The catalysts of chaos are divided. As Rathnakar's evil army marches toward the fortress of Endguard, Eydis is plagued by dark visions and stalked by a shadowy assassin. Orrick is torn between the schemings of the oracle of Silverwood Grove and the White Lady, two powerful women who may yet betray him to a ruthless thieftaker. Tested by a hazardous journey across the wetlands, Eydis and Orrick battle enemy spies and their own diverging loyalties. Meanwhile, an injured Geveral is stranded in a haunted forest. Still reeling from the death of a friend and determined to protect the mysterious scepter that has fallen into his hands, the dryad finds himself hunted by ravenous hunger hounds. Will the three catalysts survive and evade enemy capture long enough to block the Raven King's next move?
Summoner of Storms is book III of the Catalysts of Chaos series by C. Greenwood. I received a review copy of this book in advance of its release after subscribing to the authors newsletter. I take great joy reading ARC books, especially in genre's that I really enjoy. There are three main catalysts in this series and Geveral is my favorite. Perhaps that is why I was excited to read this book (since the first two seemed to be tailored toward the other two catalysts, Eydis and Orrick).
There are mild spoilers ahead but they will only be of consequence to you if you have read the first two books.
This is definitely the climax of the series. A grieving Geveral befriends someone that gives him the keys to unlocking his power meanwhile Orrick's past catches up to him. When the catalysts reach Silverwood Grove you will not want to put the book down. Eydis will have a startling revelation and we may have a glimpse into her possible destiny. We discover a secret to the oracle's power whose life, as well as the fate of Earth Realm, hangs in the balance.
There are conspiracies and mysteries, assassinations and betrayals that will keep you reading. There isn't a subtle love story, which works with the momentum and plot of the book. Honestly I think the lack of a love interest is refreshing. I am enjoying the confident, determined female hero whose goals will not be convoluted by infatuation.
I have greatly enjoyed reading this series and I am looking forward to the final book, Clash of Catalysts. The title in-and-of-itself begs the question, is there tension among the catalysts? It's clear that this will be the final battle for Earth Realm but Orrick's sordid dealings make it difficult for Eydis to trust him. Will he find exoneration for his alleged betrayal? Is Eydis more powerful than she realizes? Is Geveral? Will they realize their power soon enough to defend Earth Realm?
I am reading all four volumes back to back so sometimes forget what happened in which book. The three catalysts get back together for a short while before Orrick goes his own way in search of the one person who can clear his name.
Geveral "inherits" the loyalty of a dragon.
I found the Oracle's rejection by the keepers of the sacred pond extremely interesting. I wonder what secret she is harboring that means she is no longer pure of heart.
This book, like the previous, is also shorter in length, however very decent at the same time. The plot progressed smoothly from the last book and lead up to a pretty good cliffhanger setting is up for the fourth and final installment of this series. I will definitely be interested in reading the next book to finish it up to find out where the story leads and concludes. Great work of story telling in the fantasy genre!
The excitement builds in each book of this series. It is nearing the end of a long hard journey that will determine the fate of our small band of heroes and the ultimate fate of their world. This series is a must read for all fantasy lovers.
I really love this series, and I am honored that the author chose to provide me with a copy of the book. Carol comes up with some really interesting obstacles for our heroes to overcome. She has created an amazing world and characters. The twists and turns the plot takes are very intriguing and held my rapt attention. It only took me a day to finish I was so into the story and had been waiting to find out what came next until I could read book three and then jump right into book four!
I like the way the plot twists and turns, and everything comes at a price after being partially saved in the nick of time. Everything goes both right and wrong at the same time, and I really look forward to reading the last book in the series. The Raven King is so powerfull ... but I hope good triumphs against all odds!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another great read in this series. There are battles, surprises, revelations and truth, but there is also betrayal and a race to complete a quest before it's too late, and yet...
Great characters and world building, alongside an intriguing plot, make this a compelling read. A brilliant writing style - faced-paced and still detailed in all the right places - brings alive this fantasy, so that you feel you are there.