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Raine Benares #9
Ruins & Revenge
An ancient power.
Beneath a mountain on an uninhabited continent is said to be a fabled city, a city occupied by an ancient goblin civilization founded for only one reason—to protect and defend the Heart of Nidaar, an artifact that can harness the forces of nature as a weapon.
An elite team of combat mages.
Chief mage and goblin duke Tamnais Nathrach must help the guardians keep the legendary power out of the hands of a malevolent goblin brotherhood and their otherworldly allies, whatever the cost. Together with his hand-picked team—which includes elf pirate (and team demolitions expert) Phaelan Benares—Tam descends into a vast subterranean world both wondrous and terrifying, a world laid with deadly traps and filled with apex predators from another age.
The countdown to the end of the world.
Some secrets are meant to stay buried. When the Heart of Nidaar is accidentally awakened, and aimed at the west coast of the Seven Kingdoms, Tam and his team are in a race against time to prevent the deaths of millions. To succeed, they must confront their deepest fears, unmask their darkest secrets, and reveal their shameful pasts, testing the bonds of friendship and beyond. To fail means death for them all—and the end of all life in the Seven Kingdoms.
Beneath a mountain on an uninhabited continent is said to be a fabled city, a city occupied by an ancient goblin civilization founded for only one reason—to protect and defend the Heart of Nidaar, an artifact that can harness the forces of nature as a weapon.
An elite team of combat mages.
Chief mage and goblin duke Tamnais Nathrach must help the guardians keep the legendary power out of the hands of a malevolent goblin brotherhood and their otherworldly allies, whatever the cost. Together with his hand-picked team—which includes elf pirate (and team demolitions expert) Phaelan Benares—Tam descends into a vast subterranean world both wondrous and terrifying, a world laid with deadly traps and filled with apex predators from another age.
The countdown to the end of the world.
Some secrets are meant to stay buried. When the Heart of Nidaar is accidentally awakened, and aimed at the west coast of the Seven Kingdoms, Tam and his team are in a race against time to prevent the deaths of millions. To succeed, they must confront their deepest fears, unmask their darkest secrets, and reveal their shameful pasts, testing the bonds of friendship and beyond. To fail means death for them all—and the end of all life in the Seven Kingdoms.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2017
41 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Shearin
22 books1,102 followersLisa is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Raine Benares novels and The SPI Files.
Lisa is a voracious collector of fountain pens, teapots & teacups both vintage and modern. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her husband, four spoiled-rotten retired racing greyhounds, and enough deer and woodland creatures to fill a Disney movie.
Lisa is a voracious collector of fountain pens, teapots & teacups both vintage and modern. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her husband, four spoiled-rotten retired racing greyhounds, and enough deer and woodland creatures to fill a Disney movie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 10, 2018
While I did like this more than the last one, that honestly isn't saying much. I think I liked this better because the whole tomb raider / Indiana Jones aspect of it felt so different from Raine's books that it separated itself better, became more of it's own thing.
But there was still lots that rubbed me the wrong way.
Firstly, the flat repetition of the Saghred story arc. Honestly, even the characters in the book comment how much this is like the Saghred. Between the is-it-sentient? stone and and everyone interacting with these stones getting a power upgrade ... it just undercuts the main story of the series, undercuts Raine, and oddly makes everything cool and unique suddenly feel far less cool and unique.
Secondly, I hated the way Phaelan was treated. He was treated as if he was baggage that everyone was dragging along with an eyeroll. I hate that. He more than proves himself - - and he's treated like some kind of ridiculous moron throughout. Tam's inner dialogue is so condescending... the tone, when he's thinking of Phaelan, is one that can basically be summed up like this: "Wow, he didn't piddle on the carpet! I find myself surprised and impressed." I honestly find Phaelan to be a great character - he plays the fool sometimes, because it is to his advantage to be underestimated - but you aren't the greatest pirate alive if you're a fool, and you don't earn the respect of pirates world-wide if you aren't incredibly capable and dangerous. Throughout the series, I've seen through his facade. Let's please not forget that when push comes to shove, he saves Raine - she would never have gotten out of the chains and wards in Balmorlan's dungeon if not for Phaelan.
So I feel like Tam and his whole team are assholes for the shitty way they treat him in this book. Honestly, he should have left them cooling their heels in Regor when their ship blew up, crying over their dead crew ... and gone to Mid to get Raine and Mychael and do the mission with people who aren't assholes. Because for all that they were judgey with Phaelan, Tam and his team blew their mission (literally) before it even started, when they were discovered, infiltrated, and exploded on Regor.
Lastly, I have to comment on the romantic element. And my comment is this: YUCK.
Gross. Whatever. In one respect, I guess I'm glad: Imala is fucking awesome, and she deserves better. Fuck Tam.
But there was still lots that rubbed me the wrong way.
Firstly, the flat repetition of the Saghred story arc. Honestly, even the characters in the book comment how much this is like the Saghred. Between the is-it-sentient? stone and and everyone interacting with these stones getting a power upgrade ... it just undercuts the main story of the series, undercuts Raine, and oddly makes everything cool and unique suddenly feel far less cool and unique.
Secondly, I hated the way Phaelan was treated. He was treated as if he was baggage that everyone was dragging along with an eyeroll. I hate that. He more than proves himself - - and he's treated like some kind of ridiculous moron throughout. Tam's inner dialogue is so condescending... the tone, when he's thinking of Phaelan, is one that can basically be summed up like this: "Wow, he didn't piddle on the carpet! I find myself surprised and impressed." I honestly find Phaelan to be a great character - he plays the fool sometimes, because it is to his advantage to be underestimated - but you aren't the greatest pirate alive if you're a fool, and you don't earn the respect of pirates world-wide if you aren't incredibly capable and dangerous. Throughout the series, I've seen through his facade. Let's please not forget that when push comes to shove, he saves Raine - she would never have gotten out of the chains and wards in Balmorlan's dungeon if not for Phaelan.
So I feel like Tam and his whole team are assholes for the shitty way they treat him in this book. Honestly, he should have left them cooling their heels in Regor when their ship blew up, crying over their dead crew ... and gone to Mid to get Raine and Mychael and do the mission with people who aren't assholes. Because for all that they were judgey with Phaelan, Tam and his team blew their mission (literally) before it even started, when they were discovered, infiltrated, and exploded on Regor.
Lastly, I have to comment on the romantic element. And my comment is this: YUCK.
Gross. Whatever. In one respect, I guess I'm glad: Imala is fucking awesome, and she deserves better. Fuck Tam.
June 19, 2022
Finally, a book from Tam's point of view. Always my favourite character (possibly I may be an anarchist...) Anyway, this made me very happy.
August 24, 2022
Oh poor Talon -- what a way to find out. I'm going to have backwards re-read to see if hints were dropped.
Cannot wait for the next book!
Cannot wait for the next book!
August 13, 2022
4 Stars:)
February 10, 2022
The characters of this world are just odd and interesting and more than a little deadly. Add in dragons and you have an excellent recipe for adventure, well written and with lovely spots of suspense. I highly recommend all the Raine Benares World novels, as well as everything that Lisa Shearin writes or will write in the future.
September 17, 2018
Between the last book and this one, it feels like a super rushed version of the original books with Tam rather than Raine. This isn't a good thing. Even the characters cannot stop discussing the similarities between the stone of power they are after now and the one the just recently got rid of - except obviously this one is way bigger.
One of the good things in this book was learning more about Talon's parentage and seeing how unlimited his potential may actually be (in the original books it often seemed like he was supposed to be almost as talented as Piaras but not quite there, but looks like that might change in the future).
Another thing I really liked was seeing Phaelan out of this element. In the original book series our characters were all pro elf-goblin relations, but we were mostly reading about elves and from an elf point of view in a majority elf/human place. This time, Phaelan is in the minority and we get to experience the attitude that the goblins have towards elves (even when it is nothing malicious). Although to be fair, part of that might be the "pirate who likes to blow stuff up" part of him rather than the elf part. It was interesting to see how the goblins who had been isolated for thousands of years reacted to an elf though.
The downsides however strongly outweigh the good. Beyond the annoying similarity to the last overpowered, sentient rock, there was also the strange bond suddenly created between Tam and his gem expert for some reason. In the original series, when the magical bonds like that were created it made sense. In this case it felt like it was being used as way to get the characters to be able to speak telepathically to move the story along or get them out of tough situations. Unlike the original series, a lot was left unexplained and unexplored. This story felt really rushed by comparison. Towards the end they had so many new characters from the local goblin population talking with our characters, that we barely know anyway (and I think way too many characters at that point had names that started with the same letter), that I couldn't keep people straight. There was a subplot with the princess' adviser that wrapped itself off in about 2 chapters (compare this to the original series where nearly every relevant characters was given at least some development). I'm not sure why this plot was limited to 2 books, but the author wanted to do a bit too much to fit in that space. This might have worked as a trilogy or if only part of the first book was spent on preparation and the journey over but, especially in comparison to the slower pace of the first book, this one didn't flow as well.
Plus there was some mistakes that were strange from this author, for example, at one point after the ships are attacked (last book) it is said that they could not contact Mid because all the crystal balls were broken, but somehow during this trip there was a working crystal ball to use with the spy crystals. Not really typical of this author to have continuity errors so it felt odd.
I'm really hoping the next books in this series/world (which I believe are supposed to be from Raine's POV) go back to the way the original series was written.
One of the good things in this book was learning more about Talon's parentage and seeing how unlimited his potential may actually be (in the original books it often seemed like he was supposed to be almost as talented as Piaras but not quite there, but looks like that might change in the future).
Another thing I really liked was seeing Phaelan out of this element. In the original book series our characters were all pro elf-goblin relations, but we were mostly reading about elves and from an elf point of view in a majority elf/human place. This time, Phaelan is in the minority and we get to experience the attitude that the goblins have towards elves (even when it is nothing malicious). Although to be fair, part of that might be the "pirate who likes to blow stuff up" part of him rather than the elf part. It was interesting to see how the goblins who had been isolated for thousands of years reacted to an elf though.
The downsides however strongly outweigh the good. Beyond the annoying similarity to the last overpowered, sentient rock, there was also the strange bond suddenly created between Tam and his gem expert for some reason. In the original series, when the magical bonds like that were created it made sense. In this case it felt like it was being used as way to get the characters to be able to speak telepathically to move the story along or get them out of tough situations. Unlike the original series, a lot was left unexplained and unexplored. This story felt really rushed by comparison. Towards the end they had so many new characters from the local goblin population talking with our characters, that we barely know anyway (and I think way too many characters at that point had names that started with the same letter), that I couldn't keep people straight. There was a subplot with the princess' adviser that wrapped itself off in about 2 chapters (compare this to the original series where nearly every relevant characters was given at least some development). I'm not sure why this plot was limited to 2 books, but the author wanted to do a bit too much to fit in that space. This might have worked as a trilogy or if only part of the first book was spent on preparation and the journey over but, especially in comparison to the slower pace of the first book, this one didn't flow as well.
Plus there was some mistakes that were strange from this author, for example, at one point after the ships are attacked (last book) it is said that they could not contact Mid because all the crystal balls were broken, but somehow during this trip there was a working crystal ball to use with the spy crystals. Not really typical of this author to have continuity errors so it felt odd.
I'm really hoping the next books in this series/world (which I believe are supposed to be from Raine's POV) go back to the way the original series was written.
March 23, 2022
Raine Benares is one of my absolute favorite series. This follow up is incredibly disappointing. And, I am putting the same review here and on book 8, because, to me, each of these is half a book. The first one ends smack dab in the middle of the action, so definitely pick up both.
We have broken the Saghred and moved on with life. But, oh wait! there is another evil stone that we must deal with. And, this time Tam and Phaelan must deal with it. Ya know, they've already dealt with one, so this one should be easy peasy, right? Nope. Apparently, the evil bad guy can even find his way out of death.
So. We basically have the same story, with new leads. The same bad guys - just a bit twisted. But, this is not as well done as Raine. I don't know if Raine is just more likeable? (I don't think so - I adore Tam.) Maybe she has more personality to work through a plot? I'm just not sure, but Tam does not work here for me. There is all the trade mark sarcasm, but, again, it just doesn't work. I think there is not enough Phaelan for me.
It is readable. I'm glad I read it - but it is definitely not as good as its predecessors.
We have broken the Saghred and moved on with life. But, oh wait! there is another evil stone that we must deal with. And, this time Tam and Phaelan must deal with it. Ya know, they've already dealt with one, so this one should be easy peasy, right? Nope. Apparently, the evil bad guy can even find his way out of death.
So. We basically have the same story, with new leads. The same bad guys - just a bit twisted. But, this is not as well done as Raine. I don't know if Raine is just more likeable? (I don't think so - I adore Tam.) Maybe she has more personality to work through a plot? I'm just not sure, but Tam does not work here for me. There is all the trade mark sarcasm, but, again, it just doesn't work. I think there is not enough Phaelan for me.
It is readable. I'm glad I read it - but it is definitely not as good as its predecessors.
May 16, 2017
4.5 stars - fun Tam adventured, I wish this had had some Phelan POV too.
August 7, 2017
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: In a race against time Tam and his team have to get to the Heartstone and save the world.
Opening Sentence: I knew that saving the world wasn’t going to be easy, but I would have appreciated fewer personnel issues.
Excerpt: No
The Review:
Tam has selected his team and they have finally made it to the lost continent and are beginning their journey into the mountain. He just has to make sure his team knows that Phaelan is needed in order to complete the mission. As they get closer to the mountain and must go down underneath it, they discover the bodies of their enemies and they know that time is running out. The closer they get the more Tam begins to dream of the goblin Queen. She is warning them not to come closer.
Once they are inside they must get through traps and whatever has been eating their enemies. The Heartstone is guiding them and drawing them in, but what powers does it hold and will they be able to destroy it. When Tam shakes Agata out of dream state, he realizes that the Heartstone has bonded them, in a way that the goblins recognize as deeper than marriage. Tam has not informed his team of his visions.
When they realize that someone or someones are following them, Tam knows that time has run out. Will they be able to reach the Heartstone before the confrontation with their enemies? Will the Chi Nidaan accept their help? Will Tam and his team be able to save the Seven Kingdoms?
I have not read any of the Raine Benares books, so I started with Treasure & Treason in order to sort of understand this world. I am not sure that it fully helped, but I did recognize a name from the SPI series and that helped me connect to these characters. I was worried that my confusion would carry over to these books, but with the focus and some back stories told in this one, I really didn’t feel so lost. That being said, after reading those two I am glad I added the Raine Benares books to my list because I love Tam. I want to go back and read more about him.
I loved his interactions, and the storyline and I loved how connected her series are. In SPI they are on Earth, but here they are in the other world mentioned in those books and I love discovering this world. I think it is safe to say at this point that Lisa Shearin is becoming a must read for me. Her books are full of action, romance, fantasy and just about everything I love. Plus, I love her goblins, like words cannot describe how much I love her goblins. Gone are evil little creatures, or ugly little creatures. Her goblins are just as beautiful as the elves, and it is amazing!
Notable Scene:
A null and thief such as Phaelan Benares. In addition, the Khrynsani would be looking and listening for goblins. Not listening with their ears, but with their magical senses. An elf registered differently than a goblin; an elf null would register as background noise, if at all.
FTC Advisory: NLA Digital LLC provided me with a copy of Ruins & Revenge. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: In a race against time Tam and his team have to get to the Heartstone and save the world.
Opening Sentence: I knew that saving the world wasn’t going to be easy, but I would have appreciated fewer personnel issues.
Excerpt: No
The Review:
Tam has selected his team and they have finally made it to the lost continent and are beginning their journey into the mountain. He just has to make sure his team knows that Phaelan is needed in order to complete the mission. As they get closer to the mountain and must go down underneath it, they discover the bodies of their enemies and they know that time is running out. The closer they get the more Tam begins to dream of the goblin Queen. She is warning them not to come closer.
Once they are inside they must get through traps and whatever has been eating their enemies. The Heartstone is guiding them and drawing them in, but what powers does it hold and will they be able to destroy it. When Tam shakes Agata out of dream state, he realizes that the Heartstone has bonded them, in a way that the goblins recognize as deeper than marriage. Tam has not informed his team of his visions.
When they realize that someone or someones are following them, Tam knows that time has run out. Will they be able to reach the Heartstone before the confrontation with their enemies? Will the Chi Nidaan accept their help? Will Tam and his team be able to save the Seven Kingdoms?
I have not read any of the Raine Benares books, so I started with Treasure & Treason in order to sort of understand this world. I am not sure that it fully helped, but I did recognize a name from the SPI series and that helped me connect to these characters. I was worried that my confusion would carry over to these books, but with the focus and some back stories told in this one, I really didn’t feel so lost. That being said, after reading those two I am glad I added the Raine Benares books to my list because I love Tam. I want to go back and read more about him.
I loved his interactions, and the storyline and I loved how connected her series are. In SPI they are on Earth, but here they are in the other world mentioned in those books and I love discovering this world. I think it is safe to say at this point that Lisa Shearin is becoming a must read for me. Her books are full of action, romance, fantasy and just about everything I love. Plus, I love her goblins, like words cannot describe how much I love her goblins. Gone are evil little creatures, or ugly little creatures. Her goblins are just as beautiful as the elves, and it is amazing!
Notable Scene:
A null and thief such as Phaelan Benares. In addition, the Khrynsani would be looking and listening for goblins. Not listening with their ears, but with their magical senses. An elf registered differently than a goblin; an elf null would register as background noise, if at all.
FTC Advisory: NLA Digital LLC provided me with a copy of Ruins & Revenge. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
April 5, 2018
Oh, I loved this book. Full of the high stakes action I have come to expect and love from Shearin.
I admit my bias: Tam is one of my favorite characters and I am always excited to read things from his point of view. But I was also nervous going into this, because a lot my favorite books and TV shows have attempted to bring in "lost" civilizations before and it hasn't turned out well– the plot got too complicated and stretched its believability to the breaking point. I am happy to say that did not happen here. We know from the last book that the golden-skinned goblins exist. Here we get to meet them, and find out what gives them their legendary skin tone. Turns out the Heart of Nidaar is even more dangerous than our good guys could have ever believed.
Tam is certainly growing. He thinks first and acts second, and has learned to trust the people around him. This includes his son Talon, who also showed some remarkable character growth. There were some great father-son bonding moments and we even find out what happen to Talon's mother and who she was, while also setting up another major plot arc. Agata Azul, the gem mage introduced in the last book, definitely held her own. We keep getting hints that she and Tam are going to get together, but I'm thankful their relationship didn't really come up. They're running for their lives, not trying to make a love connection.
Speaking of other characters, we finally get to meet Tam's dark mage friends. They shadow him in the Raine books, but we never learn their names or any of their specific abilities. I loved their group dynamic: they may be some of the deadliest goblin warriors but they're also Tam's childhood friends. It lent the book an air of playfulness when they teased each other and kept things from getting too dark. I also enjoyed seeing Phaelan in his element. He's brave and capable, and I'm actually excited about the upcoming book from his point of view.
Importantly, we finally get a name for the mysterious invaders. They're called Sythsaurians and with their incredibly advanced magical technology they pose a far greater threat than anyone realized. They've predictably allied themselves with the Khrynsani, who just won't go away. To make matters worse, Sarad Nukpana still isn't completely out of the picture. But there's trouble brewing in the axis of evil: Sarad and his mother don't actually get along as well as we thought and I have high hopes Tam may be able to eventually turn them against one another. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
I admit my bias: Tam is one of my favorite characters and I am always excited to read things from his point of view. But I was also nervous going into this, because a lot my favorite books and TV shows have attempted to bring in "lost" civilizations before and it hasn't turned out well– the plot got too complicated and stretched its believability to the breaking point. I am happy to say that did not happen here. We know from the last book that the golden-skinned goblins exist. Here we get to meet them, and find out what gives them their legendary skin tone. Turns out the Heart of Nidaar is even more dangerous than our good guys could have ever believed.
Tam is certainly growing. He thinks first and acts second, and has learned to trust the people around him. This includes his son Talon, who also showed some remarkable character growth. There were some great father-son bonding moments and we even find out what happen to Talon's mother and who she was, while also setting up another major plot arc. Agata Azul, the gem mage introduced in the last book, definitely held her own. We keep getting hints that she and Tam are going to get together, but I'm thankful their relationship didn't really come up. They're running for their lives, not trying to make a love connection.
Speaking of other characters, we finally get to meet Tam's dark mage friends. They shadow him in the Raine books, but we never learn their names or any of their specific abilities. I loved their group dynamic: they may be some of the deadliest goblin warriors but they're also Tam's childhood friends. It lent the book an air of playfulness when they teased each other and kept things from getting too dark. I also enjoyed seeing Phaelan in his element. He's brave and capable, and I'm actually excited about the upcoming book from his point of view.
Importantly, we finally get a name for the mysterious invaders. They're called Sythsaurians and with their incredibly advanced magical technology they pose a far greater threat than anyone realized. They've predictably allied themselves with the Khrynsani, who just won't go away. To make matters worse, Sarad Nukpana still isn't completely out of the picture. But there's trouble brewing in the axis of evil: Sarad and his mother don't actually get along as well as we thought and I have high hopes Tam may be able to eventually turn them against one another. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
July 28, 2017
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
RUINS & REVENGE picks up right where TREASURE & TREASON ended. The two together make for a satisfying duology within the Raine Benares series, offering adventure, danger and even some hints of romance. With a cast of characters that outshines the slightly repetitive nature of the storyline, RUINS & REVENGE is a perfect conclusion to Tam's adventure.
RUINS & REVENGE is not the place for a casual reader to jump into the Raine Benares series. It is clearly the second half of TREASURE & TREASON, and at times I wish they could have been one book. While I understand why they were broken into two books, it also made for some actions scenes feeling a bit superfluous - after all, how many obstacles could the team really run into? But it made for some great edge of the seat, suspenseful reading, so I wasn't too sorry about it.
Tam is a great main character, though his internal monologue got to be a bit fatalistic and slightly overdramatic. However, I had similar complaints about the narration in TREASURE & TREASON, so I was mostly prepared and it wasn't as distracting or annoying as it could have been. Overall, the story is full of Shearin's trademark wit and snark, and the characters make up for any negatives I found. While Tam has always been a favorite of mine - with Phaelan a close second - the rest of the characters are multi-dimensional and wonderful to get to know.
Overall, RUINS & REVENGE is definitely one worth picking up if you've read TREASURE & TREASON, and if you haven't, now's the perfect time to pick up TREASURE & TREASON, since you won't have to wait for the sequel! I can't wait to see what Shearin has in store for the crew next, and I can only hope that it involves more of Tam.
Sexual content: N/A
RUINS & REVENGE picks up right where TREASURE & TREASON ended. The two together make for a satisfying duology within the Raine Benares series, offering adventure, danger and even some hints of romance. With a cast of characters that outshines the slightly repetitive nature of the storyline, RUINS & REVENGE is a perfect conclusion to Tam's adventure.
RUINS & REVENGE is not the place for a casual reader to jump into the Raine Benares series. It is clearly the second half of TREASURE & TREASON, and at times I wish they could have been one book. While I understand why they were broken into two books, it also made for some actions scenes feeling a bit superfluous - after all, how many obstacles could the team really run into? But it made for some great edge of the seat, suspenseful reading, so I wasn't too sorry about it.
Tam is a great main character, though his internal monologue got to be a bit fatalistic and slightly overdramatic. However, I had similar complaints about the narration in TREASURE & TREASON, so I was mostly prepared and it wasn't as distracting or annoying as it could have been. Overall, the story is full of Shearin's trademark wit and snark, and the characters make up for any negatives I found. While Tam has always been a favorite of mine - with Phaelan a close second - the rest of the characters are multi-dimensional and wonderful to get to know.
Overall, RUINS & REVENGE is definitely one worth picking up if you've read TREASURE & TREASON, and if you haven't, now's the perfect time to pick up TREASURE & TREASON, since you won't have to wait for the sequel! I can't wait to see what Shearin has in store for the crew next, and I can only hope that it involves more of Tam.
Sexual content: N/A
January 4, 2022
This book picks up right where the last one left off. Tam and his team are trying to get to the Heart of Nidaar to prevent the evil Goblins and their off-world allies from using it to destroy the Seven Kingdoms. They know that convincing the Cha-Nidaar is not going to be easy or simple but they have no idea what other dangers they will face along the way.
I did like this book but I found it hard to connect with Tam. I am interested in him and his life but there wasn't the same spark as with Raine. Tam feels flat to me but I keep wanting to connect and like him more. The story is interesting but didn't really catch me. I also found the tiny bit of love interest at the end confusing given events in the last Raine book. I can see where the story can go on from here but at the same time there is a definite ending to the story arc. I know this book came out a few years ago but I do still hope to see the story continue and improve:)
I did like this book but I found it hard to connect with Tam. I am interested in him and his life but there wasn't the same spark as with Raine. Tam feels flat to me but I keep wanting to connect and like him more. The story is interesting but didn't really catch me. I also found the tiny bit of love interest at the end confusing given events in the last Raine book. I can see where the story can go on from here but at the same time there is a definite ending to the story arc. I know this book came out a few years ago but I do still hope to see the story continue and improve:)
January 4, 2021
The second half of what should have been one novel, a continuation of Treasure and Treason, featuring dark mage goblin Tamnais Nathrach in his quest for the near-mythical city of Nidaar and its powerful Heart, a rock that powers the city. Sailing around the world took the first book; this one is the actual adventure of seeking and finding the Heart and the golden goblins whose duty is to protect it. More problems with the goblin bad guys, the evil Khrynsani, who want the Heart to power their takeover of the Seven Kingdoms, along with their lizard men allies from another world.
With better editing, these two should have been one book. For one thing that would have meant less retelling of what happened in the first book.
I like Tam and his friends, and his son Talon, also the sentry dragons and little Indigo the firedrake.
With better editing, these two should have been one book. For one thing that would have meant less retelling of what happened in the first book.
I like Tam and his friends, and his son Talon, also the sentry dragons and little Indigo the firedrake.
May 13, 2017
The latest in the Raine Benares series this one is focused on Tam and Phaelan and only mentions Raine but still a great read that furthers the series overall arc. I really enjoy Lisa Shearin writing that features vibrant and imaginative stories, clever world-building and quirky and delightful characters.
This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
November 28, 2017
This picks up where Treasure and Treason left of on a cliffhanger (which I hate). Raine isn’t the centre of this pair of books. The main characters are Tam Nathratch, handsome Goblin enforcer and recovering dark magician, and Raine’s cousin Phaelan, a pirate captain with a healthy dislike of magic and a penchant for blowing things up. Tam, Phaelan and their team of combat mages must get to the Heart of Nidaar before the bad guys, the Khrynsani Goblins do or it’s the end of the world. Lisa Shearin writes good repartee, and though I’m missing Raine and her problems, I’ve enjoyed an outing with Tam and Phaelan.
October 18, 2024
Better than the last one - there was less repletion, less rehashing plot points from the first 7 books, and the story actually finished. All good things. It could have used a good copy editor, as there were several words repeated, or in the wrong place, but I didn't notice any actual typos.
I'm actually surprised there hasn't been another book yet in Raine's storyline, since there was an unfinished storyline involving her and Mychael at the end of this book that Tam just couldn't wait to get involved in.
I'm actually surprised there hasn't been another book yet in Raine's storyline, since there was an unfinished storyline involving her and Mychael at the end of this book that Tam just couldn't wait to get involved in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2024
Picking up where Treasure & Treason left off, this last book set in the world of Raine Benares and her friends and allies closes out the story of Tam and Phaelan's adventure as they seek to protect the Heart of Nidaar and its guardians against those who would use it to destroy the Seven Kingdoms.
Another fun read - too bad it's the final book (thus far?), I'd have loved a few more featuring the Tam & Phaelan team-up.
Another fun read - too bad it's the final book (thus far?), I'd have loved a few more featuring the Tam & Phaelan team-up.
August 11, 2019
Very solid Four-maybe even a four and a third. The writing is well done. The plot is carried along with twists and surprises. The action descriptions are good. If you like fantasy with a slight twist try these books. Of course its best to begin with "Magic Lost Trouble Found". Its a great series and will keep your eyes busy for some time'
May 11, 2017
So good
I really do love this world, and Tam, sexy beautiful Tam. Once again our brave heroes have saved the world, struck a blow against Goblin/Elf prejudice and lived to fight the Khrynsani another day. Can't wait for the next one!
I really do love this world, and Tam, sexy beautiful Tam. Once again our brave heroes have saved the world, struck a blow against Goblin/Elf prejudice and lived to fight the Khrynsani another day. Can't wait for the next one!
May 13, 2017
What a fun read!!
Another throughly enjoyable addition to this world. Lots of action, humor, daring-do, and fun! The plot rollicks right along, the swashbuckling smash, and the buckles buckle. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next.
Another throughly enjoyable addition to this world. Lots of action, humor, daring-do, and fun! The plot rollicks right along, the swashbuckling smash, and the buckles buckle. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next.
October 12, 2019
This was a fun read. I love both Tam and Phaelen - together it's only natural that they would get into lots of trouble together!
I hope that there are more books in this series or that, the very least Talon and Piaras get their own because I love this world.
I hope that there are more books in this series or that, the very least Talon and Piaras get their own because I love this world.
July 12, 2020
It only got four because it didn’t have a sample of the next book
Lisa. When is the next in line coming and what about Raines project for the guardian conclave. Can’t wait to read more
Lisa. When is the next in line coming and what about Raines project for the guardian conclave. Can’t wait to read more
May 25, 2017
I am so happy to see another book in this series. Tam has always been one of my favorite characters, and it is great to see him with his own story line. Shearin never disappoints!
August 20, 2017
This book was better then book 8. Which gives me hope for the rest of the series.
October 21, 2017
Tam and Phaelan and the rest of their group made it to the island. Now they have to contend with an enormous stone, and the civilization (or what's left of it) that protects it.
December 15, 2017
I'm an idiot and read #9 before #8. Would likely have been better if I had read them in the proper order. Still good.
January 3, 2020
A grate book
Tams adventures continues and this books closely connect to the SPI book “the Phoenix illusion”. Easy to read and a good story
Tams adventures continues and this books closely connect to the SPI book “the Phoenix illusion”. Easy to read and a good story
March 17, 2020
A good plot with much excitement and danger! I didn't get my connection with one of the characters to add that hook for me though.
August 15, 2020
A great fantasy adventure. We finally find out who Talon's mom was. The only weird thing was the thrown in romance at the end. It felt like it was just their to tie up the plot.
April 7, 2022
Good swashbuckling fun. Too bad it's the last one in the series. I'm going to miss visiting Raine, Tam and the others.
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