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The Story of Evil #3
Three Visions
In Three Visions, what’s left of the group of companions that set out from Hunters’ Den head further north to Casanovia to make a stand against the Hooded Phantom’s advancing army. Along the way, the heroes will finally learn the shocking answers to many of the mysteries from their pasts.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2018
5 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Tony Johnson
9 books38 followersTony Johnson is the author of the The Story of Evil, an epic fantasy saga. Tony is an avid reader. He enjoys fantasy, classics, and Christian literature. He is a fan of movies, television, music, videogames, and sports. From Batavia, NY.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 25, 2024
Really enjoying this series!
February 19, 2019
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think this book is a good choice for those who like epic and/or high fantasy, although Johnson incorporates some modernisms such as restaurants and grocery shopping that may make this work, technically, not "epic" fantasy. The story and the setting continue to be engaging. The primary characters have more plot development, especially the dwarf, Grizz, whose drunken ways lead to what is thought to be a murder (but isn't--see below). The characters are placed in a good-versus-evil trial of tremendous proportions. The book features a good mix of combat and (inter)personal sequences to allow the reader to relate to the characters and the setting. I also appreciate the clean language of the text, meaning a book without cursing ("cussing," as we call where I live).
In addition to the character arc, there is a plot arc, as well, but I really don't want to say too much about this in order to avoid spoilers. The prophecy that drives the plot continues to progress. A new hero appears in the form of Shana, a young and attractive civic worker who must become a warrioress-hero. Grizz is my favourite character because I have always liked dwarves since I first read The Hobbit in the 80s. However, he does deserve this love as his character is more ambiguous than the other primary characters who seem to be obviously good or evil, depending upon the individual. This book also has a cliff-hanger ending. Johnson is good at these. I mistakenly thought the series was a trilogy and kept wondering how in the world the plot was going to be resolved in the short space left in the book as I neared the end; however, the author is hard at work on Book IV, so more Celestial goodness is on its way.
I do have a few quibbles with the story. First, the heroes and even many of the secondary characters seem too polite and noble in speech. They apologize a lot and offer up affirming statements that seem out of place. Of course, this is a tale about prophesied heroes, so this may be acceptable in the context of the story. Second, the author is reluctant to let main characters or those important to them die. I noticed this in the second book with the "death" of Ty; when I read it, I thought that the elf would turn out to be alive, and I was correct. In this volume, this happens to the "murder victim" I mentioned previously in relation to Grizz. Speaking of the dwarf, one of his sons who "died" in the last story is discovered to be alive and in the very place he can reconcile with his father. This reticence to kill characters, I imagine, is the result of an overly-developed sense of the need for a happy ending. I find this annoying in general as well as due to the resulting view that what is bad is not really happening. Third, the story contains a plethora of telling-cum-showing in descriptions and dialogue. For example, characters think something and immediately say exactly the same thing. This makes the text more tiresome than it should be. Fourth, and I dealt with this in the first review, but the moniker the protagonists go by, "Heroes of the Siege," is a false one. There was no siege in Celestial. There was a sneak attack followed by an occupation, but the characters escaped the city soon after the attack. I flinch every time the term is used because it isn't true. They should be called "Heroes of the Ambush" or some other fitting term such as "Heroes of Celestial" or "Heroes of the Elements." Of course, with the story so far advanced, I suppose Johnson cannot remedy this oversight.
Overall, I recommend this book. I think fantasy fans will enjoy the plot and pacing. Those who appreciate a clean story with romance and love but no explicit sex and the absence of bad language should also give the series a try. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment of the story.
I think this book is a good choice for those who like epic and/or high fantasy, although Johnson incorporates some modernisms such as restaurants and grocery shopping that may make this work, technically, not "epic" fantasy. The story and the setting continue to be engaging. The primary characters have more plot development, especially the dwarf, Grizz, whose drunken ways lead to what is thought to be a murder (but isn't--see below). The characters are placed in a good-versus-evil trial of tremendous proportions. The book features a good mix of combat and (inter)personal sequences to allow the reader to relate to the characters and the setting. I also appreciate the clean language of the text, meaning a book without cursing ("cussing," as we call where I live).
In addition to the character arc, there is a plot arc, as well, but I really don't want to say too much about this in order to avoid spoilers. The prophecy that drives the plot continues to progress. A new hero appears in the form of Shana, a young and attractive civic worker who must become a warrioress-hero. Grizz is my favourite character because I have always liked dwarves since I first read The Hobbit in the 80s. However, he does deserve this love as his character is more ambiguous than the other primary characters who seem to be obviously good or evil, depending upon the individual. This book also has a cliff-hanger ending. Johnson is good at these. I mistakenly thought the series was a trilogy and kept wondering how in the world the plot was going to be resolved in the short space left in the book as I neared the end; however, the author is hard at work on Book IV, so more Celestial goodness is on its way.
I do have a few quibbles with the story. First, the heroes and even many of the secondary characters seem too polite and noble in speech. They apologize a lot and offer up affirming statements that seem out of place. Of course, this is a tale about prophesied heroes, so this may be acceptable in the context of the story. Second, the author is reluctant to let main characters or those important to them die. I noticed this in the second book with the "death" of Ty; when I read it, I thought that the elf would turn out to be alive, and I was correct. In this volume, this happens to the "murder victim" I mentioned previously in relation to Grizz. Speaking of the dwarf, one of his sons who "died" in the last story is discovered to be alive and in the very place he can reconcile with his father. This reticence to kill characters, I imagine, is the result of an overly-developed sense of the need for a happy ending. I find this annoying in general as well as due to the resulting view that what is bad is not really happening. Third, the story contains a plethora of telling-cum-showing in descriptions and dialogue. For example, characters think something and immediately say exactly the same thing. This makes the text more tiresome than it should be. Fourth, and I dealt with this in the first review, but the moniker the protagonists go by, "Heroes of the Siege," is a false one. There was no siege in Celestial. There was a sneak attack followed by an occupation, but the characters escaped the city soon after the attack. I flinch every time the term is used because it isn't true. They should be called "Heroes of the Ambush" or some other fitting term such as "Heroes of Celestial" or "Heroes of the Elements." Of course, with the story so far advanced, I suppose Johnson cannot remedy this oversight.
Overall, I recommend this book. I think fantasy fans will enjoy the plot and pacing. Those who appreciate a clean story with romance and love but no explicit sex and the absence of bad language should also give the series a try. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment of the story.
March 4, 2019
The journey of our heroes continues, with surprises in the first chapters.
If you haven't read volumes 1 & 2, I do recommend reading them first, as they are available through KU, and you will appreciate this volume so much more, in having a complete picture.
This a struggle against evil, that have a group of warriors (men women, halfling, elf, human and dwarf) tied together, through previous loose and grief, caused by the main villain of this saga Malorek. His story is told as the visions granted to the group, before an elemental power is given to a member of the elite group.
Yes there is violence and mayhem, fighting and comradeship, death, despair and happiness at those thought lost, are found. It is an emotional rollercoaster, but we'll worth the ride!
Can't wait until I can read the final book!!
If you haven't read volumes 1 & 2, I do recommend reading them first, as they are available through KU, and you will appreciate this volume so much more, in having a complete picture.
This a struggle against evil, that have a group of warriors (men women, halfling, elf, human and dwarf) tied together, through previous loose and grief, caused by the main villain of this saga Malorek. His story is told as the visions granted to the group, before an elemental power is given to a member of the elite group.
Yes there is violence and mayhem, fighting and comradeship, death, despair and happiness at those thought lost, are found. It is an emotional rollercoaster, but we'll worth the ride!
Can't wait until I can read the final book!!
May 14, 2019
In the third book of The Story of Evil series, the trio along with Grizz head to the city of Casanovia to make a stand against the Hooded Phantom’s monster army. Gaining new allies along the way, the heroes unlock the abilities of three more elements and receive the visions that provide answers to many of the mysteries from their pasts.
Between high action and a stunning cast, the story moves at a fast pace, keeping readers fully engaged until the ending. With a cliff-hanger climax, Johnson expertly sets the scene for the fourth installment in the series. A series worth exploring!
Between high action and a stunning cast, the story moves at a fast pace, keeping readers fully engaged until the ending. With a cliff-hanger climax, Johnson expertly sets the scene for the fourth installment in the series. A series worth exploring!
February 12, 2019
Hard to put down!!
This series, from book one through book 3, has been a great read. All of our human emotions have been displayed with love winning out. I've found that these books are super hard to put down. In fact, I've found so many ways to carve out time to read. I can't wait for book 4 to come my way.
This series, from book one through book 3, has been a great read. All of our human emotions have been displayed with love winning out. I've found that these books are super hard to put down. In fact, I've found so many ways to carve out time to read. I can't wait for book 4 to come my way.
May 28, 2019
Another volume of a well-crafted, intricate writing in a relaxed, in-obtrusive style. Tony Johnson obviously has a strong sense of planning this series out. This third volume may his best yet as many questions from the first two are answered. This book also has a sense of closure while still leading to the next volume which, hopefully, will be available soon.
January 9, 2020
So many of my questions were answered in this book! Many new characters joined the story along with the lovable characters from the first two books. The author’s intentionality at including many diverse characters really made this book special to me. The author’s meticulous planning and attention to detail throughout the series is very evident in this book as many secrets and mysteries are revealed while others are introduced, leaving me once again eagerly awaiting the next book. In the author’s usual fashion there are many twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I couldn’t put it down! My favorite book in the series yet.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews