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The eighth and final book in the epic fantasy House War series closes this chapter in a beloved world of magic and political intrigue, where new threats are stirring.
When the Sleepers wake.
Once, that phrase meant: never. The Sleepers were a myth, part of a story told to children. But in truth, the Sleepers, ancient princes in the court of the Winter Queen, were imprisoned in slumber by the gods themselves—in the cold, dark ruins of the ancient city that lies buried beneath the capitol of the Empire. And that prison is fraying, at last.
They are waking.
The gods no longer walk the world. There is no power that can stand against the princes when they wake—and the city that has been Jewel’s home for her entire life will be destroyed when the Sleepers walk. There is only one person to whom they owe allegiance, only one chance to halt them before they destroy everything in their ancient rage.
But that person is the Winter Queen; she is not, and has never been mortal. Jewel carries the last of the surviving saplings that might usher in a new Summer age—but all of the roads that lead to the court of the Queen are closed.
Jewel ATerafin has faced the Oracle’s test. She has control of the prophetic powers that she once considered a curse and a burden. She will find her way to the Winter Queen, and she will ask—or beg—the Winter Queen to intervene to save her kind, her House, and everything she loves.
But she is mortal, and time has never been her friend. The demons are waiting to bar her way, bringing battle to the hidden ancient paths on which she must travel. To win, she must face the true meaning of the Oracle’s test, and risk sanity and life to make the choice that has always lurked at the heart of the firstborn’s test.
And even then, it might be too late.
When the Sleepers wake.
Once, that phrase meant: never. The Sleepers were a myth, part of a story told to children. But in truth, the Sleepers, ancient princes in the court of the Winter Queen, were imprisoned in slumber by the gods themselves—in the cold, dark ruins of the ancient city that lies buried beneath the capitol of the Empire. And that prison is fraying, at last.
They are waking.
The gods no longer walk the world. There is no power that can stand against the princes when they wake—and the city that has been Jewel’s home for her entire life will be destroyed when the Sleepers walk. There is only one person to whom they owe allegiance, only one chance to halt them before they destroy everything in their ancient rage.
But that person is the Winter Queen; she is not, and has never been mortal. Jewel carries the last of the surviving saplings that might usher in a new Summer age—but all of the roads that lead to the court of the Queen are closed.
Jewel ATerafin has faced the Oracle’s test. She has control of the prophetic powers that she once considered a curse and a burden. She will find her way to the Winter Queen, and she will ask—or beg—the Winter Queen to intervene to save her kind, her House, and everything she loves.
But she is mortal, and time has never been her friend. The demons are waiting to bar her way, bringing battle to the hidden ancient paths on which she must travel. To win, she must face the true meaning of the Oracle’s test, and risk sanity and life to make the choice that has always lurked at the heart of the firstborn’s test.
And even then, it might be too late.
767 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2019
48 people are currently reading
677 people want to read
About the author
Michelle West
73 books466 followersSee also:
Michelle Sagara West
Michelle Sagara
Michelle is an author, bookseller, and lover of literature based in Toronto. She writes fantasy novels as both Michelle Sagara and Michelle West (and sometimes as Michelle Sagara West). You can find her books at fine booksellers.
She lives in Toronto with her long-suffering husband and her two children, and to her regret has no dogs.
Reading is one of her life-long passions, and she is sometimes paid for her opinions about what she’s read by the venerable Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. No matter how many bookshelves she buys, there is Never Enough Shelf space. Ever.
She has published as Michelle Sagara (her legal name), as Michelle West (her husband's surname), and as Michelle Sagara West (a combination of the two).
Michelle Sagara West
Michelle Sagara
Michelle is an author, bookseller, and lover of literature based in Toronto. She writes fantasy novels as both Michelle Sagara and Michelle West (and sometimes as Michelle Sagara West). You can find her books at fine booksellers.
She lives in Toronto with her long-suffering husband and her two children, and to her regret has no dogs.
Reading is one of her life-long passions, and she is sometimes paid for her opinions about what she’s read by the venerable Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. No matter how many bookshelves she buys, there is Never Enough Shelf space. Ever.
She has published as Michelle Sagara (her legal name), as Michelle West (her husband's surname), and as Michelle Sagara West (a combination of the two).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 1, 2019
Probably closer to 3.5 stars. It's hard to separate this book from the House War series as a whole. But the problems with the series are also problems with this novel.
Let's start with the good:
-The characters are fleshed out, interesting and drive me to continue read.
-The setting is deeply intriguing. The mythology, the history, the magic. It is all so well done.
-The plot, at it's heart, is very interesting.
the bad:
West needs a better editor. The series is too long. The plot is good, but bogged down by horrible pacing and superfluous scenes, characters, etc... Multiple characters seem to occupy the same roles (Jarvin, Haval, Hectore). Characters are created where existing characters could suffice (Brigade). The same scenes are shown from multiple points of view without offering anything new.
I will keep reading the books in this world because I love this world and its residents. But I continue to be frustrated by West's poor pacing and lack of any serious editing, like pushing back when she says 'I need to break this up into two books' when it easily could've been one.
Let's start with the good:
-The characters are fleshed out, interesting and drive me to continue read.
-The setting is deeply intriguing. The mythology, the history, the magic. It is all so well done.
-The plot, at it's heart, is very interesting.
the bad:
West needs a better editor. The series is too long. The plot is good, but bogged down by horrible pacing and superfluous scenes, characters, etc... Multiple characters seem to occupy the same roles (Jarvin, Haval, Hectore). Characters are created where existing characters could suffice (Brigade). The same scenes are shown from multiple points of view without offering anything new.
I will keep reading the books in this world because I love this world and its residents. But I continue to be frustrated by West's poor pacing and lack of any serious editing, like pushing back when she says 'I need to break this up into two books' when it easily could've been one.
May 24, 2019
I was provided a copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review. It was hard for me to read this book, because I knew it was the final book in this arc of the series and I didn't want it to end. I have loved the time I have spent with Jewel and her den, and this book was no exception. Each character was put into play with the deliberation of a chess master, making their moves strategically. The few characters that remained off-page had reasons for being where they were, which was gratifying to see as a reader. Often when that happens, you feel that the author forgot about them, but each one was logical and that logic was shared. The end of this arc was both totally satisfying and left me wanting more. I am looking forward to the next book in the new arc!
November 15, 2022
I won't bury the lede. This may be the end of the series, but not the end of the story. The author has publicly stated that there will be another arc called "The Burning Crown", likely another six book series, to finish up. The manuscript is due this year but there's no release date so if you're scoping out reviews to see whether you should start this series, I'd recommend waiting another five years unless you're a fan of extensive character work and unresolved plot. You've been warned.
Yet, even though the writing is overwrought and the pacing is wildly uneven, there is a compelling story and a fascinating world build here. I would not have finished the books if I got nothing out of them. There were are lot of parts that I enjoyed, despite my many criticisms. However, after such a long and drawn out buildup I had high expectations for the finale. I had suspicions I wouldn't get everything I wanted. However, I was thoroughly unsatisfied. Major spoilers under the tag.
None of these problems would have loomed quite as large had it not been for the sheer amount of time I spent reading them. I read all 16 books published to date between roughly Memorial Day and Fourth of July. That's six weeks of my life for an incomplete, lackluster ending! In six weeks I could have re-read The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, AND Game of Thrones! With appropriate editing, we could have easily finished the story we started in The Sacred Hunt, and circled back around to the Sun Sword characters as well. After The Sun Sword, I was excited to see how everything would tie back together only to have that whole story ignored in favor of following the most boring, predictable, childish heroine I've read in an adult novel to date. This was a major letdown.
Yet, even though the writing is overwrought and the pacing is wildly uneven, there is a compelling story and a fascinating world build here. I would not have finished the books if I got nothing out of them. There were are lot of parts that I enjoyed, despite my many criticisms. However, after such a long and drawn out buildup I had high expectations for the finale. I had suspicions I wouldn't get everything I wanted. However, I was thoroughly unsatisfied. Major spoilers under the tag.
None of these problems would have loomed quite as large had it not been for the sheer amount of time I spent reading them. I read all 16 books published to date between roughly Memorial Day and Fourth of July. That's six weeks of my life for an incomplete, lackluster ending! In six weeks I could have re-read The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, AND Game of Thrones! With appropriate editing, we could have easily finished the story we started in The Sacred Hunt, and circled back around to the Sun Sword characters as well. After The Sun Sword, I was excited to see how everything would tie back together only to have that whole story ignored in favor of following the most boring, predictable, childish heroine I've read in an adult novel to date. This was a major letdown.
June 18, 2019
I don't know what to say..
She GOTed it..
The whole build up of the lord of hell, just poooooof vanished and the story of the sleepers waking, was thin.
Actually the last two books was not very fulfilling, and felt wasted...
Whatever happens to the lord of hell, the kialli etc.. Who knows 🤷♀️
I'm seriously disappointed
She GOTed it..
The whole build up of the lord of hell, just poooooof vanished and the story of the sleepers waking, was thin.
Actually the last two books was not very fulfilling, and felt wasted...
Whatever happens to the lord of hell, the kialli etc.. Who knows 🤷♀️
I'm seriously disappointed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2019
Disjointed, not quiet the expected ending and this is my favorite authors series!
Loss drives Jewel, loss of family, of Rath, of Amarrais, of Den, the fear of losing more keeps her moving forward. This is one of my favorite authors but this book did not bring some things to a conclusion for a final book.
Loss drives Jewel, loss of family, of Rath, of Amarrais, of Den, the fear of losing more keeps her moving forward. This is one of my favorite authors but this book did not bring some things to a conclusion for a final book.
January 21, 2020
Great Book!
I loved this book, and the whole series. It’s a great read, and I highly recommend it. The ending was a good surprise.
I loved this book, and the whole series. It’s a great read, and I highly recommend it. The ending was a good surprise.
February 25, 2024
Oh boy, where do I begin?
I was concerned about how well Firstborn would stand on its own, given that it was essentially the first half of War, which grew too big to be published as a single book. Hence, I was hoping that Firstborn would be akin to The Riven Shield and thus a worthy addition to the series. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. Although the seventh installment featured some of the best stuff in the House War sequence, it was also plagued by some of the worse cases of West totally losing herself into pointless extraneous plotlines. Considering how bad Michelle West has been in that regard in her previous works, that was really saying something.
Still, given how she knocked it out of the park with The Sun Sword, I had hopes that she could do it again with War. With all the storylines that have been building up over the course of both The Sun Sword and The House War series, all the ingredients needed for a rousing finale were there.
Alas, this turned out to be West's most underwhelming novel by far.
Here's the blurb:
The eighth and final book in the epic fantasy House War series closes this chapter in a beloved world of magic and political intrigue, where new threats are stirring.
When the Sleepers wake.
Once, that phrase meant: never. The Sleepers were a myth, part of a story told to children. But in truth, the Sleepers, ancient princes in the court of the Winter Queen, were imprisoned in slumber by the gods themselves—in the cold, dark ruins of the ancient city that lies buried beneath the capital of the Empire. And that prison is fraying, at last.
They are waking.
The gods no longer walk the world. There is no power that can stand against the princes when they wake—and the city that has been Jewel’s home for her entire life will be destroyed when the Sleepers walk. There is only one person to whom they owe allegiance, only one chance to halt them before they destroy everything in their ancient rage.
But that person is the Winter Queen; she is not, and has never been mortal. Jewel carries the last of the surviving saplings that might usher in a new Summer age—but all of the roads that lead to the court of the Queen are closed.
Jewel ATerafin has faced the Oracle’s test. She has control of the prophetic powers that she once considered a curse and a burden. She will find her way to the Winter Queen, and she will ask—or beg—the Winter Queen to intervene to save her kind, her House, and everything she loves.
But she is mortal, and time has never been her friend. The demons are waiting to bar her way, bringing battle to the hidden ancient paths on which she must travel. To win, she must face the true meaning of the Oracle’s test, and risk sanity and life to make the choice that has always lurked at the heart of the firstborn’s test.
And even then, it might be too late.
Not surprisingly at this point, the worldbuilding remains the most amazing facet of these books. As far as I'm concerned, it's also the only thing that's been holding the House War's story arcs together for quite some time now. It's obvious that there is a depth to Michelle West's universe that rivals those of Tolkien, Erikson, and Bakker, and it's a depth that keeps growing with each new installment. Which is quite a feat, in my opinion. Oracle raised the bar in a way we hadn't seen since Sea of Sorrows and both Firstborn and War unveiled new secrets about the firstborn, the Ariani, the Sleepers, the gods and goddesses, the cats, Meralonne, the Oracle, the Winter Court, the Sen, the Cities of Man, etc. All of which added yet more layers to what is already one of the most convoluted fantasy series of all time. Problem is, worldbuilding is only the backdrop of the tale. No matter how detailed and complex that aspect turns out to be, it's all a matter of execution on the part of the author that will allow it to shine or not. And in War, sadly, West fails on basically every level to make the most important scenes/sequences come together the way they deserved. Some of them have been building up since the early volumes of The Sun Sword. And yet, for some unfathomable reasons, their resolution/conclusion almost occur in the background, while the perspectives are focused on low key and unimportant characters as the promised Apocalypse is taking place.
Once again, the characterization is severely lacking. To be honest, with a few rare exceptions, it was terrible. As mentioned, as captivating as some worldbuilding elements are, the poor characterization that leads to bad execution often undermines what should have been key and emotionally charged moments in this grand saga. I mean, it's the end of the world. The Sleepers have awakened. They're laying waste to the capital. Do we have to read about Teller trying to rescue his cat before the mansion is destroyed? Do we have have to read page after page about innocent refugees seeking shelter? Do we need to read so many pages focusing on the evacuation of House Terafin and its staff and servants? As stated in my past reviews, I believe that your mileage may vary depending on how much you are invested in Jewel and her den. What continues to hurt the characterization aspect to such a degree, perhaps because both Firstborn and War were supposed to be one work, is the fact that every single den member suffers from bouts of nostalgia throughout the book. They all reminisce about Duster and the others, for some reason, and these inner monologues go on for page after page after page, killing the momentum of every scene in which they are involved. Over the course of more than 600 pages, they continue to regurgitate their feelings about Duster's sacrifice and the death of the others, which are things we've known since the Sun Sword series. Why Michelle West felt it was important to go through all this again as we approach the end of the House War sequence, after doing it throughout Firstborn and, if we're honest, big chunks of every other Essalieyan book, I'll never know. Holy Hell, it's the Apocalypse and the Sleepers just might destroy everything that everyone holds dear, and we're still talking about Duster? Why? This is the grand finale, when the proverbial shit has hit the fan, and we're still going on about the den's past over and over again. We've known about these things since early on, so why go through it all again ad nauseam? War makes Brandon Sanderson's tackling Robert Jordan's Last Battle feel concise. Okay, maybe not, but you get my drift. Why did Michelle West elect to focus on the den and the "little people" of the realm when all hell breaks loose, I can't begin to understand. I know she wanted the den to come full circle, but to say that it was overdone would be the understatement of the decade. Such focus removed most of the gravitas from scenes that have been foreshadowed for years and years, scenes such as the resolution of the Winter Queen's plotline, and prevented such important moments from helping close this series with an exclamation point.
The pace is better this time around. Given that it's the endgame, it had to be. And yet, at times it feels as though the rhythm is atrocious because you're reading yet another boring chapter about Teller and Finch organizing the House's evacuation instead of reading about the Sleepers and what is more important in the greater scheme of things. For every interesting and exciting sequences, and there are more than a few, West then drags you through yet more tedious and repetitive House business or one of the den's interminable inner monologues.
In my last review, I was wonderering why so much focus was put on seemingly irrelevant scenes and plotlines when the end of it all was so near. The same can be said of War and that totally killed the novel for me. This book just might be the most lackluster fantasy finale I've ever read. How something with so much promise could end up in such an uninspired fashion, I'll never know. War turned out to be so underwhelming, I'm not even going to read the first 3 volumes for a long time. I simply can't deal with more Jewel and her den for now. The Sacred Hunt will be next. Which is sad, for The Sun Sword was so great. The House War, though it has its brilliant moments, is a pale shadow of its predecessor.
For more reviews, check out www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
I was concerned about how well Firstborn would stand on its own, given that it was essentially the first half of War, which grew too big to be published as a single book. Hence, I was hoping that Firstborn would be akin to The Riven Shield and thus a worthy addition to the series. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. Although the seventh installment featured some of the best stuff in the House War sequence, it was also plagued by some of the worse cases of West totally losing herself into pointless extraneous plotlines. Considering how bad Michelle West has been in that regard in her previous works, that was really saying something.
Still, given how she knocked it out of the park with The Sun Sword, I had hopes that she could do it again with War. With all the storylines that have been building up over the course of both The Sun Sword and The House War series, all the ingredients needed for a rousing finale were there.
Alas, this turned out to be West's most underwhelming novel by far.
Here's the blurb:
The eighth and final book in the epic fantasy House War series closes this chapter in a beloved world of magic and political intrigue, where new threats are stirring.
When the Sleepers wake.
Once, that phrase meant: never. The Sleepers were a myth, part of a story told to children. But in truth, the Sleepers, ancient princes in the court of the Winter Queen, were imprisoned in slumber by the gods themselves—in the cold, dark ruins of the ancient city that lies buried beneath the capital of the Empire. And that prison is fraying, at last.
They are waking.
The gods no longer walk the world. There is no power that can stand against the princes when they wake—and the city that has been Jewel’s home for her entire life will be destroyed when the Sleepers walk. There is only one person to whom they owe allegiance, only one chance to halt them before they destroy everything in their ancient rage.
But that person is the Winter Queen; she is not, and has never been mortal. Jewel carries the last of the surviving saplings that might usher in a new Summer age—but all of the roads that lead to the court of the Queen are closed.
Jewel ATerafin has faced the Oracle’s test. She has control of the prophetic powers that she once considered a curse and a burden. She will find her way to the Winter Queen, and she will ask—or beg—the Winter Queen to intervene to save her kind, her House, and everything she loves.
But she is mortal, and time has never been her friend. The demons are waiting to bar her way, bringing battle to the hidden ancient paths on which she must travel. To win, she must face the true meaning of the Oracle’s test, and risk sanity and life to make the choice that has always lurked at the heart of the firstborn’s test.
And even then, it might be too late.
Not surprisingly at this point, the worldbuilding remains the most amazing facet of these books. As far as I'm concerned, it's also the only thing that's been holding the House War's story arcs together for quite some time now. It's obvious that there is a depth to Michelle West's universe that rivals those of Tolkien, Erikson, and Bakker, and it's a depth that keeps growing with each new installment. Which is quite a feat, in my opinion. Oracle raised the bar in a way we hadn't seen since Sea of Sorrows and both Firstborn and War unveiled new secrets about the firstborn, the Ariani, the Sleepers, the gods and goddesses, the cats, Meralonne, the Oracle, the Winter Court, the Sen, the Cities of Man, etc. All of which added yet more layers to what is already one of the most convoluted fantasy series of all time. Problem is, worldbuilding is only the backdrop of the tale. No matter how detailed and complex that aspect turns out to be, it's all a matter of execution on the part of the author that will allow it to shine or not. And in War, sadly, West fails on basically every level to make the most important scenes/sequences come together the way they deserved. Some of them have been building up since the early volumes of The Sun Sword. And yet, for some unfathomable reasons, their resolution/conclusion almost occur in the background, while the perspectives are focused on low key and unimportant characters as the promised Apocalypse is taking place.
Once again, the characterization is severely lacking. To be honest, with a few rare exceptions, it was terrible. As mentioned, as captivating as some worldbuilding elements are, the poor characterization that leads to bad execution often undermines what should have been key and emotionally charged moments in this grand saga. I mean, it's the end of the world. The Sleepers have awakened. They're laying waste to the capital. Do we have to read about Teller trying to rescue his cat before the mansion is destroyed? Do we have have to read page after page about innocent refugees seeking shelter? Do we need to read so many pages focusing on the evacuation of House Terafin and its staff and servants? As stated in my past reviews, I believe that your mileage may vary depending on how much you are invested in Jewel and her den. What continues to hurt the characterization aspect to such a degree, perhaps because both Firstborn and War were supposed to be one work, is the fact that every single den member suffers from bouts of nostalgia throughout the book. They all reminisce about Duster and the others, for some reason, and these inner monologues go on for page after page after page, killing the momentum of every scene in which they are involved. Over the course of more than 600 pages, they continue to regurgitate their feelings about Duster's sacrifice and the death of the others, which are things we've known since the Sun Sword series. Why Michelle West felt it was important to go through all this again as we approach the end of the House War sequence, after doing it throughout Firstborn and, if we're honest, big chunks of every other Essalieyan book, I'll never know. Holy Hell, it's the Apocalypse and the Sleepers just might destroy everything that everyone holds dear, and we're still talking about Duster? Why? This is the grand finale, when the proverbial shit has hit the fan, and we're still going on about the den's past over and over again. We've known about these things since early on, so why go through it all again ad nauseam? War makes Brandon Sanderson's tackling Robert Jordan's Last Battle feel concise. Okay, maybe not, but you get my drift. Why did Michelle West elect to focus on the den and the "little people" of the realm when all hell breaks loose, I can't begin to understand. I know she wanted the den to come full circle, but to say that it was overdone would be the understatement of the decade. Such focus removed most of the gravitas from scenes that have been foreshadowed for years and years, scenes such as the resolution of the Winter Queen's plotline, and prevented such important moments from helping close this series with an exclamation point.
The pace is better this time around. Given that it's the endgame, it had to be. And yet, at times it feels as though the rhythm is atrocious because you're reading yet another boring chapter about Teller and Finch organizing the House's evacuation instead of reading about the Sleepers and what is more important in the greater scheme of things. For every interesting and exciting sequences, and there are more than a few, West then drags you through yet more tedious and repetitive House business or one of the den's interminable inner monologues.
In my last review, I was wonderering why so much focus was put on seemingly irrelevant scenes and plotlines when the end of it all was so near. The same can be said of War and that totally killed the novel for me. This book just might be the most lackluster fantasy finale I've ever read. How something with so much promise could end up in such an uninspired fashion, I'll never know. War turned out to be so underwhelming, I'm not even going to read the first 3 volumes for a long time. I simply can't deal with more Jewel and her den for now. The Sacred Hunt will be next. Which is sad, for The Sun Sword was so great. The House War, though it has its brilliant moments, is a pale shadow of its predecessor.
For more reviews, check out www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
June 19, 2019
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect with this book as the end of the House War series. Because this is so intricately tied with The Sundered, The Sacred Hunt, and The Sun Sword series, I didn’t know for sure if this was the LAST, last book, or just the last House War book. It doesn’t feel like the end of the much larger universe and story arc that ties all those other series together.
There is so much that happens in this one book, I’m not sure how to unpack it all. Many threads that have been introduced throughout this series (and some of the other connected series) get tied up in this book, which was to be expected, but they don’t feel completely done. There are other, much larger, storyline threads outside of the House War series that are still left unfinished.
I wasn’t entirely surprised by the end result of Jewel’s journey. I am a little surprised at the specific events that get her there. I was honestly expecting different events or circumstances would be the catalyst that brought about her decision, a kind of emotional upheaval, but these weren’t. I am by no means disappointed, just… it came about differently than I thought, leaving me a little torn about my response to the actual events.
There is a conclusion to the storyline about The Sleepers, but I feel like this takes a bit of a backseat to Jewel’s story. Since she is essentially the focal character in this particular series, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I think I would have liked to have gotten a better glimpse of their interaction with Meralonne, though. But that is the problem with any great character in any book, you never feel like you get nearly enough page time with any of them.
In typical fashion, I get to the last page and I wasn’t ready for it to BE the last page. There are still lots of threads left unfinished, even the threads of many of the focal characters in this series. There are still so many characters in this series that I’m not ready to see the last of. This book, even being the end of the House War series, means that I don’t have to see the last of them just yet. I’m hopeful that means we will still get more of the specific characters in THIS series, wherever the larger storyline takes us.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There is so much that happens in this one book, I’m not sure how to unpack it all. Many threads that have been introduced throughout this series (and some of the other connected series) get tied up in this book, which was to be expected, but they don’t feel completely done. There are other, much larger, storyline threads outside of the House War series that are still left unfinished.
I wasn’t entirely surprised by the end result of Jewel’s journey. I am a little surprised at the specific events that get her there. I was honestly expecting different events or circumstances would be the catalyst that brought about her decision, a kind of emotional upheaval, but these weren’t. I am by no means disappointed, just… it came about differently than I thought, leaving me a little torn about my response to the actual events.
There is a conclusion to the storyline about The Sleepers, but I feel like this takes a bit of a backseat to Jewel’s story. Since she is essentially the focal character in this particular series, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I think I would have liked to have gotten a better glimpse of their interaction with Meralonne, though. But that is the problem with any great character in any book, you never feel like you get nearly enough page time with any of them.
In typical fashion, I get to the last page and I wasn’t ready for it to BE the last page. There are still lots of threads left unfinished, even the threads of many of the focal characters in this series. There are still so many characters in this series that I’m not ready to see the last of. This book, even being the end of the House War series, means that I don’t have to see the last of them just yet. I’m hopeful that means we will still get more of the specific characters in THIS series, wherever the larger storyline takes us.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2019
I am a big fan of Michelle, and in particular this series of books. The Sun Sword books are wonderful, and the promise of revisiting those characters kept me reading through the House War books, which I found somewhat of a long haul. I thought it was a bit too focused on inner dialogue, in particular this last book, War.
While I like to get into the heads of the characters, the time between decisions and actions could be pages, and involve multiple discussions. I found the pacing very slow, and while I love cats, even they became repetitive. The fault may be with me, as sometime I just need to have things spelled out, rather than try and work my way through a convoluted inner struggle that should help me understand the character better. Mostly I just want to move on to see where the story is going.
At any rate, powerful allies have now been created in Averalaan, and the stage is set. I am looking forward to the next books, and a return of some favourite characters.
While I like to get into the heads of the characters, the time between decisions and actions could be pages, and involve multiple discussions. I found the pacing very slow, and while I love cats, even they became repetitive. The fault may be with me, as sometime I just need to have things spelled out, rather than try and work my way through a convoluted inner struggle that should help me understand the character better. Mostly I just want to move on to see where the story is going.
At any rate, powerful allies have now been created in Averalaan, and the stage is set. I am looking forward to the next books, and a return of some favourite characters.
June 23, 2019
BORING! STUPID!! I’M BOREDD!!
I am so disappointed in this book, the amount of emotional inner monologue from every character was just boring! It was filler and so not needed. I don’t know what happened to the Editor on the last two books but the pace was glacial, how can you call this book WAR when you interrupt every ACTION scene with a different characters boring inner Monologue, which by the way was repeated almost every time the character was the focus of the story. Unfortunately the books became more about the Cats antics and each characters emotions than anything else. I have read every book in the extended series from the beginning which goes back to the 90’s first run paperbacks before Kindles. I never expected it would end like this. SMH IN DISGUST!! Cute how the WAR wasn’t the WAR!! I guess there is more to come.
I am so disappointed in this book, the amount of emotional inner monologue from every character was just boring! It was filler and so not needed. I don’t know what happened to the Editor on the last two books but the pace was glacial, how can you call this book WAR when you interrupt every ACTION scene with a different characters boring inner Monologue, which by the way was repeated almost every time the character was the focus of the story. Unfortunately the books became more about the Cats antics and each characters emotions than anything else. I have read every book in the extended series from the beginning which goes back to the 90’s first run paperbacks before Kindles. I never expected it would end like this. SMH IN DISGUST!! Cute how the WAR wasn’t the WAR!! I guess there is more to come.
May 9, 2019
In February, I had surgery and had to stay home for two weeks to recover. During that time, I realized I wanted more than just a story. I wanted to read something meaty. Something the equivalent of comfort food. I wanted a story with characters I was familiar with, who were wrestling with challenges, who have grown throughout their own story. So I picked up War, the last (maybe) book in Michelle West’s House War series.
Read the full review at Lightspeed Magazine.
Read the full review at Lightspeed Magazine.
March 25, 2025
About the only word I can use to describe this book is: disappointing.
On so many levels it was disappointing.
When is the knock-down drag-out fight-of-all-fights actually going to happen?!? I'm on book 8 of just this last series, book 15 if we include all of the series of the universe, and we haven't even gotten close to the climax of the story!
I don't care about any of the characters in this book at this point. It has been dragged out for too long, the things that were emphasized and made to seem so mysterious in all the other books just kind of petered out with no resolution...even though they were resolved...kind of. Take Shianne for instance, she got pregnant, with a boy, so that the Winter Queen would have the perfect Winter King...I guess. Well, how did she get pregnant? Where did she get the idea from? What about all of her other sisters? Do they get to be woken up and set free now? Why was the Winter Queen, who isn't even a god, the only one to create her own race? If he-who-shall-not-be-named is in fact a god, why did he have to rely on stealing her creations as his followers? Couldn't he have made his own?
Why do the Sen go insane? Why do they have to lock themselves up? Why didn't the Oracle just tell her that, why make her go on a journey of self-discovery that isn't self-discovery at all? More like self stumbling. I suppose because it's more like real life, but it just seems like Jewel careening away from one thing after another, endlessly reacting based on instinct rather than thinking anything through. Where do those instincts come from? Why doesn't everyone have them?
I want to go back to the storyline that actually drew me into this world! Take me back to the Dominion! I want to know what is going on with the Serra and how they will defeat the Lord. Is the Sun Sword really Morelas' sword?
So many questions. How much do you want to bet they won't get answered?
On so many levels it was disappointing.
When is the knock-down drag-out fight-of-all-fights actually going to happen?!? I'm on book 8 of just this last series, book 15 if we include all of the series of the universe, and we haven't even gotten close to the climax of the story!
I don't care about any of the characters in this book at this point. It has been dragged out for too long, the things that were emphasized and made to seem so mysterious in all the other books just kind of petered out with no resolution...even though they were resolved...kind of. Take Shianne for instance, she got pregnant, with a boy, so that the Winter Queen would have the perfect Winter King...I guess. Well, how did she get pregnant? Where did she get the idea from? What about all of her other sisters? Do they get to be woken up and set free now? Why was the Winter Queen, who isn't even a god, the only one to create her own race? If he-who-shall-not-be-named is in fact a god, why did he have to rely on stealing her creations as his followers? Couldn't he have made his own?
Why do the Sen go insane? Why do they have to lock themselves up? Why didn't the Oracle just tell her that, why make her go on a journey of self-discovery that isn't self-discovery at all? More like self stumbling. I suppose because it's more like real life, but it just seems like Jewel careening away from one thing after another, endlessly reacting based on instinct rather than thinking anything through. Where do those instincts come from? Why doesn't everyone have them?
I want to go back to the storyline that actually drew me into this world! Take me back to the Dominion! I want to know what is going on with the Serra and how they will defeat the Lord. Is the Sun Sword really Morelas' sword?
So many questions. How much do you want to bet they won't get answered?
Read
March 7, 2024Tl;dr: so many characters were just forgotten about.
I liked this book better than the last two, but considering that it had 10 less chapters than previous installments, I think we could've used more time with people coming to terms with the insanity. Else, what where they there for? Especially at the end, what happened to Celleriant and Birgide....and after all that, Teller??? You'd think the den would've had a family discussion. ETA: And the Kings...And Evayne...And Hannerle (though I admit she's minor)...And the little Astari girl...And Ariel the forgotten one. I can't believe she's been shuffled around for some 20+ (real time) years...And all the other elders just wandering around...And Meralonne...And Angel (+Terrick) who got a massive prologue and barely anything else through the remaining 6 or 7 books?? ETA #2: And Shianne... And Ellerson.
Namann's existence and plot significance was so minor, his inclusion still doesn't make sense. It makes me resent even more all the time spent with Hectore when we could've gotten the den and den-adjacent. I really do not look forward to seeing Jarven again either.
Anyway, I am glad I found the Essalieyan universe right before she published Hunter's Redoubt, because I would've been very mad to leave on this note for years. Overall, I'd say as a series, I would rank The House War below The Sun Sword. With the individual books, I'd choose the first few installments of House War. I really really hope we get back to the Kialli POVs, Evayne, and Kallandras in The Burning Crown since they've been around this entire time. What ever happened to Anya? How could she have just not accidentally caused trouble.
I liked this book better than the last two, but considering that it had 10 less chapters than previous installments, I think we could've used more time with people coming to terms with the insanity. Else, what where they there for? Especially at the end, what happened to Celleriant and Birgide....and after all that, Teller??? You'd think the den would've had a family discussion. ETA: And the Kings...And Evayne...And Hannerle (though I admit she's minor)...And the little Astari girl...And Ariel the forgotten one. I can't believe she's been shuffled around for some 20+ (real time) years...And all the other elders just wandering around...And Meralonne...And Angel (+Terrick) who got a massive prologue and barely anything else through the remaining 6 or 7 books?? ETA #2: And Shianne... And Ellerson.
Namann's existence and plot significance was so minor, his inclusion still doesn't make sense. It makes me resent even more all the time spent with Hectore when we could've gotten the den and den-adjacent. I really do not look forward to seeing Jarven again either.
Anyway, I am glad I found the Essalieyan universe right before she published Hunter's Redoubt, because I would've been very mad to leave on this note for years. Overall, I'd say as a series, I would rank The House War below The Sun Sword. With the individual books, I'd choose the first few installments of House War. I really really hope we get back to the Kialli POVs, Evayne, and Kallandras in The Burning Crown since they've been around this entire time. What ever happened to Anya? How could she have just not accidentally caused trouble.
February 13, 2021
The end of a loved series is always bittersweet, and it was certainly the case here. I liked how this part of Jewel's story ended, although I hope there will be a resolution for Calliastra's dilemma in the Burning Crown. I was surprised about Rath, but like how that tied up.
I enjoy the generally positive nature of the series, as well as the humanity of the characters, particularly the immortals. That said, Jewel has never been my favorite character. Her developmental arc is painfully slow and, to me, more appropriate to a youth, not a mature woman who spent the second half of her life apprenticed to power. I spent a fair amount of time rolling my eyes and telling her to grow up.
The pacing was, for a climax, slow. That didn't bother me as it was apparent, even before knowing about the Burning Crown, that the end of this story wasn't the end of The Story. So much groundwork was being laid for the next series that I didn't mind the pace, or the time spent with the Astari. I also like Avandar, Haval, Jarven, and Finch more than Jewel, so I'm biased.
Honestly, the most negative thing about the book, and series, is the constant rehashing of Sigurne's first sight of Illaraphaniel. We got it the first time, and it's in basically every book.
This book closed the chapter on Jewel, but thoroughly stoked my anticipation for more. How will things play out between Finch and Jarven? What is going to happen with the Astari? With Adam and Arkosa? Isladar and Anduvin?
Unlike some of the reviews, I feel that there is very little filler, but rather, a lot of foreshadowing in this book.
I enjoy the generally positive nature of the series, as well as the humanity of the characters, particularly the immortals. That said, Jewel has never been my favorite character. Her developmental arc is painfully slow and, to me, more appropriate to a youth, not a mature woman who spent the second half of her life apprenticed to power. I spent a fair amount of time rolling my eyes and telling her to grow up.
The pacing was, for a climax, slow. That didn't bother me as it was apparent, even before knowing about the Burning Crown, that the end of this story wasn't the end of The Story. So much groundwork was being laid for the next series that I didn't mind the pace, or the time spent with the Astari. I also like Avandar, Haval, Jarven, and Finch more than Jewel, so I'm biased.
Honestly, the most negative thing about the book, and series, is the constant rehashing of Sigurne's first sight of Illaraphaniel. We got it the first time, and it's in basically every book.
This book closed the chapter on Jewel, but thoroughly stoked my anticipation for more. How will things play out between Finch and Jarven? What is going to happen with the Astari? With Adam and Arkosa? Isladar and Anduvin?
Unlike some of the reviews, I feel that there is very little filler, but rather, a lot of foreshadowing in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2019
An ending of an era in many ways. I cannot believe that the series is over considering how long I've followed some of these characters, back with the Sun Sword series oh so many years ago. But, alas, everything must come to an end.
Overall, I appreciated a lot of the interactions between characters and the incredible imagination that it took to write this series; it remains one of my favorites of all time. However, as the series progressed the writing felt a bit more loose and disjointed and I had to go back and re-read at various stages to make sure I understood what was inferred. It was also very long; I like long and even sometimes long-winded is fine but I really wish this series were tightened up just a bit and the pacing smoothed more to make for a "cleaner" read, if that makes sense?
Even so, the world-building is just incredible and I'm deeply interested in a lot of the major characters as they branch off on their own adventures or reunite in strange and mysterious ways. Loose threads tended to be wrapped up for the most part and the conclusion was unsurprisingly and satisfactory.
All I can hope for now is some short stories popping up somewhere because I'm not going to lie, I would love more stories with Avandar, lol. Or any of the others, as well.
Overall, I appreciated a lot of the interactions between characters and the incredible imagination that it took to write this series; it remains one of my favorites of all time. However, as the series progressed the writing felt a bit more loose and disjointed and I had to go back and re-read at various stages to make sure I understood what was inferred. It was also very long; I like long and even sometimes long-winded is fine but I really wish this series were tightened up just a bit and the pacing smoothed more to make for a "cleaner" read, if that makes sense?
Even so, the world-building is just incredible and I'm deeply interested in a lot of the major characters as they branch off on their own adventures or reunite in strange and mysterious ways. Loose threads tended to be wrapped up for the most part and the conclusion was unsurprisingly and satisfactory.
All I can hope for now is some short stories popping up somewhere because I'm not going to lie, I would love more stories with Avandar, lol. Or any of the others, as well.
July 31, 2019
As usual, I was utterly riveted and, unlike GoT, which of course came to mind, I did feel WAR was a satisfying ending, in keeping with the characters and all that had come before, yet surprising as well. It is a relief to know that more is coming of the larger story and that we are not yet completely severed from these characters.
It does seem strange that these books have the feeling of being barely edited, leaving the author’s word choices and tics intact. As has been said by many, and I concur, Michelle West is terrific at world building, at creating and developing characters who you care about and who are distinct and consistent, at exciting plots and background mythology. The thing that keeps her out of the George RR Martin et al pantheon is her actual writing. (How does a person express themself if they are unable to raise one eyebrow or visibly widen their eyes?) Better editing could raise her to the level that all of her talents deserve.
It does seem strange that these books have the feeling of being barely edited, leaving the author’s word choices and tics intact. As has been said by many, and I concur, Michelle West is terrific at world building, at creating and developing characters who you care about and who are distinct and consistent, at exciting plots and background mythology. The thing that keeps her out of the George RR Martin et al pantheon is her actual writing. (How does a person express themself if they are unable to raise one eyebrow or visibly widen their eyes?) Better editing could raise her to the level that all of her talents deserve.
June 24, 2019
As the final novel in the House War series, WAR was everything I wanted it to be. The pacing, the visual imagery, the epic battles... They all reminded me why I adore these books. The war in Averalaan brings back memories of Henden that took place in the Hunter Duology with enough emotional resonance to bring me to tears at times.
These are the moments I love best about Michelle West's writing, and she certainly delivered here.
The pacing was superb, moving quickly between important characters--Jester was a favorite of mine in this particular book--while not lingering too long with any one place or person. The resolution of Jewel's arc and the Sleepers was perfect and bittersweet, while still managing to surprise me at times. I eagerly await the continuation of this universe in The Burning Crown arc as they finally bring the battle to Allasakar.
These are the moments I love best about Michelle West's writing, and she certainly delivered here.
The pacing was superb, moving quickly between important characters--Jester was a favorite of mine in this particular book--while not lingering too long with any one place or person. The resolution of Jewel's arc and the Sleepers was perfect and bittersweet, while still managing to surprise me at times. I eagerly await the continuation of this universe in The Burning Crown arc as they finally bring the battle to Allasakar.
July 4, 2019
It's really tough to see one of my favorite authors so severely in need of an editor who will actually edit. I love this series so much but the last 2 books should definitely have been one book and there were SO many superfluous inner monologues and slow moving scenes that large swathes of them were hard to get through. This has become a problem in her Elantra series as well, so much so that I seriously considered not even finishing the last one. It's so hard to see this happen with an author that has brought me so much reading joy over the years. The characters are still wonderful, with growth and complexity that is fun to follow, and her world building is absolutely top notch; but I seriously hope that she gets some better editing in the future.
June 26, 2019
A triumph. This final book in the House Wars saga concludes the third arc of the Essalayian Empire books. A final sequence (tentatively three books but seasoned readers will expect more) will conclude the series.
In this instalment West manages to restrain her tendency towards extraneous conversation and plot repetition admirably. The book flows quicker but everyone still gets their fair share of attention. The conclusion draws all the threads together in an extremely satisfying and not entirely expected way.
Warning however, do not attempt to read the epilogue in a public place such as an indoor go-kart track. It's difficult to pretend you have something in your eyes.
In this instalment West manages to restrain her tendency towards extraneous conversation and plot repetition admirably. The book flows quicker but everyone still gets their fair share of attention. The conclusion draws all the threads together in an extremely satisfying and not entirely expected way.
Warning however, do not attempt to read the epilogue in a public place such as an indoor go-kart track. It's difficult to pretend you have something in your eyes.
August 20, 2019
I love Michelle West. I love this universe. The Sun Sword books (particularly The Uncrowned King) are comfort reads. I've never liked the House War sequence nearly as well.
I don't know if I will ever re-read them, but I certainly enjoyed the reading. (I read this one in two days-- brain suck.)
I look forward to reading the next bit of this universe.
N.B. Michelle herself states (in the introduction to the short Warlord) that she really doesn't like writing battles. She likes the before and the after. There is a lot of battle here. Despite her preferences it is of equal excellence with everything else.
I don't know if I will ever re-read them, but I certainly enjoyed the reading. (I read this one in two days-- brain suck.)
I look forward to reading the next bit of this universe.
N.B. Michelle herself states (in the introduction to the short Warlord) that she really doesn't like writing battles. She likes the before and the after. There is a lot of battle here. Despite her preferences it is of equal excellence with everything else.
September 9, 2019
Ends an arc but not the story
I’ll start with: I love this author and the world she has built over so many stories and series. However, this book was very hard to read. The pace was very slow, the inner dialogue felt extreme and, honestly, like filler most of the time. At the end, I was left with disappointment as the book left so much unfinished while, at the same time feeling like it was at least twice as long as it should have been.
Finally though, I truly hope this wasn’t the end of the overall story as I really want to know what happens at the end.
I’ll start with: I love this author and the world she has built over so many stories and series. However, this book was very hard to read. The pace was very slow, the inner dialogue felt extreme and, honestly, like filler most of the time. At the end, I was left with disappointment as the book left so much unfinished while, at the same time feeling like it was at least twice as long as it should have been.
Finally though, I truly hope this wasn’t the end of the overall story as I really want to know what happens at the end.
August 8, 2019
This book was a real struggle. The repetition of various facts (Jewel’s need for her den, for example) just became tedious, the endless confrontations with immortals of various stripes boring, and the characters’ responses predictable and rote (the cats are a prime example). The ending provides closure for some parts of this long running story, which was gratifying, but overall the universe has lost its appeal to me.
December 26, 2023
3.5 stars
Very vaguely spoilery, mostly just ranty
Finally to the last book and I hate how disappointed I am right now, so much build up and so many awesome choices throughout this series and she took the ones that were really important(in my mind) back, GRRRR!!!!!
I honestly can't say anything else about this without spoiling like 14 other books, but I'm beginning to dislike this authors lack of commitment to closure and her avoidance of the fight with the real big bad.
Very vaguely spoilery, mostly just ranty
Finally to the last book and I hate how disappointed I am right now, so much build up and so many awesome choices throughout this series and she took the ones that were really important(in my mind) back, GRRRR!!!!!
I honestly can't say anything else about this without spoiling like 14 other books, but I'm beginning to dislike this authors lack of commitment to closure and her avoidance of the fight with the real big bad.
June 29, 2019
glorious and bittersweet
I thought this would be the end of the stories of Jewel, the den, Diora, Evayne, the Empire, Annagar and the Lord of the Hells, but it seems there is yet more to come (at least I really really hope so). This was beautifully written and enormously satisfying. Thank you, Michelle!
I thought this would be the end of the stories of Jewel, the den, Diora, Evayne, the Empire, Annagar and the Lord of the Hells, but it seems there is yet more to come (at least I really really hope so). This was beautifully written and enormously satisfying. Thank you, Michelle!
July 2, 2019
The poetry of the writing was as good as always, but the big ending to a huge series was pretty much exactly what had been said it would be--no twists or surprises, no big climactic moments, even. It was just a step by step finish of all the things we were told had to happen. I can't share details without spoilers, but it was so predictable it was anticlimactic.
August 28, 2019
What an interesting and thrilling end to Jewel's story arc! There were many hints of what could happen in the preceding/concurrent books, including those of The Sun Sword series, but they all came together in this book. I highly recommend these books. Michelle West is absolutely brilliant at developing worlds and characters.
November 3, 2021
An excellent Sci-Fi, War tells the story of when the sleepers awake. There was a time when this phrase meant war. However, it's true! The ancient princess has been imprisoned and the walls are finally fraying. What happens next?
The story is well executed and the characters are well-crafted. Overall, it's a book I definitely recommend.
The story is well executed and the characters are well-crafted. Overall, it's a book I definitely recommend.
June 21, 2019
I'm glad its finally the end, bc I've waiting since the 4th book. has a HEA for most characters but I kind of wanted some more sacrifices since it seems Jewel's job is to be stubborn enough so all her people survive and she's is never pragmatic or ruthless but she always gets her way.
July 9, 2019
Great ending!
I could not put this book down. It was a great ending to this series, however, I hope the story will continue. M. Sagara has ended it in a way that the storyline can continue.
I could not put this book down. It was a great ending to this series, however, I hope the story will continue. M. Sagara has ended it in a way that the storyline can continue.
July 20, 2019
Awesome ending of this part of the whole series!
This was the best book yet. It wrapped up the series in a satisfying manner and provider closure to so many characters. Well done! Can’t wait for future books in this land.
This was the best book yet. It wrapped up the series in a satisfying manner and provider closure to so many characters. Well done! Can’t wait for future books in this land.
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