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Transgressor Trilogy #3
Dues of Blood
In the arena a fight can only ever end one way - with blood on the sand.
“You are rattling the wrong cage," he said, his tone cold. "I laid those ghosts in my first year of the arena – I was eighteen and I killed the three men I thought of as my best friends in as many moons. You are the one with a problem about it, not me.”
The Sabre is the most famous of the gladiatorial fighters in the Arena of Alfor. He knows how to face any opponent on the sand and has defeated them all in the blood-games patronised by the wealthy elite of medieval Temsevar. But the Warlord Qabal Vyazin has decreed the arena is to become a means of political execution and even the Sabre will have to struggle to survive.
Temsevar is an insignificant Periphery world on the very fringes of galactic civilisation. Settled long before the rise of faster-than-light technologies and left isolated for hundreds of years, its population has degenerated into the barbarism of a medieval culture. This primitive world has nothing the wealthy planets of the Coalition could want, until it becomes unwitting host to one of their most dangerous enemies - Avilon Revid. But Temsevar has its own struggles, which are being played out against the backdrop of its harsh society and unforgiving climate.
As the action on Temsevar moves to the end-game, those caught up in events find themselves polarised and choosing sides, unsure of where the dagger of betrayal may hide. But offworld influences are reaching into the planets affairs and Temsevar itself could fall under threat from the Coalition.
Dues of Blood is the third volume in the Transgressor Trilogy, which began with The Fated Sky and Times of Change. It follows events up to the final crisis on Temsevar, as the Warlord Qabal Vyazin seeks to secure his grip over the last pockets of resistance and the true secret of Harkera is finally uncovered.
“You are rattling the wrong cage," he said, his tone cold. "I laid those ghosts in my first year of the arena – I was eighteen and I killed the three men I thought of as my best friends in as many moons. You are the one with a problem about it, not me.”
The Sabre is the most famous of the gladiatorial fighters in the Arena of Alfor. He knows how to face any opponent on the sand and has defeated them all in the blood-games patronised by the wealthy elite of medieval Temsevar. But the Warlord Qabal Vyazin has decreed the arena is to become a means of political execution and even the Sabre will have to struggle to survive.
Temsevar is an insignificant Periphery world on the very fringes of galactic civilisation. Settled long before the rise of faster-than-light technologies and left isolated for hundreds of years, its population has degenerated into the barbarism of a medieval culture. This primitive world has nothing the wealthy planets of the Coalition could want, until it becomes unwitting host to one of their most dangerous enemies - Avilon Revid. But Temsevar has its own struggles, which are being played out against the backdrop of its harsh society and unforgiving climate.
As the action on Temsevar moves to the end-game, those caught up in events find themselves polarised and choosing sides, unsure of where the dagger of betrayal may hide. But offworld influences are reaching into the planets affairs and Temsevar itself could fall under threat from the Coalition.
Dues of Blood is the third volume in the Transgressor Trilogy, which began with The Fated Sky and Times of Change. It follows events up to the final crisis on Temsevar, as the Warlord Qabal Vyazin seeks to secure his grip over the last pockets of resistance and the true secret of Harkera is finally uncovered.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2016
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Swift-Hook
49 books204 followersE.M. Swift-Hook is the author of the Fortune's Fools dark space opera series and co-author of the alternate history whodunits the Dai and Julia Mysteries.
In the words that Robert Heinlein put into the mouth of Lazarus Long: 'Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards.'
Having tried a number of different careers, before settling in the North-East of England with family, three dogs, cats and a small flock of rescued chickens, she now spends a lot of time in private and has very clean hands.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 19, 2016
I get it now. This third book brought all the threads together and I came to understand just what was at stake.
The harsh realities and the casual brutality are still there, and they reverberate through the storytelling like the echoes of a thunderstorm.
This is writing without compromise but it's far from being without heart. The story will stay with me for a long while.
I do wish I had managed to get involved enough to go for the full five stars but once again I remained a bystander. And once again I'm wishful of 4.75 stars being available.
