What do you think?
Rate this book
Mage Errant #3
A Traitor in Skyhold
Hugh and his friends have, to his great displeasure, become the center of attention among the student body at Skyhold. It turns out that surviving the depths of the labyrinth and helping stop a coup both tend to attract notice. If Hugh had his way, he'd happily go back to being just another anonymous student. He has more than enough to deal with already as he starts his second year, between his crushing load of schoolwork, training as a prospective candidate to the Librarians Errant, and navigating a long distance relationship.
Oh, and the fact that Hugh and company have been dragged into trying to catch a traitor on the Skyhold Council doesn't make life any easier. Nor does it help that the traitor is working with the demon Bakori, who lurks in the depths of the labyrinth below Skyhold, waiting for his chance at revenge.
Oh, and the fact that Hugh and company have been dragged into trying to catch a traitor on the Skyhold Council doesn't make life any easier. Nor does it help that the traitor is working with the demon Bakori, who lurks in the depths of the labyrinth below Skyhold, waiting for his chance at revenge.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2019
1377 people are currently reading
1419 people want to read
About the author
John Bierce
11 books1,179 followersJohn Bierce is a fantasy novelist, history and science buff, SFF fan, and general all-around dork. He currently lives in Lisbon, Portugal.
https://johnbierce.com/
https://johnbierce.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
January 7, 2022
The plot of this sequel was a little bit too convoluted for my taste or let's say it was too "labyrinthine".
It wasn't hard to follow it per se but I didn't like how all of our main characters were moved like chess pieces and used as a bait without them seeing the bigger picture. And the bigger picture is painted by most of the non human beings we met in previous books. Also the chewing parts were really gross.
Nevertheless, the story was very enjoyable with breathtaking and descriptive action scenes. Especially one's featuring Talia. She is my favourite character in this series and a close second is Hugh's chewing book.
I'm really interested in the whole mystery of the labyrinth stone within said book.
All things considered, I still like the relationship between Hugh, Talia, Godrick and Sabae and it's the highlight of this series.
The plot is getting more complex and I'm really interested in what comes next. Although I'm less excited than I was for the previous books. It all just got to geopolitical and less entertaining as a result.
Reread: I like Avah even less after the reread. Obviously I didn't pay her any attention the first time reading it because now I wonder what her character even adds to the story. A true romance surely not. Her words are "I’m just a merchant girl who got a crush on a boy just because
he was a great mage". The relationship was pretty shallow and unromantic relationship then.
Furthermore I liked even less the reason why mages were sacrificed like chess pieces by our all-powerful and dictatorial mythical entities whose machinations will affect the fate of the whole continent. Clearly, everyone else is 100 percent clueless.
However, I have difficulty in envisaging how will the plot further develop, so onward to the next instalment.
It wasn't hard to follow it per se but I didn't like how all of our main characters were moved like chess pieces and used as a bait without them seeing the bigger picture. And the bigger picture is painted by most of the non human beings we met in previous books. Also the chewing parts were really gross.
Nevertheless, the story was very enjoyable with breathtaking and descriptive action scenes. Especially one's featuring Talia. She is my favourite character in this series and a close second is Hugh's chewing book.
I'm really interested in the whole mystery of the labyrinth stone within said book.
All things considered, I still like the relationship between Hugh, Talia, Godrick and Sabae and it's the highlight of this series.
The plot is getting more complex and I'm really interested in what comes next. Although I'm less excited than I was for the previous books. It all just got to geopolitical and less entertaining as a result.
Reread: I like Avah even less after the reread. Obviously I didn't pay her any attention the first time reading it because now I wonder what her character even adds to the story. A true romance surely not. Her words are "I’m just a merchant girl who got a crush on a boy just because
he was a great mage". The relationship was pretty shallow and unromantic relationship then.
Furthermore I liked even less the reason why mages were sacrificed like chess pieces by our all-powerful and dictatorial mythical entities whose machinations will affect the fate of the whole continent. Clearly, everyone else is 100 percent clueless.
However, I have difficulty in envisaging how will the plot further develop, so onward to the next instalment.
December 31, 2019
Rating 3.0 stars
Not as good as the first 2 books. In fact, I kind of hated the ending. In the first book I can see how the apprentices ended up in their situation and had to fight their way out. Not really anyone's fault, just what happened. In the last book they also had to fight. It was mostly Allustin's fault but I can see how there wasn't much of a choice. In this one I was really upset with the plan and how the apprentices were treated. I still like the relationship between the 4 apprentices and them learning magic but I am really starting to hate Allustin and the Sphinx. Plus, the story itself is getting kind of convoluted. I will probably read the next book, but I am not really excited about it.
Not as good as the first 2 books. In fact, I kind of hated the ending. In the first book I can see how the apprentices ended up in their situation and had to fight their way out. Not really anyone's fault, just what happened. In the last book they also had to fight. It was mostly Allustin's fault but I can see how there wasn't much of a choice. In this one I was really upset with the plan and how the apprentices were treated. I still like the relationship between the 4 apprentices and them learning magic but I am really starting to hate Allustin and the Sphinx. Plus, the story itself is getting kind of convoluted. I will probably read the next book, but I am not really excited about it.
September 16, 2023
3.5/5
Ok so, first and foremost I really like the fact that everyone is getting stronger. It's not this crazy "one day I'm weak and the next month I'm crazy strong" thing that some novels have going on. It's actually progressive, which is nice. The story really picks up during the last quarter of the book, and we can see our friends struggling. I'm willing to bet top dollar that Hugh and Talia end up together.
Spoiler alert !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so happy Bakori got chewed up...literally.... Also I'm glad that Hugh and Avah are no longer a thing. I was waiting for it to happen lol. Interestingly enough, most of Talia's predictions have come true someway or another (with deviations).
Regardless to say, I'm quite looking forward to the next addition.
Ok so, first and foremost I really like the fact that everyone is getting stronger. It's not this crazy "one day I'm weak and the next month I'm crazy strong" thing that some novels have going on. It's actually progressive, which is nice. The story really picks up during the last quarter of the book, and we can see our friends struggling. I'm willing to bet top dollar that Hugh and Talia end up together.
Spoiler alert !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so happy Bakori got chewed up...literally.... Also I'm glad that Hugh and Avah are no longer a thing. I was waiting for it to happen lol. Interestingly enough, most of Talia's predictions have come true someway or another (with deviations).
Regardless to say, I'm quite looking forward to the next addition.
April 7, 2021
I felt like nothing really happened in this book for the first 70% of it. most of it could have been cut out or trimmed away and replaced with plot line that actually advances the plot. Instead of reading about what gifts the characters out for each other that serve no point in the plot. there needs to be more actually learning to use their abilities. They were at school for an entire year but had only one or two chapters that focused on the classes and learning but thats about it. the plot didnt start until the end of the book where they went into the labyrinth. i just expected a lot more from this book. i still will continue reading the next book or two cause its a light fun series.
July 5, 2022
Como indica el título, la trama se desarrolla en la ciudad de Skyhold, donde se encuentra la Academia de Magia. A nuestros cuatro héroes, Hugh, Talia, Sabae y Godrick, se les comunica que hay un traidor en el Consejo, y deberán ayudar a encontrarlo mientras siguen lidiando con su aprendizaje. La sombra del demonio Bakori, oculto y encerrado en el laberinto bajo la montaña, amenaza la plácida vida de Skyhold.
Siendo una novela entretenida, donde brillan los personajes, se me ha hecho un tanto repetitiva y larga. Creo que le sobran páginas.
Siendo una novela entretenida, donde brillan los personajes, se me ha hecho un tanto repetitiva y larga. Creo que le sobran páginas.
April 29, 2022
This was wonderful. A great third book in an excellent series with more tactical twists and turns and intrigue than in the previous two. It's also great to see the characters progressing, even Hugh realising that he may actually become quite powerful. The events in the final part were carefully orchestrated to give each of the apprentices a chance to shine and I'm happy at least one demonic threat is now gone and its storyline isn't dragged out over more books. Still, lots of new threats are left. This one was also quite meta in that it frequently references how events would play out in books. I hope Hugh's other affinities will get a bit more attention. Occasionally it was a bit difficult to keep track of everyone's abilities and it wasn't always clear to me how certain abilities were used.
The romantic aspect of this coming-of-age story was handled delicately and it will be interesting to see future developments in that field.
It must be frustrating for John Bierce to have worked on this for months only to have someone finish it in a couple of hours and then write things like: I can't wait for the next book in the series. And yes, I did read the bit about writing another book before book 4.
The romantic aspect of this coming-of-age story was handled delicately and it will be interesting to see future developments in that field.
It must be frustrating for John Bierce to have worked on this for months only to have someone finish it in a couple of hours and then write things like: I can't wait for the next book in the series. And yes, I did read the bit about writing another book before book 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2020
Got lucky to be a beta reader.
I liked this book a lot, would rate it as best of the series so far. Just like the first two books, pacing was good and I was always looking forward to read what came next. Made it a bit difficult to do my job as a beta reader ;)
I liked this book a lot, would rate it as best of the series so far. Just like the first two books, pacing was good and I was always looking forward to read what came next. Made it a bit difficult to do my job as a beta reader ;)
July 23, 2021
Meh
Series has gone down hill. Massive personality shifts in characters to cater to the liberal crowd made me lose interest. Book 1 was good, book two was a clear downturn and book 3 ended the series for me.
Also, for the readers who agree with this, take a second to "like" my review. I get nothing for it, but I think it bumps it up and makes it more visible to other readers wanting to know more about the books--and the authors are more likely to read it as well.
Series has gone down hill. Massive personality shifts in characters to cater to the liberal crowd made me lose interest. Book 1 was good, book two was a clear downturn and book 3 ended the series for me.
Also, for the readers who agree with this, take a second to "like" my review. I get nothing for it, but I think it bumps it up and makes it more visible to other readers wanting to know more about the books--and the authors are more likely to read it as well.
September 28, 2019
Really unpleasant read. The author tries to do way too much, and tries to cater to every possible audience.
The plot, story and character developer are all lacking.
The plot, story and character developer are all lacking.
February 27, 2024
Slower start than the previous two books but still quite enjoyable, while I do enjoy reading them the thought of another additional 4 books in the series is daunting. Might take a break for the moment.
August 19, 2023
4.5/5 I really enjoyed this one :)
February 2, 2020
This was a complete disappointment when compared to the other stories in this series so far. It felt like the first book of harry potter, only with no wonder or magic. There was no tension, it made the story and plot line an afterthought, and added nothing to the characters. Then, decided to wrap it up with some huge, rather uncreative, battle, that we saw coming since the first few chapters when the author was so lazy as to not cover his trails, and we found out who the traitor was from the gecko. The gory like and power play final chapter was interesting, but after throwing us such a low ball the whole book, it really didn’t fit right for me.
Honestly, it seems the author has just read much manga and seems to have a problem with structure, tension, pacing, and character development when in novel form. It’s dull and boring when everyone is so cookie cutter and their problems are so numerous and forced. He didn’t even add on to the bully, giving him a chance to redeem or grow in this book, but still found it needed to randomly add him and a backstory for us. It felt like John was simply trying to check off each personality and drama issue he could with his cast.
My main issue however, is the Mr. Bierce keeps taking a huge, stinking, information dumb on us throught this book. It’s not tactful in any way, shape, or form. He just comes out, explains very simple things to us in chapters long explanations from the teacher to students, and none of it is useful or creative in any way. Yet, he ignores the story and plotline in favor of this and social interactions/banter that goes nowhere. I got a few chuckles from Talia, but they were few and far between with very blunt humor.
This isn’t even getting into how the whole book was about relationships that all ended and went no where, the non-stop small sex jokes that just made me cringe, how characters keep saying “If this was a novel(Happened like, 10 times? Like really dude?)”; the non-stop character pov switching, and the lack of magic development.
I will not be buying the 4th book when it is out because of all of this. I enjoyed the first book, the 2nd had me just interested enough to try the third, and this one completely killed any love I had left for the series.
Honestly, it seems the author has just read much manga and seems to have a problem with structure, tension, pacing, and character development when in novel form. It’s dull and boring when everyone is so cookie cutter and their problems are so numerous and forced. He didn’t even add on to the bully, giving him a chance to redeem or grow in this book, but still found it needed to randomly add him and a backstory for us. It felt like John was simply trying to check off each personality and drama issue he could with his cast.
My main issue however, is the Mr. Bierce keeps taking a huge, stinking, information dumb on us throught this book. It’s not tactful in any way, shape, or form. He just comes out, explains very simple things to us in chapters long explanations from the teacher to students, and none of it is useful or creative in any way. Yet, he ignores the story and plotline in favor of this and social interactions/banter that goes nowhere. I got a few chuckles from Talia, but they were few and far between with very blunt humor.
This isn’t even getting into how the whole book was about relationships that all ended and went no where, the non-stop small sex jokes that just made me cringe, how characters keep saying “If this was a novel(Happened like, 10 times? Like really dude?)”; the non-stop character pov switching, and the lack of magic development.
I will not be buying the 4th book when it is out because of all of this. I enjoyed the first book, the 2nd had me just interested enough to try the third, and this one completely killed any love I had left for the series.
April 7, 2021
4/8/21: 5 stars. Holy fuck this was the best one yet. John Bierce has truly outdone himself. So much intrigue with the mystery, the character relationships, the magic, the politics of this world, and more—and somehow told through a group of teenage characters in school. I’m in awe, honestly. The stakes were raised so much with this one, alongside the scope, and I’m starting to see the level of genius and forethought involved with this project. This book has cemented Mage Errant as one of my favorite fantasy series of all time, alongside such behemoths such as the Stormlight Archive and Book of the Ancestor and Powder Mage and more.
December 15, 2023
Ratings:- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 1, 2021
Isn't it weird how fanfics often are obsessed with presents that characters give one another? It's as if the author yells "birthday o'clock motherfuckers" and has to follow up with a list of presents, and then, of course, also fit all of the presents into the future storyline. I call it Pavlov-Chekhov's Present. It's obnoxious and one of the things that makes the Mage Errant books read like fanfic, and great passages to illustrate how the writing could be so much more.
Anyways. Young mages learn magic and solve problems way above their weight class, part 3. It's not bad, just cheap.
Anyways. Young mages learn magic and solve problems way above their weight class, part 3. It's not bad, just cheap.
December 9, 2019
Overly done.
What was a very well written story filled with enjoyable, strong but also broken characters gets turned into a convoluted secret filled mess. This book is overreaching and the threads of the story that pull you along are fraying rapidly.
What was a very well written story filled with enjoyable, strong but also broken characters gets turned into a convoluted secret filled mess. This book is overreaching and the threads of the story that pull you along are fraying rapidly.
April 20, 2021
Cannot get enough of this series!
I'm surprised by the critical reviews I see here and on Amazon. I haven't been a teenager in decades (no need to divulge how many) and have a hard time with most young adult fantasy. The formula for characters, plots, and romantic tropes are beyond eye rollingly annoying. I've dipped my toe in most of the top authors and again, would rather resort to eating textbooks than the alternative torture. Not to say that the writing of those top authors isn't industry standard good but.. "industry standard good" sums it up exactly. Not a big fan of managed ecosystems no matter how pretty the trappings.
This series is not like that at all. It feels genuine without dragging you into excessive angst. The kids wrapped themselves around my heart impressively fast. I admire the author's characterization deftness which maintains a good balance between feeling authentic and being fluid, so you can connect with each individual's strengths and weaknesses. The stories themselves are not high or epic fantasy, though the scope does flirt with those concepts here and there. They fall closer into what I call cozy fantasy, similar to Rowling's earlier books in the HP series. And that is the heart of the series' genius, for me, how each book holds it's identity as the perfect warm fuzzy blanket to wrap myself in, whether I've had a miserably stressful day or a long, mind numbing slog. Bierce gives all the tension of a good story, the joy of hanging out with old friends, and the assurance that this experience will be there, just as wonderful and interesting as the previous books, when you pick up the next book. I'd like to be able to write stories like that.
One final mention: if you're a cat person, the really good stuff begins in Book 2 and becomes unbearably hysterical in Book 3. Hugh's spellbook is not a cat. And yet it is. I'm suspicious that Hugh's book may have disguised itself somehow as *my* cat. I've dragged friends into reading this series with excessive emails that started out with: remember when Hideously Spoiled One* tried to--.. Authors who get cats right are rare. If you are a happy cat slave, this series belongs on your digital device alongside Rusch's Ruby and Winston stories.
*Not her actual name, but those of you who know her will recognize the moniker immediately.
I'm surprised by the critical reviews I see here and on Amazon. I haven't been a teenager in decades (no need to divulge how many) and have a hard time with most young adult fantasy. The formula for characters, plots, and romantic tropes are beyond eye rollingly annoying. I've dipped my toe in most of the top authors and again, would rather resort to eating textbooks than the alternative torture. Not to say that the writing of those top authors isn't industry standard good but.. "industry standard good" sums it up exactly. Not a big fan of managed ecosystems no matter how pretty the trappings.
This series is not like that at all. It feels genuine without dragging you into excessive angst. The kids wrapped themselves around my heart impressively fast. I admire the author's characterization deftness which maintains a good balance between feeling authentic and being fluid, so you can connect with each individual's strengths and weaknesses. The stories themselves are not high or epic fantasy, though the scope does flirt with those concepts here and there. They fall closer into what I call cozy fantasy, similar to Rowling's earlier books in the HP series. And that is the heart of the series' genius, for me, how each book holds it's identity as the perfect warm fuzzy blanket to wrap myself in, whether I've had a miserably stressful day or a long, mind numbing slog. Bierce gives all the tension of a good story, the joy of hanging out with old friends, and the assurance that this experience will be there, just as wonderful and interesting as the previous books, when you pick up the next book. I'd like to be able to write stories like that.
One final mention: if you're a cat person, the really good stuff begins in Book 2 and becomes unbearably hysterical in Book 3. Hugh's spellbook is not a cat. And yet it is. I'm suspicious that Hugh's book may have disguised itself somehow as *my* cat. I've dragged friends into reading this series with excessive emails that started out with: remember when Hideously Spoiled One* tried to--.. Authors who get cats right are rare. If you are a happy cat slave, this series belongs on your digital device alongside Rusch's Ruby and Winston stories.
*Not her actual name, but those of you who know her will recognize the moniker immediately.
June 17, 2020
A Traitor in Skyhold is the third book in the Mage Errant series by John Bierce.
It’s so difficult to even know where to start!? But the characters are my absolute favorite part of this book. The number of new characters deposited into the series from just this book, makes me happy. So many weird and interesting new professors, teaching confounding classes. However, what I respected the most was Rhodes character development, and that Bierce did not strive for the cliche “I’ve learned my
lesson and now I’m a completely new and better person” that most authors try to drag out of the antagonist. He stayed true to the character, and I really appreciate that.
My brain is mush though. Following the convoluted twists and turns, the mix of Kanderon, Alustin, and Bakori plots. I honestly can’t decide whether Kanderon can be trusted. I’m thoroughly worried for Hugh and his friends. Simply because it’s impossible to decipher what the great powers are after, besides more power? Most of all, I’m worried for Alustin and hopeful the next book will further explain his back story and what is has to do with certain missing or warring nations/cities?
