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The Sword of Light Trilogy #3
Soul Blade
The Three Nations are crumbling.
Darkness is gathering.
Only one remains to stand against it.
Eric stumbles through the wilderness, searching, hunting – desperate for sign of his sister. But the girl is gone, stolen away by the power of the Soul Blade. With each passing hour its hold on her tightens, her spirit fading before the onslaught of its magic. If he cannot save her soon, it will claim her soul. And he will have to kill her.
Meanwhile, Gabriel is trapped, imprisoned in the black cells beneath Ardath. The darkness presses in around him, absolute, suffocating. Time, hope, sanity, all have long since slipped beneath the waves of his despair. Only it remains – the unrelenting voice of the demon. It haunts the darkness, tempting him with the promises of freedom. How long can he resist its call?
Grab the epic conclusion to the Sword of Light Trilogy from New York Times Bestselling Author Aaron Hodges.
Darkness is gathering.
Only one remains to stand against it.
Eric stumbles through the wilderness, searching, hunting – desperate for sign of his sister. But the girl is gone, stolen away by the power of the Soul Blade. With each passing hour its hold on her tightens, her spirit fading before the onslaught of its magic. If he cannot save her soon, it will claim her soul. And he will have to kill her.
Meanwhile, Gabriel is trapped, imprisoned in the black cells beneath Ardath. The darkness presses in around him, absolute, suffocating. Time, hope, sanity, all have long since slipped beneath the waves of his despair. Only it remains – the unrelenting voice of the demon. It haunts the darkness, tempting him with the promises of freedom. How long can he resist its call?
Grab the epic conclusion to the Sword of Light Trilogy from New York Times Bestselling Author Aaron Hodges.
ebook
Published December 1, 2017
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About the author
Aaron Hodges
53 books295 followersAaron Hodges was born in 1989 in the small town of Whakatane, New Zealand. He studied for five years at the University of Auckland, completing a Bachelor's of Science in Biology and Geography, and a Masters of Environmental Engineering. After working as an environmental consultant for two years, he now spends his time traveling the world in search of his next adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 15, 2021
It’s official. I still only care for Gabriel but Caelin is pretty awesome. Enala is alright too. I still didn’t care for Eric and Inken.
July 3, 2019
I read this as part of the collected edition. See my review of the trilogy as a whole at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 21, 2019
This a review for the trilogy.
I enjoyed the the story very much. Being able to read them back to back was very helpful. There are some really good characters in these books. A lot of adventure, and even some dragons.
I wanted to give it all five stars but settled on four. Maybe because it just didn’t have the amount of detail the last series I read had. That Might not be fair due to the fact that it started when the author was a freshman in high school. It would definitely be five stars if you take that into consideration.
Very good read.
I enjoyed the the story very much. Being able to read them back to back was very helpful. There are some really good characters in these books. A lot of adventure, and even some dragons.
I wanted to give it all five stars but settled on four. Maybe because it just didn’t have the amount of detail the last series I read had. That Might not be fair due to the fact that it started when the author was a freshman in high school. It would definitely be five stars if you take that into consideration.
Very good read.
February 18, 2017
I love Aaron Hodges I was lucky enough to discover his books on a book tour and now I get to read his amazing series.
This book was dark, gritty and emotional and quite the page turner that I could not put down, I kept reading just waiting for the next moment of emotion that would hit me. I have fallen in love with these characters I have followed their journey and it came to this emotional point and I am going to go as far as to say that I think this is by far my favorite book in the series.
The characters are so complexly developed that you can relate to them or even feel like you know them, the world that has been built is a world that is so magical yes so gritty that you almost want to be part of it. Almost.
The writing is superb and you can't help but love the series and I can assure you that I will continue to read Hodges as long as he keeps putting out such stellar stories.
This book was dark, gritty and emotional and quite the page turner that I could not put down, I kept reading just waiting for the next moment of emotion that would hit me. I have fallen in love with these characters I have followed their journey and it came to this emotional point and I am going to go as far as to say that I think this is by far my favorite book in the series.
The characters are so complexly developed that you can relate to them or even feel like you know them, the world that has been built is a world that is so magical yes so gritty that you almost want to be part of it. Almost.
The writing is superb and you can't help but love the series and I can assure you that I will continue to read Hodges as long as he keeps putting out such stellar stories.
August 8, 2019
This was quite a climactic ending to Hodges' Sword of Light trilogy. The stakes were pretty set by the end of the previous book, but the obstacles facing the protagonists loom even greater in this final story. Since I had read the Legends of the Gods trilogy first, I had a few spoilers, so a few twists I kind of knew were coming.
I believe this was the first trilogy Hodges wrote, so this seems to be his third book. In that perspective, he seems to have settled a little more into how he wanted the pacing of the book to proceed, and this one moves along at a pretty strong pace. Things pick up pretty quickly and don't really relent too much.
There were quite a few loose ends Hodges needed to tie up and resolve in this book, and I think he covered his bases well (I really hate it when authors leave things unresolved), so when the final epilogue closes, the ending feels right. With that said, I think you could get away with only reading this book and not the rest of the books in the trilogy, but you'd really be missing out on some of the character development and some of the twists which were set up very early on.
All in all a fun read. Pretty solid fantasy fair and quite enjoyable. The characters were nicely complex and nuanced and all their actions flowed naturally from their characters. Consequences of actions made sense, and no characters were suddenly (and stupidly) higher powered or weaker than they had been portrayed earlier. The magic system used was pretty consistent throughout the trilogy, even if some of how it worked was a little vague. If you enjoy a good fantasy story, this should be an enjoyable read.
[Note: I received a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review.]
I believe this was the first trilogy Hodges wrote, so this seems to be his third book. In that perspective, he seems to have settled a little more into how he wanted the pacing of the book to proceed, and this one moves along at a pretty strong pace. Things pick up pretty quickly and don't really relent too much.
There were quite a few loose ends Hodges needed to tie up and resolve in this book, and I think he covered his bases well (I really hate it when authors leave things unresolved), so when the final epilogue closes, the ending feels right. With that said, I think you could get away with only reading this book and not the rest of the books in the trilogy, but you'd really be missing out on some of the character development and some of the twists which were set up very early on.
All in all a fun read. Pretty solid fantasy fair and quite enjoyable. The characters were nicely complex and nuanced and all their actions flowed naturally from their characters. Consequences of actions made sense, and no characters were suddenly (and stupidly) higher powered or weaker than they had been portrayed earlier. The magic system used was pretty consistent throughout the trilogy, even if some of how it worked was a little vague. If you enjoy a good fantasy story, this should be an enjoyable read.
[Note: I received a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review.]
July 13, 2023
Epic
I have so very much to say about this book series and the Author him self, it is difficult for me to know where to start!
Knowing that this book series started out as a High School Class assignment and turned into a book series is mind bogling to me. It has been a great joy, lots of fun, and more than a bit interesting for me to follow this Authors growth and development from his first book to this third book. In a very short frame of time he has grown from a talented story teller to an accomplished Author (those of you know know me, know that I view Authors with the highest regards and consider them close to being gods them selves.)
In this book, Aaron Hudges not only describes the battles, and the physical damage done to each person, he also delves into their emotional state, their Mind set, what they are thinking and what is driving them. Something most Authors ignore or only glances over, this Young man goes into in depth. Very Impressive imho, more than that he does it in such a way that you will find it not only interesting but you will find your self unable to put the book down!
Now onto the story. The Three Nations are doomed. Darkness has threatened to take over the land, now is the time for the Gods to return, but how? Is all lost ? Read this book to find out more.
I have so very much to say about this book series and the Author him self, it is difficult for me to know where to start!
Knowing that this book series started out as a High School Class assignment and turned into a book series is mind bogling to me. It has been a great joy, lots of fun, and more than a bit interesting for me to follow this Authors growth and development from his first book to this third book. In a very short frame of time he has grown from a talented story teller to an accomplished Author (those of you know know me, know that I view Authors with the highest regards and consider them close to being gods them selves.)
In this book, Aaron Hudges not only describes the battles, and the physical damage done to each person, he also delves into their emotional state, their Mind set, what they are thinking and what is driving them. Something most Authors ignore or only glances over, this Young man goes into in depth. Very Impressive imho, more than that he does it in such a way that you will find it not only interesting but you will find your self unable to put the book down!
Now onto the story. The Three Nations are doomed. Darkness has threatened to take over the land, now is the time for the Gods to return, but how? Is all lost ? Read this book to find out more.
December 23, 2024
I love this heartwrenching ending to the trilogy which has been such an exciting read right through. In this book we find that Enala has been taken over by the soulblade and unless she is rescued soon her soul will be lost forever. Eric is searching high and low for her, desperate to find her before it is too late. Archon had arrived and he had an army of the banished behind him, apart from the many beasts and demons and only the sword of light to stop him. Who will wield this if Enala is lost? Meanwhile Gabriel is in the dungeons and is being tormented by the demon in his head, in total darkness he is going crazy and cannot see an end to his torment. His need for revenge and the promise of power are overpowering him but will he succumb to the evil side? Fort Fall is where the final battle is to take place, if this place falls to the demons the whole of the Three Nations will follow. This books is full of tension, battles galore fought with both sword and sorcery against all kinds of evil, but the humans are courageous and backed by the golden dragons. This trilogy is all about the light against the darkness even though in the end we get to see why the darkness had grown in the first place!
July 8, 2018
The Sword of Light trilogy is a truly epic tale and this, it’s third and final book, provides the perfect epic conclusion. I don’t want to spoil anything so I will defer to the publisher’s blurb for a description, but I’m happy to confirm that this story has all the action and adventure, character development, twists and turns one could ask for - and will definitely satisfy those who have been addictively following along. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 23, 2019
Soul Blade (The sword of Light Trilogy #3, my eleventh read/listen from author Aaron Hodges is another re-read of an excellent book. I'm on an Aaron Hodges binge It was attention-grabbing and enjoyable as is all Hodge's writings. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. The final book in the Sword of Light series. Aaron Hodges has moved high on my TBR list and since I own more than a dozen books by him that won't be a problem. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 31, 2018
Good fantasy trilogy for young adults
I enjoyed reading this trilogy. Decent character build up and world building; plot is somewhat convoluted but moves at a good pace; could have used a bit more editing/ proofing, but nothing that distracts from the story.
I think the ending could have used a couple more pages for resolving a couple of last minute twists.... the "happily ever after" is missing. ;-)
I enjoyed reading this trilogy. Decent character build up and world building; plot is somewhat convoluted but moves at a good pace; could have used a bit more editing/ proofing, but nothing that distracts from the story.
I think the ending could have used a couple more pages for resolving a couple of last minute twists.... the "happily ever after" is missing. ;-)
July 6, 2017
A gripping conclusion
This was a great story. Well developed characters dealing with situations no one should have to deal with. I became completely invested in the characters and the world they live in. I have to say I was completely satisfied with the conclusion of this story. That said, I still wish there was more coming.
This was a great story. Well developed characters dealing with situations no one should have to deal with. I became completely invested in the characters and the world they live in. I have to say I was completely satisfied with the conclusion of this story. That said, I still wish there was more coming.
July 17, 2018
This series is not for the fainthearted! Be prepared for lots of action and a lot of hopelessness. The ending progressed as I thought it would. You come to care for the characters so much. Archon the dark mage is very powerful indeed. The sacrifices needed in this book are heart wrenching. Be prepared for an epic story.
July 14, 2018
This book was so good. Finally good triumphs over evil but the sacrifices our champions made were heartbreaking. All was made good in the end.
This series was worth it all. Aaron Hodges wrote a amazing series.
This series was worth it all. Aaron Hodges wrote a amazing series.
May 5, 2021
Well thought out and story in this series. Plot twists galore. It leads you places where you are not expecting it to go. Has everything you would want in a story and series. Great Reading Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 22, 2022
A good book
It was a good read and I enjoyed the story. I felt that it was a bit predictable at the end but there was a good bit of action and some zigs and zags that were well written.
It was a good read and I enjoyed the story. I felt that it was a bit predictable at the end but there was a good bit of action and some zigs and zags that were well written.
August 30, 2025
I don't know why I enjoy this type of fantasy, but I do. The characters are well-rounded although an annoyance at times. I note the difference in magic kers wielding their powers now and in the later series.
March 15, 2017
Satisfying end!
An excellent conclusion to a great adventure! I look forward to more of the Three Nations. Eric, Enala, and Gabriel made sure of that!
An excellent conclusion to a great adventure! I look forward to more of the Three Nations. Eric, Enala, and Gabriel made sure of that!
August 12, 2017
Great trilogy! The last book was full of plot twists and even if I thought the (very long) narration of the final battle somewhat boring, this was a satisfying conclusion of the story.
December 1, 2018
Triple meh.
February 3, 2019
The whole trilogy is really bad. I don't recommend it. Sorry Aaron Hodges, but it really is that bad.
October 21, 2020
Characters you can care about
Interesting characters and plot. Keeps you guessing until the very end. I do hope that one of the characters can find it in her heart to forgive.
Interesting characters and plot. Keeps you guessing until the very end. I do hope that one of the characters can find it in her heart to forgive.
December 1, 2016
This is more like 3.5 stars.
This is the third book in a trilogy, and I will admit from the outset that I haven’t read the first two. My review should be read with this in mind.
The novel started well with a female army commander. I do value fantasy novels which give men and women equality in their world setting, and this novel certainly did. Even when a woman was found to be pregnant, she was still treated as an equal and still took part in the final battle. No ‘keep her safe in the kitchen, mum to be here’ to be found. Hurrah!
However, I soon discovered that the first character I met was only a minor one. Quickly those who were the main focus of this novel (and the trilogy?) were brought into view. It is difficult for any writer to work out how to bring a reader up to speed in a book series, and I thought the author did well at times, less well at others. Certainly by a third of the way into the book I felt I had a handle on the backgrounds of the main characters and their journeys thus far.
What I did find difficult was how to differentiate between the characters. And I don’t think this was due to having jumped into the final book of a trilogy. All of the main characters seemed to be cut from the same cloth. Young, earnest, honourable people who were willing to sacrifice themselves for the people and the nation they loved. There was very little to help me remember which was which, as they all spoke and acted in pretty much the same way. Perhaps it didn’t help that there were so many of them, and the book took turns presenting events from their points of view.
Everything builds up to the final battle, which takes up around 20% of the novel. I guess this is fair enough for a third book of three, but it was a bit wearying when reading it as a stand alone novel. The battle seemed to go on and on, with the characters still finding time for humorous quips to one another.
The bad guy was given a backstory and a reason for his fall into evil ways, which is to be commended. I had hoped at one point that the writer was going to made a brave decision and not give us an entirely happy ending, but then he decided to anyway.
I found the same grammatical error turning up again and again, which began to annoy me in the extreme. Rather than a full stop at the end of a piece of dialogue, with a new sentence begun with a capital letter, the novel incorrectly uses a comma and follows on with a lower case letter. Some examples of this:
May smiled back. “At ease, Alan,’ the man was a familiar face in the fortress, and a legend amongst the Lonians.
“Just doing my duty,” tossing aside the horn, he picked up his war hammer.
“Careful, little sis,” she scowled at him for using his nickname for her.
I understand that this is the writer’s first set of books, and he shows promise. Point of view remains fixed in each section of the novel, he knows how to build up the plot and action, and there are some interesting questions asked about power and the cost of using power. I’m intrigued to see what he comes up with next.
This is the third book in a trilogy, and I will admit from the outset that I haven’t read the first two. My review should be read with this in mind.
The novel started well with a female army commander. I do value fantasy novels which give men and women equality in their world setting, and this novel certainly did. Even when a woman was found to be pregnant, she was still treated as an equal and still took part in the final battle. No ‘keep her safe in the kitchen, mum to be here’ to be found. Hurrah!
However, I soon discovered that the first character I met was only a minor one. Quickly those who were the main focus of this novel (and the trilogy?) were brought into view. It is difficult for any writer to work out how to bring a reader up to speed in a book series, and I thought the author did well at times, less well at others. Certainly by a third of the way into the book I felt I had a handle on the backgrounds of the main characters and their journeys thus far.
What I did find difficult was how to differentiate between the characters. And I don’t think this was due to having jumped into the final book of a trilogy. All of the main characters seemed to be cut from the same cloth. Young, earnest, honourable people who were willing to sacrifice themselves for the people and the nation they loved. There was very little to help me remember which was which, as they all spoke and acted in pretty much the same way. Perhaps it didn’t help that there were so many of them, and the book took turns presenting events from their points of view.
Everything builds up to the final battle, which takes up around 20% of the novel. I guess this is fair enough for a third book of three, but it was a bit wearying when reading it as a stand alone novel. The battle seemed to go on and on, with the characters still finding time for humorous quips to one another.
The bad guy was given a backstory and a reason for his fall into evil ways, which is to be commended. I had hoped at one point that the writer was going to made a brave decision and not give us an entirely happy ending, but then he decided to anyway.
I found the same grammatical error turning up again and again, which began to annoy me in the extreme. Rather than a full stop at the end of a piece of dialogue, with a new sentence begun with a capital letter, the novel incorrectly uses a comma and follows on with a lower case letter. Some examples of this:
May smiled back. “At ease, Alan,’ the man was a familiar face in the fortress, and a legend amongst the Lonians.
“Just doing my duty,” tossing aside the horn, he picked up his war hammer.
“Careful, little sis,” she scowled at him for using his nickname for her.
I understand that this is the writer’s first set of books, and he shows promise. Point of view remains fixed in each section of the novel, he knows how to build up the plot and action, and there are some interesting questions asked about power and the cost of using power. I’m intrigued to see what he comes up with next.
January 1, 2017
Fast paced and relentless
Soul Blade is the last book of a trilogy detailing the fall of the God powers by the hand of trickery and subjugation. These Gods of Light, Sky and Earth are exiled to the spirit world, their powers contained within mortal weapons. These weapons are lost over the ages until found and exercised by those mortals able to withstand their corrosive powers.
In their absence amongst the Three Nations, an evil rises and the very reason for their exile. Archon, a monster of magic and madness seeks to corrupt the world. Soul Blade recounts the lead up to the eventual confrontation between good and evil. The heroes seek to use the power of the swords to not only unite the Three Nations but defend their world against Archon.
This story is a classic good versus evil adventure with heroes and villains easily marked. Old cowboy movies where white hats shoot it out with black hats offer an appropriate analogy. When the lines do get blurred they are soon resolved.
As the last book in a trilogy, the question of how much knowledge from previous books should be re-examined in the early pages is always a concern. Some authors believe that the tale should just jump forth from where it left off in the second book. Others believe a significant amount of retelling is required. This is always a difficult decision as readers vary so much. That said Soul Blade took about 25% to get through before it developed its own momentum, which grew fast and stayed fast. Due to its rapid pace with no respite from the action, the book became less of a page turner. It required putting down due to its relentless action.
Going back to the white hat analogy, the heroes in this story all shared similar traits and similar motivations. The idea of duty and honour rang true for most of them as soldiers and warriors destined to defend their world. These are ideals precious to most heroes but beyond them there lacked complexities and dissent. As such it became difficult to empathise with them, almost wishing for Archon, the villain to sweep such honour away.
For the most part, the book is about the final battles and the writing of all these scenes brought colour and vitality to the fighting. The author’s voice spoke loudest during this, which to be fair represented a large chunk of the book. Very little was made of their environments, the buildings and the landscapes. With such a good turn of prose, the author could have deepened the scenes with such descriptive power.
This really represented 3.5/5, rounding up to a 4 because the concept of containing the gods within mortal instruments is a great notion to set a story against.
Soul Blade is the last book of a trilogy detailing the fall of the God powers by the hand of trickery and subjugation. These Gods of Light, Sky and Earth are exiled to the spirit world, their powers contained within mortal weapons. These weapons are lost over the ages until found and exercised by those mortals able to withstand their corrosive powers.
In their absence amongst the Three Nations, an evil rises and the very reason for their exile. Archon, a monster of magic and madness seeks to corrupt the world. Soul Blade recounts the lead up to the eventual confrontation between good and evil. The heroes seek to use the power of the swords to not only unite the Three Nations but defend their world against Archon.
This story is a classic good versus evil adventure with heroes and villains easily marked. Old cowboy movies where white hats shoot it out with black hats offer an appropriate analogy. When the lines do get blurred they are soon resolved.
As the last book in a trilogy, the question of how much knowledge from previous books should be re-examined in the early pages is always a concern. Some authors believe that the tale should just jump forth from where it left off in the second book. Others believe a significant amount of retelling is required. This is always a difficult decision as readers vary so much. That said Soul Blade took about 25% to get through before it developed its own momentum, which grew fast and stayed fast. Due to its rapid pace with no respite from the action, the book became less of a page turner. It required putting down due to its relentless action.
Going back to the white hat analogy, the heroes in this story all shared similar traits and similar motivations. The idea of duty and honour rang true for most of them as soldiers and warriors destined to defend their world. These are ideals precious to most heroes but beyond them there lacked complexities and dissent. As such it became difficult to empathise with them, almost wishing for Archon, the villain to sweep such honour away.
For the most part, the book is about the final battles and the writing of all these scenes brought colour and vitality to the fighting. The author’s voice spoke loudest during this, which to be fair represented a large chunk of the book. Very little was made of their environments, the buildings and the landscapes. With such a good turn of prose, the author could have deepened the scenes with such descriptive power.
This really represented 3.5/5, rounding up to a 4 because the concept of containing the gods within mortal instruments is a great notion to set a story against.
February 1, 2017
Originally posted on G. Jacks Writes - About Everything.
Having the world and all the heroes pitted in such a thick cloud of darkness and doubt for the final chapter of this trilogy made this audiobook really enjoyable. Characters/heroes are only as good as how they react under such disparaging circumstances. I found that Eric’s character really seemed to come full circle in this last book as he and Anala find their way back to each other and the rest of their group while doing all that they can to learn to control the strength and weakness within their magic.
Though I was still not a fan of Eric and Inka’s relationship (that has always felt more like a siblings/close friend relationship) I do contribute a lot of his character growth to the support she’s given him throughout this series. With high fantasy/adventure stories like The Sword Of Light Trilogy I think it can be hard to really immerse yourself within these stories if the narrator does not bring a sense of animation and layer personality to the story.
With the first book in this series, I read through the book on my own but since listening to the last two installments via audio, I’ve gained a greater level of appreciation for the evil and darkness that’s spread out across the three nations. David Stifel really makes Archon and his demons a fearsome prescience in this series and he brings a level of true remorse and torment to Gabriel’s character that I think readers vs listeners may not always feel.
(As I mentioned before) I was not originally a fan of Gabriel’s character in the beginning, but I found myself warming up to him as the series progressed and the listener (reader) discovers his true role and connection to Eric, Anala and the sword of light. Without giving too much away with what is reviled in the final book, I must admit that I liked that the author finally brings Archon out of the shadows (sort of speak) and gives the listener (reader) the opportunity to not only see his perspective on the the war but also hear more about the past and chain of events that set the war and his revenge on the gods and the three nations into motion.
I gave this book 3 stars because I found book two was a bit quicker in pace and had a bit more action. Book three has it's own level of magic and fight scenes, but there was a greater level of explaining and tying up loose ends in the narrative that did not excite me as much as the previous book. Overall, this was a pretty strong YA fantasy/adventure series with a great balance of good and dark magic.
Having the world and all the heroes pitted in such a thick cloud of darkness and doubt for the final chapter of this trilogy made this audiobook really enjoyable. Characters/heroes are only as good as how they react under such disparaging circumstances. I found that Eric’s character really seemed to come full circle in this last book as he and Anala find their way back to each other and the rest of their group while doing all that they can to learn to control the strength and weakness within their magic.
Though I was still not a fan of Eric and Inka’s relationship (that has always felt more like a siblings/close friend relationship) I do contribute a lot of his character growth to the support she’s given him throughout this series. With high fantasy/adventure stories like The Sword Of Light Trilogy I think it can be hard to really immerse yourself within these stories if the narrator does not bring a sense of animation and layer personality to the story.
With the first book in this series, I read through the book on my own but since listening to the last two installments via audio, I’ve gained a greater level of appreciation for the evil and darkness that’s spread out across the three nations. David Stifel really makes Archon and his demons a fearsome prescience in this series and he brings a level of true remorse and torment to Gabriel’s character that I think readers vs listeners may not always feel.
(As I mentioned before) I was not originally a fan of Gabriel’s character in the beginning, but I found myself warming up to him as the series progressed and the listener (reader) discovers his true role and connection to Eric, Anala and the sword of light. Without giving too much away with what is reviled in the final book, I must admit that I liked that the author finally brings Archon out of the shadows (sort of speak) and gives the listener (reader) the opportunity to not only see his perspective on the the war but also hear more about the past and chain of events that set the war and his revenge on the gods and the three nations into motion.
I gave this book 3 stars because I found book two was a bit quicker in pace and had a bit more action. Book three has it's own level of magic and fight scenes, but there was a greater level of explaining and tying up loose ends in the narrative that did not excite me as much as the previous book. Overall, this was a pretty strong YA fantasy/adventure series with a great balance of good and dark magic.
December 13, 2016
Although I've not read the first two installments of The Sword of Light series, I was able to enjoy the story in Soul Blade. This is due to sprinklings of backstory during the first 20% or so, which does involve a bit more 'telling' than 'showing' in the prose than I like, but the intermingled actions and descriptions were enough to keep up the pace. Some of the prose bordered on purple, other descriptions were spot on with evocative visuals.
Another praise-worthy aspect was the dominance of earnest and noble characters. One doesn't see straightforward heroes as much these days. Modern writers tend to play in gray areas, for both protagonists and villains. Although Hodges gives his villain a backstory, the motivations and goals of his protagonists are clear.
My primary difficulty with the story was the number of primary characters. Their similarities were such that I'd think I was reading about one, then the name of the character could be mentioned and I was jarred out of the story with the realization that I had another character in mind. This may be my fault since i generally read at night when my mind is tired. In summary, I recommend this novel to fantasy lovers, but I'd suggest they start at the beginning of the series.
Another praise-worthy aspect was the dominance of earnest and noble characters. One doesn't see straightforward heroes as much these days. Modern writers tend to play in gray areas, for both protagonists and villains. Although Hodges gives his villain a backstory, the motivations and goals of his protagonists are clear.
My primary difficulty with the story was the number of primary characters. Their similarities were such that I'd think I was reading about one, then the name of the character could be mentioned and I was jarred out of the story with the realization that I had another character in mind. This may be my fault since i generally read at night when my mind is tired. In summary, I recommend this novel to fantasy lovers, but I'd suggest they start at the beginning of the series.
December 12, 2017
The Trilogy concludes with conflict both external and internal, love and loss, death and rebirth, and let us not forget, some pretty kick-ass battles. Our heroes have regrouped and are ready as they ever will be to protect the three nations from Archon and his horrific hordes. We learn that family is can be a great source of strength, but that it also can be your biggest downfall. We meet some new characters and get to know what makes them so great. But most of all, we learn the truth of the world and how it came to be as it is.Great power demands certain sacrifices.
Without doubt, this trilogy deserves to be read by lovers of fully fleshed out plots and characters. I highly recommend you get all three books and discover a world where Gods walk among the folk who worship them and honor and camaraderie comes from some of the most surprising sources.
Without doubt, this trilogy deserves to be read by lovers of fully fleshed out plots and characters. I highly recommend you get all three books and discover a world where Gods walk among the folk who worship them and honor and camaraderie comes from some of the most surprising sources.
May 3, 2017
The age old tale of good versus evil...
This series is a page-turner, full of action, love, loss, pain and triumph. The characters are well developed, and their interactions flow smoothly, drawing you in to the story with each twist and turn. These books can let you soar to the heights with love and new-found power, then to dash to the depths with loss, pain, and sorrow. I thoroughly enjoyed this series, and would recommend to any lover of classic fantasy. Looking forward to more tales from the Three Lands.
This series is a page-turner, full of action, love, loss, pain and triumph. The characters are well developed, and their interactions flow smoothly, drawing you in to the story with each twist and turn. These books can let you soar to the heights with love and new-found power, then to dash to the depths with loss, pain, and sorrow. I thoroughly enjoyed this series, and would recommend to any lover of classic fantasy. Looking forward to more tales from the Three Lands.
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