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Blades of the Fallen #3
Nightblade's End
The Kingdom is at war, and the blades face extinction. Exhausted and dispirited, Asa wants only to put the conflicts of the past behind her. But with her home burned to the ground and her people hunted in nearly every corner of the Kingdom, there is no escape. Unlike Koji, who has wholeheartedly pledged his sword to Lady Mari, Asa isn’t sure she believes in the future. High in the mountains, Lady Mari fights against the currents of history. She plays a dangerous political game, trying to save not just her house lands, but the whole Kingdom. There are many, even within her house, that can’t wait to see her fall. Assassinations, broken promises, and revenge have brought the Kingdom to the brink of destruction. As the armies gather for the final blow, the decisions of the remaining blades will shape the direction of the Kingdom for generations to come. Will they bring peace to the land or fracture it forever?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2019
167 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 21, 2019
A grand finale conclusion of a well written, engrossing trilogy, well done.
Strong, all encompassing, well written trilogy featuring spectacular, epic battle scenes, vibrant magic and intense personal growth and discovery. Ryan Kirk does another outstanding job of presenting a well planned, logical, growth driven trilogy that only compliments his first trilogy and highlights further the creativity and strength of his talent. I am a fan and look forward to reading more of Ryan Kirk”s work.
Strong, all encompassing, well written trilogy featuring spectacular, epic battle scenes, vibrant magic and intense personal growth and discovery. Ryan Kirk does another outstanding job of presenting a well planned, logical, growth driven trilogy that only compliments his first trilogy and highlights further the creativity and strength of his talent. I am a fan and look forward to reading more of Ryan Kirk”s work.
August 13, 2019
The war has come and Lady Mari - with the help of the Nightblades - fights to take back her house.
But as the war rages on, the Nightblades are planning to leave the kingdom forever.
A spectacular ending to this prequel series.
But as the war rages on, the Nightblades are planning to leave the kingdom forever.
A spectacular ending to this prequel series.
September 16, 2020
The end of the beginning.
Writing prequels must be hard work, particularly when you know it isn't going to be a 'happily ever after'. I've really enjoyed both Nightblade trilogies, but this book just felt a bit laboured to me at times. Occasionally the prose was a little bare, moving the story on, but not adding much more than that. The central theme of honour makes sense given the setting, but it was too overt in places.
That all said, those points were minor quibbles in a good piece of storytelling. The characters are compelling, and you get invested in their lives. Kirk doesn't shy away from sad plot lines, although sometimes the healing power of the dayblades felt a bit too powerful, and prevented things from being as risky and suspenseful as they should have been. I'm normally not that keen on fight scenes in books, they feel gratuitous and sometimes drag on for too long, but Kirk manages the balance brilliantly.
Overall, six great books, but this was probably my least favourite.
Writing prequels must be hard work, particularly when you know it isn't going to be a 'happily ever after'. I've really enjoyed both Nightblade trilogies, but this book just felt a bit laboured to me at times. Occasionally the prose was a little bare, moving the story on, but not adding much more than that. The central theme of honour makes sense given the setting, but it was too overt in places.
That all said, those points were minor quibbles in a good piece of storytelling. The characters are compelling, and you get invested in their lives. Kirk doesn't shy away from sad plot lines, although sometimes the healing power of the dayblades felt a bit too powerful, and prevented things from being as risky and suspenseful as they should have been. I'm normally not that keen on fight scenes in books, they feel gratuitous and sometimes drag on for too long, but Kirk manages the balance brilliantly.
Overall, six great books, but this was probably my least favourite.
April 15, 2019
The question is can Lady Mari’s house, the Kingdom, and the Nightblades all be saved? Can the all work together to and win the war and get the people to see the nightblades as they were once were, a necessary part of society? Lady Mari is willing to give everything she has, she has already lost her family
Nightblade Koji is willing to follow Lady Mari anywhere no matter what and Asa will do as Koji asks. It seems they are fighting not just the other houses but every one in their own house too.
I’m sorry the story ended. I enjoyed reading about the nightblades. I would recommend this trilogy as well as the first trilogy of the Nightblades to all.
Nightblade Koji is willing to follow Lady Mari anywhere no matter what and Asa will do as Koji asks. It seems they are fighting not just the other houses but every one in their own house too.
I’m sorry the story ended. I enjoyed reading about the nightblades. I would recommend this trilogy as well as the first trilogy of the Nightblades to all.
June 13, 2019
Answers most questions
It has to be difficult to write a prequel series to such a blockbuster epic fantasy series as Nightblade. And yet Ryan pulls it off spectacularly! Set in an ancient Japanese style culture of honor and intrigue, Ryan puts together two series that are sure to appeal to lovers of ancient kingdom politics and of course lots of swordplay!
It has to be difficult to write a prequel series to such a blockbuster epic fantasy series as Nightblade. And yet Ryan pulls it off spectacularly! Set in an ancient Japanese style culture of honor and intrigue, Ryan puts together two series that are sure to appeal to lovers of ancient kingdom politics and of course lots of swordplay!
April 10, 2019
A brilliant conclusion to a great series of books
What a great read. Don't want to write too much as it would be a massive spoiler to the end of a wonderful series. Read all the nightmare books in order and it all comes together. I smoked this so much.
What a great read. Don't want to write too much as it would be a massive spoiler to the end of a wonderful series. Read all the nightmare books in order and it all comes together. I smoked this so much.
July 16, 2020
Excellent series
Wonderful worldbuilding. Clever plotting. Compelling characters. Action adventure and thought provoking examination of leadership. Some romance secondary to main storyline. Good read.
Wonderful worldbuilding. Clever plotting. Compelling characters. Action adventure and thought provoking examination of leadership. Some romance secondary to main storyline. Good read.
February 21, 2021
Another brilliant Nightblade series
If I want to read a good series, I know I'm in good hands, Ryan kirks books never let me down , they are fast paced with great characters and super story lines. Keep it up Ryan
If I want to read a good series, I know I'm in good hands, Ryan kirks books never let me down , they are fast paced with great characters and super story lines. Keep it up Ryan
October 19, 2019
Another well written book, with a heartbreaking end. Can't believe Asa died in the end. I had so hoped she'd live happily ever after with Koij.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2020
A very engaging finale to the Blades of the Fallen Trilogy. First book by Kirk that made me cry!
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June 16, 2020Very Good
June 26, 2023
I did not realize this was the last of a trilogy. I must finish the other two books now to get the complete story.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews