What do you think?
Rate this book
Revanche Cycle #3
Terms of Surrender
Felix Rossini is a man with a thousand enemies. Framed for murder, hunted by Mirenze's protectors as well as the criminal underworld, he struggles to survive and fight back against the conspiracy that has marked him for death. A conspiracy of another kind is brewing across the ocean, as the corrupt aristocracy draws Livia Serafini’s oldest friends into a plot to destroy her. If she can’t find a way to overcome the occult infection spreading through her veins, they may not have to.
And in the shadows, the Owl prepares to wage bloody war against the most dangerous foe of all -- her own coven -- as she leads her disciples in a quest to recover a deadly relic. It's a showdown that will end where it all began: in the frozen hell of Winter's Reach, under a rain of fire.
From a rebel uprising in the west, to a broken crusade in the east, the dominoes fall one by one. Where they land will determine the fate of an empire.
And in the shadows, the Owl prepares to wage bloody war against the most dangerous foe of all -- her own coven -- as she leads her disciples in a quest to recover a deadly relic. It's a showdown that will end where it all began: in the frozen hell of Winter's Reach, under a rain of fire.
From a rebel uprising in the west, to a broken crusade in the east, the dominoes fall one by one. Where they land will determine the fate of an empire.
397 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2015
32 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Craig Schaefer
43 books1,332 followersCraig Schaefer's books have taken readers to the seamy edge of a criminal underworld drenched in shadow (the Daniel Faust series), to a world torn by war, poison and witchcraft (the Revanche Cycle), and across a modern America mired in occult mysteries and a conspiracy of lies (the Harmony Black series).
Despite this, people say he's strangely normal. Suspiciously normal, in fact. His home on the Web is www.craigschaeferbooks.com.
Despite this, people say he's strangely normal. Suspiciously normal, in fact. His home on the Web is www.craigschaeferbooks.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 9, 2025
➽ And the moral of this rereread is: Wow, now that's some body count! It's nothing short of a miracle that I'm one of the very few lucky ones who made it out of this one alive!
👋 To be continued and stuff.
[July 2021]
😈 Machiavellian Shenanigans For the Win Buddy Reread (MSFtWBR™) with theMacHalos Hoopla Kitty and stuff 😈
➽ And the moral of this reread is: trust anyone in this series thou shalt not. Unless you want to be manipulated the fish out of. Or die a deadly, slightly excruciating death. And that is slightly scrumptious, if you ask me. Let's dance and stuff.
P.S. severed heads and spilling entrails and dismemberment, oh my!
P.P.S. tentacles, YAY!
👋 To be continued and stuff.
[January 2017]
Third book I read in this series, third 5-star rating. That kinda sorta should tell you something. And if it doesn't, it means that you're even more clueless and hopeless than I originally thought. Which would probably be some kind of Guinness World Record, given that my opinion of you Little Barnacles was already pretty abysmal. But I ever so slightly digress.
So. Just in case you missed the previous episodes, here are a few of the gloriously glorious things that make this glorious series gloriously glorious:
① It was written by Craig Schaefer. DUH.
② It's a dazzling, marvelous, most wondrous world of conspiracies, contra-conspiracies, games of power, and manipulations.
③ Liars and assholes abound. Ruthless, merciless bastards proliferate. It's so beautiful it makes me want to cry.
④ There is no black and white, no good and bad. It's all black and all bad.
Yes, this is so glorious that Daphne, my pet spider, gets all crazy-hyper and hyper-crazy whenever we read a book in this series. So much so that Dr Prawn usually has to administer his WSDS™ (Wondrous Simmer Down Shot, remember?) to get her to calm down.
⑤ The Splendidly Awesome Schaefer Chicks (SASC™) are splendidly awesome and stuff. But more on that later.
Now, in case your, err, case was even more more more more clueless and hopeless than I thought, and all of the above mentioned Gloriously Glorious Stuff (GGS™) still told you naught, here are a few of the things that make this Gloriously Glorious Instalment (GGI™) particularly gloriously glorious:
① All of the above mentioned GGS™. HA.
② Mostest Awesomest Complex Characterization (MACC™). One-dimensional bores, begone! There ain't no shallow, sketchy wimps in this world! Off to Crappy Book World (CBW™), you go, you bunch of pathetic cardboard box wannabes!
③ Superbly Scrumptious Twisted Character Development (SSTCD™). Mr S. is slightly talented in that area and deliciously manipulates the crap out of his poor, powerless readers (not speaking about my little self, obviously. I am neither poor nor powerless, and never will be, obviously.) He takes a character you moderately fangirl over, turns him/her/whatever into someone/something/whatever you reasonably dislike, only to do the Boom Bam Twist It Baby (BBTIB™) on him/her/whatever, and transform him/her/whatever into someone/something/whatever whose feet/limbs/whatever you might possibly want to lick. YUM.
④ The Splendidly Awesome Schaefer Chicks (SASC™) are taking charge like never before. We're talking about serious ass-kicking here. Livia, Mari, Renata, thescary freaking Browncloak Gals (BG™), Veruca (we want more! We want more!), Nessa (you're a devious bitch but there might be hope for you yet), Hedy, Aita (aka the vicious harpy who deserves to die a slow, painful, horrible death)...They are all most amazingly and most delectably ferocious. So watch out, you feeble males, for the SASC™ is taking over!
Not sure they'll save the world, but ruthlessly rule over it? HELL YEAH.
⑤ Dante Ucello. Why? Because:
"I blaspheme honestly and without contradiction. Understand that my sole drive is to claim the city of Mirenze for my own. The only way I can make that happen—the only way—is for Livia’s ambitions to succeed. And so I pledge to you: I will manipulate, scheme, and use every last dirty trick in my arsenal to make sure that happens. I will likely sin quite a bit. I’m good at sinning."
Sigh. So beautiful. No wonder I fell in love with My Dante at first sight. The cunning bastard is pretty much perfect if you ask me. I don't need to remind you I already did the Poof Gone Harem on him a long time ago, do I? Good. I'm so proud of you, my Little Barnacles .
Now that I have so brilliantly, so eloquently and so unequivocally proven that this book is slightly awesome, I would like to take a minute to talk to Mr S. privately. Please go away for a minute, my Lovely Arthropods. Thank you.
My dear Mr Schaefer. The murderous crustaceans, Fleet Admiral DaShrimp and my little nefarious self wish to thank you wholeheartedly for mentioning our dearly beloved barnacles in this Gloriously Glorious Book . As a token of our undying appreciation, we have the pleasure to reward you with a wondrous 2-hour shrimpy massage. Enjoy!
➽ And the moral of this The Little Barnacles Better Read This Series Before I Unfriend Them All Wink Wink Nudge Nudge Crappy Non Review (TLBBRTSBIUTAWWNNCNR™) is: the Little Barnacles Better Read This Series Before I Unfriend Them All Wink Wink Nudge Nudge. Stab Stab.
· Book 1: Winter's Reach ★★★★★
· Book 2: The Instruments of Control ★★★★★
· Book 4: Queen of the Night ★★★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
Craig Schaefer, if I didn't already worship you, I totally would. Worship you, I mean. Which, you know, I already do. So I'll just start building a shrine to your greatness in my living room. When the construction is finished, I will make daily offerings in the form of severed limbs. I will also sacrifice cute fluffy bunnies to honor your uttermost awesomeness. And I will hire a band of maracas-wielding vintage chicks to celebrate your supreme tremendousness in style.
► Full Bloody Shrimping Hell Why is No One Reading this Bloody Shrimping Series I Should All Unfriend You You Bunch of Ignorant Mecreants Crappy Non Review (BSHWiNORtBSSISAUYYBoIMCNR™) to come.
👋 To be continued and stuff.
[July 2021]
😈 Machiavellian Shenanigans For the Win Buddy Reread (MSFtWBR™) with the
➽ And the moral of this reread is: trust anyone in this series thou shalt not. Unless you want to be manipulated the fish out of. Or die a deadly, slightly excruciating death. And that is slightly scrumptious, if you ask me. Let's dance and stuff.
P.S. severed heads and spilling entrails and dismemberment, oh my!
P.P.S. tentacles, YAY!
👋 To be continued and stuff.
[January 2017]
Third book I read in this series, third 5-star rating. That kinda sorta should tell you something. And if it doesn't, it means that you're even more clueless and hopeless than I originally thought. Which would probably be some kind of Guinness World Record, given that my opinion of you Little Barnacles was already pretty abysmal. But I ever so slightly digress.
So. Just in case you missed the previous episodes, here are a few of the gloriously glorious things that make this glorious series gloriously glorious:
① It was written by Craig Schaefer. DUH.
② It's a dazzling, marvelous, most wondrous world of conspiracies, contra-conspiracies, games of power, and manipulations.
③ Liars and assholes abound. Ruthless, merciless bastards proliferate. It's so beautiful it makes me want to cry.
④ There is no black and white, no good and bad. It's all black and all bad.
Yes, this is so glorious that Daphne, my pet spider, gets all crazy-hyper and hyper-crazy whenever we read a book in this series. So much so that Dr Prawn usually has to administer his WSDS™ (Wondrous Simmer Down Shot, remember?) to get her to calm down.
⑤ The Splendidly Awesome Schaefer Chicks (SASC™) are splendidly awesome and stuff. But more on that later.
Now, in case your, err, case was even more more more more clueless and hopeless than I thought, and all of the above mentioned Gloriously Glorious Stuff (GGS™) still told you naught, here are a few of the things that make this Gloriously Glorious Instalment (GGI™) particularly gloriously glorious:
① All of the above mentioned GGS™. HA.
② Mostest Awesomest Complex Characterization (MACC™). One-dimensional bores, begone! There ain't no shallow, sketchy wimps in this world! Off to Crappy Book World (CBW™), you go, you bunch of pathetic cardboard box wannabes!
③ Superbly Scrumptious Twisted Character Development (SSTCD™). Mr S. is slightly talented in that area and deliciously manipulates the crap out of his poor, powerless readers (not speaking about my little self, obviously. I am neither poor nor powerless, and never will be, obviously.) He takes a character you moderately fangirl over, turns him/her/whatever into someone/something/whatever you reasonably dislike, only to do the Boom Bam Twist It Baby (BBTIB™) on him/her/whatever, and transform him/her/whatever into someone/something/whatever whose feet/limbs/whatever you might possibly want to lick. YUM.
④ The Splendidly Awesome Schaefer Chicks (SASC™) are taking charge like never before. We're talking about serious ass-kicking here. Livia, Mari, Renata, the
Not sure they'll save the world, but ruthlessly rule over it? HELL YEAH.
⑤ Dante Ucello. Why? Because:
"I blaspheme honestly and without contradiction. Understand that my sole drive is to claim the city of Mirenze for my own. The only way I can make that happen—the only way—is for Livia’s ambitions to succeed. And so I pledge to you: I will manipulate, scheme, and use every last dirty trick in my arsenal to make sure that happens. I will likely sin quite a bit. I’m good at sinning."
Sigh. So beautiful. No wonder I fell in love with My Dante at first sight. The cunning bastard is pretty much perfect if you ask me. I don't need to remind you I already did the Poof Gone Harem on him a long time ago, do I? Good. I'm so proud of you, my Little Barnacles .
Now that I have so brilliantly, so eloquently and so unequivocally proven that this book is slightly awesome, I would like to take a minute to talk to Mr S. privately. Please go away for a minute, my Lovely Arthropods. Thank you.
My dear Mr Schaefer. The murderous crustaceans, Fleet Admiral DaShrimp and my little nefarious self wish to thank you wholeheartedly for mentioning our dearly beloved barnacles in this Gloriously Glorious Book . As a token of our undying appreciation, we have the pleasure to reward you with a wondrous 2-hour shrimpy massage. Enjoy!
➽ And the moral of this The Little Barnacles Better Read This Series Before I Unfriend Them All Wink Wink Nudge Nudge Crappy Non Review (TLBBRTSBIUTAWWNNCNR™) is: the Little Barnacles Better Read This Series Before I Unfriend Them All Wink Wink Nudge Nudge. Stab Stab.
· Book 1: Winter's Reach ★★★★★
· Book 2: The Instruments of Control ★★★★★
· Book 4: Queen of the Night ★★★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
Craig Schaefer, if I didn't already worship you, I totally would. Worship you, I mean. Which, you know, I already do. So I'll just start building a shrine to your greatness in my living room. When the construction is finished, I will make daily offerings in the form of severed limbs. I will also sacrifice cute fluffy bunnies to honor your uttermost awesomeness. And I will hire a band of maracas-wielding vintage chicks to celebrate your supreme tremendousness in style.
► Full Bloody Shrimping Hell Why is No One Reading this Bloody Shrimping Series I Should All Unfriend You You Bunch of Ignorant Mecreants Crappy Non Review (BSHWiNORtBSSISAUYYBoIMCNR™) to come.
May 25, 2018
This was a good third instalment of Craig Schaefer's Revanche Cycle. It is dark fantasy packed full of action and intrigue as well as a whole bunch of fun characters. The biggest plus is that Schaefer's writing is always super engaging!
The story was engaging and enjoyable. It is multiple POV fantasy so there was a lot going on as always.
Felix has more enemies and less friends than ever being framed for murder. Everyone from the bad guys to the authorities in Mirenze want him dead but Felix is not willing to go quietly! I liked Felix's bits in this one more than I did in the first couple of books as he was easier to root for when he had proper reasons and acceptable motivations for acting the way he did. His battles with his growing list of enemies was fun.
Ludivico was still battling to make his master plan come to fruition and it was fun to follow his interactions with the various people he has chosen to work with. Guy is a fun villain!
Renatta played a bigger role in this book and I think that helped with my enjoyment of the story as she is one of the only characters in the whole cast that is just pure easy to like. Not that she had it easy in Kettlesands as she had to avoid bounty hunters and deal with Crusaders that were acting worse than bandits due to an incompetent imperial supply line for the gathering Crusade forces.
Livia's story is getting quite dark and has an increasingly tragic feel to it but it was never dull for a moment and Livia still manages to but just about likeable enough, despite her ruthlessness, that I was rooting for her in her battle of wits with everyone from the King and his minions to Dante. The developments with her witchcraft made for shocking and addictive reading!
I'm never quite sure what to make of Nessa and Marie. Their moments are never dull though as Nessa manages to incite a full blown Coven civil war! I think this was a good book for Nessa as a character and a bad one for Marie. Nessa is still pretty evil and crazy but her enemies in this instalment are mostly pretty awful people and it was good to see her showing a few real caring emotions for a few of her friends. It was just a bad book for Marie as Nessa continues to twist her around her little finger and make her appear like a bit of a fool.
There was a bunch of secondary characters that got small POV moments and all enhanced the story. Schaefer just has a talent for making fun characters and crazy memorable villains.
This series has a lot going for it and I feel like with just a few tweaks and a slightly less dark/bleak tone this could have been an all time favourite fantasy series as the good bits are really good!
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: I've warmed more and more to Susannah Jones while listening to her narrate this series. Schaefer series all benefit from having great audio narrators:)
The story was engaging and enjoyable. It is multiple POV fantasy so there was a lot going on as always.
Felix has more enemies and less friends than ever being framed for murder. Everyone from the bad guys to the authorities in Mirenze want him dead but Felix is not willing to go quietly! I liked Felix's bits in this one more than I did in the first couple of books as he was easier to root for when he had proper reasons and acceptable motivations for acting the way he did. His battles with his growing list of enemies was fun.
Ludivico was still battling to make his master plan come to fruition and it was fun to follow his interactions with the various people he has chosen to work with. Guy is a fun villain!
Renatta played a bigger role in this book and I think that helped with my enjoyment of the story as she is one of the only characters in the whole cast that is just pure easy to like. Not that she had it easy in Kettlesands as she had to avoid bounty hunters and deal with Crusaders that were acting worse than bandits due to an incompetent imperial supply line for the gathering Crusade forces.
Livia's story is getting quite dark and has an increasingly tragic feel to it but it was never dull for a moment and Livia still manages to but just about likeable enough, despite her ruthlessness, that I was rooting for her in her battle of wits with everyone from the King and his minions to Dante. The developments with her witchcraft made for shocking and addictive reading!
I'm never quite sure what to make of Nessa and Marie. Their moments are never dull though as Nessa manages to incite a full blown Coven civil war! I think this was a good book for Nessa as a character and a bad one for Marie. Nessa is still pretty evil and crazy but her enemies in this instalment are mostly pretty awful people and it was good to see her showing a few real caring emotions for a few of her friends. It was just a bad book for Marie as Nessa continues to twist her around her little finger and make her appear like a bit of a fool.
There was a bunch of secondary characters that got small POV moments and all enhanced the story. Schaefer just has a talent for making fun characters and crazy memorable villains.
This series has a lot going for it and I feel like with just a few tweaks and a slightly less dark/bleak tone this could have been an all time favourite fantasy series as the good bits are really good!
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: I've warmed more and more to Susannah Jones while listening to her narrate this series. Schaefer series all benefit from having great audio narrators:)
May 28, 2019
This series throws me for a loop every book. Situations and people I thought I was going to hate, I liked, others that I had been rooting for all series I started to dislike and wondered if maybe they shouldn’t end up dead in the end. Every book has my ideas shifting with the story and every book has a twist that is unexpected and not always in the favor of a likable character. This series has really kept me on my toes so far, I can’t believe more fantasy lovers out there haven’t read this.
Terms of Surrender starts up right after the events of Instruments of Control. There are multiple plot arcs happening that seem more and more like they are destined to meet up in the end in some spectacular way. There are even hints that all of this has played out before in some way and will play out again in some future time. There is definitely a feel of destiny to some of the things happening here.
Felix is definitely still the character that it is the easiest to root for no matter what. He is trying so hard to set everything in his life right so that he can find his lady love Renata and they can finally start their lives together. But the entire city thinks he killed his father-in-law and both his wife and a powerful man in the city are trying to get him killed. Good thing he might have a few allies left in unusual places that should be able to help him out.
Renata is doing everything she can to stay out of trouble, which seems to find her no matter what, and wait for Felix to make it back to her. Sure, he married another woman but she never doubts the reasons or his devotion to her. That in itself is refreshing, she is worried he will make it out of that city alive, but that is totally fair considering the trouble he is in. Renata, I think is one of my favorite characters because she is strong, resourceful and not about to back down from the fight headed her way.
The biggest surprise for me in this book was how much I liked Nessa and Mari’s plot arc. After the events of the prior book I thought for sure that Mari was doomed and I was so worried for her. But maybe she is exactly where she is supposed to be and the friendship between Mari and Nessa was the biggest wonder of all. But it totally worked in the story, I was the most investing in this story line and Mari regaining some of her confidence under Nessa’s careful machinations. Plus, I love it when Mari gets sassy
Livia, the new pope was my least favorite PoV in the story. It isn’t bad or anything there was just more religion and fanaticism in it. Livia is sure she has every right to be pope and all of her decisions reflect her belief that she is the one to lead the church back to what it once was. But she has been playing with some very powerful magic that she doesn’t understand and now there will be consequences to be paid. The question is, will she be able to hold out against those consequences or will she fall prey to the horrible side effects of the taint growing inside of her. With the fanatical cult that is growing around her Livia might just become the thing she is trying to save the Church from.
There is again a plethora of twists, backstabs and just when you think some characters are finally gaining some ground or ready get their comeuppance the reader is again surprised by the new direction the story takes.
I’m so excited and terrified to read the conclusion to this story. Let’s hope at least a few of the ‘good guys’ make it out alive.
Terms of Surrender starts up right after the events of Instruments of Control. There are multiple plot arcs happening that seem more and more like they are destined to meet up in the end in some spectacular way. There are even hints that all of this has played out before in some way and will play out again in some future time. There is definitely a feel of destiny to some of the things happening here.
“Do you ever get the feeling you’ve been here before? That everything happening has happened?” Nessa shrugged. “Everyone does, now and again. A trick of the mind.”
Felix is definitely still the character that it is the easiest to root for no matter what. He is trying so hard to set everything in his life right so that he can find his lady love Renata and they can finally start their lives together. But the entire city thinks he killed his father-in-law and both his wife and a powerful man in the city are trying to get him killed. Good thing he might have a few allies left in unusual places that should be able to help him out.
”…I have nothing left. Nothing but Renata. And so long as Aita and Lodovico draw breath, she will never be safe. I’m nothing now, Leggieri, nothing but a cornered rat.” He leaned close, looming over the artist with fire in his eyes. His voice dropped to a graveyard whisper. “But a cornered rat can still bite.”
Renata is doing everything she can to stay out of trouble, which seems to find her no matter what, and wait for Felix to make it back to her. Sure, he married another woman but she never doubts the reasons or his devotion to her. That in itself is refreshing, she is worried he will make it out of that city alive, but that is totally fair considering the trouble he is in. Renata, I think is one of my favorite characters because she is strong, resourceful and not about to back down from the fight headed her way.
The biggest surprise for me in this book was how much I liked Nessa and Mari’s plot arc. After the events of the prior book I thought for sure that Mari was doomed and I was so worried for her. But maybe she is exactly where she is supposed to be and the friendship between Mari and Nessa was the biggest wonder of all. But it totally worked in the story, I was the most investing in this story line and Mari regaining some of her confidence under Nessa’s careful machinations. Plus, I love it when Mari gets sassy
“This is Mari, my knight. Mari, this is Viper, your new cousin.”
Viper snorted. “No relation of mine ’til she’s blooded proper. And a knight? She doesn’t look like much to me.”
“Try me,” Mari replied. “Or do you only spar with girls half your size? I could get on my knees and fight you that way, if it makes you feel safer. And I’ll still win.”
Livia, the new pope was my least favorite PoV in the story. It isn’t bad or anything there was just more religion and fanaticism in it. Livia is sure she has every right to be pope and all of her decisions reflect her belief that she is the one to lead the church back to what it once was. But she has been playing with some very powerful magic that she doesn’t understand and now there will be consequences to be paid. The question is, will she be able to hold out against those consequences or will she fall prey to the horrible side effects of the taint growing inside of her. With the fanatical cult that is growing around her Livia might just become the thing she is trying to save the Church from.
There is again a plethora of twists, backstabs and just when you think some characters are finally gaining some ground or ready get their comeuppance the reader is again surprised by the new direction the story takes.
I’m so excited and terrified to read the conclusion to this story. Let’s hope at least a few of the ‘good guys’ make it out alive.
February 5, 2017
Not quite as good as the first two but all set for the grand showdown in the final instalment. An enjoyable read and an enjoyable series.
April 28, 2020
Now please don’t make it seem that me giving this book 3 stars means that this was bad, I actually did enjoy this a fair bit. For the most part, I do have positive thoughts though I may state some things that may seem a bit controversial, however, please mind that everything I do say is just my opinion.
When I read the first two books earlier in the month, they happened to be quite dark and brutal and in truth, this series can probably be classified as Grimdark. It certainly still is dark, with each book featuring more and more brutality and plot twists that really punches you in the face. However, during the break that I took between reading the first two books and this book, I read The First Law trilogy as well as the first book of The Poppy War, which in comparison to this book, were both so much more Grimdark, and even more brutal. Also, for some reason, the plot twists in book all seemed really predictable and the way that he writes and foreshadows some events just manages to be really obvious.
I believe that because of this, and also since the book is quite fast paced and relatively short for high fantasy, it’s almost as if this series is like a thriller written in a fantasy world, compared to an actual Grimdark fantasy. Please be aware that I have no problem with this, but was rather just a thing I realised after working my way through this book. Now aside from this, where the plot twists were very predictable and that it can often not feel that fantastical, my other thoughts on the book are generally really positive.
I think the character work is all quite good, and I particularly love the determination of all the characters and at how headstrong, yet smart they all happen to be. While the character development is not the most phenomenal in all of literature, the arcs so far are all well-crafted. Livia Serafini is a character whose values, and ideology have changed a fair amount since book 1 and now she has become quite the daring leader. Mari, as unfortunate as her situation is and the way that she was forcibly put into it, has really risen as a character that has become really bold in her actions and is unafraid to back down.
I’ve never been the most interested in Felix, though he too does make an interesting character while his fiancé, Renata gets a lot more page time and becomes a more prominent of a character. Renata, I do find to be interesting in that she has quickly risen to the occasion with lots of fiery passion behind her, but I believe also partly because of some of the things that she has gone through these three books.
The worldbuilding is not something that I have been blown away by, even though there is a fair bit of information about all of the different countries and it has quite a big focus on the religious aspect. Of all the things the author does well with the worldbuilding, it is quite clear that while the religion does seem to largely be based off Christianity in many aspects, it probably does act as his strong suit, since much of the history building is generally pretty standard. There isn’t a lot of fantastical stuff except for the witches and the magic that they have, and while we have learnt a bit more about them, especially since we are spending more page time with them, the way that their magic works isn’t really explained, though there do seem to be some rules and limitations to it. I am really interested in the whole magic aspect of the book and would love to see more of it.
Overall, I did really like this book, though there were some things, purely based on personal opinion and enjoyment, makes this book perhaps just a little bit over 3 stars, though not enough for 4 stars. I was also pleasantly surprised that it featured a f/f relationship, though really glad it did. We really need more diversity in much of adult fantasy. 6.5/10
When I read the first two books earlier in the month, they happened to be quite dark and brutal and in truth, this series can probably be classified as Grimdark. It certainly still is dark, with each book featuring more and more brutality and plot twists that really punches you in the face. However, during the break that I took between reading the first two books and this book, I read The First Law trilogy as well as the first book of The Poppy War, which in comparison to this book, were both so much more Grimdark, and even more brutal. Also, for some reason, the plot twists in book all seemed really predictable and the way that he writes and foreshadows some events just manages to be really obvious.
I believe that because of this, and also since the book is quite fast paced and relatively short for high fantasy, it’s almost as if this series is like a thriller written in a fantasy world, compared to an actual Grimdark fantasy. Please be aware that I have no problem with this, but was rather just a thing I realised after working my way through this book. Now aside from this, where the plot twists were very predictable and that it can often not feel that fantastical, my other thoughts on the book are generally really positive.
I think the character work is all quite good, and I particularly love the determination of all the characters and at how headstrong, yet smart they all happen to be. While the character development is not the most phenomenal in all of literature, the arcs so far are all well-crafted. Livia Serafini is a character whose values, and ideology have changed a fair amount since book 1 and now she has become quite the daring leader. Mari, as unfortunate as her situation is and the way that she was forcibly put into it, has really risen as a character that has become really bold in her actions and is unafraid to back down.
I’ve never been the most interested in Felix, though he too does make an interesting character while his fiancé, Renata gets a lot more page time and becomes a more prominent of a character. Renata, I do find to be interesting in that she has quickly risen to the occasion with lots of fiery passion behind her, but I believe also partly because of some of the things that she has gone through these three books.
The worldbuilding is not something that I have been blown away by, even though there is a fair bit of information about all of the different countries and it has quite a big focus on the religious aspect. Of all the things the author does well with the worldbuilding, it is quite clear that while the religion does seem to largely be based off Christianity in many aspects, it probably does act as his strong suit, since much of the history building is generally pretty standard. There isn’t a lot of fantastical stuff except for the witches and the magic that they have, and while we have learnt a bit more about them, especially since we are spending more page time with them, the way that their magic works isn’t really explained, though there do seem to be some rules and limitations to it. I am really interested in the whole magic aspect of the book and would love to see more of it.
Overall, I did really like this book, though there were some things, purely based on personal opinion and enjoyment, makes this book perhaps just a little bit over 3 stars, though not enough for 4 stars. I was also pleasantly surprised that it featured a f/f relationship, though really glad it did. We really need more diversity in much of adult fantasy. 6.5/10
December 28, 2017
Actual rating: 4.5
That was strong.
Stakes are raised once again and the intrigue tightens.
As it's book three in the epic cycle it's difficult to say much about the plot without spoiling first two instalments. Suffice to say that Felix becomes public enemy, Livia stops being the pawn and Dante continues to play games inside games. There are others. Nessa and Mari do some serious revolution. Renata continues to grow.
Characterization is this series forte. I think that Craig Schaefer writes some of the best, complex and believable female protagonists and antagonists. He writes fantastic villains. He's even able to make us root for villains.
Nessa and Mari were the highlight of this book for me. I continue to adore Dante and his machinations. Even Felix develops a character.
If you read first two books of Revanche Cycle, read this one as well. It's even better. If you haven't - well, what are you waiting for?
That was strong.
Stakes are raised once again and the intrigue tightens.
As it's book three in the epic cycle it's difficult to say much about the plot without spoiling first two instalments. Suffice to say that Felix becomes public enemy, Livia stops being the pawn and Dante continues to play games inside games. There are others. Nessa and Mari do some serious revolution. Renata continues to grow.
Characterization is this series forte. I think that Craig Schaefer writes some of the best, complex and believable female protagonists and antagonists. He writes fantastic villains. He's even able to make us root for villains.
Nessa and Mari were the highlight of this book for me. I continue to adore Dante and his machinations. Even Felix develops a character.
If you read first two books of Revanche Cycle, read this one as well. It's even better. If you haven't - well, what are you waiting for?
August 4, 2021
I expected this to take me a few days rather than a month to read but RL got busy, and I savored every moment I was able to dive back into this world. The accessible, character-driven style is so compelling, and I'm salivating for Queen of the Night. Andiamo!
MacHaloextended BR with Sarah!
MacHalo
May 24, 2019
7.5/10
The weakest of the series so far and it still earns a 4 star rating so we’re talking marginals here. I can’t say much about the story as it’s too far in without spoiling something but it’s as expected from the series with multiple POV’s all with plotting and back stabbing.
One thing that stands out from the books I’ve read is that in each entry I change who I like the most and want to read more of. I think Nessa and Mari win out this time only just beating Renata this time. One thing for sure is I’m curious how it’s all going to finish up and I really hope a few people get what they deserve.
Another thing that surprises me is the lack of ratings for this series. I’m having great fun getting through these and there is plenty going for it. Well worth a try and it’s available on Kindle Unlimited/Lending library.
The weakest of the series so far and it still earns a 4 star rating so we’re talking marginals here. I can’t say much about the story as it’s too far in without spoiling something but it’s as expected from the series with multiple POV’s all with plotting and back stabbing.
One thing that stands out from the books I’ve read is that in each entry I change who I like the most and want to read more of. I think Nessa and Mari win out this time only just beating Renata this time. One thing for sure is I’m curious how it’s all going to finish up and I really hope a few people get what they deserve.
Another thing that surprises me is the lack of ratings for this series. I’m having great fun getting through these and there is plenty going for it. Well worth a try and it’s available on Kindle Unlimited/Lending library.
September 30, 2018
Actual rating: 4.50
January 12, 2024
Ein epischer build-up mit genialen Twists. Ich hoffe das Finale packt nochmal was obendrauf 🤞🏽
July 17, 2017
Read the full review at my site https://wp.me/p89tYT-fU
“A man who scorns weeping,” she said, “is a man who knows that no one will weep for him”.
The “Revanche Cycle”, written by Craig Schaefer, is a low fantasy quadrilogy. It consists of the following books – “Winter’s Reach”, “The Instruments of Control”, “Terms of Surrender” and “Queen of the Night”. The series weaves a complex tapestry of magic, politics, religion, intrigue and action ranging across multiple characters and lands. I will be reviewing the entire series instead of each book since that gives a more complete perspective on whether you ought to read this series.
I have not seen such brilliant low fantasy since A Song of Ice and Fire (or Game of Thrones for you heathens out there). There have been many high fantasy series which are good like Shadows of the Apt or The Malazan Book of the Fallen, but not so much on the low fantasy side. The Revanche Cycle blows everything else I have read out of the water, in its coming together of various elements of low fantasy, story, plot, writing and character development. I will explore these elements one by one.
Read the full review at my site https://wp.me/p89tYT-fU
“A man who scorns weeping,” she said, “is a man who knows that no one will weep for him”.
The “Revanche Cycle”, written by Craig Schaefer, is a low fantasy quadrilogy. It consists of the following books – “Winter’s Reach”, “The Instruments of Control”, “Terms of Surrender” and “Queen of the Night”. The series weaves a complex tapestry of magic, politics, religion, intrigue and action ranging across multiple characters and lands. I will be reviewing the entire series instead of each book since that gives a more complete perspective on whether you ought to read this series.
I have not seen such brilliant low fantasy since A Song of Ice and Fire (or Game of Thrones for you heathens out there). There have been many high fantasy series which are good like Shadows of the Apt or The Malazan Book of the Fallen, but not so much on the low fantasy side. The Revanche Cycle blows everything else I have read out of the water, in its coming together of various elements of low fantasy, story, plot, writing and character development. I will explore these elements one by one.
Read the full review at my site https://wp.me/p89tYT-fU
January 14, 2017
3.5 stars
Decent enough, but this series just hasn't hooked me. I'm looking forward to finishing it. I'll try out the author's urban fantasy. If I'm as lukewarm on it as I am his current epic/high fantasy, then I won't continue. I have more tolerance for take-it-or-leave-it high fantasy than for urban. I really hope I like those books more. It's a shame to have hopes dashed when you find a new, seemingly good author in your favorite genre...especially when said genre seems like a fad. Ugh.
Decent enough, but this series just hasn't hooked me. I'm looking forward to finishing it. I'll try out the author's urban fantasy. If I'm as lukewarm on it as I am his current epic/high fantasy, then I won't continue. I have more tolerance for take-it-or-leave-it high fantasy than for urban. I really hope I like those books more. It's a shame to have hopes dashed when you find a new, seemingly good author in your favorite genre...especially when said genre seems like a fad. Ugh.
November 27, 2025
I'd probably delay this series for later, if it wasn't so important to the larger storyline in the Daniel Faust, Harmony Black, and Wisdom's Grave series... Schaefer's UF series are much more light and fun.
I just seem to be unhappy with the direction certain characters are going in this series, even tho it makes sense in a world of revenge and revanche...
EDIT: enjoyed more on re-read, altho I kinda inflated the level of Meta-Narrative above and beyond what exists in the story...
I just seem to be unhappy with the direction certain characters are going in this series, even tho it makes sense in a world of revenge and revanche...
EDIT: enjoyed more on re-read, altho I kinda inflated the level of Meta-Narrative above and beyond what exists in the story...
December 22, 2019
I basically have the same review for this book as the ones for the previous book. There were some twists that I didn’t see coming, but overall I’m having a hard time caring enough to finish this series out. And with only one book left in this quartet, that’s saying something.
I recommend this series to someone who enjoys fantasy and doesn’t need a lot of character development in order to care what happens to the players. Unfortunately, I need to feel one way or another about the characters so that rules me out.
I recommend this series to someone who enjoys fantasy and doesn’t need a lot of character development in order to care what happens to the players. Unfortunately, I need to feel one way or another about the characters so that rules me out.
July 30, 2019
I'm not sure if I really liked it, or if I just want to know what happens, and to what extent the difference matters.
April 5, 2021
Everytime this man tries to write an intelligent political intrigue or plot advancement this book falls apart and starts to look like it's been written by a child.
Spoilers from here on:
The spy that is send on a propaganda mission just tells the cardinal who famously betrayed Livia (which led to her being excommunicated and hunted in the first place) everything he knows because, "lmao, I'm actually on your side".
The King tries to assassinate Livia in his palace garden and later that day has a nice party inviting all the important character to celebrate her death, without checking up on weather shes's dead or not??
Also the kraken, that was established to be usually distracted by sailors by putting out a rowboat full of food to distract him and sate his hunger, thus making it not go after the boat, destroys the entire enemy fleet, just so it's convenient.
The empires armies and soldiers are also always portrayed as dumb, naive fools, so a every victory over them just makes me go like ehhhh, they never were supposed to win anyway, this is not a surprise at all.
Spoilers from here on:
The spy that is send on a propaganda mission just tells the cardinal who famously betrayed Livia (which led to her being excommunicated and hunted in the first place) everything he knows because, "lmao, I'm actually on your side".
The King tries to assassinate Livia in his palace garden and later that day has a nice party inviting all the important character to celebrate her death, without checking up on weather shes's dead or not??
Also the kraken, that was established to be usually distracted by sailors by putting out a rowboat full of food to distract him and sate his hunger, thus making it not go after the boat, destroys the entire enemy fleet, just so it's convenient.
The empires armies and soldiers are also always portrayed as dumb, naive fools, so a every victory over them just makes me go like ehhhh, they never were supposed to win anyway, this is not a surprise at all.
December 9, 2020
Infected
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. The first book is "Winter's Reach". The second book is "The Instruments Of Control". This is the third book. I can't wait to read "Queen Of The Night"!
Livia is trapped. She has become infected by the witchcraft that she used to save herself from assassination. She has headaches and nausea and has no idea how to stop it. Maybe Squirel's book will tell her something. The Brown Cloaks think she is not just the Pope, but actually the reincarnation of Saint Elise come to make everything right again. Can she live up to their expectations? Will she be able to keep them from getting out of line? Can she stop the plots against her and depose her half brother? Will her illness prevent her from doing anything at all? Can she find a cure?
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. The first book is "Winter's Reach". The second book is "The Instruments Of Control". This is the third book. I can't wait to read "Queen Of The Night"!
Livia is trapped. She has become infected by the witchcraft that she used to save herself from assassination. She has headaches and nausea and has no idea how to stop it. Maybe Squirel's book will tell her something. The Brown Cloaks think she is not just the Pope, but actually the reincarnation of Saint Elise come to make everything right again. Can she live up to their expectations? Will she be able to keep them from getting out of line? Can she stop the plots against her and depose her half brother? Will her illness prevent her from doing anything at all? Can she find a cure?
May 15, 2016
Good grief! I am captured by Craig's writing and Susannah's vocal talent. What a dynamic duo this is! Craig seamlessly crafts a world where waves of change ripple through all the classes and divisions of the world, and we see the splashes it makes in each persons plans to better themselves. Craig does not leave us wanting, but keeps us dreading when we have to put the book down. We get all the masterful schemes, partnerships, fights, and deaths.
I don't know if it's possible to love this series any more. With each book, I fall more and more for this world and characters with the turmoil they live through.
****FULL REVIEW****
*I requested to review a copy of this audiobook for an honest review from the author or narrator.
Pope Livia looks to return home and unseat Carl as Pope, but will people accept her? Her witchy deeds to protect her Brown Cloaks and herself have been seen as a grace from the Gardener, but what if they knew the truth. Felix is hunted by all sides of the law and finds a new ally against his wife and her partner, but he has to stay alive to clear his name and leave to find his love, Renata. But first he'll take care of Aita and Lodovico so he and Renata won't be hunted.
The Empire has pulled all but 1/3 of his army from Belle Terre to fight in the desert, a Crusade the Emperor is determined to fight. The Terrai take advantage of the movement and attack to take back their own. Owl finds trouble in her coven, and is more determined to take over as the Mother witch.
All need a strong weapon to win the battles before them, that aren't looking good. A few find the weapons in them or around them. Others know of one that was hidden away years ago, one that was to powerful to use then. But now.... it may be able to be handled. But who will get to it first?
Susannah has a magnificent talent in the way she holds suspense and my interest in her voice. From the first words of this story, she has gripped my attention and pulled me in. I don't know if I can express how much I love Susannah's work in this series. I love listening to Susannah as she voices each character giving them an individual sound and feel. They all are written with vastly different personalities, and Susannah brings that alive for us.
Everything is as we left it at the end of Instruments of Control. In turmoil. I love how the story starts right where we left off. There is no rehashing of what has happened. But Craig drops reminders as the characters think or talk of where they are going or to do next, easily bringing past events to mind.
We get to see the story from a few different POV's, but it's extremely easy to follow who's who. In this world, we need all POV's we can be given as there is so many different sides that are touched with the waves of change.
These characters each have their own agenda in life, their own person they are looking to unseat or kill. By this book, they all have dark agendas they are fighting for. It's a beautiful thing! All their lives interlace with one another and actions against one affects many more, whether for good or bad is yet to be determined.
We get deeper into the witch life with Nessa. We see an ages old tradition of a Coven Knight brought back and how the coven works, or I should say is working and should be working in Nessa's eyes. We see rituals performed and the witch side of the story come to light here. I am surprised to see (and dare I think) Nessa growing fond of Mari and who she's created her to be.
Livia, I want to applaud her and say, You go girl! She's learned a lot and some of it dire, but she's a strong woman and will do well for all while she's around.
There is trouble stewing with the crusade in the desert, and crusaders trying to get there. All ties back to Lodovico Marchetti and what his plans are. These plans affect so many people, and people are starting to get a glimpse of what he's doing. But what is his end game? What is Lodovico really working toward?
Felix is reminded what he's fighting for. Love. For his love and safety of his love, Renata. He works to remain the man he is for Renata, but life pushes in other ways the longer he stays in Mirenze. Renata has found a new strength in herself. Renata fights through physical battles in the previous book and this one. But now, she sees she can fight for what she wants. And she's ready to do just that.
The biggest thing I've been waiting for, what's in the alum mines at Winter's Reach that the witches have been hiding. Yes. We learn what it is! What I learn of it does not let down. It's told in a way that it's as terrible as I had hoped.
The growth and fall of all these characters, WOW! There was so much thought put into this world, characters, internal and external battles and it shows. Excellent job!
Who is on the good side? Um... I don't know if there's a good side anymore. All have blurred the line between right and wrong. All just want what they want, whether it's peace to live with a loved one, money, power, control, or all these things.
Good grief! I am captured by Craig's writing and Susannah's vocal talent. What a dynamic duo this is! Craig seamlessly crafts a world where waves of change ripple through all the classes and divisions of the world, and we see the splashes it makes in each persons plans to better themselves. Craig does not leave us wanting, but keeps us dreading when we have to put the book down. We get all the masterful schemes, partnerships, fights, and deaths.
I don't know if it's possible to love this series any more. With each book, I fall more and more for this world and characters with the turmoil they live through.
I don't know if it's possible to love this series any more. With each book, I fall more and more for this world and characters with the turmoil they live through.
****FULL REVIEW****
*I requested to review a copy of this audiobook for an honest review from the author or narrator.
Pope Livia looks to return home and unseat Carl as Pope, but will people accept her? Her witchy deeds to protect her Brown Cloaks and herself have been seen as a grace from the Gardener, but what if they knew the truth. Felix is hunted by all sides of the law and finds a new ally against his wife and her partner, but he has to stay alive to clear his name and leave to find his love, Renata. But first he'll take care of Aita and Lodovico so he and Renata won't be hunted.
The Empire has pulled all but 1/3 of his army from Belle Terre to fight in the desert, a Crusade the Emperor is determined to fight. The Terrai take advantage of the movement and attack to take back their own. Owl finds trouble in her coven, and is more determined to take over as the Mother witch.
All need a strong weapon to win the battles before them, that aren't looking good. A few find the weapons in them or around them. Others know of one that was hidden away years ago, one that was to powerful to use then. But now.... it may be able to be handled. But who will get to it first?
Susannah has a magnificent talent in the way she holds suspense and my interest in her voice. From the first words of this story, she has gripped my attention and pulled me in. I don't know if I can express how much I love Susannah's work in this series. I love listening to Susannah as she voices each character giving them an individual sound and feel. They all are written with vastly different personalities, and Susannah brings that alive for us.
Everything is as we left it at the end of Instruments of Control. In turmoil. I love how the story starts right where we left off. There is no rehashing of what has happened. But Craig drops reminders as the characters think or talk of where they are going or to do next, easily bringing past events to mind.
We get to see the story from a few different POV's, but it's extremely easy to follow who's who. In this world, we need all POV's we can be given as there is so many different sides that are touched with the waves of change.
These characters each have their own agenda in life, their own person they are looking to unseat or kill. By this book, they all have dark agendas they are fighting for. It's a beautiful thing! All their lives interlace with one another and actions against one affects many more, whether for good or bad is yet to be determined.
We get deeper into the witch life with Nessa. We see an ages old tradition of a Coven Knight brought back and how the coven works, or I should say is working and should be working in Nessa's eyes. We see rituals performed and the witch side of the story come to light here. I am surprised to see (and dare I think) Nessa growing fond of Mari and who she's created her to be.
Livia, I want to applaud her and say, You go girl! She's learned a lot and some of it dire, but she's a strong woman and will do well for all while she's around.
There is trouble stewing with the crusade in the desert, and crusaders trying to get there. All ties back to Lodovico Marchetti and what his plans are. These plans affect so many people, and people are starting to get a glimpse of what he's doing. But what is his end game? What is Lodovico really working toward?
Felix is reminded what he's fighting for. Love. For his love and safety of his love, Renata. He works to remain the man he is for Renata, but life pushes in other ways the longer he stays in Mirenze. Renata has found a new strength in herself. Renata fights through physical battles in the previous book and this one. But now, she sees she can fight for what she wants. And she's ready to do just that.
The biggest thing I've been waiting for, what's in the alum mines at Winter's Reach that the witches have been hiding. Yes. We learn what it is! What I learn of it does not let down. It's told in a way that it's as terrible as I had hoped.
The growth and fall of all these characters, WOW! There was so much thought put into this world, characters, internal and external battles and it shows. Excellent job!
Who is on the good side? Um... I don't know if there's a good side anymore. All have blurred the line between right and wrong. All just want what they want, whether it's peace to live with a loved one, money, power, control, or all these things.
Good grief! I am captured by Craig's writing and Susannah's vocal talent. What a dynamic duo this is! Craig seamlessly crafts a world where waves of change ripple through all the classes and divisions of the world, and we see the splashes it makes in each persons plans to better themselves. Craig does not leave us wanting, but keeps us dreading when we have to put the book down. We get all the masterful schemes, partnerships, fights, and deaths.
I don't know if it's possible to love this series any more. With each book, I fall more and more for this world and characters with the turmoil they live through.
April 18, 2025
Lots of great moments and comeuppance in this entry. Livia's plotline picks up a lot, after being largely sidelined in the last book. Marie's path is the hardest to swallow still--I rarely enjoy antagonist POV chapters and she's spending way too much time with some very unlikeable people. Renatta was the easiest to root for, though I'm also happy Felix made some good character progress. Really looking forward to seeing the conclusion.
One of my reading buddies mentioned there's some good seeds of the series-spanning meta plot, but not having read any of Schaefer's other connected series I don't see them yet.
One of my reading buddies mentioned there's some good seeds of the series-spanning meta plot, but not having read any of Schaefer's other connected series I don't see them yet.
March 21, 2023
I love the characters of this series but there's just far too many inconsistencies. There's no balance between the protagonist and the antagonist.
The protagonists are all idiots and the antagonists are all Super Genius with unlimited resources and information.
Spoiler
The protagonists are all idiots and the antagonists are all Super Genius with unlimited resources and information.
Spoiler
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2017
The book is really similar to Game of Thrones, at this point I'm not sure I like any character but still want to read.
March 25, 2023
Gah! Felix dipping out like some kind of 3 musketeer! 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2024
Treachery and plots successful and foiled. What an exciting ride
February 16, 2025
3.5☆
So many twists and turns!
So many twists and turns!
April 13, 2025
5 Stars:)
March 30, 2022
A joy to read and can't wait for the next and last book in this series
November 22, 2015
I really did go through this book with a smile on my face- which, given the fact that Schaefer seems to adore torturing his poor characters, is really a ringing endorsement for the quality of the storytelling. (I'm teasing, mostly!)
Honestly, this is a series I've enjoyed since the beginning- political intrigue, religious intrigue, magical intrigue, intrigue-y intrigue- but what set this entry in the series apart is that the characters that have been so beaten down in previous books finally win some victories here. I'm certainly not delusional enough to call the book uplifting or anything, but, it showed some major character development across the board, and a few different scenes put satisfied smiles on my face of, "Yeah, fuck yeah, ___ has come a long way since the beginning."
The series has one final book still to be released, and if Schaefer keeps this quality up, it's probably gonna be an emotional rollercoaster- and a hell of a read. Can't wait.
Honestly, this is a series I've enjoyed since the beginning- political intrigue, religious intrigue, magical intrigue, intrigue-y intrigue- but what set this entry in the series apart is that the characters that have been so beaten down in previous books finally win some victories here. I'm certainly not delusional enough to call the book uplifting or anything, but, it showed some major character development across the board, and a few different scenes put satisfied smiles on my face of, "Yeah, fuck yeah, ___ has come a long way since the beginning."
The series has one final book still to be released, and if Schaefer keeps this quality up, it's probably gonna be an emotional rollercoaster- and a hell of a read. Can't wait.
December 16, 2015
I'll give this to Schaefer: his writing is definitely improving as he goes. This is the best of this series to date. He does make interesting choices, trying to get you to like what would typically be considered villainous characters. There are plenty of times when I like that, but I'm not sure that I can get behind some of his chaotic evil characters here which are becoming the protagonists of his story. But it is an interesting story, and very well written.
June 27, 2016
Clearly a set up, like all his novels
And I'm glad I only have to wait one day to get to the final chapter! Seriously, for academies I wasn't particularly interested in starting, I'm amazingly invested in the ending.
Also, yep, predicted the queer bait 100% accurately, saw it coming ages away.
And I'm glad I only have to wait one day to get to the final chapter! Seriously, for academies I wasn't particularly interested in starting, I'm amazingly invested in the ending.
Also, yep, predicted the queer bait 100% accurately, saw it coming ages away.
January 19, 2017
Really should have tried this series sooner. The big reveal about the Misery managed to come off like switching between scenes in a movie. It's great writing, the characters are all complex and interesting to follow and the twists manage to be genuinely surprising and game-changing. Definitely eager to see how it ends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews