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A Pattern of Shadow & Light #5
The Sixth Strand
Melissa McPhail’s epic fantasy series A Pattern of Shadow & Light has won a collective nine awards for outstanding fantasy and (even more importantly to the author) the devotion of thousands of readers. She continues the story in this fifth installment of the series, The Sixth “The strands are as interwoven as the visible spectrum, yet upon closer inspection, one may be found to bind the rest.”– Isabel van Gelderan, Epiphany’s Prophet The First Lord’s game has reached a critical apex. For the first time in millennia, the teams are equally matched. The field itself holds a kind of equilibrium. It is the task of Björn’s Players to unbalance the field in their own favor in their great game to restore Balance to the Realms of Light. But with Malorin’athgul and now Warlocks returned to the realms, the game—and the stakes involved—has elevated to an entirely new order of magnitude, requiring Björn’s Players to do the same. In Illume Belliel…after millennia of exile, the Demon Lord has regained a foothold in the Realms of Light, thanks to his ally, Shailabhanáchtran. Shail is expecting Baelfeir to stay in the cityworld, but the Lord of all Warlocks doesn't need Shail's help to reclaim the realm of Alorin—or his permission. In T’khendar…the last bastion between Chaos and the Realms of Light is being unmade. The Malorin’athgul Rinokh has been voraciously deconstructing the realm’s fabric, and without the drachwyr to counter his efforts, the world is coming undone. Björn and Isabel val Gelderan and their allies are doing all they can, but will their efforts be enough to withstand the onslaught until the Balance can shift? In Shadow…Ean val Lorian has finally recovered his memories from his life as Arion Tavestra, but what may prove even more lifechanging is his new binding to Darshanvenkhátraman. If Ean can learn to wield deyjiin through Darshan’s binding—an ability Arion never even envisioned—might it shift the entire balance of the game? In M’Nador…Trell val Lorian succeeded in rescuing his father’s soldiers from the fortress of Khor Taran, but he also learned at last what the Goddess Naiadithine requires of him in return for her many ending the war between M’Nador and the Akkad. But what chance has he of ending a feud that’s been raging for decades when he can’t even convince his own commanders to get along? From the dimension of Shadow to the realm of T’khendar, from the Empire of Agasan to the fire deserts of Avatar, Ean, Tanis, Trell, Sebastian and the rest of Bjorn’s Players will be holding their positions against immortal enemies in a game where mortal consequences hang in the balance of every choice.
1057 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2019
227 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Melissa McPhail
10 books1,258 followersMelissa McPhail is the author of the best-selling epic fantasy series A Pattern of Shadow & Light. She's the mother of twin girls who think boys in books are just better, and the adoptive mother to four very large cats who basically rule the roost; and while she can never leave the house in one attempt, she's pretty darn good at spinning a tale. She's also a classically trained pianist, violinist and composer, a Vinyasa yoga instructor, and an avid tea drinker.
Melissa's fantasy series has won eight best fantasy awards and (even more importantly to her) a fiercely devoted following. She is known for being an engaged author on social media and welcomes your thoughts on her work, the speculative fiction genre or writing in general.
Look for Melissa on Twitter @melissagmcphail, Facebook at facebook.com/cephraelshand or via her website and blog at melissamcphail.com.
Melissa's fantasy series has won eight best fantasy awards and (even more importantly to her) a fiercely devoted following. She is known for being an engaged author on social media and welcomes your thoughts on her work, the speculative fiction genre or writing in general.
Look for Melissa on Twitter @melissagmcphail, Facebook at facebook.com/cephraelshand or via her website and blog at melissamcphail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 29, 2021
I've been reading this for over a year. I've never taken so long to read a book in my life, no matter how long. I'm on page 853 and I've lost the will to continue. I've continued this far only because I couldn't bear the thought of having wasted a year of my life but I've finally had enough.
This was one of my favorite series but now I'm so disgusted with it. Ms. McPhail has made the same mistake as many fantasy authors in losing control of her story as the cast of characters widens beyond reason. There are currently DOZENS of POV characters. DOZENS! The cast is so vast that in the 853 pages that I've read, a total of THREE important things have happened. THREE! The rest is expository nonsense and inane character building for characters I DON'T CARE ABOUT. The sweet spot for multiple POV books is three. If you're very talented you may be able to balance the plot with six POVs with eight being the maximum. If you are trying to write anything above eight then you are a self indulgent jerk.
After about six months, I started skimming some of the exposition. At eight months, I started skipping chapters with POVs i didn't care about. As i was reading last night, I realized that this series will never end. I started questioning whether I had died and gone to a circle of Hell which is reserved for readers.
I will not be finishing this series but I have predictions. Feel free to comment that I was wrong when book 700 comes out:
Trell becomes king
Ean and Sebastian die
Darshan and Pelas die
Shail is defeated but survives
The other evil brother escapes and is defeated
Franco is redeemed and sane
Dore gets some kind of poetic justice
Tanis saves the day and ascends to God-hood
The other characters are the ones that don't matter AT ALL.
Recommendation: STAY AWAY!
This was one of my favorite series but now I'm so disgusted with it. Ms. McPhail has made the same mistake as many fantasy authors in losing control of her story as the cast of characters widens beyond reason. There are currently DOZENS of POV characters. DOZENS! The cast is so vast that in the 853 pages that I've read, a total of THREE important things have happened. THREE! The rest is expository nonsense and inane character building for characters I DON'T CARE ABOUT. The sweet spot for multiple POV books is three. If you're very talented you may be able to balance the plot with six POVs with eight being the maximum. If you are trying to write anything above eight then you are a self indulgent jerk.
After about six months, I started skimming some of the exposition. At eight months, I started skipping chapters with POVs i didn't care about. As i was reading last night, I realized that this series will never end. I started questioning whether I had died and gone to a circle of Hell which is reserved for readers.
I will not be finishing this series but I have predictions. Feel free to comment that I was wrong when book 700 comes out:
Trell becomes king
Ean and Sebastian die
Darshan and Pelas die
Shail is defeated but survives
The other evil brother escapes and is defeated
Franco is redeemed and sane
Dore gets some kind of poetic justice
Tanis saves the day and ascends to God-hood
The other characters are the ones that don't matter AT ALL.
Recommendation: STAY AWAY!
July 13, 2019
Once again, Melissa McPhail has added another exciting chapter in her series A Pattern of Shadow and Light. She has proven with this book, as with her others, that fantasy books can have philosophical, social, ethical, and moral underpinnings without being dry or boring, while not hammering the reader over the head with them. Add that to fantastic world building, endearing, relatable, and believable characters who grow and develop realistically, excellent pace, and great foreshadowing and you’ll love The Sixth Strand as much as the other books in the series. You’ll want to read them again and again.
One thing to note: All of the books in the series transition smoothly between main and secondary characters viewpoints. In the foreword of this installment, Ms. McPhail speaks about pruning the garden as there were, in her opinion, too many different sub-plots and branchings to be able to effectively move the books forward without overwhelming the reader.
Personally, I’ve never been overwhelmed by the various plots and sub-plots, but I can understand why some people would have difficulty keeping them straight. In my humble opinion Ms. McPhail and her editor have always done a great job at transitions from one viewpoint to another, without it being jarring or abrupt. That said, the combined efforts of Ms. McPhail, her editor, and her beta readers have only become more adroit at doing this throughout the five books. I’m very aware of transitional smoothness when there are a lot of threads moving about the tapestry (to use common parlance) and have been impressed from the first book forward at how this has continued and been honed throughout the series.
One thing to note: All of the books in the series transition smoothly between main and secondary characters viewpoints. In the foreword of this installment, Ms. McPhail speaks about pruning the garden as there were, in her opinion, too many different sub-plots and branchings to be able to effectively move the books forward without overwhelming the reader.
Personally, I’ve never been overwhelmed by the various plots and sub-plots, but I can understand why some people would have difficulty keeping them straight. In my humble opinion Ms. McPhail and her editor have always done a great job at transitions from one viewpoint to another, without it being jarring or abrupt. That said, the combined efforts of Ms. McPhail, her editor, and her beta readers have only become more adroit at doing this throughout the five books. I’m very aware of transitional smoothness when there are a lot of threads moving about the tapestry (to use common parlance) and have been impressed from the first book forward at how this has continued and been honed throughout the series.
October 17, 2019
This series is excellent. The world is highly detailed and populated with many view points. Characters are well balanced. Incredibly engaging, you will sink right into it.
Melissa started out strong and has continued to grow her writing throughout the series. Rarely, I perceived the mechanics of her writing; world tweaks and her underlying thoughts. In part, addressing early ambiguities in her still-growing world. Certainly a challenge with a project of such massive scope. I can hardly critique it; Melissa pulled it off as well or better than some of the other pillars of the genre. She can proudly stand with authors like Robert Jordan, and even look over their heads. Melissa's word choices wield English as a scalpel. I am looking forward to the ongoing development of her skilled word-crafting. She has burgeoning potential to take her writing to the finest expressions of the art.
I didn't truly realize how good this series was until I went to select my next read. I was left desperately searching for something of this caliber, and I still haven't found it. Can't wait for the next book!
Melissa started out strong and has continued to grow her writing throughout the series. Rarely, I perceived the mechanics of her writing; world tweaks and her underlying thoughts. In part, addressing early ambiguities in her still-growing world. Certainly a challenge with a project of such massive scope. I can hardly critique it; Melissa pulled it off as well or better than some of the other pillars of the genre. She can proudly stand with authors like Robert Jordan, and even look over their heads. Melissa's word choices wield English as a scalpel. I am looking forward to the ongoing development of her skilled word-crafting. She has burgeoning potential to take her writing to the finest expressions of the art.
I didn't truly realize how good this series was until I went to select my next read. I was left desperately searching for something of this caliber, and I still haven't found it. Can't wait for the next book!
July 20, 2021
Another amazing installment of the Pattern of Shadow and Light Series. If you’re looking for light reading, this isn’t for you, but if you want something to sink your teeth into, something intense, thought provoking, with plenty of intrigue then you won’t be disappointed with this series. The world is rich in detail. The characters are so well crafted I feel like I know them all. Some you have to despise, but most are utterly enchanting. Even when you believe it might be impossible for some to redeem themselves, they often do. The author is nothing short of absolute genius with how this story unfolds. She never rushes to the finish line but nudges her characters along their path while showing us just enough to increase our anticipation for their futures. Wish I could offer more than five stars!
July 27, 2019
Satisfyingly Good 👍
The secret to McPhail's success with all five books is not the prose but the journey. Sometimes the journey led through a memory. Other times, the journey led through a perception, or a force of will. For example, Viernan's perceptions of Dore were funny and deeply telling. Honestly, this journey through perception may be one of the best character building techniques I've read in a while. You can't help but laugh and get it. I highly recommend the Sixth Strand as a 2019 summer read for teens and adult fantasy lovers. The magic system and world building are top notch. I really look forward to the next installment. Happy Reading!
The secret to McPhail's success with all five books is not the prose but the journey. Sometimes the journey led through a memory. Other times, the journey led through a perception, or a force of will. For example, Viernan's perceptions of Dore were funny and deeply telling. Honestly, this journey through perception may be one of the best character building techniques I've read in a while. You can't help but laugh and get it. I highly recommend the Sixth Strand as a 2019 summer read for teens and adult fantasy lovers. The magic system and world building are top notch. I really look forward to the next installment. Happy Reading!
Read
May 8, 2024Fantastic read, so worth the wait since book 4
This was definitely worth the wait since book 5. I am wholeheartedly enjoying this series, and now will be waiting patiently for the next! Id you have not read the series, I highly recommend it. Melissa McPhail has created a world so detailed and well thought out that I enjoy not only the new books, but rereading the full series to get caught up!
This was definitely worth the wait since book 5. I am wholeheartedly enjoying this series, and now will be waiting patiently for the next! Id you have not read the series, I highly recommend it. Melissa McPhail has created a world so detailed and well thought out that I enjoy not only the new books, but rereading the full series to get caught up!
November 1, 2023
I only tasted this book in pieces over the last 7+ months, finishing the final act and a half in the last week or so.
Part of it was learning early on in reading that Ms. McPhail had tragically passed away before being able to complete her series. I suppose I doubt that her estate will be able to pull off what Robert Jordan's was able to do and have an established author (Brandon Sanderson, in the case of The Wheel of Time) complete the final two novels from her notes. According to her website, as of December 2022, her long-time friend and confidant, Heidi Kemp, is working to complete the series. We will see.
Another part of my lengthy completion of the read is that, frankly, nothing happens for a long time. Over the series, McPhail's descriptions have become much better, more varied, and she certainly lived in this world so as to provide us the vividness of her vision. Still, much of it was revisiting the thoughts of characters we already know, without much variance, just in a different place than they were in the prior chapter.
The book does build to a fairly satisfying climax, but, for an epic fantasy, my opinion is that there needs to be a bit more action and/or a bit more imminent danger. In my critique of Cephrael's Hand, I lamented that characters got in trouble on the regular, but the danger never lasted for long. I don't necessarily need the trials of a Terry Goodkind novel, but I would say she needed to find a balance. There wasn't enough to keep the pages turning. I feel like I should be able to hit a point where I tear through 5 or more chapters in a sitting because there's something I want to know. Chapters tended to end in a relatively safe place and/or with a question that didn't have a lot of urgency behind it. So, I didn't feel the urgency to stay up past my bedtime and read "just oooone moooore chaaaapter."
I also have a bit of an issue with the sense that, as this series has gone one, things have been getting easier for the protagonists, not more difficult. In other words, I don't get the sense of any great "raising of the stakes," either on a personal level or on the scale of the epic at large.
That said, I'm invested (albeit casually) in how it all resolves, so I do hope that Ms. Kemp is able to compile all the critical notes and weave the concluding two installments in a similar voice. I simultaneously recognize what an undertaking that is and hope that the final installments are not rushed.
Part of it was learning early on in reading that Ms. McPhail had tragically passed away before being able to complete her series. I suppose I doubt that her estate will be able to pull off what Robert Jordan's was able to do and have an established author (Brandon Sanderson, in the case of The Wheel of Time) complete the final two novels from her notes. According to her website, as of December 2022, her long-time friend and confidant, Heidi Kemp, is working to complete the series. We will see.
Another part of my lengthy completion of the read is that, frankly, nothing happens for a long time. Over the series, McPhail's descriptions have become much better, more varied, and she certainly lived in this world so as to provide us the vividness of her vision. Still, much of it was revisiting the thoughts of characters we already know, without much variance, just in a different place than they were in the prior chapter.
The book does build to a fairly satisfying climax, but, for an epic fantasy, my opinion is that there needs to be a bit more action and/or a bit more imminent danger. In my critique of Cephrael's Hand, I lamented that characters got in trouble on the regular, but the danger never lasted for long. I don't necessarily need the trials of a Terry Goodkind novel, but I would say she needed to find a balance. There wasn't enough to keep the pages turning. I feel like I should be able to hit a point where I tear through 5 or more chapters in a sitting because there's something I want to know. Chapters tended to end in a relatively safe place and/or with a question that didn't have a lot of urgency behind it. So, I didn't feel the urgency to stay up past my bedtime and read "just oooone moooore chaaaapter."
I also have a bit of an issue with the sense that, as this series has gone one, things have been getting easier for the protagonists, not more difficult. In other words, I don't get the sense of any great "raising of the stakes," either on a personal level or on the scale of the epic at large.
That said, I'm invested (albeit casually) in how it all resolves, so I do hope that Ms. Kemp is able to compile all the critical notes and weave the concluding two installments in a similar voice. I simultaneously recognize what an undertaking that is and hope that the final installments are not rushed.
February 7, 2021
The best thing in the world is a book that grips you and sucks you into its world so that you get kind of homesick when you don't have the occasion to read further. On the other hand there is that terrible empty feeling when you finished that book and feel lost because you have been thrown out and can't go on further adventures with all the friends you came to love. The only thing worse than that is having finished the last book in a series of that kind. To make it even worse the book ended with a really mean cliffhanger! My only consolation right now is that there will be another book somewhere in the future.
I am looking forward to re-read (or in this case re-listen to) all five books before beginning with volume six. There is soooo much going on in this story that I am sure I missed a bunch of things.
I am very happy to have found a new favourite series. To me it has the kind of feeling that the "Wheel of Times", the Cosmere-universe, the Greatcoats, Galand and the Riyria series had.
I am looking forward to re-read (or in this case re-listen to) all five books before beginning with volume six. There is soooo much going on in this story that I am sure I missed a bunch of things.
I am very happy to have found a new favourite series. To me it has the kind of feeling that the "Wheel of Times", the Cosmere-universe, the Greatcoats, Galand and the Riyria series had.
April 10, 2022
VERY LIGHT spoilers ahead- nothing concrete, just refers to something in the abstract that hints at a spoiler):
All that I talked about in my review of Paths of Alir still holds true, reveals don't always feel that revealing as there wasn't prior knowledge shared or much build up.
My biggest critique though is that the story, like the significant majority of epic fantasy, feels stretched thin and as if it's trying to do too much. This could be a personal preference, but while I truly love epic fantasy with hosts of characters, perspectives, cultures, etc., I strongly prefer series that start off epic and on a wide scale and then slowly bring the threads together over the course of the whole series. I don't really prefer new story threads and new main characters in the 4th or 5th book of a series (and definitely don't want new magic systems, worlds, and the apparent main villain introduced).
That said, while I kinda resent a new "villian" being introduced (though it seems much more complicated than that), the related characters development for some of the relevant other characters to this development (which happened over the course of the series) was delightfully unexpected and definitely not common in fantasy.
I'm saddened by the author's passing and, while it looks like more work will be published, I worry that it won't be as developed as her prior work or, even more saddening, that the series won't actually be wrapped up (as I don't think she had finished writing even drafts of the WHOLE series).
All that I talked about in my review of Paths of Alir still holds true, reveals don't always feel that revealing as there wasn't prior knowledge shared or much build up.
My biggest critique though is that the story, like the significant majority of epic fantasy, feels stretched thin and as if it's trying to do too much. This could be a personal preference, but while I truly love epic fantasy with hosts of characters, perspectives, cultures, etc., I strongly prefer series that start off epic and on a wide scale and then slowly bring the threads together over the course of the whole series. I don't really prefer new story threads and new main characters in the 4th or 5th book of a series (and definitely don't want new magic systems, worlds, and the apparent main villain introduced).
That said, while I kinda resent a new "villian" being introduced (though it seems much more complicated than that), the related characters development for some of the relevant other characters to this development (which happened over the course of the series) was delightfully unexpected and definitely not common in fantasy.
I'm saddened by the author's passing and, while it looks like more work will be published, I worry that it won't be as developed as her prior work or, even more saddening, that the series won't actually be wrapped up (as I don't think she had finished writing even drafts of the WHOLE series).
August 27, 2021
The pattern of this story continues to be entertaining. The depth, complexity and actions of the characters grow with each book. Nothing really major happened this book but can't say that the things were minor in anyway either. No major character has yet lost their life but have come rather close only to be saved at the last moment. Sort of thought this was annoying a little bit but then the characters are also getting abused quite a bit and then come back for more. The world was explored more and learned a little about some other countries which I was wondering why have this in there but as you continue reading it makes a little more sense. Some characters and things that happened from last book aren't really in this one and that left me wondering what happened with them. Now with this one we are left with cliffhangers that I hope will be resolved in the next book. This book was rather long but it didn't feel that long to me. Trying to write about so many characters and do them justice is a challenge in itself. Now will just have to wait until the next book comes out.
July 9, 2019
Solid 4.5. Great characters and great writing. Strongly moved the storylines forward. The things I liked are how she moved the characters through their story arc with development and a minimum of fluff. All the players are learning what it really does take to play this game. We also get to see parts of the world we haven't seen yet. Some quips: would have liked to see more Alanari and fewer sub-sub character backstory I don't care about much; I also would like half as much enemy perspective...I understand we need to know Darshan before we can care but I was so frustrated. Thing I hope for in the next book: please leave Dore Maden dead for good. Great work!
June 17, 2019
can't wait for the next one...
Though of course I'll have to wait. We still have a lot of loose ends but all is becoming clearer...or is it? Wonderful fantasy holding my interest as nothing has done since Wheel of Time.
Though of course I'll have to wait. We still have a lot of loose ends but all is becoming clearer...or is it? Wonderful fantasy holding my interest as nothing has done since Wheel of Time.
January 25, 2020
Sprawl is real
This book felt like it was an exposition for the next book. Too many timelines that drag on and add very little to the plot. I found myself wanting to skim pages or even skip chapters.
This book felt like it was an exposition for the next book. Too many timelines that drag on and add very little to the plot. I found myself wanting to skim pages or even skip chapters.
June 26, 2019
Fantastic!
Every book in the series just gets better and better. Epic doesn't event begin to cover it. Read it now!
Every book in the series just gets better and better. Epic doesn't event begin to cover it. Read it now!
February 5, 2021
Lost interest in the characters
December 10, 2024
I listened to this book on Audible, so some of the character names will be misspelled.
The first book in the series really drew me in, but there have been pervasive problems with the series that have become all too evident in book 5.
1. Ean just is not that interesting of a character. He started off as a rebel who fought to maintain his identity, but now he's just Arion Tavestra. He makes very few decisions unless Isobel and Bjorn and Tannis approve. This might appear to be character development to some, but the execution of this development has turned Ean bland. I have little interest in anything he has to say because it is almost always just a regurgitation of what Isobel and Bjorn have been trying to make him. It's almost like they have reprogrammed him.
2. Tannis is such a Mary Sue. He faces problems that should be almost impossible for someone his age with almost no training. Yet, everything seems super easy and barely an inconvenience for him. He is able to figure out complex problems that most people in his world cannot wrap their heads around. There is a difference between making a young character very intelligent and making them have no faults, and the author has crossed the line. Tannis is perfect, and therefore he is unrelatable and uninteresting.
3. "The Game" that Cephrael and Baelfeer "play" might have been a good analogy to show how the higher beings view the people of the world as unimportant. Unfortunately, the human characters seem to have embraced the game. Every time any of the characters talk about being a player in the game while preparing to battle makes the stakes feel trivial. This overused metaphor made me consider quitting the book several times because nothing seemed to matter when it's all just a game.
4. The author spends so much time explaining how allay and star points work, but none of it really makes sense. Some will find the magic system interesting to study, but I think less time spent on magic theory and more time spent on story would have benefitted the book immensely.
5. There are hundreds of characters, and the author expects me to remember all of them and how they relate to each other. I kept looking online for a list of characters and what their allegiances are, but I was unsuccessful. I don't know if I waited to long between books 4 and 5 or if the author just put in too many irrelevant details.
6. Having so many points of view detracted time from the storylines I actually cared to read about. I wanted more of Sebastian and his development, but he does not show up until halfway through the book. And the author does not show Sebastian recovering from his mind enslavement. I loved the story of Lukas and Tanoor, but their backstory did not really add much to the overall narrative. Alinary was barely in this story.
Overall, this was a rather disappointing read, which is sad since the series will go uncompleted now that the author is dead.
The first book in the series really drew me in, but there have been pervasive problems with the series that have become all too evident in book 5.
1. Ean just is not that interesting of a character. He started off as a rebel who fought to maintain his identity, but now he's just Arion Tavestra. He makes very few decisions unless Isobel and Bjorn and Tannis approve. This might appear to be character development to some, but the execution of this development has turned Ean bland. I have little interest in anything he has to say because it is almost always just a regurgitation of what Isobel and Bjorn have been trying to make him. It's almost like they have reprogrammed him.
2. Tannis is such a Mary Sue. He faces problems that should be almost impossible for someone his age with almost no training. Yet, everything seems super easy and barely an inconvenience for him. He is able to figure out complex problems that most people in his world cannot wrap their heads around. There is a difference between making a young character very intelligent and making them have no faults, and the author has crossed the line. Tannis is perfect, and therefore he is unrelatable and uninteresting.
3. "The Game" that Cephrael and Baelfeer "play" might have been a good analogy to show how the higher beings view the people of the world as unimportant. Unfortunately, the human characters seem to have embraced the game. Every time any of the characters talk about being a player in the game while preparing to battle makes the stakes feel trivial. This overused metaphor made me consider quitting the book several times because nothing seemed to matter when it's all just a game.
4. The author spends so much time explaining how allay and star points work, but none of it really makes sense. Some will find the magic system interesting to study, but I think less time spent on magic theory and more time spent on story would have benefitted the book immensely.
5. There are hundreds of characters, and the author expects me to remember all of them and how they relate to each other. I kept looking online for a list of characters and what their allegiances are, but I was unsuccessful. I don't know if I waited to long between books 4 and 5 or if the author just put in too many irrelevant details.
6. Having so many points of view detracted time from the storylines I actually cared to read about. I wanted more of Sebastian and his development, but he does not show up until halfway through the book. And the author does not show Sebastian recovering from his mind enslavement. I loved the story of Lukas and Tanoor, but their backstory did not really add much to the overall narrative. Alinary was barely in this story.
Overall, this was a rather disappointing read, which is sad since the series will go uncompleted now that the author is dead.
February 7, 2021
This story seems somewhat based on the Goddesses of Fate; the three sisters that weave in the underworld, doling out the threads of life: Clotho spun the threads for all, Lachesis would measure out the length, and Atropos would make the final cut. These old women were powerful beings, and no one could escape the webs they spun.
Of course in this story there are many, many more players with the power to influence the Pattern of the World. It's apparently a game between Björn van Gelderan, who may or may not be Cephrael, and Baelfeir, the self-proclaimed Lord of All Warlocks. Others are compelled to play this game, even though they're not enjoying it, to restore Balance, the supposed idyllic goal.
There are far too many characters and scenarios for me to attempt to synopsize this story. You just have to trust me that you need to read 4000+ pages to have a glimmer of understanding of what's going on.
The author added flashbacks and memories which I don't recall being featured in earlier volumes. It sometimes took me a while to figure out that what I was reading wasn't occurring in the "present." I'm still a bit put off by the complicated names, especially when a character has more than one, not to mention abbreviated versions. But that's just me.
Trell ends up in a dungeon again. I did enjoy learning more about Loukas and Tannour's history and why they tiptoe around each other.
Book six may be released this year (2021) so I will probably read it but don't hold out a lot of hope that I will remember the storyline since I have a hard time with it even reading the books sequentially.
Of course in this story there are many, many more players with the power to influence the Pattern of the World. It's apparently a game between Björn van Gelderan, who may or may not be Cephrael, and Baelfeir, the self-proclaimed Lord of All Warlocks. Others are compelled to play this game, even though they're not enjoying it, to restore Balance, the supposed idyllic goal.
There are far too many characters and scenarios for me to attempt to synopsize this story. You just have to trust me that you need to read 4000+ pages to have a glimmer of understanding of what's going on.
The author added flashbacks and memories which I don't recall being featured in earlier volumes. It sometimes took me a while to figure out that what I was reading wasn't occurring in the "present." I'm still a bit put off by the complicated names, especially when a character has more than one, not to mention abbreviated versions. But that's just me.
Trell ends up in a dungeon again. I did enjoy learning more about Loukas and Tannour's history and why they tiptoe around each other.
Book six may be released this year (2021) so I will probably read it but don't hold out a lot of hope that I will remember the storyline since I have a hard time with it even reading the books sequentially.
July 3, 2020
Sebastion saves his father's army and they reunite.
Tanis fell off the world pattern into darkness. Not sure why he can't just open a portal and pop back into Shadow or whatever, but in any case I am sure he will make it. This happens when Ean is stealing the lost archive of the 6th Quorum or whatever they seems to explain what started this great Game.
Trell gets rescued by Tanner after the Sundragon kills Dor (or not, he was impaled but you know no one can just kill the fucker....) and levels the place. Ean turns up just in time to save them both and heal Trell, though his hand is 90% stone now. Probably be useful.
Baelfeir, the Lord of Warlocks who got kicked out of the realms of light since him and his kind were big into mind control and murder, heals Vaile after she kind of forgets she's in a fight with more than 1 foe and gets stabbed in the back/lets herself be killed by dejin. They're a thing, because of course they are. Baelfeir has been rather chill after his initial lets cause everyone to lose their minds and murder each other party. Kind of weird. I guess we're supposed to let this slide because-
Ean shows up to have a chat with Baelfeir now that he knows what started it all it seems.
The end.
Tanis fell off the world pattern into darkness. Not sure why he can't just open a portal and pop back into Shadow or whatever, but in any case I am sure he will make it. This happens when Ean is stealing the lost archive of the 6th Quorum or whatever they seems to explain what started this great Game.
Trell gets rescued by Tanner after the Sundragon kills Dor (or not, he was impaled but you know no one can just kill the fucker....) and levels the place. Ean turns up just in time to save them both and heal Trell, though his hand is 90% stone now. Probably be useful.
Baelfeir, the Lord of Warlocks who got kicked out of the realms of light since him and his kind were big into mind control and murder, heals Vaile after she kind of forgets she's in a fight with more than 1 foe and gets stabbed in the back/lets herself be killed by dejin. They're a thing, because of course they are. Baelfeir has been rather chill after his initial lets cause everyone to lose their minds and murder each other party. Kind of weird. I guess we're supposed to let this slide because-
Ean shows up to have a chat with Baelfeir now that he knows what started it all it seems.
The end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2024
I would have given this series 5 stars but as it looks as though it won’t be completed and there is too much unfinished to enjoy knowing there will be no closure.
The series is very good. Well performed audiobook. At times it is slow and feels unnecessarily drawn out.
Normally i would definitely recommend this series but tragically the author lost a battle with cancer and had left us.
There were to be two more books in the series. According to the author’s website permission was given for another book to be written by Ms McPhail’s friend and assistant. That was 4 years ago. There have been a few promises to complete the sixth and, I’m assuming, final book but after such a long time and a lack of recent updates I highly doubt that it will happen.
The fifth book, The Sixth Strand, leaves not a few storylines so far from complete that reading the series without a final book ruins the entire reading of the other five books.
Until and if a final book is released I do not recommend reading the series. Too much is left unfinished and there is nothing close to closure or fulfillment leaving off after the fifth book.
The series is very good. Well performed audiobook. At times it is slow and feels unnecessarily drawn out.
Normally i would definitely recommend this series but tragically the author lost a battle with cancer and had left us.
There were to be two more books in the series. According to the author’s website permission was given for another book to be written by Ms McPhail’s friend and assistant. That was 4 years ago. There have been a few promises to complete the sixth and, I’m assuming, final book but after such a long time and a lack of recent updates I highly doubt that it will happen.
The fifth book, The Sixth Strand, leaves not a few storylines so far from complete that reading the series without a final book ruins the entire reading of the other five books.
Until and if a final book is released I do not recommend reading the series. Too much is left unfinished and there is nothing close to closure or fulfillment leaving off after the fifth book.
June 25, 2019
Kept me on pins and needles
Normally I read books very quickly. This was not the case for Melissa's newest masterpiece. I wanted to savor every single second of my first exposure to Sixth Strand. Sounds funny, but writing these large volumes typically takes 18-24 mouths. I won't ever complain because the end product is worth it. I almost didn't want this story to end. Lucky for me, there's at least one more book to the series.
I am not sure if I can explain the intricacies of her plot lines. Just reading the description on Amazon is as close as I would be able to communicate without writing a mini novel. The brothers circle back on to each other's thread. Yet they don't quite converge. There are many different POVs depicted yet somehow the story never gets too overwhelming. Melissa did add 2 new story threads Tannour and Baelfeir.
I will warn people that if for some strange reason this is the first book of Melissa's you have picked up, please return it and start with Cephrael's hand.
Normally I read books very quickly. This was not the case for Melissa's newest masterpiece. I wanted to savor every single second of my first exposure to Sixth Strand. Sounds funny, but writing these large volumes typically takes 18-24 mouths. I won't ever complain because the end product is worth it. I almost didn't want this story to end. Lucky for me, there's at least one more book to the series.
I am not sure if I can explain the intricacies of her plot lines. Just reading the description on Amazon is as close as I would be able to communicate without writing a mini novel. The brothers circle back on to each other's thread. Yet they don't quite converge. There are many different POVs depicted yet somehow the story never gets too overwhelming. Melissa did add 2 new story threads Tannour and Baelfeir.
I will warn people that if for some strange reason this is the first book of Melissa's you have picked up, please return it and start with Cephrael's hand.
March 16, 2020
Melissa McPhail's Worldbuilding is on par with Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. This series, however, is much more adult. There are a lot of great characters, including the three brothers, and tons of side characters.
The character building is brilliant.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the previous four, but that's because it touched on a lot of sensitive topics for me. She spends a lot of time getting into detail with male and male relationships, including several sections where it seems its open to everyone, not just a few particular characters to have a male/male relationship, so if that makes you uncomfortable, or have molestation in your past, it can be a much harder book to get through.
Other than that, the worldbuilding, characters, and story are really well done, and am looking forward to checking out the next book in the series.
The character building is brilliant.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the previous four, but that's because it touched on a lot of sensitive topics for me. She spends a lot of time getting into detail with male and male relationships, including several sections where it seems its open to everyone, not just a few particular characters to have a male/male relationship, so if that makes you uncomfortable, or have molestation in your past, it can be a much harder book to get through.
Other than that, the worldbuilding, characters, and story are really well done, and am looking forward to checking out the next book in the series.
February 10, 2022
This was another really good book by Melissa. I love her world building. The story is massive and some of her characters like Pelas are truly amazing. Her ability to write emotional scenes is top notch. My only real complaints with this series so far is that none of the major characters die. They get into bad situations alot. But they always come out and are always saved. At some point there has to be a major death. Without it the emotionality is cheapened. In some ways her story maybe too massive. You have character arcs that were basically ignored this entire book. Akin to a Feast for Crows from Martin.
It's a great fun story with some fascinating world building, magic, and characters. I could just see it being a little more realistic. That and try to use "sucked on a tooth" or other silly phrases a little less.
It's a great fun story with some fascinating world building, magic, and characters. I could just see it being a little more realistic. That and try to use "sucked on a tooth" or other silly phrases a little less.
February 21, 2020
I freaking love this series. I've been following since the first two books were released several years ago and have re-read this massive series several times, my latest being a few months after this fifth book came out.
It was just as epic and magically mind bending as the rest and the end game is getting closer as all the Players move their pieces.
If you love epic fantasy with an awesome magic system that spans multiple worlds and aren't too squeamish as this is not a light fluffy series I would seriously recommend clearing your schedule for a month (these are huge books) to delve into the world of Alorin.
It was just as epic and magically mind bending as the rest and the end game is getting closer as all the Players move their pieces.
If you love epic fantasy with an awesome magic system that spans multiple worlds and aren't too squeamish as this is not a light fluffy series I would seriously recommend clearing your schedule for a month (these are huge books) to delve into the world of Alorin.
November 20, 2020
The depth of creation in this series is just astounding. I can't fathom the overall intellect and imagination it took to create this series.
Melissa McPhail is truly incredible and a master of her craft.
You'd think after reading more than 800 pages, I'd be ready for a break. But Melissa writes these books in a way that has you begging for more by the end.
The Sixth Strand is my favorite book of the series so far and there's apparently going to be two more (whoot!).
The wait for book 6 begins!
Melissa McPhail is truly incredible and a master of her craft.
You'd think after reading more than 800 pages, I'd be ready for a break. But Melissa writes these books in a way that has you begging for more by the end.
The Sixth Strand is my favorite book of the series so far and there's apparently going to be two more (whoot!).
The wait for book 6 begins!
January 15, 2021
Fantastic high fantasy! These books rank up there with Game of Thrones, except McPhail doesn't kill off her characters with the same nonchalance that Martin does. And McPhail does another thing right; she anchors you in the beginning by reminding you were the characters left off in the last book, so it doesn't matter how long it's been between publishing. And her ending was not only strategic, with enough characters in peril and the others heading into their destinies, but it is gorgeously written that you don't mind the length and in fact want more. I can't wait for the next one!
February 13, 2020
I didn't want it to end
Another satisfying entry to the world of A Pattern of Shadow and Light. Melissa's world drew me in from book one. I tried to take my time and savor, but like being magnetized to a key lime I was pulled to the ultimate end. Now I have to wait for the next entry to find out how all the threads resolve. She weaves a complex and engrossing story and I can't wait to come back.
Another satisfying entry to the world of A Pattern of Shadow and Light. Melissa's world drew me in from book one. I tried to take my time and savor, but like being magnetized to a key lime I was pulled to the ultimate end. Now I have to wait for the next entry to find out how all the threads resolve. She weaves a complex and engrossing story and I can't wait to come back.
June 6, 2021
A series that continues to exceed expectations
This book is of course a development on the previous ones in the series. In some ways, it follows an expected path, but how it does so, is where the author grabs your attention and maintains it for the duration of the book. The only caveat with this book and the series is that you need to have or develop a comfort level for all types of relationships.
This book is of course a development on the previous ones in the series. In some ways, it follows an expected path, but how it does so, is where the author grabs your attention and maintains it for the duration of the book. The only caveat with this book and the series is that you need to have or develop a comfort level for all types of relationships.
August 16, 2025
I'm so sad this series is unfinished! I just completed a reread of the series, and it's one of my favorite epic fantasies of all time. This 5th book is probably the least engrossing out of the 5.. a bit too much character sprawl. I hope we are blessed with the resolution!!
one note about the audiobook.. Darshan's voice changed this book, and it BOTHERED ME. a couple of voices seemed different but that one was annoying
one note about the audiobook.. Darshan's voice changed this book, and it BOTHERED ME. a couple of voices seemed different but that one was annoying
July 30, 2019
Another amazing entry into the series
The Sixth Strand has a lot to live up to. The previous books have set such a grand stage with many loose ends needing to be tied up. The first part of the book wraps up prior storylines and sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion. I cannot wait for the next and possibly final entry into the series
The Sixth Strand has a lot to live up to. The previous books have set such a grand stage with many loose ends needing to be tied up. The first part of the book wraps up prior storylines and sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion. I cannot wait for the next and possibly final entry into the series
September 17, 2019
More please!!!!
I loved this as much, or possibly more, than the first four (and that’s starting a lot). Thank you Melissa! Your super intelligent writing coupled with fantastic characters and a robust story-line is some of the best I've devoured in years. Please try to get number six out ASAP. It’s going to be torture waiting!
I loved this as much, or possibly more, than the first four (and that’s starting a lot). Thank you Melissa! Your super intelligent writing coupled with fantastic characters and a robust story-line is some of the best I've devoured in years. Please try to get number six out ASAP. It’s going to be torture waiting!
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