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Chronicles of the Black Gate #3
The Siege of Abythos
Lady Iskra and her followers have survived the onslaught of demons, forged powerful alliances, and are finally ready to wreck righteous vengeance on the Ascendant Empire. Yet even as they begin their endgame, a new danger arises that threatens to annihilate everything in its path, heretic or no: Tharok, the greatest peril to humanity since Ogri the Destroyer.
THE SIEGE OF ABYTHOS continues the action-packed new epic fantasy series that began with THE PATH OF FLAMES - an adrenaline-fueled debut of sin casting mages, heresy, and cold-blooded betrayal in a land where the deepest buried secrets are finally resurfacing to destroy the world.
THE SIEGE OF ABYTHOS continues the action-packed new epic fantasy series that began with THE PATH OF FLAMES - an adrenaline-fueled debut of sin casting mages, heresy, and cold-blooded betrayal in a land where the deepest buried secrets are finally resurfacing to destroy the world.
724 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2016
380 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Phil Tucker
49 books1,282 followersThanks for visiting my page! I'm Phil Tucker, a Brazilian/Brit who currently resides in Asheville, NC, where I resist the siren call of the forests and mountains to sit inside and hammer away on my laptop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
January 30, 2021
Thoughts: The Siege of Abythos is the third book in Phil Tucker's Chronicles of the Black Gate series, and the best book in the series so far. I really enjoyed the first two books, but this one blew me away.
These characters have changed so much since the first book. They have all suffered, sacrificed, and given everything they have to do what they believe is right. But the truth is the lines between right and wrong or good and bad can be severely blurry in certain scenarios, and Mr. Tucker has created several of these scenarios in this book. There were instances I wasn't sure who I should be routing for. I knew who I had been routing for up to that point, but could I really agree with what they were doing. So, I asked myself. Would I choose the same course of action if I were put in these characters situations? More than likely! But does that make it right? Absolutely not! Asking myself these questions, and having doubts about characters I thought morally just up to this point made my connection to these characters even deeper, and enhanced the reading experience.
The story has been pretty straight forward so far, and it's not hard to keep up with who is fighting whom; but this is not your run of the mill epic fantasy that only involves two sides. It's deeper in content and pretty damn awesome the way Mr. Tucker weaves each storyline. The buildup to a scenes climax isn't always what it seems, and if it is, the outcome doesn't necessarily have the benefits that were desired. You are almost constantly kept on your toes trying to figure out what will happen next. It was executed wonderfully.
This installment took this series to a whole new level. I absolutely loved every minute of it. I am deeply invested in all of these characters by now, and amazed by Mr. Tucker's ability at developing this story. I strongly urge any readers looking for an epic fantasy with deep characters connections and a distinct story to pick this series up as soon as you can. You won't be disappointed!
Characters: 5/5 stars
Plot/Storyline: 5/5 stars
World Building: 4/5 stars
Magic System: 4.5/5 stars
Wow-Factor: 5/5 stars
Total: 4.7/5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Book 1: The Path of Flames - 4.5 stars
Book 2: The Black Shriving - 4 stars
Book 3: The Siege of Abythos - 5 stars
These characters have changed so much since the first book. They have all suffered, sacrificed, and given everything they have to do what they believe is right. But the truth is the lines between right and wrong or good and bad can be severely blurry in certain scenarios, and Mr. Tucker has created several of these scenarios in this book. There were instances I wasn't sure who I should be routing for. I knew who I had been routing for up to that point, but could I really agree with what they were doing. So, I asked myself. Would I choose the same course of action if I were put in these characters situations? More than likely! But does that make it right? Absolutely not! Asking myself these questions, and having doubts about characters I thought morally just up to this point made my connection to these characters even deeper, and enhanced the reading experience.
The story has been pretty straight forward so far, and it's not hard to keep up with who is fighting whom; but this is not your run of the mill epic fantasy that only involves two sides. It's deeper in content and pretty damn awesome the way Mr. Tucker weaves each storyline. The buildup to a scenes climax isn't always what it seems, and if it is, the outcome doesn't necessarily have the benefits that were desired. You are almost constantly kept on your toes trying to figure out what will happen next. It was executed wonderfully.
This installment took this series to a whole new level. I absolutely loved every minute of it. I am deeply invested in all of these characters by now, and amazed by Mr. Tucker's ability at developing this story. I strongly urge any readers looking for an epic fantasy with deep characters connections and a distinct story to pick this series up as soon as you can. You won't be disappointed!
Characters: 5/5 stars
Plot/Storyline: 5/5 stars
World Building: 4/5 stars
Magic System: 4.5/5 stars
Wow-Factor: 5/5 stars
Total: 4.7/5 stars
Favorite Quote:
"My master once told me that there are no right or wrong decisions. No better or worse choices. There are only opportunities for you to define what manner of man you are in this world."
Book 1: The Path of Flames - 4.5 stars
Book 2: The Black Shriving - 4 stars
Book 3: The Siege of Abythos - 5 stars
February 21, 2017
That was a severely distressing ride for my nerves...
If you reach rock bottom, things can only go better from there, right? RIGHT?!
Wrong.
After finishing the 3 books that are out in the series (reviews are here for Book 1 and Book 2) I can safely say that Phil Tucker is a brilliant man, evil yes (dude what's with that cliffhanger ending, WHY YOU DO THIS?!) but completely brilliant.
I remember writing in my first review that the plot was pretty straight forward with minimal twists, well I should have just stayed quiet because holy guacamole! I was shocked so many times I was literally scared to continue reading (hence my wailing about rock bottoms and despair).
This one is such a step up from the first two (even though they all hold a special place in my heart for different reasons) because everything now is just so complicated; the plot, the world expansion, the characters, the politics, the religions, THE OVERALL EPICNESS... and I loved every second of it. I loved that in this book we get one of my favorite tropes in fantasy which is a school setting, even if it was for a brief moment I was so digging it. We get to know more about the semi-divine city of Aletheia, home of the Ascendent who is the holiest man in the Empire. It's a floating city reminiscent of Olympus with whispers of Buddhism, the customs and hierarchy are extremely interesting , and they have freaking poetry duels!
The characters are top notch, old and new, I just love them all so freaking much it hurts! and it hurt like a bitch because Tucker did not go easy on them in this one, I just wanted to wrap them in a blanket and hide them from the cruel cruel world.
Even Tharok, who is the weakest character in my opinion, I began to be a bit more than a neutral "meh" when it comes to him, I guess his shorter chapters and decreasing appearances have a hand in that.
Finally, I need to emphasize that like the previous books, this one also has some minor discrepancies regarding characterisitics of minor characters (hair color/length changes, name changes) and some inconsistencies in the timeline. I'm not talking here major plot holes or grammatical errors, but like I said before, they are just tiny bothersome details that don't affect the fluency of the plot in any shape or form.
I honestly have nothing more to say unless I unleash my fangirling mania and spoil you all, so just do yourselves a favor and READ THIS SERIES. The author is currently more than halfway through the fourth book, I swear he writes like a machine, and I can't wait for it to come out! I just wish that they would come out in the recent future in hardcover and paperback so that I can purchase them and add them to my collection (Although I wouldn't mind a cover change that wouldn't have faces on them :P)
If you reach rock bottom, things can only go better from there, right? RIGHT?!
Wrong.
After finishing the 3 books that are out in the series (reviews are here for Book 1 and Book 2) I can safely say that Phil Tucker is a brilliant man, evil yes (dude what's with that cliffhanger ending, WHY YOU DO THIS?!) but completely brilliant.
I remember writing in my first review that the plot was pretty straight forward with minimal twists, well I should have just stayed quiet because holy guacamole! I was shocked so many times I was literally scared to continue reading (hence my wailing about rock bottoms and despair).
This one is such a step up from the first two (even though they all hold a special place in my heart for different reasons) because everything now is just so complicated; the plot, the world expansion, the characters, the politics, the religions, THE OVERALL EPICNESS... and I loved every second of it. I loved that in this book we get one of my favorite tropes in fantasy which is a school setting, even if it was for a brief moment I was so digging it. We get to know more about the semi-divine city of Aletheia, home of the Ascendent who is the holiest man in the Empire. It's a floating city reminiscent of Olympus with whispers of Buddhism, the customs and hierarchy are extremely interesting , and they have freaking poetry duels!
The characters are top notch, old and new, I just love them all so freaking much it hurts! and it hurt like a bitch because Tucker did not go easy on them in this one, I just wanted to wrap them in a blanket and hide them from the cruel cruel world.
Even Tharok, who is the weakest character in my opinion, I began to be a bit more than a neutral "meh" when it comes to him, I guess his shorter chapters and decreasing appearances have a hand in that.
Finally, I need to emphasize that like the previous books, this one also has some minor discrepancies regarding characterisitics of minor characters (hair color/length changes, name changes) and some inconsistencies in the timeline. I'm not talking here major plot holes or grammatical errors, but like I said before, they are just tiny bothersome details that don't affect the fluency of the plot in any shape or form.
I honestly have nothing more to say unless I unleash my fangirling mania and spoil you all, so just do yourselves a favor and READ THIS SERIES. The author is currently more than halfway through the fourth book, I swear he writes like a machine, and I can't wait for it to come out! I just wish that they would come out in the recent future in hardcover and paperback so that I can purchase them and add them to my collection (Although I wouldn't mind a cover change that wouldn't have faces on them :P)
March 11, 2019
Ha! I did not see that ending coming . I thought of the exact opposite. Well, curious to see how the world will be shaped from here.
Our heroes’ ways split up in this volume, each of them on their own path, scattered throughout the Empire. Their actions consist mostly in strategies and personal development. Can’t be more specific, it will spoil the events from previous volumes.
However, as was the case with first parts, there isn’t a dull moment in the whole book. Each of the characters is so very different from each other and their paths lead to unforeseen circumstances. Their stories are masterfully interwoven, keeping the reader stuck within the pages.
I’m glad the series is complete, and I don’t have to wait for the sequel.
Our heroes’ ways split up in this volume, each of them on their own path, scattered throughout the Empire. Their actions consist mostly in strategies and personal development. Can’t be more specific, it will spoil the events from previous volumes.
However, as was the case with first parts, there isn’t a dull moment in the whole book. Each of the characters is so very different from each other and their paths lead to unforeseen circumstances. Their stories are masterfully interwoven, keeping the reader stuck within the pages.
I’m glad the series is complete, and I don’t have to wait for the sequel.
November 4, 2020
The series keeps building up the story very well with some interesting twists that make you wonder where the next book will take you. Very entertaining read. Very recommended
January 11, 2018
I really liked this one, but I felt like the pacing was just a bit slower than the last couple, maybe that's because it's almost 700 pages long.
That said, I think the character development and the world building actually got a bit better. I liked Audsleys dilemma's with how he's forced into violence. It was actually kind of amusing at first listening to Audsley try and be intimidating because he's so bad at it - but it becomes really not funny when he's forced to kill and it really messes with his head.
Tiron kind of goes off and does his own thing for a bit with a new character, but then Tharric's story becomes even more intertwined with the main story.
I really loved the demons arguing with Audsley all the time, and watching Kethe in her new position of power was also super interesting.
The actual siege on abythos was crazy fun, lots of awesome action scenes.
starting on the next book immediately!
That said, I think the character development and the world building actually got a bit better. I liked Audsleys dilemma's with how he's forced into violence. It was actually kind of amusing at first listening to Audsley try and be intimidating because he's so bad at it - but it becomes really not funny when he's forced to kill and it really messes with his head.
Tiron kind of goes off and does his own thing for a bit with a new character, but then Tharric's story becomes even more intertwined with the main story.
I really loved the demons arguing with Audsley all the time, and watching Kethe in her new position of power was also super interesting.
The actual siege on abythos was crazy fun, lots of awesome action scenes.
starting on the next book immediately!
September 7, 2017
Freaking Amazing!!! All the freaking Stars in the sky. 😘😚🤗
August 1, 2017
This book was another piece of sublime inspiration from Phil Tucker.
I love everything in this series of novels, from the characters, the amazing fantasy world or the surprising direction the plot is going.
In this volume the writer has reserved some of the biggest surprises from these books.
The story has a sinuous evolution and the characters aren't sure any moment for their integrity of life.
Overall I was again impressed and I can't recommend highly enough this books to other readers.
Amazing stuff!!!!!
I love everything in this series of novels, from the characters, the amazing fantasy world or the surprising direction the plot is going.
In this volume the writer has reserved some of the biggest surprises from these books.
The story has a sinuous evolution and the characters aren't sure any moment for their integrity of life.
Overall I was again impressed and I can't recommend highly enough this books to other readers.
Amazing stuff!!!!!
July 20, 2019
I'm hooked so I might as well continue on.
November 28, 2016
Phil Tucker has helped make it clear to me that self-published fiction has the potential to be not only equal to, but even better than to more traditionally published fiction. Before the Chronicles of the Black Gate, the only self-published work I had read was Becky Chamber’s A Long Way to A Small Angry Planet. Chamber’s beautiful book instantly became one of my favorite science fiction novels, and now Tucker has produced what I can truly call one of my favorite epic fantasy series. The first book in this series was great, and my enjoyment of the series has only increased which each book. After finishing the third, I can easily rank this series besides some of my favorite in the genre, including those by Lynch, Abercrombie and even Martin.
Tucker’s novels have pretty much everything I personally look for in epic fantasy. He has complex and fascinating world building and a fast-paced, action packed plot which combine to keep the reading experience constantly engaging. While entertainment is a noble goal in itself, both his world building and plot engage more deeply with larger thematic explorations and character development in the novel. The empire and magic system he creates are fascinating by themselves, but they also become the field on which characters change and develop, undergo internal conflicts, and stand by or change their convictions.
As you might be able to guess by that authors I’ve listed, I tend to find stories and characters with unclear morality particularly compelling. Some epic fantasy, though certainly not all, can lean towards more black and white conflicts between clear good and clear evil. There’s nothing wrong with these types of stories, but my personal favorite authors tend to be those who subvert these trends, and I think Tucker has done so even better than most.
An increasing number of epic fantasy authors successfully convey characters and situations that are morally gray, but they often do so in a jaded way, sometimes bordering on the nihilistic. Tucker does something I wish I saw more often, which is to combine the moral ambiguity of the “real world” with characters that remain sympathetic even when their actions are less than upright. In other stories, I’ve seen these morally gray characters be violent and bloodthirsty, or jaded and fed up with the world. There are often characters whose actions seem pointless, who don’t seem to know for themselves what they are fighting for. They are antiheroes more than heroes, and if they seem “good,” it is often only in contrast to the even more corrupt world around them. I don’t mean to imply these are bad types of characters to write; I actually really love these types of characters, and I find them incredibly compelling. But sometimes, I suppose, you want someone a little more sympathetic.
Tucker has created a world of such moral ambiguity, created characters so deeply and complexly flawed, and yet with such passion and force of conviction, that I find myself drawn inexorably in support for just about all of their struggles, even as they struggle against one another. In this book especially, it’s not uncommon that several point of view characters will be at completely opposing ends of a conflict, and yet I somehow desire them all to succeed.
In Tucker’s series, most of the characters aren’t bad people, although they sometimes do bad things. They are generally not incompetent, though they often make mistakes. In many ways, they feel to me more fully fleshed out than either the holy protagonists or jaded antiheros I’ve seen in many other works of fantasy. Tucker isn’t the only author who makes these types of characters, but I do think it’s been lacking, and I think there are few authors in any genre who manage to tell a story in which there are multiple, opposing sides who all seem to be, in their own ways, in the right.
Tucker’s novels have pretty much everything I personally look for in epic fantasy. He has complex and fascinating world building and a fast-paced, action packed plot which combine to keep the reading experience constantly engaging. While entertainment is a noble goal in itself, both his world building and plot engage more deeply with larger thematic explorations and character development in the novel. The empire and magic system he creates are fascinating by themselves, but they also become the field on which characters change and develop, undergo internal conflicts, and stand by or change their convictions.
As you might be able to guess by that authors I’ve listed, I tend to find stories and characters with unclear morality particularly compelling. Some epic fantasy, though certainly not all, can lean towards more black and white conflicts between clear good and clear evil. There’s nothing wrong with these types of stories, but my personal favorite authors tend to be those who subvert these trends, and I think Tucker has done so even better than most.
An increasing number of epic fantasy authors successfully convey characters and situations that are morally gray, but they often do so in a jaded way, sometimes bordering on the nihilistic. Tucker does something I wish I saw more often, which is to combine the moral ambiguity of the “real world” with characters that remain sympathetic even when their actions are less than upright. In other stories, I’ve seen these morally gray characters be violent and bloodthirsty, or jaded and fed up with the world. There are often characters whose actions seem pointless, who don’t seem to know for themselves what they are fighting for. They are antiheroes more than heroes, and if they seem “good,” it is often only in contrast to the even more corrupt world around them. I don’t mean to imply these are bad types of characters to write; I actually really love these types of characters, and I find them incredibly compelling. But sometimes, I suppose, you want someone a little more sympathetic.
Tucker has created a world of such moral ambiguity, created characters so deeply and complexly flawed, and yet with such passion and force of conviction, that I find myself drawn inexorably in support for just about all of their struggles, even as they struggle against one another. In this book especially, it’s not uncommon that several point of view characters will be at completely opposing ends of a conflict, and yet I somehow desire them all to succeed.
In Tucker’s series, most of the characters aren’t bad people, although they sometimes do bad things. They are generally not incompetent, though they often make mistakes. In many ways, they feel to me more fully fleshed out than either the holy protagonists or jaded antiheros I’ve seen in many other works of fantasy. Tucker isn’t the only author who makes these types of characters, but I do think it’s been lacking, and I think there are few authors in any genre who manage to tell a story in which there are multiple, opposing sides who all seem to be, in their own ways, in the right.
December 15, 2016
Hrrrng. I'm not sure how to eloquently get my thoughts together to convey what I think about this series. I love it. I sometimes frustratingly love it.
This one was a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions. The Black Shriving had me very happy with the results of more or less two entire books of googly eyes between two different couples. Only to have them goddamn ripped apart not even a quarter into this book!
Dude! Not cool ; ;
At least one of them were brought back together at the end, so that was nice. I'm excited to see how that plays out.
But, romances aside, shit is coming to a head now. I have no idea what Tharok is going to even do anymore. He frequently plans to do one thing and then spontaneously does another. It's kind of interesting not having any clue what he's actually going to end up doing. As for our other POV characters, I hope to see what Iskra and her new friend achieve, as well as Audsley and his new friend.
I miss Aedelbert. ; ; *sad mrow*
Excited for book 4!
This one was a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions. The Black Shriving had me very happy with the results of more or less two entire books of googly eyes between two different couples. Only to have them goddamn ripped apart not even a quarter into this book!
Dude! Not cool ; ;
At least one of them were brought back together at the end, so that was nice. I'm excited to see how that plays out.
But, romances aside, shit is coming to a head now. I have no idea what Tharok is going to even do anymore. He frequently plans to do one thing and then spontaneously does another. It's kind of interesting not having any clue what he's actually going to end up doing. As for our other POV characters, I hope to see what Iskra and her new friend achieve, as well as Audsley and his new friend.
I miss Aedelbert. ; ; *sad mrow*
Excited for book 4!
May 31, 2017
I thought this series couldn't get any better. I was wrong.
Phil Tucker has a way of weaving a story that's just plain magical, and when you get to the climax, you find yourself absolutely glued to the pages. The rest of the world slips away, and you become Asho, Kethe, Tiron, Audsley, Iskra. Tucker has woven a tale where you feel such an intimate connection with the characters and you are completely invested in their stories.
Even his villain in this one, Tharok, is so well-written that a part of you wants to root for him. This one took so many new and exciting directions, and I finished the book wanting more.
So it's a good thing the fourth book is already out.
I just can't sing Tucker's praises enough. I discovered him through the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off, and I will say without reservation that this series is one of my favorites of all series, not just self-published series.
Rating: the elusive 10/10
Phil Tucker has a way of weaving a story that's just plain magical, and when you get to the climax, you find yourself absolutely glued to the pages. The rest of the world slips away, and you become Asho, Kethe, Tiron, Audsley, Iskra. Tucker has woven a tale where you feel such an intimate connection with the characters and you are completely invested in their stories.
Even his villain in this one, Tharok, is so well-written that a part of you wants to root for him. This one took so many new and exciting directions, and I finished the book wanting more.
So it's a good thing the fourth book is already out.
I just can't sing Tucker's praises enough. I discovered him through the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off, and I will say without reservation that this series is one of my favorites of all series, not just self-published series.
Rating: the elusive 10/10
June 4, 2017
This book was not as enjoyable as it's predecessors but was still enjoyable. Plus I am wading in blood so deep with this series that to go back would be just as treacherous as to go forward or some such paraphrased Shakespearian quotation...
The last book was action packed, full of deadly battles and fiendish demons not to mention a load of mysteries and revelations. This book was decidedly Game of Thrones-y, meaning that it was highly political. This usually translates into a book being boring for me and that was true to a certain extent here.
There were a few battles in this book which were quite thrilling. Audsley's massacre was heart breaking and the double ending battles were thrilling however the politicking really overshadowed everything else.
I still enjoyed this book and am so invested that I have no choice but to continue. I did enjoy the last book way more though.
RECOMMENDED.
The last book was action packed, full of deadly battles and fiendish demons not to mention a load of mysteries and revelations. This book was decidedly Game of Thrones-y, meaning that it was highly political. This usually translates into a book being boring for me and that was true to a certain extent here.
There were a few battles in this book which were quite thrilling. Audsley's massacre was heart breaking and the double ending battles were thrilling however the politicking really overshadowed everything else.
I still enjoyed this book and am so invested that I have no choice but to continue. I did enjoy the last book way more though.
RECOMMENDED.
November 16, 2017
Some very good ideas, events and plotlines but mixed with rushed, clumsy or poor execution. I was thrilled by some parts and very disappointed in others.
Considering the release dates of the books (May, July and November of the same year) I wonder if the author took to heart the advice that self-published authors must release and keep releasing fast, some even saying you need 3 or even more books per year.
This might work for some of the other genres and perhaps styles (most short books), but releasing massive tomes every 3-4 months for Fantasy is a tough enterprise - one I even doubt can really be done to great effect.
The genre that has to establish totally new and different world(s) (a problem most of the other genres don't have), magical/alien races, magic, invented customs, imagine how all this effects the lives of various, often dozens of characters, and so much more. Even the one-book-a-year model of traditional publishing have problems with some books looking too rushed and underdeveloped despite having great potential or ideas.
I had issues in the past books with the lack of "show don't tell" of the writing, specially how almost everything a character feels and thinks is narrated and some important parts rushed or skipped entirely.
But here this couldn't be more plain and distracting for the sheer amount of times this happens (I'll talk about some of them later).
It felt like the writer simply wrote using ideas from bullet points and then simply putting them to paper in a bare bones way, not caring if narration could've been improved or changed to dialogue, thoughts or action.
It looked like the first quarter/third of the book (and the final battle and cliffhanger) were really given more thought or editing or rewriting, and it had quite a noticeable different feel throughout the rest of the book.
Even then, the book still could've been absolutely fantastic if it wasn't for two other fatal flaws: the amount of Deus Ex in the magic and despite that this is the third book, it's a setup book. I'll talk about the magic when I talk about the characters.
But the setup stage of the book is what really made it lose a lot of points with me. Being the third, this is where tension and conflict should be at their highest (it kinda of does at the very beginning and at the end), yet every character gets separated and form or join groups in which then presents us with tons of one dimensional and unimportant secondary characters and other secondary unimportant plotlines.
The siege itself only happens around 90%+ of a 700+ pages book. And sadly, there wasn't buildup for it because people were doing other unimportant things. Or if they were important, they were so rushed or even totally skipped that was hard to get anything from them.
Let's go to the characters:
Audsley: I think he saved the book for me. He explores Aletheia, have some amusing moments with its culture and I really kinda of liked him with Iarenna (she had the potential to be a very good and interesting secondary character but got sidelined too quickly. I hope she comes back more). If anyone else was exploring Aletheia this probably would've been disastrous, but Audsley was the perfect choice. Not only were his chapters funny but also relevant.
However, the author rushed writing allowed some "what the hell?" moments even in his POV, more precisely at chapter 27:
Iskra: Hers was another good POV. The early parts were her best, setting up a heartbreaking conflict with Tiron and a really big change when she's to become Empress, with more challenges and greater scope of events. She also does some questionable things (but in a good way).
But she's also victim of the rushed writing, specially the Mertyn plotline and in the Empire.
Tharok: Tharok was my favorite character in the first two books. Here he's still a good character and his plans, both with and without the circlet, are pretty good. Kyrra was a great new character (possibly the only relevant new secondary character in the whole book) and pretty terrifying. His ambitions clash pretty often with his ideals and morality.
And different from Kethe and Asho, his magic comes from sources that actually are threats to him or that severely hampers him when not used (the circlet).
And also he's a victim of some rushed things, though in less degree than the others. .
Asho: His was being a very good plotline now that he didn't depend on magical brute force anymore. Until, of course, he did and in an extremely Deus Ex way.
Kethe: Another character whose plotline became much better without the magic... until of course, it became the focus of it.
If Asho had an absurd moment of Deus Ex, Kethe is the embodiment of "special snowflake". It was quite clear since book 1 what would happen to her, that all the deadly challenges would of course be easily surpassed and she would become really powerful. But the execution is so clumsy it's even more eye-rolling than Asho's Deus Ex.
.
Tiron: Tiron was the POV I enjoyed the least here. It has more to do with him passing most of his story in some random corner of the world fighting and helping random and unimportant lordlings and their feuds. And they weren't interesting either. I seriously kept asking myself what was the point of this new plotline and these new unimportant secondary characters introduced.
Well, all POVs had their bunch of new secondary, unimportant and without much personality characters, but ser Tiron got the least impressive of them all.
Overall, the final battle was really good and it does end with quite a change in expectations and a really good last chapter.
I just checked the release date of the 4th book, just in case. It's more than 5 months from the third, so I hope a lot of the writing problems in here don't appear (or don't overwhelm) the next book.
But I also came across that while the 4th book was released, the author was also writing the second book of his new saga.
Here's hoping for the best, but not really expecting it...
Considering the release dates of the books (May, July and November of the same year) I wonder if the author took to heart the advice that self-published authors must release and keep releasing fast, some even saying you need 3 or even more books per year.
This might work for some of the other genres and perhaps styles (most short books), but releasing massive tomes every 3-4 months for Fantasy is a tough enterprise - one I even doubt can really be done to great effect.
The genre that has to establish totally new and different world(s) (a problem most of the other genres don't have), magical/alien races, magic, invented customs, imagine how all this effects the lives of various, often dozens of characters, and so much more. Even the one-book-a-year model of traditional publishing have problems with some books looking too rushed and underdeveloped despite having great potential or ideas.
I had issues in the past books with the lack of "show don't tell" of the writing, specially how almost everything a character feels and thinks is narrated and some important parts rushed or skipped entirely.
But here this couldn't be more plain and distracting for the sheer amount of times this happens (I'll talk about some of them later).
It felt like the writer simply wrote using ideas from bullet points and then simply putting them to paper in a bare bones way, not caring if narration could've been improved or changed to dialogue, thoughts or action.
It looked like the first quarter/third of the book (and the final battle and cliffhanger) were really given more thought or editing or rewriting, and it had quite a noticeable different feel throughout the rest of the book.
Even then, the book still could've been absolutely fantastic if it wasn't for two other fatal flaws: the amount of Deus Ex in the magic and despite that this is the third book, it's a setup book. I'll talk about the magic when I talk about the characters.
But the setup stage of the book is what really made it lose a lot of points with me. Being the third, this is where tension and conflict should be at their highest (it kinda of does at the very beginning and at the end), yet every character gets separated and form or join groups in which then presents us with tons of one dimensional and unimportant secondary characters and other secondary unimportant plotlines.
The siege itself only happens around 90%+ of a 700+ pages book. And sadly, there wasn't buildup for it because people were doing other unimportant things. Or if they were important, they were so rushed or even totally skipped that was hard to get anything from them.
Let's go to the characters:
Audsley: I think he saved the book for me. He explores Aletheia, have some amusing moments with its culture and I really kinda of liked him with Iarenna (she had the potential to be a very good and interesting secondary character but got sidelined too quickly. I hope she comes back more). If anyone else was exploring Aletheia this probably would've been disastrous, but Audsley was the perfect choice. Not only were his chapters funny but also relevant.
However, the author rushed writing allowed some "what the hell?" moments even in his POV, more precisely at chapter 27:
Iskra: Hers was another good POV. The early parts were her best, setting up a heartbreaking conflict with Tiron and a really big change when she's to become Empress, with more challenges and greater scope of events. She also does some questionable things (but in a good way).
But she's also victim of the rushed writing, specially the Mertyn plotline and in the Empire.
Tharok: Tharok was my favorite character in the first two books. Here he's still a good character and his plans, both with and without the circlet, are pretty good. Kyrra was a great new character (possibly the only relevant new secondary character in the whole book) and pretty terrifying. His ambitions clash pretty often with his ideals and morality.
And different from Kethe and Asho, his magic comes from sources that actually are threats to him or that severely hampers him when not used (the circlet).
And also he's a victim of some rushed things, though in less degree than the others. .
Asho: His was being a very good plotline now that he didn't depend on magical brute force anymore. Until, of course, he did and in an extremely Deus Ex way.
Kethe: Another character whose plotline became much better without the magic... until of course, it became the focus of it.
If Asho had an absurd moment of Deus Ex, Kethe is the embodiment of "special snowflake". It was quite clear since book 1 what would happen to her, that all the deadly challenges would of course be easily surpassed and she would become really powerful. But the execution is so clumsy it's even more eye-rolling than Asho's Deus Ex.
.
Tiron: Tiron was the POV I enjoyed the least here. It has more to do with him passing most of his story in some random corner of the world fighting and helping random and unimportant lordlings and their feuds. And they weren't interesting either. I seriously kept asking myself what was the point of this new plotline and these new unimportant secondary characters introduced.
Well, all POVs had their bunch of new secondary, unimportant and without much personality characters, but ser Tiron got the least impressive of them all.
Overall, the final battle was really good and it does end with quite a change in expectations and a really good last chapter.
I just checked the release date of the 4th book, just in case. It's more than 5 months from the third, so I hope a lot of the writing problems in here don't appear (or don't overwhelm) the next book.
But I also came across that while the 4th book was released, the author was also writing the second book of his new saga.
Here's hoping for the best, but not really expecting it...
July 17, 2018
There is a difficult line for an author - of any genre or media - to cross: Understanding when a plot line has run its course and it is time to focus on different tasks and activities.
This is one of the major highlights of the book.
I really liked the change in pace, I like the direction of certain characters (I wish Kethe was a bit less whiny considering the awesome things that are happening to her but this is a personal note, the reaction of Kethe work well in the context of the story).
Just a pretty cool story that suggests an epic continuation and ending with books 4 and 5!
This is one of the major highlights of the book.
I really liked the change in pace, I like the direction of certain characters (I wish Kethe was a bit less whiny considering the awesome things that are happening to her but this is a personal note, the reaction of Kethe work well in the context of the story).
Just a pretty cool story that suggests an epic continuation and ending with books 4 and 5!
February 3, 2018
I actually have no issue with the storyline. I love how the story progresses, it felt quite organic, even if Tharok felt too much of a deux ex machina sometimes. I love the world-building, and I like most of the characters.
However, Phil Tucker desperately needs an editor. I knocked off a star for the numerous instances of poor editing, which for me really hampered my enjoyment of the story. It's most likely due to the author churning the books so quickly. The dedication is commendable and that this story is actually well-fleshed out for such a short time spent writing it, speaks to the author's skill. I hope the author takes note and corrects the issues.
1) There is a paragraph where Ser Tiron describes Iskra's beauty. It is wholly lifted from the previous book. Copy-pasted! How extraordinarily lazy.
2) Wrong spelling - characters' names misspelled from one page to the next. Wrong words used - improbably for improbable, ascent for assent.
3) Weird sentence structures. "For refusing to allow her brother-in-law to steal what was rightfully hers." It is total nonsense in context.
4) During the Virtue tournament, somehow a character defeats a dark-skinned, heavyset Zoeian woman three times. Three times? Either large Zoeian females are over-represented among the Consecrated, and also somehow they all get pitted against this character.... or else the author lost track of his own plot somewhere.
5) One of Audsley's, ahem, guests changes genders at one point. Also a Zoeian. Gee.
6) Mixis is a Bythian, but suddenly he sported "wild black hair". Eh?
These are the biggest ones that really stuck. There are so, so many more. It's a shame that poor editing should spoil a good story. FIX IT DUDE. Kthanx
However, Phil Tucker desperately needs an editor. I knocked off a star for the numerous instances of poor editing, which for me really hampered my enjoyment of the story. It's most likely due to the author churning the books so quickly. The dedication is commendable and that this story is actually well-fleshed out for such a short time spent writing it, speaks to the author's skill. I hope the author takes note and corrects the issues.
1) There is a paragraph where Ser Tiron describes Iskra's beauty. It is wholly lifted from the previous book. Copy-pasted! How extraordinarily lazy.
2) Wrong spelling - characters' names misspelled from one page to the next. Wrong words used - improbably for improbable, ascent for assent.
3) Weird sentence structures. "For refusing to allow her brother-in-law to steal what was rightfully hers." It is total nonsense in context.
4) During the Virtue tournament, somehow a character defeats a dark-skinned, heavyset Zoeian woman three times. Three times? Either large Zoeian females are over-represented among the Consecrated, and also somehow they all get pitted against this character.... or else the author lost track of his own plot somewhere.
5) One of Audsley's, ahem, guests changes genders at one point. Also a Zoeian. Gee.
6) Mixis is a Bythian, but suddenly he sported "wild black hair". Eh?
These are the biggest ones that really stuck. There are so, so many more. It's a shame that poor editing should spoil a good story. FIX IT DUDE. Kthanx
February 12, 2018
Mr. Tucker's best work yet, I can not believe what just happened, I am truly waiting for book 4!!!!!
Now some thoughts, Medusa, Trolls (usually we have the regular ones, on this universe we have stone trolls, more like stone elemental) and Wyverns, usually these opponents are relegated to what uhhhh novice to beginner level, but Mr. Tucker was able to make them the most feared opponents, from the way they were used to their abilities, of course we can not discount Tharok's (together with the iron circlet) ingenuity.
Are the kragh the equivalent of orcs in D&D??? Virtues, Asho, Audsley, Iskra, Tiron and the other notables, what will happen next???
Now some thoughts, Medusa, Trolls (usually we have the regular ones, on this universe we have stone trolls, more like stone elemental) and Wyverns, usually these opponents are relegated to what uhhhh novice to beginner level, but Mr. Tucker was able to make them the most feared opponents, from the way they were used to their abilities, of course we can not discount Tharok's (together with the iron circlet) ingenuity.
Are the kragh the equivalent of orcs in D&D??? Virtues, Asho, Audsley, Iskra, Tiron and the other notables, what will happen next???
May 6, 2019
Phil Tucker’s third novel in his Chronicles of the Black Gate, The Siege of Abythos, was quite a wild ride. Each book in this series improves. To a large extent, this improvement is down to Tucker’s ability to craft convincing character arcs. This is epic fantasy the way it’s meant to be written, and I can’t wait to get to the next book in the series.
The world building in this series continues to be unique and intriguing in multiple ways. The way that the religious system interweaves with the concrete functioning of the world is believable and absolutely fascinating. In this third book in the series, we get more clarity around the magic system (though also plenty that has yet to be revealed) and we get to see even more of the world itself. To me, it felt like plot, characters, and setting all really coalesced in this novel. We’re definitely in the thick of things now in terms of plot and Tucker has done a stupendous job of keeping the plot fast moving while constantly developing new threats and new twists. The sense of development here is nearly off the charts. Every character is different at the end of the novel compared to the beginning. Every plot thread has been moved forward or wrapped up in a way that actually shifts things and moves another thread forward. It’s very well done. Tucker forces his characters through some crazy stuff, and he does it extremely well. I loved Audsley’s arc, in particular, as he has to come to terms with new found power and wrestle with his demons—both figurative and literal. Asho struggles with his identity since he has spent more time among Ennoians than his own people, to say nothing of how that fact alone is a tremendous challenge to Ascendency, the predominate religion. Iskra is forced to put all her leadership skills to use through political maneuvering and also comes to learn some important things about revenge. Tiron may go through the greatest changes, though they also tend to be the least action-packed. Still, where he finds himself in the end is absolutely incredible, and I have no doubt that his plotline in the next book is going to be a favorite. Tharok is Tharok and doing Tharok things the entire time. If you like well-developed characters along with your epic, twisting plots then this is a book you need to pick up!
There was, however, one aspect of the novel that just did not hit for me. Kethe’s arc felt very out of character, in a lot of ways. To begin, she spends the vast majority of the novel being reactive and doing exactly what she’s told to do with little defiance. This just felt so unlike Kethe from the previous novels. I believe we’re meant to understand that she had some sort of a spiritual experience which leads to this, but it didn’t seem that way to me. It felt like our defiant, fiercely driven Kethe was inexplicably compliant and going through the motions. The brief glimpses we received of the old Kethe were primarily instances where she was just being mean because other people weren’t as compliant as she was. I grew to dread her chapters as I was reading. This was all the more disappointing because Kethe had been amongst my favorite characters in the series up to this point. Note well, however, that this has a lot to do with my personal preferences.
The Siege of Abythos is filled with fast moving, twisting plots and loyalties with an amazing cast of characters. Tucker’s Chronicles of the Black Gate is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite epic fantasy series. If you haven’t read this series yet, you need to get to it soon.
8.5/10
4.25/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
The world building in this series continues to be unique and intriguing in multiple ways. The way that the religious system interweaves with the concrete functioning of the world is believable and absolutely fascinating. In this third book in the series, we get more clarity around the magic system (though also plenty that has yet to be revealed) and we get to see even more of the world itself. To me, it felt like plot, characters, and setting all really coalesced in this novel. We’re definitely in the thick of things now in terms of plot and Tucker has done a stupendous job of keeping the plot fast moving while constantly developing new threats and new twists. The sense of development here is nearly off the charts. Every character is different at the end of the novel compared to the beginning. Every plot thread has been moved forward or wrapped up in a way that actually shifts things and moves another thread forward. It’s very well done. Tucker forces his characters through some crazy stuff, and he does it extremely well. I loved Audsley’s arc, in particular, as he has to come to terms with new found power and wrestle with his demons—both figurative and literal. Asho struggles with his identity since he has spent more time among Ennoians than his own people, to say nothing of how that fact alone is a tremendous challenge to Ascendency, the predominate religion. Iskra is forced to put all her leadership skills to use through political maneuvering and also comes to learn some important things about revenge. Tiron may go through the greatest changes, though they also tend to be the least action-packed. Still, where he finds himself in the end is absolutely incredible, and I have no doubt that his plotline in the next book is going to be a favorite. Tharok is Tharok and doing Tharok things the entire time. If you like well-developed characters along with your epic, twisting plots then this is a book you need to pick up!
There was, however, one aspect of the novel that just did not hit for me. Kethe’s arc felt very out of character, in a lot of ways. To begin, she spends the vast majority of the novel being reactive and doing exactly what she’s told to do with little defiance. This just felt so unlike Kethe from the previous novels. I believe we’re meant to understand that she had some sort of a spiritual experience which leads to this, but it didn’t seem that way to me. It felt like our defiant, fiercely driven Kethe was inexplicably compliant and going through the motions. The brief glimpses we received of the old Kethe were primarily instances where she was just being mean because other people weren’t as compliant as she was. I grew to dread her chapters as I was reading. This was all the more disappointing because Kethe had been amongst my favorite characters in the series up to this point. Note well, however, that this has a lot to do with my personal preferences.
The Siege of Abythos is filled with fast moving, twisting plots and loyalties with an amazing cast of characters. Tucker’s Chronicles of the Black Gate is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite epic fantasy series. If you haven’t read this series yet, you need to get to it soon.
8.5/10
4.25/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
November 28, 2016
I,ve just finished the book and I have mixed feelings. Mostly positive - there' s a lot of character development, the plot is engaging but Phil Tucker could and should use some help from severe editor. There' s just too many slow passages that doesn't influence the plot in significant way but make the book boring in places. Still, the moment book 4 arrives, I'll buy it instantly. I'm especially interested in Audsley and Tiron fates.
June 22, 2025
Great book but I liked it a little less than the previous 2. This one was just too long. I think the story could've been a lot better with a few hundred page less.
Some of the battles were confusing to me as well. In the other books I could perfectly picture what was happening but in this book a lot of the times I was completely lost. Even after re-reading bits I just couldn't "see" the battle. It was one big jumbled mess.
Some of the battles were confusing to me as well. In the other books I could perfectly picture what was happening but in this book a lot of the times I was completely lost. Even after re-reading bits I just couldn't "see" the battle. It was one big jumbled mess.
August 12, 2022
this fantastic book sieged right into my heart
May 9, 2022
well sometimes it takes 3 books to realize you can't trust an author, and this is the case here. Chapter 21 ruins the book and pretty much the whole series. This happens to so many authors, just sad to see it happen here as well. They write a solid series, one that has a complex and interesting plot and world. Then because they feel things are too good they have to make everything go all to shit, and put each character through all the worst things,and make old relationships fall apart for weak reasons. I should be use to it by now, but I'm not, and it is always just as frustrating each time. It isn't even creative most times, either a main character gets sexually assaulted, or they start killing children, anything to bring the book down into the gutter.
To add frustration to this book the main characters are all being set up to be pitted against one another. It was overly telegraphed in the second book, and that is exactly what's being done now. I hoped it wouldn't be the case, but it is being forced with a very heavy hand, one that makes each character act against their previous development through two books.
The world is still great, it is being expanded on as characters learn more, but it is also being pushed by unbelievable actions and character changes. Since the characters are the backbone of any good story, since they makeup the plot, this book just comes across as broken. I read straight through books one and two, but here with book three I had times where I'd set it down and didn't even really want to pick it back up. Everything reads as a stretch to me, and it isn't believable anymore. Characters just completely change with a snap of the fingers, and it makes you realize you just can't trust the story anymore if everything can change for no reason aside from getting out of a corner and advancing the plot.
All that said I'll probably try the fourth book. I still enjoy the world, the magic, and the ending, the author is just making themselves way too noticed in the story, but sometimes there's a dud in a series. I'm just hoping this book is the dud.
To add frustration to this book the main characters are all being set up to be pitted against one another. It was overly telegraphed in the second book, and that is exactly what's being done now. I hoped it wouldn't be the case, but it is being forced with a very heavy hand, one that makes each character act against their previous development through two books.
The world is still great, it is being expanded on as characters learn more, but it is also being pushed by unbelievable actions and character changes. Since the characters are the backbone of any good story, since they makeup the plot, this book just comes across as broken. I read straight through books one and two, but here with book three I had times where I'd set it down and didn't even really want to pick it back up. Everything reads as a stretch to me, and it isn't believable anymore. Characters just completely change with a snap of the fingers, and it makes you realize you just can't trust the story anymore if everything can change for no reason aside from getting out of a corner and advancing the plot.
All that said I'll probably try the fourth book. I still enjoy the world, the magic, and the ending, the author is just making themselves way too noticed in the story, but sometimes there's a dud in a series. I'm just hoping this book is the dud.
December 17, 2016
Very good and it is turning out to be a great series. It could do with some professional editing though. By book 3, with as many fans as have liked and reviewed it, I shouldnt have to interpret bad grammar and wrong words. Still, the writing is pretty strong and the plot and characters both are compelling. Can't wait for the next book.
November 22, 2016
The Siege of Abythos
Terrific book... in my view it is the best book of the series and I
can't wait to see what happens next.
Terrific book... in my view it is the best book of the series and I
can't wait to see what happens next.
December 6, 2016
This series is a high quality read and well worth the money. Just darn I have to wait for book 4!
January 8, 2017
fantasy at it's Best
more more more.great characters with too many insights and twists to mention. The last two chapters were so well written.can not wait for the next one
more more more.great characters with too many insights and twists to mention. The last two chapters were so well written.can not wait for the next one
March 2, 2017
Great!
This is great continuation of the story. Can't wait for the next installation! You really connect emotionally to the characters.
This is great continuation of the story. Can't wait for the next installation! You really connect emotionally to the characters.
March 19, 2017
AMAZING
Amazing , I have loved these books the suspense , the thrill , the tears ,the plots I can not recommend them enough
Amazing , I have loved these books the suspense , the thrill , the tears ,the plots I can not recommend them enough
July 10, 2017
Another good read in this series. Starting on the next book in this series.
October 5, 2017
Captivating
This book was really hard to put down until I got to the end. It was unpredictable and filled with unfolding questions and mysteries.
This book was really hard to put down until I got to the end. It was unpredictable and filled with unfolding questions and mysteries.
February 18, 2021
Wow, just wow. This is my favorite book in the series. See the review here:
http://fantasy-faction.com/2017/the-s...
http://fantasy-faction.com/2017/the-s...
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