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The Dragori #3
Poisoned in Light
Magicks collide in the third and final installment of the M/M fantasy The Dragori Series by Bestselling Author Ben Alderson
Zacriah is imprisoned within the city of Lilioira which is firmly under the control of Gordex. Separated from Hadrian and his allies, he tries to deal with a darkness that grows within him. A new, deadly power. Heart Magick.
The Druid will stop at nothing to retrieve the final Dragori to complete his ultimate plan of raising his kin once again. And all it takes is one failed rescue mission to set the wheels of doom in motion.
Time is not on the side of light.
War brews upon the horizon.
Zacriah is imprisoned within the city of Lilioira which is firmly under the control of Gordex. Separated from Hadrian and his allies, he tries to deal with a darkness that grows within him. A new, deadly power. Heart Magick.
The Druid will stop at nothing to retrieve the final Dragori to complete his ultimate plan of raising his kin once again. And all it takes is one failed rescue mission to set the wheels of doom in motion.
Time is not on the side of light.
War brews upon the horizon.
482 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2019
60 people are currently reading
1768 people want to read
About the author
Ben Alderson
30 books14.4k followersBen Alderson is a #1 Amazon bestselling author. His stories are set in fantasy worlds filled with magic, adventure and MM romance. Ben lives in Oxfordshire and, when not writing, can be found reading, taking Winston - his Labrador - out for long walks, or obsessing over Marvel’s The Scarlet Witch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 22, 2025
Finished another series
February 28, 2019
Should be a four
I am not sure if the Kindle version was edited. It was terrible. There were missing words, extra random words like a copy and paste gone awry, and wrong words that made no sense. I like the characters and the story. The writing is a little stiff sometimes, but just some editing would go a long way.
I am not sure if the Kindle version was edited. It was terrible. There were missing words, extra random words like a copy and paste gone awry, and wrong words that made no sense. I like the characters and the story. The writing is a little stiff sometimes, but just some editing would go a long way.
April 19, 2019
POISONED IN LIGHT (The Dragori #3)
•
•
• ⭐:4,0/5
•
•
💬: Ah! This last volume was a ride! Zac is imprisoned by The Druid and apart from all his friends and his love. Having to do the whims of the person he most detest, he will have to keep strong and hope that he will get out from Gordex’s grasp while having to deal with Marthil, the fourth and evil Dragori. Will Zac and his friends be together again? Will they defeat the Druid? Will peace reign again? WIll Gordex retrieve the final Dragori and rule all? That were some questions I asked myself when starting this last volume.
And the war was coming, I just knew it.
The first third of the book we see Zacriah having to deal with being all alone and suffering in the hands of Gordex, at the same time trying to understand what are the plans and also trying to figure it out a way to escape. When he is back with everyone, including his prince, everything starts to evolve. They find allies, and they make some mistakes, but I think that was the best part of it. It would be an incredible dull journey if everything went right.
Once again the author showed his amazing craft when writing fight scenes as well when playing with our senses while describing feelings and places. Everything seems real and alive.
It’s strange to think it’s the last one, even with the conclusion, I still think there are more to their story. I absolutely adored the way Ben ended the book and how bittersweet everything was. I’m hoping that someday we get to see Nyah, Emmaline, Tiv, Hadrian and Zacriah again.
•
•
• ⭐:4,0/5
•
•
💬: Ah! This last volume was a ride! Zac is imprisoned by The Druid and apart from all his friends and his love. Having to do the whims of the person he most detest, he will have to keep strong and hope that he will get out from Gordex’s grasp while having to deal with Marthil, the fourth and evil Dragori. Will Zac and his friends be together again? Will they defeat the Druid? Will peace reign again? WIll Gordex retrieve the final Dragori and rule all? That were some questions I asked myself when starting this last volume.
And the war was coming, I just knew it.
The first third of the book we see Zacriah having to deal with being all alone and suffering in the hands of Gordex, at the same time trying to understand what are the plans and also trying to figure it out a way to escape. When he is back with everyone, including his prince, everything starts to evolve. They find allies, and they make some mistakes, but I think that was the best part of it. It would be an incredible dull journey if everything went right.
Once again the author showed his amazing craft when writing fight scenes as well when playing with our senses while describing feelings and places. Everything seems real and alive.
It’s strange to think it’s the last one, even with the conclusion, I still think there are more to their story. I absolutely adored the way Ben ended the book and how bittersweet everything was. I’m hoping that someday we get to see Nyah, Emmaline, Tiv, Hadrian and Zacriah again.
April 17, 2019
And now, The Dragori series has come to an end which kind of makes me sad. This has been one of the only young adult series that I've actually enjoyed. Poisoned in Light was a perfect way to end this and I can happily say that this book exceeded my expectations.
March 12, 2023
I wasn't sure how I felt about Zacriah and Hadrian’s relationship in this one. I really wanted to like them together, but they just seemed so different. Hadrian was always shown as being worldly and mature, while Zacriah seemed to be more innocent and childlike. I had a hard time seeing them as a good match for each other.
It seemed pretty obvious to me why Gordex wanted to keep all four of the Dragori alive. One, he can control them like puppets to hurt other people from afar, which is extremely helpful when he is going into battle. And two, by drawing on their powers, he can use them himself. Pretty sure if Gordex killed them, that source of power would die as well. He doesn’t want to give up that magic over the elements. There may have been another point as well (which we did find out at the end), but there was no reason for Zacriah to question this the way he did. He had some explanations already.
I understand what the author was going for at the end, but having Hadrian propose to Zacriah just seemed like a bit much. They haven’t known each other that long. Not to mention there was a war going on during their whole courtship, and for most of that, Hadrian was wounded/in a magician sleep state and Zacriah was being held prisoner by Gordex. It just seemed too soon for a proposal to me.
4.5 stars
It seemed pretty obvious to me why Gordex wanted to keep all four of the Dragori alive. One, he can control them like puppets to hurt other people from afar, which is extremely helpful when he is going into battle. And two, by drawing on their powers, he can use them himself. Pretty sure if Gordex killed them, that source of power would die as well. He doesn’t want to give up that magic over the elements. There may have been another point as well (which we did find out at the end), but there was no reason for Zacriah to question this the way he did. He had some explanations already.
I understand what the author was going for at the end, but having Hadrian propose to Zacriah just seemed like a bit much. They haven’t known each other that long. Not to mention there was a war going on during their whole courtship, and for most of that, Hadrian was wounded/in a magician sleep state and Zacriah was being held prisoner by Gordex. It just seemed too soon for a proposal to me.
4.5 stars
February 11, 2019
Ben Alderson is a meticulous craftsman who is able to use unique imagery to grab your heart from the first line until the last. I will forever be rereading this book.
(spoiler free)
I thought the first two book where amazing but this one blew the rest out of the water. It is so clear to see how far the writing has progressed from the first book to this one, and with it, you can see the clear progression of the characters and the story. Ben is an artist within his writing style, using creative similes and metaphors to help immerse you into the book whole heartedly, keeping your imagination running wild with the beautiful images of the world he creates. The writing in this book is completely inclusive to the point where you don't feel as if you are just reading about others, but you can relate to the characters and live through them.
Of course, my love throughout this series has only grown for the characters but it has got to the point where I was in tears, terrified that something was going to happen to one of them. I will always stand by the relationships between Zac and Hadrian, and Zac and Nyah, but within this story I found a new couple in which I would die for to keep them together.
If you have read the second book and my review on it you know that the love of my life is little Tiv, that boy stole my heart from his first line and to this point I will always love him (please can we have a book following this little angel?).
I honestly cannot wait to see what will happen in the future in regards to this series (Ben recently announce the rights have been sold to have it published in France, congrats) as it deserves all of the praise that it gets. If you pick up this book series I can guarantee you will not be disappointed in the slightest.
(spoiler free)
I thought the first two book where amazing but this one blew the rest out of the water. It is so clear to see how far the writing has progressed from the first book to this one, and with it, you can see the clear progression of the characters and the story. Ben is an artist within his writing style, using creative similes and metaphors to help immerse you into the book whole heartedly, keeping your imagination running wild with the beautiful images of the world he creates. The writing in this book is completely inclusive to the point where you don't feel as if you are just reading about others, but you can relate to the characters and live through them.
Of course, my love throughout this series has only grown for the characters but it has got to the point where I was in tears, terrified that something was going to happen to one of them. I will always stand by the relationships between Zac and Hadrian, and Zac and Nyah, but within this story I found a new couple in which I would die for to keep them together.
If you have read the second book and my review on it you know that the love of my life is little Tiv, that boy stole my heart from his first line and to this point I will always love him (please can we have a book following this little angel?).
I honestly cannot wait to see what will happen in the future in regards to this series (Ben recently announce the rights have been sold to have it published in France, congrats) as it deserves all of the praise that it gets. If you pick up this book series I can guarantee you will not be disappointed in the slightest.
June 7, 2021
“I will be here to slay the monsters and vanquish the dark. Just make sure you stay with me because I might need saving as well.”
OH MY GOSH!! This book was everything I wanted it to be. It tied the trilogy up so nicely.
There is a huge threat of Dark Magic in Morgatis that Zachary and his friends need to defeat. Friendships, loyalty and relationships are put through thick and thin throughout the journey.
Ben’s story telling is just absolutely beautiful, you fall in love with the way he writes these characters and worlds. I so wish we had another book on these wonderful characters.
I now have a huge whole in my heart from where these characters have perched themselves. Zachary and Hadrian will always have a very special place, I really hope we get to see more of them in the future.
“I want to see it burn.””You are my soulmate.””And you are mine.”
OH MY GOSH!! This book was everything I wanted it to be. It tied the trilogy up so nicely.
There is a huge threat of Dark Magic in Morgatis that Zachary and his friends need to defeat. Friendships, loyalty and relationships are put through thick and thin throughout the journey.
Ben’s story telling is just absolutely beautiful, you fall in love with the way he writes these characters and worlds. I so wish we had another book on these wonderful characters.
I now have a huge whole in my heart from where these characters have perched themselves. Zachary and Hadrian will always have a very special place, I really hope we get to see more of them in the future.
“I want to see it burn.””You are my soulmate.””And you are mine.”
May 2, 2021
As usual this series had me hooked the whole time and the endinggggggg. I will never stop recommending this series to people it’s beautifully written however I can’t help but feel empty knowing this was the last book😩 I will remember this series forever and Nyahhhhhh 😩 talk about a strong woman this book cannot be put into words but I can say it’s more than amazing 😂
August 29, 2021
A truly magical conclusion to the Dragori Series! Ben Alderson as created a wonderful, magical world in which queer people can exist happily and fully. Tiv owns me and the rest of the internet.
January 10, 2019
Wow wow !!!!
What a story. I loved it. From the moment I started until the end.
This Trilogy is one of the best that I have read. Great job Ben.
What a story. I loved it. From the moment I started until the end.
This Trilogy is one of the best that I have read. Great job Ben.
February 21, 2019
Great end to a series!
I’m going to miss Hadrian.
I’m going to miss Hadrian.
June 17, 2020
Bringing it down to a 4/5 stars!
I enjoyed seeing this story end, it's definitely one of my favorites, it's fast paced and the characters are all compelling and the plot is well thought out. I loved seeing Zac and Hadrian's relationship move forward and start to grow and I enjoyed seeing these characters face these hard moments with some kind of fight.
My biggest issue was that there were instances where it felt like things came around far too easily, or lacked build up. Sometimes it felt like things came to them with a cute little bow at the top and I would have liked to have seen that build up or that problem to be an actual problem. The ending also felt a little... easy. We didn't get an explanation for the big twist toward the end and then all of a sudden, it happened and we got the explanation after.
Overall, I still enjoyed this book and it was a good way to end the series, but I would have liked to have seen more.
I enjoyed seeing this story end, it's definitely one of my favorites, it's fast paced and the characters are all compelling and the plot is well thought out. I loved seeing Zac and Hadrian's relationship move forward and start to grow and I enjoyed seeing these characters face these hard moments with some kind of fight.
My biggest issue was that there were instances where it felt like things came around far too easily, or lacked build up. Sometimes it felt like things came to them with a cute little bow at the top and I would have liked to have seen that build up or that problem to be an actual problem. The ending also felt a little... easy. We didn't get an explanation for the big twist toward the end and then all of a sudden, it happened and we got the explanation after.
Overall, I still enjoyed this book and it was a good way to end the series, but I would have liked to have seen more.
June 16, 2025
(I've listened to the books, so names & places may be misspelled as I'm writing them phonetically!)
Lordy... I'm on the verge of DNF'ing.
I honestly thought that it would improve from the last one, but I'm about 3 hours in & so far, it's even worse than the previous one.
It's just chock full of illogical choices by most characters.
Now, being someone who loves history, I'm aware that when people are subjugated to abuse & an oppressive power, they go underground & try to fight the enemy, not directly as that would be moronic, but in all the possible underhanded ways at hand. Poison, trying to stab them in the back when they're distracted, etc... NEVER do people in ridiculously small numbers try to take on an enemy that is ridiculously overpowered by facing them directly & using rusty knives at that 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
& honestly, I'm still struggling to understand why the author chose Zacriah as the MC. This boy is as dumb as they come.
Even though he's both being told, shown or it's obvious exactly how things are gonna go down, he needs at least 5 years to compute & act! Lord give me strength 🙄😒
As with the previous instalment, there are (naturally) consequences to any action, however he never acts in time to be of any help to anyone & then later, we get the self-pitying "I should've done..." YES, YOU SHOULD'VE... at what point does this boy actually start using his brain &/or actually learn to react in "real" time & in an effective manner?!?
He's without a doubt the weakest link in the whole off the Dragori chain, yet I'm being forced to suffer through his relentless stupidity in the vain hope that he finally grows a working brain & learns to think before reacting in the most foolish manner possible. Fat chance as far as I can tell!
At one point, he's incapacitated by the psychotic 4th Dragori & yes, I can understand his reluctance to kill her, however she IS irredeemable, but instead of incapacitating her to a point that she'll no longer be a threat without actually killing her. He takes her to the brink & then he leaves her hearty & whole & naturally, she's still the menace that she ever was 🤦♀️🤦♀️
I'm not too certain if the author is gonna try for a sob story to redeem her character, but that won't really work as she's got rivers of blood on her hands.
It would've worked if we'd met her as an innocent girl who was led astray due to lack of love, care & attention (it's still moronic to me, that her sister, who was a respected Council member couldn't bring her along & that NO-ONE knew the exiled Dragori was her sister 🙄)... however when we meet her she's already unhinged & beyond salvation... so just do away with her already.
I came for Hadrian & I'm getting everyone else BUT him & IMO, he's the only character who is MC worthy as he IS intelligent, does think things through & thinks before he acts (even he's made some dumb decisions, but I blame the author for that).
Also, the timeline in the story is all over the place.
At the start of the story, Dum-Dum (the MC shall henceforth be known by no other name as far as I'm concerned) states that it's been WEEKS since what happened in the previous book, yet suddenly it's only one week when he's talking to one of the antagonists, so it's kinda hard to keep up!
& spare me.... Now, I KNOW that Nyah loves Zacriah & she'd do anything for him, but that she folded so quickly after only one little tap?! She took 2 extended taps, took it like a woman 💪 & by this point, it should be clear to everyone that Evilus (antagonist's new name as he's a generic evil dude, but kudos for his level of delusion & how psychotic he is 👏👏👏, but his motivations are BLAH at the moment), is not gonna kill Zacriah... so WHY did she fold so quickly.
He literally walked into the throne room, alone without any escorts & he has no visible scars... he's in no real danger... I honestly expected a lot better from Nyah & I just hope this author doesn't kill her like he decided to kill Jasrov, who did NOT deserve his fate.
