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The Atlantis Grail #4
Survive
The End is Here, in a Fiery Cosmic Apocalypse!
Gwen Lark knows how to Qualify, Compete, and Win...
The time has come to Survive.
The Games of the Atlantis Grail have come to a ground-shaking halt and Gwen Lark, nerd, geek, and awkward smart girl, survived the remarkable ordeal, for the time being.
But the worst is yet to come!
Now, both the colony planet Atlantis and Earth are under a threat of annihilation, and everything is up in the air, including dire and stunning wonders in the Atlantean skies.
Will there be a Wedding? Will there be a future for Gwen Lark, her beloved, and all their families, friends, and loved ones?
Is Gwen’s rare and powerful talent, the Logos voice of creation, enough to resolve the greatest mystery of the Kassiopei Imperial Dynasty and its role in the events of deepest antiquity since the dawn of time?
The fate of the entire human species is at stake, and now there can be no respite, not a moment to lose. The final battle is here, and Gwen, and everyone she knows and loves, are in for the greatest fight of their lives.
It is time to survive.
SURVIVE is the fourth and final book in The Atlantis Grail series, now an international cross-genre phenomenon, optioned for film.
Gwen Lark knows how to Qualify, Compete, and Win...
The time has come to Survive.
The Games of the Atlantis Grail have come to a ground-shaking halt and Gwen Lark, nerd, geek, and awkward smart girl, survived the remarkable ordeal, for the time being.
But the worst is yet to come!
Now, both the colony planet Atlantis and Earth are under a threat of annihilation, and everything is up in the air, including dire and stunning wonders in the Atlantean skies.
Will there be a Wedding? Will there be a future for Gwen Lark, her beloved, and all their families, friends, and loved ones?
Is Gwen’s rare and powerful talent, the Logos voice of creation, enough to resolve the greatest mystery of the Kassiopei Imperial Dynasty and its role in the events of deepest antiquity since the dawn of time?
The fate of the entire human species is at stake, and now there can be no respite, not a moment to lose. The final battle is here, and Gwen, and everyone she knows and loves, are in for the greatest fight of their lives.
It is time to survive.
SURVIVE is the fourth and final book in The Atlantis Grail series, now an international cross-genre phenomenon, optioned for film.
1077 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2020
686 people are currently reading
1460 people want to read
About the author
Vera Nazarian
86 books1,032 followersVera Nazarian is a two-time Nebula Award Finalist, award-winning artist, and member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, a writer with a penchant for moral fables and stories of intense wonder, true love, and intricacy.
She immigrated to the USA from the former USSR as a kid, sold her first story at the age of 17, and since then has published numerous works in anthologies and magazines, and has seen her fiction translated into eight languages.
She is the author of critically acclaimed novels Dreams of the Compass Rose and Lords of Rainbow , romantic Renaissance epic fantasy trilogy Cobweb Bride , as well as the outrageous parodies Mansfield Park and Mummies and Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons , Pride and Platypus: Mr. Darcy's Dreadful Secret in her humorous and surprisingly romantic Supernatural Jane Austen Series , and most recently the bestselling high-octane science fiction series The Atlantis Grail , now optioned for film.
After many years in Los Angeles, Vera lives in a small town in Vermont, and uses her Armenian sense of humor and her Russian sense of suffering to bake conflicted pirozhki and make art.
Take the fun quiz to find out Which of the Lords of Rainbow do You Serve?
She immigrated to the USA from the former USSR as a kid, sold her first story at the age of 17, and since then has published numerous works in anthologies and magazines, and has seen her fiction translated into eight languages.
She is the author of critically acclaimed novels Dreams of the Compass Rose and Lords of Rainbow , romantic Renaissance epic fantasy trilogy Cobweb Bride , as well as the outrageous parodies Mansfield Park and Mummies and Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons , Pride and Platypus: Mr. Darcy's Dreadful Secret in her humorous and surprisingly romantic Supernatural Jane Austen Series , and most recently the bestselling high-octane science fiction series The Atlantis Grail , now optioned for film.
After many years in Los Angeles, Vera lives in a small town in Vermont, and uses her Armenian sense of humor and her Russian sense of suffering to bake conflicted pirozhki and make art.
Take the fun quiz to find out Which of the Lords of Rainbow do You Serve?
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January 20, 2022
May 2020 edit: Uhhh hello everyone this has gotten way more attention than I ever anticipated (read: any) so… thanks? I guess??
If I wrote this again with other peoples' eyes in mind, I'd change some of the framing and focus, though the overall message would stay the same. The series as a whole is a diamond in the rough—with an emphasis on rough, yes, but also on diamond. There's some good stuff here, it just needs more time and attention.
---
Original review posted 11 Jan 2020:
I finished this book on Tuesday, and it’s now Saturday. I’ve had a lot of thoughts about it, and have a complicated relationship with the series as a whole, so the question is, where do I start?
The most obvious place is that this book is, essentially, a published first draft, just like the rest of the series. It was released six days after the last words were written. That’s hardly enough time to do a comprehensive copy edit for something of this length, never mind a line edit. If you go into it with that information in mind, it’s a good start. But if you’re expecting a polished finished product, you will be disappointed. Most of my problems stem from that simple fact. Because a first draft exists to get the story onto the page by whatever means necessary, but a final draft exists to tell that story in an effective and engaging way.
With that preface, let’s start getting into the actual book. I have a lot more to say than this, but the rest of it is less “review” and more “discussion topic.” As a note, I’ll only be hiding spoilers for this book, not the previous three.
My number one complaint is something that isn’t new to Survive (but is a lot more prevalent), and that is everyone’s complete and utter disregard for security clearance levels and operational security in general. Instead of taking advantage of a realistic difficulty for conflict and drama, it’s completely ignored, and I spend the whole book irritated by it.
The biggest thing that frustrated me in terms of the plot itself was how long it took for the pegasei to come back into the story. They were such a big deal at the end of Win—a sentient species enslaved by an unknowing populace—and yet that just… doesn’t come up at all ? I know that there’s a lot going on, but there were several points at which Gwen was presented with the topic of the pegasei, and she spared them only the barest thought—when she thought of them at all. She doesn’t do her own research or anything. The problem might as well not exist.
Another problem I have, this one very broad, is something I’ve been variously thinking of as tone or genre or expectation; there may be another word for it, but I don’t have it yet. There’s a tension that has existed since Win between complicated realism and wish fulfillment. The first two books were pretty solidly on the wish fulfillment side, with a tone is well-established and fairly consistent. Problems are (unrealistically) smoothed over on so many occasions, and overall everything turns out better than could reasonably expected—and that’s fine, because that’s the kind of series it is, so you can set your expectation accordingly. But in Win, that starts to change, starts to edge towards something darker, more complex, more serious. But easy solutions are still more common than not, thanks to repeated deus ex machina. And that’s the tension: the core-realism and the core-idealism “genres” aren’t well integrated, so it doesn’t “just work,” and it becomes both distracting and unsatisfying.
Survive does the same thing. There are some complex and complicated issues and questions raised, including
As with the rest of the series, I did like this book. Three stars is a solid rating from me; it was pretty good overall. I just don’t know why I like it. The writing is mediocre at best, there’s a ton of info-dumping and irrelevant information, poor transitions, misuse of italics and capitalization, characters who basically stop existing because they serve no current role in the story, not thinking ideas through, the previously mentioned deus ex machina, missed or wasted opportunities… I could go on. But I guess the ideas are good enough to keep my interest, and the writing isn’t bad enough to push me away entirely.
With further revision, further refinement, I firmly believe this book (this whole series, really) could be something incredible. But right now, it’s only the potential of that, the promise of it—and unfortunately, because I doubt it’s going to get the work it needs, that’s all it will ever be.
RATING: 3.5/5, rounded down
If I wrote this again with other peoples' eyes in mind, I'd change some of the framing and focus, though the overall message would stay the same. The series as a whole is a diamond in the rough—with an emphasis on rough, yes, but also on diamond. There's some good stuff here, it just needs more time and attention.
---
Original review posted 11 Jan 2020:
I finished this book on Tuesday, and it’s now Saturday. I’ve had a lot of thoughts about it, and have a complicated relationship with the series as a whole, so the question is, where do I start?
The most obvious place is that this book is, essentially, a published first draft, just like the rest of the series. It was released six days after the last words were written. That’s hardly enough time to do a comprehensive copy edit for something of this length, never mind a line edit. If you go into it with that information in mind, it’s a good start. But if you’re expecting a polished finished product, you will be disappointed. Most of my problems stem from that simple fact. Because a first draft exists to get the story onto the page by whatever means necessary, but a final draft exists to tell that story in an effective and engaging way.
With that preface, let’s start getting into the actual book. I have a lot more to say than this, but the rest of it is less “review” and more “discussion topic.” As a note, I’ll only be hiding spoilers for this book, not the previous three.
My number one complaint is something that isn’t new to Survive (but is a lot more prevalent), and that is everyone’s complete and utter disregard for security clearance levels and operational security in general. Instead of taking advantage of a realistic difficulty for conflict and drama, it’s completely ignored, and I spend the whole book irritated by it.
The biggest thing that frustrated me in terms of the plot itself was how long it took for the pegasei to come back into the story. They were such a big deal at the end of Win—a sentient species enslaved by an unknowing populace—and yet that just… doesn’t come up at all ? I know that there’s a lot going on, but there were several points at which Gwen was presented with the topic of the pegasei, and she spared them only the barest thought—when she thought of them at all. She doesn’t do her own research or anything. The problem might as well not exist.
Another problem I have, this one very broad, is something I’ve been variously thinking of as tone or genre or expectation; there may be another word for it, but I don’t have it yet. There’s a tension that has existed since Win between complicated realism and wish fulfillment. The first two books were pretty solidly on the wish fulfillment side, with a tone is well-established and fairly consistent. Problems are (unrealistically) smoothed over on so many occasions, and overall everything turns out better than could reasonably expected—and that’s fine, because that’s the kind of series it is, so you can set your expectation accordingly. But in Win, that starts to change, starts to edge towards something darker, more complex, more serious. But easy solutions are still more common than not, thanks to repeated deus ex machina. And that’s the tension: the core-realism and the core-idealism “genres” aren’t well integrated, so it doesn’t “just work,” and it becomes both distracting and unsatisfying.
Survive does the same thing. There are some complex and complicated issues and questions raised, including
As with the rest of the series, I did like this book. Three stars is a solid rating from me; it was pretty good overall. I just don’t know why I like it. The writing is mediocre at best, there’s a ton of info-dumping and irrelevant information, poor transitions, misuse of italics and capitalization, characters who basically stop existing because they serve no current role in the story, not thinking ideas through, the previously mentioned deus ex machina, missed or wasted opportunities… I could go on. But I guess the ideas are good enough to keep my interest, and the writing isn’t bad enough to push me away entirely.
With further revision, further refinement, I firmly believe this book (this whole series, really) could be something incredible. But right now, it’s only the potential of that, the promise of it—and unfortunately, because I doubt it’s going to get the work it needs, that’s all it will ever be.
RATING: 3.5/5, rounded down
January 26, 2020
Of all the books in this series, this was definitely my least favorite. I would say 60% of the book was pretty boring. There wasn't much happening and Gwen was much more subdued than I am used to. She lacked character and substance. Oh well, it was a good run....
Read
October 15, 2022Normally I like to start off my reviews with a brief synopsis about what the book is about, but since this is the fourth and final book in a series, and I don't want to spoil anyone, I'm going to omit that part.
All you need to know is this picks right up after the events of "Win" and since that left off in the worst possible place, you're going to want to read this immediately after.
Now time to break everything down into my usual categories (writing, world-building, plot and characters).
Pretty much the same things I've said about the above from the earlier books still stands: this book was not the best thing I've ever read in my life, but it's an oddly addicting series in a way that you don't understand. I legitimately do not understand why I like this series, but I do.
The writing isn't great - it's essentially a polished first draft. This was published 6 days after the last words of the book were written, so don't expect anything spectacular on the writing front. It takes awhile to settle into the awkwardness of it all, but once you do you stop noticing it all and can enjoy the rest (for the most part).
The world-building is in some ways the strongest part of the book. We're on Atlantis and we get to see so much more of the culture and customs and all of that I really enjoyed. Things could have been fleshed out a bit more, but any world-building that does get done is done in giant clumps and it's a ton of information. Some you expect to see and others you question as to why it's there and it never gets mentioned again.
The plot was once again decent, but the pacing of it all wasn't the best. I technically could've talked about the pacing in the writing category, but it fits better here because of how the plot is presented. In this book we have two big events and so as not to spoil anyone it's wedding/romance plot and aliens. The book was essentially split into two because the first half was primarily focused on the former and the second half on the latter. However, they should have been spread out equally throughout because a lot of things in regards to the aliens plotline needed more time and felt incredibly rushed. Some things that were mentioned in prior books were really important to that plotline and wasn't mentioned again until the last quarter of the book. All in all there were a lot of great ideas and elements of the plot, but it could've been so much better.
Finally, the characters. We've been with these characters for 4 books now and while we know some well, all of them still feel flat and don't have a ton of depth or growth. We get everything from Gwen's perspective and if she doesn't see it, it didn't happen. We saw some characters that we haven't seen since "Qualify" again and we got no explanation as to what happened to them in between that time. Other key characters are only seen by Gwen and while they're just as important as she is I still don't know half of what their motivations are and none of them have really grown a lot since the first book.
Overall, I really enjoyed Survive, though it definitely has it's issues. With some work it could be an incredible series, but since I don't think it'll ever get the work it needs, it'll only be an inkling of that.
All you need to know is this picks right up after the events of "Win" and since that left off in the worst possible place, you're going to want to read this immediately after.
Now time to break everything down into my usual categories (writing, world-building, plot and characters).
Pretty much the same things I've said about the above from the earlier books still stands: this book was not the best thing I've ever read in my life, but it's an oddly addicting series in a way that you don't understand. I legitimately do not understand why I like this series, but I do.
The writing isn't great - it's essentially a polished first draft. This was published 6 days after the last words of the book were written, so don't expect anything spectacular on the writing front. It takes awhile to settle into the awkwardness of it all, but once you do you stop noticing it all and can enjoy the rest (for the most part).
The world-building is in some ways the strongest part of the book. We're on Atlantis and we get to see so much more of the culture and customs and all of that I really enjoyed. Things could have been fleshed out a bit more, but any world-building that does get done is done in giant clumps and it's a ton of information. Some you expect to see and others you question as to why it's there and it never gets mentioned again.
The plot was once again decent, but the pacing of it all wasn't the best. I technically could've talked about the pacing in the writing category, but it fits better here because of how the plot is presented. In this book we have two big events and so as not to spoil anyone it's wedding/romance plot and aliens. The book was essentially split into two because the first half was primarily focused on the former and the second half on the latter. However, they should have been spread out equally throughout because a lot of things in regards to the aliens plotline needed more time and felt incredibly rushed. Some things that were mentioned in prior books were really important to that plotline and wasn't mentioned again until the last quarter of the book. All in all there were a lot of great ideas and elements of the plot, but it could've been so much better.
Finally, the characters. We've been with these characters for 4 books now and while we know some well, all of them still feel flat and don't have a ton of depth or growth. We get everything from Gwen's perspective and if she doesn't see it, it didn't happen. We saw some characters that we haven't seen since "Qualify" again and we got no explanation as to what happened to them in between that time. Other key characters are only seen by Gwen and while they're just as important as she is I still don't know half of what their motivations are and none of them have really grown a lot since the first book.
Overall, I really enjoyed Survive, though it definitely has it's issues. With some work it could be an incredible series, but since I don't think it'll ever get the work it needs, it'll only be an inkling of that.
January 25, 2020
2/5 stars [And that’s me being super generous]
This has been a highly mixed series for me.
I enjoyed Qualify a lot (with its solid concept, characters and cliff-hanger at the end). I liked the second instalment, in this quartet, about the same amount.
The majority of Win was god awful. Gwen literally just takes part in The Hunger Games. And that’s all that happens. But I’m three long novels deep so I might as well continue. Right?
I’m unhappy to report that Survive is even more of a boring slog to get through then Win was. At least for me.
In the other books, at least Gwen was doing something. Now she’s hosting parties and having awkward dinners with the in-laws. How thrilling.
