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Numina Trilogy #3
Siege and Sacrifice
Sandis has finally freed herself from her master and his plans to use her as a vessel for the ancient beast Kolosos. But her master has found a new, impossible vessel: Sandis’s brother, Anon—a brother she long thought dead.
Kolosos is ancient, massive, and seemingly unbeatable. Fortunately, Sandis has her own monster—an ethereal fire horse that she can summon at will. In addition, she and Rone may have discovered the secret to defeating Kolosos: ancient lore that details the creation of magic. It could be the key to victory and the key to saving Anon.
The price is steep, and Sandis is willing to pay it. Rone is not, and his attempt to save her only pulls them apart. As both are tested in ways they never expected, Sandis and Rone will need to determine the sacrifices they are willing to make. If their efforts are not enough, their city will fall… just as the ancient city beneath it already has.
Kolosos is ancient, massive, and seemingly unbeatable. Fortunately, Sandis has her own monster—an ethereal fire horse that she can summon at will. In addition, she and Rone may have discovered the secret to defeating Kolosos: ancient lore that details the creation of magic. It could be the key to victory and the key to saving Anon.
The price is steep, and Sandis is willing to pay it. Rone is not, and his attempt to save her only pulls them apart. As both are tested in ways they never expected, Sandis and Rone will need to determine the sacrifices they are willing to make. If their efforts are not enough, their city will fall… just as the ancient city beneath it already has.
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First published September 17, 2019
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About the author
Charlie N. Holmberg
53 books8,796 followersCharlie N. Holmberg is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of fantasy and romance fiction, including the Paper Magician series, the Spellbreaker series, and the Whimbrel House series, and writes contemporary romance under C. N. Holmberg. She is published in over twenty languages and is a Goodreads Choice Award, ALA, and RITA finalist. Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. A BYU alumna, she discovered in her thirties that she’s actually a cat person. She lives with her family in Utah. Visit her at www.charlienholmberg.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 389 reviews
October 8, 2019
I won this kindle e-book in a Goodreads giveaway; many thanks to GR, Amazon Kindle, the publisher and the author for this opportunity. I found this third and final book in the trilogy to be the best of the three. The pace was fast and the ends tied up pretty quickly but overall a pretty satisfying read. I wished for a bit more fiery feistiness and less gullibility from the heroine throughout the series but the age and innocence of Sandis is probably the explanation for the lack of that. Still the action and the resolution of some previously unanswered questions in the series contributed to a satisfying conclusion.
March 29, 2021
This is the last book in the Numina series. I really enjoyed this book and the entire series. Loved the characters, the world was unique, and the plot didn't go where I'd expected, which is a great thing! And the ending was just about perfect for the series. One small quibble
This is a great series! So? What are you waiting for.... Go Read! :)
This is a great series! So? What are you waiting for.... Go Read! :)
June 28, 2019
Thank you so much to 47North and NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own! I was honestly SO excited for this book, I was screaming at the end of Myths and Mortals and am thoroughly excited and honored to read this ahead of it's publication date!
I will omit the description due to spoilers for the first two books!
This is such an amazing conclusion to the Numina trilogy. Holmberg brought in a lot more lore in this book and finally explained the origin of the Numen. It is a sad and little bit heartbreaking story, but the sea (of) people at the end of the book made me so happy and we finally got to meet Ireth.
Rone and Ireth carried this book for me, along with the rest of the numen. Most of the action centered around these two and they made a great team in the ethereal plane. Bastien was another great character with his well of courage and terrible dad jokes. Bastien surprised me at the end, the vessels were being set up to become slaves all over again and he risked it in order to feel useful somewhere. My only loose end is wondering how he made out in the end!
The other thing I love is the Angelic's role, his sacrifices, and all of the lore surrounding his role that was explained. I think that whole scene was the first time I teared up while reading this. The Celestial and Kolosos have a great story too. The whole book is a great story, have I mentioned that I love all the lore yet?
The book IS full of lore but is also fully action packed , I think I blew through it in a 36 hour time period and will definitely be re reading the series at some point when I can afford to take it slower.
Thank you again to the publisher and NetGalley for the early copy!
(It is too early to post the blog link but I will post the link here about 2 weeks prior to publication!)
I will omit the description due to spoilers for the first two books!
This is such an amazing conclusion to the Numina trilogy. Holmberg brought in a lot more lore in this book and finally explained the origin of the Numen. It is a sad and little bit heartbreaking story, but the sea (of) people at the end of the book made me so happy and we finally got to meet Ireth.
Rone and Ireth carried this book for me, along with the rest of the numen. Most of the action centered around these two and they made a great team in the ethereal plane. Bastien was another great character with his well of courage and terrible dad jokes. Bastien surprised me at the end, the vessels were being set up to become slaves all over again and he risked it in order to feel useful somewhere. My only loose end is wondering how he made out in the end!
The other thing I love is the Angelic's role, his sacrifices, and all of the lore surrounding his role that was explained. I think that whole scene was the first time I teared up while reading this. The Celestial and Kolosos have a great story too. The whole book is a great story, have I mentioned that I love all the lore yet?
The book IS full of lore but is also fully action packed , I think I blew through it in a 36 hour time period and will definitely be re reading the series at some point when I can afford to take it slower.
Thank you again to the publisher and NetGalley for the early copy!
(It is too early to post the blog link but I will post the link here about 2 weeks prior to publication!)
November 25, 2019
This is the 2nd series I have finished by this writer and I am very impressed. Each series was very distinct in it's world building and magic system. Nice plots and character and lots of good action made this trilogy a great read. I plan to try some of the writer's stand alone books. If you are looking for a new writer to get into I don't think you will go wrog with Ms Holmberg.
July 4, 2020
A fitting end to an entertaining series. Really this series is one continuous story and I did find I’d got a bit bored with the whole thing by the end. Nevertheless , a worthwhile read overall.
September 27, 2019
An adrenaline fueled sprint to an epic conclusion of a stunning trilogy. Well written at an excellent pace, Charlie Holmberg brings it home in this third and final book of her Numina trilogy. I am reinvigorated in my belief, there are actual writers who allow a story to flow and evolve as the writer develops it. Well met Charlie Holmberg, well met.
June 9, 2019
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
This is a beautiful trilogy.
Sandis is a vessel who can summon magical numens into her own body. (Numens are magical demon-like figures from the ethereal plane, but you learn a lot more about them in this book.) She has escaped her abusive captor, and has spent a lot of time trying to find her family and figure out what to do next. In this third book, a terrifying and destructive numen Kolosos has been set on the city, and she has to figure out a way to save herself and her friends. All of my favorites were in danger, and I moved all of my plans until I finished this book.
The magic system in this world feels fresh and different, and Charlie Holmberg does a great job building a rich, believable universe. It was elegant and simply done. I love the connection to the deeper lore / societal history, I loved the feeling that I was discovering more about Dresberg as the characters did.
I got attached to the characters almost immediately. Sandis is a sweet, pure soul, and completely strong beyond her years. She's sometimes frustratingly naive but in a way that only makes her more endearing. Rone is complicated and wonderful, and a teen heart throb if I ever saw one. I will most likely ship them forever.
The relationships in this book are wonderful- not only is there an absolutely sweet romantic relationship to root for, but there are many other important emotional nonromantic relationships that give the characters great depth. The question keeps coming up - what wouldn't you do for your family? And many of the characters have to keep going through that internal struggle. Side note: I absolutely love the relationship between Ireth and Sandis, it's so sweet and unusual. I love that in the depths of this character's trauma, she finds something beautiful on the other side.
There was a great balance between lovely, sun-speckled moments and moments where I was absolutely terrified for the characters I had grown so attached to.
My only complaint - I felt like it moved too quickly at times. There is so much potential to this world and these characters, and it felt like a lot of the plot points moved at breakneck speed. This third book could have easily been two books on its own, if not more.
TLDR: This is a great book, world, set of characters, and series. It's a quick read that you will definitely enjoy.
This is a beautiful trilogy.
Sandis is a vessel who can summon magical numens into her own body. (Numens are magical demon-like figures from the ethereal plane, but you learn a lot more about them in this book.) She has escaped her abusive captor, and has spent a lot of time trying to find her family and figure out what to do next. In this third book, a terrifying and destructive numen Kolosos has been set on the city, and she has to figure out a way to save herself and her friends. All of my favorites were in danger, and I moved all of my plans until I finished this book.
The magic system in this world feels fresh and different, and Charlie Holmberg does a great job building a rich, believable universe. It was elegant and simply done. I love the connection to the deeper lore / societal history, I loved the feeling that I was discovering more about Dresberg as the characters did.
I got attached to the characters almost immediately. Sandis is a sweet, pure soul, and completely strong beyond her years. She's sometimes frustratingly naive but in a way that only makes her more endearing. Rone is complicated and wonderful, and a teen heart throb if I ever saw one. I will most likely ship them forever.
The relationships in this book are wonderful- not only is there an absolutely sweet romantic relationship to root for, but there are many other important emotional nonromantic relationships that give the characters great depth. The question keeps coming up - what wouldn't you do for your family? And many of the characters have to keep going through that internal struggle. Side note: I absolutely love the relationship between Ireth and Sandis, it's so sweet and unusual. I love that in the depths of this character's trauma, she finds something beautiful on the other side.
There was a great balance between lovely, sun-speckled moments and moments where I was absolutely terrified for the characters I had grown so attached to.
My only complaint - I felt like it moved too quickly at times. There is so much potential to this world and these characters, and it felt like a lot of the plot points moved at breakneck speed. This third book could have easily been two books on its own, if not more.
TLDR: This is a great book, world, set of characters, and series. It's a quick read that you will definitely enjoy.
June 29, 2019
Thank you to 47North and NetGalley for the eARC copy of this book, provided for my honest review.
I absolutely devoured this trilogy. Now, I'd done the same with The Paper Magician trilogy and The Plastic Magician as well, and I find I just adore Charlie Holmberg's way of writing and story telling. The Numina trilogy was no disappointment.
The lore of this trilogy is just amazing, and you get so much of it in this third volume. Just about any question you might have raised from the first two volumes is answered in this third one. The only question I still have is what becomes of Bastien after everything - I suppose he does what he says he's going to, at least I can hope that's the case.
I read through this volume in about 4.5 hours (I am a speed reader, I read the second book in the trilogy on the same day in about the same amount of time), and, honestly, I can't complain about the story in the slightest. Having a background in writing and literature with training on how to predict the way stories will go and turns that they might take had me guessing some of the outcomes early, I still wasn't disappointed in the routes taken with story telling. Everything flows naturally together and I wasn't left wanting for anything at the end. Sometimes, even good stories leave you longing for more, but I have to say the end of this trilogy was very satisfying indeed. Everything gets sorted fairly neat and tidy-like.
An absolutely stunning conclusion to the trilogy, and I'm sure that fans of the first two books will not be disappointed at all by the conclusion presented in the third book. Every character played an important part, whether for good or for ill. The sacrifices and decisions made by the characters has weight to it, and those decisions are important for those characters. Holmberg's writing, as usual, has wonderful character development.
Through it all, you feel the weight of the decisions made, the sacrifices that each character makes throughout the telling of their stories. For me, however, one of the things that had me turning page after page was the sheer amount of lore present in these books. I'm an avid fan of Comparative Religion and Religious theory, and stories like this just pique my interest with the mirroring of real-world religions. I could find a good few parallels to real-world religions, and the similarities fascinate me.
Don't get me wrong, this is by no means a story that is trying to tell you to be religious, Holmberg isn't trying to push off a set of novels in a way that forces you to believe in some sort of God. Religion is merely a means of transportation for this tale, and it is an important vessel for the telling of it. The Numina are akin to Angels and Demons, with a God-figure and a God-Antithesis figure (I don't want to call him the Devil, though he certainly fills the role well enough). The war between the two has been raging for hundreds, if not thousands, of years and it all culminates to this one snippet in time that these novels present for our reading pleasure.
Throughout the trilogy the characters both rely and question their faith, or the faith of others in the face of the dangers and trials they're presented with. In the end, it isn't their God, the Angels, the Demons, or the Devil who wins the day, but the people who sacrifice and try for the sake of their world and their loved ones. Even without the religious notes of the story, I think the trilogy provides a good and sound message: Don't rely on faith. It can only carry you so far, you have to do the rest for yourself.
Aside from that, the characters are quite loveable. Bastien with his dad-jokes, Rist with his prickly nature, Roan is essentially Flynn Rider from Tangled (and I love it), and Sandis is... she's wonderful. Each of the main characters brings something to the story that the other characters may have been lacking, and the tale is that much stronger for it.
Overall, if you enjoy action, adventure, romance, magic, and a touch of religion... well, the Numina Trilogy has just what you want. Beautifully written, and absolutely enthralling. I enjoyed every minute of my wander through the world with Roan and Sandis as my guides - even when I was crying (I'm not crying, you're crying).
I absolutely devoured this trilogy. Now, I'd done the same with The Paper Magician trilogy and The Plastic Magician as well, and I find I just adore Charlie Holmberg's way of writing and story telling. The Numina trilogy was no disappointment.
The lore of this trilogy is just amazing, and you get so much of it in this third volume. Just about any question you might have raised from the first two volumes is answered in this third one. The only question I still have is what becomes of Bastien after everything - I suppose he does what he says he's going to, at least I can hope that's the case.
I read through this volume in about 4.5 hours (I am a speed reader, I read the second book in the trilogy on the same day in about the same amount of time), and, honestly, I can't complain about the story in the slightest. Having a background in writing and literature with training on how to predict the way stories will go and turns that they might take had me guessing some of the outcomes early, I still wasn't disappointed in the routes taken with story telling. Everything flows naturally together and I wasn't left wanting for anything at the end. Sometimes, even good stories leave you longing for more, but I have to say the end of this trilogy was very satisfying indeed. Everything gets sorted fairly neat and tidy-like.
An absolutely stunning conclusion to the trilogy, and I'm sure that fans of the first two books will not be disappointed at all by the conclusion presented in the third book. Every character played an important part, whether for good or for ill. The sacrifices and decisions made by the characters has weight to it, and those decisions are important for those characters. Holmberg's writing, as usual, has wonderful character development.
Through it all, you feel the weight of the decisions made, the sacrifices that each character makes throughout the telling of their stories. For me, however, one of the things that had me turning page after page was the sheer amount of lore present in these books. I'm an avid fan of Comparative Religion and Religious theory, and stories like this just pique my interest with the mirroring of real-world religions. I could find a good few parallels to real-world religions, and the similarities fascinate me.
Don't get me wrong, this is by no means a story that is trying to tell you to be religious, Holmberg isn't trying to push off a set of novels in a way that forces you to believe in some sort of God. Religion is merely a means of transportation for this tale, and it is an important vessel for the telling of it. The Numina are akin to Angels and Demons, with a God-figure and a God-Antithesis figure (I don't want to call him the Devil, though he certainly fills the role well enough). The war between the two has been raging for hundreds, if not thousands, of years and it all culminates to this one snippet in time that these novels present for our reading pleasure.
Throughout the trilogy the characters both rely and question their faith, or the faith of others in the face of the dangers and trials they're presented with. In the end, it isn't their God, the Angels, the Demons, or the Devil who wins the day, but the people who sacrifice and try for the sake of their world and their loved ones. Even without the religious notes of the story, I think the trilogy provides a good and sound message: Don't rely on faith. It can only carry you so far, you have to do the rest for yourself.
Aside from that, the characters are quite loveable. Bastien with his dad-jokes, Rist with his prickly nature, Roan is essentially Flynn Rider from Tangled (and I love it), and Sandis is... she's wonderful. Each of the main characters brings something to the story that the other characters may have been lacking, and the tale is that much stronger for it.
Overall, if you enjoy action, adventure, romance, magic, and a touch of religion... well, the Numina Trilogy has just what you want. Beautifully written, and absolutely enthralling. I enjoyed every minute of my wander through the world with Roan and Sandis as my guides - even when I was crying (I'm not crying, you're crying).
July 15, 2019
Book – Siege and Sacrifice
Author – Charlie N. Holmberg
Series – Numina Trilogy #3
Publication Date – September 17, 2019
Genre – Fantasy
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary copy generously provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
I started out with a 4.5 Star rating but the more and more I thought about this whole trilogy and especially the ending of such a fantastical story….I had to bump up my rating to a PERFECT 5.
I devoured these books and was completely engrossed with the story of Sandis and the numen. The characters in this series are ones that will stay with me for such a long time and live in a special place in my heart.
And what was the best part of this book? We finally get a voice to Ireth and when everything all comes together…it gave my goosebumps…and still does when I think about it.
This is a series I would recommend and speak about to anyone who would give me the time or day…there are a few authors that I tell anyone who is an avid reader to try out…and after this series, Ms. Holmberg has made that list!
Reason for Reading – NetGalley choice and I love this author
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam – 5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars
Would Read More from Author? Definitely
Recommend To – Fantasy lovers
Author – Charlie N. Holmberg
Series – Numina Trilogy #3
Publication Date – September 17, 2019
Genre – Fantasy
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary copy generously provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
I started out with a 4.5 Star rating but the more and more I thought about this whole trilogy and especially the ending of such a fantastical story….I had to bump up my rating to a PERFECT 5.
I devoured these books and was completely engrossed with the story of Sandis and the numen. The characters in this series are ones that will stay with me for such a long time and live in a special place in my heart.
And what was the best part of this book? We finally get a voice to Ireth and when everything all comes together…it gave my goosebumps…and still does when I think about it.
This is a series I would recommend and speak about to anyone who would give me the time or day…there are a few authors that I tell anyone who is an avid reader to try out…and after this series, Ms. Holmberg has made that list!
Reason for Reading – NetGalley choice and I love this author
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam – 5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars
Would Read More from Author? Definitely
Recommend To – Fantasy lovers
December 22, 2020
The lack of character development in this is absurd. I think the main character cried a span of 50 times throughout the book and while that's not necessarily a bad thing the female lead went from being scared and feeble in the first book to being still a scared and feeble character who needs a man to make her feel better. Cliche, annoying, and utterly disappointing. The second book of this series was the same, no character development from the first book so I was expecting to be a great change in the last book of the series. But there wasn't. It was bland. Also the author honestly just threw different plot lines and "twists" cause it definitely seemed that she had no idea what she was doing. The writing was bland and so dead and boring and the characters were just wrung out dry of everything they had in the first two books. *spoiler alert* at the end of it the author who could have made the numens a more complex and interesting creature went with with a plot line that's basically like attack on titan where the numens are like the titans. The potential this had, man.
May 8, 2024
3.5 🌟 rounded up for goodreads.
This book was so much better than the previous two, finally we get the answers about the ancient civilisation that came before the currently humans on earth and how they relate to the Ethereal plane and the ‘demons’
I do feel this book was much faster paced, more action packed and just in general MORE THINGS HAPPENED besides just running around 🤣
Ending was satisfying and filled in a lot of blanks - glad I stuck around.
Do think this should have been a duology though - I really don’t think the second book was necessary. If all the chapters of repetitive running were taken out it could of been just two larger and better books ..:: but hey ho that’s just my opinion
This book was so much better than the previous two, finally we get the answers about the ancient civilisation that came before the currently humans on earth and how they relate to the Ethereal plane and the ‘demons’
I do feel this book was much faster paced, more action packed and just in general MORE THINGS HAPPENED besides just running around 🤣
Ending was satisfying and filled in a lot of blanks - glad I stuck around.
Do think this should have been a duology though - I really don’t think the second book was necessary. If all the chapters of repetitive running were taken out it could of been just two larger and better books ..:: but hey ho that’s just my opinion
June 24, 2020
What can I say? I have a soft spot for Charlie Holmberg's books.
December 30, 2019
What a wonderful end to a very fun series. I thought I knew how this book would end, but I was delighted that the book surprised me (in a really great way). After finishing this book I now understand why the three books weren’t just cut down and combined into one book. The three books work so well together.
Bastien’s wit and loyalty won me over—he’s one of my favorite supporting characters and has the best puns! I don’t want to give anything away, but I liked how each person’s story came together—Sandis, Rone, Rist, and the whole lot of them really.
I’d definitely recommend the series—a very fun read.
Bastien’s wit and loyalty won me over—he’s one of my favorite supporting characters and has the best puns! I don’t want to give anything away, but I liked how each person’s story came together—Sandis, Rone, Rist, and the whole lot of them really.
I’d definitely recommend the series—a very fun read.
March 17, 2022
Very good series. Different and better than her other works!
I lost myself a little bit in the middle as it was packed with action and there were a lot of “new” characters running around.
SPOILER: I was expecting the Angelic being more than he said he was. I wish we were able to see the scene from Rone pov instead of Sandis.
I really liked how all we learnt in the first 2 books that we just took for granted (being a different world and all) was explained and made complete sense in the third one.
I lost myself a little bit in the middle as it was packed with action and there were a lot of “new” characters running around.
SPOILER: I was expecting the Angelic being more than he said he was. I wish we were able to see the scene from Rone pov instead of Sandis.
I really liked how all we learnt in the first 2 books that we just took for granted (being a different world and all) was explained and made complete sense in the third one.
July 3, 2019
I received an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A satisfying and exciting end to the Numina trilogy. Holmberg expands her world-building for the epic conclusion and adds more history to the rich world she's created. Rone and Sandis are both pushed past the breaking point and will have to decide how much they are willing to sacrifice to save their city from Kolosos. Rone will have to reconcile his feelings about his father, the angelic. Sandis will have to fight her own brother who is being used as a vessel. Shocking twists, terrible secrets, and forbidden magic make this final book impossible to put down.
A satisfying and exciting end to the Numina trilogy. Holmberg expands her world-building for the epic conclusion and adds more history to the rich world she's created. Rone and Sandis are both pushed past the breaking point and will have to decide how much they are willing to sacrifice to save their city from Kolosos. Rone will have to reconcile his feelings about his father, the angelic. Sandis will have to fight her own brother who is being used as a vessel. Shocking twists, terrible secrets, and forbidden magic make this final book impossible to put down.
September 15, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for a conplimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third in the trilogy and it is epic. It picks up right where the second one left off, with them forced to confront Kolosos, summoned through Sandis' brother Anon.
I'm continually intrigued by this world Holmberg has set up and magical and religeous aspects that have kept shifting. I love that the characters are continuing to learn and figure things out, even as the people in power don't believe them and are trying to use them for their own agendas.
I love Sandis and Rone together, and found the way they were separated was very smart, which also led them to attacking the problem from different fronts. The Numen and the ethereal plane was also an interesting, new aspect to explore.
This was a great end to the series and everything I wanted it to be.
This is the third in the trilogy and it is epic. It picks up right where the second one left off, with them forced to confront Kolosos, summoned through Sandis' brother Anon.
I'm continually intrigued by this world Holmberg has set up and magical and religeous aspects that have kept shifting. I love that the characters are continuing to learn and figure things out, even as the people in power don't believe them and are trying to use them for their own agendas.
I love Sandis and Rone together, and found the way they were separated was very smart, which also led them to attacking the problem from different fronts. The Numen and the ethereal plane was also an interesting, new aspect to explore.
This was a great end to the series and everything I wanted it to be.
October 5, 2019
I'm of two minds about this book.
On one hand, it's a well-written conclusion to a series I enjoyed. After feeling like I was slogging through the last few books I read, a forced few pages at a time, I moved through this book at a super-rapid pace. I ate it up, and it was a wonderful page-turner that nicely wrapped up the series.
On the other hand ... there were (almost) no plot twists. Hell, it's tempting to say there was no plot. I try not to put spoilers in here, but if you were to guess the couple of things that had to happen in the last book ... you'll find them, and little else. There were two surprises - one of them failed to have any consequence, and the other is that none of the characters we have been given any reason to care about made any kind of sacrifice in a book that has it in the title.
In other words, expect a fun page-turner, but don't set your expectations too high.
On one hand, it's a well-written conclusion to a series I enjoyed. After feeling like I was slogging through the last few books I read, a forced few pages at a time, I moved through this book at a super-rapid pace. I ate it up, and it was a wonderful page-turner that nicely wrapped up the series.
On the other hand ... there were (almost) no plot twists. Hell, it's tempting to say there was no plot. I try not to put spoilers in here, but if you were to guess the couple of things that had to happen in the last book ... you'll find them, and little else. There were two surprises - one of them failed to have any consequence, and the other is that none of the characters we have been given any reason to care about made any kind of sacrifice in a book that has it in the title.
In other words, expect a fun page-turner, but don't set your expectations too high.
February 5, 2020
I absolutely loved the Numina trilogy - L O V E D. When I received Smoke and Summons (book 1) as an option through Amazon's First Reads in January 2019, I jumped right on because I really enjoy Charlie Holmberg's imagination and way of storytelling.
But this trilogy was my favorite of her works yet. I pre-ordered Myths and Mortals (2) as soon as I finished Smoke and Summons and impatiently waited for publication. Then I saw that Siege and Sacrifice (3) was available through NetGalley and did a little book-happy dance. I sat on reviewing the final installment in the trilogy because I couldn't decide if it was a 4 or 5-star rating but ultimately rounded up from a solid 4.5.
The Numina trilogy uses artful storytelling and worldbuilding to introduce us to the pieces of the puzzle that we need at just the right time. Nothing is forceful but the turns are not particularly twisty at any point in the series. That's not always a bad thing, it wasn't here.
There is not much that can be said without spoiling some of the finer details of the previous two books. I highly recommend reading the trilogy from book 1, but to summarize, the heart of the series deals with a seedy underworld of people known as Grafters who use blood magic to summon beings from another plane (known as Numina) into mortal beings (Vessels). Sandis is a Vessel and she's on the run after a terrifying escape from a life of slavery to the Grafters. Rone is a frustratingly lovable rogue and thief who gets caught up with Sandis's plight, either by some kind of cosmic luck/misfortune or perhaps by fate.
There is just the right amount of feeling, the right amount of tension and romance budding and building without making the focus of the story ever about that. I don't really enjoy romance books and never felt like I was trudging through some juvenile romance to get to the good story. It just works.
The Numina are FASCINATING. I loved them, all of them. And this final installment really delivered for fans of Ireth (me!!) and these creatures in general. If you hoped to know and understand them, to see their world, to get it, and to maybe cry for a minute about it, Holmberg has got you covered.
The work Holmberg put into her worldbuilding really paid off in this book, especially in the religion department. She just delivered. There really is no better way to put it. It can be hard to wrap a story up in a complete way, a satisfying way, and I have read many that left a bad taste in my mouth in the end. But not The Numina Trilogy.
While Myths and Mortals (2) was my least favorite of the trio and dragged a bit, with Smoke and Summons (1) definitely hitting those perfect high notes as my favorite, I ultimately felt very content and complete with the ending that Siege and Sacrifice (3) gave us. This is definitely a trilogy that I highly recommend for those that enjoy fantasy and one that I forsee myself rereading again one day.
But this trilogy was my favorite of her works yet. I pre-ordered Myths and Mortals (2) as soon as I finished Smoke and Summons and impatiently waited for publication. Then I saw that Siege and Sacrifice (3) was available through NetGalley and did a little book-happy dance. I sat on reviewing the final installment in the trilogy because I couldn't decide if it was a 4 or 5-star rating but ultimately rounded up from a solid 4.5.
The Numina trilogy uses artful storytelling and worldbuilding to introduce us to the pieces of the puzzle that we need at just the right time. Nothing is forceful but the turns are not particularly twisty at any point in the series. That's not always a bad thing, it wasn't here.
There is not much that can be said without spoiling some of the finer details of the previous two books. I highly recommend reading the trilogy from book 1, but to summarize, the heart of the series deals with a seedy underworld of people known as Grafters who use blood magic to summon beings from another plane (known as Numina) into mortal beings (Vessels). Sandis is a Vessel and she's on the run after a terrifying escape from a life of slavery to the Grafters. Rone is a frustratingly lovable rogue and thief who gets caught up with Sandis's plight, either by some kind of cosmic luck/misfortune or perhaps by fate.
There is just the right amount of feeling, the right amount of tension and romance budding and building without making the focus of the story ever about that. I don't really enjoy romance books and never felt like I was trudging through some juvenile romance to get to the good story. It just works.
The Numina are FASCINATING. I loved them, all of them. And this final installment really delivered for fans of Ireth (me!!) and these creatures in general. If you hoped to know and understand them, to see their world, to get it, and to maybe cry for a minute about it, Holmberg has got you covered.
The work Holmberg put into her worldbuilding really paid off in this book, especially in the religion department. She just delivered. There really is no better way to put it. It can be hard to wrap a story up in a complete way, a satisfying way, and I have read many that left a bad taste in my mouth in the end. But not The Numina Trilogy.
While Myths and Mortals (2) was my least favorite of the trio and dragged a bit, with Smoke and Summons (1) definitely hitting those perfect high notes as my favorite, I ultimately felt very content and complete with the ending that Siege and Sacrifice (3) gave us. This is definitely a trilogy that I highly recommend for those that enjoy fantasy and one that I forsee myself rereading again one day.
May 30, 2021
One thing I love about this trilogy is that it keeps me guessing. This series kept taking turns and adding in new peril and twists. It didn't hold back on the darkness and pain, and I honestly didn't know who––if any––would make it.
The story picks up immediately where it left off, with Rone and Sandis watching the horror of Kolosos' rise. And it is horrifying. The amount of damage that creature can do is wild. When it sent everyone into a panic, Rone and Sandis swiftly found themselves diverging again. But not in the way I expected. This is genius because not only do the main characters go through a great deal of self-discovery and growth on their own, truths about the world and its lore were finally revealed.
Sandis has such a great arc. After being used and cowed for so long, she is finally able to stand up for herself and make the choices she knows are right. Rone is still as impetuous and ever, but he also changes and proves his loyalty when he learns the secrets of the numen.
The action and lore in this trilogy have always been awesome, but they are truly top notch here. Things I didn't know possible turned out to be possible, and took me on a whole new adventure. Extra perspectives and a timed threat raised the stakes. All of this, combined with elegant writing and imagination, created and memorable reading experience.
This is an underrated series and I hope more readers will give it a chance. I've never read anything like it before and absolutely recommend it to fans of dark fantasy, magic, and memorable world building. Give it a shot!
The story picks up immediately where it left off, with Rone and Sandis watching the horror of Kolosos' rise. And it is horrifying. The amount of damage that creature can do is wild. When it sent everyone into a panic, Rone and Sandis swiftly found themselves diverging again. But not in the way I expected. This is genius because not only do the main characters go through a great deal of self-discovery and growth on their own, truths about the world and its lore were finally revealed.
Sandis has such a great arc. After being used and cowed for so long, she is finally able to stand up for herself and make the choices she knows are right. Rone is still as impetuous and ever, but he also changes and proves his loyalty when he learns the secrets of the numen.
The action and lore in this trilogy have always been awesome, but they are truly top notch here. Things I didn't know possible turned out to be possible, and took me on a whole new adventure. Extra perspectives and a timed threat raised the stakes. All of this, combined with elegant writing and imagination, created and memorable reading experience.
This is an underrated series and I hope more readers will give it a chance. I've never read anything like it before and absolutely recommend it to fans of dark fantasy, magic, and memorable world building. Give it a shot!
September 7, 2021
I know "explosive finale" is used a lot in advertising, but in some ways, this book really was.
Book 2 left us on the cliffhanger of Kolosos entering the world, with none other than Anon as his vessel (and may I say, I did kinda guess it was him before we knew). But the twists, turns and secrets revealed in this book, make the others seem like nothing.
Everything that is known about numina and the ethereal plane is challenged. People thought they had the ancient Noscon magic mastered, but they were far from it.
I know I've said this before with the other books, but the stroy is done so well for so few pages. It honestly felt like I had read a book of at least 500 pages with the amount that goes on. There's so little I can say for the world literally gets turned on its head as Kollingrad attempts to fight Kolosos. But I loved all the twists and secrets that Holmberg worked in and had managed to keep hidden all this time.
It was a short journey, but I'll miss Sandis, Rone, Bastien and Ireth. They were good, well thought out characters, realistic. Yes, even the demon fire horse.
Book 2 left us on the cliffhanger of Kolosos entering the world, with none other than Anon as his vessel (and may I say, I did kinda guess it was him before we knew). But the twists, turns and secrets revealed in this book, make the others seem like nothing.
Everything that is known about numina and the ethereal plane is challenged. People thought they had the ancient Noscon magic mastered, but they were far from it.
I know I've said this before with the other books, but the stroy is done so well for so few pages. It honestly felt like I had read a book of at least 500 pages with the amount that goes on. There's so little I can say for the world literally gets turned on its head as Kollingrad attempts to fight Kolosos. But I loved all the twists and secrets that Holmberg worked in and had managed to keep hidden all this time.
It was a short journey, but I'll miss Sandis, Rone, Bastien and Ireth. They were good, well thought out characters, realistic. Yes, even the demon fire horse.
April 10, 2020
My Rating : 4🌟
.
Kindle/ Netgalley/ April2020
.
Thank you so much Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
.
This book is the third installment in Numina Trilogy and I will just say the following things.
✅It was an amazing end to this series
��It involves alternate universe, magic beings, human vessels
✅Amazing romance building and shippable characters
✅Strong familial love that gives strength
✅Characters running for their lives
✅Awesome ending for everyone!
✅Not to forget the beasts!!
.
But FYI, first book
If you are a fan of fantasy, amazing characters, romance with high stakes, run for lives and amazing endings, pick this series up! You will not regret it trust me !
.
Kindle/ Netgalley/ April2020
.
Thank you so much Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
.
This book is the third installment in Numina Trilogy and I will just say the following things.
✅It was an amazing end to this series
��It involves alternate universe, magic beings, human vessels
✅Amazing romance building and shippable characters
✅Strong familial love that gives strength
✅Characters running for their lives
✅Awesome ending for everyone!
✅Not to forget the beasts!!
.
But FYI, first book
If you are a fan of fantasy, amazing characters, romance with high stakes, run for lives and amazing endings, pick this series up! You will not regret it trust me !
November 13, 2022
Quick paced and full of action til the end
This was a great ending to the series. True to the prior titles, there were a few twist and although most of the story could be foretold, the story unfolded was rich. I love how versatile of a story teller Holmberg is. I first read The Paper Magician series which was great and this series is so different but equally amazing. I have yet to be disappointed with any of the novels I
have read of hers.
This was a great ending to the series. True to the prior titles, there were a few twist and although most of the story could be foretold, the story unfolded was rich. I love how versatile of a story teller Holmberg is. I first read The Paper Magician series which was great and this series is so different but equally amazing. I have yet to be disappointed with any of the novels I
have read of hers.
October 22, 2019
I liked everything about this series. I rooted for the good guys, booed the bad guys. The action was fast paced and kept the story moving forward.
I liked that Sandis never let herself be a victim and that Rone just backed her up and supported her decision, even if they were stupid.
I thought this was a great finale to the series. I'm left very satisfied.
I liked that Sandis never let herself be a victim and that Rone just backed her up and supported her decision, even if they were stupid.
I thought this was a great finale to the series. I'm left very satisfied.
February 28, 2020
3.5 stars
This was probably my least favorite book in the trilogy, but it was still pretty good overall. One thing I can say this series has going for it is the breakneck pacing. There’s never really a dull moment. I liked that the mysteries of the religion were mostly explained in this conclusion. Although the plot wasn’t mind-blowing, I’m happy enough with the way this ended.
This was probably my least favorite book in the trilogy, but it was still pretty good overall. One thing I can say this series has going for it is the breakneck pacing. There’s never really a dull moment. I liked that the mysteries of the religion were mostly explained in this conclusion. Although the plot wasn’t mind-blowing, I’m happy enough with the way this ended.
June 26, 2024
Such a great ending to the trilogy.
I really enjoyed this last instalment.
There are twists and turns and everything comes together in a nice neat bow. All the misunderstandings are explained, the history and the reasons behind the numina. It's just brilliant.
I really recommend the trilogy and this last book is the best of the 3.
I really enjoyed this last instalment.
There are twists and turns and everything comes together in a nice neat bow. All the misunderstandings are explained, the history and the reasons behind the numina. It's just brilliant.
I really recommend the trilogy and this last book is the best of the 3.
March 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For a trilogy I think this ended really nicely. I often find that by the second book I’m not wanting to keep reading. This series is very action packed, the characters are slowly developing but still changing and the plot is interesting. This series was a first read for me with this author. I might check out some of their stand alone to compare styles of writing.
For a trilogy I think this ended really nicely. I often find that by the second book I’m not wanting to keep reading. This series is very action packed, the characters are slowly developing but still changing and the plot is interesting. This series was a first read for me with this author. I might check out some of their stand alone to compare styles of writing.
October 1, 2019
Action-packed finale to the Numina trilogy didn't disappoint!
Wow, what an amazing finale to the Numina series! I'm not sure what to say about it, it's still so fresh and I've said some of the same things in my reviews of the other books.
Overall, a fantastic trilogy, well-developed magic, lots of drama, suspense, twists, and danger. Some cursing, nudity (not descriptive), and darker subjects like slavery, child labor, poverty, abuse. So be aware, for those who care about the content they read.
I'm so glad that it was still a happy ending, if not a little bittersweet too. Bad things still happen in the world and will continue even after a trial brings everyone together. Cooperation and mutual motivation to survive don't always change people enough to stop bad things from happening again after life returns to "normal." I personally prefer a fairy tale happy ending where all the bad guys lose and good guys win and everything is better-it's more satisfying to tie things up. But I know that's not very practical, and I do appreciate a more realistic happy ending like this one too.
Thanks for another entertaining, action-packed, magic-infused, binge-reading week spent on the Numina series, Charlie Holmberg!
Wow, what an amazing finale to the Numina series! I'm not sure what to say about it, it's still so fresh and I've said some of the same things in my reviews of the other books.
Overall, a fantastic trilogy, well-developed magic, lots of drama, suspense, twists, and danger. Some cursing, nudity (not descriptive), and darker subjects like slavery, child labor, poverty, abuse. So be aware, for those who care about the content they read.
I'm so glad that it was still a happy ending, if not a little bittersweet too. Bad things still happen in the world and will continue even after a trial brings everyone together. Cooperation and mutual motivation to survive don't always change people enough to stop bad things from happening again after life returns to "normal." I personally prefer a fairy tale happy ending where all the bad guys lose and good guys win and everything is better-it's more satisfying to tie things up. But I know that's not very practical, and I do appreciate a more realistic happy ending like this one too.
Thanks for another entertaining, action-packed, magic-infused, binge-reading week spent on the Numina series, Charlie Holmberg!
November 5, 2019
The final novel in the Numina fantasy trilogy explains all the history, theology, and magic in the first two novels. There are epic battles everywhere. This was a terrific read.
January 27, 2020
A very satisfying ending to the trilogy!!! Much better paced than the first, and a good (happy!) ending.
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