What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wings of War #5
Of Sand and Snow
With fifty thousand freed slaves at their back, Raz i'Syul Arro and Syrah Brahnt leave the savannahs of Perce behind. Karesh Syl is no more. Karesh Nan burns at their backs. Beyond the border before them the South looms, ready and waiting, and together Raz and Syrah pray they are prepared for the great offense they must now undertake against the fringe cities.
All the while, however, another threat has threaded her way into the ranks of the Mahsaden, and is waiting only for the right time to pull her web of woven fire tight...
All the while, however, another threat has threaded her way into the ranks of the Mahsaden, and is waiting only for the right time to pull her web of woven fire tight...
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
479 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
Bryce O'Connor
24 books1,993 followers
PURCHASE BOOKS:
Bryce writes high fantasy stories with special twists on character and plot. Child of the Daystar, the first installment in his series, The Wings of War, released in December, 2015.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
February 1, 2020
SOMEHOW THE MAGIC OF THE SERIES GOT LOST
...must be because of all that sand and snow, who knows.
NOTE: I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
(So, is this now the new stock polit-correct phrase? Huh, we do live in dumb times indeed.)
*Of Sand and Snow* is the fifth, but unfortunately not last, installment in The Wings of War dark fantasy series. However, instead of a conclusion to Raz' epic saga of revenge and street justice in the name of freedom, we get a book that spirals toward creative limbo harder than a neutron star smashing into a supermassive black hole. It is a small consolation the novel indeed doesn't close off the story in such an inglorious way, which gives hope for the real finale whenever it comes, although that hope is slim.
What went wrong, I wonder? Below, I will outline my general feelings from reading the book and try to point out why my score is so low.
HIGHLIGHT
Having finished *Sand/Snow* two weeks prior, the dominant feeling is... disappointment. Here was I, one of the most ardent fans of Raz, reading a book that should be about his most finest hour... and yet it isn't. Instead, this a book is about a few hastily written army battles, a bad "mind-games" plot with a bunch of flat villains, and lots of uninspired hack-'n-slash, like a bland, poorly executed military fantasy. Deep characterizations? Gone. Breathtaking, beautiful vistas? None present. Flowing, graceful, emotionally-packed narrative? Nope. Meaningful dialogues? None of those either.
It was as if I was reading a different series. If it wasn't for the same names of the main cast and locations, I'd certainly think I had picked the wrong book. These were not the same wings of war that soared my enthusiasm sky-high three years ago.
Something has happened between the last book and this one, and the magic of the series got lost in between.
CHARACTERS
Perhaps the most disappointing element in *Sand/Snow* are the characters. The series focal point has always been its main protagonist Raz i'Sul Arro, and his crusade both against the injustice and crime of the outside world and the tormenting demons of his own inner psyche. Raz was cool not only because he was a giant lizardman badass and a master fighter - he was awesome because he ALSO was a broken man with a tragic past, who struggled to make out something of his shattered life DESPITE his sheer emotional traumas. This duality in Raz - the inner monster who lusted for nothing but blood, and the knight in sour armor that fought for others despite the scorn and the fear and the darkness of human nature - this was a central theme of the whole series, and I'd argue it was THE central theme, the one that made up for much of what *The Wings of War* has become today.
But that key struggle in Raz' mind in nowhere to be seen in *Of Sand and Snow*. Nowhere.
Instead, the book barely gives Raz any spotlight, opting instead to jump around a dozen different point-of-views, like some cut-rate high fantasy trying to imitate the epics of Feist, Jordan & co. Most of these POVs are needlessly long or even entirely unnecessary, contributing little to the actual plot, and in some cases actually robbing it of value. As a result, the tempo flounders and falters more often than not, making reading *Sand/Snow* a slog - something which I never expected to happen in Raz' story.
Compare this approach to the earlier books, where foreign POVs where always short and to the point, often less than a page. As such, they established just the right amount of context, peeking just the right amount into the lives of secondary/side characters, in order to flesh them out more fully, while the focus was kept on those who mattered - in this case, Raz. (And in later books, Syrah, Talo, and Caro.)
Speaking of other major characters, Syrah also is presented in an extremely hollow and flat way in the book. Her character development is non-existent, save for a few passing sentences, and her "inner voice" is stifled to the point of near-muteness. Her relationship with Raz also goes practically nowhere - they don't talk or discuss it, don't make anything beyond brief physical contact, it's just... kind of there. Stated, not shown. After being teased for two whole books (or four, if we count the hints in the first two), the lack of any payoff, or even an advancement on that front is disappointing. Frustrating, even. Now, granted, Syrah *is* traumatized from the events she underwent in *Winter's King* and *As Iron Falls* - which in her defense can be said to be the reason she can't get fully involved with Raz - but when those traumas aren't addressed in any significant way in the narrative, they look more like an excuse from having to write about Raz and Syrah's relationship instead of a genuine obstacle to growing intimacy.
And what about Raz' side in that relationship? Does the guy have immunity to hormones? Has he felt no attractions to anyone ever, even other atherians? Honestly, I would've never noticed that blind spot in Raz' character if it wasn't for the borderline mediocre writing of *Sand/Snow*. But now I have, and it makes me wonder. The guy is only 26 after all, and yet not once there's a mention about his, ahem, more carnal desires. Even if we assume his species is locked down to some heat/reproduction cycle, enough time has passed to see Raz at least once become flushed with... excitement. But nope. He's just a street justice samurai, dishing out death and scorn to the bad guys, and he has no time for petty things like romance, or the occasional date with Rosie Palms.
Ah, I mentioned the bad guys. Well, they're bad; like, written bad. The "casual", real-world-like personality breath of fresh air the Mahsaden had in the first book is long gone by the time *Sand/Snow* comes around. Here, Lazura is finally revealed as a master-villain of a larger-than-life caliber, but again the execution is poor, and at times frustratingly laughable. She is one-dimensional compared to the previous villains, and her story arc is riddled with nothing but plot armor and plot devices. Again, lots of wasted potential.
WRITING STYLE
Physical descriptions of the characters are almost gone altogether. Except for the occasional claw or piece of clothing, there is nothing to make the appearances of Raz & co come to life as they did in previous books. Raz, for example, is now nothing more than a collection of weapons and whirling limbs. The other characters? Similarly bereft of images, save for the most basic and "identifying" descriptors.
Descriptions of the surrounding environment, which created such a concrete sense of place before - whether be it in the Cienbal desert, the Arocklen forest, or the Vietalis ranges - are absent too. The wind through the forest trees, the night calls of the sandcats, the painfully crisp and clear northern air... Nope, the immersion factor just isn't there. It's all backdrop now; artificial and inert. Lifeless. I was hard-pressed to find the faintest traces of that flowing, almost lyrical prose that made *Child of the Daystar* so musical, so soothing in its ambience.
What happened? Where did that beautiful imagery go? Who knows? It's Book 4's last third all over again, with painted cardboard walls instead of real, vivid, audible, olfactory, and tactile topological vistas.
STORY
The plot of *Sand/Snow* is rigid, sparse, and full of holes. It all revolves around the clash between the Mahsaden's combined forces and the army Raz has raised in Perce. In and of itself, such a setup isn't problematic; to the contrary, it's a good opportunity to shift the series from "street level"-view to something more epic in scope, and the story actually manages to do that in quite an organic way. (Albeit using the tired "So the prophecy has foretold" trope to achieve it's ends.)
Again, the real problems lie with the execution. The narrative takes a much more militaristic turn, upgrading Raz' personal crusade in a region-wide quest for freedom, but the author forgets to change the storytelling tools to a more appropriate set. As a result, the story shift is underwhelming and headscratch-inducing: the battles themselves - both large- and small-scale - feel generic and uninspired, realistic problems like army logistics are hand-waved or underestimated (in a DESERT(!)), and any strategic decisions boil down to "So we will do X, but the enemy knows that, so instead we shall do Y, but the enemy knows that too, so in the end we'll just do X but with a plot device attached".
To summarize the plot, Raz and his army march into the South, take a couple of cities, have some battles, make some detour to the local mountains, and then go right into the grand showdown in a pitched battle against the Mahsaden. That's it. No unexpected complications, no guerilla warfare, no morale failures - just straight up heroics of the most plain and domestic kind. In a dark fantasy. To be fair, the book tries to portray the horrors of war - by having the characters comment about the dead and the crippled in battle, or by having Syrah work herself to exhaustion in the infirmary once or twice - but it all just falls flat in the end.
The villains are all over the place; some are plain idiotic, others are displayed as cunning, but in the end are betrayed by their lessers (yes, so believable /s). Lazura is a particularly egregious example - she craves nothing but death and destruction with a psychotic glee, yet is somehow able to outplay (not overpower, mind you) all of the other sefs, without them ever seeing it coming - and we're talking about backstabbing experts with decades of experience. Yep. Totally what would happen.
The whole read is a long, grinding slog, with zero tension. I've already mentioned the pacing above, and how bad it is in general. I had to actually FORCE myself to read through to the end of the novel - something that I haven't done in ages! And in a favorite series, no less!
So many elements are underdeveloped or poorly executed that the whole book feels like a broken first draft.
THE GOOD STUFF (At least where it can be found)
Now, despite my scathing criticism, it's not all doom and gloom - otherwise I would've not given two stars. While rare, there were genuine moments where I liked *Sand/Snow* - the bad news is, all those moments were contained in only one place in the story - during the Raz' and Syrah's stay in the Crags, the desert mountains that are home to the atherian, Raz' people.
Finally, if nothing else, *Sand/Snow* concludes the story arc of Queen Shas-hana Rhan - the mythical leader of the atherian. And finally, Raz and his biological mother become reunited - in a moment that isn't smooth (in-story wise), but is heartwarming nonetheless. The reunion between Hana and her long-lost estranged son is powerful and emotion-evoking, making that brief episode in *Sand/Snow* the closest to what made the earlier books so endearing. In my opinion more attention should've been focused on those parts, and the atherian should've had more center stage in the story, getting to see more of their native culture and way of life. As it stands, we merely get a short three-weeks montage lasting barely half a chapter, and then the narrative moves on onto more boredom-inducing matters.
The last moments of Uhsula's life are also inspiring. That scene reminded me of a very emotional character death in one old anime, which I have a very high regard for.* The joined journey the Grandmother and Uhsula had is exactly, EXACTLY like something that I would've expected to find in *Child of the Daystar*, or *The Warring Son*, or *Winter's King*. That scene contains the quintessence that made *The Wings of War* the series it became.
THE WINGS OF WAR THAT WON'T FLY
And lastly, a deep, deep gripe I have since the second book in the series - Raz still does not fly. Like, at all. He has wings, and he has demonstrated the ability to do so in the first book, even in armor. Why then Raz ignores this exemplary blessing?
Leave aside the tactical advantages and opportunities such an invaluable ability provides. It's the sheer joy alone that should drive Raz to seek spreading his wings and taking to the skies, given how wondrous this has always been in any sapient being's dreams and imagination. Rhetorical question - how many of you have dreamed of being able to fly on your own, or have had your breath taken away when you have surveyed a grand panorama atop a high mountain or a building?
Do note, that if *Daystar* had never made such a big deal of it (the fiery escape from the bathhouse), I probably would have not been so adamant in my demands as a reader and a fan. But Raz has been demonstrably in delight from the discovery that his wings could in fact carry him skyward, and I cannot think of it as anything less than a disservice to the character and the established narrative to ignore it.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
So, you've reached this far, and you're probably thinking - why two stars if I'm sounding so negative?
I care deeply for the series. I want the series to be GREAT. Raz is one of my top favorite fictional characters ever, dammit! But... is he still? I don't want him descending into the next generic fantasy protagonist #3721 or whatever. I want him to remain Raz. And I want for his world to be as awesome as when I first saw it.
Unfortunately, *Of Sand and Snow* isn't delivering on that front. It's a broken mess of a book that simply doesn't live up to the legacy it's derived from. It is shallow, trite, and dry. It lacks passion. It lacks soul.
It is merely a lot of sand and snow, sans the splendor that makes these two substances so poetic.
CONCLUSION
If it bore any other pedigree, *Of Sand and Snow* would've been merely a serviceable, airport-novel-quality book. The writing is mechanical and uninspiring, and while it might be considered mediocre if this was a start of series or someone's writing career, as it stands it's unacceptable. Bryce O'Connor has proved that he can do better than this. Raz has shown that a protagonist can be brutal and still sympathetic to the audience.
So, what happened? I don't know. Somewhere along the road, the magic was lost. The characters and the story have fallen from grace. The series has at first stumbled, then faltered, and now it has crashed flat on its face.
I sit here before the keyboard and contemplate - what Raz' story could have been. What it could have been, if it's soul and passion haven't flown somewhere away, taken by malicious wings of war. A war in this case about the empty chase of short-lived celebrity status and automated money-making.
Hopefully, by the end of the series Raz and Syrah at least will get a good **** - one that is more wholesome than the one I got.
(Review heavily abridged due to posting limits. Smh...)
(Full review here: https://www.amazon.com/review/R26RUAC... )
...must be because of all that sand and snow, who knows.
NOTE: I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
(So, is this now the new stock polit-correct phrase? Huh, we do live in dumb times indeed.)
*Of Sand and Snow* is the fifth, but unfortunately not last, installment in The Wings of War dark fantasy series. However, instead of a conclusion to Raz' epic saga of revenge and street justice in the name of freedom, we get a book that spirals toward creative limbo harder than a neutron star smashing into a supermassive black hole. It is a small consolation the novel indeed doesn't close off the story in such an inglorious way, which gives hope for the real finale whenever it comes, although that hope is slim.
What went wrong, I wonder? Below, I will outline my general feelings from reading the book and try to point out why my score is so low.
HIGHLIGHT
Having finished *Sand/Snow* two weeks prior, the dominant feeling is... disappointment. Here was I, one of the most ardent fans of Raz, reading a book that should be about his most finest hour... and yet it isn't. Instead, this a book is about a few hastily written army battles, a bad "mind-games" plot with a bunch of flat villains, and lots of uninspired hack-'n-slash, like a bland, poorly executed military fantasy. Deep characterizations? Gone. Breathtaking, beautiful vistas? None present. Flowing, graceful, emotionally-packed narrative? Nope. Meaningful dialogues? None of those either.
It was as if I was reading a different series. If it wasn't for the same names of the main cast and locations, I'd certainly think I had picked the wrong book. These were not the same wings of war that soared my enthusiasm sky-high three years ago.
Something has happened between the last book and this one, and the magic of the series got lost in between.
CHARACTERS
Perhaps the most disappointing element in *Sand/Snow* are the characters. The series focal point has always been its main protagonist Raz i'Sul Arro, and his crusade both against the injustice and crime of the outside world and the tormenting demons of his own inner psyche. Raz was cool not only because he was a giant lizardman badass and a master fighter - he was awesome because he ALSO was a broken man with a tragic past, who struggled to make out something of his shattered life DESPITE his sheer emotional traumas. This duality in Raz - the inner monster who lusted for nothing but blood, and the knight in sour armor that fought for others despite the scorn and the fear and the darkness of human nature - this was a central theme of the whole series, and I'd argue it was THE central theme, the one that made up for much of what *The Wings of War* has become today.
But that key struggle in Raz' mind in nowhere to be seen in *Of Sand and Snow*. Nowhere.
Instead, the book barely gives Raz any spotlight, opting instead to jump around a dozen different point-of-views, like some cut-rate high fantasy trying to imitate the epics of Feist, Jordan & co. Most of these POVs are needlessly long or even entirely unnecessary, contributing little to the actual plot, and in some cases actually robbing it of value. As a result, the tempo flounders and falters more often than not, making reading *Sand/Snow* a slog - something which I never expected to happen in Raz' story.
Compare this approach to the earlier books, where foreign POVs where always short and to the point, often less than a page. As such, they established just the right amount of context, peeking just the right amount into the lives of secondary/side characters, in order to flesh them out more fully, while the focus was kept on those who mattered - in this case, Raz. (And in later books, Syrah, Talo, and Caro.)
Speaking of other major characters, Syrah also is presented in an extremely hollow and flat way in the book. Her character development is non-existent, save for a few passing sentences, and her "inner voice" is stifled to the point of near-muteness. Her relationship with Raz also goes practically nowhere - they don't talk or discuss it, don't make anything beyond brief physical contact, it's just... kind of there. Stated, not shown. After being teased for two whole books (or four, if we count the hints in the first two), the lack of any payoff, or even an advancement on that front is disappointing. Frustrating, even. Now, granted, Syrah *is* traumatized from the events she underwent in *Winter's King* and *As Iron Falls* - which in her defense can be said to be the reason she can't get fully involved with Raz - but when those traumas aren't addressed in any significant way in the narrative, they look more like an excuse from having to write about Raz and Syrah's relationship instead of a genuine obstacle to growing intimacy.
And what about Raz' side in that relationship? Does the guy have immunity to hormones? Has he felt no attractions to anyone ever, even other atherians? Honestly, I would've never noticed that blind spot in Raz' character if it wasn't for the borderline mediocre writing of *Sand/Snow*. But now I have, and it makes me wonder. The guy is only 26 after all, and yet not once there's a mention about his, ahem, more carnal desires. Even if we assume his species is locked down to some heat/reproduction cycle, enough time has passed to see Raz at least once become flushed with... excitement. But nope. He's just a street justice samurai, dishing out death and scorn to the bad guys, and he has no time for petty things like romance, or the occasional date with Rosie Palms.
Ah, I mentioned the bad guys. Well, they're bad; like, written bad. The "casual", real-world-like personality breath of fresh air the Mahsaden had in the first book is long gone by the time *Sand/Snow* comes around. Here, Lazura is finally revealed as a master-villain of a larger-than-life caliber, but again the execution is poor, and at times frustratingly laughable. She is one-dimensional compared to the previous villains, and her story arc is riddled with nothing but plot armor and plot devices. Again, lots of wasted potential.
WRITING STYLE
Physical descriptions of the characters are almost gone altogether. Except for the occasional claw or piece of clothing, there is nothing to make the appearances of Raz & co come to life as they did in previous books. Raz, for example, is now nothing more than a collection of weapons and whirling limbs. The other characters? Similarly bereft of images, save for the most basic and "identifying" descriptors.
Descriptions of the surrounding environment, which created such a concrete sense of place before - whether be it in the Cienbal desert, the Arocklen forest, or the Vietalis ranges - are absent too. The wind through the forest trees, the night calls of the sandcats, the painfully crisp and clear northern air... Nope, the immersion factor just isn't there. It's all backdrop now; artificial and inert. Lifeless. I was hard-pressed to find the faintest traces of that flowing, almost lyrical prose that made *Child of the Daystar* so musical, so soothing in its ambience.
What happened? Where did that beautiful imagery go? Who knows? It's Book 4's last third all over again, with painted cardboard walls instead of real, vivid, audible, olfactory, and tactile topological vistas.
STORY
The plot of *Sand/Snow* is rigid, sparse, and full of holes. It all revolves around the clash between the Mahsaden's combined forces and the army Raz has raised in Perce. In and of itself, such a setup isn't problematic; to the contrary, it's a good opportunity to shift the series from "street level"-view to something more epic in scope, and the story actually manages to do that in quite an organic way. (Albeit using the tired "So the prophecy has foretold" trope to achieve it's ends.)
Again, the real problems lie with the execution. The narrative takes a much more militaristic turn, upgrading Raz' personal crusade in a region-wide quest for freedom, but the author forgets to change the storytelling tools to a more appropriate set. As a result, the story shift is underwhelming and headscratch-inducing: the battles themselves - both large- and small-scale - feel generic and uninspired, realistic problems like army logistics are hand-waved or underestimated (in a DESERT(!)), and any strategic decisions boil down to "So we will do X, but the enemy knows that, so instead we shall do Y, but the enemy knows that too, so in the end we'll just do X but with a plot device attached".
To summarize the plot, Raz and his army march into the South, take a couple of cities, have some battles, make some detour to the local mountains, and then go right into the grand showdown in a pitched battle against the Mahsaden. That's it. No unexpected complications, no guerilla warfare, no morale failures - just straight up heroics of the most plain and domestic kind. In a dark fantasy. To be fair, the book tries to portray the horrors of war - by having the characters comment about the dead and the crippled in battle, or by having Syrah work herself to exhaustion in the infirmary once or twice - but it all just falls flat in the end.
The villains are all over the place; some are plain idiotic, others are displayed as cunning, but in the end are betrayed by their lessers (yes, so believable /s). Lazura is a particularly egregious example - she craves nothing but death and destruction with a psychotic glee, yet is somehow able to outplay (not overpower, mind you) all of the other sefs, without them ever seeing it coming - and we're talking about backstabbing experts with decades of experience. Yep. Totally what would happen.
The whole read is a long, grinding slog, with zero tension. I've already mentioned the pacing above, and how bad it is in general. I had to actually FORCE myself to read through to the end of the novel - something that I haven't done in ages! And in a favorite series, no less!
So many elements are underdeveloped or poorly executed that the whole book feels like a broken first draft.
THE GOOD STUFF (At least where it can be found)
Now, despite my scathing criticism, it's not all doom and gloom - otherwise I would've not given two stars. While rare, there were genuine moments where I liked *Sand/Snow* - the bad news is, all those moments were contained in only one place in the story - during the Raz' and Syrah's stay in the Crags, the desert mountains that are home to the atherian, Raz' people.
Finally, if nothing else, *Sand/Snow* concludes the story arc of Queen Shas-hana Rhan - the mythical leader of the atherian. And finally, Raz and his biological mother become reunited - in a moment that isn't smooth (in-story wise), but is heartwarming nonetheless. The reunion between Hana and her long-lost estranged son is powerful and emotion-evoking, making that brief episode in *Sand/Snow* the closest to what made the earlier books so endearing. In my opinion more attention should've been focused on those parts, and the atherian should've had more center stage in the story, getting to see more of their native culture and way of life. As it stands, we merely get a short three-weeks montage lasting barely half a chapter, and then the narrative moves on onto more boredom-inducing matters.
The last moments of Uhsula's life are also inspiring. That scene reminded me of a very emotional character death in one old anime, which I have a very high regard for.* The joined journey the Grandmother and Uhsula had is exactly, EXACTLY like something that I would've expected to find in *Child of the Daystar*, or *The Warring Son*, or *Winter's King*. That scene contains the quintessence that made *The Wings of War* the series it became.
THE WINGS OF WAR THAT WON'T FLY
And lastly, a deep, deep gripe I have since the second book in the series - Raz still does not fly. Like, at all. He has wings, and he has demonstrated the ability to do so in the first book, even in armor. Why then Raz ignores this exemplary blessing?
Leave aside the tactical advantages and opportunities such an invaluable ability provides. It's the sheer joy alone that should drive Raz to seek spreading his wings and taking to the skies, given how wondrous this has always been in any sapient being's dreams and imagination. Rhetorical question - how many of you have dreamed of being able to fly on your own, or have had your breath taken away when you have surveyed a grand panorama atop a high mountain or a building?
Do note, that if *Daystar* had never made such a big deal of it (the fiery escape from the bathhouse), I probably would have not been so adamant in my demands as a reader and a fan. But Raz has been demonstrably in delight from the discovery that his wings could in fact carry him skyward, and I cannot think of it as anything less than a disservice to the character and the established narrative to ignore it.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
So, you've reached this far, and you're probably thinking - why two stars if I'm sounding so negative?
I care deeply for the series. I want the series to be GREAT. Raz is one of my top favorite fictional characters ever, dammit! But... is he still? I don't want him descending into the next generic fantasy protagonist #3721 or whatever. I want him to remain Raz. And I want for his world to be as awesome as when I first saw it.
Unfortunately, *Of Sand and Snow* isn't delivering on that front. It's a broken mess of a book that simply doesn't live up to the legacy it's derived from. It is shallow, trite, and dry. It lacks passion. It lacks soul.
It is merely a lot of sand and snow, sans the splendor that makes these two substances so poetic.
CONCLUSION
If it bore any other pedigree, *Of Sand and Snow* would've been merely a serviceable, airport-novel-quality book. The writing is mechanical and uninspiring, and while it might be considered mediocre if this was a start of series or someone's writing career, as it stands it's unacceptable. Bryce O'Connor has proved that he can do better than this. Raz has shown that a protagonist can be brutal and still sympathetic to the audience.
So, what happened? I don't know. Somewhere along the road, the magic was lost. The characters and the story have fallen from grace. The series has at first stumbled, then faltered, and now it has crashed flat on its face.
I sit here before the keyboard and contemplate - what Raz' story could have been. What it could have been, if it's soul and passion haven't flown somewhere away, taken by malicious wings of war. A war in this case about the empty chase of short-lived celebrity status and automated money-making.
Hopefully, by the end of the series Raz and Syrah at least will get a good **** - one that is more wholesome than the one I got.
(Review heavily abridged due to posting limits. Smh...)
(Full review here: https://www.amazon.com/review/R26RUAC... )
March 25, 2020
‘war is the only evil remaining when all other cruelties have run their course’.
This book is, without doubt, everything I have come to expect and love from this series. It was a wild ride until the very end, which I didn’t realise was the end until the next chapter was titled “Epilogue”. Only then did I wonder if I had missed something?
To be honest this might have been totally my fault. I somehow thought this book was the conclusion to the series, I am not sure where I got that idea from. It seems I was wrong, the journey still continues and from the looks of it, it’s only getting more intense, hopefully.
My reading experience:
6% - “And it will be a fight for the fringe cities as a whole,” Serys breathed to herself, ensuring no one else could make out the words while the other šef leaned in, eager to hear any plan that would drag them free of the approaching tempest of fire and steel that was Raz i’Syul Arro, Monster of Karth, Scourge of the South, Dragon of the North.
The story picks up round about where the last book ended, my anticipation was palpable and I wasn't disappointed!
38% - “And now, Uhsula of the Other Worlds has spoken once again! Even as I stand here before you, that child approaches, returned to us at the Daystar’s will, now forged into a champion who will lead us out of the shackles man has cast about our limbs!”
It took 5 long books, but bloody damn, it was worth the wait. This moment gave me goosebumps and actual tears of joy!
This book was about endless decision making for my favourite couple, or not-so-couple, I am not sure, and their band of former slaves. On every turn they were faced with such frustrating choices, where the options were only to look for the lesser of the presented evils.
The whole book felt like a balancing act between no good choices. And like all the other books before this one, I ended up highlighting almost the whole book. These are just some of my favourite moments.
21% - “When the only choices before you lead to sin, it comes down to simply what manner of sin you can live with.”
22% - “Raz,” Syrah pressed him soothingly, “this is war. This is the fight we picked. We knew there would be a cost. We knew this would be the result. All you can do is battle to keep that price as low as possible, to make sure as many of our soldiers survive to see the next day.”
24% - This path I’ve taken… I can’t see where it goes, or even completely how I got here.” At last she managed to gather the courage to lift her face, looking up at him again. “But I’m on it. I’m here, following this bloody road with you. And if I’m going to do that, I can’t lose myself to it. I won’t lose myself to it. If I’m to take part in the end of a man, I will look him in the eye as he dies. I will pray for him, and hope he finds a greater purpose should Laor allow him to return to the cycle of life.”
95% - “This was the choice… This was the decision Caro had had to make, which had seen him Broken. This was the moment where faith failed, where reality ripped apart the ideals of the Laorin. This was the scale upon whose plates death lay only in different measures…”
At this stage and the few pages after that, I was at the edge of my sit, I still thought I had a long way to go, hence my confusion when the next chapter was the last. It felt like the book just ended. One minute we were at the height of war and then the book was over.
For the book that held my attention so much, I felt cheated by that ending. I feel like even if this is not the end of the series, that shouldn’t have been the end of the book. I am left with so many unresolved issues and questions relating to the battle that was just fought. I don't understand why the author decided to end it so abruptly. It is like he ran out of paper or ink.
But other than that finished but not-properly-wrapped battle scene, this book like all the others in this series, was really good. I must say this series has got some of the best quotable quotes I have come across. Pissed as I am with that ending, I can't wait for the next book.
This book is, without doubt, everything I have come to expect and love from this series. It was a wild ride until the very end, which I didn’t realise was the end until the next chapter was titled “Epilogue”. Only then did I wonder if I had missed something?
To be honest this might have been totally my fault. I somehow thought this book was the conclusion to the series, I am not sure where I got that idea from. It seems I was wrong, the journey still continues and from the looks of it, it’s only getting more intense, hopefully.
My reading experience:
6% - “And it will be a fight for the fringe cities as a whole,” Serys breathed to herself, ensuring no one else could make out the words while the other šef leaned in, eager to hear any plan that would drag them free of the approaching tempest of fire and steel that was Raz i’Syul Arro, Monster of Karth, Scourge of the South, Dragon of the North.
The story picks up round about where the last book ended, my anticipation was palpable and I wasn't disappointed!
38% - “And now, Uhsula of the Other Worlds has spoken once again! Even as I stand here before you, that child approaches, returned to us at the Daystar’s will, now forged into a champion who will lead us out of the shackles man has cast about our limbs!”
It took 5 long books, but bloody damn, it was worth the wait. This moment gave me goosebumps and actual tears of joy!
This book was about endless decision making for my favourite couple, or not-so-couple, I am not sure, and their band of former slaves. On every turn they were faced with such frustrating choices, where the options were only to look for the lesser of the presented evils.
The whole book felt like a balancing act between no good choices. And like all the other books before this one, I ended up highlighting almost the whole book. These are just some of my favourite moments.
21% - “When the only choices before you lead to sin, it comes down to simply what manner of sin you can live with.”
22% - “Raz,” Syrah pressed him soothingly, “this is war. This is the fight we picked. We knew there would be a cost. We knew this would be the result. All you can do is battle to keep that price as low as possible, to make sure as many of our soldiers survive to see the next day.”
24% - This path I’ve taken… I can’t see where it goes, or even completely how I got here.” At last she managed to gather the courage to lift her face, looking up at him again. “But I’m on it. I’m here, following this bloody road with you. And if I’m going to do that, I can’t lose myself to it. I won’t lose myself to it. If I’m to take part in the end of a man, I will look him in the eye as he dies. I will pray for him, and hope he finds a greater purpose should Laor allow him to return to the cycle of life.”
95% - “This was the choice… This was the decision Caro had had to make, which had seen him Broken. This was the moment where faith failed, where reality ripped apart the ideals of the Laorin. This was the scale upon whose plates death lay only in different measures…”
At this stage and the few pages after that, I was at the edge of my sit, I still thought I had a long way to go, hence my confusion when the next chapter was the last. It felt like the book just ended. One minute we were at the height of war and then the book was over.
For the book that held my attention so much, I felt cheated by that ending. I feel like even if this is not the end of the series, that shouldn’t have been the end of the book. I am left with so many unresolved issues and questions relating to the battle that was just fought. I don't understand why the author decided to end it so abruptly. It is like he ran out of paper or ink.
But other than that finished but not-properly-wrapped battle scene, this book like all the others in this series, was really good. I must say this series has got some of the best quotable quotes I have come across. Pissed as I am with that ending, I can't wait for the next book.
January 1, 2020
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.CORRECTION.
It is full of actions for Raz and Syrah who are leading a huge army of ex-slaves, some military and others to fight for the destruction of slavery. Raz finds his origin and his mother is a real surprise. Syrah also meets someone that really upset her as it bring back bad memories.
This is the fifth book of The Wings of War and the way it ends, we wish that Bryce O'Connor will write the volume sixth FAST.
Bryce keeps his readers on cliffs hangers during the whole book.
Buy it and read it, you won't be sorry.
BTW if you don't have the first four books, they are still on sale at Amazon for $9.99 as:
The Wings of War Box set: Books 1 - 4 Kindle Edition.
If you buy them individually, it will cost you $20.00
It is full of actions for Raz and Syrah who are leading a huge army of ex-slaves, some military and others to fight for the destruction of slavery. Raz finds his origin and his mother is a real surprise. Syrah also meets someone that really upset her as it bring back bad memories.
This is the fifth book of The Wings of War and the way it ends, we wish that Bryce O'Connor will write the volume sixth FAST.
Bryce keeps his readers on cliffs hangers during the whole book.
Buy it and read it, you won't be sorry.
BTW if you don't have the first four books, they are still on sale at Amazon for $9.99 as:
The Wings of War Box set: Books 1 - 4 Kindle Edition.
If you buy them individually, it will cost you $20.00
March 30, 2020
Good series but loosing steam.
I would like to know how many books there will be in the series. I thought it was a finished series.
The series started brilliantly especially first two or three books, suffering of Syria and Raz was powerful stuff but a real adventure, even though Arros decisions made little sense to me. He should have seen easily that anyone close to him would be targeted and killed fairly quickly. Spoiler.....
His human family was killed because of him.
This book just ended like in middle of a conversation. Not sure what's happening with the war, or what would happen if Lazarus's secret was made public? Not many priest or priestess are broken but this judged too weak to go to citadel would include some power hungry people who could start doing same to become stronger.
Really really really annoying thing is about not killing rule of the Laotian mages. They hurt people badly, the kill animals,. Eat meat and even take part in war, but no killing, even killing most evil person on the planet in self defense will see the magic ripped from them. Also they are based so far from most people cut off during the frieze for months, some needs to move closer to the bigger cities and someone needs to start a reform movement to get rid of stupid rules. No point hiding from the world.
At the not only there are financial issues but also I red 5 books of the series back to back and it was s drag by book 5. I wouldn't be buying book 6 just yet
May if it was offer.
I would like to know how many books there will be in the series. I thought it was a finished series.
The series started brilliantly especially first two or three books, suffering of Syria and Raz was powerful stuff but a real adventure, even though Arros decisions made little sense to me. He should have seen easily that anyone close to him would be targeted and killed fairly quickly. Spoiler.....
His human family was killed because of him.
This book just ended like in middle of a conversation. Not sure what's happening with the war, or what would happen if Lazarus's secret was made public? Not many priest or priestess are broken but this judged too weak to go to citadel would include some power hungry people who could start doing same to become stronger.
Really really really annoying thing is about not killing rule of the Laotian mages. They hurt people badly, the kill animals,. Eat meat and even take part in war, but no killing, even killing most evil person on the planet in self defense will see the magic ripped from them. Also they are based so far from most people cut off during the frieze for months, some needs to move closer to the bigger cities and someone needs to start a reform movement to get rid of stupid rules. No point hiding from the world.
At the not only there are financial issues but also I red 5 books of the series back to back and it was s drag by book 5. I wouldn't be buying book 6 just yet
May if it was offer.
October 1, 2020
I was disappointed in this fifth book which was supposed to have been the final one in the series. But no there’s another one coming. The point of view chapter from the antagonists dragged on and on. Disappointed that Adrion Blaeth didn’t die by Raz’s hands. I hate this weird, uncomfortable to read implies romantic feelings between Raz and Syrah; it’s completely unnecessary and doesn’t add anything to the series.
January 30, 2020
Raz was really fun to read in the prior books, but this one was boring. Nothing went wrong, all of the new allies were nice, agreeable people, and magical armies appear out of nowhere to save the day.
June 3, 2025
What a disappointment
Review
A disappointment.
It is unfortunate, and surprising that book 5 has really let me down. First off, Be aware; this book was written and published in 2019 and it is now June 2025 but there is no book 6. The story ends unfinished.
Why am I disappointed in this book? Not at all as exciting as the prior books 1 through 4. I could not wait to read the next in line after I finished book 4. The first four are excellent, actually exceptional!, well written and carefully edited. As the story unfolded very quickly I was hooked, and it has been a long time since a story hooked me so quickly and through all volumes, well all except this last one, book 5. It is the last one available as of 6/5/25.
The disappointment is great because four books led me through some incredible adventure, so incredibly well written. At times I had actually held my breath reading, so exciting was this story. This glowing review is totally deserved for books 1-4. So of course I expected this excitement to continue, even though I was aware that some time had past between publications of book 4 and book #5. My excitement and anticipations were on high and so were my expectations.
Book 5, Unfortunately I found myself skipping first just lines, which soon turned into pages, skimming quickly for clues, rather than reading every word because I felt bored. WHAT? BORED? And unfortunately what I read in reviews for this the last published book available, actually warned me that the ending was disappointing and had left that reader dissatisfied. The story is left hanging, actually its more than just leaving us readers hanging with no end available yet. And even then, the review written in 2020, there was concern then too whether we would ever get to read and learn the end of this story.
I am very disappointed, actually I'm aggravated.
Almost immediately I started skipping lines, because details became drawn out, boring in parts. I also had some issues with the editing. I would find myself having to stop and reread a section because it didn't make sense. Sometimes it seems that a word was missing or the wrong time was used - (like were instead of was). Too many unimportant details were steadily dragging the story down as well. Then suddenly it would pick up and become exciting again. And the end was - well - was just so utterly frustrating and disappointing and disturbing and confusing and yes, with exciting moments in between!
Wait! What happened to the ending? Be aware, the story does not end here. There are as of this date no further books available. During the most exciting part, with a battle upcoming towards the end, we are introduced to a whole new idea, which was never mentioned in the storyline before, and which will most likely take the story away from the route it has been on this far.
A !ot of confusion happens in the end. Characters, which had nothing to do in this part of the story, are suddenly showing up in impossible ways, actually saving the MC and the battle which is raging, but these "guys" were never mentioned before, yet suddenly show up when needed to move the story forward, to a victory... or does it? We are saving the slaves! And then...
Then the story takes another totally unexpected turn, out of left field. I don't like revealing storylines, so won't go into details. Just be prepared to such a sudden 120, you won't see it coming! It's just so : "say what?!??"
Basically, the story ends unfinished and looks like it will quite possibly never get an ending. This book was published in 2019 and the last time I looked it was June 2025. I for one don't think that I will read any further books in "The Wings of War". The suggested next chapter in this story - I don't know how it will work around our hero and MC and the storyline followed this far, how this will work as a satisfying ending to a excellent story. For me, this is and was an unsatisfying way to finish what was such a special story I enjoyed tremendously.
Review
A disappointment.
It is unfortunate, and surprising that book 5 has really let me down. First off, Be aware; this book was written and published in 2019 and it is now June 2025 but there is no book 6. The story ends unfinished.
Why am I disappointed in this book? Not at all as exciting as the prior books 1 through 4. I could not wait to read the next in line after I finished book 4. The first four are excellent, actually exceptional!, well written and carefully edited. As the story unfolded very quickly I was hooked, and it has been a long time since a story hooked me so quickly and through all volumes, well all except this last one, book 5. It is the last one available as of 6/5/25.
The disappointment is great because four books led me through some incredible adventure, so incredibly well written. At times I had actually held my breath reading, so exciting was this story. This glowing review is totally deserved for books 1-4. So of course I expected this excitement to continue, even though I was aware that some time had past between publications of book 4 and book #5. My excitement and anticipations were on high and so were my expectations.
Book 5, Unfortunately I found myself skipping first just lines, which soon turned into pages, skimming quickly for clues, rather than reading every word because I felt bored. WHAT? BORED? And unfortunately what I read in reviews for this the last published book available, actually warned me that the ending was disappointing and had left that reader dissatisfied. The story is left hanging, actually its more than just leaving us readers hanging with no end available yet. And even then, the review written in 2020, there was concern then too whether we would ever get to read and learn the end of this story.
I am very disappointed, actually I'm aggravated.
Almost immediately I started skipping lines, because details became drawn out, boring in parts. I also had some issues with the editing. I would find myself having to stop and reread a section because it didn't make sense. Sometimes it seems that a word was missing or the wrong time was used - (like were instead of was). Too many unimportant details were steadily dragging the story down as well. Then suddenly it would pick up and become exciting again. And the end was - well - was just so utterly frustrating and disappointing and disturbing and confusing and yes, with exciting moments in between!
Wait! What happened to the ending? Be aware, the story does not end here. There are as of this date no further books available. During the most exciting part, with a battle upcoming towards the end, we are introduced to a whole new idea, which was never mentioned in the storyline before, and which will most likely take the story away from the route it has been on this far.
A !ot of confusion happens in the end. Characters, which had nothing to do in this part of the story, are suddenly showing up in impossible ways, actually saving the MC and the battle which is raging, but these "guys" were never mentioned before, yet suddenly show up when needed to move the story forward, to a victory... or does it? We are saving the slaves! And then...
Then the story takes another totally unexpected turn, out of left field. I don't like revealing storylines, so won't go into details. Just be prepared to such a sudden 120, you won't see it coming! It's just so : "say what?!??"
Basically, the story ends unfinished and looks like it will quite possibly never get an ending. This book was published in 2019 and the last time I looked it was June 2025. I for one don't think that I will read any further books in "The Wings of War". The suggested next chapter in this story - I don't know how it will work around our hero and MC and the storyline followed this far, how this will work as a satisfying ending to a excellent story. For me, this is and was an unsatisfying way to finish what was such a special story I enjoyed tremendously.
January 31, 2021
It turns out that this is not, as I thought going in for some reason, the last book in the series. Sadly, that news is disappointing for me.
For the most part, I have enjoyed this series. I think Raz and Syrah are excellent characters, I am invested in their struggle, and I've been eager to read this far and see how their journey ends. However, this is also a series that has struggled with pacing, fallen prey to some meandering plot points at times, and often offers up distasteful moments (by this reader's standards anyway).
That last paragraph about this series as a whole pretty much sums up this book as well... though maybe there's not so much that's distasteful in this novel. It is long though, and it feels needlessly so. Often there are whole chapters given over to something that could maybe have been a few paragraphs in other chapters. However, all this could have been forgiven if it was leading up to a climax as I felt like it was going to.
However, despite so many story arcs being closed out, one important one is left open at the end of the book. Now, on the one hand, this is a good thing because, as I said earlier, I have enjoyed this series overall and wouldn't mind spending more time with Raz and Syrah. Where I struggle is that the one plotline that was left open does not feel like enough of a plotline to fill up a whole novel. It is something that could easily have been closed off in a few paragraphs in this novel and it would have been a satisfying ending, but I am scared that the author is going to drag it out into another long story that really could be half the size.
I can't judge a book that isn't written yet though, and so let's concentrate on this book that we have right now. On the whole, this was an exciting chapter for this series and the closing story arcs were truly enjoyable. As mentioned earlier though, the pacing is an issue. The other issue I had is that the characters took a back seat to the war in this novel and while that's often understandable, it's always a shame.
Truth be told, if this was the last book in the series then I might have been more satisfied upon closing the rear cover. That's not to say that I wouldn't want to see anything new with these characters, but rather that I only want to see something new, and not a continuance of this current storyline. Seeing Raz and Syrah struggle to rebuild two broken nations (one broken by generations of slavery and another broken by those slaves fighting for their freedom) would make for an excellent series and I would have been interested in reading that instead of now waiting for the end of this story.
So overall it's a 4-star novel that maybe overstays it's welcome a little.
For the most part, I have enjoyed this series. I think Raz and Syrah are excellent characters, I am invested in their struggle, and I've been eager to read this far and see how their journey ends. However, this is also a series that has struggled with pacing, fallen prey to some meandering plot points at times, and often offers up distasteful moments (by this reader's standards anyway).
That last paragraph about this series as a whole pretty much sums up this book as well... though maybe there's not so much that's distasteful in this novel. It is long though, and it feels needlessly so. Often there are whole chapters given over to something that could maybe have been a few paragraphs in other chapters. However, all this could have been forgiven if it was leading up to a climax as I felt like it was going to.
However, despite so many story arcs being closed out, one important one is left open at the end of the book. Now, on the one hand, this is a good thing because, as I said earlier, I have enjoyed this series overall and wouldn't mind spending more time with Raz and Syrah. Where I struggle is that the one plotline that was left open does not feel like enough of a plotline to fill up a whole novel. It is something that could easily have been closed off in a few paragraphs in this novel and it would have been a satisfying ending, but I am scared that the author is going to drag it out into another long story that really could be half the size.
I can't judge a book that isn't written yet though, and so let's concentrate on this book that we have right now. On the whole, this was an exciting chapter for this series and the closing story arcs were truly enjoyable. As mentioned earlier though, the pacing is an issue. The other issue I had is that the characters took a back seat to the war in this novel and while that's often understandable, it's always a shame.
Truth be told, if this was the last book in the series then I might have been more satisfied upon closing the rear cover. That's not to say that I wouldn't want to see anything new with these characters, but rather that I only want to see something new, and not a continuance of this current storyline. Seeing Raz and Syrah struggle to rebuild two broken nations (one broken by generations of slavery and another broken by those slaves fighting for their freedom) would make for an excellent series and I would have been interested in reading that instead of now waiting for the end of this story.
So overall it's a 4-star novel that maybe overstays it's welcome a little.
November 17, 2020
I love the series, but I did not love this book. Have you ever been cooking a dish and keep tasting it to see if it needs anything added, yet just can't place what it is missing? That was me reading this book for the first half of the story. I kept feeling around like a sunblind man in a pitch dark room trying to pinpoint what was missing. Then there was a goosebump moment. The kind of writing that grabs hold of you and forces you to
FEEL
. The prose that make your breath catch, your eyes water, and your smile grow to painful proportions. Unfortunately, it happened just once in the story for me, but it pointed me to what was missing from this dish.
In the epilogue of the book there is, perhaps, an analogy of what happened to this story. The fragile spark of life, the spirit, the soul that made the story of Raz and Syrah so enjoyable was pulled from the tale. OSAS was turned into a "Shadow" and proceeded to cut, slice, and carve out the magic that was there; without emotion, expression, feeling, or care. The "shadow" doing everything to complete the directive; to achieve the end goal while attempting to not become just another broken vessel found to have no contents of value. It's purpose - Book 5 complete, yet an end out of reach, and the loose threads of a once beautiful tapestry blowing in the wind.
I'm giving this a 2-star rating, because O'Conner can do better: has done better! Some may argue that I am being to harsh, but I think not. Grammatical errors I can live with in a self-published story, but to devolve to this level of story-telling is far below the abilities of this author. As I read the author's plea at the end of the book, I was saddened to see another artist reduced to begging, and succumb to the corporate machinations that plague the book industry today. Where this love of the craft won't feed the family, and the course of action chosen leads to the perpetual doling out of insubstantial sequels, or secondary character tangents, while continuously moving the horizon for the completion of the story.
Hope springs eternal, though, so I will walk into the sand with Raz and Syrah one more time to see if their story is salvaged. To see what horrors Raz must endure while knowing his hollowness is not his alone to bear. To see how Syrah conquers her spiritual devastation, while remaining broken and in need of another. To be reminded that broken pieces fit together to make something so much larger than the sum of their parts.
In the epilogue of the book there is, perhaps, an analogy of what happened to this story. The fragile spark of life, the spirit, the soul that made the story of Raz and Syrah so enjoyable was pulled from the tale. OSAS was turned into a "Shadow" and proceeded to cut, slice, and carve out the magic that was there; without emotion, expression, feeling, or care. The "shadow" doing everything to complete the directive; to achieve the end goal while attempting to not become just another broken vessel found to have no contents of value. It's purpose - Book 5 complete, yet an end out of reach, and the loose threads of a once beautiful tapestry blowing in the wind.
I'm giving this a 2-star rating, because O'Conner can do better: has done better! Some may argue that I am being to harsh, but I think not. Grammatical errors I can live with in a self-published story, but to devolve to this level of story-telling is far below the abilities of this author. As I read the author's plea at the end of the book, I was saddened to see another artist reduced to begging, and succumb to the corporate machinations that plague the book industry today. Where this love of the craft won't feed the family, and the course of action chosen leads to the perpetual doling out of insubstantial sequels, or secondary character tangents, while continuously moving the horizon for the completion of the story.
Hope springs eternal, though, so I will walk into the sand with Raz and Syrah one more time to see if their story is salvaged. To see what horrors Raz must endure while knowing his hollowness is not his alone to bear. To see how Syrah conquers her spiritual devastation, while remaining broken and in need of another. To be reminded that broken pieces fit together to make something so much larger than the sum of their parts.
May 23, 2022
The fifth installment of author Bryce O’Connor’s The Wings of War series, with fictitious quotes preceding each chapter similar to the Dune books, opens with Serys unloading his traveling companions from a wagon, talking about “the Monster” Raz I’Syul Arro and his military might. An area known as the Under Caves receives mention as well, and serves as an important origin point for a plot twist later on through the book. The anthropomorphic dragon-like atherian Raz surveys his troops, and wages regular battle against his enemies alongside the magician Syrah Brandt.
Gains and losses regularly occur on both sides of the war, with occasional trade among nations discussed by their leaders, political and military. Raz ultimately discovers the truth of his birth, and mountains known as the Crags prove pivotal in the movement of forces throughout the conflict. The Dragon further fears civil incursion among his own forces, and his enemies have a magician among them as well known as Lazura, whose past the author explores in the final chapters. She and her antagonist sorceress Syrah engage in a pivotal conflict towards the end of the novel, after which Lazura seeks the support of the Seven Cities.
All in all, despite the presence of anthropomorphic dragon characters, which I tend to appreciate alongside anthropomorphs of other species, races, and such, I didn’t enjoy the latest book in The Wings of War as much as a remembered having appreciated the series during my original readthrough, and I’ll admit I somewhat had trouble following the action and jargon native to the literary franchise such as šef, which I assume is an exotic form of “chief” and tried to make sense of searching the internet. Those who enjoyed the book’s predecessors will likely have a good experience with the fifth entry, although I probably won’t go through the books again once further installments release.
Gains and losses regularly occur on both sides of the war, with occasional trade among nations discussed by their leaders, political and military. Raz ultimately discovers the truth of his birth, and mountains known as the Crags prove pivotal in the movement of forces throughout the conflict. The Dragon further fears civil incursion among his own forces, and his enemies have a magician among them as well known as Lazura, whose past the author explores in the final chapters. She and her antagonist sorceress Syrah engage in a pivotal conflict towards the end of the novel, after which Lazura seeks the support of the Seven Cities.
All in all, despite the presence of anthropomorphic dragon characters, which I tend to appreciate alongside anthropomorphs of other species, races, and such, I didn’t enjoy the latest book in The Wings of War as much as a remembered having appreciated the series during my original readthrough, and I’ll admit I somewhat had trouble following the action and jargon native to the literary franchise such as šef, which I assume is an exotic form of “chief” and tried to make sense of searching the internet. Those who enjoyed the book’s predecessors will likely have a good experience with the fifth entry, although I probably won’t go through the books again once further installments release.
February 2, 2020
Mr O'Connor does it again
What I love about this book and the series is you hate to finish it. You will find yourself dragging your feet knowing the time waiting for the next one is painful. This book offered more brutal vividness of battles magic and mayhem. Mr. O 'Connor you paint such great battle detailed scenes and gruesome violence that one can almost smell the blood and iron just from the words alone. I love Raz but I have special spot in me for tragic broken heroes and you bring that out in all your characters so well. The battle scenes are so well done you almost have PTSD fit after reading them. Not many authors can make a reader feel so shredded in feeling each event. I was happy at the outcomes of the characters this time. But I would have you to least do some happy events in the next book. I felt like you just bruised me up in this book as the darkness in this book had me looking for the light but finding none. The series is really an emotional book and if you suffer from PTSD you will find this series difficult to read. But if you like flaming balls to the wall justice with ultra violent battles that makes you want to look around your room for your own sword this is the series for you. Think Conan the barbarian like the first movie not any of the others.
What I love about this book and the series is you hate to finish it. You will find yourself dragging your feet knowing the time waiting for the next one is painful. This book offered more brutal vividness of battles magic and mayhem. Mr. O 'Connor you paint such great battle detailed scenes and gruesome violence that one can almost smell the blood and iron just from the words alone. I love Raz but I have special spot in me for tragic broken heroes and you bring that out in all your characters so well. The battle scenes are so well done you almost have PTSD fit after reading them. Not many authors can make a reader feel so shredded in feeling each event. I was happy at the outcomes of the characters this time. But I would have you to least do some happy events in the next book. I felt like you just bruised me up in this book as the darkness in this book had me looking for the light but finding none. The series is really an emotional book and if you suffer from PTSD you will find this series difficult to read. But if you like flaming balls to the wall justice with ultra violent battles that makes you want to look around your room for your own sword this is the series for you. Think Conan the barbarian like the first movie not any of the others.
January 1, 2020
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. It was a bit different for me though. I first discovered the series on Audible. If you're anxious to know what's happening and wish to give it a read, do so. It's worth the time. I know when the Audible comes out, I'm still going to get it and listen to it. (Hopefully this is soon.)
With that said: The fifth book in The Wings of War series. Follows Raz, "The Scourge of the South," as he leads thousands of slaves into battle for freedom. I would recommend picking this up for sure. If you haven't read the previous four books, definitely start there. There have been many points that would be considered the catalyst of Raz's story, but this is where things begin to boil over.
To me it seemed as though there were more interpersonal struggles than the previous books. Both with those that side with Raz and those that side against him. It's no longer just Syrah and Raz, and those few who have joined them along the way.
November 28, 2020
Best series I've been blessed to be a part of
I passed this book several times because of the cover art. I thought it cheesy and juvenile and boy was I wrong. I am an avid reader of fantasy, I've read 59 books this year already and this has become one of my favorites that I will reread several times, along with my other faves-The Broken Empire, the First Law trilogy and the Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone series.
I cried, gasped and smiled through this adventure and could not put down the series for a week. The Arros family drew me in but Raz and Sarah kept me trapped with their personalities, morales and never ending trials and tribulations. Im now left sad and at lost to have to leave my new favorite heroines and have to sit in desperate anticipation for the next installment. Great job Mr. O'Conner at making me exhilarated and depressed at the same time. Now I have to peruse inferior writing waiting on number 6. Most likely I will just reread this wonderful series just so Raz and Sarah can still be a part of my life
I passed this book several times because of the cover art. I thought it cheesy and juvenile and boy was I wrong. I am an avid reader of fantasy, I've read 59 books this year already and this has become one of my favorites that I will reread several times, along with my other faves-The Broken Empire, the First Law trilogy and the Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone series.
I cried, gasped and smiled through this adventure and could not put down the series for a week. The Arros family drew me in but Raz and Sarah kept me trapped with their personalities, morales and never ending trials and tribulations. Im now left sad and at lost to have to leave my new favorite heroines and have to sit in desperate anticipation for the next installment. Great job Mr. O'Conner at making me exhilarated and depressed at the same time. Now I have to peruse inferior writing waiting on number 6. Most likely I will just reread this wonderful series just so Raz and Sarah can still be a part of my life
July 11, 2025
Thus far I have rather enjoyed this series as a whole. A few complaints ranging from the mass battle scenes of Book 5 (which felt drawn out and over stimulating) to including names and descriptions of "key players" of the Mahsaden army that were hardly mentioned after or died quickly. I also loathed how the MC was described about 50 different times over the five books thus far, always using similar wording - I get it, he is a seven foot monstrosity, but not every new POV seeing MC for the first time has to describe it over and over. On the other hand, this series has such great dialogue and epic moments sprinkled throughout generously. There have been a few speeches I have had to reread due to the sheer magnitude they hold. All in all a great collection of books to weave an amazing story, especially one that highlights so many aspects of a broken world - most importantly a MC that isn't human, even though he considers himself as such.
January 1, 2020
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It was with a great sense of anticipation that I set down to read the 5th instalment from the very talented Bryce O’Connor. Having read his 4 previous books, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed.
The world building is exquisite, and all the scenes are so well written that you can picture yourself there with the sights and sounds.
I loved seeing how the relationships had grown and changed. There were plenty of highs and lows, and this book had a way of getting under my skin, so even when I wasn’t reading it, I was still thinking about it.
If you are a lover of fantasy, action, or just a lover of reading, I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
It was with a great sense of anticipation that I set down to read the 5th instalment from the very talented Bryce O’Connor. Having read his 4 previous books, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed.
The world building is exquisite, and all the scenes are so well written that you can picture yourself there with the sights and sounds.
I loved seeing how the relationships had grown and changed. There were plenty of highs and lows, and this book had a way of getting under my skin, so even when I wasn’t reading it, I was still thinking about it.
If you are a lover of fantasy, action, or just a lover of reading, I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
January 3, 2020
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Of Sand and Snow is a serious page turner! This isn't to say that the other books are slow by any means but this one really turns it up to 11!
Raz and Syrah take their fight direct to the Mahsaden in an effort to exterminate them once and for all. There's double crossing and backstabbing a' plenty, some great battle scenes, more than a few surprises, and we finally learn more about Arro's origins and his relationship with Syrah.
The door is left wide open for another book which really put me on the edge of my seat as I was expecting everything to be nice and tied up.
Well played, Bryce. Well played.
Read it and the series. You won't be disappointed!
Of Sand and Snow is a serious page turner! This isn't to say that the other books are slow by any means but this one really turns it up to 11!
Raz and Syrah take their fight direct to the Mahsaden in an effort to exterminate them once and for all. There's double crossing and backstabbing a' plenty, some great battle scenes, more than a few surprises, and we finally learn more about Arro's origins and his relationship with Syrah.
The door is left wide open for another book which really put me on the edge of my seat as I was expecting everything to be nice and tied up.
Well played, Bryce. Well played.
Read it and the series. You won't be disappointed!
January 18, 2021
Some spoilers I guess
Man, I've read a shitload of books, including epic fantasies like this one. I feel this series is innovative, has great character dynamics, and great fighting scenes. One thing I didn't like was that with the introduction of magic, for some reason only Laor's gift (who is this guy lol) despite the existence of multiple deities , the focus kinda shifts away from Raz, as he however mighty, is no comparison to Syrah if she decides to wipe half the battlefield. I'm kind of worried the 6th book will worsen the problem with the main Evil person being able to literarly bring hell on earth and Raz being there swingin' his sister around. Otherwise, great and engaging read! cant wait for the next part
Man, I've read a shitload of books, including epic fantasies like this one. I feel this series is innovative, has great character dynamics, and great fighting scenes. One thing I didn't like was that with the introduction of magic, for some reason only Laor's gift (who is this guy lol) despite the existence of multiple deities , the focus kinda shifts away from Raz, as he however mighty, is no comparison to Syrah if she decides to wipe half the battlefield. I'm kind of worried the 6th book will worsen the problem with the main Evil person being able to literarly bring hell on earth and Raz being there swingin' his sister around. Otherwise, great and engaging read! cant wait for the next part
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2022
I'm torn. I love this series. I really do. But this book should have been the end of the series. I feel like the author is dragging out the plot for no other reason than to make the main "bad guy" feel more dangerous then she really is. In all honesty, while I would read the 6th and last book if it was out now, I'm not going to be waiting with baited breath for it to release in the future. This book WAS good. It had everything: high stakes, great fight scenes, long awaited reunions and great new characters. But this book should have been the culmination of the series. Not just another book. I am disappointed, but now I understand why quite a few reviewers have given this book in particular a poor review.
January 19, 2020
Loved, Loved, Loved It
I downloaded Of Sand and Snow knowing I was going to finish it within a day. But decide otherwise. Instead I have reread the whole series just to get caught up. You did not disappoint Bryce O'Connor!! I fell in love with Raz all over again and found a new love for Sarah, Akelo and many others. I held my breath when Raz finally met his mother and felt the emotions Raz was also feeling towards her. I will definitely recommend this book to new and old followers of Bryce O'Connor! I don't want to wait for the next installment but I know the wait will be worth it. The best of the 5 so far!!!!
I downloaded Of Sand and Snow knowing I was going to finish it within a day. But decide otherwise. Instead I have reread the whole series just to get caught up. You did not disappoint Bryce O'Connor!! I fell in love with Raz all over again and found a new love for Sarah, Akelo and many others. I held my breath when Raz finally met his mother and felt the emotions Raz was also feeling towards her. I will definitely recommend this book to new and old followers of Bryce O'Connor! I don't want to wait for the next installment but I know the wait will be worth it. The best of the 5 so far!!!!
January 24, 2020
Well paced, with adventure, depth, and humor
As with the other stories, this was filled with adventure, growth and development of the epic story. However, there wasn't a lot of character development outside of some extra humor. Would say that Raz and the other characters developed more in the other stories, where as this book developed the overall back story. Whereas the overall story wasn't furthed along very far. But if can accept that the story wasn't developed in a great stride, you'll really enjoy what it touches on and where it's going.
I'm excited to see the development of the next book. Where the story can expand in depth and breadth.
As with the other stories, this was filled with adventure, growth and development of the epic story. However, there wasn't a lot of character development outside of some extra humor. Would say that Raz and the other characters developed more in the other stories, where as this book developed the overall back story. Whereas the overall story wasn't furthed along very far. But if can accept that the story wasn't developed in a great stride, you'll really enjoy what it touches on and where it's going.
I'm excited to see the development of the next book. Where the story can expand in depth and breadth.
January 21, 2025
I binge-read this entire series in a day and a half and now I want to inject it into my veins. Raz is the best, except Syrah exists and she's ALSO the best. THESE BOOKS ARE SO DAMN GOOD YOU GUYS. The fight scenes and battles are great and gory but still actually easy to follow, which is a rare skill! If anything happens to Karan I'll cry.
The only minor complaint I have, not worth deducting a star for, is that I noticed a few typos across the books and I was itching to fix them.
(Also, Raz/Syrah for life. I know I'm not alone in this. Syrah deserves all the best things in life and that includes a large scaly murderlizard boyfriend.)
The only minor complaint I have, not worth deducting a star for, is that I noticed a few typos across the books and I was itching to fix them.
(Also, Raz/Syrah for life. I know I'm not alone in this. Syrah deserves all the best things in life and that includes a large scaly murderlizard boyfriend.)
December 31, 2019
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I specifically signed up to be an ARC member because this series is so good, I wanted to get the next book as quickly as possible. Of Sand and Snow, Book 5 in The Wings of War series, DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!! I loved it. Once again Bryce O’Connor delivers great story telling, in-depth world/character building and raw, visceral, fighting sequences. Don’t sit down to read this book unless you are ready to put your life on hold. It’s that good.
January 1, 2020
I received this book as an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Its difficult to know where to start my review because I love everything about this book! The action scenes are as great as ever, I really enjoyed the tactics and war planning it has. Raz and Syrah are incredible and I have enjoyed how their relationship evolved through the series. I love many - if not all - of Raz and Syrah new companions and friends. I trully love everything about this book and this series and I cant recommend them enough.
Its difficult to know where to start my review because I love everything about this book! The action scenes are as great as ever, I really enjoyed the tactics and war planning it has. Raz and Syrah are incredible and I have enjoyed how their relationship evolved through the series. I love many - if not all - of Raz and Syrah new companions and friends. I trully love everything about this book and this series and I cant recommend them enough.
January 1, 2020
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Let's be honest if you're at book 5 of the series you're already hooked, and you need to read this book. The series is simply amazing, the world building is out fantastic, I really don't think it can get much better honestly. The characters that are developed and built upon makes you feel the excitement and sadness they feel. The details and world just suck you in and don't let go, I'm not sure what else I can say besides get reading!!!!!
Let's be honest if you're at book 5 of the series you're already hooked, and you need to read this book. The series is simply amazing, the world building is out fantastic, I really don't think it can get much better honestly. The characters that are developed and built upon makes you feel the excitement and sadness they feel. The details and world just suck you in and don't let go, I'm not sure what else I can say besides get reading!!!!!
January 10, 2020
I don't know where to start. The continued epic face to freedom.
Stunning visual and hair raising chills. I have only come across a handful of writers who can pull a physical response from me.
Bryce O'connor, has a rare ability to create a work that flows.
When the Queen spoke, I had the hair on my scalp raise. The action is so good that I find myself smelling the iron in the blood and knowing its crusty feel of it on the hot sand.
I love, love reading Bryce O'connor. I need more.
Stunning visual and hair raising chills. I have only come across a handful of writers who can pull a physical response from me.
Bryce O'connor, has a rare ability to create a work that flows.
When the Queen spoke, I had the hair on my scalp raise. The action is so good that I find myself smelling the iron in the blood and knowing its crusty feel of it on the hot sand.
I love, love reading Bryce O'connor. I need more.
February 1, 2020
Great Series very exciting
My first time reading a Bryce O'Connor book and this series was so full of action and suspense! Was on edge through most of the series. I am bad at explaining myself, I will just say it's worth your time, I am disappointed that book 5 ended with a cliffhanger and there is no indication that there will be book 6. I don't like reading series until they are finished (by the time the next book comes out I would have forgotten the premise of the story ).
My first time reading a Bryce O'Connor book and this series was so full of action and suspense! Was on edge through most of the series. I am bad at explaining myself, I will just say it's worth your time, I am disappointed that book 5 ended with a cliffhanger and there is no indication that there will be book 6. I don't like reading series until they are finished (by the time the next book comes out I would have forgotten the premise of the story ).
May 8, 2020
O'Connor continues to offer spellbinding epics of adventure, vengeance, devotion, and viscera. While large portions of this book are entrenched in battles (typically my least favorite parts in books or movies), O'Connor has incorporated all of his storytelling gifts to reel in the war-hungry, the relationship-driven, and the overall fantasy-lovers. Once again he offers a full, satisfying story, but leaves enough questions unanswered and enough trouble brewing that I will be scrambling to get my hands on the next one when it comes out.
January 30, 2022
This book is written as if the author was told he needed to fill in a certain pagecount. There is so much repeated exposition and commentary that you'd think the author expects readers to forget what just happened on the last page.
The good guys are hyper competent and the bad guys are hyper incompetent. Boring. There's even a B grade battle scene with enemy cavalry ambushed by archers in a canyon. That stuff belongs in low grade Japanese light novels and isekai, not in longform fantasy novels.
This series should have ended and now it's clear it's just being strung along for length.
The good guys are hyper competent and the bad guys are hyper incompetent. Boring. There's even a B grade battle scene with enemy cavalry ambushed by archers in a canyon. That stuff belongs in low grade Japanese light novels and isekai, not in longform fantasy novels.
This series should have ended and now it's clear it's just being strung along for length.
August 2, 2022
Engaging
The title of this review may seem weak but the series is not. The plot is rich, the characters complex, and the fight/ordinary interactions well laid out. The relationship between Raz and Syrah is delicately belanced. There is plenty of gore, but the inner development of the characters character, is depicted well. The only irritation, as a former proof-reader is the confusion of the words rein and reign. I know, ticky-tacky, but still. . .
A good read. How will Bryce pull the next book off?
The title of this review may seem weak but the series is not. The plot is rich, the characters complex, and the fight/ordinary interactions well laid out. The relationship between Raz and Syrah is delicately belanced. There is plenty of gore, but the inner development of the characters character, is depicted well. The only irritation, as a former proof-reader is the confusion of the words rein and reign. I know, ticky-tacky, but still. . .
A good read. How will Bryce pull the next book off?
April 29, 2023
A quick read, of mostly fight scenes and war. Not really my thing. It didn't do much to add anything to character or world development, though it was fast-paced and easy to get through. I tend to loathe those old-school fantasy series that are all about culminating war so that the author can get off on writing his fight scenes and imagining himself in the role of the hero. Harsh, I know, but this book felt like a lot of that.
Moving on to another series for now, but will definitely return to Wings of War if O'Connor ever releases it.
Moving on to another series for now, but will definitely return to Wings of War if O'Connor ever releases it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews