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The Scarlet Star Trilogy #3
Bloodfeud
“One final task before the fall...”
The Bloodmoon has cut its crimson path across the sky, leaving both leech and lamprey reeling in its wake.
With Rhin captured by Sift, and Lilain and Lurker left behind in Washingtown, Tonmerion Hark returns to London, where the fate of the empire lies with the devilish Lord Dizali.
In his quest for revenge, the young Hark recruits an unlikely and dangerous ally. Together, they must outwit the barbarous Order and bring their greatest enemy to his knees.
“...One last move before we end this game.”
The Bloodmoon has cut its crimson path across the sky, leaving both leech and lamprey reeling in its wake.
With Rhin captured by Sift, and Lilain and Lurker left behind in Washingtown, Tonmerion Hark returns to London, where the fate of the empire lies with the devilish Lord Dizali.
In his quest for revenge, the young Hark recruits an unlikely and dangerous ally. Together, they must outwit the barbarous Order and bring their greatest enemy to his knees.
“...One last move before we end this game.”
398 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2016
21 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Ben Galley
52 books853 followersBen Galley is a British author of dark and epic fantasy books who currently hails from Vancouver, Canada. Since publishing his debut Emaneska Series, Ben has released the award-winning weird western Scarlet Star Trilogy and standalone The Heart of Stone, the critically-acclaimed Chasing Graves Trilogy, and the new Scalussen Chronicles.
When he isn’t conjuring up strange new stories or arguing the finer points of magic systems and dragon anatomy, Ben explores the Canadian wilds, sips Scotch single malts, and snowboards very, very badly. One day he hopes to haunt an epic treehouse in the mountains.
Find all of Ben’s books or join his Discord and Patreon at: www.linktr.ee/bengalley
When he isn’t conjuring up strange new stories or arguing the finer points of magic systems and dragon anatomy, Ben explores the Canadian wilds, sips Scotch single malts, and snowboards very, very badly. One day he hopes to haunt an epic treehouse in the mountains.
Find all of Ben’s books or join his Discord and Patreon at: www.linktr.ee/bengalley
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 19, 2016
What a fantastic ending to a great trilogy! Ben Galley has written a fantastic conclusion to one of the most original fantasy trilogy's and setting I have read! Ben if i could give you ten stars on goodreads i would!
April 8, 2018
Bloodfeud is an okayish conclusion to a series that started out strong with Bloodrush. Basically, It is just like Bloodmoon with its pros and cons except that all the threads come together with not so earth shattering climax.
I felt that the protagonist had shifted from Merion to Calista. She turns out to be far more interesting that the bland Merion. While both Merion & Calista have satisfying character arcs, Calista's was definitely more enjoyable. Maybe Ben Galley should have focused on her while keeping Merion the boring male YA hero?
Spoilers ahead...
I liked how Merion & Calista remain cool to each other at the end. I liked this more than the usual ending where the male and female protagonists end up with each other. But, that said, a trope that I never thought would make its appearance in a book does so - the black guy dies. What!!!
In conclusion, the series is good due to its world building. It would have been better off with a couple of books instead of a trilogy since the second book is basically a filler.
I felt that the protagonist had shifted from Merion to Calista. She turns out to be far more interesting that the bland Merion. While both Merion & Calista have satisfying character arcs, Calista's was definitely more enjoyable. Maybe Ben Galley should have focused on her while keeping Merion the boring male YA hero?
Spoilers ahead...
I liked how Merion & Calista remain cool to each other at the end. I liked this more than the usual ending where the male and female protagonists end up with each other. But, that said, a trope that I never thought would make its appearance in a book does so - the black guy dies. What!!!
In conclusion, the series is good due to its world building. It would have been better off with a couple of books instead of a trilogy since the second book is basically a filler.
March 14, 2016
Loved it!! See my full review here: http://www.chocomeiske.com/2016/03/14...
Bloodfeud was a spectacular finish to a simply amazing series and there is not one thing I would have changed. It was faster paced, more action-packed and more tension-filled since the stakes were raised and there was a sense of imminence about it. All the loose ends were tied up, and I like the open-ended epilogue which I'm hoping means there will be some novellas.
Bloodfeud was a spectacular finish to a simply amazing series and there is not one thing I would have changed. It was faster paced, more action-packed and more tension-filled since the stakes were raised and there was a sense of imminence about it. All the loose ends were tied up, and I like the open-ended epilogue which I'm hoping means there will be some novellas.
March 1, 2016
Loved it!
August 30, 2023
4.5/5 what a great trilogy, I'm glad to have tackled this and be closer to completing everything Ben Galley has written
March 23, 2016
Truly tremendous. Ben Ben Galley has done it again. I Love EVERYTHING about this series.
It had me gripped from start to finish, just like the first two... brilliant characters, superb plot and a magic system that has me wanting more of this whole thing... my only hope is that Ben does it :-)
The 'death' right at the end was really sad as the character was my favourite, but that only added to how bad-ass the book is
It had me gripped from start to finish, just like the first two... brilliant characters, superb plot and a magic system that has me wanting more of this whole thing... my only hope is that Ben does it :-)
The 'death' right at the end was really sad as the character was my favourite, but that only added to how bad-ass the book is
March 22, 2016
What a fantastic journey, from a spoilt brat to an honorable man/boy. This was such a well written story, the characters had so much personality. The final page said Tonmerion would return, and I for on e am excited for another story.
December 30, 2016
A great finish to a great trilogy! Highly recommend.
February 15, 2023
Arriving in any city via its dockyards is like being led to the most glorious of sweet shops, opening the door, and finding all the jars smeared with excrement. London is guilty of such a swindle, being the most glorious establishment in all the world.
What. An. Opening! This book was such a delightful mix of action, political intrique, betrayal and loss! And a fitting way to end this terrifically imagined madcap series! Ben Galley finishes his "Scarlet Star Trilogy" the way it began : spanning empires, oceans and a magically parallel reality that will leave you clamoring for more!
We have a war to fight, both silently and openly. There are supporters of our cause, and there are traitors to it. The line is thin, often crossed with barely a whisper.
A book is often defined by those scenes that stick in your memory. And for me, this final chapter in "The Scarlet Star" trilogy had so, so many! I mean, that alley scene was amazing (I'll never trust the guys behind the fish and meat counter again)! Storming the Palace was amazing, even if it was all the bad guys and gals involved! Oh and that one airship scene was amazing! In fact, I wish that part of the adventure had continued on for a while, severe injuries, death and more be damned! Then again, that may my official "Hell Divers" fan club card talking! Did I mention the battle in the bloody Fae city? The list goes on and on…
This was the crescendo he had longed for, worked for, and fought tooth, blood and nail for.
As with the middle tome of the series, "Bloodfeud" did take its own sweet time in spots, sometimes tantalizingly so. There's a LOT to work through in this final (?) chapter as we are treated to an elaborate and often misleading series of ruses, lies, conniving and worse. But just as with every one of his books I've enjoyed, Galley's work shines the brightest when we are rushing (pun intended) alongside his amazingly crafted characters! And if you're like me, you also will enjoy more than a little of the modern nods to some of the (anti-)BREXIT shenanigans that are wrapped up in this story, daring the reader to find fault with their reasoning and often cynical placement! Goodness, it's almost like he claims as his origins a country that goes through Prime Ministers like other countries go through their World Cup rosters! Or something pithy and amusing along those lines…
Blessings enjoy a pinch of drama before they arrive.
Having watched Tonmerion Hark's maturation now through these three epic stories was indeed everything we hoped it would be. Not only for his own personal growth but how he grew to respond to and love the family around him. And what a motley crew! From the highest office in the land(s) to the meek yet well-meaning newspaper cryer (crier?) trying to sell his copies on the storm- and often offal-splattered cobblestones of London, the reader is treated to a thrilling variety of players throughout. Whereas some didn't quite live up to their billing - I began to suspect the Brothers as they were called were either there for comic relief or perhaps even to help balance out the body counts - many others wound up being more heroic than I ever suspected.
Things change. They change all the time. Nothing ever stays the same for one cursed moment. Nothing can be trusted.
If you like wild fantasy, if you like historical or weird western fiction, heck, if you like political machinations on steroids and a touch of bloodlust to go with it, you'll enjoy these books! Enjoy and keep me posted ... because that last page sure sent my heart racing in anticipation!
What. An. Opening! This book was such a delightful mix of action, political intrique, betrayal and loss! And a fitting way to end this terrifically imagined madcap series! Ben Galley finishes his "Scarlet Star Trilogy" the way it began : spanning empires, oceans and a magically parallel reality that will leave you clamoring for more!
We have a war to fight, both silently and openly. There are supporters of our cause, and there are traitors to it. The line is thin, often crossed with barely a whisper.
A book is often defined by those scenes that stick in your memory. And for me, this final chapter in "The Scarlet Star" trilogy had so, so many! I mean, that alley scene was amazing (I'll never trust the guys behind the fish and meat counter again)! Storming the Palace was amazing, even if it was all the bad guys and gals involved! Oh and that one airship scene was amazing! In fact, I wish that part of the adventure had continued on for a while, severe injuries, death and more be damned! Then again, that may my official "Hell Divers" fan club card talking! Did I mention the battle in the bloody Fae city? The list goes on and on…
This was the crescendo he had longed for, worked for, and fought tooth, blood and nail for.
As with the middle tome of the series, "Bloodfeud" did take its own sweet time in spots, sometimes tantalizingly so. There's a LOT to work through in this final (?) chapter as we are treated to an elaborate and often misleading series of ruses, lies, conniving and worse. But just as with every one of his books I've enjoyed, Galley's work shines the brightest when we are rushing (pun intended) alongside his amazingly crafted characters! And if you're like me, you also will enjoy more than a little of the modern nods to some of the (anti-)BREXIT shenanigans that are wrapped up in this story, daring the reader to find fault with their reasoning and often cynical placement! Goodness, it's almost like he claims as his origins a country that goes through Prime Ministers like other countries go through their World Cup rosters! Or something pithy and amusing along those lines…
Blessings enjoy a pinch of drama before they arrive.
Having watched Tonmerion Hark's maturation now through these three epic stories was indeed everything we hoped it would be. Not only for his own personal growth but how he grew to respond to and love the family around him. And what a motley crew! From the highest office in the land(s) to the meek yet well-meaning newspaper cryer (crier?) trying to sell his copies on the storm- and often offal-splattered cobblestones of London, the reader is treated to a thrilling variety of players throughout. Whereas some didn't quite live up to their billing - I began to suspect the Brothers as they were called were either there for comic relief or perhaps even to help balance out the body counts - many others wound up being more heroic than I ever suspected.
Things change. They change all the time. Nothing ever stays the same for one cursed moment. Nothing can be trusted.
If you like wild fantasy, if you like historical or weird western fiction, heck, if you like political machinations on steroids and a touch of bloodlust to go with it, you'll enjoy these books! Enjoy and keep me posted ... because that last page sure sent my heart racing in anticipation!
February 8, 2025
Ben Galley delivers a thrilling and brutal conclusion to The Scarlet Star Trilogy with Bloodfeud, a book that crackles with magic, tension, and unforgettable characters.
One of Galley’s greatest strengths is his ability to craft compelling and deeply layered characters. Tonmerion Hark, now hardened by his journey, continues to evolve in fascinating ways, struggling with the weight of his past and the choices ahead. Felly, as always, provides a sharp contrast to Merion’s brooding intensity, offering humor, heart, and unexpected resilience. Meanwhile, the antagonists are as ruthless as ever, making the stakes feel impossibly high.
The plot twists in Bloodfeud are expertly woven, keeping the reader on edge without resorting to cheap shocks. Every revelation feels earned, adding depth to the already intricate world of blood magic and revenge. The pacing is relentless, yet Galley allows for moments of introspection that make the action all the more impactful.
With a finale that is both satisfying and gut-wrenching, Bloodfeud cements Ben Galley as a master of dark fantasy. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and those who crave high-stakes adventure with rich character development will find this book impossible to put down.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) – A breathtaking conclusion filled with magic, vengeance, and surprises at every turn.
One of Galley’s greatest strengths is his ability to craft compelling and deeply layered characters. Tonmerion Hark, now hardened by his journey, continues to evolve in fascinating ways, struggling with the weight of his past and the choices ahead. Felly, as always, provides a sharp contrast to Merion’s brooding intensity, offering humor, heart, and unexpected resilience. Meanwhile, the antagonists are as ruthless as ever, making the stakes feel impossibly high.
The plot twists in Bloodfeud are expertly woven, keeping the reader on edge without resorting to cheap shocks. Every revelation feels earned, adding depth to the already intricate world of blood magic and revenge. The pacing is relentless, yet Galley allows for moments of introspection that make the action all the more impactful.
With a finale that is both satisfying and gut-wrenching, Bloodfeud cements Ben Galley as a master of dark fantasy. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and those who crave high-stakes adventure with rich character development will find this book impossible to put down.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) – A breathtaking conclusion filled with magic, vengeance, and surprises at every turn.
September 12, 2017
This book series finished with its strongest volume. One aspect of the ending really bugged me—it was one that was relatively easy to see coming, and would've been nice to see subverted, and that by itself was enough to knock my rating down a star. (Still not quite a spoiler, but tagging just to be safe: )
Other than that, though—this book sometimes leans on caricatures for its villains and its side characters and occasionally even its heroes, but the characters shine brightly nonetheless. The relationships between the main cast are what holds the story together, and what kept me reading throughout. This particular volume had a very strong, fast-paced plot that made it very hard to put down. The emotional payoffs were, in general, extremely satisfying. I hope that the teaser at the end of my edition was true, and we'll be seeing more of Tonmerion and his friends in the future.
Other than that, though—this book sometimes leans on caricatures for its villains and its side characters and occasionally even its heroes, but the characters shine brightly nonetheless. The relationships between the main cast are what holds the story together, and what kept me reading throughout. This particular volume had a very strong, fast-paced plot that made it very hard to put down. The emotional payoffs were, in general, extremely satisfying. I hope that the teaser at the end of my edition was true, and we'll be seeing more of Tonmerion and his friends in the future.
May 12, 2020
A brilliant conclusion to an amazing trilogy. All the characters were totally different personalities but fit so well within the plot which has been well thought out and well written throughout. I was totally rapt in the story. How does he do it? I thought that the ‘Emeneskar’ series was good but this is even better. He writes at a fast pace and doesn’t dally on anything and just keeps you turning the pages.
Where he got the idea of ‘Bloodrushing’ from I’ll never know but what a strange form of magic!
After his struggles and the confusion of his new abilities in the first two books, Merion has now grown with his magic and together with Calidae, they form a plan to avenge their parents, to retake their properties and thwart the evil aspirations of the hateful Lord Protector Dizahli, but plans don’t always go the way you want them to.
I didn’t really want it to end. Full marks to Ben Galley for a great series.
Where he got the idea of ‘Bloodrushing’ from I’ll never know but what a strange form of magic!
After his struggles and the confusion of his new abilities in the first two books, Merion has now grown with his magic and together with Calidae, they form a plan to avenge their parents, to retake their properties and thwart the evil aspirations of the hateful Lord Protector Dizahli, but plans don’t always go the way you want them to.
I didn’t really want it to end. Full marks to Ben Galley for a great series.
April 3, 2019
What a fabulous, unique series! The style of magic reminds me of Sanderson's Mistborn, but Ben Galley has created a totally new and unique world. Incredible world building and very lifelike characters. Loved it!
July 22, 2019
Family magic
I wait for the last page to be turned to review. This trilogy brought on myriad emotions. No spoiler alert. I ended it with a bittersweet grin. My greatest thanks to the author for such a fantastic read
I wait for the last page to be turned to review. This trilogy brought on myriad emotions. No spoiler alert. I ended it with a bittersweet grin. My greatest thanks to the author for such a fantastic read
May 30, 2021
Well what a turn around from book 2. I swear I went through this book quicker than I did book 1.
I loved the conspiracy that was going on, and to see all the story threads come together nice and neatly (so to speak).
Really enjoyed this book and was kind of sad to finish it.
I loved the conspiracy that was going on, and to see all the story threads come together nice and neatly (so to speak).
Really enjoyed this book and was kind of sad to finish it.
January 9, 2018
What a bang the ending was! Great read, especially with Rhin. Gonna miss that character. Oh, and Lurker! Eish.
March 18, 2017
Third part, the best part! Faster paced, more rushing, more enjoyment for me! Well done, Ben!
March 24, 2016
So here we are at the end of what has been an exciting road to travel down, and it is somewhat bittersweet that I write this because the series is now over (with the exception of some short stories to look forward to next year).
Book three brings us full circle for the ultimate showdown back in London after the events during the Bloodmoon. Whilst I don't want to cover old ground and sound like a broken record, I'm afraid I am and I will, especially if you are just coming to this review without knowledge of the series, this is need to know information. For the same reason I'm more than likely to dip back into thoughts of the series as a whole...So here we go
I'VE LOVED THESE BOOKS, let's juts get that out right off the bat. There is a great fluidity to the writing that drew me in and held me captive throughout. Everything is written very vividly with great description and wit. The characters are brought to life and built very strongly, so I became invested in and I had very fixed images of them in my mind. Merion has come a long way in the short space between Bloodrush and here and is much more assured of himself. Whilst he's such a young character he has developed this maturity so he feels much older than he is with this weight upon him. Though he is cocky as ever about it. Lurker and Lilian are, are really sweet character, especially together and remain their protective, yet feisty selves. Caladie is still a mixed bag for me. I really want to like her, but I also want to slap her and its a very conflicting feeling. One feeling that is not conflicted is for Dizali who is a **** and you just want to punch him. I see his as this tall slicked man with one of those faces that you could punch. We also got to see Victorious! The thing behind the voice.
It's funny because in previous reviews I'd said I 'd wanted to see more of London and then when i got it, I was missing America, because that was one of the thing that brought something different to the series. London here is dark and gritty, with a real juxtaposition between the poor and the rich ( what's changed eh). The poorer areas feel like dark windy streets and are perfect for secret magick deals.
Whats this!? Magick you say. Yes and what a creation. Vegetarians look away now. The magick system is possibly one of my favourites building on the idea of 'rushing' blood of animals that gives you powers reflective of said animal from across different spectrums; mammal, to reptiles; fish; insect and mythological creatures that together make up the scarlet star. The latter here actually provides a beautiful moment between Merion and Rhin and is a testament to their friendship.
There are always so many different strands woven in these books, so we get to travel with different perspectives, different vibes and we get to see a wider perspective of the world we're in, whether in the London or America that Merion travels though, to Dizali's palace and the glimpses we get into the Fae world. And oh boy did I love the attack and rescue on the Fae capital Cela'h Dor. You could see it play out like a bond movie, and it was one of those tense moments where you're almost shouting at the book because you're so involved!
As a series I think my favourite has to be Bloodrush. There was just something about it, coming to a new series, the endless lands and the first epic battle that really got me hooked. I loved the cover, I loved everything about it and whilst the series has developed and grown so much I think I will always hold a place for that in my heart.
I cannot recommend this series enough and I can't wait to read more from ben ( there are at least 11 new books coming which has put my mind into overdrive). If you haven't ever read anything and you're looking for some great fantasy, I IMPLORE you to pick up Bloodrush or The Written and come on this adventure with me!
Book three brings us full circle for the ultimate showdown back in London after the events during the Bloodmoon. Whilst I don't want to cover old ground and sound like a broken record, I'm afraid I am and I will, especially if you are just coming to this review without knowledge of the series, this is need to know information. For the same reason I'm more than likely to dip back into thoughts of the series as a whole...So here we go
I'VE LOVED THESE BOOKS, let's juts get that out right off the bat. There is a great fluidity to the writing that drew me in and held me captive throughout. Everything is written very vividly with great description and wit. The characters are brought to life and built very strongly, so I became invested in and I had very fixed images of them in my mind. Merion has come a long way in the short space between Bloodrush and here and is much more assured of himself. Whilst he's such a young character he has developed this maturity so he feels much older than he is with this weight upon him. Though he is cocky as ever about it. Lurker and Lilian are, are really sweet character, especially together and remain their protective, yet feisty selves. Caladie is still a mixed bag for me. I really want to like her, but I also want to slap her and its a very conflicting feeling. One feeling that is not conflicted is for Dizali who is a **** and you just want to punch him. I see his as this tall slicked man with one of those faces that you could punch. We also got to see Victorious! The thing behind the voice.
It's funny because in previous reviews I'd said I 'd wanted to see more of London and then when i got it, I was missing America, because that was one of the thing that brought something different to the series. London here is dark and gritty, with a real juxtaposition between the poor and the rich ( what's changed eh). The poorer areas feel like dark windy streets and are perfect for secret magick deals.
Whats this!? Magick you say. Yes and what a creation. Vegetarians look away now. The magick system is possibly one of my favourites building on the idea of 'rushing' blood of animals that gives you powers reflective of said animal from across different spectrums; mammal, to reptiles; fish; insect and mythological creatures that together make up the scarlet star. The latter here actually provides a beautiful moment between Merion and Rhin and is a testament to their friendship.
There are always so many different strands woven in these books, so we get to travel with different perspectives, different vibes and we get to see a wider perspective of the world we're in, whether in the London or America that Merion travels though, to Dizali's palace and the glimpses we get into the Fae world. And oh boy did I love the attack and rescue on the Fae capital Cela'h Dor. You could see it play out like a bond movie, and it was one of those tense moments where you're almost shouting at the book because you're so involved!
As a series I think my favourite has to be Bloodrush. There was just something about it, coming to a new series, the endless lands and the first epic battle that really got me hooked. I loved the cover, I loved everything about it and whilst the series has developed and grown so much I think I will always hold a place for that in my heart.
I cannot recommend this series enough and I can't wait to read more from ben ( there are at least 11 new books coming which has put my mind into overdrive). If you haven't ever read anything and you're looking for some great fantasy, I IMPLORE you to pick up Bloodrush or The Written and come on this adventure with me!
Read
May 5, 2016Ben Galley's Scarlet Star trilogy is one of the most original ones I've read in the past few years. The historical worldbuilding literally transports you back in time with a dash of fantasy that makes it all the more exciting. I was a bit worried with this third book as it left the setting of the two previous ones – the American Frontier and the midlands – for an "Old Continent" city, London.
However, the darker atmosphere (well reflected on the cover, and somewhat reminiscent of Tim Burton's 'Sweeney Todd') makes the story even more thrilling, and the characters all en up fitting into it quite well.
I always have a worry as well, when finishing the last book in a trilogy, that the end will be either rushed or unoriginal. Let's say this time it's been as original and entertaining as the rest of the story, if not more.
And the best news is, apparently, "Tonmerion will return". I can't wait for that.
However, the darker atmosphere (well reflected on the cover, and somewhat reminiscent of Tim Burton's 'Sweeney Todd') makes the story even more thrilling, and the characters all en up fitting into it quite well.
I always have a worry as well, when finishing the last book in a trilogy, that the end will be either rushed or unoriginal. Let's say this time it's been as original and entertaining as the rest of the story, if not more.
And the best news is, apparently, "Tonmerion will return". I can't wait for that.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews