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Shattering of the Nocturnai #4
Darkborn
Read the heart-pounding series finale!
Lilik is on the warpath. Behind her, House Ulstat is a smoking pit. Ahead, Mieshk Ulstat wields terrible magic from within an impregnable fortress. The battle approaches.
Never mind that Lilik’s fighters are actually a ragtag assortment of smugglers and thieves. Forget that something is terribly wrong with the aether, leaving Lilik’s magic unpredictable. Lilik is the last hope for stopping Mieshk’s cataclysm.
Unfortunately, Lilik’s problems aren’t limited to insurmountable odds and questionable allies. Ioene still holds secrets. A dark force has awakened in the island’s heart.
And it’s hungry.
Lilik is on the warpath. Behind her, House Ulstat is a smoking pit. Ahead, Mieshk Ulstat wields terrible magic from within an impregnable fortress. The battle approaches.
Never mind that Lilik’s fighters are actually a ragtag assortment of smugglers and thieves. Forget that something is terribly wrong with the aether, leaving Lilik’s magic unpredictable. Lilik is the last hope for stopping Mieshk’s cataclysm.
Unfortunately, Lilik’s problems aren’t limited to insurmountable odds and questionable allies. Ioene still holds secrets. A dark force has awakened in the island’s heart.
And it’s hungry.
- GenresFantasy
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2017
80 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 18, 2018
I read the first three books in this series, one right after the other. Then, I mistakenly thought that I would need to wait for the fourth book to be released on Audible, and I shifted to another series for about a month. Now, I can't say if it is Carrie Summers' writing style, Khristine Hvam's narration, or just the story itself, but I felt a bit like I was coming home. It is cliched, I know, but I was so excited to be back on familiar ground. It takes a really remarkable series to make me feel that way.
Still, I'd had my worries going into the final book. While I think the author is brilliant, she had a lot to accomplish in a single book. Trader Ulstat and his force were bad enough, and throwing Mieshk in the mix only drove the stakes higher. Then, there were so many relationships to see to - Paono, Raav, Tyrak, Captain Altak (poor Nyralit), Caffari and her bandits, the Vanished, and everyone back home! Everything led to this, and I was a touch apprehensive when it came to how it would all end.
I will forever be ashamed for ever doubting Summers. I could not have written an ending I liked more. Enemies found a way to redeem themselves, in a way that was both believable and emotional. There was betrayal, plot twists, and moments where I wondered if things could get any worse. I asked myself if there was any way our heroes could get through, because I certainly could not see it happening. I found myself asking this in every other book too, and maybe that's why I could not stop listening. And the way everything worked itself out? It was perfect, and more than I could have hoped for.
I have to dedicate a few sentences to Paono, someone who constantly flip-flopped between my most and least favorite character. There were times when I was practically yelling along with Lilik (how could he be so weak?!). But he stayed true to himself, and his compassion ended up making all the difference in the world. I love that about him. I also love the way he was not shoved aside to make room for Raav. So often, authors completely shove aside the poor best-friend-potential-love-interest for someone "better." When Raav came along, I was pretty protective of my little Paono, and I was so worried that Summers might forget all about him. Not so! Paono remains such an important person, to the plot, and to Lilik. I have so, so much respect for that.
Also, and I'm not ashamed to admit it, I actually burst into tears at the end, with Tyrak, and that moment when I didn't think things could get any better. Ugh. Chills just thinking about it.
Long story short, this has taken the spot of my favorite series, and I cannot wait to introduce it to all of my middle school students.
Still, I'd had my worries going into the final book. While I think the author is brilliant, she had a lot to accomplish in a single book. Trader Ulstat and his force were bad enough, and throwing Mieshk in the mix only drove the stakes higher. Then, there were so many relationships to see to - Paono, Raav, Tyrak, Captain Altak (poor Nyralit), Caffari and her bandits, the Vanished, and everyone back home! Everything led to this, and I was a touch apprehensive when it came to how it would all end.
I will forever be ashamed for ever doubting Summers. I could not have written an ending I liked more. Enemies found a way to redeem themselves, in a way that was both believable and emotional. There was betrayal, plot twists, and moments where I wondered if things could get any worse. I asked myself if there was any way our heroes could get through, because I certainly could not see it happening. I found myself asking this in every other book too, and maybe that's why I could not stop listening. And the way everything worked itself out? It was perfect, and more than I could have hoped for.
I have to dedicate a few sentences to Paono, someone who constantly flip-flopped between my most and least favorite character. There were times when I was practically yelling along with Lilik (how could he be so weak?!). But he stayed true to himself, and his compassion ended up making all the difference in the world. I love that about him. I also love the way he was not shoved aside to make room for Raav. So often, authors completely shove aside the poor best-friend-potential-love-interest for someone "better." When Raav came along, I was pretty protective of my little Paono, and I was so worried that Summers might forget all about him. Not so! Paono remains such an important person, to the plot, and to Lilik. I have so, so much respect for that.
