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Tree of Ages #5
The Oaken Throne
A new era has dawned. The forces of humanity are crippled by the ever pressing threat of the Faie. War continues to tear apart the countryside, robbing those who remain of their last shreds of hope.
While peace is only a distant dream for some, there exist the brave few who will stand and fight for what they believe in. Magic does not always mean death, and death does not always mean the end. Will love and loyalty prevail, or will those who strive for power and darkness put an end to innocence once and for all?
While peace is only a distant dream for some, there exist the brave few who will stand and fight for what they believe in. Magic does not always mean death, and death does not always mean the end. Will love and loyalty prevail, or will those who strive for power and darkness put an end to innocence once and for all?
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2018
1902 people are currently reading
1145 people want to read
About the author
Sara C. Roethle
126 books922 followersSara C. Roethle is a Fantasy author and part-time unicorn. She enjoys writing character driven stories in various fantasy realms with elements of Celtic and Norse myth, humor, and metaphysical ponderings.
Her series include:
Tree of Ages
The Thief's Apprentice
The Moonstone Chronicles
Xoe Meyers
Bitter Ashes
Her series include:
Tree of Ages
The Thief's Apprentice
The Moonstone Chronicles
Xoe Meyers
Bitter Ashes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
February 20, 2021
This is by FAR the best book out of the series so far. The others were great as well but everything came together so nicely in this one, it was satisfying to see! I did still have some minor issues with connecting to some of the characters but the excellent ending overshadowed that. It was non stop action from start to finish and I found my jaw dropping at a couple of reveals I didn’t see coming that really added some spice to the story. The ending was so far from what I expected and such a great ending to the series, I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. I’m still sad I couldn’t connect more with the characters and give this a full five stars but I did really enjoy this book and this series nonetheless!
April 23, 2018
Clever, satisfying
Feeling sad to "let go" of this cast of characters so soon. Who is Naoki? Anyway, highly recommend this series. Adventure, intrigue, wars, love and changing hearts. The author says she has another series in mind for some of the same characters. Maybe answering my question, "Who is the dragon, Naoki?"
Feeling sad to "let go" of this cast of characters so soon. Who is Naoki? Anyway, highly recommend this series. Adventure, intrigue, wars, love and changing hearts. The author says she has another series in mind for some of the same characters. Maybe answering my question, "Who is the dragon, Naoki?"
May 9, 2018
The Oaken Throne was an amazing story that does not fail to serve. As the final installment of the series, I felt satisfied with the ending even if it wasn't the exact ending I had wished for. From start to finish, this series had me seriously engaged and I would highly encourage this to any fantasy genre lover. It had all the drama, comedy, and tension I could as for in a series. Watching the characters grow as individuals and get over their fears to achieve the happy ending they all wished for left me with happily satisfied at the end of this journey.
July 27, 2018
Ah, man...okay good things first: I love this epic fantasy. I actually missed the characters when I took a break from the series to read other books. Also, the world-building is staggering; Sara's got serious skills.
And now, the not so good: this final book to the series is really just the second half of book 4 and it begins just as if another chapter had started. I recommend reading 4 & 5 as one book. Once you get past the lack of preamble and review, the book is great! And then it gets hijacked by an after-school special. War fades into feelings and even the murderers are just misunderstood people who will now be happier as volunteers. WTHeck?! This is a horrible ending to an otherwise excellent series, and that makes it hard to rate. It's really only the last 10% that is grievously wrong, and the book was a solid 4 stars before that. So...I'm going with 2.5 stars.
p.s. There are a fair number of errors in this one that took me out of the story. Especially jarring were her misuse of words (like "displaced" instead of misplaced). The book needs another once over from the editing fairy.
And now, the not so good: this final book to the series is really just the second half of book 4 and it begins just as if another chapter had started. I recommend reading 4 & 5 as one book. Once you get past the lack of preamble and review, the book is great! And then it gets hijacked by an after-school special. War fades into feelings and even the murderers are just misunderstood people who will now be happier as volunteers. WTHeck?! This is a horrible ending to an otherwise excellent series, and that makes it hard to rate. It's really only the last 10% that is grievously wrong, and the book was a solid 4 stars before that. So...I'm going with 2.5 stars.
p.s. There are a fair number of errors in this one that took me out of the story. Especially jarring were her misuse of words (like "displaced" instead of misplaced). The book needs another once over from the editing fairy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2022
Amazing series of books!! I picked the first one up willy nilly one night in desperation for something to read, I wasn't expecting much to be honest.
The first book was good, not great, but enough to make me pick up the second and each book just excelled itself.
There was a conclusion in the final book but also a build up to a possibility of a further installment and I really hope that's the case.
I will definitely try some of the other books by this author, she's fantastic:)
The first book was good, not great, but enough to make me pick up the second and each book just excelled itself.
There was a conclusion in the final book but also a build up to a possibility of a further installment and I really hope that's the case.
I will definitely try some of the other books by this author, she's fantastic:)
July 3, 2018
On my goodness!
What an awesome conclusion to this series!! Finn finally got her closure! I hope to see more stories in the future!
What an awesome conclusion to this series!! Finn finally got her closure! I hope to see more stories in the future!
April 25, 2018
2.5 stars.
I blew through the first 4 books rather quickly and I was so disappointed with Queen of Wands, I almost didn't bother reading this last one. However, curiosity got the best of me.
I finished this feeling unfulfilled. Here are the main issues I had with this series:
For all 5 books, the characters were constantly on the way to somewhere, or someone was running away and the whole gang would follow. Their world seemed small enough to travel like that in, but it just made for a terribly boring read when that was all they were doing. I found myself skipping through sections because they held no new or real action.
The battles were so tame. Perhaps I am used to reading books that have more violent battle scenes, but this just felt so PG, and I wanted so much more.
Most of the characters became tame. There wasn't a character that felt all that threatening. Nothing that made me shiver with slight apprehension or had me thinking " Oh. My. Gosh! They are evil and I can't wait to see what they do next!"
I still have major issues with Fin and Iseult's relationship. Even at the end I kept thinking, "Are they or aren't they a thing?" It was just far too subtle. I expected a more solid relationship like Anna's or even Ela and Maarav. Instead it was awkward and strained. Even the entire circle of friends. I felt that most of them were frenemies, there was always one person that didn't like another out of the group.
This entire series could have been wrapped up in 3 books. After a while the characters became dull and so did their journey. I started to forget the point of it all, especially when they literally were traveling from one location to another and then back.
I blew through the first 4 books rather quickly and I was so disappointed with Queen of Wands, I almost didn't bother reading this last one. However, curiosity got the best of me.
I finished this feeling unfulfilled. Here are the main issues I had with this series:
For all 5 books, the characters were constantly on the way to somewhere, or someone was running away and the whole gang would follow. Their world seemed small enough to travel like that in, but it just made for a terribly boring read when that was all they were doing. I found myself skipping through sections because they held no new or real action.
The battles were so tame. Perhaps I am used to reading books that have more violent battle scenes, but this just felt so PG, and I wanted so much more.
Most of the characters became tame. There wasn't a character that felt all that threatening. Nothing that made me shiver with slight apprehension or had me thinking " Oh. My. Gosh! They are evil and I can't wait to see what they do next!"
I still have major issues with Fin and Iseult's relationship. Even at the end I kept thinking, "Are they or aren't they a thing?" It was just far too subtle. I expected a more solid relationship like Anna's or even Ela and Maarav. Instead it was awkward and strained. Even the entire circle of friends. I felt that most of them were frenemies, there was always one person that didn't like another out of the group.
This entire series could have been wrapped up in 3 books. After a while the characters became dull and so did their journey. I started to forget the point of it all, especially when they literally were traveling from one location to another and then back.
June 10, 2018
Wonderous
I have enjoyed reading this series, seeing how the oak girl Finn grows with each book. I really hope there will be other books about what happens to all the main characters.
I have enjoyed reading this series, seeing how the oak girl Finn grows with each book. I really hope there will be other books about what happens to all the main characters.
June 9, 2018
Perfect ending to a good series
I liked the way the story ended with hope. I look forward to reading more about these charade in future books.
I liked the way the story ended with hope. I look forward to reading more about these charade in future books.
May 28, 2018
I enjoy the fantasy, the comradery, the excitement of their lives
These books are fun for me when life gets too real and scary and depressing. Unfortunately, that is the case too often! I'm always happy to find a series or author who write with just enough mixture of intrigue, etc but distant make the book either to silly frilly love story or too heavy. Granted the characters face adversities, but they learn grow ride above with the help of their friends and magical creatures. Rarely are the magical components truly scary in a way that would make u the reader afraid in any lasting way. I love happy endings but there's also an interest in seeing the central characters revisited in another book or joining a different series as secondary characters.... Thank u
These books are fun for me when life gets too real and scary and depressing. Unfortunately, that is the case too often! I'm always happy to find a series or author who write with just enough mixture of intrigue, etc but distant make the book either to silly frilly love story or too heavy. Granted the characters face adversities, but they learn grow ride above with the help of their friends and magical creatures. Rarely are the magical components truly scary in a way that would make u the reader afraid in any lasting way. I love happy endings but there's also an interest in seeing the central characters revisited in another book or joining a different series as secondary characters.... Thank u
April 27, 2018
Absolutely loved it!
I loved this entire series! Was so happy to finally get to see what happened with Finn and her friends. This is a great read and I highly recommend this entire series and even Sara other series if you like adventure and are into fae and other fantasy type books! Can't wait to see what Sara comes up with next!
I loved this entire series! Was so happy to finally get to see what happened with Finn and her friends. This is a great read and I highly recommend this entire series and even Sara other series if you like adventure and are into fae and other fantasy type books! Can't wait to see what Sara comes up with next!
April 29, 2018
Great series!
I absolutely loved this series! Can't wait to read more of their adventures! Very well written and an easy read!
I absolutely loved this series! Can't wait to read more of their adventures! Very well written and an easy read!
May 9, 2018
Great ending
She has done it again. Fantastic storytelling all the way to the end. I love the ending! I highly recommend this whole series!
She has done it again. Fantastic storytelling all the way to the end. I love the ending! I highly recommend this whole series!
May 16, 2018
Great series
It is so sad to see this series end. It was an adventure that was interesting and exciting. I really enjoyed all the characters over the 5 books
It is so sad to see this series end. It was an adventure that was interesting and exciting. I really enjoyed all the characters over the 5 books
May 17, 2018
Great reading, love all the characters, sorry I am finished with the series. Thank you Sara for a great escape.
May 28, 2018
Damn that went by quick! Good story. Good series. Good characters. I’m glad it ended the way it did. I had a smile on my face the entire final 20 or so pages.
December 12, 2018
I really enjoyed reading all the five book in this series and it kind of gave me the feel similar to the lord of rings series but different all around. I am glad I got to read this series.
August 21, 2018
While I loved the series and all it had to offer I am very against the pairing of Isuelt and Finn. He was controlling and so protective of her it was like he thought of her as a precious object and not an incredibly powerful being that could make her own decisions. Not to mention he cared for no one else but her and that came across as possessive. If she had to be with someone, Kai and her relationship had laughter and friendship and was built on the idea of knowing each other and relying on each other but also respecting each other. The scene in the fourth book where Iseult literally picks Finn up and puts her on a horse even though she protests and wants to save those she cares for, made me so angry. He actually treated her like a child and he controlled her through his strength and knowing that she wouldn’t hurt him with her powers. So infuriating. Also Iseult is boring and he has no personality beyond being serious and being possessive and obsessive about Finn. Otherwise it was a great read but that relationship really tainted it. It actually made me judge Finn because she allowed herself to be controlled by someone who didn’t respect what she wanted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2024
A series for a cold winter's read...
This is a series I'd highly recommend to anyone who enjoys their magic close to nature. Ms. Roethle created factions from nature by using the forest (the Cavari), the weather (the Snow Queen), Druids (a goddess in a pond), and pixies. Her use of the "in between" as a place out of time or apart from the current time and place allowed all sorts of creepy things to happen as the Travelers, another faction, had a place to whisk their victims off to for a chat or a few hundred years of torture. But I think waking up after 100 years as an oak tree must be pretty startling. That's how Finn's story starts. She slowly wakes up in a meadow nude. She doesn't know who she is or anything about herself. So she has to completely rediscover who she is and what she's supposed to do before the other factions in the world make those decisions for her. This is an amazing journey of discovery for Finn and for many of the friends she makes along the way. Recommended.
This is a series I'd highly recommend to anyone who enjoys their magic close to nature. Ms. Roethle created factions from nature by using the forest (the Cavari), the weather (the Snow Queen), Druids (a goddess in a pond), and pixies. Her use of the "in between" as a place out of time or apart from the current time and place allowed all sorts of creepy things to happen as the Travelers, another faction, had a place to whisk their victims off to for a chat or a few hundred years of torture. But I think waking up after 100 years as an oak tree must be pretty startling. That's how Finn's story starts. She slowly wakes up in a meadow nude. She doesn't know who she is or anything about herself. So she has to completely rediscover who she is and what she's supposed to do before the other factions in the world make those decisions for her. This is an amazing journey of discovery for Finn and for many of the friends she makes along the way. Recommended.
October 1, 2019
A brilliant ending to what has been an enchanting and very magical series! War has come and the non-magicals are fighting against the mages which Ealasaid, the Queen of Wands has taken under her wing. Finn travels to come to her aid but the mages are afraid and angry at the Fae who travel with Finn, however unless they forget their past and fight together many more will lose their lives. Magic is not evil and death may not really be the end! A beautiful series with great world building and even greater characters, full of love, loyalty, friendship and magic but also full of betrayal and twists and turns to the book which are unexpected and which go to make it a very thrilling read! I just love the way all the ends are tied off so beautifully in the end. Finn's goodness seems to infect all those she comes in contact with including the wicked ones who end up being not so wicked after all, as everyone has their own story to tell, and we are all products of our past experiences.
July 5, 2018
Great Conclusion
I want to start off by saying that I feel like the author really concluded everything well and tied up all the loose ends but did leave opportunity to continue the story if she chooses (her prologue suggests there will be individual stories). I was a little disappointed that we didn't find out what happened with Iseault and Finn, because she didn't go into any detail about them and everyone else seemed to be paired off.
There were a couple proofreading errors in the book and I am only mentioning it because all of the other books were practically flawless, so maybe the editor rushed through.
The story was a huge build up until about 70% through when everything finally avalanched. All in all good story.
I want to start off by saying that I feel like the author really concluded everything well and tied up all the loose ends but did leave opportunity to continue the story if she chooses (her prologue suggests there will be individual stories). I was a little disappointed that we didn't find out what happened with Iseault and Finn, because she didn't go into any detail about them and everyone else seemed to be paired off.
There were a couple proofreading errors in the book and I am only mentioning it because all of the other books were practically flawless, so maybe the editor rushed through.
The story was a huge build up until about 70% through when everything finally avalanched. All in all good story.
July 8, 2018
Great Read
Based on some of the previous reviews of this series, I wasn't sure if I wanted to commit to reading Book One , but after keeping it on my list for several months I decided to download the kindle version. It didn't take long for me to become engrossed in the story and as soon as I finished Book One I just HAD to download Book Two, then Book 3, Book 4, and I just completed Book 5 . Although I wouldn't say this series was the absolute BEST I've read, it was certainly entertaining and held my interest enough that as soon as I read each book I couldn't wait to see what happened in the next one. There wasn't vulgarity or profanity. I'd certainly recommend this series.
Based on some of the previous reviews of this series, I wasn't sure if I wanted to commit to reading Book One , but after keeping it on my list for several months I decided to download the kindle version. It didn't take long for me to become engrossed in the story and as soon as I finished Book One I just HAD to download Book Two, then Book 3, Book 4, and I just completed Book 5 . Although I wouldn't say this series was the absolute BEST I've read, it was certainly entertaining and held my interest enough that as soon as I read each book I couldn't wait to see what happened in the next one. There wasn't vulgarity or profanity. I'd certainly recommend this series.
April 23, 2018
I received this book as an arc for an honest review. This is the 5th and final instalment of the tree of ages series. Fate, Destiny, the future, has all been entwined with events of the past, A tree stands for centuries, and one day it falls,in its place a young girl, Finnur takes its place. Finnur just thinks she has always been a tree, she has no memory of anything else. A tale full of magic, distrust deceit and friendships formed from a common goal.a prophecy says three queens will fight, The oaken queen, the queen of wands,and the Snow queen, two shall die,and one shall live to rule. I enjoyed the series of the Tree of Ages, a must read for anyone who loves magic, fae, fantasy.
January 7, 2020
Mystical series an adult would enjoy.
I don't comment on individual books in a series I usually wait until I have finished reading the whole set. I found this series enjoyable. I'm a senior and the whole set was intriguing. I found myself looking forward to each new book to tell me what was going to happen next. The characters and the different mystical creatures almost took on a spiritual like quality. I found myself getting lost in their world. Thanks for the glossary at the end of each book. It made it much more interesting to know what some of the strange names and terms meant since it felt like some came from the authors imagination.
I don't comment on individual books in a series I usually wait until I have finished reading the whole set. I found this series enjoyable. I'm a senior and the whole set was intriguing. I found myself looking forward to each new book to tell me what was going to happen next. The characters and the different mystical creatures almost took on a spiritual like quality. I found myself getting lost in their world. Thanks for the glossary at the end of each book. It made it much more interesting to know what some of the strange names and terms meant since it felt like some came from the authors imagination.
November 5, 2019
Amazing read!
Bravo!I enjoyed myself thoroughly while reading this series! And that there is another book available on the continued adventures of our friends from the wonderful world of dear Sara's imagination has got me reading til past 4 in the morning and looking forward with pleasure toward this new one!
I haven't done a thing except READ for the last several daze! I'm fortunate that I'm a little old retired lady and that I'm able to spend my time doing mostly as I wish. And I wish nothing more than to crack open the Forrest of Embers! See ya!
Bravo!I enjoyed myself thoroughly while reading this series! And that there is another book available on the continued adventures of our friends from the wonderful world of dear Sara's imagination has got me reading til past 4 in the morning and looking forward with pleasure toward this new one!
I haven't done a thing except READ for the last several daze! I'm fortunate that I'm a little old retired lady and that I'm able to spend my time doing mostly as I wish. And I wish nothing more than to crack open the Forrest of Embers! See ya!
November 28, 2022
Didn't See That Coming
OK so I was pleasantly surprised at the turns this story took. I thought I knew what was going to happen only for the author to surprise me with several twist. I applaud Ms. Roethle for not only captivating me with such a fascinating storyline. I also want to thank her for her glossary on how to pronounce the names and places she used throughout her books as well as what the meaning of the words are. Brava to the author. Do yourself a favor and give this series a chance, I don't believe you'll regret it at all.
OK so I was pleasantly surprised at the turns this story took. I thought I knew what was going to happen only for the author to surprise me with several twist. I applaud Ms. Roethle for not only captivating me with such a fascinating storyline. I also want to thank her for her glossary on how to pronounce the names and places she used throughout her books as well as what the meaning of the words are. Brava to the author. Do yourself a favor and give this series a chance, I don't believe you'll regret it at all.
January 24, 2021
So, this book did a pretty good job of tying up loose ends. However, several endings seemed a bit too pat/trite. I didn’t find Finn’s or Keiren’s switch believable at all. It’s not an awful conclusion, but I’m not sure I’ll pick up the continuation.
Finn continues trying to save everyone, which is challenging when some of her close friends, and her own mother, end up against her. The unicorn and dragon drifting through her life add charm.
Finn continues trying to save everyone, which is challenging when some of her close friends, and her own mother, end up against her. The unicorn and dragon drifting through her life add charm.
April 18, 2024
I get a combo of the hunger games and twilight vibes from the main character and her 2 interests, and her wanting to save everyone, unable to make up her mind. The "plot twists" happened regularly enough throughout the series so far you could almost predict when one was overdue. Regardless the story has enough differences from other books I've read it has kept my interest going, and I am still enjoying it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2018
Sad to see the story end.
While I felt a slow start to book 1 of 5, I was quickly pulled into the intricate stories of each character and found myself cheering them on. So much more can be told on the adventures of these characters and personalities. I will be searching for more to come.
While I felt a slow start to book 1 of 5, I was quickly pulled into the intricate stories of each character and found myself cheering them on. So much more can be told on the adventures of these characters and personalities. I will be searching for more to come.
October 3, 2018
I loved the first 4.5 books and was thoroughly enjoying the story and characters until the last half of this book. Then it felt like everything was wrapped up too quickly and cheerfully after all the turmoil and peril that came before. Still enjoyed the series and not fully disappointed for having read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews