Serpents Rising

Eve of Redemption #3

by Joe Jackson

After barely escaping an attempt on her life, veteran demonhunter Karian Vanador must root out infiltrators within her own Order.

At the same time, she is presented with a unique opportunity: infiltrate the very realm of the demon kings to bring back a possible defector. With a family to consider, and the risk of inciting a war between two worlds, Kari must decide: is the life of a syrinthian priestess worth the risk?

If she goes, she will be tested to the limits of her courage, wits, and faith to navigate safely through the schemes of the demon kings. If she succeeds, she may bring back someone that can tip the balance, but if she fails, she will leave more than a widower and a motherless child behind. With the help of allies new and old, can Kari outwit and outmaneuver beings that are thousands of years old? And what other secrets will she uncover that could possibly shatter every truth she's ever known?

Serpents Rising is the thrilling third volume in the epic Eve of Redemption series for fans of Terry Brooks, Raymond E. Feist, RA Salvatore, Ursula K Le Guin, and similar authors.

Grab your copy now and join Kari on her first foray into the underworld!

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Science Fiction

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2016

About the author

As an avid fan of fantasy, I try to combine shades of some of my favorite authors' writing - Tad Williams, Raymond E. Feist, and RA Salvatore, among others - into my own world. The result is a world of rich descriptions, complex politics, and heart-racing combat.

I started writing Sci-Fi short stories in fifth grade after seeing the movie "Aliens" in the theater. After getting into Dungeons & Dragons with friends as a teenager, my interests moved to Epic Fantasy, but still rooted in a Sci-Fi alien world. The Eve of Redemption series represents the culmination of years of world-building and back-story development, much of it through epic AD&D campaigns, that takes familiar epic fantasy and brings it to an alien world.

I live in Rhode Island with my wife and two daughters. When I'm not chasing the rascals around the yard or counting beans for the boss, I'm usually imagining the next turn on the long road that the Eve of Redemption series brings.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serpents Rising (Eve of Redemption #3) by Joe Jackson continues this amazing epic story of Kari and friends. This book, as with the previous ones, is full of a vivid world and characters that the reader feels like they are there. So much action, intrigue, fantasy, interesting creatures, and wonderful plot makes this a spectacular read. Not many authors can world build like this one! Wonderful.

[L.W. Tichy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Joe Jackson does not disappoint. The Eve of Redemption series has been amazing and his third installment is my favorite so far. Serpents Rising is filled with political and religious intrigue, familial challenges and strains, and some amazing revelations that I did not see coming. Karian Vanador continues to be an amazing heroine, but especially in this book as she has to step into new roles and face challenges she never has before, while the truths she has known throughout her long lives are turned upside down on her. Her growth throughout the story was both touching and realistic. Jackson writes a wonderful cast of characters and you can’t help but feel- love, hatred, respect, curiosity- for each new one he introduces, any yet he still manages to build and develop his older characters too. I really enjoyed having the characters from the first book play a larger role in Serpents Rising. The world building in Eve of Redemption is masterful, the depth and detail is beautiful and intricate and yet as a reader you don’t get lost in it. And supporting it all is a fascinating story line. I could not put this book down. I cannot wait for the next one!!!!

[Valicity Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following this author’s books since the first in the series so I had a pretty good understanding and expectation of what should happen in this next installment. In terms of writing and intrigue, Jackson definitely nailed it but he surprised me with this new adventure.

Readers will get a more mature side of Kari; a character you can’t help but sympathize with. We see her get challenged in every aspect of her life and we watch as she tackles every adventure head on.
I was definitely entertained with this book and I greatly appreciated the new and old info as Jackson picked up right where he left off but didn’t leave anyone hanging. I won’t say a newcomer can grab a copy and hold tight but anyone who hasn’t read one of the Eve of Redemption books in a while will feel refreshed with Jackson’s attention to detail.

The character development was real. I thought, in book three of a series, there wouldn’t be much room for growth from our protagonist but this book presented a new set of challenges which required a new attitude and a new set of skills. I loved the demon kings and diving into their world and politics. The underworld has always fascinated me so to have such a raw new realm so deeply and intricately detailed on the pages of this novel earned more than a couple stars from me.

When I said that Kari had grown in this book, I didn’t just mean that she got better at fighting or that she got older. She’s a mother and a woman with responsibilities—her decisions in this book are absolutely vital and the writing does not hide that. Many parts were edge-of-your-seat good, only matched by the intrigue of the new enemies. The thought of leaving a widower and a child behind made the adventures riskier but Kari’s responsibilities were beyond her family and even beyond herself. She had bigger choices to makes with bigger consequences to consider. I kept comparing myself to her throughout the reading, wondering if I would be as strong if I could be in her shoes. The answer is no, probably not. But that’s what made the book better, in my opinion. It’s not often that we see such a headstrong female with so much to gain and lose at the same time. I think this was a book about risk and reward, choice and consequence, described in the most adventurous of ways.

Jackson didn’t go far from his roots with the adventure, action, and religious intrigue. Old characters felt new again and new cast members felt like they’d been there all along. Every page proved to be better than the last and I found myself engulfed in a massive story that clearly took more time and effort than readers will ever appreciate. I’m always up for some dark fantasy so this is one of my number one recommendations for anyone looking to start a new series. Take it from someone three books into the series, Eve of Redemption will not disappoint any readers looking for a strong female lead, evenly paced writing, plot development, and my favorite—excellent world building. There’s enough action to fill anyone’s imagination and the character development is rich throughout the entire series. If you want a fresh new adventure, then I would suggest this set of books.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Alexandra Engellmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book of the series picks up right where the second one ended - Kari is preparing to start yet another quest, rescuing Se'ceria's daughter from slavery to Sekassus. That means she has to take a trip to the underworld, and so, her adventures take a new turn and a somewhat different character.
The author did a great job reliving the last book's events, which I found very helpful, because even though I haven't been reading that many books lately, it did get a bit blurry in the few months between the releases. I realized that with lore being the foundation of the story, it's important to remember all the details when a new adventure is about to begin.
Once again, it's not just about the mysterious new task, but also the things Kari has to adjust to as her life goes on. Throughout the series, character development is as real as it gets. While Kari is working on making her job and family coexist, we have full access to her thoughts, and it's impossible not to sympathize.
What I especially liked about this book was the shift in tone from action-adventure to intrigue. Everything about the demon kings and their politics was fascinating. This turn of the plot was a nice bonus to the adventure. I found myself laughing out loud (and trust me, not every author gets that from me). The suspense was palpable, and the imagery rich, something I was looking for, seeing where Kari’s adventures were about to take her.
As usual, I don’t want to spoil too much, so I’ll leave out the action/adventure part, but if there’s one more thing I’d like to add, it’s this: if books 1 and 2 will have you hooked, book 3 will make you fall in love with the series. So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to pick up this series, this is it!

[Cori Dyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I thought I already knew Kari, but I learned even more about this complex character. I love Kari, by the way. She is this amazing and complex heroine who feels more real than some people I know! This is Joe's best book thus far. If you've read the first two books, then this is a must read.

This journey that Joe takes the reader on is into a new part of the world he has created, but also into new journey for Kari. You will learn as much about the landscape as the internal journey of the characters.

His writing is clear, easy to follow, and vivid. The people and places come alive off the page. Characters are well developed, believable, and three-dimensional. The story is exciting with unique twists and turns around every corner making for a book that is difficult to put down.

I love this series, these characters and the way the author unfolds the story. He cannot write fast enough.

[Tony Duxbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the third book in the series that I have read and I am pleased to say that the author has kept up the standard of writing that the first two books displayed. The story runs from the second book. Karian finally decides it's time to mount a rescue mission to save a priestess from the underworld. It is a virtual suicide mission and fraught with double dealing. Despite the dangers that she and her companions face, she learns more about the schemes and plots of the underworld Kings, of which she is a vital part. Her trip is also an eye-opener and her perceptions of the underworld and its people take a drastic change.
Lovely stuff, full of twists, turns and surprises, as were the previous stories. Rip-roaring adventure. I would recommend this to any sword & sorcery fan.

[Lisa Maughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, a great continuation from book one and two. This story delves deeper into the psyche of Kari. Her mission in the book will take her, some of her allies from the past books, some new to the story, to the realm of the demon kings. Her mission is not for the faint-hearted, yet she and her allies work together to bring back someone who may help Kari's world. The intrigue builds and builds, the fight scenes are awesome, message meanings come through clear, twists and turns, some beliefs questioned, some concreted in their souls by what they all encounter.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a very interesting series for me. I have enjoyed the characters and the story. I love how seamlessly one book ends and the next book begins like we never left. The author is very good and I enjoyed being lost in his books! * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Johan · Rating 5 out of 5]

HELL YEAH!!! I've enjoyed so much of this series. Love the characters and the story line. Here we get to see more of what those who are bad are about and Kari is supposed to fight them

Can not wait for the next book

Peace out

[Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Excellent Continuation

*Serpents Rising* is the third book in the *Eve of Redemption* series by Joe Jackson. The third installment in these ongoing series offers new excitement to fans of heroine Karian Vanador and the colorful cast of characters that her siblings, friends, and allies represent. Book three continues the strong trend given by book two, offering an engaging story, memorable events, and adventurous atmosphere, combined with dramatic moments and intriguing vistas.

Thus concludes the introduction, and now we'll start with the

STORY

*Serpents Rising*'s plot is about Kari's journey into the "underworld", and the various events surrounding this venture. The novel's arc is the logical continuation of the story from previous book, and as such there are less plot twists overall. However, this is compensated with a host of new location and scenes, and the exploration of the "underworld", which, in contrast to the first novel, stays fresh and focused action without overburdening the reader with too much worldbuilding. We also get to glimpse a part the larger plot that is central to the entire series; still, not much of it is actually revealed but the author makes an effort to put elements which will surely make a meaningful impact in later books. All said up to this point, the plot isn't actually the focus here; rather, one can consider *Serpents Rising* a sort of mid-series set-up novel - yet the story is engaging and fun, so this handy writing stunt is done at no expense.

The Appendix is predictably still here, this time around with expanded material about the denizens and lords of the "underworld". To those of you who wonder why I write the word "underworld" with quotes, it is one of the (minor) twists of the novel - read and see for yourself. It is not an original twist but its scarcity, particularly in fantasy fiction, means it was a breath of fresh air; certainly welcome.

Story time's over. Moving on to the

CHARACTERS

Kari is still here and still awesome, ready to challenge both the status quo and her own perceptions. She constantly discovers new facets to things she thought she knew about, and this makes her question her ideas about right and wrong. It is a wonderful inner struggle, without being too overdone; Kari's doubts and contemplations strike just the right balance between too much or too little. It is a tough thing to pull off in fiction, and the fact it is done here is a large plus.

There are few new characters introduced time around, and all of them are secondary or episodic characters. The roster is already quite full, so this was somewhat predictable. Most of the main characters get a fair share of page time in this novel, and Sonja in particular has a significant role that balances out her complete absence in the previous book. As I mentioned in my previous reviews, the characters all have complex and multi-layered personalities, and feel quite alive and real, especially in the idle banter they often share between themselves. If you want a fantasy series with a sense of high adventure and a "family" atmosphere among its main characters, this series with fit the bill perfectly.

So, what's left? Hmm, let's talk a bit about the

TECHNICAL PRESENTATION

*Serpents Rising* continues to display the improvements made in the previous novel regarding the pacing and writing style. The plot unwinds in a natural manner, without feeling too slow or too fast, and the structure is on par for all readers, except those who have chronic demand for perfection. The series' installments tend to be on the longer side overall, though with all the bits and pieces the author constantly shows to the readers its understandable.

One thing that made the book rise above its peers in my eyes is the fact (MINOR SPOILER) there are only *two* fight scenes in the whole novel, (END OF SPOILER) without any loss of quality or excitement. This is a very commendable achievement, and I'm always delighted when I see conventions broken is such ways. Thumbs up for Mr. Jackson!

CONCLUSION

I must say, I was moved by *Serpents Rising* - it was at once adventurous, evocative, and poignant. Made me well up with a host of emotions, ranging from tension and sorrow to joy and triumph. Even the additional worldbuilding about the "underworld" was handled with precision and just the right amount of detail.

If you like reading fantasy epics, I recommend the Eve of Redemption series. The author delivers exactly what he advertises.

[Remy G · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installment of Joe Jackson’s Eve of Redemption series opens with protagonist Karian “Kari” Vanador bathing on the campus of the Demonhunter Order, two promotions away from the group’s topmost position, the Avatar of Vengeance. Kari interrogates the captured demon girl Se’lucia Liria Alaristis, or just Liria, but fails to get any intel from her, soon making it a point to venture into the underworld, Mehr'Durillia, which elicits concern from friends and family. The netherworld’s monarch, King Koursturaux, who is ironically female, yearns for the vorpal sword from one of the book’s main adversaries, Taesenus.

After Kari’s business in the underworld, she and her companions visit the primitive village of Moskarre, where they recruit a new companion, Uldriana, who sort of becomes a magical mistress to Sonja. A character’s pregnancy plays part in the plotline, one character meets their untimely end, and with Danilynn Stahlorr, priestess of Garra Ktarra, Kari and her companions find themselves on the run. Kari eventually visits her husband Grakin and her son Little Gray back at home, after which she receives a new mission, to destroy a temple dedicated to Sekassus.

The novel climaxes at said temple and concludes with Kari getting a message from an adversary, with the third entry of Jackson’s series ultimately being enjoyable, given its anthropomorphic dragon characters and action, although like its predecessors, one can easily lose track of who belongs to which race, how the characters appear, and so forth. Even so, those who enjoyed the book’s predecessors will likely enjoy Serpents Rising, and those who haven’t experienced the niche franchise before would definitely do themselves well to start from the very beginning, else risk confounding themselves within the series’ world.

[Aelvana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karian Vanador has spent her life hunting demons--but the more she's learned about her Order's involvement with the syrinthians, the more she's convinced they don't know enough about the foes they've been fighting for hundreds of years. Eli told her of a promise made to the syrinthain high priestess to go to the underworld to rescue her daughter, a promise still unfulfilled. Kari intends to honor it. If, that is, she can figure out a way to get to the underworld, find the one person she's looking for, and get back without getting killed. Fighting demons is one thing, but invading their own territory is quite another . . .

This picks immediately after White Serpent, Black Dragon. Kari's still reeling from everything that happened, but that's part of what fuels her determination to honor the promise made to a dying woman to rescue her daughter. The Order just doesn't know enough about the demons to be anything more than a stopgap. Kari is determined to change that. People can go and come back from the underworld, even a demonhunter, so it has to be possible.

It takes a while to get into the actual underworld, but it doesn't feel slow to me. Kari is appropriately cautious about the whole endeavor. She's aware not only of how much she's risking but also how much she stands to gain. And even researching how to get there provides a lot of fascinating information. For example, this isn't going to be a stereotypical fire-and-brimstone underworld, or something in a big underground cave system.

I liked how the plot keeps twisting around. Getting a syrinthian girl away from a demon king that Kari has already offended won't be easy. Kari's got a different group of companions yet again. Some, like Uldriana, keep her guessing. Uldriana in particular became a favorite not just of this book but of the entire series. She has such a big impact, and such inner strength. I like how these characters feel so real, so well-defined, so that when the surprises come up I'm laughing or crying along with the rest of them.

I can't really talk about my favorite parts without spoiling something crucial, so I'll just say this was an amazing book and possibly my favorite of the series so far (it's only hard to choose because they've all been really good). I rate this book Highly Recommended.

See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I did listen to the audiobook version of this book, and the narrator continues to be amazing as she maneuvers the plot and fantastical names of places and people. The plot, however, is wonderful! It draws me in repeatedly and keeps me asking questions, emotionally responding and relating to the characters, and wanting more. I am so glad we got to see more into Sonya (sp?) and her growth than we did in the previous two books where she was but a blip. I love how the series follows Kari explicitly but that each subsequent book also seems to involve another member of her circle in a deeper and more meaningful way. We also learned so much more about the world(s), which opens up more questions that I cannot wait to be answered in the next book!

[Russ Bailey]

Love the series - Kari and companions battling the demon kings from the underworld is a great tale.

[Aaron Eichler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an entertaining continuation.

[Arnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://poseidons99.wordpress.com/202...

[Chris L Rowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one dragged on a bit.