The harsh realities and the casual brutality are still there, and they reverberate through the storytelling like the echoes of a thunderstorm.
This is writing without compromise but it's far from being without heart. The story will stay with me for a long while.
I do wish I had managed to get involved enough to go for the full five stars but once again I remained a bystander. And once again I'm wishful of 4.75 stars being available.
March 21, 2017
On the whole, a satisfying ending to a really good series. I recommend all three.
July 30, 2017
Reading this? Two questions for you- Did you read my reviews on the first two parts of Transgressor? Look a LARC-SciFi(dot)com/bookreviews for them. Second did you take my advice and start this series? I liked it so much, I bought paperbacks for my Pop, the dude who got me into fantasy, scifi, and space opera in the first place. If it’s good enough for the big guy, maybe it’s too good for you! Just kidding, every reader is a special snowflake.
Still here? You’re persistent! Well here are two reasons if you really still need convincing. Swift-Hook kills a character you love and introduces another you will grow to love. Plus the ending has a mind blowing surprise that actually makes a lot of sense.
Normally I run long of wind, but it’s a beautiful day, you should stop looking at reviews and just take this book to the beach. Me? Another road trip with audible and ereader.
I was given a free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left a review. Any review. That fact that it’s a good one is because the book is good. Which has nothing to do with how awesome I am. You’ll have to find that out for yourself @S_Shane_Thomas on Twitter.
By the way. The trilogy ends, while leaving the galaxy and some players wide open for the next trilogy. I can’t wait. Just have to work through my pesky TBR first…
Still here? You’re persistent! Well here are two reasons if you really still need convincing. Swift-Hook kills a character you love and introduces another you will grow to love. Plus the ending has a mind blowing surprise that actually makes a lot of sense.
Normally I run long of wind, but it’s a beautiful day, you should stop looking at reviews and just take this book to the beach. Me? Another road trip with audible and ereader.
I was given a free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left a review. Any review. That fact that it’s a good one is because the book is good. Which has nothing to do with how awesome I am. You’ll have to find that out for yourself @S_Shane_Thomas on Twitter.
By the way. The trilogy ends, while leaving the galaxy and some players wide open for the next trilogy. I can’t wait. Just have to work through my pesky TBR first…
September 18, 2017
Avilon realizes the only way he can help his friend Jariq is to get captured and sent to the arena also. Jariq is withdrawn into himself after the brutal branding and his transition into a lowly fighting-slave. He has earned the nickname of ‘ghost’ because he has yet to communicate with any of the other slaves. They don’t even know who he is at this point. Once Avilon joins their ranks, the lead slave, Tawn, soon realizes who Jariq is and they concoct a plan to bring Jariq back to awareness. The three slaves continue to work together through the brutal winter months knowing that the spring thaw will bring them to Qabal and a fight for their lives. We’re left wondering who will survive.
Enter Durban Chola, a man with a plan. Durban is still very much the puppet master, pulling all the strings of all the major players on Temsevar. The ending held a surprise or two and though nearly everything was somewhat resolved some of the characters have a story yet to tell. Though I’m going to miss the world of Temsevar with all of its brutality I’m also excited to visit the other world’s created by E M Swift-Hook. Great world building and excellent, well-formed characters. This entire Trilogy is Highly Recommended.
Enter Durban Chola, a man with a plan. Durban is still very much the puppet master, pulling all the strings of all the major players on Temsevar. The ending held a surprise or two and though nearly everything was somewhat resolved some of the characters have a story yet to tell. Though I’m going to miss the world of Temsevar with all of its brutality I’m also excited to visit the other world’s created by E M Swift-Hook. Great world building and excellent, well-formed characters. This entire Trilogy is Highly Recommended.
September 4, 2017
If you pick up this book, you will be trapped. You've been warned!
So here is the problem. I have a crush on one of the main characters in this book. And trust me when I tell you, he has no interest in me at all.
Dues of blood is a perfect wrap up for a wonderful series. The setting is a peripheral planet that is a strange combination between a cut-throat nomad society and a space traveling politically motivated aliens. On one hand, this society is very structured and ritualistic, but when push comes to shove, there aren’t really any rules that can’t be broken. Especially when Durban is concerned.
The author cannot write a straight plot to save her life. Unless you can see around blind corners, you will not be able to figure out where this book is going. But everything is beautifully and brilliantly connected in the end.
The characters are believable, hateable and for sure lovable. You will find yourself yelling at them on occasion, but that’s mostly because one in particular is as stubborn as one of the cranky ponies they ride everywhere.
The book ends well, but it doesn’t end for real. Lots of characters are still in play and I cannot wait to see what Durban does next.
So here is the problem. I have a crush on one of the main characters in this book. And trust me when I tell you, he has no interest in me at all.
Dues of blood is a perfect wrap up for a wonderful series. The setting is a peripheral planet that is a strange combination between a cut-throat nomad society and a space traveling politically motivated aliens. On one hand, this society is very structured and ritualistic, but when push comes to shove, there aren’t really any rules that can’t be broken. Especially when Durban is concerned.
The author cannot write a straight plot to save her life. Unless you can see around blind corners, you will not be able to figure out where this book is going. But everything is beautifully and brilliantly connected in the end.
The characters are believable, hateable and for sure lovable. You will find yourself yelling at them on occasion, but that’s mostly because one in particular is as stubborn as one of the cranky ponies they ride everywhere.
The book ends well, but it doesn’t end for real. Lots of characters are still in play and I cannot wait to see what Durban does next.
April 28, 2017
This is the third book I have read in this trilogy, which means I've started the series in order, and now am at the epic conclusion. So, how did I feel about this book and the way it ended?
Again, that wordplay and doublespeak dominates this book, like it did for the other two. I do delight in that kind of writing style... repertoire, hidden meanings, and nuances, but like the other two volumes, it is an awful lot and can wear down after a while.
I think my favourite character is now Durban Chola, who comes across here much stronger than he has in the other two books. Finally, he comes fully on his own, and he pretty much carries this story on his wits alone. For this reason, I am giving this book four stars, as I revel every time he opens his mouth and releases his incredible oratory. Otherwise, due to my wishy-washy-ness with the other characters, except for Avilon Revid who is a compelling hero as usual, I would have docked a star.
I felt a little off-put about much of the book taking place in gladiator-like housing (or rather should we say prison complex). It is a difficult setting to choose for a book because of the sheer hopelessness and futility of such a place--the only way to get out is to die during the bloodthirsty performances, or otherwise, if one wins, he simply continues to live to fight on, nothing more. But the author managed to pull it off, because there's actually little fighting--it's where the political intrigue, back-slapping, and glad-handling continues, as the trapped warriors speak and reason just as intelligently as their masters. Not a situation I would expect to occur in real life, but on this world, everyone thinks three steps ahead and speaks like seasoned verbalists.
Another drawback for this book was the ending that occurs after, well, the ending I thought would conclude this book. The extra ending finished off with a huge burst of science fiction that I hadn't seen to such extent in the previous two volumes, and it left me saying, "whoa" in a confused way. After hearing more about Durban Chola during this seemingly dream-like surrealistic science fiction ending (almost like it was tacked on by a fan fiction contributor) I was left with a "what the heck!" moment. I also think the author got a little tired after the climax of the book, and wanted to finish this extra ending. But now that I've reflected on the main story, I'm satisfied with the gist, and am relieved that some main characters are on the way out, so that I can stop, knowing what happened to the main characters, thus indulging myself in the completion of the story arcs.
Overall, I think the second book is the best. Both the first and third books in this trilogy had some pacing issues, with sudden shifts in pacing and introduction of new characters or concepts.
I didn't favour the amount of ink given to the travelling troupe in the first book, but am pleased with the amount of attention here, which seems more modest and well-suited to the plot. Also, I am much more pleased with the role of Durban Chola in this book, as he's far more consistent than he was in either the first two volumes. Smooth, I think. I would definitely read another book with Durban Chola as the lead. (Not sure about his science fiction portrayal but I'll keep an open mind!) He could be the new Niccolo Machiavelli of literature!
Again, that wordplay and doublespeak dominates this book, like it did for the other two. I do delight in that kind of writing style... repertoire, hidden meanings, and nuances, but like the other two volumes, it is an awful lot and can wear down after a while.
I think my favourite character is now Durban Chola, who comes across here much stronger than he has in the other two books. Finally, he comes fully on his own, and he pretty much carries this story on his wits alone. For this reason, I am giving this book four stars, as I revel every time he opens his mouth and releases his incredible oratory. Otherwise, due to my wishy-washy-ness with the other characters, except for Avilon Revid who is a compelling hero as usual, I would have docked a star.
I felt a little off-put about much of the book taking place in gladiator-like housing (or rather should we say prison complex). It is a difficult setting to choose for a book because of the sheer hopelessness and futility of such a place--the only way to get out is to die during the bloodthirsty performances, or otherwise, if one wins, he simply continues to live to fight on, nothing more. But the author managed to pull it off, because there's actually little fighting--it's where the political intrigue, back-slapping, and glad-handling continues, as the trapped warriors speak and reason just as intelligently as their masters. Not a situation I would expect to occur in real life, but on this world, everyone thinks three steps ahead and speaks like seasoned verbalists.
Another drawback for this book was the ending that occurs after, well, the ending I thought would conclude this book. The extra ending finished off with a huge burst of science fiction that I hadn't seen to such extent in the previous two volumes, and it left me saying, "whoa" in a confused way. After hearing more about Durban Chola during this seemingly dream-like surrealistic science fiction ending (almost like it was tacked on by a fan fiction contributor) I was left with a "what the heck!" moment. I also think the author got a little tired after the climax of the book, and wanted to finish this extra ending. But now that I've reflected on the main story, I'm satisfied with the gist, and am relieved that some main characters are on the way out, so that I can stop, knowing what happened to the main characters, thus indulging myself in the completion of the story arcs.
Overall, I think the second book is the best. Both the first and third books in this trilogy had some pacing issues, with sudden shifts in pacing and introduction of new characters or concepts.
I didn't favour the amount of ink given to the travelling troupe in the first book, but am pleased with the amount of attention here, which seems more modest and well-suited to the plot. Also, I am much more pleased with the role of Durban Chola in this book, as he's far more consistent than he was in either the first two volumes. Smooth, I think. I would definitely read another book with Durban Chola as the lead. (Not sure about his science fiction portrayal but I'll keep an open mind!) He could be the new Niccolo Machiavelli of literature!
February 21, 2017
Review of Dues of Blood, Book 3 of the Transgressor Trilogy
by E.M. Swift-Hook
An entire planet is about to fall under the control of a vicious and unprincipled warlord and the only hope is founded on one man who’s trade is that of a professional liar.
Durban Chola is a trader in scandal, rumour and the secrets of others. He is a man who changes elegancies more often than pendulum changes direction.
When a hero of the resistance risks his life to save to save a friend and their combined fate hangs on their skills in the arena against the most successful fighting slave of the continent what hope is left for the free peoples of Harkera?
The fortunes of the main combatant’s rise and fall like waves in a storm-tossed sea while the entire continent strives to survive the terrible cold of the long winter.
This is the most tangled web of lies, plot and counter-plot I have ever read and I defy anyone to willingly put this story down till they undone the final knot its characters have tied.
I can’t wait for the new trilogy to begin.
by E.M. Swift-Hook
An entire planet is about to fall under the control of a vicious and unprincipled warlord and the only hope is founded on one man who’s trade is that of a professional liar.
Durban Chola is a trader in scandal, rumour and the secrets of others. He is a man who changes elegancies more often than pendulum changes direction.
When a hero of the resistance risks his life to save to save a friend and their combined fate hangs on their skills in the arena against the most successful fighting slave of the continent what hope is left for the free peoples of Harkera?
The fortunes of the main combatant’s rise and fall like waves in a storm-tossed sea while the entire continent strives to survive the terrible cold of the long winter.
This is the most tangled web of lies, plot and counter-plot I have ever read and I defy anyone to willingly put this story down till they undone the final knot its characters have tied.
I can’t wait for the new trilogy to begin.
January 22, 2017
Loved Book 3!
Loved the entire series and look forward to the follow on books.
This book was a good ending to the series but I would like to know what happens next
Loved the entire series and look forward to the follow on books.
This book was a good ending to the series but I would like to know what happens next
May 14, 2018
A great end to a brilliant trilogy!
The third book of The Transgressor Trilogy picks up where the second book left off, and as far as i'm concerned it tied up all those loose ends from the previous two reads. Also, we get our first taste of Jaz Baldrick.
The story revolves more around Jariq Zarangor and Avilon Ravid, and their struggle to survive as fighting slaves, a placement forced on them by way of punishment for going against the Warlord of Temsevar.
In amongst their fight for survival, there is a war brewing, which Harkera is at risk. Durban Chola is up to his usual tricks, but not all for his own means.
Brutality reigns!
Anyway, on the whole! This is a well constructed, well written story, that again kept me hooked.
I highly recommend all 3 books in this trilogy, and if you get the chance, read the second trilogy too, as they all tie in nicely.
The third book of The Transgressor Trilogy picks up where the second book left off, and as far as i'm concerned it tied up all those loose ends from the previous two reads. Also, we get our first taste of Jaz Baldrick.
The story revolves more around Jariq Zarangor and Avilon Ravid, and their struggle to survive as fighting slaves, a placement forced on them by way of punishment for going against the Warlord of Temsevar.
In amongst their fight for survival, there is a war brewing, which Harkera is at risk. Durban Chola is up to his usual tricks, but not all for his own means.
Brutality reigns!
Anyway, on the whole! This is a well constructed, well written story, that again kept me hooked.
I highly recommend all 3 books in this trilogy, and if you get the chance, read the second trilogy too, as they all tie in nicely.
September 10, 2020
E.M. Swift-Hook's Dues of Blood is the final book in the Transgressor Trilogy - drawing all the threads together in a masterful and thrilling finale - and leaving the opening for the next trilogy. Swift-Hook continues to present a well realised world - a medieval-low tech planet on the outer edge of a sprawling high-tech galactic civilisation - the Roman Colosseum met Star Trek as it were.
The revolutionary-cum castaway Avilon becomes a little more human, though still ruthless and single-minded in achieving his goals. Jariq - shattered by his fate, learns to endure and has greatness thrust upon him, while Durban Chola plays the game to secure the best outcomes whatever the cost, with some big reveals about his and his sister's origins.
I'm a little disappointed that the women were mostly sidelined as the tale draws to its conclusion, but overall, an enthralling read that kept me turning the pages.
The revolutionary-cum castaway Avilon becomes a little more human, though still ruthless and single-minded in achieving his goals. Jariq - shattered by his fate, learns to endure and has greatness thrust upon him, while Durban Chola plays the game to secure the best outcomes whatever the cost, with some big reveals about his and his sister's origins.
I'm a little disappointed that the women were mostly sidelined as the tale draws to its conclusion, but overall, an enthralling read that kept me turning the pages.
January 12, 2019
This was a great ending to the trilogy! Once again, Durban Chola emerged as my favorite. The complexity of his character is astounding. Finding out who he really is and the final choices he makes...my feelings are nearly indescribable.
Thank you for hours of entertainment, Ms. Swifthook!
Thank you for hours of entertainment, Ms. Swifthook!
December 22, 2016
I’d read the previous two books in the series, and I was thrilled to get my hands on the conclusion. (Or is it?)
I was thrown by the book starting with a character I couldn’t remember meeting before. However, we are soon reunited with Jariq, who has had a world-shattering change in circumstances and is struggling to come to terms with this. The strength of the character development from the previous novels pays off here, as I could fully appreciate how such a proud man would feel now that he’s been reduced in society. (I’m trying hard not to reveal any spoilers!)
The same slow world building is evident in this novel as the previous ones, which makes the story a slow burner. The new character, Torwyn, becomes quite important and intriguing in his own right. Like everyone else in the novel, he feels very real in the agonising decisions he has to make.
There were some sudden reveals which came as too much of a surprise to me. Again, in order to avoid spoilers, I’ll just mention that who Durban turns out to be seemed to come out of the blue. Other characters suddenly disappeared, one through a rather shocking death, another whisked back to her home country--or was she? I also felt it was a bit of a cheat that one character doesn’t get his happy ending, but is shunted off into what is clearly meant to be a new series of novels. But then, I’m a sucker for a happy ending.
The writer does use a lot of long sentences, and the novel would benefit from a few more full stops per paragraph.
The cold world of Temsevar was well drawn, and because I was reading this novel during a British winter I could easily sympathise with the chill so often felt by the characters.
I think the second novel is the strongest in the series, but I can recommend all three.
I was thrown by the book starting with a character I couldn’t remember meeting before. However, we are soon reunited with Jariq, who has had a world-shattering change in circumstances and is struggling to come to terms with this. The strength of the character development from the previous novels pays off here, as I could fully appreciate how such a proud man would feel now that he’s been reduced in society. (I’m trying hard not to reveal any spoilers!)
The same slow world building is evident in this novel as the previous ones, which makes the story a slow burner. The new character, Torwyn, becomes quite important and intriguing in his own right. Like everyone else in the novel, he feels very real in the agonising decisions he has to make.
There were some sudden reveals which came as too much of a surprise to me. Again, in order to avoid spoilers, I’ll just mention that who Durban turns out to be seemed to come out of the blue. Other characters suddenly disappeared, one through a rather shocking death, another whisked back to her home country--or was she? I also felt it was a bit of a cheat that one character doesn’t get his happy ending, but is shunted off into what is clearly meant to be a new series of novels. But then, I’m a sucker for a happy ending.
The writer does use a lot of long sentences, and the novel would benefit from a few more full stops per paragraph.
The cold world of Temsevar was well drawn, and because I was reading this novel during a British winter I could easily sympathise with the chill so often felt by the characters.
I think the second novel is the strongest in the series, but I can recommend all three.
April 21, 2017
This book was the perfect ending to the trilogy.
We chased Avilon, Jariq, and Durban across a continent with Qabal Vyazin hot on their heals. The three unlikely friends are tested in both their own bodies, minds, emotions, as well as in their bonds of friendship. One of the things I liked best about the whole trilogy is that one can never be sure of any of the main characters. Are they good or are they bad? Maybe they are, like most humans, something in between. Would I want to be friends with or hang out with any of them? Probably not. Do I want to know what happens to them next? Absolutely!
This third book in the Transgressor Trilogy had some wonderful surprises in it. The series reads more like a fantasy up to this point, but this book brings it all firmly into Science Fiction. There is little more I can say without spoilers. I can say this: Read the books. They are excellent and epic and wonderful.
We chased Avilon, Jariq, and Durban across a continent with Qabal Vyazin hot on their heals. The three unlikely friends are tested in both their own bodies, minds, emotions, as well as in their bonds of friendship. One of the things I liked best about the whole trilogy is that one can never be sure of any of the main characters. Are they good or are they bad? Maybe they are, like most humans, something in between. Would I want to be friends with or hang out with any of them? Probably not. Do I want to know what happens to them next? Absolutely!
This third book in the Transgressor Trilogy had some wonderful surprises in it. The series reads more like a fantasy up to this point, but this book brings it all firmly into Science Fiction. There is little more I can say without spoilers. I can say this: Read the books. They are excellent and epic and wonderful.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews