A year has passed since the last attack, and Marin remains at large. Tan and the elementals know she will not remain that way for much longer. Power builds, and Tan knows that he will have to fight again soon. He is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his precocious—and surprisingly powerful—daughter.
The Mistress of Darkness begins her final plans, attacking not only Tan but everything the Mother has created. When Tan’s attempt to thwart her lends her even more power, he loses the one thing he feared most.
Stopping the Mistress of Darkness will require a sacrifice, and Tan must understand the cycles that have preceded him, cycles as old as time. If he succeeds, the cycle will begin again, but he wonders if there might be some way for the Shaper of Light to stop the cycle for good.
This was a great conclusion to a series I've really enjoyed reading. It's the kind of fantasy I wish I could find more often from the trade publishers these days. It has that feeling you get from the best classic fantasy, with heroes you want to root for. I'd also say it's a great introduction to the fantasy genre for readers who are intimidated by long books. Yes, the series is eleven books long, but they're all fairly short (around 300 pages each).
The one complaint I've had throughout, and this is a problem with everything I've read by Holmberg, is that a lot of the books could have used one more proofread before being published. I never found the minor errors to be distracting, but they do show up more often than you'd like.
But that's just a minor quibble. I enjoyed the story so much that I didn't really care.
Okay let me start by saying that Mr Holmberg has created a full, richly developed world of huge scope. His protagonist is likeable but just a tad uncertain a little too often. I feel his self doubt took a little bit away from the story arc. That being said this series was extremely well written and edited. A few small misspelling but nothing like those found in most newer massive works such as this. I am now a huge fan and luckily I was off all this thanksgiving week which enabled me to finish the whole series. Thank you Mr Holmberg for a truly massive and well written series! Guess it's time to start on the next in his huge body of work. Oh, I also want to mention that all to often in world like this the books start to feel repetitive, not so in this instance. 5 well deserved stars.
This series is an amazing journey! Not a simple or easy read but extremely rewarding and I read it nonstop.
Holmberg creates complex and imperfect characters and a world that is filled with wonderful possibilities. The story Forces you to wrap your mind around complex existential constructs, makes you question basic and complex truths and recognize that everything is not black and white, and intent and motive matter as much of more than actions. Perspective is huge. And who doesn't want to explore flying on clouds and dragons ;-).
Wonderful! The man characters grow and change, sometimes easily, other times resisting. The characters were not only people, you will meet some interesting creatures. I enjoyed every book in the series and would happily purchase/read any spinoffs with his children! I think this series is of getting to know the "different from us" before judging and that change will happen.
I waited til I read the complete series before writing a review. I was very enthused by the first five books, the next three felt repetive but they had new elements in them.I became enthused in the final two books again. They brought me back to the reasons that I like this author. His books are more than just entertaining, they remind me of the reasons that I enjoy reading a good book.
I have read a great deal of Mr. Holmberg's work, and I admit I'm a Raving Fan. He has a way of capturing my interest, like grabbing it in his fist and not letting go until the end of the 10th book.
And even then, you want more.
If you like this genre, especially what I call M&M (Magic and Mayhem), you need to read this series, and any other books you can find by D. K. Holmberg. You won't be sorry!
This book is very similar to the other TEN cloud warrior saga books. Very much drawing me in and making me want to read more. During one of my classes I found I wanted to read this because of a cliffhanger I found. I opened it up on kindle, and began reading. Next thing I knew class was over and i was nearly done the book. I recommend this author and series to anyone who likes the fantasy genre.
For an 11 book series the ending to this was just pitiful. I love most of DK's books and this is probably the first one I've been really disappointed in. It just felt like he ran out of time so let's just put an easy generic ending on it. No big fight scene, no dramatic ending, just really anticlimactic.
I didn't want to do a review until I had finished the entire journey with Tan and today I did that! It has been some ride! Thank you D.K. for your stories. It is because of people like you with the imagination and creativity that make reading so enjoyable. The stories take you to places in your mind! I will make sure to read more of your work. Thank you!
I am sorry to see the story end. It’s a fight between good and bad. A world that saw nations fighting nations. Sounds familiar? A young man who ambition was to run through fields and enjoy the sun. Tan is thrust into a world of chaos. His trip and growth are a story worth reading. Enjoy the series.
Absolutely amazing wrap to the series. The boy we start with, going through all the trials, culminated into the man. Amazing world, awesome characters, superb series. Can't wait for the teaser at the end to come to life!
You must read this whole series. It'S a real treat for young and old. I'm highly recommending this book,this series and this extremely talented author.
Wow. So religious. The age old tale of light and dark, the ying yang of good verses evil. The perfect way of a savior. I loved this series. Can't wait to read again, but first I'll try one of the other series from this great author.
The whole book series was wonderful and spellbinding. I couldn't put them down. Now that's it's over i want the story to continue. Definitely would recommend
I have loved reading these books and are sad that they have come to an end but as books go they must come to an end eventually so have loved seeing what tan has gone through and being there with him and his friends and family.
This was a good ending to the battle of light and dark. I enjoyed the development of all the characters as they grew to understand the world around them. The struggle is real but there is hope and peace to be found.
The series probably would have been excellent had it been shortened to 7 or 8 books. Tan has had a year of relative peace, but the time has come for the showdown with the Darkness. It is the last book of the series after all
All good things must come to an end. It was an amazing and sometimes frightening journey. The characters were strong and exciting. Now on to the next series.