Also, and I'm not ashamed to admit it, I actually burst into tears at the end, with Tyrak, and that moment when I didn't think things could get any better. Ugh. Chills just thinking about it.
Long story short, this has taken the spot of my favorite series, and I cannot wait to introduce it to all of my middle school students.
April 29, 2019
This is the final book in the series, and it turns very grim and dark. Lilik embarks on a voyage to Loene with Caffari the bandit queen, and her people on The Shards of Midnight. As they are crossing over, a massive storm hits them, but Captain Altak comes to their rescue with Zyri's Promise even though he does not know who is on the boat. As they approach Loene the evil there can be felt whilst they are still at sea. Lilek was eager to see Paono once again and to re-unite Tyrak and Zyri once again if possible but all her plans turned to dust once she was on the volcanic island. This story is full of twists and turns so unexpected and which kept on happening till the very end of the book. Paono had changed and his dawnweaving was totally different to Lilik's duskweaving, hers responded to need, but his responded to want, making him that much more powerful, as he was a life channeler. However Paono was intrinsically a good person so he did not abuse of his immense powers even to the detriment of all of them when facing the evil of Mieshk who opened the rift, allowing the hunger to enter through the hollow ones and another cataclysm on the brink. The hunger called to the insane and Mieshk was one hell of an insane woman who needed to be stopped if the world was to survive but at what cost? Brilliant ending to an amazing series!
November 7, 2017
3.75 star
Throughout the entire series the girl thought of herself as fast and limber but was tripping over herself every 20 pages destroying any possibility of success in her endeavors. Plus she was kind of blah - not the fire cracker every one thought she was. Not a good or inventive lier, not good at honesty she was just in between. Also not too smart. Her live interest deeply kissing the other woman and defending her against the rescuers - pretending, really? The justification and explanation was lame and unbelievable even-though I believe he didn’t feel anything towards the girl. The love story was not as intense as it should have been.
Throughout the entire series the girl thought of herself as fast and limber but was tripping over herself every 20 pages destroying any possibility of success in her endeavors. Plus she was kind of blah - not the fire cracker every one thought she was. Not a good or inventive lier, not good at honesty she was just in between. Also not too smart. Her live interest deeply kissing the other woman and defending her against the rescuers - pretending, really? The justification and explanation was lame and unbelievable even-though I believe he didn’t feel anything towards the girl. The love story was not as intense as it should have been.
March 24, 2017
Great Book! Each book in this series is as good as the last. I found it so gripping I truly couldn't put it down (I read my arc in 2 days). The characters are well developed and you get a feel of knowing them. I really am not ready to leave this world, it is so interesting and vividly built. I would recommend to all fantasy lovers who enjoy a book full of excitement, magic and a string of great characters.
October 3, 2017
Wonderful fantasy world of love & magic, strife & triumphs.
This book will spell bind you among the great Charles and their many trials. Serious danger within and startling challenge overcome with magic, love and compassion. Outstanding read.
This book will spell bind you among the great Charles and their many trials. Serious danger within and startling challenge overcome with magic, love and compassion. Outstanding read.
January 24, 2018
Seems to me there should be another book which explains how the the love birds ended up nightforged in a bracelet ;-) (which is where we find them in the first book of Summers' new series!)
Tongue in check aside, I enjoyed this series quite a bit, overall.
Tongue in check aside, I enjoyed this series quite a bit, overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2018
I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Watching the nattle from a magical perspective was amazing. I will miss the series.
February 4, 2019
Solid series
Really enjoyed all the books. And it had a great ending. Looking forward to reading more of Carrie Summers work.
Really enjoyed all the books. And it had a great ending. Looking forward to reading more of Carrie Summers work.
October 16, 2020
Such a great book. Love the characters and the story line. A must read.
March 23, 2017
Great series!
This is one good series to get into. Good for young adults and adults. Love the time setting and the people. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because the end seemed rushed.
This is one good series to get into. Good for young adults and adults. Love the time setting and the people. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because the end seemed rushed.
April 6, 2017
Not your average bear
I can't say enough about this series. The first book was a lot of information to take in, but the story line was like nothing else that I have read. True friendships, belief in one's self, doing things for the greater good and a love that withstands all time.....this series has it all. I can't wait to read the next!
I can't say enough about this series. The first book was a lot of information to take in, but the story line was like nothing else that I have read. True friendships, belief in one's self, doing things for the greater good and a love that withstands all time.....this series has it all. I can't wait to read the next!
April 11, 2017
Great series
I read this series (all 4 books) over the weekend! Literally couldn't put it down. Home run, can't wait to see what's next.
I read this series (all 4 books) over the weekend! Literally couldn't put it down. Home run, can't wait to see what's next.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews