What do you think?
Rate this book
Krillonian Chronicles #3
The Student and the Slave
In a world of violence and injustice, freedom is both a prize and a curse.
Bensin is desperate to provide for himself and his sister Ellie, but survival isn’t his only concern: he needs money to rescue Coach Steene from slavery. When two rival street gangs express interest in Bensin’s martial arts skills, he sees a chance to save his father figure at last … if he’s willing to pay the price.
Meanwhile, in faraway Neliria, Steene struggles to endure life as a slave. His young owner, Raymond, delights in making his existence unbearable. But even as Steene dreams of escape and reunion with Bensin and Ellie, he begins to see that Raymond needs him too—trapping them both in a dangerous bond. His choices will shape not just his fate, but the lives of everyone he cares about. Can he make the right ones … and live with the consequences?
Also available as an audiobook!
Grab your copy of The Student and the Slave now and dive into a pulse-pounding adventure perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Karate Kid, and Gladiator!
Bensin is desperate to provide for himself and his sister Ellie, but survival isn’t his only concern: he needs money to rescue Coach Steene from slavery. When two rival street gangs express interest in Bensin’s martial arts skills, he sees a chance to save his father figure at last … if he’s willing to pay the price.
Meanwhile, in faraway Neliria, Steene struggles to endure life as a slave. His young owner, Raymond, delights in making his existence unbearable. But even as Steene dreams of escape and reunion with Bensin and Ellie, he begins to see that Raymond needs him too—trapping them both in a dangerous bond. His choices will shape not just his fate, but the lives of everyone he cares about. Can he make the right ones … and live with the consequences?
Also available as an audiobook!
Grab your copy of The Student and the Slave now and dive into a pulse-pounding adventure perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Karate Kid, and Gladiator!
- GenresFantasy
ebook
First published November 1, 2017
12 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Annie Douglass Lima
34 books174 followersAnnie Douglass Lima considers herself fortunate to have traveled in twenty different countries and lived in four of them. A fifth-grade teacher in her “other” life, she loves reading to her students and sparking their imaginations. Her books include science fiction, fantasy, YA action and adventure novels, a puppet script, poetry, a Bible verse coloring and activity book, and a cookbook. When she isn’t teaching or writing, Annie can often be found sipping spiced chai or pomegranate green tea in exotic locations, some of which exist in this world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 16, 2018
Review to come!
August 17, 2020
After escaping to freedom with his sister and several other slaves, Bensin struggles to find a job, and although he tries to stay away from the gangs, it may be harder than he thought as he continues to be jobless. Meanwhile, after Steene is captured trying help Bensin and the others escape, he is sold as a slave to a rich, spoiled 13-year-old who wants Steene to teach him martial arts.
The Student and the Slave is just as good as the previous two books! I loved them all very much :)
This book has the characters tackling yet another set of challenges. Bensin gets involved in gangs, accidentally. I thought that the way the gangs were portrayed, especially their welcoming in new members with the promise of friendship and family, was accurate according to everything I have read. However, friendship isn't the only things they offer, which is also true.
The next challenge Bensin is facing is the economy. Like in the American South after the Civil War, the economy was shot, after it released all the slaves: the owners didn't have the money to pay the people who had previously been slaves, and so there were few jobs, and in addition to the freed slaves already there, more slaves ran there to escape slavery. So there were many homeless ex-slaves. They were free, but ... jobless and homeless isn't too great either.
The third challenge was Steene. He was a free man his whole life, and having to be degraded to a slave with no rights who was bossed around by a bratty 13-year-old was really hard on Steene. That was a pretty accurate portrayal of slavery, and reminds readers how awful it is.
I also enjoyed the characters' personalities and their development.
It was a very, very good book in many ways, and I hope you'll read it!
I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for sharing them.
The Student and the Slave is just as good as the previous two books! I loved them all very much :)
This book has the characters tackling yet another set of challenges. Bensin gets involved in gangs, accidentally. I thought that the way the gangs were portrayed, especially their welcoming in new members with the promise of friendship and family, was accurate according to everything I have read. However, friendship isn't the only things they offer, which is also true.
The next challenge Bensin is facing is the economy. Like in the American South after the Civil War, the economy was shot, after it released all the slaves: the owners didn't have the money to pay the people who had previously been slaves, and so there were few jobs, and in addition to the freed slaves already there, more slaves ran there to escape slavery. So there were many homeless ex-slaves. They were free, but ... jobless and homeless isn't too great either.
The third challenge was Steene. He was a free man his whole life, and having to be degraded to a slave with no rights who was bossed around by a bratty 13-year-old was really hard on Steene. That was a pretty accurate portrayal of slavery, and reminds readers how awful it is.
I also enjoyed the characters' personalities and their development.
It was a very, very good book in many ways, and I hope you'll read it!
I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for sharing them.
November 18, 2017
4.5 stars for the conclusion of this series. At first I wasn't sure I was going to like this book as much as the first two. But as the action unfolded, the suspense grew more and more, and the characters' attempts to make things better were thwarted at every turn. I didn't see how this story could end well! But it was worth it to read to the end and the unexpected resolution. (I did NOT see that coming! Bravo!) A scene where a character is sold into slavery is one of the most masterful examples of tension I've ever read, and a couple of scenes brought tears to my eyes. This story powerfully shows the humiliation of being a slave and how people lose their humanity by treating others as "merchandise." The best part of this entire book, however, was watching the believable transformation of one of the title characters. I recommend reading all three books of this urban fantasy trilogy in order.
November 7, 2017
I am a fan of this author's work and this trilogy is yet another highly recommended read in my opinion.
Yes, it's a great story, however, the issue of slavery is disturbing and yet, it's a compelling read.
Why?
The characters are believable and though not all likeable, they are perfect for the plot; you'll find that you care for what happens to them all.
Not willing to give away too much, I can only say that it's filled with action, suspense, heart-pumping moments, reality surrounded by fantasy and, of course, the main theme of slavery and what it means to both sides.
There is a fantastic sense of place, yet I would hate it to be real...even if it feels like it is.
Yes, it's a great story, however, the issue of slavery is disturbing and yet, it's a compelling read.
Why?
The characters are believable and though not all likeable, they are perfect for the plot; you'll find that you care for what happens to them all.
Not willing to give away too much, I can only say that it's filled with action, suspense, heart-pumping moments, reality surrounded by fantasy and, of course, the main theme of slavery and what it means to both sides.
There is a fantastic sense of place, yet I would hate it to be real...even if it feels like it is.
February 28, 2018
A superb ending to this series (that I have thoroughly enjoyed). An emotionally satisfying ending. And each book of this trilogy felt necessary and worthwhile and different. My latest favourite series.
January 16, 2022
Sooooo good! I’m just mad that this series is already over! I need like ten more books about Bensin, Ellie, Coach, and Raymond!!!!
August 16, 2021
I read 80% of this book in one sitting and stayed up late (again) to finish it. The perfect conclusion to a three-book saga, The Student and the Slave continues just enough content from the first two books to keep us engaged and comfortable while introducing plenty of new material to keep the story fresh and interesting.
The cast -- Yes, Steene was a major character in the first two books, but his story was still secondary to Bensin’s. In Student the roles switch: while Bensin continues to play a significant part, now he’s the one supporting Steene’s story problem of finding freedom. I’ve loved Steene just as much as (if not sometimes more than) Bensin since the beginning, so Steene’s swap to center stage made me happy.
Ellie fades into the background again, and I did miss her after the way she stepped up in book two. This time, however, we have Raymond as a new main character. To be honest, I wasn’t rooting for him in the beginning, but I tried to give him a chance along with Steene, and what do you know, by the end of the book I actually wished I could meet him too. (Just goes to show how a life can be changed by a good mentor, by one person willing to risk for and invest in someone else. I hope we all pick up a little lesson from his story.)
The author continued to impress me with the three-dimensionality of all her side characters, especially the other members of Raymond’s family. I also got some warm fuzzies as characters from the previous books continued to develop, like Doc growing out of his arena fear and Ricky becoming starting to build his own life. I cheered when Officer Shigo showed up again, though after all he’d been through with the Mayvins family I was a little sad not to get more closure with him.
The setting -- After two books set entirely in the city of Jarreon, The Student and the Slave takes us to the different cultures and climates of Tarnestra and Neliria. As someone who’s known the varied seasons of East Coast America all her life, I got a kick out of watching Bensin experience a similar fall and winter for the first time.
From economics to legal systems, subway routes to gang territories, the author continues her trend of impeccable (and fully believable) worldbuilding. Every setting is fully grounded in this alternate reality, leading to a comfortable and confident reading experience.
The pace -- You won’t have to strap into a four-point harness or put body armor around your emotions like you did for The Gladiator and the Guard, but you’ll still have to keep your seatbelt on for all the twists and turns.
While The Student and the Slave has action, it’s not what I would call action-packed, especially when compared to book two. I didn’t feel let down though—after the grit and intensity of Gladiator, I appreciated the change of pace and tone to a gentler read. Gentler but no less intriguing—I found myself gripped by the challenges Bensin and Steene face as a slave becomes a free man in an unstable province while a man becomes a slave in a massively rich household.
A few times I thought the POV could have been a little closer and the explanations a little shorter, and some of Bensin’s early scenes were borderline repetitive. Only once early on did things seem to get slow, but it was at exactly that point that a new stake was introduced, and I was riveted the rest of the book.
I totally thought the climax would go down differently, but how it DID go down was perfect to the story and perfect to the characters. And I could not have dreamed up a better ending. By the time I got to the last few chapters, I wasn’t sure what I wanted—my gut was as wrenched as Steene’s about the choice he had to make and the consequences it would carry for everyone. I was fully prepared to resign myself to a bittersweet ending however Steene chose. Thankfully, I didn’t have resign myself to anything except the regret that the series ends here. (Another book please?) Kudos to the author for the perfect conclusion to the book and the trilogy.
The themes -- Books one and two demonstrated themes of sacrifice—giving something up for others’ benefit—and morality—doing what’s right—and The Student and the Slave both continues and deepens these themes while zooming in on additional themes of family, loyalty, and togetherness. Ironically, it’s the lower-class found family that demonstrates more family qualities than the immensely wealthy biological family. (Steene’s decision moment ranks among the most powerful scenes I’ve ever read. Wow.)
And don’t worry, cavvara shil still features heavily in this book. I absolutely love how this martial art doesn’t just show up in each story, it’s the heart of each story. And Student is no different—nearly all the major plot points hinge on cavvara shil, and we get treated to some exciting competition scenes reminiscent of The Collar and the Cavvarach.
Note: I really appreciate this series as a YA read that, for once, doesn’t involve the characters in a government overthrow, a large-scale war, international tensions, or kingdom/country rulership. Saving or changing the world gets tiresome after a while, and I found it refreshing to get lost in a story that keeps problems local and individual.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m so glad I found The Krillonian Chronicles. I loved getting sucked into these clean, well-written stories with their action and humor, depth and intrigue, and positive moral themes, and I highly recommend them to all YA readers.
The cast -- Yes, Steene was a major character in the first two books, but his story was still secondary to Bensin’s. In Student the roles switch: while Bensin continues to play a significant part, now he’s the one supporting Steene’s story problem of finding freedom. I’ve loved Steene just as much as (if not sometimes more than) Bensin since the beginning, so Steene’s swap to center stage made me happy.
Ellie fades into the background again, and I did miss her after the way she stepped up in book two. This time, however, we have Raymond as a new main character. To be honest, I wasn’t rooting for him in the beginning, but I tried to give him a chance along with Steene, and what do you know, by the end of the book I actually wished I could meet him too. (Just goes to show how a life can be changed by a good mentor, by one person willing to risk for and invest in someone else. I hope we all pick up a little lesson from his story.)
The author continued to impress me with the three-dimensionality of all her side characters, especially the other members of Raymond’s family. I also got some warm fuzzies as characters from the previous books continued to develop, like Doc growing out of his arena fear and Ricky becoming starting to build his own life. I cheered when Officer Shigo showed up again, though after all he’d been through with the Mayvins family I was a little sad not to get more closure with him.
The setting -- After two books set entirely in the city of Jarreon, The Student and the Slave takes us to the different cultures and climates of Tarnestra and Neliria. As someone who’s known the varied seasons of East Coast America all her life, I got a kick out of watching Bensin experience a similar fall and winter for the first time.
From economics to legal systems, subway routes to gang territories, the author continues her trend of impeccable (and fully believable) worldbuilding. Every setting is fully grounded in this alternate reality, leading to a comfortable and confident reading experience.
The pace -- You won’t have to strap into a four-point harness or put body armor around your emotions like you did for The Gladiator and the Guard, but you’ll still have to keep your seatbelt on for all the twists and turns.
While The Student and the Slave has action, it’s not what I would call action-packed, especially when compared to book two. I didn’t feel let down though—after the grit and intensity of Gladiator, I appreciated the change of pace and tone to a gentler read. Gentler but no less intriguing—I found myself gripped by the challenges Bensin and Steene face as a slave becomes a free man in an unstable province while a man becomes a slave in a massively rich household.
A few times I thought the POV could have been a little closer and the explanations a little shorter, and some of Bensin’s early scenes were borderline repetitive. Only once early on did things seem to get slow, but it was at exactly that point that a new stake was introduced, and I was riveted the rest of the book.
I totally thought the climax would go down differently, but how it DID go down was perfect to the story and perfect to the characters. And I could not have dreamed up a better ending. By the time I got to the last few chapters, I wasn’t sure what I wanted—my gut was as wrenched as Steene’s about the choice he had to make and the consequences it would carry for everyone. I was fully prepared to resign myself to a bittersweet ending however Steene chose. Thankfully, I didn’t have resign myself to anything except the regret that the series ends here. (Another book please?) Kudos to the author for the perfect conclusion to the book and the trilogy.
The themes -- Books one and two demonstrated themes of sacrifice—giving something up for others’ benefit—and morality—doing what’s right—and The Student and the Slave both continues and deepens these themes while zooming in on additional themes of family, loyalty, and togetherness. Ironically, it’s the lower-class found family that demonstrates more family qualities than the immensely wealthy biological family. (Steene’s decision moment ranks among the most powerful scenes I’ve ever read. Wow.)
And don’t worry, cavvara shil still features heavily in this book. I absolutely love how this martial art doesn’t just show up in each story, it’s the heart of each story. And Student is no different—nearly all the major plot points hinge on cavvara shil, and we get treated to some exciting competition scenes reminiscent of The Collar and the Cavvarach.
Note: I really appreciate this series as a YA read that, for once, doesn’t involve the characters in a government overthrow, a large-scale war, international tensions, or kingdom/country rulership. Saving or changing the world gets tiresome after a while, and I found it refreshing to get lost in a story that keeps problems local and individual.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m so glad I found The Krillonian Chronicles. I loved getting sucked into these clean, well-written stories with their action and humor, depth and intrigue, and positive moral themes, and I highly recommend them to all YA readers.
May 1, 2022
Genre: Dystopian, Adventure, Drama, Young Adult
Note: Discussion will contain spoilers for previous entries in the series. Highly recommended that you start with book one.
Summary:
Bensin struggles to get a job and use his newfound freedom well.
Meanwhile, Steene deals with life as a green slave (someone not born to it). He’s given to a thirteen-year-old young man with an interest in martial arts.
Additional Comments:
• I don’t often give out 5 stars, but this is an exceptional series.
• Part of the middle of this story dragged, but the end wrapped up nicely on several fronts.
• Raymond probably has the strongest character development arc.
• I love how the story focuses on family dynamics as well as working within the dystopian system created. There’s bravery and honor and such, but it’s not a let’s-fix-the-empire book.
• If you want to look deeper at themes on slavery, good vs. evil, money not fixing problems, and so forth, you can find it.
• The main characters aren’t perfect, but they’re learning and adapting and all the more realistic for their flaws.
• There are two separate storylines for 98% of the book. That’s interesting to track, but there was decent page balance between the two.
• It’s a little hard to pin down the genre. It’s basically an alternate world where slavery is an accepted way of life. Collars (slaves) have some rights but are basically property. But this isn’t set in history. It’s a world with email and jet planes and motorboats and martial arts tournaments. Dystopian is as close as I can come, though most of those are about changing the messed up world, not preserving one family.
• The writing’s very strong.
• The performance is also very strong. Ellie’s letters were endearing.
• The end’s a tad convenient, but it fits so well I don’t even care about the coincidences.
Conclusion:
I’m surprised the series isn’t more popular. The books are long with some meandering but highly satisfying overall. Grab the trilogy and dig in.
*I received a free copy of the audiobook. I have chosen to review the book. These are my honest opinions.
Note: Discussion will contain spoilers for previous entries in the series. Highly recommended that you start with book one.
Summary:
Bensin struggles to get a job and use his newfound freedom well.
Meanwhile, Steene deals with life as a green slave (someone not born to it). He’s given to a thirteen-year-old young man with an interest in martial arts.
Additional Comments:
• I don’t often give out 5 stars, but this is an exceptional series.
• Part of the middle of this story dragged, but the end wrapped up nicely on several fronts.
• Raymond probably has the strongest character development arc.
• I love how the story focuses on family dynamics as well as working within the dystopian system created. There’s bravery and honor and such, but it’s not a let’s-fix-the-empire book.
• If you want to look deeper at themes on slavery, good vs. evil, money not fixing problems, and so forth, you can find it.
• The main characters aren’t perfect, but they’re learning and adapting and all the more realistic for their flaws.
• There are two separate storylines for 98% of the book. That’s interesting to track, but there was decent page balance between the two.
• It’s a little hard to pin down the genre. It’s basically an alternate world where slavery is an accepted way of life. Collars (slaves) have some rights but are basically property. But this isn’t set in history. It’s a world with email and jet planes and motorboats and martial arts tournaments. Dystopian is as close as I can come, though most of those are about changing the messed up world, not preserving one family.
• The writing’s very strong.
• The performance is also very strong. Ellie’s letters were endearing.
• The end’s a tad convenient, but it fits so well I don’t even care about the coincidences.
Conclusion:
I’m surprised the series isn’t more popular. The books are long with some meandering but highly satisfying overall. Grab the trilogy and dig in.
*I received a free copy of the audiobook. I have chosen to review the book. These are my honest opinions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2022
It has been several years since I read the entire Krillonian Chronicles series by Annie Douglass Lima. The Student and the Slave was the third book in this engaging martial arts series and is now available as an audiobook. The entire series was so good, that I immediately knew I wanted to listen to this final book in the series on Audible. I had credit available and gladly used it to revisit the series I’d fallen in love with earlier.
The narrator, Joseph Baltz, has done an incredible job of bringing this book to life. I can’t imagine watching an award-winning movie could be any more exciting than Mr. Baltz’s characterization of this book. His inflections describing Steene’s spoiled new owner, Raymond, couldn’t have been more perfect.
Don’t get intimidated by the term “martial arts.” Although that art is part of this series, the true story is about the sorrows and challenges of enslavement. It also includes the actions of the freemen who can either make life tolerable or miserable. Coach Steene was slave Bensin’s martial arts teacher and so much more. He became an incredible father figure to Bensin and his little sister Ellie. The price Coach Steene paid for helping transport Bensin and Ellie to freedom in the Tamestran Province was his own enslavement.
The book follows Bensin as he adjusts to freedom. Sadly, there are new challenges as well. Benson’s life gets increasingly complicated as he tries to find gainful employment. The ever-present gangs (The Silverheads and the Corner Creepers) have plans for him in their battle for turf. What Bensin knows for sure, is that Coach gave up far too much for him to become a prisoner of The Watch again.
The book deals brilliantly with the themes of alienation, coming of age, courage, good versus evil, love, heroism, and reunion. Honestly, you will never look at slavery the same again. The story is a perfect escape for middle-grade students and up. The Student & The Slave is a good stand-alone, but I highly recommend you read all the books in the Krillonian Chronicles.
The narrator, Joseph Baltz, has done an incredible job of bringing this book to life. I can’t imagine watching an award-winning movie could be any more exciting than Mr. Baltz’s characterization of this book. His inflections describing Steene’s spoiled new owner, Raymond, couldn’t have been more perfect.
Don’t get intimidated by the term “martial arts.” Although that art is part of this series, the true story is about the sorrows and challenges of enslavement. It also includes the actions of the freemen who can either make life tolerable or miserable. Coach Steene was slave Bensin’s martial arts teacher and so much more. He became an incredible father figure to Bensin and his little sister Ellie. The price Coach Steene paid for helping transport Bensin and Ellie to freedom in the Tamestran Province was his own enslavement.
The book follows Bensin as he adjusts to freedom. Sadly, there are new challenges as well. Benson’s life gets increasingly complicated as he tries to find gainful employment. The ever-present gangs (The Silverheads and the Corner Creepers) have plans for him in their battle for turf. What Bensin knows for sure, is that Coach gave up far too much for him to become a prisoner of The Watch again.
The book deals brilliantly with the themes of alienation, coming of age, courage, good versus evil, love, heroism, and reunion. Honestly, you will never look at slavery the same again. The story is a perfect escape for middle-grade students and up. The Student & The Slave is a good stand-alone, but I highly recommend you read all the books in the Krillonian Chronicles.
October 31, 2017
The Student and the Slave, the third in the Krillonian Chronicles, is a series that has captivated me from the start. The Krillonian empire is one very much like our own world except there, slavery is not only legal but very prevalent. The series follows two young slaves on their exciting and tumultuous journey to freedom.
In book two of the series centred an original martial art, we saw Steene, father and father-figure to these two young slaves, make the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom and The Student and the Slave picks up when that one left off.
The characters are very well developed and at this point in the series, I was totally invested in their well-being. This included me yelling at them when they behaved badly (or stupidly) and crying when they found themselves in terrible scrapes (which there’s a lot of). From run-ins with gangs, ornery slave owners and their distant unloving parents, this book is filled with action, adventure, intrigue and drama. Following two of the main characters at once, the story keeps you wanting more and is incredibly hard to put down. There is never a dull moment and the book is anything but boring. You may want to stop for a moment to catch your breath from all that is going on, but the story won’t let you!
Annie Douglass Lima is a talented author and her unique talent shows brilliantly in this series. Her skillfully crafted world complete with its own unique martial art (Cavarra Shil) is easy to imagine and her characters are easy to love (or hate). It doesn’t take very long for you to become totally invested in the book and long for good outcomes for the characters.
The Student and the Slave is a brilliant story of hope, displaying the darkest side of humanity whilst simultaneously restoring our faith in the power of love and reminding us that redemption is always available, even for those who seem unlovable.
In book two of the series centred an original martial art, we saw Steene, father and father-figure to these two young slaves, make the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom and The Student and the Slave picks up when that one left off.
The characters are very well developed and at this point in the series, I was totally invested in their well-being. This included me yelling at them when they behaved badly (or stupidly) and crying when they found themselves in terrible scrapes (which there’s a lot of). From run-ins with gangs, ornery slave owners and their distant unloving parents, this book is filled with action, adventure, intrigue and drama. Following two of the main characters at once, the story keeps you wanting more and is incredibly hard to put down. There is never a dull moment and the book is anything but boring. You may want to stop for a moment to catch your breath from all that is going on, but the story won’t let you!
Annie Douglass Lima is a talented author and her unique talent shows brilliantly in this series. Her skillfully crafted world complete with its own unique martial art (Cavarra Shil) is easy to imagine and her characters are easy to love (or hate). It doesn’t take very long for you to become totally invested in the book and long for good outcomes for the characters.
The Student and the Slave is a brilliant story of hope, displaying the darkest side of humanity whilst simultaneously restoring our faith in the power of love and reminding us that redemption is always available, even for those who seem unlovable.
August 25, 2024
In this final installment in the Krillonian Chronicles, Lima wraps up the series with a satisfying blend of action, emotion, and social commentary.
Lima brings Bensin's journey full circle, cleverly tying together threads from the previous books. The transition from gladiator to student adds a fresh dynamic, allowing for new challenges and character growth. It's great to see how Bensin's experiences from the first book and the second book shape his decisions and relationships in this concluding chapter.
The world-building continues to impress, with Lima expanding on the societal structures and cultural nuances introduced earlier in the series. The exploration of education in this slave-based society adds depth to the overall narrative.
Character development is strong here, particularly for Bensin and Steene. Their evolving relationship, rooted in the complex dynamics established in the earlier books, is a highlight of the story. Supporting characters are generally well-rounded, though a few feel somewhat underdeveloped.
The pacing is solid, balancing quieter, character-driven moments with tense action sequences. Lima handles the dual storylines of Bensin's education and his fight against slavery skillfully, though at times the plot feels a bit predictable.
While the book tackles heavy themes like freedom and systemic oppression, it occasionally falls into simplistic solutions. However, Lima's treatment of these issues is generally nuanced and thought-provoking.
All in all, this is a strong finale that should satisfy fans of the series. It ties up loose ends while leaving room for reflection on the broader themes of the trilogy. If you've followed Bensin's journey from the beginning, you'll find this a fitting and engaging conclusion to the Krillonian Chronicles.
Lima brings Bensin's journey full circle, cleverly tying together threads from the previous books. The transition from gladiator to student adds a fresh dynamic, allowing for new challenges and character growth. It's great to see how Bensin's experiences from the first book and the second book shape his decisions and relationships in this concluding chapter.
The world-building continues to impress, with Lima expanding on the societal structures and cultural nuances introduced earlier in the series. The exploration of education in this slave-based society adds depth to the overall narrative.
Character development is strong here, particularly for Bensin and Steene. Their evolving relationship, rooted in the complex dynamics established in the earlier books, is a highlight of the story. Supporting characters are generally well-rounded, though a few feel somewhat underdeveloped.
The pacing is solid, balancing quieter, character-driven moments with tense action sequences. Lima handles the dual storylines of Bensin's education and his fight against slavery skillfully, though at times the plot feels a bit predictable.
While the book tackles heavy themes like freedom and systemic oppression, it occasionally falls into simplistic solutions. However, Lima's treatment of these issues is generally nuanced and thought-provoking.
All in all, this is a strong finale that should satisfy fans of the series. It ties up loose ends while leaving room for reflection on the broader themes of the trilogy. If you've followed Bensin's journey from the beginning, you'll find this a fitting and engaging conclusion to the Krillonian Chronicles.
July 26, 2018
Tarnestra, the lone province in the Krillonian Empire to outlaw slavery, is now home of thousands of freedom seeking slaves. Yes, Bensin’s collar is gone, but freedom, the one he envisioned for himself and his sister, certainly looks much different than what he envisioned. This influx of freedom seeking slaves has stretched the job markets to the maximum as well as other services. Bensin needs a job and he’s desperate to find one. He has a goal, to get enough money to rescue the man who became a father figure. Coach Steene put himself in harms way to help Bensin and his sister get to the land of the free. Coach must be rescued and Bensin must find a way to do so.
While Bensin and Ellie struggle with their new found freedom, Steene, must cope with his own new role in life, that of a slave. This new role has been a hard reality for Coach Steene. Now, more than ever, he realizes the tragic life Bensin and his sister experienced before they were set free. Steene longs for freedom away from the rich young Nelirian that is now his owner.
This is another thrilling tale in Annie Lima’s Krillonian Chronicles. Be prepared to face the twisting of lives as a result of slavery and the world it’s brought about.
While Bensin and Ellie struggle with their new found freedom, Steene, must cope with his own new role in life, that of a slave. This new role has been a hard reality for Coach Steene. Now, more than ever, he realizes the tragic life Bensin and his sister experienced before they were set free. Steene longs for freedom away from the rich young Nelirian that is now his owner.
This is another thrilling tale in Annie Lima’s Krillonian Chronicles. Be prepared to face the twisting of lives as a result of slavery and the world it’s brought about.
May 11, 2022
The Student and the Slave
This was an enjoyable end to the Krillonian Chronicles! We get to see even more growth in the characters, especially Steene, and meet some new characters that we expect to hate through the whole book, but end up loving. 😊 My heart went out to Bensin, who was finally in a place of freedom, but unable to provide for his little sister or himself. Of course, sometimes I wanted to tell him that he was being an idiot, but he can’t really be blamed for that. And he learned!
Steene also struggled to cope with a new life as a slave, but he also learned to handle it well and make a difference where he was. He was faced with such an impossible choice at the end – but he chose and everything came together so beautifully!
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an AMAZING job! He really brought the characters to life and made them sound so believable! My one hesitation with the book is that there are quite a lot of instances of made up swear words, and the narrator did a really good job with them, so they did end up sounding really bad. I wasn’t comfortable having my kids in the room while I listened because of that.
I received a free promotional copy of this audiobook and chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
This was an enjoyable end to the Krillonian Chronicles! We get to see even more growth in the characters, especially Steene, and meet some new characters that we expect to hate through the whole book, but end up loving. 😊 My heart went out to Bensin, who was finally in a place of freedom, but unable to provide for his little sister or himself. Of course, sometimes I wanted to tell him that he was being an idiot, but he can’t really be blamed for that. And he learned!
Steene also struggled to cope with a new life as a slave, but he also learned to handle it well and make a difference where he was. He was faced with such an impossible choice at the end – but he chose and everything came together so beautifully!
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an AMAZING job! He really brought the characters to life and made them sound so believable! My one hesitation with the book is that there are quite a lot of instances of made up swear words, and the narrator did a really good job with them, so they did end up sounding really bad. I wasn’t comfortable having my kids in the room while I listened because of that.
I received a free promotional copy of this audiobook and chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
May 15, 2022
Received as an audio review copy from the author, this is an honest review. Narrated wondrously by Joseph Baltz, comes the final book of this poignant and profound high intense trilogy. After his heroic sacrifice that allow Bensin, Ellie and others to escape to Tarnestra, Coach Steene struggles to accept the harsh reality of becoming a slave: torturous interrogations and the humiliation of being sold. Miraculously spared of being owned by the manager of Red Arena or his former boss, Steene's new owner is a spoiled teenage boy named Raymond from Neliria; whose family had bought Steene to train their to be a better Cavvarch fighter. A rocky relationship from the start, both Raymond and Steene learn to find value in each other; its in that trust Steene hates to break but the desire to be free to be with the ones he cares for, is too hard to ignore. Determined to bring his former coach home to Tarnestra, Bensin gets himself caught up into the affairs of local gangs, shady dealings and a whole bunch of trouble necessary to do any rescue plan. Yet how Steene earns his way back to his family, no one saw coming; giving this story a beautiful way to end, highly recommended.
May 13, 2022
So many twists and turns that kept me wearing my ear buds as much as I could. This book is just as exciting and adventurous and the first two. Seeing the continuation of Steene's kindness and courage is inspiring. The family connection and love and what they will sacrifice for one another are amazing. The characters get better with each of the books It would be a spoiler to tell about the ending to the story. It's another twist and turn to be sure. Love that this is a clean read both in language and content. It gets somewhat bloody at times--just a warning if that is not your cup of tea. It's a great book and this trilogy is definitely being added to my favorites list. Best to read the books in order.
The narrator did an amazing performance!
I requested this audio book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
The narrator did an amazing performance!
I requested this audio book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
November 6, 2017
I had the privilege of being a beta reader for all three of the Krillonian Chronicles and this one was a great wrap up to the series. Bensin and Steene have traded places. One a free man now owned by a spoiled teenager, and one a former slave now free. But being free isn't all Bensin thought it would be. He's out of work and feels like a burden to those that helped him. The characters are well rounded, with flaws and temptations that make their circumstances even harder. The choices they have to make are not easy, and whatever they choose, someone is bound to get hurt. And yet, even with the tough subject matter, this is once again a fun adventure, appropriate for a middle grade reader, with a very satisfying ending. I highly recommend.
May 11, 2020
I am CRYING!
I absolutely loved this series and the characters and everything about it. This was such a satisfying ending and tied everything up in a beautiful bow. Bensin, Ellie, and Coach Steene are my favorite fictional family ever, and I will definitely be rereading their story in the future.
What I loved most about this installment was how Coach Steene was finally forced to face his worst enemy: his conscience. From the start of the series, he made some questionable decisions, and now he’s faced the consequences and redeemed himself, and I could not be happier!
I’m taking off one star for lack of a climax. Everything ended a little too quickly and conveniently for me, but I don’t mind too much because all I wanted was for my favorite found family to be exactly that: found <3
I absolutely loved this series and the characters and everything about it. This was such a satisfying ending and tied everything up in a beautiful bow. Bensin, Ellie, and Coach Steene are my favorite fictional family ever, and I will definitely be rereading their story in the future.
What I loved most about this installment was how Coach Steene was finally forced to face his worst enemy: his conscience. From the start of the series, he made some questionable decisions, and now he’s faced the consequences and redeemed himself, and I could not be happier!
I’m taking off one star for lack of a climax. Everything ended a little too quickly and conveniently for me, but I don’t mind too much because all I wanted was for my favorite found family to be exactly that: found <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2021
I've read all four books in the Krillonian Chronicles, but this one is definitely my favourite.
Although the book follows two protagonists, this is more Steene's story than it is Bensin's. It's not easy for Steene to adjust to life as a slave - and he also gets a taste of what Bensin went through. He may have made some bad choices in the earlier books, but at heart he is a good man and that is obvious as the book goes on.
One of my favourite things was the development of Steene's relationship with Raymond and the way both of them grew and changed. Raymond starts the book as a spoiled brat and ends it...well, I'm not going to say. But you'll want to find out!
I thoroughly recommend this book, and the others in the series.
Although the book follows two protagonists, this is more Steene's story than it is Bensin's. It's not easy for Steene to adjust to life as a slave - and he also gets a taste of what Bensin went through. He may have made some bad choices in the earlier books, but at heart he is a good man and that is obvious as the book goes on.
One of my favourite things was the development of Steene's relationship with Raymond and the way both of them grew and changed. Raymond starts the book as a spoiled brat and ends it...well, I'm not going to say. But you'll want to find out!
I thoroughly recommend this book, and the others in the series.
September 17, 2018
The Student and the Slave is the third book in the Krillonian Chronicles. No longer a slave, nineteen-year-old Bensin finds his life as a free man comes with its own dangers. Struggling to find work, he ends up in gang wars and human trafficking. All he wants is to make enough money to help rescue Coach Dad from slavery, but he finds himself on the wrong side of the law instead.
If you love martial arts with life and death scenarios, then you'll enjoy this series. It's written for a young adult audience and contains violence. Some of the values taught in the third book are humility, kindness, teamwork, determination, and equality.
Posted on Amanda's Books and More
If you love martial arts with life and death scenarios, then you'll enjoy this series. It's written for a young adult audience and contains violence. Some of the values taught in the third book are humility, kindness, teamwork, determination, and equality.
Posted on Amanda's Books and More
September 13, 2024
Audiobook: I was entertained by book three as much as the first two books. The story gripped me from the opening paragraphs until the very end. Bensin's story touched my heart as he just couldn't seem to catch a break. Coach Steene's life had a karma element in that he experienced what the life of a slave was like, but my admiration and appreciation for him as a character grew with all the changes which added to his character's arc. I thought Joseph Baltz's narration was good, and his performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which stated by honest opinions regarding this story.
January 30, 2018
Sometimes what comes after The End isn't necessarily happily ever after. That's the case with Bensin and his sister, who escape a life of slavery only to discover freedom has its own hardships. Also, Coach Steene goes from a free man to a slave, and while the transition is difficult, it gives his character a real chance to shine. What I loved most about this book was the growing relationship between Steene and his owner. This is a great book of learning kindness, humility, and patience. Highly recommended.
Read
February 11, 2022This third and final book in the Krillonian Chronicles follows the path of Steene after he gives up his freedom. He learns what it means to be a slave and also what it means to care for those who would be easy to hate. We also get to see the struggles of Bensin as he faces the reality of freedom with little opportunity to provide for his family. The growth arcs are beautiful, the choices are realistic, and the societal issues addressed are thought provoking. I highly recommend this whole series.
October 25, 2017
This third book in a series is the best yet in the slave adventures of Bensin, Ellie and Coach Steene. The accepted practice of slavery in this realm similar to contemporary earth strikes the reader with the tough life of a slave and family relationships, complicated by the inclusion of modern technology. I highly recommend the entire series.
November 8, 2017
If you are a Hunger Games or Maze Runner fan, you will not be disappointed with this series. While this book could work as a standalone, I would highly recommend starting with the first book. I was smitten with the characters from the beginning and while I keep seeing words like 'finale' in some the other reviews, I hope this series will continue as I see no reason for it to end.
October 30, 2017
The Student and the Slave didn't disappoint! With unexpected twists the ending left me surprised. Worth the wait to get my hands on this novel.
September 1, 2022
I knew back in 2015 when I agreed to review The Collar and the Cavvarach by Annie Douglas Lima, that I was being invited behind the veil and into a world of fantastic creation; a place of wonder, adventure and great fantasy; all from the mind and heart of a gifted artist. Now in The Salve and the Student, Lima brings her readers in for a full and satisfying conclusion to the story of Bensin and his struggle to first obtain, then understand, and finally master his freedom.
Although set in the fanciful kingdom of, Krillonian, the struggles experienced by the characters are real and will take the reader with them along every bone jarring, nerve racking and heart strengthening step. The Slave and the Student promises much and delivers more. You will not be disappointed. Lima has done it again. – Ray Ellis, Author of KRACKEN
Although set in the fanciful kingdom of, Krillonian, the struggles experienced by the characters are real and will take the reader with them along every bone jarring, nerve racking and heart strengthening step. The Slave and the Student promises much and delivers more. You will not be disappointed. Lima has done it again. – Ray Ellis, Author of KRACKEN
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews