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Ken Scholes completes his five-book epic that began with his acclaimed first novel Lamentation. The battle for control of The Named Lands has captivated readers as they have learned, alongside the characters, the true nature of world called Lasthome.
Now the struggle between the Andro-Francine Order of the Named Lands and the Y’Zirite Empire has reached a terrible turning point. Believing that his son is dead, Rudolfo has pretended to join with the triumphant Y’zirite forces—but his plan is to destroy them all with a poison that is targeted only to the enemy.
In Y’Zir, Rudolfo’s wife, Jin Li Tam, is fighting a war with her own father, which will bring that Empire to ruin.
And on the Moon, Neb, revealed as one of the Younger Gods, takes the power of the Last Home Temple for his own.
Now the struggle between the Andro-Francine Order of the Named Lands and the Y’Zirite Empire has reached a terrible turning point. Believing that his son is dead, Rudolfo has pretended to join with the triumphant Y’zirite forces—but his plan is to destroy them all with a poison that is targeted only to the enemy.
In Y’Zir, Rudolfo’s wife, Jin Li Tam, is fighting a war with her own father, which will bring that Empire to ruin.
And on the Moon, Neb, revealed as one of the Younger Gods, takes the power of the Last Home Temple for his own.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published December 5, 2017
18 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Ken Scholes
88 books246 followersKen Scholes is the award-winning, critically-acclaimed author of five novels and over fifty short stories. His work has appeared in print for over sixteen years. His series, The Psalms of Isaak, is published by Tor Books and his short fiction has been released in three volumes by Fairwood Press.
Ken's eclectic background includes time spent as a label gun repairman, a sailor who never sailed, a soldier who commanded a desk, a preacher (he got better), a nonprofit executive, a musician and a government procurement analyst. He has a degree in History from Western Washington University.
Ken is a native of the Pacific Northwest and makes his home in Saint Helens, Oregon, where he lives with his twin daughters. You can learn more about Ken by visiting www.kenscholes.com.
Ken's eclectic background includes time spent as a label gun repairman, a sailor who never sailed, a soldier who commanded a desk, a preacher (he got better), a nonprofit executive, a musician and a government procurement analyst. He has a degree in History from Western Washington University.
Ken is a native of the Pacific Northwest and makes his home in Saint Helens, Oregon, where he lives with his twin daughters. You can learn more about Ken by visiting www.kenscholes.com.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 31, 2018
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Ken Scholes’ five-volume Psalms of Isaak saga. Launched in 2009 with Lamentation, I remember being blown away by the addictively readable fusion of science fiction and fantasy, masterful world-building, and brilliantly intricate storyline. I’d never read anything quite like it—and that’s saying something coming from a book critic who has reviewed 8,000+ titles over the last 20+ years. I remember going so far as predicting that the Psalms of Isaak had the potential to redefine genre fiction—and I think it would have if it hadn’t been for a few unfortunate issues. Tor radically changed the cover art design after the second novel (Canticle) was released in paperback, which threw many readers off, and there was a seven year gap between the release of the third novel, Antiphon, and the concluding volume Hymn, which was just released late in the fall of 2017. After the first three installments were released relatively quickly, the last two novels were three and four years apart, which is far too long for a society now obsessed with binge-watching or binge-reading entertainment. Yes, some authors can get away with this (GRRM, Rothfuss, etc.) but the vast majority of readers will eventually grow tired of waiting and move on to something else.
Those readers who did stick around for the release of Hymn, however, were rewarded with a fitting end to the series. I’m not going to go into detail here and give anything away but I will say this: in terms of thematic profundity, Scholes hit it out of the park.
Towards the novel’s end, for example, female protagonist Jin Li Tam revaluates her life, with some profound revelations: “There had been light there. And there had been love. And so much loss. And she knew she’d left something behind—something vast—but that loss was folded into a larger song, a hymn to light in darkness and life in the midst of death.”
So, like Jin Li Tam, as I reevaluate the now completed Psalms of Isaak, I’m struck with some revelations of my own. Regardless of the less than ideal publishing schedule and marketing plan, this series will go down as arguably the best example of what an author can achieve when they embrace their creative courage and audaciously blend together elements of science fiction and fantasy. Mind-blowing in terms of both narrative scope and storytelling depth, this saga should go down as an instant genre classic.
Those readers who did stick around for the release of Hymn, however, were rewarded with a fitting end to the series. I’m not going to go into detail here and give anything away but I will say this: in terms of thematic profundity, Scholes hit it out of the park.
Towards the novel’s end, for example, female protagonist Jin Li Tam revaluates her life, with some profound revelations: “There had been light there. And there had been love. And so much loss. And she knew she’d left something behind—something vast—but that loss was folded into a larger song, a hymn to light in darkness and life in the midst of death.”
So, like Jin Li Tam, as I reevaluate the now completed Psalms of Isaak, I’m struck with some revelations of my own. Regardless of the less than ideal publishing schedule and marketing plan, this series will go down as arguably the best example of what an author can achieve when they embrace their creative courage and audaciously blend together elements of science fiction and fantasy. Mind-blowing in terms of both narrative scope and storytelling depth, this saga should go down as an instant genre classic.
February 6, 2018
This was a tough series to grade for. I just could not get into the story and struggled through it. I can not put my finger on why I struggled so much with it. I think it was partly due to the pervasive torture scenes and the lack of connection to the characters. However, I appreciated the the very creative world-building and the unique blending of fantasy, steampunk and sci-fi genres. I think that was the only thing that kept me reading all 5 books in the series. I suspect I am in the minority and I would encourage people to read this if they want a unique series that defies genre.
January 15, 2023
https://undertheradarsffbooks.com/202...
We have now come to the concluding volume in the Pslams of Isaak series and it was impossible to predict which way the story would turn. Visions, dreams, and plans which begun from the earth shattering events at the begining of Lamentation are coming around full circle. Our characters are smacked into the middle of these opposing forces. There will be too much pain and suffering to bare among friends and enemies but Ken navigates these water to a shocking conclusion. This is a series in need of a wider audience for the originality and shocking twists to go along with it. This will be a spoiler free review but I will be discussing events from the previous novels.
Neb has unlocked the moon wizards tower with the help of a rejuvenated Petronus but he is still in need of the staff to make the final dream a realization. With control of the moon wizards gate, Neb can now move between Firsthome and Lasthome in an instant with the help of his god-like powers and the kin-dragons he now controls. The race is on to find Vlad before he causes even more damage. Jin Li Tam experience the shocking choices her father has made on the Crimson Empire resulting in the death of her son Jacob and the Crimson Empress herself. Of course we as the reader know that this is a ploy on the part of Vlad but this will not stop Jin from seeking out vengeance. An army is being mustered to combat Vlads tyranny but the biggest challenge will be Jin telling the horrifying faith of her son to Rudolfo.
Isaak have been remade into the body of The Watcher now rides the behemoth with Marta in search for the Moon Wizard Staff just like Neb. His journey will lead to so many twists and turns I could hardly believe where the story was taking me. New factions will be introduced into this novel but that would be for the reader to discover. Winters has seen the final dream and must now lead her people out of danger and to the moon. This is the dream her and Neb first saw in Lamentation and she must take up he place in this new order.
I will be honest and say that I was a little bit thrown for a loop while making my way through this volume. It felt like each chapter new factions where being introduced into the story, which worked for the plot but seemed a bit out of left field. I should also say that normally in each chapter for the first four books in the series, there where three character shifts while in Hymn there were at least four. With all this being said, Hymn is a fantastic end to an amazing epic fantasy/sci-fi series. I can guarantee that no one has ever attempted something anywhere close to this series and Ken Scholes should be celebrated. The lore and history of this world is so vast and untouched that I’m sure another series can be built with the threads left for us to consume. The character Arcs couldn’t have ended any other way and you will be smiling by the end of this book.
The Pslams of Isaak is a journey not to be forgotten and it is just the beginnings of my interations with author Ken Scholes. If you are interested, Ken and I will be doing a deep dive podcast episode of the whole series to the nuts and bolts and it ill be a smashing time. I hope to see you there my friends.
Cheers!
We have now come to the concluding volume in the Pslams of Isaak series and it was impossible to predict which way the story would turn. Visions, dreams, and plans which begun from the earth shattering events at the begining of Lamentation are coming around full circle. Our characters are smacked into the middle of these opposing forces. There will be too much pain and suffering to bare among friends and enemies but Ken navigates these water to a shocking conclusion. This is a series in need of a wider audience for the originality and shocking twists to go along with it. This will be a spoiler free review but I will be discussing events from the previous novels.
Neb has unlocked the moon wizards tower with the help of a rejuvenated Petronus but he is still in need of the staff to make the final dream a realization. With control of the moon wizards gate, Neb can now move between Firsthome and Lasthome in an instant with the help of his god-like powers and the kin-dragons he now controls. The race is on to find Vlad before he causes even more damage. Jin Li Tam experience the shocking choices her father has made on the Crimson Empire resulting in the death of her son Jacob and the Crimson Empress herself. Of course we as the reader know that this is a ploy on the part of Vlad but this will not stop Jin from seeking out vengeance. An army is being mustered to combat Vlads tyranny but the biggest challenge will be Jin telling the horrifying faith of her son to Rudolfo.
Isaak have been remade into the body of The Watcher now rides the behemoth with Marta in search for the Moon Wizard Staff just like Neb. His journey will lead to so many twists and turns I could hardly believe where the story was taking me. New factions will be introduced into this novel but that would be for the reader to discover. Winters has seen the final dream and must now lead her people out of danger and to the moon. This is the dream her and Neb first saw in Lamentation and she must take up he place in this new order.
I will be honest and say that I was a little bit thrown for a loop while making my way through this volume. It felt like each chapter new factions where being introduced into the story, which worked for the plot but seemed a bit out of left field. I should also say that normally in each chapter for the first four books in the series, there where three character shifts while in Hymn there were at least four. With all this being said, Hymn is a fantastic end to an amazing epic fantasy/sci-fi series. I can guarantee that no one has ever attempted something anywhere close to this series and Ken Scholes should be celebrated. The lore and history of this world is so vast and untouched that I’m sure another series can be built with the threads left for us to consume. The character Arcs couldn’t have ended any other way and you will be smiling by the end of this book.
The Pslams of Isaak is a journey not to be forgotten and it is just the beginnings of my interations with author Ken Scholes. If you are interested, Ken and I will be doing a deep dive podcast episode of the whole series to the nuts and bolts and it ill be a smashing time. I hope to see you there my friends.
Cheers!
April 3, 2018
What a ride it has been.
Hymm marks the end of an era. The conclusion we had been waiting for comes crashing down on the Named Lands blurring the lines between mortals and gods, legends and facts. Suffice to say, this is one of those series that completely swept me away by the sheer audacity of the author's imagination. The only other authors I can think of are Brandon Sanderson (to an extent) and the much under-hyped Adrian Tchaikovsky.
Years of gap between publications aside, Ken Scholes takes the book to a rising crescendo before letting it fall in a final blaze of glory. The stories of Isaak, Neb, Petronus, Rudolfo, Vlad and Jin will forever be etched in my heart if not in the hearts of men of the Named Lands. The Psalms of Isaak is a creative mastermind, craftily combining science fiction into a tale that defines the fantasy genre. Like a master chess player going for the kill, Ken Scholes brings all the players into the game in this final novel and begins a bloodbath that even the Gods can't avoid.
The bad guys turn humane and the good guys turn into monsters and in between are the kin-dragons, flying free again. Oh, what a ride this has been.
A fitting end to a grand tale.
Hymm marks the end of an era. The conclusion we had been waiting for comes crashing down on the Named Lands blurring the lines between mortals and gods, legends and facts. Suffice to say, this is one of those series that completely swept me away by the sheer audacity of the author's imagination. The only other authors I can think of are Brandon Sanderson (to an extent) and the much under-hyped Adrian Tchaikovsky.
Years of gap between publications aside, Ken Scholes takes the book to a rising crescendo before letting it fall in a final blaze of glory. The stories of Isaak, Neb, Petronus, Rudolfo, Vlad and Jin will forever be etched in my heart if not in the hearts of men of the Named Lands. The Psalms of Isaak is a creative mastermind, craftily combining science fiction into a tale that defines the fantasy genre. Like a master chess player going for the kill, Ken Scholes brings all the players into the game in this final novel and begins a bloodbath that even the Gods can't avoid.
The bad guys turn humane and the good guys turn into monsters and in between are the kin-dragons, flying free again. Oh, what a ride this has been.
A fitting end to a grand tale.
May 4, 2018
Finally finished with the Psalms of Isaak. I think this series was a couple of years ahead of the resurgance of Dying Earth type stories and further hampered by a few publishing hiccups. Still this is a fitting end to an original and exciting fantasy series that needs more attention.
April 16, 2018
As with every concluding volume of a series that's got 3 or more books, the main question I ask myself is: "Did the author succeed in wrapping up the story?" Short answer: Scholes mostly does.
"Psalms of Isaak" is a very interesting series, that started with a very focused cast and plot-centered around the aftermath of a single profound event in Book 1, and proceeded to expand the scope of its story with every subsequent installment, introducing a rich and forgotten backstory dating back millennia before the earliest memories that the plot's principal societies have. There's a reason volume 4 needed a sizeable glossary to help the readers make sense of all the hints and tidbits dropped throughout the story.
In my review of Book 4 I noted that I was feeling that Scholes might have created a world too big and a history too rich for his story to contain. You can imagine my trepidation, then, when "Hymn" starts by introducing a brand-new faction into the plot-one whose initial description and role practically screams "deus ex machina plot device!". I was skeptical, and not a little bit worried. But I must say, Scholes manages to write them into the story in a way that makes sense, and limits their actual impact well. Although in several points they DO move the plot along rather conveniently, at others, their well-intentioned interference throws spanners into various characters' works in original ways.
Overall, the plot feels rushed, but at the same time, manages to lack urgency. The major "end game threat" that emerges towards the end isn't exactly a surprise, but at the same time, it's not entirely convincing. It's strange, and difficult to explain while keeping spoilers to a minimum, but the main premise revolves around several clashing plans as to how to finish undermining a common enemy, where the various character's motivations and plans result in irreconcilable differences of opinion over what seem to be minor philosophical disputes. While the plot and the story works, and it delivers a suitably epic and bittersweet conclusion, doing a good job to give closure to all principal characters and, at the same time, avoids a definitive "happily ever after" end-all finale, the way things get there can feel more than a bit contrived, once I look back at it more critically.
Nevertheless, the short answer remains the same: Scholes mostly sticks the landing. The book reads quickly, pacing is much more solid as there's always important things happening, and none of the characters act in a particularly jarring manner that'd be inconsistent with their prior arcs. I was pleasantly surprised that Scholes manages to answer most questions his expansive world-building posed previously, and overall, I am happy I read the series as it's certainly a unique mix of fantasy and SF elements, with a plot that grows progressively more labyrinthine as the series goes, and yes, it does stick the landing. Mostly. I'm certainly interested to see what Scholes writes next.
"Psalms of Isaak" is a very interesting series, that started with a very focused cast and plot-centered around the aftermath of a single profound event in Book 1, and proceeded to expand the scope of its story with every subsequent installment, introducing a rich and forgotten backstory dating back millennia before the earliest memories that the plot's principal societies have. There's a reason volume 4 needed a sizeable glossary to help the readers make sense of all the hints and tidbits dropped throughout the story.
In my review of Book 4 I noted that I was feeling that Scholes might have created a world too big and a history too rich for his story to contain. You can imagine my trepidation, then, when "Hymn" starts by introducing a brand-new faction into the plot-one whose initial description and role practically screams "deus ex machina plot device!". I was skeptical, and not a little bit worried. But I must say, Scholes manages to write them into the story in a way that makes sense, and limits their actual impact well. Although in several points they DO move the plot along rather conveniently, at others, their well-intentioned interference throws spanners into various characters' works in original ways.
Overall, the plot feels rushed, but at the same time, manages to lack urgency. The major "end game threat" that emerges towards the end isn't exactly a surprise, but at the same time, it's not entirely convincing. It's strange, and difficult to explain while keeping spoilers to a minimum, but the main premise revolves around several clashing plans as to how to finish undermining a common enemy, where the various character's motivations and plans result in irreconcilable differences of opinion over what seem to be minor philosophical disputes. While the plot and the story works, and it delivers a suitably epic and bittersweet conclusion, doing a good job to give closure to all principal characters and, at the same time, avoids a definitive "happily ever after" end-all finale, the way things get there can feel more than a bit contrived, once I look back at it more critically.
Nevertheless, the short answer remains the same: Scholes mostly sticks the landing. The book reads quickly, pacing is much more solid as there's always important things happening, and none of the characters act in a particularly jarring manner that'd be inconsistent with their prior arcs. I was pleasantly surprised that Scholes manages to answer most questions his expansive world-building posed previously, and overall, I am happy I read the series as it's certainly a unique mix of fantasy and SF elements, with a plot that grows progressively more labyrinthine as the series goes, and yes, it does stick the landing. Mostly. I'm certainly interested to see what Scholes writes next.
November 28, 2024
Hymn by Ken Scholes
Book Five of The Psalms of Isaak
Audible Audiobook
19h 53m
Performed by Scott Black, Stefan Rudricki, Gabrielle De Cuir, Kristoffer Tabori, Emily Rankin, John Rubinstein
Endings are always met with equal parts anticipation and dread. The conclusion of The Psalms of Isaak is everything you want for the ending of an epic story like this. Most of the mysteries are exposed making the scope of the story even more epic. All the while leaving just enough unknown to possibly revisit this setting later. Hymn is not the end of the story as much as it is the culmination of the events following the destruction of the metropolis Windwir. Most of the surviving characters have conclusions to their stories, but a few have ambiguous endings.
The chapters are named after main characters. Each has their own performer. Overall, the performance is a delight. However, with the introduction of yet another faction the performers began using accents for the characters in this faction. The accents were noticeably different from one performer to the next as you would expect. Personally, I would have opted to continue the performances as in previous books and left the accents alone.
I don't wish to spoil anything, so it is difficult to discuss what happens in the story. Although there are at least two instances of comeuppance that made my heart sing. There was also one instance in which I thought the author was trying to have a redemptive story arc for a terrible villain, but in fact took a turn I didn't see coming.
The Psalms of Isaak is pretty firmly an epic fantasy, but it incorporates so much more making it difficult to pigeonhole. Once you set upon this path you must see it to its conclusion. I assure you it is certainly worth it.
Book Five of The Psalms of Isaak
Audible Audiobook
19h 53m
Performed by Scott Black, Stefan Rudricki, Gabrielle De Cuir, Kristoffer Tabori, Emily Rankin, John Rubinstein
Endings are always met with equal parts anticipation and dread. The conclusion of The Psalms of Isaak is everything you want for the ending of an epic story like this. Most of the mysteries are exposed making the scope of the story even more epic. All the while leaving just enough unknown to possibly revisit this setting later. Hymn is not the end of the story as much as it is the culmination of the events following the destruction of the metropolis Windwir. Most of the surviving characters have conclusions to their stories, but a few have ambiguous endings.
The chapters are named after main characters. Each has their own performer. Overall, the performance is a delight. However, with the introduction of yet another faction the performers began using accents for the characters in this faction. The accents were noticeably different from one performer to the next as you would expect. Personally, I would have opted to continue the performances as in previous books and left the accents alone.
I don't wish to spoil anything, so it is difficult to discuss what happens in the story. Although there are at least two instances of comeuppance that made my heart sing. There was also one instance in which I thought the author was trying to have a redemptive story arc for a terrible villain, but in fact took a turn I didn't see coming.
The Psalms of Isaak is pretty firmly an epic fantasy, but it incorporates so much more making it difficult to pigeonhole. Once you set upon this path you must see it to its conclusion. I assure you it is certainly worth it.
August 8, 2025
We've returned to the final book in the series. I'm anxious to find out where everyone ends up in the world and what happens.
The beginning has everyone in new places. Each are having reflective moments as they are separated and all could go any way for either side. They all have come so far! There are mention that had me guessing as to what would happen.
This book surprised me with the new people we see. I didn't see that coming. Though, now that I look back, there are hints there maybe more with the temple. I'm amazed at the pathway to the moon. Then there's a new character that I didn't see coming either. I was wondering who was talking to Winters, this fits.
This book is the one that Isaak has to face his fear. Yep, the mechanical has fears. And his biggest is the one that he has to face. Neb sees himself as a failure, even though he found their home, he hasn't been able to do what he thought was needed of him. Neb needs to see that things are fallible. They are human in their actions.
The thing that catches my attention is that people will do what they must to keep their loved ones safe.
The ending... Wow. As fantasy reads do, things are not always the happiest of endings for all. And I appreciate that more than anything. The ending for each of our main characters is true to their character and heart.
Finishing the last pages of the book was wonderful. I'm thrilled I was able to finish out this series. Ken Scholes has left us places that he could revisit briefly, if he would like. But the series feels complete with where it is.
The beginning has everyone in new places. Each are having reflective moments as they are separated and all could go any way for either side. They all have come so far! There are mention that had me guessing as to what would happen.
This book surprised me with the new people we see. I didn't see that coming. Though, now that I look back, there are hints there maybe more with the temple. I'm amazed at the pathway to the moon. Then there's a new character that I didn't see coming either. I was wondering who was talking to Winters, this fits.
This book is the one that Isaak has to face his fear. Yep, the mechanical has fears. And his biggest is the one that he has to face. Neb sees himself as a failure, even though he found their home, he hasn't been able to do what he thought was needed of him. Neb needs to see that things are fallible. They are human in their actions.
The thing that catches my attention is that people will do what they must to keep their loved ones safe.
The ending... Wow. As fantasy reads do, things are not always the happiest of endings for all. And I appreciate that more than anything. The ending for each of our main characters is true to their character and heart.
Finishing the last pages of the book was wonderful. I'm thrilled I was able to finish out this series. Ken Scholes has left us places that he could revisit briefly, if he would like. But the series feels complete with where it is.
February 10, 2018
Simply put, worth the wait.
Ken Scholes final work in the Psalms of Isaak is a fitting swan song for the series. Our favorite characters are back with complex challenges and goals. The world building somehow manages to extend and enrich the already well-defined setting. Scholes' writing is at best when depicted the "tough conversations" and those crucible moments every great character must face and overcome. The pace is an interesting combination of frenzied action, perplexing mystery, pauses, unexpected twists and revelations. Just a great hodgepodge of fascinating work.
At times the work does lean towards info-dumpy but not too much so as to detract from the story at hand.
I do hope this isn't my final visit to the rich world Scholes has created and populated with so many fascinating characters. But I certainly enjoyed this trip.
Ken Scholes final work in the Psalms of Isaak is a fitting swan song for the series. Our favorite characters are back with complex challenges and goals. The world building somehow manages to extend and enrich the already well-defined setting. Scholes' writing is at best when depicted the "tough conversations" and those crucible moments every great character must face and overcome. The pace is an interesting combination of frenzied action, perplexing mystery, pauses, unexpected twists and revelations. Just a great hodgepodge of fascinating work.
At times the work does lean towards info-dumpy but not too much so as to detract from the story at hand.
I do hope this isn't my final visit to the rich world Scholes has created and populated with so many fascinating characters. But I certainly enjoyed this trip.
April 19, 2018
I understand that the gaps between Requiem & Hymn (and to a lesser extent between Antiphon & Requiem) were beyond the author's control, but I can't pretend that it didn't affect my enjoyment to some extent. I'd forgotten how the earlier books (and it's my issue that they were buried too deep in the archives to pull them out and get caught up) ended, and even who a couple of the characters were. It probably cost this concluding volume a *. From about the halfway point in Hymn, though, I was completely engaged. Obviously, nobody is going to start here, but now that the entire series is in print, I can strongly recommend that readers who love to live on the border between fantasy & SF binge-read the entire pentology (quintology?, panapticon? pathology?) I envy those who can.
December 20, 2017
Epic
I've devoured Ken Scholes' books every time he's published one. The final volume was like a fine, gourmet dessert. Rich and complex and you just want to savor every bite. Read the series and know the ending is exactly the right kind of meal that leaves you fulfilled and satisfied.
I've devoured Ken Scholes' books every time he's published one. The final volume was like a fine, gourmet dessert. Rich and complex and you just want to savor every bite. Read the series and know the ending is exactly the right kind of meal that leaves you fulfilled and satisfied.
January 30, 2018
What to Read Next?
I have thoroughly enjoyed the entire series. The wait for Hymn seemed like forever but turns out, well worth it! The story telling is such that you feel like you're in the middle of it all. You feel the deep pain, sorrow, love all in a unique and fresh setting!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the entire series. The wait for Hymn seemed like forever but turns out, well worth it! The story telling is such that you feel like you're in the middle of it all. You feel the deep pain, sorrow, love all in a unique and fresh setting!
March 7, 2018
I was fortunate enough to discover Ken Scholes through a writing workshop when the first four books of Psalms were already in print. I adored the first book, struggled with the second, and found my way again with the third and fourth volumes.
In this last book, Scholes moves a lot of pieces around the board, setting up resolutions for the characters and the many, many plot threads in this grand tapestry. Not everything worked for me, but I see where the writer made his choices and why.
The important thing was the emotional weight of the story: I cheered and grieved for these people, and suspect that I'll returned to The Named Lands in the future and experience the entire journey again.
If you haven't read Scholes yet (or only know him through his short fiction), now's your chance to binge on a very human epic.
In this last book, Scholes moves a lot of pieces around the board, setting up resolutions for the characters and the many, many plot threads in this grand tapestry. Not everything worked for me, but I see where the writer made his choices and why.
The important thing was the emotional weight of the story: I cheered and grieved for these people, and suspect that I'll returned to The Named Lands in the future and experience the entire journey again.
If you haven't read Scholes yet (or only know him through his short fiction), now's your chance to binge on a very human epic.
July 31, 2018
A good enough conclusion to a series that does some really impressive work deconstructing cycles of violence and revenge and critiquing religious fundamentalism but doesn't undo the plot issues introduced in the middle volumes (with the characters' loyalties, betrayals, and motivations becoming so labyrinthine as to be incomprehensible).
July 24, 2022
This was a most satisfactory conclusion to an elaborate five book series. It took me several years to accumulate all the books in the series. Then it took me considerable time to read them all. Sometimes the fantasy was beyond my grasp, but the strong characters kept me pursuing their stories. Certainly, the author has an incredible imagination and an ability to express his ideas well.
February 17, 2019
Good ending to the series, though it took me awhile to remember some things, since it's been so long since I read the previous book.
I highly recommend this sci-fi/fantasy series, with the caveat that it's pretty dark.
I highly recommend this sci-fi/fantasy series, with the caveat that it's pretty dark.
March 27, 2019
A worthy conclusion to a very solid series. I loved how chock full of ideas this series was. There were maybe too many viewpoints towards the end, but overall it was excellent. Steampunk with science fantasy elements alongside epic fantasy. The series as a while develops greatly over time.
January 22, 2018
Regret
My regret is thatkens book has come to an end. I truly love where he has gone with this series. I look forward to future adventures
My regret is thatkens book has come to an end. I truly love where he has gone with this series. I look forward to future adventures
February 7, 2018
A fitting end to the Psalms. I would just like to say that I really, REALLY want a kin-dragon!
April 12, 2018
A lovely and fitting end to the journey this series has taken me on.
May 10, 2018
If you haven't read this series - do yourself a favor and read it!
July 22, 2018
Worth the wait!! Thanks Ken!
August 28, 2020
A good ending for the series. Parts were sometimes too slow but it moved better toward the end.
November 17, 2020
Was a bit of a struggle. I think there was too much time between this book and the last.
June 1, 2022
This series absolutely grew and improved with each volume. What a wonderful finish to a series that deserves much more attention than it has gotten.
December 5, 2017
Pros: lots of twists and turns, great character moments, touching ending
Cons:
Picking up immediately where Requiem left off, Neb still needs the staff that Vlad Li Tam is using to terrorize the Y’Zirite Empire. Amyle D’Anjite has disappeared with her kin-dragon, on a mission to oppose Neb and the work he and Patronus are doing on the moon. Orius, Lysias, and Rudolfo work towards clearing the Named Lands of Y’Zirite soldiers. In the aftermath of the Final Dream, Winteria Bat Mardic begins preaching again. And mysterious allies finally show themselves.
This is the fifth and final book in the Psalms of Isaac series. I’ve long since given up trying to figure out what’s going to happen next in these books. There are so many surprises and major twists. A new group shows up in this book that ends up playing major roles along the various storylines.
While I sympathized with (and in some cases agreed with) a few of Vlad Li Tam’s actions, there hit a point where I agreed with other characters that he needed to be stopped. Jin Li Tam makes some surprising choices, and I was impressed with how Rudolfo dealt with his further losses.
At one point I was convinced that the author had forgotten about Lynnae, Jacob’s wet-nurse, and so was very happy that she turned up again.
The ending was fantastic. It came with more revelations about the people, and really tied off a lot of character threads. There were tears (in book and in person), and moments of joy.
If you like intrigue and haven’t picked these books up, you’re missing out.
Cons:
Picking up immediately where Requiem left off, Neb still needs the staff that Vlad Li Tam is using to terrorize the Y’Zirite Empire. Amyle D’Anjite has disappeared with her kin-dragon, on a mission to oppose Neb and the work he and Patronus are doing on the moon. Orius, Lysias, and Rudolfo work towards clearing the Named Lands of Y’Zirite soldiers. In the aftermath of the Final Dream, Winteria Bat Mardic begins preaching again. And mysterious allies finally show themselves.
This is the fifth and final book in the Psalms of Isaac series. I’ve long since given up trying to figure out what’s going to happen next in these books. There are so many surprises and major twists. A new group shows up in this book that ends up playing major roles along the various storylines.
While I sympathized with (and in some cases agreed with) a few of Vlad Li Tam’s actions, there hit a point where I agreed with other characters that he needed to be stopped. Jin Li Tam makes some surprising choices, and I was impressed with how Rudolfo dealt with his further losses.
At one point I was convinced that the author had forgotten about Lynnae, Jacob’s wet-nurse, and so was very happy that she turned up again.
The ending was fantastic. It came with more revelations about the people, and really tied off a lot of character threads. There were tears (in book and in person), and moments of joy.
If you like intrigue and haven’t picked these books up, you’re missing out.
January 25, 2018
Great ending to a wonderful series. Scholes ties up most of the loose ends and leaves us wishing for more. I hope we can return to the world of Neb and Winters and the rest to see what they've made of themselves in a few years.
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