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The Felix Chronicles #3
Tides Of Winter
Death is just the beginning.
Felix stood at her graveside, eyes burning with sorrow, voice trembling in the winter cold. “This isn’t a kids’ story. The bad guys aren’t evil for the sake of being evil. The good guys fight for a way of life that benefits the privileged at the expense of everyone else—hell, they tried to kill me. So who’s good and who’s evil? Is one side any better than the other? And what’s more important, individual freedom or the right to live without fear? How can I choose for myself when everyone’s trying to choose for me? I only know one thing for sure: when I decide, people are going to die. Good people? Bad people? How will I know until it’s too late? Maybe there isn’t a right answer, and that’s why I’m afraid—why we all should be afraid.”
Felix stood at her graveside, eyes burning with sorrow, voice trembling in the winter cold. “This isn’t a kids’ story. The bad guys aren’t evil for the sake of being evil. The good guys fight for a way of life that benefits the privileged at the expense of everyone else—hell, they tried to kill me. So who’s good and who’s evil? Is one side any better than the other? And what’s more important, individual freedom or the right to live without fear? How can I choose for myself when everyone’s trying to choose for me? I only know one thing for sure: when I decide, people are going to die. Good people? Bad people? How will I know until it’s too late? Maybe there isn’t a right answer, and that’s why I’m afraid—why we all should be afraid.”
- GenresFantasy
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2017
30 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
R.T. Lowe
3 books55 followersR.T. Lowe is the author of The Felix Chronicles: Freshmen (Book 1), Five Days In January (Book 2) and Tides Of Winter (Book 3). R.T. is a graduate of Willamette University and Columbia Law School. Originally from Oregon, he now lives in Newtown, Connecticut with his wife and four sons.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 6, 2017
The third book in the saga. Felix faces new threats and struggles with the decisions he makes along the way. The characters are really well written and relatable. A welcome follow up and one I would recommend.
March 21, 2017
(portion of the review posted to my blog:)
Have you ever read one of those stories that the characters and locations are just there, beyond the edges of the book? As the series has progressed, Lowe has continued to refine Felix and his friends (and enemies). The descriptions of the most ordinary scenes tend to jump off the page.
Felix drank his beer. It was cold and tasted good, an IPA from a local brewery. Allison stared at Bill, her eyes as frosty as the bottle in Felix's hand. (p. 17)
Difficult points in the story are offered with colorful imagery:
Then the heavens fell and the dunes rose, merging into each other, lending together, turning the sane beneath his feet into something neither gas nor liquid, breathable but heavier than air, and as blue as a Fijian sky on a cloudless day ... A feeling of warmth and happiness flooded his being and he reached out for the voice and let himself go. (p. 175)
Lowe uses levity in proper doses and at times when the narrative needs to be lightened. For example, when Felix comes into an unexpected inheritance, Allison says, 'Fifty million dollars, huh? Think you can afford to buy me a coffee?' (p. 252).
One area where many writers suffer is balancing how much back story to provide in each part of a series. This segment of Chronicles maintains enough information about the previous parts that a reader starting here would not be completely lost. Additionally, this portion of the story contains more commentary on society than the earlier two, owing perhaps to the current state of affairs in the world; readers will see nods to social justice and politics.
The community was incensed, and Felix thought it odd how it seemed people accepted the news of human death -- even mass death -- in relative stride, yet the death of an animal provoked an avalanche of outrage. (p. 73).
No spoiler, but the text ends on something of a cliffhanger. Despite Amazon's listing of Tides as the third in a three-part series, it is hoped that it won't be the last installment.
Have you ever read one of those stories that the characters and locations are just there, beyond the edges of the book? As the series has progressed, Lowe has continued to refine Felix and his friends (and enemies). The descriptions of the most ordinary scenes tend to jump off the page.
Felix drank his beer. It was cold and tasted good, an IPA from a local brewery. Allison stared at Bill, her eyes as frosty as the bottle in Felix's hand. (p. 17)
Difficult points in the story are offered with colorful imagery:
Then the heavens fell and the dunes rose, merging into each other, lending together, turning the sane beneath his feet into something neither gas nor liquid, breathable but heavier than air, and as blue as a Fijian sky on a cloudless day ... A feeling of warmth and happiness flooded his being and he reached out for the voice and let himself go. (p. 175)
Lowe uses levity in proper doses and at times when the narrative needs to be lightened. For example, when Felix comes into an unexpected inheritance, Allison says, 'Fifty million dollars, huh? Think you can afford to buy me a coffee?' (p. 252).
One area where many writers suffer is balancing how much back story to provide in each part of a series. This segment of Chronicles maintains enough information about the previous parts that a reader starting here would not be completely lost. Additionally, this portion of the story contains more commentary on society than the earlier two, owing perhaps to the current state of affairs in the world; readers will see nods to social justice and politics.
The community was incensed, and Felix thought it odd how it seemed people accepted the news of human death -- even mass death -- in relative stride, yet the death of an animal provoked an avalanche of outrage. (p. 73).
No spoiler, but the text ends on something of a cliffhanger. Despite Amazon's listing of Tides as the third in a three-part series, it is hoped that it won't be the last installment.
June 11, 2017
This book reunites the readers with Felix, Allison, their friends, and Bill. Disturbing acts of violence occur throughout the country, not sparing Portland College.
With The Felix Chronicles: Tides of Winter, R. T. Lowe has once again created a thrilling combination of mystery, paranormal, and urban fantasy. It is a compelling read, drawing you even closer than before to Felix and Allison - sometimes a little too close for comfort. In his first book, R. T. Lowe created a broad variety of believable and complex main characters, still leaving enough room for the personal imagination; in the second book, you learned more about them as they were facing new challenges, and this third book seamlessly continues Felix and Allison's endeavours. Expertly woven situations and thrilling interactions kept me glued to my E-reader. There is violence, gore, magic, a bunch of interesting characters, and an intriguing story for you to enjoy. A topic that certainly not only keeps the protagonists' minds busy: Even if good versus evil seems outdated - isn't the lesser evil still evil?
This is for you if you like intense characters with a mission, thrill with great twists, urban fantasy, masterly combined plot-lines, and food for thought.
The awesome third book in The Felix Chronicles series; I am eagerly waiting for the fourth book!
Highly recommended!
With The Felix Chronicles: Tides of Winter, R. T. Lowe has once again created a thrilling combination of mystery, paranormal, and urban fantasy. It is a compelling read, drawing you even closer than before to Felix and Allison - sometimes a little too close for comfort. In his first book, R. T. Lowe created a broad variety of believable and complex main characters, still leaving enough room for the personal imagination; in the second book, you learned more about them as they were facing new challenges, and this third book seamlessly continues Felix and Allison's endeavours. Expertly woven situations and thrilling interactions kept me glued to my E-reader. There is violence, gore, magic, a bunch of interesting characters, and an intriguing story for you to enjoy. A topic that certainly not only keeps the protagonists' minds busy: Even if good versus evil seems outdated - isn't the lesser evil still evil?
This is for you if you like intense characters with a mission, thrill with great twists, urban fantasy, masterly combined plot-lines, and food for thought.
The awesome third book in The Felix Chronicles series; I am eagerly waiting for the fourth book!
Highly recommended!
March 8, 2017
Tides of Winter is the third installment in the Felix Chronicles. It's still awesome, in fact I'd say that R.T. Lowe is getting better with each book. It's shaping into a series that I'd love to see on screen. A sort of cross between Harry Potter at college and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (albeit without actual vampires, but plenty of monsters are slain).
Tides of Winter has a lot of parallels with the worst fears of Americans under their 45th President, although it must have been finished before the outcome of the election was known.
There's the same three sided conflict as our previous stories, and this is strengthened. Several attempts are made to kill or woo Felix and Allison. We see a deepening of Felix's bond with Allison, and learn more of her background and thirst to avenge her murdered parents. We also lose some characters, no spoilers, but it's clear that R.T. Lowe isn't afraid to kill off his darlings. In fact there's a body count higher than Game of Thrones, although most of these are off stage consequences.
Lofton is still pulling all the strings like a master puppeteer. The New Government that Lofton has installed is hunting down and killing the monsters that Lofton created but blamed the old government for. In the course of events most of the Bill of Rights is swept away, judicial processes are streamlined and prisons emptied. Many of the serial offenders are quietly executed. Guns are outlawed and when people refuse to give them up and form armed enclaves they are carpet bombed.
Lofton also puts Felix is in a number of lose either way positions, but Felix is always reluctant to commit. He feels both Lofton and the Order are trying to manipulate him for their own ends. He reacts against it and tries to avoid doing what either of them want. This drives a chain of events that leads to him losing people that are close to him. By the end of the book Felix has realised that he can't stay neutral and uninvolved. He needs to choose a side.
I'm avoiding spoilers, but there are at least three points where I was surprised by the action. Moments where I had a wow response. None of this was shark jumping stuff, but genuine twists that made sense when I analysed it, there were hints/clues planted earlier in Tides of Winter (or in the Felix Chronicles for one of them). It showed well crafted plotting and attention to detail.
If you haven't already then I suggest that you go grab all three instalments of the Felix Chronicles and start reading them. It's a fab series of urban fantasy.
Tides of Winter has a lot of parallels with the worst fears of Americans under their 45th President, although it must have been finished before the outcome of the election was known.
There's the same three sided conflict as our previous stories, and this is strengthened. Several attempts are made to kill or woo Felix and Allison. We see a deepening of Felix's bond with Allison, and learn more of her background and thirst to avenge her murdered parents. We also lose some characters, no spoilers, but it's clear that R.T. Lowe isn't afraid to kill off his darlings. In fact there's a body count higher than Game of Thrones, although most of these are off stage consequences.
Lofton is still pulling all the strings like a master puppeteer. The New Government that Lofton has installed is hunting down and killing the monsters that Lofton created but blamed the old government for. In the course of events most of the Bill of Rights is swept away, judicial processes are streamlined and prisons emptied. Many of the serial offenders are quietly executed. Guns are outlawed and when people refuse to give them up and form armed enclaves they are carpet bombed.
Lofton also puts Felix is in a number of lose either way positions, but Felix is always reluctant to commit. He feels both Lofton and the Order are trying to manipulate him for their own ends. He reacts against it and tries to avoid doing what either of them want. This drives a chain of events that leads to him losing people that are close to him. By the end of the book Felix has realised that he can't stay neutral and uninvolved. He needs to choose a side.
I'm avoiding spoilers, but there are at least three points where I was surprised by the action. Moments where I had a wow response. None of this was shark jumping stuff, but genuine twists that made sense when I analysed it, there were hints/clues planted earlier in Tides of Winter (or in the Felix Chronicles for one of them). It showed well crafted plotting and attention to detail.
If you haven't already then I suggest that you go grab all three instalments of the Felix Chronicles and start reading them. It's a fab series of urban fantasy.
October 23, 2018
This Book Just Blew My Mind...
Seriously, this book just blew my mind , with its AWESOMENESS!!! I am so not kidding, I have no idea why R.T. Lowe is not on every best seller list. The plot, storyline, magic/powers, mechanics, back story, character development, and every other part of a novel that I can't think of right now are so perfect. This is the kind of book that when you finish it, you know you won't be reading another one this good for a long while.
Seriously, this book just blew my mind , with its AWESOMENESS!!! I am so not kidding, I have no idea why R.T. Lowe is not on every best seller list. The plot, storyline, magic/powers, mechanics, back story, character development, and every other part of a novel that I can't think of right now are so perfect. This is the kind of book that when you finish it, you know you won't be reading another one this good for a long while.
July 10, 2017
Faith protagonist will grow up
Good story and secondary characters. Three books in and a bit difficult to stay with a protagonist without true purpose. Hoping that will change in the next book.
Good story and secondary characters. Three books in and a bit difficult to stay with a protagonist without true purpose. Hoping that will change in the next book.
October 29, 2018
,I really don't like you......your books have destroyed my sleep....I can't go
To sleep until I finish the next one ....too close to things in reality..
Excellent writing....I love them!!! Great job!!!#
To sleep until I finish the next one ....too close to things in reality..
Excellent writing....I love them!!! Great job!!!#
January 21, 2019
The book starts and never slows down, I really liked this book and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
February 26, 2017
This review was originally posted on Book Twister Reviews
At this point, it's no secret that I'm totally in love with R.T. Lowe's 'The Felix Chronicles' series, and his newest novel, Tides of Winter, just reaffirms that dedication.
There are some novels that it's just really, really hard to explain what makes them great. Tides of Winter is one of those. And at the risk of sounding repetitive, what I loved about this novel is a continuation of what I loved about Freshman and Five Days in January .
The characters, both new and old are so alive and full of color that I feel like they could simply jump off the page and into my library. They're real and flawed and so human, despite their abilities and talents that set them apart from everyone else. And every novel they continue to grow and shift and change. And let's be honest, Allison is a serious badass full of girl power and pizazz and I'm a little (i.e. a lot) in love. Seriously, just give me a whole book of Allison.
Tides of Winter also continues with Lowe's trend of mixing current social issues and fears and combining them into the fantasy world he's created to make a truly compelling story. They captivate you as a reader, and it makes it really hard to put the novel down for even a moment, although there are times when you feel as though you just might need to.
And honestly, the twist at the end? Totally caught me off guard. I mean, I was suspicious but...what can I say? Lofton Ashfield makes for a truly compelling villain.
But despite the action, creativity, and world building that Lowe throws into not only Tides of Winter, but The Felix Chronicles as a whole, what makes his novels so wonderful are his obvious dedication and passion to the story he's telling. It's easy to see the difference in a novel that's been written simply for the sake of writing a book, versus a project born of a genuine love. Lowe has dedicated himself to writing the best possible work he can write, and that's what proves to make The Felix Chronicles magical.
I can't wait to continue Felix's journey with him.
At this point, it's no secret that I'm totally in love with R.T. Lowe's 'The Felix Chronicles' series, and his newest novel, Tides of Winter, just reaffirms that dedication.
There are some novels that it's just really, really hard to explain what makes them great. Tides of Winter is one of those. And at the risk of sounding repetitive, what I loved about this novel is a continuation of what I loved about Freshman and Five Days in January .
The characters, both new and old are so alive and full of color that I feel like they could simply jump off the page and into my library. They're real and flawed and so human, despite their abilities and talents that set them apart from everyone else. And every novel they continue to grow and shift and change. And let's be honest, Allison is a serious badass full of girl power and pizazz and I'm a little (i.e. a lot) in love. Seriously, just give me a whole book of Allison.
Tides of Winter also continues with Lowe's trend of mixing current social issues and fears and combining them into the fantasy world he's created to make a truly compelling story. They captivate you as a reader, and it makes it really hard to put the novel down for even a moment, although there are times when you feel as though you just might need to.
And honestly, the twist at the end? Totally caught me off guard. I mean, I was suspicious but...what can I say? Lofton Ashfield makes for a truly compelling villain.
But despite the action, creativity, and world building that Lowe throws into not only Tides of Winter, but The Felix Chronicles as a whole, what makes his novels so wonderful are his obvious dedication and passion to the story he's telling. It's easy to see the difference in a novel that's been written simply for the sake of writing a book, versus a project born of a genuine love. Lowe has dedicated himself to writing the best possible work he can write, and that's what proves to make The Felix Chronicles magical.
I can't wait to continue Felix's journey with him.
February 23, 2017
If you haven't started reading The Felix Chronicles yet, I advise you to start immediately. I'm rarely as drawn to a book as I am to this one. It's a real page turner and so many things happen that you just have to be blown away every few pages. The characters are interesting and well-rounded and the world they live in is worth reading about. The book makes you think about the kind of world we live in today and challenges you to think about what's really important in life. I was really excited to hear that there are going to be two more books. The downside of that being that I have to wait for them to be written.
When I started reading about Felix I knew this was going to be a famous series one day and am still of the same opinion. I'm really glad that it's starting to get the attention it deserves. This just reminds me, that all our focus should not just be on the famous writers known world-wide. It's essential that we as readers give a chance to those who are not as established yet, because this is how great books are discovered.
When I started reading about Felix I knew this was going to be a famous series one day and am still of the same opinion. I'm really glad that it's starting to get the attention it deserves. This just reminds me, that all our focus should not just be on the famous writers known world-wide. It's essential that we as readers give a chance to those who are not as established yet, because this is how great books are discovered.
February 11, 2017
Tides of Winter is the third book in The Felix Chronicles. I must stay, I continue to be impressed by and engrossed in this series. It’s dark, relevant to modern concerns, and thrilling. The action and the magic, the monsters, the fanaticism, all of it made it very hard to put this book down. As with the previous two in this series, I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
Overall, I loved this story. I’d highly recommend this book and the series to fans of magical realism, thrills, and action with a good dose of fighting back against a megalomaniac enemy bent on breaking the world in the name of saving it.
I received the review copy of this book from the author. This review was written for the blog at PureTextuality.com.
Overall, I loved this story. I’d highly recommend this book and the series to fans of magical realism, thrills, and action with a good dose of fighting back against a megalomaniac enemy bent on breaking the world in the name of saving it.
I received the review copy of this book from the author. This review was written for the blog at PureTextuality.com.
February 13, 2017
Another great book in a great series.
January 7, 2018
In this third installment, Felix has to make some hard choices. People's lives depended on his actions and there's no easy way out. Lofton and ERA keep messing with the world and fear is the current state of mind.
We are faced again with full pack action scenes, blood, death, danger, and so many emotions. This author has an ability to write dark chapters that still have a human touch in them. The characters have evolved since the first book and there's still a long way for them to go.
In my first review, I mentioned that I loved that the relationship between Felix and Allison was a simple friendship with no romantic tone, and for moments I was afraid the author would change that their bond but it is stronger than ever and they love each other (but as friends).
If you have read the other two books YOU MUST read this one. And if you like dark urban fantasy, great characters and good writing try this series.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
We are faced again with full pack action scenes, blood, death, danger, and so many emotions. This author has an ability to write dark chapters that still have a human touch in them. The characters have evolved since the first book and there's still a long way for them to go.
In my first review, I mentioned that I loved that the relationship between Felix and Allison was a simple friendship with no romantic tone, and for moments I was afraid the author would change that their bond but it is stronger than ever and they love each other (but as friends).
If you have read the other two books YOU MUST read this one. And if you like dark urban fantasy, great characters and good writing try this series.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
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