He redeems Ilira, who suddenly hates killing, but really looked like she was gunning for Zacriah's death during their duel... so, what gives?!
Yet, he breaks mine & my girl Nyah's heart. I LOVED Josref & his Belle...they were such a wonderful addition to this extended family 🥹
Maybe, it is just me, but if the series had been multiple POVs, I might not dislike Dum-Dum as much... but it's tedious to spend so much time in the company of someone who is so incredibly dumb, doesn't learn from past mistakes of his, keeps doing the exact same things that he's done since book one, yet continuously expects different results 🤦♀️
Heck... give us all a break & tell us how Emmaline & Ilira are getting on.. . Is their love blossoming, are they FB official yet... what's the T?!?
There is a plus, I still do prefer him to the FMC on 4th wing, who has singlehandedly put me off F/M romances for the foreseeable future, but I'm also concerned that if Dum-Dum becomes as TSTL as the 4W FMC did, I might be put off M/M books & I'd really hate that!
I think I'm gonna give it a break & pick it back up in a few weeks time... hopefully that'll help, because currently the whole book so far, has just been one dumb decision after another & I've kinda reached my limit 🤷♀️
Lordy... I'm on the verge of DNF'ing.
I honestly thought that it would improve from the last one, but I'm about 3 hours in & so far, it's even worse than the previous one.
It's just chock full of illogical choices by most characters.
Now, being someone who loves history, I'm aware that when people are subjugated to abuse & an oppressive power, they go underground & try to fight the enemy, not directly as that would be moronic, but in all the possible underhanded ways at hand. Poison, trying to stab them in the back when they're distracted, etc... NEVER do people in ridiculously small numbers try to take on an enemy that is ridiculously overpowered by facing them directly & using rusty knives at that 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
& honestly, I'm still struggling to understand why the author chose Zacriah as the MC. This boy is as dumb as they come.
Even though he's both being told, shown or it's obvious exactly how things are gonna go down, he needs at least 5 years to compute & act! Lord give me strength 🙄😒
As with the previous instalment, there are (naturally) consequences to any action, however he never acts in time to be of any help to anyone & then later, we get the self-pitying "I should've done..." YES, YOU SHOULD'VE... at what point does this boy actually start using his brain &/or actually learn to react in "real" time & in an effective manner?!?
He's without a doubt the weakest link in the whole off the Dragori chain, yet I'm being forced to suffer through his relentless stupidity in the vain hope that he finally grows a working brain & learns to think before reacting in the most foolish manner possible. Fat chance as far as I can tell!
At one point, he's incapacitated by the psychotic 4th Dragori & yes, I can understand his reluctance to kill her, however she IS irredeemable, but instead of incapacitating her to a point that she'll no longer be a threat without actually killing her. He takes her to the brink & then he leaves her hearty & whole & naturally, she's still the menace that she ever was 🤦♀️🤦♀️
I'm not too certain if the author is gonna try for a sob story to redeem her character, but that won't really work as she's got rivers of blood on her hands.
It would've worked if we'd met her as an innocent girl who was led astray due to lack of love, care & attention (it's still moronic to me, that her sister, who was a respected Council member couldn't bring her along & that NO-ONE knew the exiled Dragori was her sister 🙄)... however when we meet her she's already unhinged & beyond salvation... so just do away with her already.
I came for Hadrian & I'm getting everyone else BUT him & IMO, he's the only character who is MC worthy as he IS intelligent, does think things through & thinks before he acts (even he's made some dumb decisions, but I blame the author for that).
Also, the timeline in the story is all over the place.
At the start of the story, Dum-Dum (the MC shall henceforth be known by no other name as far as I'm concerned) states that it's been WEEKS since what happened in the previous book, yet suddenly it's only one week when he's talking to one of the antagonists, so it's kinda hard to keep up!
& spare me.... Now, I KNOW that Nyah loves Zacriah & she'd do anything for him, but that she folded so quickly after only one little tap?! She took 2 extended taps, took it like a woman 💪 & by this point, it should be clear to everyone that Evilus (antagonist's new name as he's a generic evil dude, but kudos for his level of delusion & how psychotic he is 👏👏👏, but his motivations are BLAH at the moment), is not gonna kill Zacriah... so WHY did she fold so quickly.
He literally walked into the throne room, alone without any escorts & he has no visible scars... he's in no real danger... I honestly expected a lot better from Nyah & I just hope this author doesn't kill her like he decided to kill Jasrov, who did NOT deserve his fate.
He redeems Ilira, who suddenly hates killing, but really looked like she was gunning for Zacriah's death during their duel... so, what gives?!
Yet, he breaks mine & my girl Nyah's heart. I LOVED Josref & his Belle...they were such a wonderful addition to this extended family 🥹
Maybe, it is just me, but if the series had been multiple POVs, I might not dislike Dum-Dum as much... but it's tedious to spend so much time in the company of someone who is so incredibly dumb, doesn't learn from past mistakes of his, keeps doing the exact same things that he's done since book one, yet continuously expects different results 🤦♀️
Heck... give us all a break & tell us how Emmaline & Ilira are getting on.. . Is their love blossoming, are they FB official yet... what's the T?!?
There is a plus, I still do prefer him to the FMC on 4th wing, who has singlehandedly put me off F/M romances for the foreseeable future, but I'm also concerned that if Dum-Dum becomes as TSTL as the 4W FMC did, I might be put off M/M books & I'd really hate that!
I think I'm gonna give it a break & pick it back up in a few weeks time... hopefully that'll help, because currently the whole book so far, has just been one dumb decision after another & I've kinda reached my limit 🤷♀️
February 21, 2019
Actual rating: 1.5 stars.
August 2, 2021
I didn't quite like this one as much as the previous two, it felt like it dragged on and had a kind of lackluster ending and I just sort of slogged through it to find out how everything finished.
November 24, 2022
Overall, a pretty satisfying conclusion to an interesting trilogy filled with fascinating characters and a fairly intriguing plot. Most of the plot threads wrapped up nicely, and each of the main characters got a complete arc with a solid ending. There were also some good twists and turns throughout, and the ending of the main plot even managed to somewhat divert expectations. I also thought the prose was a good mix between simplistic and descriptive - though there were a lot of mistakes, so a bit more editing would have been a good idea.
Spoilers below!
With all that being said, there are some notable flaws because no book is perfect. There are quite a few unanswered questions, and I can definitely see places where some subplots were likely intended to be included before being scrapped. One of the more glaringly obvious ones is the existence of the fifth Dragori, mentioned near the end of book two. Despite the characters making a big deal out of this in the last book, it isn't even mentioned here. What was the point of that? Was there actually a fifth Dragori or not? If so, why are the main characters and main antagonist not more concerned about that? There are also a few other questions that seem like they might lead to a subplot but ultimately don't go anywhere. What happened to King Dalior? Did he recover, or was he just stuck in a magical coma forever? What about Tiv's parents? It also seems like there might be some Niraen elves who take issue with Hadrian being on the throne, but this unrest is really never mentioned, apart from a handful of offhand remarks. Also, what was the point of the Staff of Light? The main characters mention needing to get it away from Gordex's possession but never really make any attempt to actually do so, and even though it's supposed to be a weapon, it doesn't really seem to do much either, aside from serving as an ingredient in Gordex's ritual.
There are probably more unanswered questions, but these are the main ones that I found myself asking throughout the book. Of course, I still think it's a pretty good conclusion to the series, and I enjoyed the book, but I do think that there are some loose ends that could have been tied up better or left out entirely.
Spoilers below!
With all that being said, there are some notable flaws because no book is perfect. There are quite a few unanswered questions, and I can definitely see places where some subplots were likely intended to be included before being scrapped. One of the more glaringly obvious ones is the existence of the fifth Dragori, mentioned near the end of book two. Despite the characters making a big deal out of this in the last book, it isn't even mentioned here. What was the point of that? Was there actually a fifth Dragori or not? If so, why are the main characters and main antagonist not more concerned about that? There are also a few other questions that seem like they might lead to a subplot but ultimately don't go anywhere. What happened to King Dalior? Did he recover, or was he just stuck in a magical coma forever? What about Tiv's parents? It also seems like there might be some Niraen elves who take issue with Hadrian being on the throne, but this unrest is really never mentioned, apart from a handful of offhand remarks. Also, what was the point of the Staff of Light? The main characters mention needing to get it away from Gordex's possession but never really make any attempt to actually do so, and even though it's supposed to be a weapon, it doesn't really seem to do much either, aside from serving as an ingredient in Gordex's ritual.
There are probably more unanswered questions, but these are the main ones that I found myself asking throughout the book. Of course, I still think it's a pretty good conclusion to the series, and I enjoyed the book, but I do think that there are some loose ends that could have been tied up better or left out entirely.
February 7, 2021
I'm shocked. I'm genuinely blindsided. After the utter disappointment of both Cloaked in Shadow and Found in Night, Poisoned in Light is genuinely not terrible. That isn't particularly high praise, but it's about all I can muster considering the good and bad aspects of this book.
Poisoned in Light does have a great deal of the issues that the first two books in the Dragori series did. It's clear, however, that Ben Alderson has made some improvements over the course of the books, because where this third installment has similar problems to the first two books, they occur far less often. This novel clearly lacked decent editing, with typos, clunky sentences, and overuse of adjectives featuring heavily throughout.
However! Alderson's sense of pacing is considerably improved. I was genuinely interested in what was happening for almost the entire story, and enough was going on at any giving moment without being overwhelming. Characterizations were somewhat better . Dialogue has improved and I found myself truly invested in the Zacriah/Hadrian romance arc for the first time. Bravo!
Also, and I cannot believe I'm typing this: I loved the ending. I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was (given my opinion of the first two books, especially), but it hit all the marks. It resolved the plot, allowed characters time to wrap up their own personal arcs, and added some lovely comic relief involving Zacriah's family in the epilogue. It was an excellent conclusion for a lackluster trilogy, and somehow that makes it all the more valuable.
It's worth saying that Alderson's effort is commendable. A book is hard work; a trilogy is a feat. If this is only his beginning, it's really not that bad. I'll be interested to see what he's writing five years down the road.
Poisoned in Light does have a great deal of the issues that the first two books in the Dragori series did. It's clear, however, that Ben Alderson has made some improvements over the course of the books, because where this third installment has similar problems to the first two books, they occur far less often. This novel clearly lacked decent editing, with typos, clunky sentences, and overuse of adjectives featuring heavily throughout.
However! Alderson's sense of pacing is considerably improved. I was genuinely interested in what was happening for almost the entire story, and enough was going on at any giving moment without being overwhelming. Characterizations were somewhat better . Dialogue has improved and I found myself truly invested in the Zacriah/Hadrian romance arc for the first time. Bravo!
Also, and I cannot believe I'm typing this: I loved the ending. I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was (given my opinion of the first two books, especially), but it hit all the marks. It resolved the plot, allowed characters time to wrap up their own personal arcs, and added some lovely comic relief involving Zacriah's family in the epilogue. It was an excellent conclusion for a lackluster trilogy, and somehow that makes it all the more valuable.
It's worth saying that Alderson's effort is commendable. A book is hard work; a trilogy is a feat. If this is only his beginning, it's really not that bad. I'll be interested to see what he's writing five years down the road.
January 25, 2022
I try to make it short:
I like the writing style even thought they were still some typos and mistakes in this book. But it was worlds better than book 2. Also not as flowery - the style.
I still couldn't really connect with the characters and found the main character zac unbearable at points in the plot. It kinda lacked some character work especially between certain characters but it was better in this book than in the first two.
But please, I would have loved to slap zac for some stupid and obviously dumb things he had done or said.
Also the characters felt quite dense at some points. Especially if it came to revealing certain situations...
But my main issue was the plot. Only because there were a few big plott holes in it and the way the conflict was settled... I was just not impressed and still had a lot of questions in the end. It also wasn't really coherent how they used they magic in different situations but in other situations that mattered they couldn't do it again ... why?
Like zac could free the shadowbeings of the shadows inside them but didn't attempt that in the final war? He could calm a storm, absorbed it but didn't do something this grand in the final battle?
Also - just my personal wish - I would have liked for him to lose more if his control, like really losing it and than come back better and stronger but it just never felt high stakes.
So there was a lot I felt mäh about but I think this trilogy showed the potential of the author and the imagination of the worlds he can create.
It was at least enjoyable and worth the try. Nothing ground breaking but it doesn't need to be, as long as you have fun reading it.
I like the writing style even thought they were still some typos and mistakes in this book. But it was worlds better than book 2. Also not as flowery - the style.
I still couldn't really connect with the characters and found the main character zac unbearable at points in the plot. It kinda lacked some character work especially between certain characters but it was better in this book than in the first two.
But please, I would have loved to slap zac for some stupid and obviously dumb things he had done or said.
Also the characters felt quite dense at some points. Especially if it came to revealing certain situations...
But my main issue was the plot. Only because there were a few big plott holes in it and the way the conflict was settled... I was just not impressed and still had a lot of questions in the end. It also wasn't really coherent how they used they magic in different situations but in other situations that mattered they couldn't do it again ... why?
Like zac could free the shadowbeings of the shadows inside them but didn't attempt that in the final war? He could calm a storm, absorbed it but didn't do something this grand in the final battle?
Also - just my personal wish - I would have liked for him to lose more if his control, like really losing it and than come back better and stronger but it just never felt high stakes.
So there was a lot I felt mäh about but I think this trilogy showed the potential of the author and the imagination of the worlds he can create.
It was at least enjoyable and worth the try. Nothing ground breaking but it doesn't need to be, as long as you have fun reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2019
"Poisoned in Light" is the clever, remarkable conclusion to the Dragori trilogy by Ben Alderson. A satisfying tying up of the epic series about several elf nations banning together to fight the forces of darkness.
For me, the series began strong, but I felt it wavered in the second installment. My disappointment made me put off reading the last volume, but I'm glad I followed through.
The writing is better in "Poisoned," the characters stronger. I felt connected to everyone in the richly detailed cast, just in time for a few poignant deaths of course. The locales are described imaginatively, and the action sequences are harrowing. What's more, the relationship between our protagonist and Hadrian is beautifully written.
If, like me, you were less than enthused by the last book, I urge you to persevere! "Poisoned in Light" is a worthy conclusion to a grand elf trilogy! With some room to grow, Alderson has the potential for an amazing career ahead of him, and I'm curious to see where he'll take us next.
For me, the series began strong, but I felt it wavered in the second installment. My disappointment made me put off reading the last volume, but I'm glad I followed through.
The writing is better in "Poisoned," the characters stronger. I felt connected to everyone in the richly detailed cast, just in time for a few poignant deaths of course. The locales are described imaginatively, and the action sequences are harrowing. What's more, the relationship between our protagonist and Hadrian is beautifully written.
If, like me, you were less than enthused by the last book, I urge you to persevere! "Poisoned in Light" is a worthy conclusion to a grand elf trilogy! With some room to grow, Alderson has the potential for an amazing career ahead of him, and I'm curious to see where he'll take us next.
June 20, 2022
I loved the way this book ended!!
I was worried there for a second that the ending was gonna destroy me but it didn’t!
I love happy endings that are bittersweet because I feel like they are the most realistic! The scene where Fadine died broke apart of my heart! The emotions that Hadrian was feeling and the anger he had was so real!
I love the way that Gordex was finally defeated! I loved the full circle moment of it ya know? Forbian is what first brought most of them together and it’s what saved them in the end!
Zac and Hadrian have a little piece of my heart! I just love their love! It’s so pure and strong and just so lovely to read about!
Overall, this series was really good! The journey that all of these characters went on and the way they’ve changed has been so amazing to watch!
Part of me is hoping MAYBE someday that Ben will come back to this world and write some more! We definitely got our closure but I feel like there is room to explore so much of the new world they are living in now!!
I was worried there for a second that the ending was gonna destroy me but it didn’t!
I love happy endings that are bittersweet because I feel like they are the most realistic! The scene where Fadine died broke apart of my heart! The emotions that Hadrian was feeling and the anger he had was so real!
I love the way that Gordex was finally defeated! I loved the full circle moment of it ya know? Forbian is what first brought most of them together and it’s what saved them in the end!
Zac and Hadrian have a little piece of my heart! I just love their love! It’s so pure and strong and just so lovely to read about!
Overall, this series was really good! The journey that all of these characters went on and the way they’ve changed has been so amazing to watch!
Part of me is hoping MAYBE someday that Ben will come back to this world and write some more! We definitely got our closure but I feel like there is room to explore so much of the new world they are living in now!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2023
Great series
I lived it, thank you for beautiful adventure. There were some thing that didn’t add up in the story but they were not big and could be forgotten. I regret that the end was so short. I would like to see the live after little bit more. I loved the characters and even though that I knew what is waiting for some as when reading often it gets obvious but I couldnt not fall in love with them. I would also love more POV’s than Zachs but the story was told in such way that I fifnt mind the single POV. It was intruding, fast paced and I could not put the book down. Only thing that went on my nerve little bit was the constant pointing out that all choses are valid. I know that I respect that but what is the chances that from 5 of my friends each will have different sexuality. I love when there is message in the book actually when there is message as was there but if its to much it gets annoying and feels more like manipulation. And it was not only that sexuality thing there was so many other things…. But never mind it was great read and I really recommend it.
I lived it, thank you for beautiful adventure. There were some thing that didn’t add up in the story but they were not big and could be forgotten. I regret that the end was so short. I would like to see the live after little bit more. I loved the characters and even though that I knew what is waiting for some as when reading often it gets obvious but I couldnt not fall in love with them. I would also love more POV’s than Zachs but the story was told in such way that I fifnt mind the single POV. It was intruding, fast paced and I could not put the book down. Only thing that went on my nerve little bit was the constant pointing out that all choses are valid. I know that I respect that but what is the chances that from 5 of my friends each will have different sexuality. I love when there is message in the book actually when there is message as was there but if its to much it gets annoying and feels more like manipulation. And it was not only that sexuality thing there was so many other things…. But never mind it was great read and I really recommend it.
September 22, 2025
I don't know what happened. Was it me?
The first book told a very good story, characters had decent development. It was pretty amazing.
===undetailed spoilers===
The second book wasn't that bad, but the villains kept being OP despite all new alliances and cooperation between a ton of people. The main characters didn't seem to know what were they doing and failed again and again. Death a constant reminder. No matter what they planned, nothing was going right.
Relationship wise, for me, everything was under developed. I still can't understand the attachtment some of the couples have.
Why did they stick together? Desperation? Grief? I felt like I was missing parallel stories where they actually talked more, learned about the group in a deep level.
For me, the background and lore is rich enough to keep me hooked, but sadly, 3rd book had me running fast for the last page. ¿Maybe it was the battles? I know they are super hard to write and I'll keep my eyes peeled for more works from Ben Alderson!
Despite my review, I'd like people to read the trilogy, give it a chance.
The first book told a very good story, characters had decent development. It was pretty amazing.
===undetailed spoilers===
The second book wasn't that bad, but the villains kept being OP despite all new alliances and cooperation between a ton of people. The main characters didn't seem to know what were they doing and failed again and again. Death a constant reminder. No matter what they planned, nothing was going right.
Relationship wise, for me, everything was under developed. I still can't understand the attachtment some of the couples have.
Why did they stick together? Desperation? Grief? I felt like I was missing parallel stories where they actually talked more, learned about the group in a deep level.
For me, the background and lore is rich enough to keep me hooked, but sadly, 3rd book had me running fast for the last page. ¿Maybe it was the battles? I know they are super hard to write and I'll keep my eyes peeled for more works from Ben Alderson!
Despite my review, I'd like people to read the trilogy, give it a chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2025
2.5 stars
Overall, this was an ok conclusion with lots of action and drama. However, the ending was a bit of a fumble for me. To have it all come down to a fluke that saves the day, and one that doesn’t quite make sense, was definitely a letdown. Again it kind of made the events of the book seem pointless as all their planning and efforts came to naught.
I also feel that there were hints and character development and possible redemption for Marvel, but that went nowhere and on the end there was not even the possibility left open.
Also Zacriah kept conveniently forgetting to share truly groundbreaking information and brushed it off as “Can you really expect me to remember that after xyz?”
The decision making of many of the rulers also is extremely poor. It’s no wonder Gordax was able to topple them so easily.
This series had a strong start but each book has declined in quality. I have read other reviews saying that multiple POVs would have helped, and I would agree. There are some interesting characters here for sure, but we just don’t get to know them that well.
Overall, this was an ok conclusion with lots of action and drama. However, the ending was a bit of a fumble for me. To have it all come down to a fluke that saves the day, and one that doesn’t quite make sense, was definitely a letdown. Again it kind of made the events of the book seem pointless as all their planning and efforts came to naught.
I also feel that there were hints and character development and possible redemption for Marvel, but that went nowhere and on the end there was not even the possibility left open.
Also Zacriah kept conveniently forgetting to share truly groundbreaking information and brushed it off as “Can you really expect me to remember that after xyz?”
The decision making of many of the rulers also is extremely poor. It’s no wonder Gordax was able to topple them so easily.
This series had a strong start but each book has declined in quality. I have read other reviews saying that multiple POVs would have helped, and I would agree. There are some interesting characters here for sure, but we just don’t get to know them that well.
April 9, 2019
What a great trilogy with an amazing story. I really allows you to connect to every character, which makes you continuously love and worry about what will happen to them next. Throughout the series my heart really melted at points between Zac and Hardrian, which i will not spoil, but just made me want read more about them together, plus it is nice to see other relationships blooming.
The book had a great many twists and turn making me quite emotional as I witness the events unfolding, but wow there was so many intense moments, which i could not stop reading until that chapter was complete.
I really would love to read more about the characters since these events, but you never know what Ben Alderson will consider writting in future. However I will highly recommend this series to anyone i know into this genre. Thank you for a great series.
The book had a great many twists and turn making me quite emotional as I witness the events unfolding, but wow there was so many intense moments, which i could not stop reading until that chapter was complete.
I really would love to read more about the characters since these events, but you never know what Ben Alderson will consider writting in future. However I will highly recommend this series to anyone i know into this genre. Thank you for a great series.
February 3, 2022
Again, these books were just such a good time. The world was really interesting and the relationships (both romantic and platonic) were so healthy and beautiful and not used for unnecessary drama which I appreciated so much.
This book was obviously not perfect- I lost track of the little typos and small grammatical errors I found throughout, some of the dialogue felt a bit awkward, I do think there was room for the world and some of the characters to be fleshed out a bit more, and that ending left quite a few plot lines untied. But none of that took away from my enjoyment of this series and I like to think that the ending was left that way to leave room for a potential continuation/new series set within the same world. Fingers crossed!
This book was obviously not perfect- I lost track of the little typos and small grammatical errors I found throughout, some of the dialogue felt a bit awkward, I do think there was room for the world and some of the characters to be fleshed out a bit more, and that ending left quite a few plot lines untied. But none of that took away from my enjoyment of this series and I like to think that the ending was left that way to leave room for a potential continuation/new series set within the same world. Fingers crossed!
May 8, 2023
I read this whole series back to back so it all kind of blurs together. Overall though this series was really good. I found that I genuinely didn't know what to expect at any given moment, but not in a bad way. The characters are all very good, but I wish Mauvil (is that how you write her name? I read this via audiobook) had a redemption arc instead of what happened. There where many "holy shit" moments and also many "I'm sorry WHAT" moments. This book though I found that a lot happened and I kept thinking "well that's suspiciously easy," or some variation there of. A lot of the boom was me just waiting for the Really Bad Thing to finally go down. I will say that I love Tiv and I was going to be VERY upset if anything had happened to him.
November 20, 2024
This one I think is my least favorite in the series. It takes a VERY dark turn, and doesn’t shy away from sticking those punches to the reader. There were elements of this world, in this book specifically, that reminded me of Amarantha’s court in ACOTAR.
While I felt like binging this series was definitely beneficial for me, at the same time I got to this one and was ready for something different. It was very repetitive, and I was actually tired of being in this world. Which is weird, cause I really liked this series!
However, as a finale in general it was quite good! It wrapped up everything I wanted answers to, in a way that was satisfying. There were no loose ends, per day, and ends in a vastly different place than we started it.
While I felt like binging this series was definitely beneficial for me, at the same time I got to this one and was ready for something different. It was very repetitive, and I was actually tired of being in this world. Which is weird, cause I really liked this series!
However, as a finale in general it was quite good! It wrapped up everything I wanted answers to, in a way that was satisfying. There were no loose ends, per day, and ends in a vastly different place than we started it.
April 27, 2019
To start off with, I got this book in the mail and I gasped at how large it was. It arrived during one of my most stressful terms of school, so I didn’t think I would have the time to read it. I finally got a break from all the stressful things in my life this week and I quickly read my way through this beautiful book. Each twist and turn in this book kept me on my toes and left me eager to continue reading. The characters, the plot, and everything about this series were all so well developed and beautiful. The ending of the book made my heart happy and this series is definitely one of my favorites of all time.
June 5, 2019
This series has become one of my favourites.
From the start of book one, I was taken by the characters and the story. This last book is lifted to the next level. Zacriah is no hero, and he does not want to be. From the first book he is dropped into this adventure that he didn´t ask for. He has to cope with his new found abilities, and the fact that making friends does not mean they will live happily ever after.
Even though I would like to shout to him not to do anything stupid, I was thinking what I would do when thrown into this pit of evil. Zacriah and Hadrian make the best of a worse situation and I loved their romance.
The ending of the book was fitting.
From the start of book one, I was taken by the characters and the story. This last book is lifted to the next level. Zacriah is no hero, and he does not want to be. From the first book he is dropped into this adventure that he didn´t ask for. He has to cope with his new found abilities, and the fact that making friends does not mean they will live happily ever after.
Even though I would like to shout to him not to do anything stupid, I was thinking what I would do when thrown into this pit of evil. Zacriah and Hadrian make the best of a worse situation and I loved their romance.
The ending of the book was fitting.
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