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In the fourth volume of the Fourth Talisman series, Nazafareen risks everything on a desperate gamble to stop the Vatras once and for all…

With Meb safely among her own people, Nazafareen has finally embraced her dangerous fire magic. She is the Fourth Talisman, destined to free the heirs from the wards binding their own extraordinary power. With Nocturne and Solis poised on the brink of war, the choices she makes will decide the fate of mortals and daevas alike.

Determined to confront Culach and make amends, Nazafareen goes to Val Moraine, setting off a chain of events that ultimately leads her deep into the perilous wasteland called the Kiln and the faceless enemy waiting there. But the ancient hatred that shattered the world a millennium before is stronger and far more devious than she and her companions imagine.

Is the Viper truly dead? And can Nazafareen triumph without facing the darkness that lurks within her own heart?

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2018

82 people are currently reading
284 people want to read

About the author

Kat Ross

60 books806 followers
Kat Ross is an award-winning and bestselling fantasy author whose series range from the Persian-inspired Fourth Element to the cozy Ravencroft Hall books. She lives in Connecticut with her son and a gang (clowder?) of anarchist cats. When she’s not writing, you can find Kat wandering in the woods or poring over maps in the cartography turret. For more info, check out her website: www.katrossbooks.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews50 followers
October 23, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Wow I so did not see any of that coming!! This has been an in depth ride into this amazing well built world that has built up nicely in the first three installments that led us to this peak that we are at for this book. Secrets are still coming out and the characters are incredible at playing both sides of the drama with no one being the wiser. There are so many twists and turns that I could not have dreamed of even half of them. This leads us to the mind blowing finale that really leaves is guessing needing the next book like right now cause how you gonna leave it like that? If you like the first three books then you have to read this and if you haven't read any of them why not? I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.


Profile Image for E.P..
Author 24 books116 followers
February 11, 2019
In "Nemesis," the fourth installment in the Fourth Talisman series, the adventures keep coming thick and fast. There's always a danger in a long-running series like this that things will start to get stale and repetitive, but the different plot threads are varied and compelling enough that it keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through. If you haven't read the earlier books in the series, I suggest starting at the beginning, because this book jumps right into the action--and ends right in the thick of things, too. It will all make a lot more sense if you read the books in order, trust me.

But if you've been reading along from the beginning and enjoying the previous installments, you're likely to enjoy this one too. The world continues to be richly imagined, and the characters are compelling. I did think that one highly important plot thread was wrapped up a little too quickly with a bunch of sudden deaths--but maybe that's just so that some or all of those characters could be resurrected later. Time will tell. In the meantime, check out this delightful and high-octane alternate history/historical fantasy series.
Profile Image for Esther Haddie's Haven.
903 reviews58 followers
October 24, 2018
Kat Ross never ceases to captivate me with her brilliant writing, characters and world-building. I am going to be more than honest right now, I had to go back and re-read the previous books in this series, because it's been a while and I needed to refresh my memory. Took a while, but I did it. But I was impressed all over again. Ms. Kat's way of tying this book together with events from the previous books is amazing. I love Nazafareen and Darius; how can anyone not love them? Their determination during their quest is just so real. I cannot wait to see what is in store for this series.


DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN ADVANCE READER'S COPY OF THIS BOOK, VIA XPRESSOBOOKTOURS, FOR MY PARTICIPATION IN A BLOG TOUR. THIS IS MY HONEST REVIEW.

Profile Image for T.A. Burke.
1,054 reviews24 followers
November 8, 2020
Up through the third book of this series I was saying it was nearly as entertaining as Game of Thrones but let's say a solid "B" grade version. By that, I mean multi-layered, complex storylines interwoven within sprawling magical and political worldbuilding.

Then, the Author stretched it out across too many volumes and it all went to shite in the fourth book. Stupid decisions by the characters; conflicts from left field taking up huge chunks of pages; melodrama (lurve instead of love) blah blah--you know, the usual downfalls of greedy editors pushing for as long a series as possible.
261 reviews41 followers
June 19, 2019
Kat Ross delivers yet again another amazing 5 stars book but be warned...Nemesis is a real rollercoaster!


Honestly Nemesis might well be Mt favorite book of the series so far. I just want to hug everyone (except you Gaius, Domitia and Thena--- you I'd rather stab).


If there is such thing as a perfect OTP, Nazi & Darius are it (and then some). I can't explain the deep love I have for this couple. You have to read the books to just being to understand... 


Nico has been one of my favorite new characters so far, he might have been a baddie but it truth he is just a sweetheart (I definitely look forward to see him fight alongside Nazi, Darius and the others).


Plotwise, Nemesis is really well placed and quite eventful...with lots of players and many things going on. I don't want to spoil anything... Just know that if you're looking for action you'll have it.


Long story short: do not miss this series, it is one of the most original you can find out there with believable, highly relatable and diverse characters. It is action-packed (the blood is detefinitely being spilled lol) , thrilling, fun and gives you a huge amount of feels!! ❤️
169 reviews7 followers
December 11, 2018
Last but one in the series - a series that will have run through eight books. Kat Ross writes a driving story woven from a range of mythologies and legends, and this reader kept turning the page. In what follows, I will talk about the whole series so far, and there will be spoilers, so if you haven't read the books, turn back. The bottom line is that I recommend following Nazafareen, her friends and her enemies from beginning to the brink of an ending.



In the end, I can recommend the series, both book by book and as a whole. And Kat Ross, in this volume, ends with a vertiginously impelling cliff-hanger which I can't wait to see resolved.
Profile Image for Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten).
1,606 reviews210 followers
March 17, 2019
Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and author Kat Ross for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!

Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!

Nemesis is the fourth instalment in Kat Ross’s Fourth Talisman series and is another deeply enjoyable novel full of rich imagery, dangerous situations and character interactions that will keep you hooked until the final page.

Nazafareen has once more found herself in the centre of a massive fight as she and her allies prepare to take on the fire wielding Vatras. As the Oracle of Delphi marches on the Danai, Nazafareen heads to Val Moraine to make amends with Culach and continue the search for the missing heirs. As a chain of events see Nazafareen and her companions head into the dangerous wasteland known as the Kiln, Nazafareen, Darius and those who dare travel with her will need all their wits, courage and abilities to face the enemy waiting there. War is on the horizon but with so many factors still up in the air, will the Vatras win or will Nazafareen managed to triumph once again?

At this point in time I would read pretty much anything Kat Ross writes. I’ve adored her Fourth Element series and the Dominion novels she’s released so far. And I’m absolutely enjoying this Fourth Talisman series, with Nemesis easily another great read. Nemesis really was just a downright good story. Ross picks up the novel where the previous instalment left off and once again draws readers into a mythical desert world with ancient characteristics and elements.

Blending elements of adventure and romance Nemesis unfolds primarily through the eyes of Nazafareen but also features chapters featuring Darius, Culach and Javid amongst others, allowing readers a diverse understanding of what is happening throughout the novel. Nazafareen still continues to be a fabulous heroine to follow and I continue to love Culach who has become an unexpected favourite character of mine during this series.

There is a lot going on within Nemesis with Nazafareen facing unexpected dangers and a growing determination to stop the Vatras as different dangers arise across the empire. Nicodemus proves to be an intriguing contradiction whose motives often remain unclear but who proves to be more than he seems. I have to really commend Kat Ross for managing to create characters you first hate and then come to love. First Culrach and now Katrin and Nicodemus.

With losses appearing in the story, triumph is far from guaranteed. Nemesis features some fantastic developments in its final few chapters with plenty of surprises. Nemesis races to an absolutely sensational ending that is heartbreaking and heart stopping and just downright incredible. I would never have expected Nemesis’s conclusion and Kat Ross has me dying to get my hands on the next novel as soon as I can!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for J. d'Merricksson.
Author 12 books50 followers
October 30, 2018
Nemesis is fourth in Ross’ Fourth Talisman series. The search for the remaining talismans continues. At Val Moraine, the siege is finally broken by Nazafareen. She manages to take the deadly ice diamond from Victor but, half-crazed, he flees into the keep's depths rather than leaving with the others, only to end up accidentally setting free a deadlier magic than the diamond. Meanwhile, Javid still serves Asabana, and King Shahak, though he dances on slippery sands with the fickle ruler. Katsu arrives in Samarqand, a welcome presence during a difficult time.

In Delphi, the Pythia has set out on the warpath. She reveals her true identity when they encounter a contingent of Danai marching towards Delphi. Instead, the Danai meet their demise in the Pythia's flames. This stokes Nazafareen's rage even higher. She and her small group are too late to stop the destruction, but manage to capture Nicodemus and free Galen. They take both, and set their sights on the Kiln, determined to take out Gaius. But can they make it through the Gale, and should they, or is it too dangerous for even the Breaker?

This book continues with the multiple POVs, following Nazafareen, Culach, and Javid for the bulk. The story threads themselves continue to criss-cross, with characters meeting, then going their own ways. We get to learn more of life in the Kiln, to which I can only say that the original talismans were asses. They punished an entire people based on the actions of just some, and ended up committing near genocide. It reminds me of the freak-out uneducated people have over pit bulls, condemning an entire breed thanks to the humans that train some as killers. My experience with pits has been nothing but positive, and that's including working at a vet clinic. Now, there are a scant hundred or fewer Vatra and they've lost all semblence of culture. They are an endangered people, in danger of extinction. I find this unspeakably sad.

I did greatly enjoy spending more time getting to know the real Nico, and my hope from the previous book seems to be panning out. He's evolving beyond the falsehoods Gaius fed him. We learn the real reason he set out on this foolhardy endeavour in the first place. He wants to free his brother from life in the Kiln. I'm glad Gaius never learned of Samarqand's success in bypassing the Gale via windship. I'm equally terrified of the Mad king's reaction to learning of their desecration at Pompeii. (Speaking of, I love how Ross has incorporated the historical elements of that city to the world she's created. Not a volcano, but a flash heatwave that left bodies in a similar state. I thought this book was the last, I'm not even sure why. I'm both pleased it's not, and frustrated because I want to read the next book NOW!!

***Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. This book was reviewed for the XPresso Blog Tours.
Profile Image for Nadine.
237 reviews5 followers
October 25, 2018
I am going to start by saying that I am really loving that cover. The more I look at it, the more I want it on my wall.

But let’s get serious and discuss Nemesis!

Quick notice, you need to read the books that have come before my friends, this baby is not a standalone book. I would tell you to start with Book 1 of the Fourth Talisman series with is Nocturne.

But again, you need to get started with the previous series to this one The Fourth Element and book 1 The Midnight Sea. So that makes it 3 books in The Fourth Element series and here we are at book 4 of The Fourth Talisman one, and if I recall correctly, Kat said that there are 5 books planned!

That is great because really my poor heart is going to need some closure soon.

So there you have it, this is what you need to know and in the spirit of full disclosure and, I am obsessed with everything that Kat writes! I am fell head over heels in love with the world built here and the amazing characters we got to meet and love along the way.

This is a very beloved series of mine and I am not going to spoil it for you, after all, I am encouraging you to read all the books, and my aim is to make you fall in love with those books just as I did.

Did I mention obsessed?

There you have it.

So we are continuing on this crazy journey with Nazafareen and Darius. Things have moved quite a bit along since Monstrum, a few things have been resolved, so other (big things) are still quite open.

I don’t know if I should say, but there are 2 gigantically bad things happen in this book. One really upset me, the other well… I am still feeling that dagger in my heart.

Did I get you curious?

I know this was done for a reason, but until I know why, well… I am crying!

Kat, quick question; when is book 5 exactly?

To be honest with you guys, I am very deeply emotionally attached to Darius, Nazafareen (the most) and all the friends they made along the way. Though I am currently suffering from emotional trauma, I am really happy to see Javid come back strongly and see his storyline progress in a quite surprising manner!

That I approve!

Based on what is going on and what happened at the end of Nemesis, I am speculating that Javid will play an important role, especially when we see what is going on with the new king.

That is a huge cliffhanger we have been left with and there are a number of loose ends that need to come together, I am thinking here of Victor and Cullach. (This is why you need to read the series)

I have said a lot, dropped a few hints for those who are also reading the series, but I will say no more. Nemesis is amazing, and I am going to very highly recommend it to you all, but for the love of all that is good in this world, please start with The Midnight Sea.

And for those reading the series, enjoy the ride!
Profile Image for Blodreina (Red Queen).
499 reviews51 followers
March 17, 2020
Darkness wasn't worth losing oneself.

♠ Non ho più la pazienza ma devo finire, e lo so che è una cosa brutta da scrivere ma avevo deciso di usare quest'anno povero di release interessanti per cercare di terminare più serie possibili. Mi sto facendo forza approfittando della quarantena.
Come nel caso di Solis anche questo libro sarebbe potuto benissimo essere accorpato a Monstrum ma ovviamente, se devi mettermi 5 capitoli consecutivi (quindi circa 70 pagine), di Javid che partecipa ad un matrimonio inutile ti serve spazio.
Continua anche qui la serie delle decisioni prese a cazzo di cane e delle situazioni poco logiche, Nicodemus vuole davvero uccidere Gaius e non sta facendo il doppio gioco però non dice a Nazafareen un informazione fondamentale, ovvero che il Vatra a quanto pare è immune alle ferite mortali, e lei rimane uccisa proprio perché convinta di averlo ammazzato. Lei ovviamente non è morta o comunque non esattamente. Tu non puoi uccidere la protagonista un libro prima della fine ed illuderti che io ci rimanga male o ci creda, lo fai solo per mettere il draMMa nell'ultimo libro.
Val Moraine è stata ripresa dalle altre roccaforti e tutti stanno cercando Victor, hanno catturato Mithre, Mina e Culach ma nessuno lo ha ancora trovato. Sono almeno 500 persone a cercarlo ma lui sembra essere sparito nel nulla finchè non riappare convenientissimamente appena prima che Culach venga decapitato, già che c'è soffia un corno magico che risveglia i revenants. Sapremo mai dov'è stato tutto quel tempo? No.
Delilah è morta e non riesce neppure a dispiacermi perché è sempre stata una stronza. Galen resta un danai inutile, ancora di più adesso che Nazafareen si rifiuta di liberarlo dal collare e di toglierli il blocco. La capisco da un lato ma dall'altro sta diventando sempre di più una sapientona arrogante e con un senso di superiorità rispetto a chiunque non sia Darius. Forse era così anche nella prima serie ma non mi sembra di ricordare che fosse così presuntuosa e fastidiosa.

♠ Momento altissimo quando a pagina 278, tentando di entrare silenziosamente nel campo per uccidere Gaius, Nazafareen scopre che ci sono anche dei bambini e dice, categorica, che non ucciderà mai un bambino per nessun motivo. 2 pagine dopo (non sto scherzando, pagina 280) ne uccide uno a sangue freddo perché li ha scoperti e sta per urlare.

Ha dovuto eh, sia chiaro, lasciamo perdere che lui comunque riesce ad urlare e tutti li scoprono quindi è stato oltremodo inutile però perchè glielo hai fatto dire? Perchè le devi dare lo scrupolo morale altrimenti diventa un personaggio brutto e non va bene.
Profile Image for Martina.
146 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2024
After a bit slow Monstrum, we sped up toward new twists and turns in Nemesis. Everytime I thaught that there is nothing what could surprise me, author always made something to convince me I am wrong. And after the ending, I am prett glad that this is finished series and I do not have to wait for final book to be released. I can start to read it immediately. (And I will, as soon as I finish this review.)

Culah...well, I like that man. He turned out to be interesting character with knowledge that could be important for the final battle. He is also loyal to Mina and his abaddax, no matter what. Even with Revenants at his back, he couldn´t safe his life - he had to find his new and unexpected love and safe her, too.

Victor...Oh, stubborn and proud Victor. I am so sorry about what happen in this book and I am afraid it would destroy him completely (no spoilers, you have to read it on your own :) ). I am eager to see what his role in Inferno will be. I was not fond of this character in Fourth Element series and I am still not fond of this character, but I learned that eveyone in Kat Ross´s series have their own place, destiny and role to play. Victor, too.

Darius is still just a sweet cinnamon role. You can´t dislike him. The way he accepts Nazafareen is beautifull. The way he still fights for her is amazing. But is he strong enough to endure what happened in Kiln? I hope he is and he will find his happy ending within last pages of Inferno. I would now this within two or three days :)

Nazafareen is still driven by her anger and other negative emotions which feed her power. But she is learning to handle it and to use her power for greater good. Is she the best FMC character I´ve ever met in books? Probably not, but she is relatable and her development is very nice. Some could tell she stays shallow, but I see her journey through the books (including Fourth Element series) and I like her. I can imagine her like real person in real world.

There is a warning within premise of Inferno - because of twists and turns. I am eager to know them, as in Nemesis, Kat Ross played with me like I was her pet dog. :)
Profile Image for Tania.
407 reviews18 followers
October 26, 2018
-ARC kindly offered by Xpresso and author in exchange for an honest review-

I really don't know how to make this woman churn out fabulous novels in no time. I am very happy but also curious, you know. Her stories become more and more compelling instead of boring and come to the end you want it again and again. We have arrived at the fourth volume of the Fourth Talisman series and I assume I miss a fifth to complete it, I'm not sure. But of one thing I'm sure, I'll never have enough of Kat Ross's books.

Nazafareen seems to become more "special". She not only has magic but she turns out to be the Fourth Talisman. This will involve making choices that could save or destroy the entire world. The war is upon them and the Nazafareen's group is on its way to Kiln, a wasteland where enemies will be present ready to attack them.
Mysteries, hatred, betrayals and loves are elements that never fail in this breathtaking story.

I followed and continue to follow the growth of the characters as if they were my children. With admiration and pride I saw Naz become an increasingly fearless and combative woman, a Darius increasingly mature and ready for anything to have a future with her. Giving us also the points of view of Culach and Javid you go to appreciate them as I once did for Balthazar despite being the slave of the antagonist. What I really appreciate is also the variety of love that is found in this series. Not only between a man and a woman but also between those of the same sex, these characters can feel strong feelings in a period of great danger. The scenes between Naz and Darius remain my favorite especially when they share a strong passion.

Kat has made center again and I can't wait to read the next book. I'm doing so many questions to make my head burst. I HAVE TO KNOW! Nothing is taken for granted and this is what I love most.
Profile Image for Arwen.
645 reviews
December 12, 2018
- I received this book free though Xpresso Book Tours.

It is so hard to review a book like this, because I don't want to give any spoilers away. Let's just say that if you have any inkling of interest in the series you should go buy it. Go buy it now! Don't even finish reading this review, just click on this link and go buy it.

The emotional investment I have in these books is crazy. Having been with Nazafareen and Darius for seven books now has been incredible and their story only keeps getting better. There's more drama, more action, more crazy villains, and more reasons to love Kat Ross's world build in Nemesis, but it won't mean much if you haven't put the time in. At the very least get started with Nocturne, because Nemesis isn't a book you can just jump into.

This book build to a crescendo in the series, which is hard to believe considering what the action has been like in the other books. Tensions are running high as true evil finally shows itself. From the mountain of Val Moraine down into crypts filled with secrets, to the Umbria where a showdown results in unbelievable tragedy and into the dangerous wastelands of the Kiln this book keeps you hooked with action, drama, great characters and an imaginative fantasy world. It's unlike any other fantasy I've read.

Once you pick up this series you won't want to put it down. I keep saying it because it's true, "Kat Ross writes binge worthy fantasy."

Bottom Line:
That ending... GAAAAAA!!! Kat Ross what have you done to me?! And when does Inferno come out? I needed it yesterday.
Profile Image for Karla.
489 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2018
So many things happened in Nemesis that it's hard to believe: secrets were revealed, shocking events occurred, etc. and even some unsuspecting deaths that I didn't see coming. The was more world building, getting into the history of the Vatras, more of Culach, the Viper, Javid, Naz and co. as they all try to stop the Vatras from bringing down the Gale and getting out of the Kiln to take over the world. Naz and Darius journey is more arduous than ever, with up and downs everywhere they go. Also we get more chances to get to know Nicodemus, but it does make wonder about his plan he left in motion at Delphi concerning Domitia and Thena before he joined Naz.

And speaking of Naz, that ending! What a way to leave us hanging! I can't wait for the next and last book Inferno to come out. I just hope for a happy ending and for things to be resolved but with that ending, it really shows how good the story and characters are.

Also, I need to know what happens next with Thena and Domitia (although Thena still gets on my nerves with her obsession with Darius). It does make wonder if Thena really does hear Apollo speaking to her or if she's really just crazy. I'm starting to slowly see how things are falling into place, I hope the last installment of the Fourth Talisman series answers all my questions in Inferno along with other questions like what will happen with Naz and Darius, Nico and Gaius and the Vatras, will Javid manage to get away from the mad King, will Culach, Mina, Victor and Mithre make it to the Marakai and get help from Meb, what happened to Galen, Katrin, and Rhea, among others with this cliffhanger ending.
Profile Image for M.K..
Author 1 book23 followers
October 23, 2018
(за българското ревю цъкнете тук :) )

Kat Ross is a force of nature and Nemesis proves it once again. I won't go into many details so that I do not spoil the book for you. But this woman is tireless in her efforts to bring us joy and pleasure from reading. This is not just a simple young adult fantasy book. It is so much more.

I read it 2 days ago, practically binge-read it once it landed on my Kindle. Ross' narrative kept me on pins and needles throughout the whole book. I am just happy to be able to dive into the world with my favorite characters once again.

Nazafareen and Darius are put through hell again, along with their partners and enemies alike. One would think that after the second and third time you have been exposed to the suffering of Ross' characters, there is nothing more to surprise you. WRONG! Nemesis offers twists and turns on every page.

There were just two small things I did not like and consider to be more of a plot-mover than anything with additional value for the story. But they did not ruin my experience. This has been the most pleasant read I have had in a very long time. Now it's time to patiently await the next book. Oh my, give my heart strength!
Profile Image for Sarah.
168 reviews31 followers
October 21, 2018
Every time I finish one of Kat's books, the same thing happens. I never know quite what to say.

Because they're always so good. This one was no different.

In fact, this one might take the cake. Out of all of them.

Nazafareen and Darius are on this epic quest to do right but mortal and Daeva alike. There isn't much I can say about plot without giving too much away, but things are quickly spiraling out of control here in Nemesis and it's setting things up in a major way.

Naz and Darius are way up at the top of my list of favorite ships and their relationship is as solid here as its been, maybe more so.

But can they really trust Nico? Can they kill Gaius? Can they stop the Pythia?

All these fronts combine here into the perfect storm and it's anyone's guess.

If you like historical fiction, fantasy, and elements of romance, you're gonna love this. And you're gonna love Kat Ross.

Thank you so much to the author for the free ARC to review. I'd do the thing where I say how that didn't effect my review, but it's pointless because I'd buy these books over and over. Let that tell you how good these are.
Profile Image for Sharon Hughson.
Author 31 books63 followers
October 24, 2018
I adore Nazafareen and Culach has been growing on me. I expected this to be the final book in this series but it is not. It earns 3.5 out of five stars from me.
And because of that it read a LOT like a middle book in a series. We learned a bunch of information, especially about the Vatras. Events spun into place for the set-up of a huge showdown, both in Delphi and Samarquand.
But nothing was truly resolved. Oh, there's a moment when I felt a little letdown. "That's how she's going to be defeated?!?" But read on my friend. Nothing will ever be that easy.
I groaned at some of the "happenstance" as too convenient. I gasped as characters fell. I groped for some sense of "things will get better."
But this book is "The Empire Strikes Back" of FOURTH TALISMAN. The talismans that have been the central push for the entire book play very little role in this book. That in itself tells you it's not the final book of the series.
But I despised STAR WARS EPISODE V. Passionately. I don't want the dark side coming out ahead, not even for a moment. Why four stars then?
Because I enjoyed the journey. It didn't satisfy my need for a problem and resolution, but it kept me reading.
Profile Image for Jasmyn.
1,604 reviews19 followers
March 19, 2019
Nemesis brings a lot of the Fourth Talisman characters back together again - only to send them off on their own quests once again. I love how Kat Ross keeps her world so large and on such a grand scale but still manages to keep me close to the characters I've grown to love.

In Nemesis, I got to travel deep into the Kiln as Nazafareen hunts the leader of the Vatras, a man from the legends with a tie to the realm of Dominions (the underworld). I found it fascinating that we've made it into the fourth book and I seem to be just now introduced to the real bad guy - very impressive, as there were plenty of plots and plans along the way to keep everyone busy.

There were some rather surprising twists, including Javid's life at the palace under the watch of a royal addicted to spell dust (which, btw, ewww gross, but moving on) that has already gone crazy and is only going to get even more so. But all these scattered storylines are coming together in an amazing way, and I really want to see how all the threads come together.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
Profile Image for Ani.
256 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2018
Another fantastic instalment from Kat Ross!

I absolutely love the way this author writes. It doesn’t matter how long it has been since I have read the last book I am immediately swept back in to the adventure. Characters that were showing weakness in the last book have strengthened their resolve. Obstacles are easily scaled but other threats lay on the horizon. A foreboding settles in half way through when you realise there is a lot more book left and, what you thought was, the enemy has been thwarted. It’s the knowledge that a greater evil is left behind and you aren’t sure the heroes can win!

Every chapter stokes the need in you to see this story to the end. Your angst rises but so does your love for these characters. You can’t help wanting to shout at the characters to warn them of what is coming.

This series is an adrenaline rush. A strong set of female characters with complimenting male leads, I just love this series and this book definitely gave me everything I expect from Kat Ross and more!
Profile Image for Musings of a Middle-aged Mum.
188 reviews
July 12, 2021
Nocturne by Kat Ross is N in my A-Z Challenge of Fiction Titles. This is part of The Fourth Talisman series, which is a sequel to The Fourth Element Series, so as a quick recap, I reread the review I had written previously.

The book starts with Nazafareen being held in Nocturne after she has lost all her memories. She has been advised not to travel without being accompanied, but she is aware there is more going on than meets the eye, convinced that if she could regain her memories everything would fall into place. After stowing away aboard an air-ship, Nazafareen discovers the other lands are not all they seem.
As with the previous series by Kat Ross, I couldn't put these books down, and ended up buying the rest of the series: Solis, Monstrum, Nemesis, and Inferno.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot of these books, but it is another epic adventure mixing magic, religion, revenge, power, love and action.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for brii | brii (three months behind...).
845 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2025
So much went down in this installment, I don’t even know where to start.

Right off the bat I’ll say that Javid and Nico’s pov’s were my favorite. Considering they’re both new(er) characters to this world, they are absolutely fantastic and have added so much to the band of people that I know and love.

There were so many twists and turns and betrayals in this book that I couldn’t put it down. I finished it within 24 hours because I absolutely HAD to know what was going to happen.

This was the best one yet, and I’m 100% not ready to head into the finale of this series. How am I ever going to let go?
Profile Image for Arlene Mullen.
516 reviews8 followers
October 28, 2018
This book can not be read as a stand alone. You need to read the first 3 beforehand.

So anyway it starts with culach is alone and trying to help. He is suffering and blind. Nazafareen wants to stop Vatras and the road is a dangerous and suprising one.

So this is one of those sci fi type series that you have to make sure you devote yourself to it. There is a lot of long, difficult and not able to pronounce name. I had a hard time staying interested and had to keep re reading parts when I would have to put it down. 
Profile Image for lajacbs .
135 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2018
I’m a fan, what more can I say?

I’ve loved this tale since book one and now I’m impatiently waiting for the next installment. Most multi book stories tend to have a lull somewhere in the middle, this is one of the few that kept steady and intriguing throughout. It’s so multidimensional and the characters are so well fleshed our and interesting. The world building is incredibly believable and well thought out. This story needs to be a movie. Love the characters, love the fantasy elements, love to hate the “bad guys.”
Profile Image for Fiona Andrew.
767 reviews16 followers
December 11, 2019
Oh no

What an ending. I’m sitting on the edge of my seat champing at the bit to go read the next book. The world building and characters in this book are awesome, there is so many new characters. Some good and some so evil I don’t even want to think about them. How is our team going to get through this adventure. I can’t wait to see how all the story arc’s are pulled together. Highly recommended.
137 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2018
And here I was, thinking that this was the conclusion to the series....
Some very nice plotturns, some more predictable, but nevertheless, enjoyable till the last page!
Looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Angel Ballard.
771 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2021
Heart-pounding action!
This story kept my pulse pounding as the story reaches into the reader's very soul! So many twists and turns that you find yourself reading faster to find out what happens! This series just keeps getting better and better!
Profile Image for Rowan Creech.
1,519 reviews14 followers
July 15, 2021
Kat Ross is one of those few authors who achieve the greatness of authors like Stephen King and JK Rowling through such excellent writing. Her characters and storyline are flawless and enthralling. This book was superb as every other book that I have read that she has written.
Profile Image for Sky.
22 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2021
Never ending adventure

This book has been one wild ride. The characters are vibrant The adventures they go through have been amazing causing me to want to keep reading way past my bedtime.
Profile Image for Christa Yelich-Koth.
Author 20 books42 followers
October 26, 2018
Fantastic book 4 in this series! Some great twists and character development. You never know who will end up a hero and who a villain. Excited for the conclusion in book 5!
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