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Dark Gifts #3
Bright Ruin
A thrilling Orwellian vision of Britain, with a rebellious Hunger Games heart, Bright Ruin is the third and final title in Vic James's electrifying Dark Gifts Trilogy, following Tarnished City.
405 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2018
85 people are currently reading
2413 people want to read
About the author
Vic James
14 books728 followersVic lives in London’s Notting Hill, but her life is more action-adventure than rom-com.
She studied History and English at Merton College, Oxford where Tolkien was once professor. Relocating to Rome, she completed her doctorate in the Vatican Secret Archives (they’re nothing like The Da Vinci Code), then spent five years living in Tokyo where she learned Japanese and worked as a journalist. She now alternates writing full time with directing documentaries for the BBC.
Vic has scuba-dived on Easter Island, camped at Everest Base Camp, voyaged on one of the last mailboats to St Helena, hang-glided across Rio de Janeiro, and swum the Hellespont from Europe to Asia. But there’s little she loves more than lying in bed till midday with a good book and a supply of her favourite biscuits.
She studied History and English at Merton College, Oxford where Tolkien was once professor. Relocating to Rome, she completed her doctorate in the Vatican Secret Archives (they’re nothing like The Da Vinci Code), then spent five years living in Tokyo where she learned Japanese and worked as a journalist. She now alternates writing full time with directing documentaries for the BBC.
Vic has scuba-dived on Easter Island, camped at Everest Base Camp, voyaged on one of the last mailboats to St Helena, hang-glided across Rio de Janeiro, and swum the Hellespont from Europe to Asia. But there’s little she loves more than lying in bed till midday with a good book and a supply of her favourite biscuits.
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October 15, 2018
Fear was the superpower they all possessed. And unlike Midsummer’s monsters, there was no limit to the number of people they could control with it.On sale now! Final review, first posted on Fantasy Literature:
Vic James wraps up her hard-hitting DARK GIFTS fantasy trilogy with Bright Ruin, which picks up right where the second book, Tarnished City, left off. This series is set an alternative version of our world where a minority, called the “Equals,” has powerful magical gifts. What they are supposed to be “equal” to is a good question, since ― in England and several other countries ― they have used their powers to cruelly oppress the non-magical majority. Among other abuses, all “Skilless” are forced to spend ten years of their lives as slaves. Initially, the Skilless Hadley family, including older teens Abigail (Abi) and Luke, were planning to spend their slavedays in what they hoped would be relative ease, serving the powerful Jardine family. Their plans, predictably, fell into ruins, and the Hadleys have been scattered about Great Britain.
As Bright Ruin begins, Abi has barely escaped death in the Blood Fair, an old public execution tradition that has been unearthed by the Jardines. Luke, for his part, barely escaped death in the isolated Scottish castle of Lord Crovan, perhaps the most sadistic of the Equals, who delights in mental torture. Abi and Luke are now racing around England in different directions, each pursing their own part of the uprising against the tyranny of the Equals. Abi is supporting the main rebel group, which has support from a few Equals who have a conscience. Gavar, the oldest Jardine brother, has rather surprisingly thrown his support behind the rebellion, along with Midsummer, a young Equal woman with a pregnant unSkilled girlfriend, who has the power to bring stone statues to life. Abi’s goals begin to diverge from those of the rebellion leadership, as she concludes that a particular violent act may be the only way to effectively disrupt the rule of the Equals.
Meanwhile, Luke has fallen in with the enigmatic Equal Silyen, the youngest Jardine brother, whose main value in life is gaining knowledge, at almost any cost. Silyen is also interested in Luke on a personal, romantic level, but right now Luke is preoccupied with trying to rescue a friend from a Crovan’s castle of torture. To gain Silyen’s help with his quest, Luke promises to help Silyen find out more about the ancient, mythical Wonder King, a mysterious, near-forgotten figure who inexplicably still seems to be influencing Great Britain.
Vic James constantly surprises in the DARK GIFTS trilogy. The death toll is high, and nobody ― even main characters ― is safe. People develop and change, disclosing previously unsuspected facets of their personalities, or hidden agendas. Is Gavar trustworthy? Is the Speaker’s son, Jon, nurturing a relationship with Bouda Jardine to help the rebellion, or is he a hidden traitor? Is Silyen’s thirst for knowledge leading him to work for good or evil? There are nuances to the characters of people that make them multi-layered and unpredictable, and deceptions abound. Power corrupts, but sometimes the desire for power is just as soul-crushing.
The mystical Wundorcyning (Wonder King) provides a kind of Beowulf-flavored interlude that tickled my fancy. His scenes felt somewhat random at the time, but provide a key to the ultimate resolution of the story. There’s an odd element to it, though, involving death and its relationship to power, that challenged my ability to suspend disbelief. The ending of Bright Ruin, though exciting, leaves many loose ends and questions about the future of some key characters, not to mention Britain itself and even the world. While on the one hand that treatment is realistic, at the same time I was yearning for more explication, perhaps another scene or two to give a better sense of closure. Perhaps there might be future novels from James set in this world. One can hope!
I recommend the DARK GIFTS trilogy for fans of contemporary fantasy with a darker, dystopian edge to it, and who appreciate political machinations, social commentary, and unpredictable, well-drawn characters.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my voluntary review. Thank you!!
September 17, 2024
Bright Ruin by Vic James is the third book of the young adult fantasy Dark Gifts series. From the title of the series to the intense book cover one should guess that this series is not all rainbows and sunshine but one that is incredibly dark and sometimes disturbing so while it is young adult I would recommend keeping this series on the the older crowd side of the genre.
The series takes place in a society in which the world is ruled by Equals who are aristocrats with magical gifts. Everyone else are known as commoners and at some point during their lifetimes they have to serve the Equals for a period of ten years as their slaves. Commoners can choose to serve at any point in their lives from 10 to 80 years old.
In Gilded Cage we met a family that when the youngest child turned ten the parents decided to sign the whole family up for their slave days to be completed together. Luke’s older sister Abi has arranged for the family to work together at a plantation owned by England’s most powerful family of Equals. But upon arrival the paperwork had been messed up and Luke is shipped off to a slave town separate from the rest of his family.
The series is one that definitely needs to be read as a whole with starting from the beginning with Gilded Cage then continuing with Tarnished City and Bright Ruin as the plot carries over and picks up where it left off from book to book. While I have rated in the middle with each of this books the series has definitely still held my attention all throughout. The world is incredibly dark and one that more angers me than falling in love with as do some of the characters but it’s thought provoking and creative so it kept me coming back from book to book. And now at the end I’m again rating at 3.5 stars but I would recommend checking this out if up for a darker society and content.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The series takes place in a society in which the world is ruled by Equals who are aristocrats with magical gifts. Everyone else are known as commoners and at some point during their lifetimes they have to serve the Equals for a period of ten years as their slaves. Commoners can choose to serve at any point in their lives from 10 to 80 years old.
In Gilded Cage we met a family that when the youngest child turned ten the parents decided to sign the whole family up for their slave days to be completed together. Luke’s older sister Abi has arranged for the family to work together at a plantation owned by England’s most powerful family of Equals. But upon arrival the paperwork had been messed up and Luke is shipped off to a slave town separate from the rest of his family.
The series is one that definitely needs to be read as a whole with starting from the beginning with Gilded Cage then continuing with Tarnished City and Bright Ruin as the plot carries over and picks up where it left off from book to book. While I have rated in the middle with each of this books the series has definitely still held my attention all throughout. The world is incredibly dark and one that more angers me than falling in love with as do some of the characters but it’s thought provoking and creative so it kept me coming back from book to book. And now at the end I’m again rating at 3.5 stars but I would recommend checking this out if up for a darker society and content.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
October 6, 2018
Rating ~3.5
History only appeared inevitable because it was written in a world where it had already happened.
A rather stunning conclusion to an overall fantastic series. Filled with politics, intrigue, family and morally gray characters, this book manages to keep us guessing from start to finish. I don't say this often, but I honestly wish it was longer.
Character Rankings
Abi ~ Gavar > Silyen ~ Luke >>> Bouda
The Relationships
Silyen & Luke
"You're really going to set them free?"
"Well, you asked nicely."
"You know," Luke said, "I think world peace, women's equality, and an end to global hunger would also be great."
Silyen smirked, "Don't push it, Hadley."
These two were the most unexpected development. I certainly knew Silyen had some interest in Luke and they had some sort of connection, but I truly did not realize Silyen's interest in Luke was a romantic one. But it is a rather fun and entertaining surprise.
Gavar & Abi
"You didn't just rescue me. You saved all of us by putting a stop to the Blood Fair."
"It was what anyone would have done."
"But no one else did. Only you."
This scene just had me for some reason. It was so simple and lovely, and there truly was not any romantic connotation to it.
---
You are better than your family. I believe this, and I hope one day you will too.
In this book, we see a major shift in the relationship between Gavar and Abi. Where her little sister Daisy had always believed in Gavar's goodness. Abi never did. She saw only an arrogant, temperamental, intimidating Equal. But after his impulsive act of heroism Abi begins to see that while Gavar may not necessarily be a good person, there is goodness in him. If this were your typical YA Fantasy I'm pretty sure they would have been canon. But clearly, Ms. James is not for the typical way of doing things. So alas, I will continue to ponder what could have been.
But you know what leaves the most to be desired? The ending! Like, what the heck? Honestly, this might have been a four star read or more if the ending was better done. It just felt like a lot of questions were left hanging in the air. And I found the whole storyline with the King, Silyen, and Luke very odd. The air of mystery and magic around him, it was built up so much that the reveal just fell flat with me.
While this certainly was not my favorite book in the series and as mentioned there were certain things that could have improved upon and developed more, I did enjoy the book overall. And if Ms. James ends up writing another fantasy series, I'd certainly give it a try.
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thank you to Del Rey Books for providing me with ARCs for this series, it's been a pleasure.
History only appeared inevitable because it was written in a world where it had already happened.
A rather stunning conclusion to an overall fantastic series. Filled with politics, intrigue, family and morally gray characters, this book manages to keep us guessing from start to finish. I don't say this often, but I honestly wish it was longer.
Character Rankings
Abi ~ Gavar > Silyen ~ Luke >>> Bouda
The Relationships
Silyen & Luke
"You're really going to set them free?"
"Well, you asked nicely."
"You know," Luke said, "I think world peace, women's equality, and an end to global hunger would also be great."
Silyen smirked, "Don't push it, Hadley."
These two were the most unexpected development. I certainly knew Silyen had some interest in Luke and they had some sort of connection, but I truly did not realize Silyen's interest in Luke was a romantic one. But it is a rather fun and entertaining surprise.
Gavar & Abi
"You didn't just rescue me. You saved all of us by putting a stop to the Blood Fair."
"It was what anyone would have done."
"But no one else did. Only you."
This scene just had me for some reason. It was so simple and lovely, and there truly was not any romantic connotation to it.
---
You are better than your family. I believe this, and I hope one day you will too.
In this book, we see a major shift in the relationship between Gavar and Abi. Where her little sister Daisy had always believed in Gavar's goodness. Abi never did. She saw only an arrogant, temperamental, intimidating Equal. But after his impulsive act of heroism Abi begins to see that while Gavar may not necessarily be a good person, there is goodness in him. If this were your typical YA Fantasy I'm pretty sure they would have been canon. But clearly, Ms. James is not for the typical way of doing things. So alas, I will continue to ponder what could have been.
But you know what leaves the most to be desired? The ending! Like, what the heck? Honestly, this might have been a four star read or more if the ending was better done. It just felt like a lot of questions were left hanging in the air. And I found the whole storyline with the King, Silyen, and Luke very odd. The air of mystery and magic around him, it was built up so much that the reveal just fell flat with me.
While this certainly was not my favorite book in the series and as mentioned there were certain things that could have improved upon and developed more, I did enjoy the book overall. And if Ms. James ends up writing another fantasy series, I'd certainly give it a try.
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thank you to Del Rey Books for providing me with ARCs for this series, it's been a pleasure.
October 24, 2018
BRIGHT RUIN brings to an end the DARK GIFTS trilogy which began with GILDED CAGE back in 2017. This series delivered on nearly every promise it made back then, resulting in an extremely satisfying experience for this reader.
We're back with all the same characters, (well, the ones that are still alive), and resuming their individual dramas in an unsettled London, dominated by Equals. In this series, Equals are born with special powers, magical powers even, which allow them to control all sorts of materials and energies. As such, this world Vic James has created allows those rich in these powers to control and enslave those who are not. (Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and all that.)
But what James has so Skillfully done, (Skill being the name given to these "powers"), is that she's woven in political commentary that is eerily on point with today's events all over the real world. Ruling classes and/or class warfare? Check. Political parties scheming and planning to keep the unSkilled quiet and working- with their noses to the grind? Check. Those rich in Skill, (or in our world, dollar bills), easily gain more wealth, while holding their feet to the throats of the those not so blessed? Check. Using fear to keep the masses afraid and not too interested in what's REALLY going on? Check.
"Fear was the superpower they all possessed. And unlike Midsummer’s monsters, there was no limit to the number of people they could control with it."
What Vic James has done here and done in a timely manner, (I'm looking at you, famous fantasy writers whose series' remain unfinished-you know who you are), is deliver a trilogy that has something for everyone. Even though it's categorized as YA, I would be wary of recommending this to the super young YA crowd, as many of the political points would go over their heads, (and possibly bore them), but also because there are extremely dark themes and violent scenes. That aside, I would recommend this trilogy to everyone else-fans of dark fantasy and horror most especially.
My only issue with this final book is that everything seemed to wrap up rather quickly-the denouement came fast and furious, and it seemed like one big blow or discovery after another-rapid-fire style. Not that I'm complaining, but I think I wanted to savor events just a wee bit more.
Vic James has proven herself to be an author to watch and I know that I will be watching closely for anything she puts out. If she can make me,(a die hard YA avoider), read and enjoy an entire YA trilogy, than who knows what else she may be capable of? I can hardly wait to find out!
In the meantime, I highly recommend this book and the entire trilogy.
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.*
We're back with all the same characters, (well, the ones that are still alive), and resuming their individual dramas in an unsettled London, dominated by Equals. In this series, Equals are born with special powers, magical powers even, which allow them to control all sorts of materials and energies. As such, this world Vic James has created allows those rich in these powers to control and enslave those who are not. (Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and all that.)
But what James has so Skillfully done, (Skill being the name given to these "powers"), is that she's woven in political commentary that is eerily on point with today's events all over the real world. Ruling classes and/or class warfare? Check. Political parties scheming and planning to keep the unSkilled quiet and working- with their noses to the grind? Check. Those rich in Skill, (or in our world, dollar bills), easily gain more wealth, while holding their feet to the throats of the those not so blessed? Check. Using fear to keep the masses afraid and not too interested in what's REALLY going on? Check.
"Fear was the superpower they all possessed. And unlike Midsummer’s monsters, there was no limit to the number of people they could control with it."
What Vic James has done here and done in a timely manner, (I'm looking at you, famous fantasy writers whose series' remain unfinished-you know who you are), is deliver a trilogy that has something for everyone. Even though it's categorized as YA, I would be wary of recommending this to the super young YA crowd, as many of the political points would go over their heads, (and possibly bore them), but also because there are extremely dark themes and violent scenes. That aside, I would recommend this trilogy to everyone else-fans of dark fantasy and horror most especially.
My only issue with this final book is that everything seemed to wrap up rather quickly-the denouement came fast and furious, and it seemed like one big blow or discovery after another-rapid-fire style. Not that I'm complaining, but I think I wanted to savor events just a wee bit more.
Vic James has proven herself to be an author to watch and I know that I will be watching closely for anything she puts out. If she can make me,(a die hard YA avoider), read and enjoy an entire YA trilogy, than who knows what else she may be capable of? I can hardly wait to find out!
In the meantime, I highly recommend this book and the entire trilogy.
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.*
October 9, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Vic James has created a fantastic world, well plotted and filled with deep, complicated, flawed characters. It's hard to believe that this trilogy is her debut into the realm of published novels, because she's excelled from start to finish. This is by far one of the best YA series I've read, and I read a lot!
I don't want to give away too much, but the fallout of the end of the last book has left our set of main characters reeling and split, and this book picks up right away, finding loose ends and tying them together like Silyen and his Skill-weaving at the walls of Far Carr.
Honestly, she's left enough open for an amazing adventure to follow, and I sincerely hope we get to read more, because I will be truly sad for this world to be over and done -- but I will also be rereading these in the future, absolutely!
___
Review to come on release date.
Vic James has created a fantastic world, well plotted and filled with deep, complicated, flawed characters. It's hard to believe that this trilogy is her debut into the realm of published novels, because she's excelled from start to finish. This is by far one of the best YA series I've read, and I read a lot!
I don't want to give away too much, but the fallout of the end of the last book has left our set of main characters reeling and split, and this book picks up right away, finding loose ends and tying them together like Silyen and his Skill-weaving at the walls of Far Carr.
Honestly, she's left enough open for an amazing adventure to follow, and I sincerely hope we get to read more, because I will be truly sad for this world to be over and done -- but I will also be rereading these in the future, absolutely!
___
Review to come on release date.
June 27, 2019
WELL. WELL.
Before reading: I have actual heartburn at the thought of this book.
After reading: I have actual heartburn at the thought of this book.
Before reading: I have actual heartburn at the thought of this book.
After reading: I have actual heartburn at the thought of this book.
December 30, 2018
A bit of a mind bending finish to an interesting trilogy. Things did not go where I thought they would in this story when I started the first book, but that is part of what made this series such a good read.
One of the things I liked most was how very ambiguous some of the characters were and remained through the series. There were a few obviously bad or good people, but mostly they were all just people - with flaws, tempers, and making choices that were often selfish and morally ambiguous. I did have a sense that a couple of characters shifted from where they started in Gilded Cage to where they ended up in Bright Ruin, and that some of those shifts were more plot directed than organic, but it wasn't so obvious that I can't forgive it.
Not all my Goodreads friends cared for Gilded Cage and so didn't read the two books that followed, but I think the series as a whole was worth the time.
One of the things I liked most was how very ambiguous some of the characters were and remained through the series. There were a few obviously bad or good people, but mostly they were all just people - with flaws, tempers, and making choices that were often selfish and morally ambiguous. I did have a sense that a couple of characters shifted from where they started in Gilded Cage to where they ended up in Bright Ruin, and that some of those shifts were more plot directed than organic, but it wasn't so obvious that I can't forgive it.
Not all my Goodreads friends cared for Gilded Cage and so didn't read the two books that followed, but I think the series as a whole was worth the time.
December 2, 2018
This is the final book of a fantasy trilogy about a group of young people fighting for freedom in a reimagined England in which Equals with magical Skills have supplanted royalty and the government. People who are not Equals are required to serve as slaves for a ten year period. It cannot be read as a standalone since there is no recap of the prior books. I have to be more strict with myself with respect to getting involved with trilogies. The later books are almost never as good as the first book, and unfortunately that is the case with this trilogy. While I wanted to find out how everything turned out after reading the first book, it was really a slog through books 2 and 3. Too much of our world was built into the fantasy world in this book in a ham-handed fashion, including child deportation and resentment of the elite. This book had a lot of rescue operations and I got tired of them. Eventually, I think the author got tired of them too because the societal problems got resolved pretty abruptly. In the final chapters, people were killed off, a romance came out of nowhere, two of the protagonists underwent a character change and some convenient magic was newly introduced and unexplained. Ultimately, the series held my interest but it was just ok.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
December 4, 2018
Rating of 3.5(ish)
I know this is not one of the beloved YA series of the last few years. It lacks certain author names associated with it, crazy romantic love triangles (there's almost one...) and other things that seem to sell YA books these days. All that to say, for a first time out, I think Vic James wrote a solid series. The characters were involved and easily relatable, the politics were elaborate without being difficult to follow, and the overall dystopian set-up was interesting.
Magic and the Setting
It's hard to create new magic. Especially one that people will accept or believe when your setting is a version of Earth. This is the single biggest mistake I think James makes in the whole series is keeping it on Earth and involved in a similar format to our society today. Even location names remain the same in some cases. This bugged me. There was no reason to keep this story on Earth. It wasn't a global reckoning. Perhaps James thought it would be easier to stay inside our society (to a degree). I think it was a huge pitfall and I never really liked it being on Earth. A different fantasy world with it's own rules and society would have worked much better.
Characters
How can you not love a book with multiple POV that include children?! Yeah, the one GRR Martin thing that will likely stick with me my whole life is a love of chapter perspectives from kids. You can tell so much more about a story, and put unique thoughts forward, when you use the mind of a child. James does a decent job of incorporating her five family members, plus a few other perspectives together. Although I think this book focused too much on the POV of the two older children. I'd have liked to see the parents thoughts and we only got (I think) one, maybe two, chapters with our youngest girl Daisy. This disappointed me I think there was a relationship built there with the Equals that would have been interesting to explore. Daisy would not have seen everything so black and white near the end.
The Romance(s)
In an unusual step for a YA romance, James takes our lead gal and breaks her heart (not a spoiler, happens at end of book 2). I gotta say this was really interesting! I kind of liked it. However, there needed to be a lot more interaction and tension between the two in question in order for full impact to have been achieved. Heart break from far away is not near as difficult as heart break that happens and that person remains in your life to a certain degree. Another missed opportunity in my mind.
The other side romances or interests that happen were all fine. None felt as strong. I was really disappointed we didn't get to see more of Silken and his romantic interests. It's clear coming into this book that he is not entirely heterosexual and I would have liked more to have happened for him.
Plot
Yep there's plot. Yep it's good enough.
I liked the plot, there was nothing wrong with it. But it wasn't spectacular either. What really kept me going was James' writing and characters. And that's okay with me. Besides it wasn't because of a lack of plot that is for sure. When you have family members betraying one another and vying for power there is never a lack of complexity. Could it have been better? Sure. But not everyone has to be Brandon Sanderson and I accept that.
Overall
I think I would revisit this trilogy and world again. I liked it enough. Certainly since book one it has stuck with me better than some of the other YA fantasy I've read in the last two years. That really says something. When you read approx. 100 books a year the characters or books that standout are really noticeable and certainly that happened for me here. I may not be able to put my finger on exactly what it was that made this standout but I'll give the credit where it's due that James had me placing a library hold while the book was on pre-order and I read it as soon as my library got it in. I don't do that with too many books and so I'd say there was more than enough here to warrant a possible spot on my print bookshelves.
Therefore I have rounded up to 4 stars because there are some special things about this series and final book of the trilogy. Even if it's not all perfect.
I know this is not one of the beloved YA series of the last few years. It lacks certain author names associated with it, crazy romantic love triangles (there's almost one...) and other things that seem to sell YA books these days. All that to say, for a first time out, I think Vic James wrote a solid series. The characters were involved and easily relatable, the politics were elaborate without being difficult to follow, and the overall dystopian set-up was interesting.
Magic and the Setting
It's hard to create new magic. Especially one that people will accept or believe when your setting is a version of Earth. This is the single biggest mistake I think James makes in the whole series is keeping it on Earth and involved in a similar format to our society today. Even location names remain the same in some cases. This bugged me. There was no reason to keep this story on Earth. It wasn't a global reckoning. Perhaps James thought it would be easier to stay inside our society (to a degree). I think it was a huge pitfall and I never really liked it being on Earth. A different fantasy world with it's own rules and society would have worked much better.
Characters
How can you not love a book with multiple POV that include children?! Yeah, the one GRR Martin thing that will likely stick with me my whole life is a love of chapter perspectives from kids. You can tell so much more about a story, and put unique thoughts forward, when you use the mind of a child. James does a decent job of incorporating her five family members, plus a few other perspectives together. Although I think this book focused too much on the POV of the two older children. I'd have liked to see the parents thoughts and we only got (I think) one, maybe two, chapters with our youngest girl Daisy. This disappointed me I think there was a relationship built there with the Equals that would have been interesting to explore. Daisy would not have seen everything so black and white near the end.
The Romance(s)
In an unusual step for a YA romance, James takes our lead gal and breaks her heart (not a spoiler, happens at end of book 2). I gotta say this was really interesting! I kind of liked it. However, there needed to be a lot more interaction and tension between the two in question in order for full impact to have been achieved. Heart break from far away is not near as difficult as heart break that happens and that person remains in your life to a certain degree. Another missed opportunity in my mind.
The other side romances or interests that happen were all fine. None felt as strong. I was really disappointed we didn't get to see more of Silken and his romantic interests. It's clear coming into this book that he is not entirely heterosexual and I would have liked more to have happened for him.
Plot
Yep there's plot. Yep it's good enough.
I liked the plot, there was nothing wrong with it. But it wasn't spectacular either. What really kept me going was James' writing and characters. And that's okay with me. Besides it wasn't because of a lack of plot that is for sure. When you have family members betraying one another and vying for power there is never a lack of complexity. Could it have been better? Sure. But not everyone has to be Brandon Sanderson and I accept that.
Overall
I think I would revisit this trilogy and world again. I liked it enough. Certainly since book one it has stuck with me better than some of the other YA fantasy I've read in the last two years. That really says something. When you read approx. 100 books a year the characters or books that standout are really noticeable and certainly that happened for me here. I may not be able to put my finger on exactly what it was that made this standout but I'll give the credit where it's due that James had me placing a library hold while the book was on pre-order and I read it as soon as my library got it in. I don't do that with too many books and so I'd say there was more than enough here to warrant a possible spot on my print bookshelves.
Therefore I have rounded up to 4 stars because there are some special things about this series and final book of the trilogy. Even if it's not all perfect.
July 18, 2018
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. However, I own the two other instalments in this trilogy, and plan to buy this one as soon as it's out.
What a fantastic finale.
I love the Dark Gifts trilogy, to the point where I'd possibly declare this as my favourite YA fantasy.
The premise is very simple, political, and, in our current political climate, just a tiny bit terrifying. This is a world, an alternative modern-day Britain, where commoners are required to serve as slaves for ten years during which they lose all basic human rights. The protagonists set out to serve at the beginning of the first book, and I expected it to be mostly about their struggle for freedom with a healthy dose of rebellion...
Vic James, however, doesn't just write from the point of view of the ones suffering. Instead, we get to see the story from the perspective of the ruling Equals as well, and they're not all bad. Some are in favour of the slavery, some are downright cruel, others are fighting to abolish the slavery. There's lots of politics in these books, and I think that was one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much.
The characters are layered, well developed and the writing is enjoyable. The world building is not just your average dystopia but innovative and captivating.
The plot took a few turns I didn't expect, and I slowly grew to like all characters, even love some of them, and increasingly worried about their safety. What I thought was going to be a mildly annoying romance in the first book, turned out to be an interesting plot point, that I thoroughly enjoyed. In fact, the entire Dark Gifts trilogy is not your average YA fantasy; it's original and surprising. The first book has a hopeful tone, but the second book turns much darker, and the mood is sombre. The third book finds the balance between the two.
All in all, it's a wild ride. I was never quite sure how things were going to turn out. I worried everyone I loved would be dead by the end, and I must admit my heart was a tiny bit broken when I reached the last page of Bright Ruin.
I met Vic James at a convention in London, and she kindly signed my copy of Tarnished City. She asked me which character is my favourite, and I did not know what to answer, and may have flailed a little bit. Hours later, I realised, what I should have said: politics! Because the political aspect is what I enjoy most about these books.
Besides the politics, there's Silyen, and surprisingly enough Gavar. And, of course, Luke and Abi.
The ending does not disappoint. Vic James ties all loose ends together, and, just like in the real world, not everyone gets what they deserve.
I highly recommend the Dark Gifts trilogy to YA fantasy fans, who are looking for a book with lots of politics.
What a fantastic finale.
I love the Dark Gifts trilogy, to the point where I'd possibly declare this as my favourite YA fantasy.
The premise is very simple, political, and, in our current political climate, just a tiny bit terrifying. This is a world, an alternative modern-day Britain, where commoners are required to serve as slaves for ten years during which they lose all basic human rights. The protagonists set out to serve at the beginning of the first book, and I expected it to be mostly about their struggle for freedom with a healthy dose of rebellion...
Vic James, however, doesn't just write from the point of view of the ones suffering. Instead, we get to see the story from the perspective of the ruling Equals as well, and they're not all bad. Some are in favour of the slavery, some are downright cruel, others are fighting to abolish the slavery. There's lots of politics in these books, and I think that was one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much.
The characters are layered, well developed and the writing is enjoyable. The world building is not just your average dystopia but innovative and captivating.
The plot took a few turns I didn't expect, and I slowly grew to like all characters, even love some of them, and increasingly worried about their safety. What I thought was going to be a mildly annoying romance in the first book, turned out to be an interesting plot point, that I thoroughly enjoyed. In fact, the entire Dark Gifts trilogy is not your average YA fantasy; it's original and surprising. The first book has a hopeful tone, but the second book turns much darker, and the mood is sombre. The third book finds the balance between the two.
All in all, it's a wild ride. I was never quite sure how things were going to turn out. I worried everyone I loved would be dead by the end, and I must admit my heart was a tiny bit broken when I reached the last page of Bright Ruin.
I met Vic James at a convention in London, and she kindly signed my copy of Tarnished City. She asked me which character is my favourite, and I did not know what to answer, and may have flailed a little bit. Hours later, I realised, what I should have said: politics! Because the political aspect is what I enjoy most about these books.
Besides the politics, there's Silyen, and surprisingly enough Gavar. And, of course, Luke and Abi.
The ending does not disappoint. Vic James ties all loose ends together, and, just like in the real world, not everyone gets what they deserve.
I highly recommend the Dark Gifts trilogy to YA fantasy fans, who are looking for a book with lots of politics.
July 22, 2018
Oh my gosh!!!! How could his end like that?!
I mean it’s both perfect and so frustrating to be left with questions.
Okay. I loved this series, and I utterly adored the ending to it. I love that Luke and Abi are regular commoners, and not really leaders as such, but it’s still their story. And I definitely still love Gavar and Silyen, even though I still have ALL the question about Sil. And him and Luke are awesome, plus Dog, dog rocks. And Daisy, she’s so awesome and sensible. Basically I love them all. I even grew to like Bouda 😱
The story really was fab too - i love how it played out even if I’m dying to know more about what it means and what happens next.
I mean it’s both perfect and so frustrating to be left with questions.
Okay. I loved this series, and I utterly adored the ending to it. I love that Luke and Abi are regular commoners, and not really leaders as such, but it’s still their story. And I definitely still love Gavar and Silyen, even though I still have ALL the question about Sil. And him and Luke are awesome, plus Dog, dog rocks. And Daisy, she’s so awesome and sensible. Basically I love them all. I even grew to like Bouda 😱
The story really was fab too - i love how it played out even if I’m dying to know more about what it means and what happens next.
January 19, 2019
๏ Highlights ๏
Alternate/Dystopian-ish Society
Magic
Fantastical Elements
Intrigue
Good Triumphing Over Evil
A Small Splish of Romance
Audiobook Narrated by Evita Jay
๏ My Thoughts ๏
What can I say...that was a satisfying ending to an intriguing series. While I found the first book in this series hard to decipher with all the ginormous words that I never heard before being thrown around like everyday language, I honestly didn't know if I would continue the series. That is until I tried the Audio version with book #2. With the easy to understand narration from Evita Jay, I found a way to like this sesquipedalian*writing style of Vic James.
The unique alternative slash dystopian-ish modern day British setting and the captivating characters...from the good to the bad and the completely unusual made this possible for me to really get into the story, despite being confused at times. The ending was unexpected, but it completely worked.
*I totally looked that word up...and I think I used it correctly.
๏ Breakdown of Ratings ๏
Plot⇝ 4.2/5
Narration Performance⇝ 4.3/5
Main Characters⇝ 4/5
Secondary Characters⇝ 4/5
The Feels⇝ 4/5
Pacing⇝ 4/5
Addictiveness⇝ 3.8/5
Theme or Tone⇝ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style)⇝ 3.8/5
Backdrop (World Building)⇝ 3.8/5
Originality⇝ 5/5
Ending⇝ 4.7/5 Cliffhanger⇝ Nah...
๏ ๏ ๏
Book Cover⇝ It's amazing...
Setting⇝ An Alternate Britain
Source⇝ Audiobook (Library)
๏ ๏ ๏
Alternate/Dystopian-ish Society
Magic
Fantastical Elements
Intrigue
Good Triumphing Over Evil
A Small Splish of Romance
Audiobook Narrated by Evita Jay
๏ My Thoughts ๏
What can I say...that was a satisfying ending to an intriguing series. While I found the first book in this series hard to decipher with all the ginormous words that I never heard before being thrown around like everyday language, I honestly didn't know if I would continue the series. That is until I tried the Audio version with book #2. With the easy to understand narration from Evita Jay, I found a way to like this sesquipedalian*writing style of Vic James.
The unique alternative slash dystopian-ish modern day British setting and the captivating characters...from the good to the bad and the completely unusual made this possible for me to really get into the story, despite being confused at times. The ending was unexpected, but it completely worked.
*I totally looked that word up...and I think I used it correctly.
๏ ๏ ๏ MY RATING ๏ ๏ ๏
☆4.3☆STARS - GRADE=A-
๏ Breakdown of Ratings ๏
Plot⇝ 4.2/5
Narration Performance⇝ 4.3/5
Main Characters⇝ 4/5
Secondary Characters⇝ 4/5
The Feels⇝ 4/5
Pacing⇝ 4/5
Addictiveness⇝ 3.8/5
Theme or Tone⇝ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style)⇝ 3.8/5
Backdrop (World Building)⇝ 3.8/5
Originality⇝ 5/5
Ending⇝ 4.7/5 Cliffhanger⇝ Nah...
๏ ๏ ๏
Book Cover⇝ It's amazing...
Setting⇝ An Alternate Britain
Source⇝ Audiobook (Library)
๏ ๏ ๏
February 25, 2020
When I first started this trilogy I wasn’t too sure I’d like it. I’m glad I stuck with it and the final book was hands down the best one. It picks up about half way through and doesn’t stop. I couldn’t put it down until I got to the end. A little mind-bendy but very satisfying and surprising ending. I wish we could know a bit more about what happens to everyone after the final events but it’s not too hard to guess. I would love for Vic James to do some adult fantasy.
November 7, 2019
I love plot twists I can´t see coming almost as much as I love ending without cliffhangers.
I felt this book/series was something different from anything I´ve read. The revolution part of any series is always my favorite, I like that the author wasn´t afraid to kill off characters. Too often all characters survive to live happily ever after, it makes it feel as if they are invincible.
I felt this book/series was something different from anything I´ve read. The revolution part of any series is always my favorite, I like that the author wasn´t afraid to kill off characters. Too often all characters survive to live happily ever after, it makes it feel as if they are invincible.
February 24, 2019
Overall, this was a mediocre dystopian trilogy. The concept was great, and there were a lot of truths within the books: false flags, betrayal, political schemes. However, all the good guys got killed off throughout the trilogy. Unfortunately, I was not emotionally attached to them enough to be sad. I was more frustrated. The end was a bit expected but yet unsatisfying.
January 6, 2020
Currently Reading anD Currently Dying because THIS BOOK IS NOT ALLOWED TO DO THE THINGS ITS DOING TO MY SOUL
--------
But can I have it now though?
HOW DOES ONE WAIT FOR AN ENDING THAT IS LIKELY TO MAKE ME SO DECEASED THERE ARE NO WORDS
--------
But can I have it now though?
HOW DOES ONE WAIT FOR AN ENDING THAT IS LIKELY TO MAKE ME SO DECEASED THERE ARE NO WORDS
February 17, 2019
The first part of the book seemed to be a replica of everything that happened in book 2 so I was kind of disappointed, though I did love book 2. But the last part of this book and the ending totally redeemed it for me. The ending was well thought out and creative and I couldn't have asked for a better one.
June 28, 2020
Es war okay. Aber mehr leider nicht. Der Schreibstil war für mich zu holprig, die Charaktere konnten mich nicht dazu bringen, irgendeine Regung zu zeigen. Die Geschichte... erst passiert gefühlt ewig nichts, was einen weiterbringt und zwei Seiten vor dem Epilog kommt das große HÄ?! Ob die Autorin hier einfach selber nicht mehr wusste, wie sie es beenden sollte oder ob ich einfach nur irgendeinen Zusammenhang nicht erkenne, kann ich nicht sagen.
Insgesamt hatte die Idee einer Sklavenzeit von zehn Jahren für jeden außer denen mit Geschick großes Potenzial. Das aber leider nicht ausgeschöpft wurde.
Insgesamt hatte die Idee einer Sklavenzeit von zehn Jahren für jeden außer denen mit Geschick großes Potenzial. Das aber leider nicht ausgeschöpft wurde.
May 11, 2020
Alright, I enjoyed this last book. I think that the author did an excellent job with keeping the timeline consistent, especially considering that it took place in one year.
I felt that the story was well wrapped up, and I was stressed for like the last 3 pages but it turned out okay. Probably will not reread this series, but I could see recommending it to people looking for an easy fantasy/dystopian type of book.
I felt that the story was well wrapped up, and I was stressed for like the last 3 pages but it turned out okay. Probably will not reread this series, but I could see recommending it to people looking for an easy fantasy/dystopian type of book.
July 8, 2018
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the review copy in exchange for an honest review!
Well oh my gosh, that was the conclusion to The Dark Gifts trilogy and what a wild ride it was. This trilogy is not without its faults, and I do have my pickings with this book too, but that didn’t stop me from loving it all the same. The whole trilogy for me is a solid 4 stars.
This book continues shortly after the ending of Tarnished City. Abby has headed out of London with Gavar, her sister and his daughter while Luke is in the clutches of the enigmatic youngest heir Silyen with his new, not so trustworthy, companion Dog. I say clutches but Luke isn’t complaining. It is interesting to see how the roles of the siblings have changed. Where first Luke was the revolutionary rebel and Abby the one with sentiments towards one of the Jardines, this has completely turned. Abby is now part of the movement against the government, trying to bring them down. Luke on the other hand is with Silyen, discovering things about the Skill, all thoughts about bringing down a government gone and only cares about protecting his loved ones.
It is a bit of a wild ride, this book. I wasn’t quite sure how things were going to end. Who was going to die? How would they bring down the government? What would be everyone’s role? Would Jenner turn back to the good side? (I’m still bitter about that from Tarnished city, just so you know, forever bitter.) It doesn’t perhaps have the most surprising twist in imagination but I think it was built up to rather well. I don’t feel this book was quite so dark as Tarnished City felt. There was still plenty of death but Tarnished City had a more depressing mood to it.
But I have to say that what made the book for me was FINALLY having Silyen and Luke in multiple scenes together. Their banter, Silyen’s flirting, Luke’s exasperation, Dog’s amusement at the two of them. It made this book for me. I loved every minute, and my gosh, could this book not just have been the two of them? And you know what, the thing happens people. The thing happened that I was hoping for since the first time Silyen showed any interest in Luke way back in Gilded Cage. And you all know what the thing is, right?
But my pickings with this book. One of them is that I feel like not everyone gets what is coming to them. Some people don’t take responsibility for their actions at the end there. There is a lot one can say about Gavar, but at least he did that. As a result some do NOT get the consequences that are coming to them and remain in a position I’d rather not see them.
My second picking is that I feel like what happened at the ending regarding skill was left too much in the middle. Like I know what happened in the main lines, but I want more details. I wanted the point of view of the person that did it. But of course just in this instance we don’t get that. It left me feeling a bit dissatisfied with the ending.
And lastly, this is a picking that I had throughout the whole series, I just don’t care about Bouda. Nothing motivated me to like her. There was nothing for me there to root for. Well except maybe her death. I think as a mom this might have been a big part because of how she views Gavar’s daughter. Like dirt beneath her feet. It was disgusting.
Well oh my gosh, that was the conclusion to The Dark Gifts trilogy and what a wild ride it was. This trilogy is not without its faults, and I do have my pickings with this book too, but that didn’t stop me from loving it all the same. The whole trilogy for me is a solid 4 stars.
This book continues shortly after the ending of Tarnished City. Abby has headed out of London with Gavar, her sister and his daughter while Luke is in the clutches of the enigmatic youngest heir Silyen with his new, not so trustworthy, companion Dog. I say clutches but Luke isn’t complaining. It is interesting to see how the roles of the siblings have changed. Where first Luke was the revolutionary rebel and Abby the one with sentiments towards one of the Jardines, this has completely turned. Abby is now part of the movement against the government, trying to bring them down. Luke on the other hand is with Silyen, discovering things about the Skill, all thoughts about bringing down a government gone and only cares about protecting his loved ones.
It is a bit of a wild ride, this book. I wasn’t quite sure how things were going to end. Who was going to die? How would they bring down the government? What would be everyone’s role? Would Jenner turn back to the good side? (I’m still bitter about that from Tarnished city, just so you know, forever bitter.) It doesn’t perhaps have the most surprising twist in imagination but I think it was built up to rather well. I don’t feel this book was quite so dark as Tarnished City felt. There was still plenty of death but Tarnished City had a more depressing mood to it.
But I have to say that what made the book for me was FINALLY having Silyen and Luke in multiple scenes together. Their banter, Silyen’s flirting, Luke’s exasperation, Dog’s amusement at the two of them. It made this book for me. I loved every minute, and my gosh, could this book not just have been the two of them? And you know what, the thing happens people. The thing happened that I was hoping for since the first time Silyen showed any interest in Luke way back in Gilded Cage. And you all know what the thing is, right?
But my pickings with this book. One of them is that I feel like not everyone gets what is coming to them. Some people don’t take responsibility for their actions at the end there. There is a lot one can say about Gavar, but at least he did that. As a result some do NOT get the consequences that are coming to them and remain in a position I’d rather not see them.
My second picking is that I feel like what happened at the ending regarding skill was left too much in the middle. Like I know what happened in the main lines, but I want more details. I wanted the point of view of the person that did it. But of course just in this instance we don’t get that. It left me feeling a bit dissatisfied with the ending.
And lastly, this is a picking that I had throughout the whole series, I just don’t care about Bouda. Nothing motivated me to like her. There was nothing for me there to root for. Well except maybe her death. I think as a mom this might have been a big part because of how she views Gavar’s daughter. Like dirt beneath her feet. It was disgusting.
July 25, 2018
THIS IS SUCH A GOOD YEAR FOR SERIES FINALES????
I loved this book, okay?
I mean I've loved this series since Gilded Cage, and it was a really long time before I read Tarnished City, but, man, as soon as I read it I NEEDED the next one ASAP.
This series is so worth it and I wish people knew about it more!
It's a political fantasy that takes place in an AU of Britain and it has great crossover appeal for both an adult and YA audience.
Specifically for this book, I was so pleasantly surprised about some of the character development that went on and the unlikely relationships that formed. Every book I feel like there has been at least a few moments where I'm just like wait whaaaat these two are friends now?? It's so great!
Some of my faves in terms of complexity and just epic-ness (not necessarily moral righteousness) are Bouda, Gavar, Luke, and Silyen (and for a few of these if you told me book one that I would be obsessed with them by the end I would have thought you were crazy).
No spoilers, but everyone please read this series!
I am so happy I did. I found a new favorite fantasy author to look out for. Can't wait for Vic James' next work!
Comparable titles:
An Ember in the Ashes
And I Darken
Falling Kingdoms
***I received an e-ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
***My review is also posted on Goodreads
I loved this book, okay?
I mean I've loved this series since Gilded Cage, and it was a really long time before I read Tarnished City, but, man, as soon as I read it I NEEDED the next one ASAP.
This series is so worth it and I wish people knew about it more!
It's a political fantasy that takes place in an AU of Britain and it has great crossover appeal for both an adult and YA audience.
Specifically for this book, I was so pleasantly surprised about some of the character development that went on and the unlikely relationships that formed. Every book I feel like there has been at least a few moments where I'm just like wait whaaaat these two are friends now?? It's so great!
Some of my faves in terms of complexity and just epic-ness (not necessarily moral righteousness) are Bouda, Gavar, Luke, and Silyen (and for a few of these if you told me book one that I would be obsessed with them by the end I would have thought you were crazy).
No spoilers, but everyone please read this series!
I am so happy I did. I found a new favorite fantasy author to look out for. Can't wait for Vic James' next work!
Comparable titles:
An Ember in the Ashes
And I Darken
Falling Kingdoms
***I received an e-ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
***My review is also posted on Goodreads
November 30, 2020
Ich liebe diese Reihe 💜 Und das hier war ein würdiger Abschluss 😌
So spannend, so vielschichtig, so sehr voll mein Ding, auch wenn mich das selbst ein wenig überrascht 😅
Die ganzen politischen Machtspielchen und Intrigen sind schon ziemlich krass, da muss man schon aufpassen, dass man den Überblick nicht verliert. Und die Charaktere haben auch alle einen leichten Knacks weg. Aber gerade das hat es für mich auch so faszinierend gemacht. Ich mochte es auch, dass die Geschichte aus verschiedenen Sichten erzählt wird, sogar aus der Sicht der Antagonisten. Wobei man nie so richtig zwischen gut und böse unterscheiden kann hier.
Sicherlich ist das alles nichts für schwache Nerven und blutig wird es auch des Öfteren. Ich habe aber von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite mitfiebern können. Der Schreibstil hat mich halt einfach auch von Anfang an wieder abgeholt.
Das Ende war dramatisch, aber eines mit dem ich leben kann und das mir sogar ein Lächeln ins Gesicht gezaubert hat 😊
So spannend, so vielschichtig, so sehr voll mein Ding, auch wenn mich das selbst ein wenig überrascht 😅
Die ganzen politischen Machtspielchen und Intrigen sind schon ziemlich krass, da muss man schon aufpassen, dass man den Überblick nicht verliert. Und die Charaktere haben auch alle einen leichten Knacks weg. Aber gerade das hat es für mich auch so faszinierend gemacht. Ich mochte es auch, dass die Geschichte aus verschiedenen Sichten erzählt wird, sogar aus der Sicht der Antagonisten. Wobei man nie so richtig zwischen gut und böse unterscheiden kann hier.
Sicherlich ist das alles nichts für schwache Nerven und blutig wird es auch des Öfteren. Ich habe aber von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite mitfiebern können. Der Schreibstil hat mich halt einfach auch von Anfang an wieder abgeholt.
Das Ende war dramatisch, aber eines mit dem ich leben kann und das mir sogar ein Lächeln ins Gesicht gezaubert hat 😊
August 11, 2022
Un tome incroyable pour une trilogie exceptionnelle ! Vraiment je ne comprends pas pourquoi on ne parle pas plus des Puissants alors que c'est complètement DINGUE !!!
Désolée pour la qualité de cette review mais juste un mot : WOUAA. C'est la seule pensée que j'ai eu tout au long de ma lecture !
Et même si Abi me courre sur le haricot (son évolution est au centre de ce troisième tome, une évolution remarquable je dois dire), l'aventure m'a tenu en haleine tout le long de ma lecture.
Par contre, pour ceux qui ont déjà lu ce tome, peut-on parler de la fin ? Nan mais parce que là c'est pas possible, on est d'accord ?
Les autres vont comprendrez de quoi je veux parler.
Mon personnage chouchou reste Luke, dont nous découvrons de multiples facettes supplémentaires aux côtés de Silyen qui s'ouvre également (enfin) aux lecteurices.
C'est très brouillon désolée, je ferai peut-être mieux une fois remise de mes émotions.
Désolée pour la qualité de cette review mais juste un mot : WOUAA. C'est la seule pensée que j'ai eu tout au long de ma lecture !
Et même si Abi me courre sur le haricot (son évolution est au centre de ce troisième tome, une évolution remarquable je dois dire), l'aventure m'a tenu en haleine tout le long de ma lecture.
Par contre, pour ceux qui ont déjà lu ce tome, peut-on parler de la fin ? Nan mais parce que là c'est pas possible, on est d'accord ?
Les autres vont comprendrez de quoi je veux parler.
Mon personnage chouchou reste Luke, dont nous découvrons de multiples facettes supplémentaires aux côtés de Silyen qui s'ouvre également (enfin) aux lecteurices.
C'est très brouillon désolée, je ferai peut-être mieux une fois remise de mes émotions.
September 20, 2018
I received a copy of this from Netgalley, Del Rey and Vic James in exchange of an honest review. I truly enjoyed this series. I spent all 3 books in this series trying to figure out who was good or bad. So many losses. My heart was broken several times. I would have loved to have seen a few romantic endings and the ending was a little confusing,but a great series and a terrific ending!
January 1, 2019
What an ending to a great series. I finished it last night and I am still mulling over the ending. I am hoping that there will be a series after this one so that I can find the closure. I understand what happened, I just want to know what happens next.
This is the third book in a series and they have to be read in order. The basis is that the ruling class in England have powers that allow them to keep a choke hold on the people without "skill". They devote years of their lives as slaves in order to provide free labor to those who are already wealthy. This book is the final of an uprising.
The story basically revolves around two families: the Hadleys and the Jardines. The Hadleys are oppressed and the Jardines are the rulers of the country. There are some unexpected developments between the two families that made me feel good and uncomfortable. It is a complicated relationship. One of hate, respect, betrayal, and romance.
Vic James does not pull any punches in this story. It is brutal and fascinating at the same time. I can't help but compare it to some modern-day governments. It is really a commentary on the abuse of power and the resiliency of the oppressed. If you are looking for a light and easy read, this series is not for you. This is a book that makes you think. It is violent and contains innuendo. Some of the main characters are masterminds of evil, there is a lot of coarse language including the "f" bomb.
I usually stay with the light and fluffy books, but I enjoyed my time with this trilogy. I would definitely read more from Vic James. She paints a picture that is fascinating.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This is the third book in a series and they have to be read in order. The basis is that the ruling class in England have powers that allow them to keep a choke hold on the people without "skill". They devote years of their lives as slaves in order to provide free labor to those who are already wealthy. This book is the final of an uprising.
The story basically revolves around two families: the Hadleys and the Jardines. The Hadleys are oppressed and the Jardines are the rulers of the country. There are some unexpected developments between the two families that made me feel good and uncomfortable. It is a complicated relationship. One of hate, respect, betrayal, and romance.
Vic James does not pull any punches in this story. It is brutal and fascinating at the same time. I can't help but compare it to some modern-day governments. It is really a commentary on the abuse of power and the resiliency of the oppressed. If you are looking for a light and easy read, this series is not for you. This is a book that makes you think. It is violent and contains innuendo. Some of the main characters are masterminds of evil, there is a lot of coarse language including the "f" bomb.
I usually stay with the light and fluffy books, but I enjoyed my time with this trilogy. I would definitely read more from Vic James. She paints a picture that is fascinating.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
March 29, 2023
The first book in this series was so good, I loved seeing the rich poor divide cause by the ability to use magic, and the modern British setting that had twisted parts of history to fit the story was so, so clever. Unfortunately I felt that the things that made the first book great were lost in both it's sequels.
One of the biggest glaring problems for me was the choice to push the Equals to the forefront, pushing the working class protagonists to the back in the process. Abi and Luke's struggle to change the world they lived in felt like little more than background plot as the story explored the history of the Equals magic instead.
Bouda, an Equal and wife of Gavar Jardine quickly became a main character in the second book and this continued here. I disliked her character and the long as hell chapters she was given, and I really struggled to understand why in what is supposed to be a Young Adult novel a whole entire adult was given main character status.
The ending took a surprising, but entirely welcome, turn at the end with Silyen and Luke, completely changing the tone of the story yet again. I was left wishing we got a few chapters more to explain what exactly happened at the end, especially if we could cut out the more useless chapters in the process.
One of the biggest glaring problems for me was the choice to push the Equals to the forefront, pushing the working class protagonists to the back in the process. Abi and Luke's struggle to change the world they lived in felt like little more than background plot as the story explored the history of the Equals magic instead.
Bouda, an Equal and wife of Gavar Jardine quickly became a main character in the second book and this continued here. I disliked her character and the long as hell chapters she was given, and I really struggled to understand why in what is supposed to be a Young Adult novel a whole entire adult was given main character status.
The ending took a surprising, but entirely welcome, turn at the end with Silyen and Luke, completely changing the tone of the story yet again. I was left wishing we got a few chapters more to explain what exactly happened at the end, especially if we could cut out the more useless chapters in the process.
September 20, 2018
4.5 stars
This was one of my most anticipated reads and I have been dying to get my hands on it! Vic James has taken readers on an emotional journey with a cast of characters that will have you cheering one minute and then angry and crying the next. Bright Ruin is the third book in the Dark Gifts trilogy and is not a standalone.
I was really conflicted reading this one. On the one hand, I couldn't read it fast enough, but on the other, I wanted it to last forever. I will apologize in advance for the vagueness of this review, but I don't want to give anything away. Just know that there are plenty of magical moments (some because of Skill and others not), as well as some painful endings and outcomes. I have grown to love these characters and yes, some definitely got theirs in the end, but the hardest lesson I learned over and over again, was that "you don't get to save everybody." That "nobody is safe" kind of dark cloud kept the momentum going in this story and kept me on my toes. Some of the goodbyes were so abrupt that one sentence the person would be alive and well, and the next, BAM!, dead as a doornail.
I think the characters that I loved and surprised me most were Silyen and Gavar. They were both in this morally grey zone that had me both hating and loving them. Both characters evolved and changed throughout the series, but I felt that throughout their journeys, they remained true to who they inherently were - for better and for worse. That unapologetic, take no prisoners attitude, actually made them more endearing to me. Though things wrapped up very quickly at the end of the book, I liked that there was a certain amount that was left open ended for the reader. I'm really hoping that this opens the door (pun intended) to a future spin off.
Overall, a fantastic series that I'm sad has come to its epic conclusion.
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
This was one of my most anticipated reads and I have been dying to get my hands on it! Vic James has taken readers on an emotional journey with a cast of characters that will have you cheering one minute and then angry and crying the next. Bright Ruin is the third book in the Dark Gifts trilogy and is not a standalone.
I was really conflicted reading this one. On the one hand, I couldn't read it fast enough, but on the other, I wanted it to last forever. I will apologize in advance for the vagueness of this review, but I don't want to give anything away. Just know that there are plenty of magical moments (some because of Skill and others not), as well as some painful endings and outcomes. I have grown to love these characters and yes, some definitely got theirs in the end, but the hardest lesson I learned over and over again, was that "you don't get to save everybody." That "nobody is safe" kind of dark cloud kept the momentum going in this story and kept me on my toes. Some of the goodbyes were so abrupt that one sentence the person would be alive and well, and the next, BAM!, dead as a doornail.
I think the characters that I loved and surprised me most were Silyen and Gavar. They were both in this morally grey zone that had me both hating and loving them. Both characters evolved and changed throughout the series, but I felt that throughout their journeys, they remained true to who they inherently were - for better and for worse. That unapologetic, take no prisoners attitude, actually made them more endearing to me. Though things wrapped up very quickly at the end of the book, I liked that there was a certain amount that was left open ended for the reader. I'm really hoping that this opens the door (pun intended) to a future spin off.
Overall, a fantastic series that I'm sad has come to its epic conclusion.
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
August 6, 2018
“Parting is such sweet sorrow”, and that's exactly the case with Bright Ruin, the third and final installment in Vic James' phenomenal Dark Gifts trilogy. I've been waiting for this book with equal parts dread and anticipation, and both my dread and my anticipation were well-rewarded. Although one more than another (*wink* ugly cry *wink*).
I fell in love with this series with the first installment, Gilded Cage, and my love and awe has done nothing but grow and grow every time I dive back into this world. In Gilded Cage, James gave readers a hint of the coming revolution, where the current group Unskilled in he slavetowns had finally come to the realization that what the Skilled are doing to the common folk, how the common folk are treated, is cruel, unjust, and just plain unfair. While generations of UnSkilled have thought this way, very few have actually done anything about it. Until now. The uprising was started in book one, and by book three, its reached its crescendo. Its bloody, violent, earth-shattering crescendo. The commoners have the most to gain, as they've had everything taken away from them, but can heart and will and soul prove a tough enough weapon against magic?
Throughout the course of this series, James has taken both her characters and readers on such an incredible journey, putting all involved in hellish and often heartbreaking situations. Everyone loves a story where the good guys win and the bad guys lose, but that's certainly not the case with this entire trilogy, Bright Ruin included. 'Good' surely shines through more often than not, but 'bad' doesn't necessarily always mean what we think it means. Misguided, perhaps. A product of the world they've been brought up in is more apt, and such is the case with several characters I've been quick to judge as 'Bad'. But don't get me wrong -- when the truly bad guys are bad, man are they evil. But the moral of the story is: "You can't save everyone". There's always going to be loss involved in order to win, and that's incredibly and heartbreakingly apparent in this final installment. Which is par for the course, I suppose -- this isn't a happy series, there are no rainbows and kittens or happy endings. It's dark and violent and grim, but it is an exceptional look at what it means to hold all the power in the world and is oftentimes a perfect mirror image of our own world, where the division of classes keeps growing and growing, leaving the ones at the bottom to forge their own way while the ones at the top reap all the benefits.
Bottom line -- I loved everything about this final installment, from the tense and high-stakes storyline to the brilliant and incredible world and characters. Do yourself a favor and read this trilogy from the beginning and get sucked into James' dark and dirty world of power, politics, and revolution. While Bright Ruin may technically be "The End", its definitely not the end for me because I'll definitely be re-reading this series in the future. Probably several times because I adore it so much. Highly recommended, and I'll be waiting not so patiently for whatever Vic James graces readers with next.
*eARC received via NetGalley.
I fell in love with this series with the first installment, Gilded Cage, and my love and awe has done nothing but grow and grow every time I dive back into this world. In Gilded Cage, James gave readers a hint of the coming revolution, where the current group Unskilled in he slavetowns had finally come to the realization that what the Skilled are doing to the common folk, how the common folk are treated, is cruel, unjust, and just plain unfair. While generations of UnSkilled have thought this way, very few have actually done anything about it. Until now. The uprising was started in book one, and by book three, its reached its crescendo. Its bloody, violent, earth-shattering crescendo. The commoners have the most to gain, as they've had everything taken away from them, but can heart and will and soul prove a tough enough weapon against magic?
Throughout the course of this series, James has taken both her characters and readers on such an incredible journey, putting all involved in hellish and often heartbreaking situations. Everyone loves a story where the good guys win and the bad guys lose, but that's certainly not the case with this entire trilogy, Bright Ruin included. 'Good' surely shines through more often than not, but 'bad' doesn't necessarily always mean what we think it means. Misguided, perhaps. A product of the world they've been brought up in is more apt, and such is the case with several characters I've been quick to judge as 'Bad'. But don't get me wrong -- when the truly bad guys are bad, man are they evil. But the moral of the story is: "You can't save everyone". There's always going to be loss involved in order to win, and that's incredibly and heartbreakingly apparent in this final installment. Which is par for the course, I suppose -- this isn't a happy series, there are no rainbows and kittens or happy endings. It's dark and violent and grim, but it is an exceptional look at what it means to hold all the power in the world and is oftentimes a perfect mirror image of our own world, where the division of classes keeps growing and growing, leaving the ones at the bottom to forge their own way while the ones at the top reap all the benefits.
Bottom line -- I loved everything about this final installment, from the tense and high-stakes storyline to the brilliant and incredible world and characters. Do yourself a favor and read this trilogy from the beginning and get sucked into James' dark and dirty world of power, politics, and revolution. While Bright Ruin may technically be "The End", its definitely not the end for me because I'll definitely be re-reading this series in the future. Probably several times because I adore it so much. Highly recommended, and I'll be waiting not so patiently for whatever Vic James graces readers with next.
*eARC received via NetGalley.
April 1, 2025
Финалната част от трилогията слага точката (или по-скоро - многоточието) с магически гръм и трясък. Вековни норми рухват, героите редуват върхове и падения, често неочаквани спрямо досегашния им път. Странни светове се мярват и изчезват, загиват добри хора и оцеляват опортюнисти и реакционери. Е, не чак всички. Изобщо - разместванията са тектонични и гърмят доста епично.
Мрачната приказка за цената и чаровете на властта и съпътстващото я подтисничество достига до експлозивната точка, от която няма връщане.
Недостатъците са най-вече отвореният край и слабото вътрешно развитие на някои главни образи от лагера на добрите (най-вече Аби - напълно безцелен образ). За пореден път лошите са доста по-интересни, многопластови и изненадващи. Краят пък направо ме възмути с нелепостта си и се класира в графата “можеше и без него”. Като цяло - силна трилогия, но леко прецакана от опита на авторката на всяка цена да се разграничи от “женското” фентъзи, което я е вкарало на места в друга ненужна крайност.
3,5⭐️
——————
▶️ Цитати:
⚡️ “Abi forgave her past self for her naivety, but wouldn’t mourn her.”
⚡️“It was a neat trick, he thought: as if one kind of slavery could be preferable to any other, when it was the servitude itself that was so wrenchingly wrong.”
⚡️“History only appeared inevitable because it was written in a world where it had already happened.”
⚡️“There was a reason you talked about winning freedom, not accepting freedom, or being given it by the very people who’d chained you.”
⚡️“success of any operation was one per cent inspiration, nine per cent perspiration and ninety per cent information”
⚡️“You can’t was the beginning of everything worth attempting.”
⚡️“I don’t have all the answers,’ […]. ‘But I do have the next best thing, which is questions.”
⚡️“Sometimes the wrong way was the only way to get the job done.”
⚡️“there were two ways to rise – you could climb, or your enemies could fall. Manage both, and you’d rise so high no one could touch you.”
⚡️“better futures should never begin in blood.”
April 1, 2020
pooled ink Reviews:
I AM IN A RAGE. But, like, yeah this trilogy was insanely intricate and epic. BUT I AM STILL IN A RAGE. Do I hate the numerous questions that go unanswered? YES. YES I DO. I have more than a few qualms with the ending. But if I shove that frustrated rage aside then this book and this trilogy are utterly fantastic and you should definitely read it.
If you want to read all my spoilery ranting thoughts about this book's ending then head on over to my blog but if you just want a nice lil short review then here ya go:
Bright Ruin is a lethal ending to this thrilling trilogy and it will leave you gasping for breath as it concludes this dark and bloody ride with an ending most appropriately spectacular and mysterious. With a pace that brooks no argument, characters that will rage until the end, and a plot that twists into such intricate knots and loops that to try and guess its aims will be a useless waste of time, this trilogy is one deserving of far more acclaim. Do not pass up this title for it deserves to be read in full.
This trilogy was fantastic. Incredibly well-written from start to finish, the alternating POVs were timed with lethal precision designed to catapult you into the next chapter and the next, a world-building so stunning as it weaves itself into the world we know ourselves will have your imagination in a firm grip, and other than romantic plot lines that either bloomed or died with little sense behind it and an ending full of questions that I loathe, Bright Ruin was as epic and unforeseen as the series deserved.
Read my full review here: https://pooledink.com/2019/12/04/brig...
I AM IN A RAGE. But, like, yeah this trilogy was insanely intricate and epic. BUT I AM STILL IN A RAGE. Do I hate the numerous questions that go unanswered? YES. YES I DO. I have more than a few qualms with the ending. But if I shove that frustrated rage aside then this book and this trilogy are utterly fantastic and you should definitely read it.
If you want to read all my spoilery ranting thoughts about this book's ending then head on over to my blog but if you just want a nice lil short review then here ya go:
Bright Ruin is a lethal ending to this thrilling trilogy and it will leave you gasping for breath as it concludes this dark and bloody ride with an ending most appropriately spectacular and mysterious. With a pace that brooks no argument, characters that will rage until the end, and a plot that twists into such intricate knots and loops that to try and guess its aims will be a useless waste of time, this trilogy is one deserving of far more acclaim. Do not pass up this title for it deserves to be read in full.
This trilogy was fantastic. Incredibly well-written from start to finish, the alternating POVs were timed with lethal precision designed to catapult you into the next chapter and the next, a world-building so stunning as it weaves itself into the world we know ourselves will have your imagination in a firm grip, and other than romantic plot lines that either bloomed or died with little sense behind it and an ending full of questions that I loathe, Bright Ruin was as epic and unforeseen as the series deserved.
Read my full review here: https://pooledink.com/2019/12/04/brig...
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