I was however upset that there’s still no more than the mention of his stellar and planar affinities. I know they are leagues more dangerous than his crystal affinity. But nothing more than a mere mention of learning the stellar affinity and the labyrinth stone incorporating his planar affinity into the creation of his crystal spell-book.
Talia showed much growth, it’s funny that it came from Avah’s influence however. Leaving me to wonder if we can expect any romances between the apprentices. Such a small aspect in Bierce’s writing, that will have a giant impact of the inner workings of our main characters.
Anything involving the lost city and the Cold Ones is entirely too confusing, I’ll probably need to re-read this book/series to get a better grasp.
It’s so difficult to even know where to start!? But the characters are my absolute favorite part of this book. The number of new characters deposited into the series from just this book, makes me happy. So many weird and interesting new professors, teaching confounding classes. However, what I respected the most was Rhodes character development, and that Bierce did not strive for the cliche “I’ve learned my
lesson and now I’m a completely new and better person” that most authors try to drag out of the antagonist. He stayed true to the character, and I really appreciate that.
My brain is mush though. Following the convoluted twists and turns, the mix of Kanderon, Alustin, and Bakori plots. I honestly can’t decide whether Kanderon can be trusted. I’m thoroughly worried for Hugh and his friends. Simply because it’s impossible to decipher what the great powers are after, besides more power? Most of all, I’m worried for Alustin and hopeful the next book will further explain his back story and what is has to do with certain missing or warring nations/cities?
I was however upset that there’s still no more than the mention of his stellar and planar affinities. I know they are leagues more dangerous than his crystal affinity. But nothing more than a mere mention of learning the stellar affinity and the labyrinth stone incorporating his planar affinity into the creation of his crystal spell-book.
Talia showed much growth, it’s funny that it came from Avah’s influence however. Leaving me to wonder if we can expect any romances between the apprentices. Such a small aspect in Bierce’s writing, that will have a giant impact of the inner workings of our main characters.
Anything involving the lost city and the Cold Ones is entirely too confusing, I’ll probably need to re-read this book/series to get a better grasp.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2023
Tempo zieht im Vergleich zum zweiten Band wieder etwas an, was eine Wohltat ist. DIe Charaktere entwickeln sich weiter, interessante Figuren werden eingeführt und das Worldbuilding wird weitergeführt. Und auch wenn es ein paar deus ex machina Momente gibt (was für das Genre ja nicht untypisch und/oder unpassend ist), so bleibt das Werk gut lesbar und lässt einen gespannt auf die weitere Entwicklung im vierten Band blicken.
January 23, 2024
3.5*
The middle of the book was fun to read, but it did lose me a bit. The ending more than saved it though. I'm excited for the next one!
The middle of the book was fun to read, but it did lose me a bit. The ending more than saved it though. I'm excited for the next one!
May 24, 2020
6.9/10
This one was a disappointment, as it was basically just Book 3: The Extremely Irresponsible Adults, The Info Dump and the Overly Explained Magic System.
Nothing happens in the first half of the book other than chapters after chapters of info dumps and ironing out the minutiae of the magic system, and it is entirely unnecessary. The first two books had both done a fantastic job of getting the reader to grips with how the magic works, and I felt it had been explored as much as it needed to be. It was satisfying to read along and follow without trouble, and it hadn't become a scientific thesis that needed to be thoroughly studied in order to understand what was going on. This book made it into said thesis.
Simply put, it was overly explained, and all the joy and mystique was sucked out of it. Despite this however, I must give credit to the fantastic combat sequences that finally occur in the back 3rd of the book. They are incredibly creative and personally the most redeeming feature of the book, but they didn't need all those info dumps to be so.
The other disappointment for me was Hugh becoming a sideline character and in actual fact, contributing the least to the overarching conflict than everyone else. Now I do like the other characters, and I generally enjoy their sections as well, but this is supposed to be Hugh's story. In the first two books he was an abused young boy struggling with his incredibly low self-esteem but in the process showing incredible bravery and intelligence in his magic, growing to like his self with every dilemma he overcame. But in this book he is an annoying, soppy, lovelorn teenager who progresses the least out of his friends and only gets out of sticky situations with their help and after a little bit of whining.
It might be that Mr. Bierce has decided to replace change the form of the series from having one main character to having more, in which case Hugh's redaction as the protagonist can only be a subjective flaw that I personally dislike.
The story was decent, definitely raising the stakes in this book alone, and drastically so going forward. I also enjoyed the unsettling feeling I was left with that maybe the main characters' various mentors aren't all that virtuous, and maybe they don't necessarily have Hugh and co's best interests in mind. It definitely added a new dimension and is one I'm looking forward to exploring as the series progresses.
Overall, a slow, overly explained and disappointing sequel that seems to be ashamed of its protagonist, somewhat redeemed by fantastic and creative combat sequences and some surprising twists. I still look forward to future entries in this series and have faith that Mr Bierce will wow me again as he did with the first two books.
This one was a disappointment, as it was basically just Book 3: The Extremely Irresponsible Adults, The Info Dump and the Overly Explained Magic System.
Nothing happens in the first half of the book other than chapters after chapters of info dumps and ironing out the minutiae of the magic system, and it is entirely unnecessary. The first two books had both done a fantastic job of getting the reader to grips with how the magic works, and I felt it had been explored as much as it needed to be. It was satisfying to read along and follow without trouble, and it hadn't become a scientific thesis that needed to be thoroughly studied in order to understand what was going on. This book made it into said thesis.
Simply put, it was overly explained, and all the joy and mystique was sucked out of it. Despite this however, I must give credit to the fantastic combat sequences that finally occur in the back 3rd of the book. They are incredibly creative and personally the most redeeming feature of the book, but they didn't need all those info dumps to be so.
The other disappointment for me was Hugh becoming a sideline character and in actual fact, contributing the least to the overarching conflict than everyone else. Now I do like the other characters, and I generally enjoy their sections as well, but this is supposed to be Hugh's story. In the first two books he was an abused young boy struggling with his incredibly low self-esteem but in the process showing incredible bravery and intelligence in his magic, growing to like his self with every dilemma he overcame. But in this book he is an annoying, soppy, lovelorn teenager who progresses the least out of his friends and only gets out of sticky situations with their help and after a little bit of whining.
It might be that Mr. Bierce has decided to replace change the form of the series from having one main character to having more, in which case Hugh's redaction as the protagonist can only be a subjective flaw that I personally dislike.
The story was decent, definitely raising the stakes in this book alone, and drastically so going forward. I also enjoyed the unsettling feeling I was left with that maybe the main characters' various mentors aren't all that virtuous, and maybe they don't necessarily have Hugh and co's best interests in mind. It definitely added a new dimension and is one I'm looking forward to exploring as the series progresses.
Overall, a slow, overly explained and disappointing sequel that seems to be ashamed of its protagonist, somewhat redeemed by fantastic and creative combat sequences and some surprising twists. I still look forward to future entries in this series and have faith that Mr Bierce will wow me again as he did with the first two books.
December 17, 2022
WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL?
My thoughts at the end of this book.
Pros:
Plot:
I enjoyed the slow parts for the characters' interactions and the fact that the reader gets to see Hugh and them learn more stuff, actual magic and become more powerful becomes more and more rewarding each time the action comes around.
Plus the ending was absolutely amazing for me.
Characters:
Talia had a lot more growth and exposure in this one and I think I've moved on from my neutral standpoint on her and actually begin to like her.
She isn't perfect but still enjoyable to read about.
Hugh was a bit whiny here but I don't hate it because it was realistic and I don't think I can explain without going into spoilers.
Got a lot of insight into many different characters, students, masters. Artur and Alustin. Especially Alustin. I can't wait to see more in the following books.
Action:
It shifts, there's lots of povs, lots of things happening that intersect with one another and I love it. Because I love knowing what effect an event can cause on different characters.
Plus I love it when Hugh smiles. :D
Cons:
Plot:
The pacing might be dragging for some and not really enjoyable at all.
Not everything might make sense. And I think if it wasn't for the ending I might not have enjoyed this much. Just might.
Characters:
So, while I love the positive character interactions in this book, it feels there's a bit of disconnect with the series and gruesome part some times. I would completely understand if someone drops this series just because of that.
But the part of me that loves healthy relationships still enjoys this very, very much. Even if it does sound unrealistic, I'd like to believe it isn't because it's a fantasy world setting. It's fiction. Things can happen and having positive and healthy relationship interactions even if there is danger shouldn't be the most illogical thing. I willing to make an exception here because I'm tried of screaming angsty relationships in books and want the shouting angsty arguments then to stop being a norm.
Action:
It shifts a lot. Even though it's the reason I enjoy it, for someone else it can be thoroughly baffling. Admittedly I did have to re read stuff even if I did enjoy reading.
All in all, this book gets 5/5 stars for me for that spectacular ending.
Like I said in my book 2 review.
THE ENDING!!!
Edit: sometime having passed I have changed my mind. My final rating now is : 3/5 stars
My thoughts at the end of this book.
Pros:
Plot:
I enjoyed the slow parts for the characters' interactions and the fact that the reader gets to see Hugh and them learn more stuff, actual magic and become more powerful becomes more and more rewarding each time the action comes around.
Plus the ending was absolutely amazing for me.
Characters:
Talia had a lot more growth and exposure in this one and I think I've moved on from my neutral standpoint on her and actually begin to like her.
She isn't perfect but still enjoyable to read about.
Hugh was a bit whiny here but I don't hate it because it was realistic and I don't think I can explain without going into spoilers.
Got a lot of insight into many different characters, students, masters. Artur and Alustin. Especially Alustin. I can't wait to see more in the following books.
Action:
It shifts, there's lots of povs, lots of things happening that intersect with one another and I love it. Because I love knowing what effect an event can cause on different characters.
Plus I love it when Hugh smiles. :D
Cons:
Plot:
The pacing might be dragging for some and not really enjoyable at all.
Not everything might make sense. And I think if it wasn't for the ending I might not have enjoyed this much. Just might.
Characters:
So, while I love the positive character interactions in this book, it feels there's a bit of disconnect with the series and gruesome part some times. I would completely understand if someone drops this series just because of that.
But the part of me that loves healthy relationships still enjoys this very, very much. Even if it does sound unrealistic, I'd like to believe it isn't because it's a fantasy world setting. It's fiction. Things can happen and having positive and healthy relationship interactions even if there is danger shouldn't be the most illogical thing. I willing to make an exception here because I'm tried of screaming angsty relationships in books and want the shouting angsty arguments then to stop being a norm.
Action:
It shifts a lot. Even though it's the reason I enjoy it, for someone else it can be thoroughly baffling. Admittedly I did have to re read stuff even if I did enjoy reading.
All in all, this book gets 5/5 stars for me for that spectacular ending.
Like I said in my book 2 review.
THE ENDING!!!
Edit: sometime having passed I have changed my mind. My final rating now is : 3/5 stars
July 23, 2021
Lots of info dumping and scenes where everyone sat and brainstormed what to do. There were also a lot of magic lectures which didn’t do much for the plot.
The romance felt out of place and even preachy at times. There were many scenes where characters discussed their liberal views of romance, and it felt forced out of place. I’m an open minded reader, but I don’t like to be preached at. Those scenes didn’t feel part of the plot.
In the end, I just wasn’t as enchanted with this book and found myself skipping through a lot of it. Also, I felt the author decided to take a darker turn at the end that soured the ambiance of the first two books. It’s hard when characters you’ve come to love do things you can’t condone.
The romance felt out of place and even preachy at times. There were many scenes where characters discussed their liberal views of romance, and it felt forced out of place. I’m an open minded reader, but I don’t like to be preached at. Those scenes didn’t feel part of the plot.
In the end, I just wasn’t as enchanted with this book and found myself skipping through a lot of it. Also, I felt the author decided to take a darker turn at the end that soured the ambiance of the first two books. It’s hard when characters you’ve come to love do things you can’t condone.
December 23, 2020
A really good book with a not so great ending...
I devoured all 3 books in 3 days and its sufficed to say I loved it.
But I had some issues in book 3, Especially the final few chapters where I felt the story becomes unnecessarily complex and takes the focus from the main characters and it also gave me the feeling that Hugh has progressed only a little in this book maybe we'll see more of his progression on the next book which I'm definitely gonna read btw...
I devoured all 3 books in 3 days and its sufficed to say I loved it.
But I had some issues in book 3, Especially the final few chapters where I felt the story becomes unnecessarily complex and takes the focus from the main characters and it also gave me the feeling that Hugh has progressed only a little in this book maybe we'll see more of his progression on the next book which I'm definitely gonna read btw...
August 21, 2019
Great book
The whole series is well crafted, fun, engaging and leaves you wanting more. I am genuinely intrigued by the plots and politics and layers crafted into an interesting and fun world. A must read author on the rise.
The whole series is well crafted, fun, engaging and leaves you wanting more. I am genuinely intrigued by the plots and politics and layers crafted into an interesting and fun world. A must read author on the rise.
September 8, 2019
I can’t wait for the next one
Another great book, this author is great. Has amazing world building skills and really brings the politics to life. Makes for an interesting read. I can’t wait for the next one
Another great book, this author is great. Has amazing world building skills and really brings the politics to life. Makes for an interesting read. I can’t wait for the next one
October 3, 2020
03 Oct 2020
Plot: Group of Apprentice Mages deal with their second school year, and are given a secret assignment by their teacher to root out a traitor on the ruling council
1. As usual, the most interesting parts of this series are the worldbuilding and magic system, both of which we get to see relatively little of. Most of the time is spent on the characters who are... Perfectly Fine, I guess. But they are pretty basic vessels for plot and cool scenes. There's the occasional character who is quirky/unusual enough to be massive fun, like Kanderon or Alustin or Sabae's grandmother or (my personal favorite) Hugh's spellbook, but those are side characters who don't spend much time onscreen.
2. One thing I like about this series is the constant presence of female characters of all kinds. (It's not like a depressing number of sff books, where almost everyone is male and women rarely play significant roles in the general worldbuilding. Sure there may be a love interest or family figure but they exist mostly in relation to the protagonist.) I continue to appreciate that, but I don't think it's acquitting itself as well when it comes to the romance bits. Avah gets a few traits of her own, but she mostly exists to provide Hugh with experience and angst. Which is not bad enough to be a dealbreaker, but nor is it ideal.
3. The old Bursar used to take little green pills which still haunt the new bursar! This is a Discworld reference if I ever heard one and it is excellent! 10/10.
4. The final chapters and the battles in them were massive fun. I can count on John Bierce to come up with innovative and unique applications of niche magics, all of them based on science. It's pretty rare for me to be emotionally invested in action sequences (especially considering I'm only moderately attached to the characters) but this book managed to drag me into them. Special mention to Ilinia
5. We don't get to know much more about Skyhold or the library in this book alas- it's most the kids dealing with their lessons and lives. There are a few interesting things here and there though (the labyrinth, the concealment wards), but hardly enough to keep up with say- the library reveal of the first book. The kids' abilities are also (understandably) developing at a much slower pace, so no new innovative magic to hold my attention.
6. We do get hints of larger plans and politics! Which is fun. The council of war I sense greater worldbuilding in the horizon! And I find myself pretty excited to see what it's going to be.
Plot: Group of Apprentice Mages deal with their second school year, and are given a secret assignment by their teacher to root out a traitor on the ruling council
1. As usual, the most interesting parts of this series are the worldbuilding and magic system, both of which we get to see relatively little of. Most of the time is spent on the characters who are... Perfectly Fine, I guess. But they are pretty basic vessels for plot and cool scenes. There's the occasional character who is quirky/unusual enough to be massive fun, like Kanderon or Alustin or Sabae's grandmother or (my personal favorite) Hugh's spellbook, but those are side characters who don't spend much time onscreen.
2. One thing I like about this series is the constant presence of female characters of all kinds. (It's not like a depressing number of sff books, where almost everyone is male and women rarely play significant roles in the general worldbuilding. Sure there may be a love interest or family figure but they exist mostly in relation to the protagonist.) I continue to appreciate that, but I don't think it's acquitting itself as well when it comes to the romance bits. Avah gets a few traits of her own, but she mostly exists to provide Hugh with experience and angst. Which is not bad enough to be a dealbreaker, but nor is it ideal.
3. The old Bursar used to take little green pills which still haunt the new bursar! This is a Discworld reference if I ever heard one and it is excellent! 10/10.
4. The final chapters and the battles in them were massive fun. I can count on John Bierce to come up with innovative and unique applications of niche magics, all of them based on science. It's pretty rare for me to be emotionally invested in action sequences (especially considering I'm only moderately attached to the characters) but this book managed to drag me into them. Special mention to Ilinia
5. We don't get to know much more about Skyhold or the library in this book alas- it's most the kids dealing with their lessons and lives. There are a few interesting things here and there though (the labyrinth, the concealment wards), but hardly enough to keep up with say- the library reveal of the first book. The kids' abilities are also (understandably) developing at a much slower pace, so no new innovative magic to hold my attention.
6. We do get hints of larger plans and politics! Which is fun. The council of war I sense greater worldbuilding in the horizon! And I find myself pretty excited to see what it's going to be.
August 21, 2021
4.1/5
Great continuation of the series. As said in the title, this one read a lot like to whodunnit fantasy in a magic school setting, of course with John Bierce-style twisty revelations. As usual, Bierce also expanded the physical and metaphysical worldbuilding by several few notches. This time, he added layers of linguistics, cultures, colonial histories, and some glimpses to multiverse into the series.
I did feel that the middle parts of the book fumbled a bit. Especially since they came across like setups for future instalments. Some reveals were also quite clever, but they also relied a bit on telling rather than showing; that character A had done X, Y, Z in preparation prior to the reveal.
That said, I'm fully invested in the series and can't wait to tackle the next books.
Great continuation of the series. As said in the title, this one read a lot like to whodunnit fantasy in a magic school setting, of course with John Bierce-style twisty revelations. As usual, Bierce also expanded the physical and metaphysical worldbuilding by several few notches. This time, he added layers of linguistics, cultures, colonial histories, and some glimpses to multiverse into the series.
I did feel that the middle parts of the book fumbled a bit. Especially since they came across like setups for future instalments. Some reveals were also quite clever, but they also relied a bit on telling rather than showing; that character A had done X, Y, Z in preparation prior to the reveal.
That said, I'm fully invested in the series and can't wait to tackle the next books.
December 4, 2022
And this is where I stop this series. The writing annoys me too much for me to keep going. It isn't objectively terrible, but the amateurish nature of the author can be seen clear as day. There isn't enough intrigue or novelty left by the 41.3% mark where I stopped for me to keep going.
The world is still pretty good, but it feels very generic fantasy at this point. I'm starting to question if that was always the case and I was just so touch-starved for a fantasy world, that I mistook romance for excellence.
I don't know if I'm dropping it permanently yet because there is a level of comfort in it, but I do know that I'm not in a very forgiving mood at the time that I'm writing this.
The world is still pretty good, but it feels very generic fantasy at this point. I'm starting to question if that was always the case and I was just so touch-starved for a fantasy world, that I mistook romance for excellence.
I don't know if I'm dropping it permanently yet because there is a level of comfort in it, but I do know that I'm not in a very forgiving mood at the time that I'm writing this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews