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Towers Trilogy #3
Towers Fall
War. Fire. Destruction. Xhea believed that the Lower City had weathered the worst of its troubles—that their only remaining fight would be the struggle to rebuild before winter. She was wrong.
Now her home is under attack from an unexpected source. The Central Spire, the City’s greatest power, is intent on destroying the heart of the magical entity that resides beneath the Lower City’s streets. The people on the ground have three days to evacuate—or else.
With nowhere to go and time running out, Xhea and the Radiant ghost Shai attempt to rally a defense. Yet with the Spire’s wrath upon them, nothing—not their combined magic, nor their unexpected allies—may be strong enough to protect them from the power of the City.
From Nebula Award–nominated author Karina Sumner-Smith, Towers Fall is a fantastic climax to this amazing and thought-provoking trilogy.
Now her home is under attack from an unexpected source. The Central Spire, the City’s greatest power, is intent on destroying the heart of the magical entity that resides beneath the Lower City’s streets. The people on the ground have three days to evacuate—or else.
With nowhere to go and time running out, Xhea and the Radiant ghost Shai attempt to rally a defense. Yet with the Spire’s wrath upon them, nothing—not their combined magic, nor their unexpected allies—may be strong enough to protect them from the power of the City.
From Nebula Award–nominated author Karina Sumner-Smith, Towers Fall is a fantastic climax to this amazing and thought-provoking trilogy.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2015
24 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Karina Sumner-Smith
17 books163 followersKarina Sumner-Smith is the author of the Towers Trilogy from Talos Press: Radiant (Sept 2014), Defiant (May 2015), and Towers Fall (Nov 2015). In addition to novel-length work, Karina has published a range of science fiction, fantasy, and horror short stories that have been nominated for the Nebula Award, reprinted in several Year’s Best anthologies, and translated into Spanish and Czech. She lives in Ontario with her husband and a small dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 21, 2016
This was a YA dystopian/paranormal story and the end of the series.
Shai and Xhea were both okay characters and once again fought valiantly to try and save the lower city, especially given that Xhea was still struggling with her injured knee.
The storyline in this was about the central spire threatening to take over the lower city and Shai and Xhea trying to find a way to save the people who lived there and/or prevent it from happening altogether. The pace in this book was once again quite slow though, and the book dragged because of it.
The ending to this was okay, but I was glad to finish the series really.
6 out of 10
Shai and Xhea were both okay characters and once again fought valiantly to try and save the lower city, especially given that Xhea was still struggling with her injured knee.
The storyline in this was about the central spire threatening to take over the lower city and Shai and Xhea trying to find a way to save the people who lived there and/or prevent it from happening altogether. The pace in this book was once again quite slow though, and the book dragged because of it.
The ending to this was okay, but I was glad to finish the series really.
6 out of 10
November 19, 2015
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2015/11/19/b...
Karina Sumner-Smith’s genre defying Towers trilogy draws to a close with Towers Fall, a series-ender that successfully lives up to the potential promised by the first two books. I remember being impressed when I first read Radiant, surprised that it was the author’s novel debut. I went on to read Defiant and was again blown away by the story’s premise and world building, and it feels deeply satisfying now to have come this far with our protagonists Xhea and Shai.
Things really started heating up in the second book, but now they are at a boiling point. The people of Lower City thought they would be given time to rebuild after the recent catastrophic events, but instead they are handed an ultimatum: Those on the ground will have three days to leave their homes, or the Central Spire will destroy them all.
Xhea and her ghostly companion Shai find themselves in the middle of the conflict again, attempting to rally the people to fight back and defend their homes. Through their experiences together, both have learned much about their special connection and respective magical abilities, but will it be enough? The Lower City has been revealed to be something more than anyone realized, and the Spire will stop at nothing to harness its magical energies. Now the girls will have to find out why, because the secrets of the towers may hold the key to stopping the oncoming destruction.
Once again we follow the structure introduced in book two, with chapters alternating back and forth between Xhea and Shai’s POVs. This is good for balancing the perspectives, especially since Shai’s role has grown to become just as important as Xhea’s after the first book. However, the book also follows this alternating pattern very rigidly, a stylistic choice that also has its downsides. For example, sometimes we’re forced to follow up with a character even when they aren’t doing much on the page to further the story. In these sections they were left there just to spin their wheels, and like the previous book, I felt more often that Shai’s chapters were weaker and had less direction when compared to Xhea’s. We lose some momentum in the middle of the book because of this.
Still, the bond between the two girls remains strong, which is great because their friendship is clearly the theme that defines this whole trilogy. This is in stark contrast to a lot of Young Adult novels these days that mainly focus on the emotional perils of romance. There’s also not enough YA fiction out there with strong female friendships; so many YA novels I read this year featured the female protagonist surrounded by only male friends, and if there is the presence of another prominent female character, often they aren’t the protagonist’s equal or they ultimately become her main rival. It’s very refreshing to see a series like this come along, showing how things can be done differently.
At this point, there’s also really nothing more I can say about the world building, other than it rocks. I’m still having a hard time deciding whether to categorize this series as science fiction or fantasy; after all, the towering skyscrapers and post-apocalyptic dystopian vibes make me lean towards the former, while the heavy emphasis on magic makes me think the latter. But at the end of the day, who cares? This trilogy has elements from a lot of different genres, and even includes ghosts and “walkers” that act very much like zombies. The important thing is finding balance, and I think the author achieved that marvelously.
My only complaint about this book is that the plot doesn’t feel as tight compared to the first and second novels—possibly related to the alternating POV issues I mentioned above. The pacing suffered slightly in the middle where certain chapters dragged on unnecessarily, and there just seemed to be more filler in this one, which made the story run a tad too long for my tastes. But other than that, I can think of little else that detracted from the experience.
All told, Towers Fall finished off the trilogy nicely, wrapping things up with a powerful and thought-provoking ending. If you’re ever in the mood to check out a truly unique series, be sure to give this these books a look.
Karina Sumner-Smith’s genre defying Towers trilogy draws to a close with Towers Fall, a series-ender that successfully lives up to the potential promised by the first two books. I remember being impressed when I first read Radiant, surprised that it was the author’s novel debut. I went on to read Defiant and was again blown away by the story’s premise and world building, and it feels deeply satisfying now to have come this far with our protagonists Xhea and Shai.
Things really started heating up in the second book, but now they are at a boiling point. The people of Lower City thought they would be given time to rebuild after the recent catastrophic events, but instead they are handed an ultimatum: Those on the ground will have three days to leave their homes, or the Central Spire will destroy them all.
Xhea and her ghostly companion Shai find themselves in the middle of the conflict again, attempting to rally the people to fight back and defend their homes. Through their experiences together, both have learned much about their special connection and respective magical abilities, but will it be enough? The Lower City has been revealed to be something more than anyone realized, and the Spire will stop at nothing to harness its magical energies. Now the girls will have to find out why, because the secrets of the towers may hold the key to stopping the oncoming destruction.
Once again we follow the structure introduced in book two, with chapters alternating back and forth between Xhea and Shai’s POVs. This is good for balancing the perspectives, especially since Shai’s role has grown to become just as important as Xhea’s after the first book. However, the book also follows this alternating pattern very rigidly, a stylistic choice that also has its downsides. For example, sometimes we’re forced to follow up with a character even when they aren’t doing much on the page to further the story. In these sections they were left there just to spin their wheels, and like the previous book, I felt more often that Shai’s chapters were weaker and had less direction when compared to Xhea’s. We lose some momentum in the middle of the book because of this.
Still, the bond between the two girls remains strong, which is great because their friendship is clearly the theme that defines this whole trilogy. This is in stark contrast to a lot of Young Adult novels these days that mainly focus on the emotional perils of romance. There’s also not enough YA fiction out there with strong female friendships; so many YA novels I read this year featured the female protagonist surrounded by only male friends, and if there is the presence of another prominent female character, often they aren’t the protagonist’s equal or they ultimately become her main rival. It’s very refreshing to see a series like this come along, showing how things can be done differently.
At this point, there’s also really nothing more I can say about the world building, other than it rocks. I’m still having a hard time deciding whether to categorize this series as science fiction or fantasy; after all, the towering skyscrapers and post-apocalyptic dystopian vibes make me lean towards the former, while the heavy emphasis on magic makes me think the latter. But at the end of the day, who cares? This trilogy has elements from a lot of different genres, and even includes ghosts and “walkers” that act very much like zombies. The important thing is finding balance, and I think the author achieved that marvelously.
My only complaint about this book is that the plot doesn’t feel as tight compared to the first and second novels—possibly related to the alternating POV issues I mentioned above. The pacing suffered slightly in the middle where certain chapters dragged on unnecessarily, and there just seemed to be more filler in this one, which made the story run a tad too long for my tastes. But other than that, I can think of little else that detracted from the experience.
All told, Towers Fall finished off the trilogy nicely, wrapping things up with a powerful and thought-provoking ending. If you’re ever in the mood to check out a truly unique series, be sure to give this these books a look.
October 17, 2016
3.5 stars
I absolutely loved the first two books in the trilogy (both made my favourites 2016 shelf), but this last one suffered from a bit too much angst-ridden introspection by the main characters for my taste. That said, I did love the way the story itself was wrapped up.
This series overall is so worth reading and I think this author is incredibly talented. I look forward to seeing what she does next!
I absolutely loved the first two books in the trilogy (both made my favourites 2016 shelf), but this last one suffered from a bit too much angst-ridden introspection by the main characters for my taste. That said, I did love the way the story itself was wrapped up.
This series overall is so worth reading and I think this author is incredibly talented. I look forward to seeing what she does next!
February 7, 2017
A satisfying conclusion to an excellent YA Fantasy series centering on a deep relationship between the protagonists.
Xhea and Shai have discovered the Lower City is more than anyone knew, and the City itself now knows as well. The Central Spire is moving to attack putting all the inhabitants of the Lower City in jeopardy, either to be destroyed as the Spire takes action or to flee into the wastelands around the City to be picked off by nightwalkers. But as with the previous book, there are people who want Xhea for what she is, not just her connection to Shai, and her own power will prove to be very dangerous.
There's a paragraph that captures this relationship beautifully when one of side characters asks Xhea to get Shai to do something and refers to her as "your Radiant".
I quoted it in a status update because it so beautifully and accurately captures the relationship that they have. They would give their all for each other. It's not romantic (although it kind of is). Both of these characters are so damaged that I doubt that a romantic connection would have occurred to them. Instead it's so clear that they literally would not exist without the other's presence.
I also like that the relative cop-out of the previous book with regards to both of their deterioration is addressed here.
My only criticism is that by this book, everything is just so at fever-pitch, the doom so certain and all-encompassing, that you sort of acclimatize to the level of intensity over the length of the book. I think that's a pacing problem a lot of other books would like to have ...
Xhea and Shai have discovered the Lower City is more than anyone knew, and the City itself now knows as well. The Central Spire is moving to attack putting all the inhabitants of the Lower City in jeopardy, either to be destroyed as the Spire takes action or to flee into the wastelands around the City to be picked off by nightwalkers. But as with the previous book, there are people who want Xhea for what she is, not just her connection to Shai, and her own power will prove to be very dangerous.
There's a paragraph that captures this relationship beautifully when one of side characters asks Xhea to get Shai to do something and refers to her as "your Radiant".
“She is not mine,” Xhea said, “any more than I am hers.”
“Yours, then,” Shai murmured absently. For a moment, Xhea could not breathe.
I quoted it in a status update because it so beautifully and accurately captures the relationship that they have. They would give their all for each other. It's not romantic (although it kind of is). Both of these characters are so damaged that I doubt that a romantic connection would have occurred to them. Instead it's so clear that they literally would not exist without the other's presence.
I also like that the relative cop-out of the previous book with regards to both of their deterioration is addressed here.
My only criticism is that by this book, everything is just so at fever-pitch, the doom so certain and all-encompassing, that you sort of acclimatize to the level of intensity over the length of the book. I think that's a pacing problem a lot of other books would like to have ...
December 7, 2015
2.5 stars
December 30, 2015
After being fascinated by Radiant and feeling lukewarm about Defiant, I didn't know what to expect from Towers Fall, the conclusion to Karina Sumner-Smith's genre-blending Towers Trilogy. So, what did this book do to me? It stunned me. It swept me away. It gave me reason upon reason to call it my favorite book of the series.
Towers Fall kicks off not long after Defiant wraps up. The Central Spire, the City's most powerful entity, warns the citizens of the impoverish Lower City to evacuate in three days - or face annihilation. Determined to save their home, Xhea and her ghost friend Shai hatch a plot that pits one type of magic against another. But when the girls are separated again, they must search for answers on their own. Revelations about their world, their magic, and their pasts change everything. And in the end, Xhea's and Shai's powers may not be enough to protect them from the might of the Towers...
I'm still not sure why I enjoyed Towers Fall more than the previous two books. The writing style still relies on exposition, and the pacing's a bit slow at times. However, maybe I love it because of how the loose ends are tied up, and any remaining mysteries about the City are finally answered. Maybe it's how Sumner-Smith's evocative prose allowed the magic to leap to life and the overall sense of urgency to crackle. Or, maybe it's how Xhea stole the show with her witty sarcasm and aching vulnerability, or how the explosive climax feels like it's straight out of a blockbuster film. You know what? I think it's for all of those reasons. :) This was a thrilling, heartrending close to one of the most inventive speculative fiction series I've ever read. If you haven't checked out the Towers Trilogy yet - well, you ought to fix that in 2016.
Towers Fall kicks off not long after Defiant wraps up. The Central Spire, the City's most powerful entity, warns the citizens of the impoverish Lower City to evacuate in three days - or face annihilation. Determined to save their home, Xhea and her ghost friend Shai hatch a plot that pits one type of magic against another. But when the girls are separated again, they must search for answers on their own. Revelations about their world, their magic, and their pasts change everything. And in the end, Xhea's and Shai's powers may not be enough to protect them from the might of the Towers...
I'm still not sure why I enjoyed Towers Fall more than the previous two books. The writing style still relies on exposition, and the pacing's a bit slow at times. However, maybe I love it because of how the loose ends are tied up, and any remaining mysteries about the City are finally answered. Maybe it's how Sumner-Smith's evocative prose allowed the magic to leap to life and the overall sense of urgency to crackle. Or, maybe it's how Xhea stole the show with her witty sarcasm and aching vulnerability, or how the explosive climax feels like it's straight out of a blockbuster film. You know what? I think it's for all of those reasons. :) This was a thrilling, heartrending close to one of the most inventive speculative fiction series I've ever read. If you haven't checked out the Towers Trilogy yet - well, you ought to fix that in 2016.
January 26, 2019
A satisfying and cathartic ending. If I have mixed feelings about how the allegorical conflict of the series ultimately ended up more literal than I would have chosen, and how genre-typical escalating story stakes of immediate life or death inevitably overshadow longer-term systematic questions, there were still some genuinely breathtaking moments here, and some affecting and wonderful callbacks and unexpected yet perfect resolutions to things in the previous books, and the deep friendship between Shai and Xhea, central to the very end, is worth everything. I look forward to rereading these in the future, and will eagerly pick up whatever Sumner-Smith releases next.
November 8, 2015
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This third and final book is as emotionally heartwrenching yet deeply moving as its predecessors. Author Sumner-Smith eschews pat endings while at the same time avoiding apocalyptic resets. The denouement is appropriate - I can't see how she could have written it any better. As well, there is no filler here despite providing so much more insight into the characters and world. But most importantly, the characters and plot grow yet remain true to their natures; Xhea and Shai don't morph into superheroes or self destruct into overemotional wrecks. The plot expands but never explodes into unrealistic territory. The writing remains precise yet richly evocative.Story: Xhea is crippled and dying. Her magic bound and connection to Shai corrupted. When the Citadel declares war on the Lower City, the girls fear the inevitable destruction. But Xhea and Shai's synergy could very well be the key to changing all that has gone before - to create a City that does not exploit its citizens, before and after dearth. But there are those who would ensure that the status quo does not change; who recognize that the greatest danger to their power lies at the beating heart of the Lower City.
Where book two showcased a lot more of Shai, book three is very much Xhea's story. We are given more information about the 'dark magic' as well as much more insight into Xhea's past. Both the Shai and Xhea characters remain true to form: Shai grows but is still wracked by her helplessness and passivity; Xhea's fatalism continues to be far more crippling than her battered knee. The utter hopelessness of their situation is beautifully balanced by layered and nuanced writing showcasing the strength of their friendship.
Because the writing is so strong, this is a book that once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. So much happens on the emotional plane rather than with physical action: it's a subtly deceptive tool of a very skilled writer who knows how to create emotive responses in readers. The writing is sophisticated yet grounded, the characters layered and nuanced. This truly was a beautiful story.
The Towers Trilogy is by far one of my favorite reads this year. I greatly look forward to the next book by this author. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
November 29, 2015
I feel like this trilogy will always stand as one of the most beautiful examples of friendship and love between two young women. If you're desperate for a story where two teenagers work together and grow as people and as friends, then go start with Radiant. I especially recommend this if you are a teenager, or if you have a teenager, who wants to read a story where girls aren't competing with each other. Although this is not marketed as a YA book, I think its themes will really appeal to teenage and young adult readers. Personally, I'm in my 30s and sometimes I find myself rolling my eyes at teenage protagonists, but Xhea and Shai drew me in and kept me engaged for this entire trilogy.
Towers Fall picks up shortly after the events that happened in Defiant. Things quickly go from bad to worse and Xhea and Shai find themselves in a race against time to try to save the Lower City. There's a lot of snarking about how two teenagers are going to somehow save the day, which I enjoyed. Honestly, there's a tone of hopeless to this book in particular and the trilogy in general that just breaks my heart, but sometimes you need your heart to be broken.
Xhea and Shai spend a decent amount of time separated from each other, each trying to work through the problem on their own, and each thinking about their relationship to each other and how much they've grown over the events of the previous two books. In a way, this is a classic coming of age tale, set against a backdrop of magical floating buildings, soul-crushing poverty and staggering inequality.
There was one thing that kept this book from getting 5 stars, and that was that there were several times when it seemed like one of the characters had died and then the book was like "Just kidding! Because magic and love!" and then they'd get up and continue on. When it happens once, it's powerful. When it happens 4 or 5 times it starts to feel like a cheap play for an emotional reaction.
Otherwise, this is a beautiful book. I read this while participating in NaNoWriMo and I kept thinking "Dammit! Why can't I write like this?" I think any book that makes me want to be a better writer is a good read.
Towers Fall picks up shortly after the events that happened in Defiant. Things quickly go from bad to worse and Xhea and Shai find themselves in a race against time to try to save the Lower City. There's a lot of snarking about how two teenagers are going to somehow save the day, which I enjoyed. Honestly, there's a tone of hopeless to this book in particular and the trilogy in general that just breaks my heart, but sometimes you need your heart to be broken.
Xhea and Shai spend a decent amount of time separated from each other, each trying to work through the problem on their own, and each thinking about their relationship to each other and how much they've grown over the events of the previous two books. In a way, this is a classic coming of age tale, set against a backdrop of magical floating buildings, soul-crushing poverty and staggering inequality.
There was one thing that kept this book from getting 5 stars, and that was that there were several times when it seemed like one of the characters had died and then the book was like "Just kidding! Because magic and love!" and then they'd get up and continue on. When it happens once, it's powerful. When it happens 4 or 5 times it starts to feel like a cheap play for an emotional reaction.
Otherwise, this is a beautiful book. I read this while participating in NaNoWriMo and I kept thinking "Dammit! Why can't I write like this?" I think any book that makes me want to be a better writer is a good read.
June 1, 2020
Really strong finish to the series. I loved how Xhea and Shai's friendship remained as a solid core to the story, even as the two of them had mostly their own plots for a lot of the book, giving them both a chance to grow their understanding of their powers and get closure on their past lives. The resolution of the larger worldbuilding story was satisfying, with lots of interesting "What now?" thoughts to ponder. Excellent series, overall.
January 7, 2016
ALL THE FEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS OMGGGGGGGGGGGG T_______T
Where the first two books focused more on ideas of systemic oppression, poverty, and the burgeoning friendship of Xhea & Shai, this final book has shifted scope to understanding loss, chronic illness in childhood, growing up, and the meaning of love & family.
I personally felt that this book still suffered from the flowery exposition that pervaded the first two books in this trilogy - and I've docked a star for that - but in exchange you get Xhea & Shai carrying each other doing anything they can to save the Lower City ;~;
This series needs to be getting WAY more attention than it is, but I feel like it's been suffering because people can't seem to decide which genre box to stuff it in. I say WHO CARES THIS IS THE BEST FEMALE FRIENDSHIP DUO I'VE READ IN YA!!!!!!!!!
Where the first two books focused more on ideas of systemic oppression, poverty, and the burgeoning friendship of Xhea & Shai, this final book has shifted scope to understanding loss, chronic illness in childhood, growing up, and the meaning of love & family.
I personally felt that this book still suffered from the flowery exposition that pervaded the first two books in this trilogy - and I've docked a star for that - but in exchange you get Xhea & Shai carrying each other doing anything they can to save the Lower City ;~;
This series needs to be getting WAY more attention than it is, but I feel like it's been suffering because people can't seem to decide which genre box to stuff it in. I say WHO CARES THIS IS THE BEST FEMALE FRIENDSHIP DUO I'VE READ IN YA!!!!!!!!!
December 17, 2015
Amazing story... page turner with mind-bending world building, strong characters and a lot of heart. And no mooning over boys!! As a parent of a young girl, I love this so much... as a long time sci-fi and fantasy reader, I love it even more. Reminds me of Lois McMaster Bujold's best creations, can't wait to see what this author will do next.
October 15, 2018
Though parts of this drag on for a bit longer than necessary, this is definitely the book I like best in the trilogy. Reviews of the first book show that some readers decided to not continue reading the series. While I understand their complaints, I'm glad I read all three. The things I don't like about this one are minor. I was more capable of suspending disbelief. The characters are more likable or maybe they just grew on me. The magic system and rules make a little more sense. Some fantastical things that occur in the book are intriguing. I don't know that I would recommend it to others because of my frustrations, but I'm glad I read it. This is more of a 3.65 for me than a four, but it's definitely better than the first two so I had to add a star.
Now I'm back to reading non-fiction for a book or two!
Now I'm back to reading non-fiction for a book or two!
April 2, 2018
A promising start, Shai and Xhea are together again, and Xhea is back to her old self but with some character growth. No more of that depressing, give up attitude that she had in book two. Shai's the same as always, rather boring. I HATED the part with her dad! Unfortunately, Xhea loses her powers. (Again) She's without them more than she has them!
Seeing the inside of the spire was cool if creepy but would've been so much better if Xhea had her powers. (And hadn't gained morals. Just saying.)
The end wasn't anticlimactic but it was long. It needed to be but I was rather bored (and I shouldn't have been.) I did like how it the ended, for the most part.
Am I glad I read it? I guess. I don't think I'd recommend more than the first book though.
Seeing the inside of the spire was cool if creepy but would've been so much better if Xhea had her powers. (And hadn't gained morals. Just saying.)
The end wasn't anticlimactic but it was long. It needed to be but I was rather bored (and I shouldn't have been.) I did like how it the ended, for the most part.
Am I glad I read it? I guess. I don't think I'd recommend more than the first book though.
January 20, 2016
This was a solid ending to the trilogy. It reinforces the themes of friendship established in the first two books and introduces a bit more social commentary.
I will note that I read this while vacationing in a third world country. Being surrounded by people that will never enjoy so many things that I take for granted made this book feel much closer to home. Social inequality is a strong theme throughout the series that becomes the main challenge in this book.
Reviewing the third book in a trilogy is difficult for me. If you've read the first two books then you're likely to read the third. There is a slightly different feel to this book as the scope of many of the conflicts in this book are much bigger than they were in the first two. Fortunately, underneath the bigger issues, the importance of friendship remains the strength of the story.
I will note that I read this while vacationing in a third world country. Being surrounded by people that will never enjoy so many things that I take for granted made this book feel much closer to home. Social inequality is a strong theme throughout the series that becomes the main challenge in this book.
Reviewing the third book in a trilogy is difficult for me. If you've read the first two books then you're likely to read the third. There is a slightly different feel to this book as the scope of many of the conflicts in this book are much bigger than they were in the first two. Fortunately, underneath the bigger issues, the importance of friendship remains the strength of the story.
October 7, 2015
Somehow I missed book two of this trilogy but I enjoyed this one based on the story in book one. It is a nice mix of fantasy and science fiction with magic as the main thread. As the two large magical forces of the Lower City and the Spires wage war the people in Lower City are being wiped out. Xhea and her ghost Shai rally the remaining humans and ghost and attempt to negotiate a truce. Action packed and a satisfying conclusion.
December 12, 2015
Goodreads win. This is third book in a trilogy, not having read the first two I tried to get the plot. This is fantasy book about war, fire and destruction in the Lower City. Xena and Shai try to rally a defense.
February 2, 2016
I will admit to not reading the first two books in this trilogy. Fantasy, science fiction story that was somewhat compelling. Didn't love the writing style.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I must disclose in my review that I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I must disclose in my review that I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways
December 15, 2015
Beautifully written ending to an amazing trilogy!
December 29, 2015
really enjoyed how this series ended! A solid 4 star book
March 26, 2016
This was a hard read. Xhea's story goes from awful to worse. I am glad I made it through to the end, but it was a chore. I need to think before I try to write anything constructive about this finale.
January 28, 2017
More introspective but with a satisfying ending
October 9, 2017
Unexpected gem
All 3 books of this series kept my attention, but the message of the series shines through this finale so brightly that I could not put it down. The cast is ethnically and racially diverse; the genders and affections of the characters are driven by human emotions, as opposed to societal norms--and the political message is resoundingly clear and on point: the message of how privilege destroys. A wonderful series.
All 3 books of this series kept my attention, but the message of the series shines through this finale so brightly that I could not put it down. The cast is ethnically and racially diverse; the genders and affections of the characters are driven by human emotions, as opposed to societal norms--and the political message is resoundingly clear and on point: the message of how privilege destroys. A wonderful series.
November 24, 2017
So emotional! Still love Xhea & Shai, still love the incredibly creative world building around how the Lower City and Towers operate. However, this one felt a little disjointed; was hard to follow where the story was going or get even a little hint of what the ultimate climax / character choice was going to be. There was a lot of good in here even if it didn't entirely come off. Because of this, I would still definitely read whatever Karina Sumner-Smith puts out next.
October 12, 2024
The centrality of the friendship of two very different young women, how that relates to their magic, and what that shows us about their entire setting, remains throughout and is fascinating. Otherwise, however, it did feel that some aspects of pacing were a little bit off, e.g., very long descriptions of someone using their magic, doing it harder than they ever have before, and then continuing to use their magic very hard. Also there was an unusually high rate of typos throughout this series.
September 25, 2018
A must read
I was more than pleasantly surprised by this trilogy. It is a dynamic story of class war, rage, forgiveness and transformation. Some part of me would love to see the story continue but another part knows it ended where it needed to.
I was more than pleasantly surprised by this trilogy. It is a dynamic story of class war, rage, forgiveness and transformation. Some part of me would love to see the story continue but another part knows it ended where it needed to.
June 3, 2024
It took me a few years to get back to this trilogy, but the final book definitely satisfies. I really liked this.
I love Shai and Xhea's friendship too. It's nice to have good solid asexual love once in a while.
I love Shai and Xhea's friendship too. It's nice to have good solid asexual love once in a while.
August 19, 2018
Finished the trilogy
This has been a strange journey with Xeia and Shai. A story of power and love, politics and fear, light and dark. I really enjoyed it.
This has been a strange journey with Xeia and Shai. A story of power and love, politics and fear, light and dark. I really enjoyed it.
April 5, 2020
Excellent trilogy, highly enjoyable, great Characters!
February 26, 2021
This was such a satisfying and perfect end to this trilogy.
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