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Eve of Redemption #6
Preludes to War
When a demon king demands the repayment of a favor, Kari finds herself prisoner to his wishes. But all is not as it appears...
Working behind enemy lines, Kari must turn the unexpected into an advantage. War between the worlds of Citaria and Mehr’Durillia is inevitable, but the question of where it will be fought lies in her hands. If she can strike just the right blow, Kari may keep the battle far from the realms of her people.
If she can gain the blessing of a demon king, the acceptance of an enemy people, and the love of a demoness, can she restore the faith of a people enslaved for over ten thousand years?
Working behind enemy lines, Kari must turn the unexpected into an advantage. War between the worlds of Citaria and Mehr’Durillia is inevitable, but the question of where it will be fought lies in her hands. If she can strike just the right blow, Kari may keep the battle far from the realms of her people.
If she can gain the blessing of a demon king, the acceptance of an enemy people, and the love of a demoness, can she restore the faith of a people enslaved for over ten thousand years?
- GenresAudiobook
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2017
14 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Joe Jackson
22 books181 followersAs an avid fan of fantasy, I try to combine shades of some of my favorite authors' writing - Tad Williams, Raymond E. Feist, and RA Salvatore, among others - into my own world. The result is a world of rich descriptions, complex politics, and heart-racing combat.
I started writing Sci-Fi short stories in fifth grade after seeing the movie "Aliens" in the theater. After getting into Dungeons & Dragons with friends as a teenager, my interests moved to Epic Fantasy, but still rooted in a Sci-Fi alien world. The Eve of Redemption series represents the culmination of years of world-building and back-story development, much of it through epic AD&D campaigns, that takes familiar epic fantasy and brings it to an alien world.
I live in Rhode Island with my wife and two daughters. When I'm not chasing the rascals around the yard or counting beans for the boss, I'm usually imagining the next turn on the long road that the Eve of Redemption series brings.
I started writing Sci-Fi short stories in fifth grade after seeing the movie "Aliens" in the theater. After getting into Dungeons & Dragons with friends as a teenager, my interests moved to Epic Fantasy, but still rooted in a Sci-Fi alien world. The Eve of Redemption series represents the culmination of years of world-building and back-story development, much of it through epic AD&D campaigns, that takes familiar epic fantasy and brings it to an alien world.
I live in Rhode Island with my wife and two daughters. When I'm not chasing the rascals around the yard or counting beans for the boss, I'm usually imagining the next turn on the long road that the Eve of Redemption series brings.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 10, 2018
While the previous books in the series didn't suffer from lack of action, this one, somehow, seemed the most intense. It's like all the things touched upon in books 1-5, those snippets and teasers of backstory and world-building, began to take shape and fall into one big puzzle, while the plot gained urgency with every chapter.
Once more, we see Kari on an epic and dangerous quest, both she and the supporting characters revealing more about themselves in this new, exciting world. We see new friendships being forged, and old characters brought into the action to tell their own stories. True to herself (and her mission), Kari shines as a leader here, a protector of people (no matter on which world, and no matter of which race), a hope for peace between the worlds.
As usual, there were a lot of emotional moments, and friendly banter is always my favorite, but I also liked Kari's disguise and the whole process of infiltrating a foreign territory - I think Kari managed it all amazingly. Some of the other characters that I really enjoyed reading about were Seanada and King Morduri - there's a lot of character development going on in this book, and these two were the most interesting.
Let's see if book 7 can top this one 😉
Once more, we see Kari on an epic and dangerous quest, both she and the supporting characters revealing more about themselves in this new, exciting world. We see new friendships being forged, and old characters brought into the action to tell their own stories. True to herself (and her mission), Kari shines as a leader here, a protector of people (no matter on which world, and no matter of which race), a hope for peace between the worlds.
As usual, there were a lot of emotional moments, and friendly banter is always my favorite, but I also liked Kari's disguise and the whole process of infiltrating a foreign territory - I think Kari managed it all amazingly. Some of the other characters that I really enjoyed reading about were Seanada and King Morduri - there's a lot of character development going on in this book, and these two were the most interesting.
Let's see if book 7 can top this one 😉
March 2, 2021
Love the entire series - looking forward to the next six books!
November 27, 2022
I have loved listening to this series and am sad to find the remaining books are not available as audiobooks because the narrator is top notch! My only complaint is that she switched up the pronunciation of one character’s name again in this book. Otherwise, the plot was great and gave so much insight into the other world (no spoilers) and it’s peoples. I took one star away because I absolutely hated the last line of this book! It was trite and corny, and if I hadn’t had 5 books previous that I absolutely loved, I’d totally stopped reading any further after that one line. Otherwise, I can’t wait to continue the series, and it’s one I may even consider rereading the ebooks, and I very rarely do rereads. I’ll be skipping this last line though.
June 3, 2019
The Gauntlet Is Thrown
*Preludes to War* is the sixth installment in the *Eve of Redemption* series by Joe Jackson. In it, the prime protagonist, demonhunter and all-star hero Karian Vanador, finally takes a course toward open conflict, as the title suggests, and brings it to the home turf of her people's enemies - the demon kings of Mehr'Durillia. This represents a milestone for the series as a whole, as the overall plot sharply increases its urgency and suspension, throwing away subtlety to substitute it for direct action. From here on now I expect the series will make the stakes even higher than they are currently, and will begin revealing some of its larger mysteries as their importance rises to the front of the story.
Despite that fundamental shift in the meta-plot's condition, *Preludes* isn't radically different than the previous entries -- at least any more than it is normal for its author -- and as such, the regular sections in this review are going to end up on the short side. Rest assured, though, as this is another excellent installment, one that fully deserves its five star rating.
Now that the introduction is over, we'll go over the
STORY
The plot of *Preludes to War* is one about a military rebellion - more or less. It's about Kari going to the world of Mehr'Durillia to settle her debt to King Morduri, who wants her to perform a singular task, which quickly develops into organizing a full-scale uprising. It has more below its surface, of course, since the series has already gathered a considerable momentum in both worldbuilding and meta-plot; but if we examine the story out of context, it is simply the fantasy counterpart of Che Guevara's revolution -- an uprising led at the front by a (seemingly) single charismatic individual. In *Preludes*'s case, this individual is Kari, and the way she handles it showcases her natural leadership, and I do mean leadership -- the ability to lead by example, and to never put duties to others that one is unwilling to do themself. This has always been one of Kari's most defining traits and here it shines through whenever she uses it to inspire others -- be they commoners, fellow comrades, or even *demon* kings.
But the important part here is how the story is presented, not how original it is. There are plenty of funny and heartwarming moments, and there also the important plot development of Kari being shapeshifted for the majority of the novel. Suffice to say everything is top-notch.
Onto the
CHARACTERS
Again, Kari here is the front and center protagonist. However, since the focus again is on the world of Mehr'Durillia, most of the supporting cast are native people from that place. Some of them, like Seanada, the silent and taciturn half-syrinthian/half-succubus, or King Morduri, the open-minded and informal demon king, make a repeat appearance, while others, like King Emanitar and the mallasti vulkinastra Mastriana, are new to audience. The Wraith, the enigmatic leader of the Ashen Fangs, who we first saw in the second book, also appears in the story, playing a much larger role, and consequently receives a solid character development in the sense of being more clearly defined.
Despite the change in the cast, there are plenty of fight scenes. This makes character development more tricky overall, but the author has tested his mettle in the series' earlier installments, and his learned experience starts to show as both character growth and action scenes are handled expertly, without either one suffering from neglect. This brings the quality of the narrative even higher, and definitely rewards readers who had persisted in following the series.
Lastly, the
TECHNICAL PRESENTATION
Writing - on par. Tempo - excellent. Factology - consistent. Results? All clear!
CONCLUSION
As I said in my previous review, I won't harp continuously on how great this fantasy series is; either you're a fan by now, or you aren't, and the chances of reading this in the latter case are fairly minimal.
*Preludes to War* has the Seal of Approval, the Autograph of Awesome, and the Table of Power. 'Nuff said.
*Preludes to War* is the sixth installment in the *Eve of Redemption* series by Joe Jackson. In it, the prime protagonist, demonhunter and all-star hero Karian Vanador, finally takes a course toward open conflict, as the title suggests, and brings it to the home turf of her people's enemies - the demon kings of Mehr'Durillia. This represents a milestone for the series as a whole, as the overall plot sharply increases its urgency and suspension, throwing away subtlety to substitute it for direct action. From here on now I expect the series will make the stakes even higher than they are currently, and will begin revealing some of its larger mysteries as their importance rises to the front of the story.
Despite that fundamental shift in the meta-plot's condition, *Preludes* isn't radically different than the previous entries -- at least any more than it is normal for its author -- and as such, the regular sections in this review are going to end up on the short side. Rest assured, though, as this is another excellent installment, one that fully deserves its five star rating.
Now that the introduction is over, we'll go over the
STORY
The plot of *Preludes to War* is one about a military rebellion - more or less. It's about Kari going to the world of Mehr'Durillia to settle her debt to King Morduri, who wants her to perform a singular task, which quickly develops into organizing a full-scale uprising. It has more below its surface, of course, since the series has already gathered a considerable momentum in both worldbuilding and meta-plot; but if we examine the story out of context, it is simply the fantasy counterpart of Che Guevara's revolution -- an uprising led at the front by a (seemingly) single charismatic individual. In *Preludes*'s case, this individual is Kari, and the way she handles it showcases her natural leadership, and I do mean leadership -- the ability to lead by example, and to never put duties to others that one is unwilling to do themself. This has always been one of Kari's most defining traits and here it shines through whenever she uses it to inspire others -- be they commoners, fellow comrades, or even *demon* kings.
But the important part here is how the story is presented, not how original it is. There are plenty of funny and heartwarming moments, and there also the important plot development of Kari being shapeshifted for the majority of the novel. Suffice to say everything is top-notch.
Onto the
CHARACTERS
Again, Kari here is the front and center protagonist. However, since the focus again is on the world of Mehr'Durillia, most of the supporting cast are native people from that place. Some of them, like Seanada, the silent and taciturn half-syrinthian/half-succubus, or King Morduri, the open-minded and informal demon king, make a repeat appearance, while others, like King Emanitar and the mallasti vulkinastra Mastriana, are new to audience. The Wraith, the enigmatic leader of the Ashen Fangs, who we first saw in the second book, also appears in the story, playing a much larger role, and consequently receives a solid character development in the sense of being more clearly defined.
Despite the change in the cast, there are plenty of fight scenes. This makes character development more tricky overall, but the author has tested his mettle in the series' earlier installments, and his learned experience starts to show as both character growth and action scenes are handled expertly, without either one suffering from neglect. This brings the quality of the narrative even higher, and definitely rewards readers who had persisted in following the series.
Lastly, the
TECHNICAL PRESENTATION
Writing - on par. Tempo - excellent. Factology - consistent. Results? All clear!
CONCLUSION
As I said in my previous review, I won't harp continuously on how great this fantasy series is; either you're a fan by now, or you aren't, and the chances of reading this in the latter case are fairly minimal.
*Preludes to War* has the Seal of Approval, the Autograph of Awesome, and the Table of Power. 'Nuff said.
November 14, 2018
The sixth entry of author Joe Jackson’s Eve of Redemption series opens with protagonist Karian Vanador watching her children play, having recently lost her husband Grakin to Dracon’s Bane, although the recent birth of her nieces has somewhat soothed the pain of loss, along with the friendship of a Warlord named Kris. Kari fears war with Mehr’Durillia, and agrees to meet King Morduri Irrasitus by his request of debt to him being due. The main antagonist of the series and an Overlord, Sekassus, is on the hunt for Kari, who battles several of his sons throughout the narrative.
Kari soon joins her companion Seanada and another named the Wraith (whose past he reveals later on) in Mehr’Durillia, agreeing to save threatened vulkinastra, Kari eventually undergoing the process of being turned into a mallasti to conceal her identity. As she crusades against demon princes, Kari occasionally attempts to rally townsfolk to her cause, with mixed results, and receives the occasional peace deal from demon monarchs. Several fights erupt with netherwordly princes, Seanada by her side, and eventually returns to her homeworld, with the story ending on a somewhat bittersweet note.
Overall, this is another enjoyable story in the series, with plenty of well-described action that kept this reader engaged, occasional romance, given Kari’s late husband’s wish not to mourn him forever, and some political intrigue. Given the many races in the series, however, one can somewhat find it difficult to keep track of their defining features, although the appendices after the main text somewhat alleviate this issue. In spite of its shortcomings, this reviewer has definitely been enjoying this dragon fantasy series, and very much looks forward to reading the next entry.
Kari soon joins her companion Seanada and another named the Wraith (whose past he reveals later on) in Mehr’Durillia, agreeing to save threatened vulkinastra, Kari eventually undergoing the process of being turned into a mallasti to conceal her identity. As she crusades against demon princes, Kari occasionally attempts to rally townsfolk to her cause, with mixed results, and receives the occasional peace deal from demon monarchs. Several fights erupt with netherwordly princes, Seanada by her side, and eventually returns to her homeworld, with the story ending on a somewhat bittersweet note.
Overall, this is another enjoyable story in the series, with plenty of well-described action that kept this reader engaged, occasional romance, given Kari’s late husband’s wish not to mourn him forever, and some political intrigue. Given the many races in the series, however, one can somewhat find it difficult to keep track of their defining features, although the appendices after the main text somewhat alleviate this issue. In spite of its shortcomings, this reviewer has definitely been enjoying this dragon fantasy series, and very much looks forward to reading the next entry.
March 20, 2018
First I would like to state that I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. I really enjoy the authors writing style, the author pulls you into the book from the very beginning and makes it so you don't want to put the book down. It kept me on the edge of my seat reading from cover to cover. This book is incredible. I loved it cannot wait to read more from this author. A must read!
February 21, 2018
Karian Vanador owes a favor to the demon king Morduri. She's not very happy about that, and even less so when he calls it in immediately after she's become the new Avatar of Vengeance. But Morduri was right to say he'd only ask for something she'd be willing to give---and her assignment now offers her a chance to strike a tangible blow against Sekassus, the demon king she hates the most.
With Grakin gone, Kari's working her way through her feelings again. She doesn't want to stay stuck in grief, but she doesn't know if she's ready for a new relationship. I'm curious to see more of Kris, as the little bit we do see show he's a very different person than Grakin was, and one perhaps better matched to Kari's hunter lifestyle. Especially if she does end up with a war against the demon kings (which, given the ending, looks entirely possible to be far sooner than she thought).
Kari's actual fulfillment of her bargain is one of my favorite parts of the whole series. Not just the act itself, but everything that built up to it---the disguise she uses to infiltrate Sekassus's territory, the way she interacts with the locals, and all of the little bonuses she scored for Morduri. She's planning for the long-term. And it's her compassion, as well as her martial skills, that draw so many others to follow her lead.
Also Kari is learning bad words in other languages, and putting them to excellent use. *evil grin*
I like how she's forging relationships between the worlds. Person by person, both the powerful and the ordinary, she's fighting for people who often don't know how to fight for themselves. She's stirring them to want freedom. This is most personal with Seanada, who has grown to be a friend, and who Kari wants to find happiness in places where Seanada is too cautious to try.
Favorite quotes:
Also:
All in all, given what this book did and where it left off, I absolutely can't wait for the next installment. These are funny, exciting, and full of so much heart. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
With Grakin gone, Kari's working her way through her feelings again. She doesn't want to stay stuck in grief, but she doesn't know if she's ready for a new relationship. I'm curious to see more of Kris, as the little bit we do see show he's a very different person than Grakin was, and one perhaps better matched to Kari's hunter lifestyle. Especially if she does end up with a war against the demon kings (which, given the ending, looks entirely possible to be far sooner than she thought).
Kari's actual fulfillment of her bargain is one of my favorite parts of the whole series. Not just the act itself, but everything that built up to it---the disguise she uses to infiltrate Sekassus's territory, the way she interacts with the locals, and all of the little bonuses she scored for Morduri. She's planning for the long-term. And it's her compassion, as well as her martial skills, that draw so many others to follow her lead.
Also Kari is learning bad words in other languages, and putting them to excellent use. *evil grin*
I like how she's forging relationships between the worlds. Person by person, both the powerful and the ordinary, she's fighting for people who often don't know how to fight for themselves. She's stirring them to want freedom. This is most personal with Seanada, who has grown to be a friend, and who Kari wants to find happiness in places where Seanada is too cautious to try.
Favorite quotes:
Seanada smiled at her mother, and the two chuckled. “Not every problem can be solved with a knife, but I try that first anyway,” the assassin said.
Also:
The demonhunter shrugged. “Well, you know what they say: if at first you don’t succeed…” Seanada’s expression remained blank. “Try, try again.”
“Corpses rarely put in a second effort,” the half-syrinthian countered, but then she let out one of those rare but heartwarming laughs.
All in all, given what this book did and where it left off, I absolutely can't wait for the next installment. These are funny, exciting, and full of so much heart. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews