why was he insane? The tale of the original strand of Time, before it was altered, is finally revealed to us. We learn about a woman from Achmed's past named Werinatha and what became of her. I was shocked to see prophecies being fulfilled that I incorrectly thought had long been fulfilled.
This is the 9th and final book in the Symphony of Ages series and is set 1,000 years after the Hollow Queen. We have so many new characters to meet and I loved them all. I had a little trouble keeping them straight and remembering all their names, but so many had names with such meaning that at times I would tear up or smile to myself and think, "I caught that, Ms. Haydon." Haydon made me feel so much nostalgia, joy, sadness, heartbreak, pure rage and love for the characters who I will miss so dearly. When I finished this book I was emotionally spent and had gone through a good deal of kleenex, I might add.
If you've never read Threshold, the short novel Haydon wrote for the book Legends II back in 2004, I highly recommend it. I had to put the Weaver's Lament aside and reread Threshold because it ties in so well and really shows how Haydon knew exactly where she was going and how the story would end, early on. It tells of the final days of MacQuieth's son, Hector, and his companions who stayed behind on Serendair right before the island's cataclysm and fills in the gaps of the terrifying, near disaster that we learn about in Weaver's Lament.
"That is the end of my tale, with illustrations, my song, a symphony of Ages spanning from before the Seren War in the Third Age to the end of this one, the Sixth Age, which in what little I can see of the Future will be known as Twilight. The paradox is complete." - Meridion
At long last, and with heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Rhapsody, Grunthor, Achmed and Ashe. This was an amazing finale to a wonderful story many, many years in the making! I can't say that it was a satisfying ending because, to be honest, I will never be truly satisfied and will always want more stories from Haydon. She is a dragon's treasure trove of tales and I will wait patiently, as I always do, for her next masterpiece.
-SW
December 9, 2019
So this finale begins a thousand years after the previous book. And wow. The first 8 books of the series had their ups and downs, but were on the whole, well written with fleshed out characters and plot points. This one however, feels like it was written very poorly, like it was an attempt for the author not to have to write another book (which is an awful thing to say, and not what I hope actually happened). I'm honestly mad at how the author chose to end this story.
July 29, 2016
“The Weaver’s Lament”, the ninth and final book in the “Symphony of Ages” series by Elizabeth Haydon, takes place over 1000 years after the conclusion of the previous book (“The Hollow Queen”). The first third of the book was an account of how the characters’ lives had progressed over the millennia. It read much like an extended epilogue, which I didn’t mind because I’m always clamoring for more “where are they now?” content at the end of a good series. Even though this catch-up-the-reader storytelling wasn’t particularly eventful, it was enjoyable.
Then Haydon used the remainder of the book to rip out my heart… and I’m still reeling.
I love this series first of all for the characters – it’s one of the few that boasts nonhumans as main POVs, a trait which demands much more creativity on the author’s part. The series also has dragons (which is always a win in my book), and they’re represented in a way I’ve never seen before, so major kudos to Haydon for originality. I also love it for its total immersion into this world’s rich culture and histories. The world is so well conceived it feels like a real place, and I will probably miss the overall “feel” of it more than anything else.
I admit I hadn’t enjoyed the last couple of books as much as I’d wanted to, even though they were good stories. I think the reason might be the multiple perspectives used to tell the tale. For me, the selling point of this series has always been about the Three – Rhapsody, Grunthor, and Achmed. While the other POVs were interesting, they just didn’t bring the same flare to the story. In “Weaver’s Lament”, Hayden recaptured the magic of the series by focusing solely on the Three and bringing their epic saga to an end.
Overall, “Weaver’s Lament” was one of the more satisfying series enders I’ve read in ages. The series as a whole is well worth your time if you like fantasy. Even so, I find it a little difficult to recommend with confidence. The first hundred pages or so of book one are hard to get through (not including the awesome prologue), mostly because it’s a bit confusing and drawn-out. The series also has a ton of story recap and discussion which, while integrated seamlessly, sometimes takes away from plot advancement. Between all of that, however, are moments of pure brilliance which make the whole series worthwhile. All the rehashing might make for a long-winded story, but after reading this series over the course of fifteen years, I can honestly say I remember almost everything about it quite vividly. My recommendation is, if you love fantasy and have a bit of patience, pick up The Symphony of Ages series – it won’t let you down.
Niki Hawkes - The Obsessive Bookseller www.nikihawkes.com
Then Haydon used the remainder of the book to rip out my heart… and I’m still reeling.
I love this series first of all for the characters – it’s one of the few that boasts nonhumans as main POVs, a trait which demands much more creativity on the author’s part. The series also has dragons (which is always a win in my book), and they’re represented in a way I’ve never seen before, so major kudos to Haydon for originality. I also love it for its total immersion into this world’s rich culture and histories. The world is so well conceived it feels like a real place, and I will probably miss the overall “feel” of it more than anything else.
I admit I hadn’t enjoyed the last couple of books as much as I’d wanted to, even though they were good stories. I think the reason might be the multiple perspectives used to tell the tale. For me, the selling point of this series has always been about the Three – Rhapsody, Grunthor, and Achmed. While the other POVs were interesting, they just didn’t bring the same flare to the story. In “Weaver’s Lament”, Hayden recaptured the magic of the series by focusing solely on the Three and bringing their epic saga to an end.
Overall, “Weaver’s Lament” was one of the more satisfying series enders I’ve read in ages. The series as a whole is well worth your time if you like fantasy. Even so, I find it a little difficult to recommend with confidence. The first hundred pages or so of book one are hard to get through (not including the awesome prologue), mostly because it’s a bit confusing and drawn-out. The series also has a ton of story recap and discussion which, while integrated seamlessly, sometimes takes away from plot advancement. Between all of that, however, are moments of pure brilliance which make the whole series worthwhile. All the rehashing might make for a long-winded story, but after reading this series over the course of fifteen years, I can honestly say I remember almost everything about it quite vividly. My recommendation is, if you love fantasy and have a bit of patience, pick up The Symphony of Ages series – it won’t let you down.
Niki Hawkes - The Obsessive Bookseller www.nikihawkes.com
September 2, 2017
The ending of this was a bit anticlimactic, but still very good and very emotional. To me, something that very much brings the book together and makes it the 3 star I've indicated.
The beginning of the book I found too slow, and too much about the Rhapsody and Ashe relationship and family. Something I could have done without personally.
Overall a good finally to The Symphony of Aged series, which I've enjoyed very much over the last 15 or so years.
If you ever have a chance to pick this series up, it's a very very good one, with some very strong female characters. Definitely a series I would recommend to anyone and even read again.
The beginning of the book I found too slow, and too much about the Rhapsody and Ashe relationship and family. Something I could have done without personally.
Overall a good finally to The Symphony of Aged series, which I've enjoyed very much over the last 15 or so years.
If you ever have a chance to pick this series up, it's a very very good one, with some very strong female characters. Definitely a series I would recommend to anyone and even read again.
July 20, 2016
I loved this whole series--till this one. I think she should've left well enough alone. This one picked up the story after 1000 years and with nothing significant happening in the world, It seemed as if she didn't know what to do with the characters we've grown so fond of throughout the series and was just tired of the whole thing. Very disappointing.
October 4, 2016
Finished this series while watching over my grandma. At one point she commented, "What's the matter...you look ill. Want some of my soup?"
Oh my goodness. Why did it have to be him.
Pros: I got to see how a favorite series ended.
Cons: I still have questions.
+Why him...I liked that guy very much. My favorite. He's gone. Lament indeed.
Oh my goodness. Why did it have to be him.
Pros: I got to see how a favorite series ended.
Cons: I still have questions.
+Why him...I liked that guy very much. My favorite. He's gone. Lament indeed.
June 27, 2016
This ending made me happy and left a feeling of hope. Perfect
January 29, 2017
This is why most series end after the happily ever after. I was perfectly happy with the ending of book 8.
November 9, 2025
Still processing my feelings on this. I feel lately the same as I did with the end of Sara Douglass’ Tencendor series. It’s a bit like the end of childhood. Makes me sort of want to go back to the original trilogy to wipe the slate clean. It probably doesn’t help that I’m a wee bit hungover.
August 14, 2022
I still have questions! I wish Elizabeth Haydon had some way to get hold of her. All in all though, I love this entire series. I fell in love with the characters and felt the hatred for the enemies.
September 8, 2020
It is hard to write a review that ends a series I've been reading for over a decade, that goes back 20 years itself. And I still have conflicting feelings about the end of the Symphony of Ages. This last book is quite uneven; which I'll try to elaborate on without giving spoilers.
As the last book ended, we are now 1000 years in the future after the War of the Known World ended peacefully with the death of Anborn. We get a brief four horsemen-style interlude with the Realm of the Rowans and a little more insight into the importance of the Weaver and Ashe's trip back in time to meet Rhapsody when they were children. Then we get an introduction to what is changed and meet all of Ashe and Rhapsody's children as well as learn of advances in scholarship (Lirin and Roland) and military (Bolg).
I liked getting to know their children and their personalities, but I was disappointed that we didn't get some kind of recap about the characters we spent so much time with in the previous 3 to 5 books. What happened to Gwydion of Navarne and Melisande? All we learn about Gavin is that he died--what else did he do for centuries before? What about Tristan's descendants, who is running Roland now? That took off a star for me.
Then we get a Prophecy-esque interlude with Rhapsody and Ashe, as we discover that Ashe is slowly succumbing to mortality. Rhapsody, of course, is near immortal. There has been some advancement with their characterization but it's not as much as you'd expect over 1000 years. Then again, they weren't born immortal so it makes sense they wouldn't change as much as they could after doing basically the same thing over centuries. It's an ongoing fantasy debate.
A minor spoiler, but we do lose a beloved character in a really disturbing and mindless way. It does lead to a very quick succession of events… that build-up to nothing. Some magic that we have seen before steps in and fixes basically everything. Otherwise, we almost had a repeat of the War of the Known World. Along with some family dynamics trotting out just to show off these new characters.
Then, it's the Achmed Show for nearly half of the book. He has to confront his worst fears and weaknesses, while trying to be selfless. We finally see that this series WASN'T the Rhapsody fan club we always assumed it was. But we go from a big cast of new characters in a familiar setting to one long-running character flying solo. Like I said, very uneven. That's another star off.
I did, for the most part, enjoy the Achmed Show and the saga's ultimate conclusion. Haydon makes sure to resolve every last thread of lore and prophecy she ever referenced, even back in the first book. It's sometimes a bit forced, but I did enjoy where we left our new characters and the old...with one red-haired exception. Sorry, no spoilers here--read the books!
As the last book ended, we are now 1000 years in the future after the War of the Known World ended peacefully with the death of Anborn. We get a brief four horsemen-style interlude with the Realm of the Rowans and a little more insight into the importance of the Weaver and Ashe's trip back in time to meet Rhapsody when they were children. Then we get an introduction to what is changed and meet all of Ashe and Rhapsody's children as well as learn of advances in scholarship (Lirin and Roland) and military (Bolg).
I liked getting to know their children and their personalities, but I was disappointed that we didn't get some kind of recap about the characters we spent so much time with in the previous 3 to 5 books. What happened to Gwydion of Navarne and Melisande? All we learn about Gavin is that he died--what else did he do for centuries before? What about Tristan's descendants, who is running Roland now? That took off a star for me.
Then we get a Prophecy-esque interlude with Rhapsody and Ashe, as we discover that Ashe is slowly succumbing to mortality. Rhapsody, of course, is near immortal. There has been some advancement with their characterization but it's not as much as you'd expect over 1000 years. Then again, they weren't born immortal so it makes sense they wouldn't change as much as they could after doing basically the same thing over centuries. It's an ongoing fantasy debate.
A minor spoiler, but we do lose a beloved character in a really disturbing and mindless way. It does lead to a very quick succession of events… that build-up to nothing. Some magic that we have seen before steps in and fixes basically everything. Otherwise, we almost had a repeat of the War of the Known World. Along with some family dynamics trotting out just to show off these new characters.
Then, it's the Achmed Show for nearly half of the book. He has to confront his worst fears and weaknesses, while trying to be selfless. We finally see that this series WASN'T the Rhapsody fan club we always assumed it was. But we go from a big cast of new characters in a familiar setting to one long-running character flying solo. Like I said, very uneven. That's another star off.
I did, for the most part, enjoy the Achmed Show and the saga's ultimate conclusion. Haydon makes sure to resolve every last thread of lore and prophecy she ever referenced, even back in the first book. It's sometimes a bit forced, but I did enjoy where we left our new characters and the old...with one red-haired exception. Sorry, no spoilers here--read the books!
January 21, 2018
So the series is finally complete. This has taken a number of years from start to finish but in theend I think most will be happy with the way Elizabeth ended it.
September 12, 2017
I've been a huge fan of this series since the first book. Wow, was it really 16 years ago?! For many readers that's half of their lifetime, or more. Consider my mind Officially Boggled.
That said, I would have given 3.5 if Goodreads allowed it. With 4 stars, I'm being generous. Honestly, I am disappointed. Think last Harry Potter book, which I actually threw across the room.
I couldn't throw this one, as I was in a restaurant and didn't want to be kicked out.
Think X Files after Mulder left. Or the last episode of Lost...AAAAAAGH. Couldn't throw my drink at the TV, my husband would not be amused.
OK, here's my major maladjustment: I don't get the Rhapsody/Achmed shipping. They make a great team, even better with Grunthor, and he's hilarious, but the idea that Ashe is somehow not right for Rhapsody and she really belongs with Achmed? Nah. I guess this old lady likes a love story and a handsome, red-headed prince who is half dragon works for me. Kind of like Jamie in Outlander. I'd have a beer with Achmed, but I wouldn't make babies with him.
I seem to be the minority.
I also felt frustrated about all the information sort of dumped in the last third. She's got at least two or three more books there! And finally, maybe the biggest let-down
I have the greatest respect for the author's talent, and I hope she's well and working on other projects, but this wasn't the ending I'd hoped for at all.
That said, I would have given 3.5 if Goodreads allowed it. With 4 stars, I'm being generous. Honestly, I am disappointed. Think last Harry Potter book, which I actually threw across the room.
I couldn't throw this one, as I was in a restaurant and didn't want to be kicked out.
Think X Files after Mulder left. Or the last episode of Lost...AAAAAAGH. Couldn't throw my drink at the TV, my husband would not be amused.
OK, here's my major maladjustment: I don't get the Rhapsody/Achmed shipping. They make a great team, even better with Grunthor, and he's hilarious, but the idea that Ashe is somehow not right for Rhapsody and she really belongs with Achmed? Nah. I guess this old lady likes a love story and a handsome, red-headed prince who is half dragon works for me. Kind of like Jamie in Outlander. I'd have a beer with Achmed, but I wouldn't make babies with him.
I seem to be the minority.
I also felt frustrated about all the information sort of dumped in the last third. She's got at least two or three more books there! And finally, maybe the biggest let-down
I have the greatest respect for the author's talent, and I hope she's well and working on other projects, but this wasn't the ending I'd hoped for at all.
December 31, 2016
I must admit, I thought that book 8 (The Hollow Queen) was the final book in this 'trilogy.' That book has a fitting end that wrapped up most of the loose ends from previous books. That begs the question: why write book 9? I understand that the author wants one more paycheck out of The Symphony of Ages gravy train. People need to put bread on the table- I get that. However:
This book is set 1000 years after the previous book. What happened 1000 years after the time on Earth when we had feudal kingdoms, the crossbow, and rudimentary machinery and prisms (say 1300 or so)? We're not there yet, but so far we've had representative democracy, exploration of new continents, aircraft and satellites, steam engines, internal combustion engines, radio, and computers. What happened in this book's world? Nothing. NOTHING. No significant technological changes, no changes in borders, no exploration, nothing.
Spoiler-free synopsis:
First third- nothing happens
Middle third- commentary on the nothing that happened in this book and previous books
Final third- something happens, but it's unnecessary
Random thoughts:
- After naming a previous character after an allergy medication, the author introduces a new character in book 9 with the same name as both a video game and a Pinarello triathlon bike.
- Elizabeth Haydon does a better job than anyone I know of reminding readers of events from previous books. She weaves obscure happenings and quotes ("oh yeah, that did happen in book 4") seamlessly into the narrative.
In summary, well-written but unnecessary.
This book is set 1000 years after the previous book. What happened 1000 years after the time on Earth when we had feudal kingdoms, the crossbow, and rudimentary machinery and prisms (say 1300 or so)? We're not there yet, but so far we've had representative democracy, exploration of new continents, aircraft and satellites, steam engines, internal combustion engines, radio, and computers. What happened in this book's world? Nothing. NOTHING. No significant technological changes, no changes in borders, no exploration, nothing.
Spoiler-free synopsis:
First third- nothing happens
Middle third- commentary on the nothing that happened in this book and previous books
Final third- something happens, but it's unnecessary
Random thoughts:
- After naming a previous character after an allergy medication, the author introduces a new character in book 9 with the same name as both a video game and a Pinarello triathlon bike.
- Elizabeth Haydon does a better job than anyone I know of reminding readers of events from previous books. She weaves obscure happenings and quotes ("oh yeah, that did happen in book 4") seamlessly into the narrative.
In summary, well-written but unnecessary.
June 27, 2016
I honestly hadn't even realized that this series was still going until I received an email from Goodreads telling me about the month's new releases by authors that I read. I ordered the book immediately, since the original trilogy is still among my favorite stories, and the later ones weren't bad either.
This book takes place a thousand years after the end of the last one, and the land has been at peace until a relatively minor incident gets blown out of proportion and Stuff happens. Most of the events take place within only a week or two, and the only characters still hanging around are the Three, Ashe, Meridion, and a couple of side characters. Very few new characters are introduced, and most of those only stuck around for a couple of chapters before leaving the stage for the main cast. The entire thing feels like an epilogue that was tacked on so that the author could address a few dangling plot threads. I'm not saying that I didn't enjoy it--I liked it quite a bit--but it just didn't feel necessary to the overall story.
This book takes place a thousand years after the end of the last one, and the land has been at peace until a relatively minor incident gets blown out of proportion and Stuff happens. Most of the events take place within only a week or two, and the only characters still hanging around are the Three, Ashe, Meridion, and a couple of side characters. Very few new characters are introduced, and most of those only stuck around for a couple of chapters before leaving the stage for the main cast. The entire thing feels like an epilogue that was tacked on so that the author could address a few dangling plot threads. I'm not saying that I didn't enjoy it--I liked it quite a bit--but it just didn't feel necessary to the overall story.
November 24, 2018
Well,... I felt sorrow, and anger... I knew I would feel the sad, but the anger came because of the characters who caused the first big sad, and that was a little unexpected. Haydon made me feel the "feels". She did it well. I actually sobbed, and wept.
I know you can always re-read books, but one can't repeat that very first time. That's why I put off the final book for so long.
I loved this series. I was truely invested in these charaters, especially "The Three": Rapsody, Achmed, and my favorite, Grunthor❤.
I know you can always re-read books, but one can't repeat that very first time. That's why I put off the final book for so long.
I loved this series. I was truely invested in these charaters, especially "The Three": Rapsody, Achmed, and my favorite, Grunthor❤.
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