Some of the character ships in the story are a bit bizarre as well.
You could cut out so much of this book and it would change nothing. This thing is over a thousand pages long and the climax is so rushed. That should tell you something about the pacing of the story.
Honestly, don’t waste your time. Even if you’ve read the other books, just don’t. Make up your own ending or something. It’s bound to be better than this.
This has been a highly mixed series for me.
I enjoyed Qualify a lot (with its solid concept, characters and cliff-hanger at the end). I liked the second instalment, in this quartet, about the same amount.
The majority of Win was god awful. Gwen literally just takes part in The Hunger Games. And that’s all that happens. But I’m three long novels deep so I might as well continue. Right?
I’m unhappy to report that Survive is even more of a boring slog to get through then Win was. At least for me.
In the other books, at least Gwen was doing something. Now she’s hosting parties and having awkward dinners with the in-laws. How thrilling.
Some of the character ships in the story are a bit bizarre as well.
You could cut out so much of this book and it would change nothing. This thing is over a thousand pages long and the climax is so rushed. That should tell you something about the pacing of the story.
Honestly, don’t waste your time. Even if you’ve read the other books, just don’t. Make up your own ending or something. It’s bound to be better than this.
February 24, 2020
Late 2018/early 2019?! WAHHHH.
I just got hooked on this series and LOVE that they’re crazy long, but with #4 being published that far away I’m too impatient and wanted it all fresh in my mind!
I just got hooked on this series and LOVE that they’re crazy long, but with #4 being published that far away I’m too impatient and wanted it all fresh in my mind!
January 14, 2020
Science blah blah blah
So, ok. Here’s the deal. And I’m going to be real and honest, so be prepared. The book in and of itself, was just ok. The story line, the characters, the ending. I felt like that was really good. I liked it, but didn’t love it like I did with the other 3 books. What stopped me from loving it...it was all the science behind EVERYTHING. It was so unnecessary! Surely Vera could see this? It was like she was just trying to fill the word count. The rambling of scientific descriptions was so horrible that I literally found myself falling asleep or having to reread several pages to even understand what in the shibet Vera was actually talking about. Sometimes I couldn’t even figure it out and just kept reading. I never skim a book. NEVER. But I found myself skimming, skipping, and taking lots of breaks between chapters. The description of things were so EXTRA. They were needed but not at the length at which Vera did it. I mean come on, why do we have to know every single ship and how many people it can transport? How about when describing how many seats the “carriages” they were riding in during the wedding would hold? Why was that so important to know? If you are looking for a book that includes a lot of romance, then this book is not for you. It touches on romance, tries to delve into it, and yet I felt it was hit or miss. I loved Aeson and Gwen’s love story, but felt it was so overshadowed by the chaos that was going on. Then when it finally focused on pieces of their romance it was very brief. Also, I felt that Aeson wasn’t even the same character from the first two books that we so grew to love. He just seemed different once they reached Atlantis. He seemed weak, and like a boy not a man. Oh, and Vera never even finished out the 8 month honeymoon that Aeson and Gwen were supposed to have. She built it up with suspense since it was told it was going to be a surprise, but then never even discussed it again. What a let down. 2 years we waited for this book release. Constant teasing with word counts on her Facebook page. Only to feel somewhat let down. I don’t feel happy or excited as I was. This book could’ve been so much more, with such less description had she stuck with the original tone she had with the first 2 books. I would read and reread the first 2 books often, they are that good. Some of the best writing I have seen and are to date my very favorite books of all time. Third book was great when I first read it, but lost all the suspense after reading it the for the second time, and honestly I skipped most of it when I read it the second time, and only skimmed it to get to the 4th book. Overall, would I recommend this book series to my friends or other avid readers? I would, but with caution. If science and fantasy isn’t their thing, then don’t bother with this series. I do appreciate the character development, but I do not think I will even attempt to read any of the novellas or other books she will write about this series. This author takes way too long to get her books out. My sister who was only 2 years older than me, started this book series because I raved about the first two books. But as we waited and waited for the 4th and final book to be released with much anticipation, she unexpectedly passed away and never got to finish this series. It was very hard for me to finish this book series for that reason alone. Never again will I wait for her books. Again, just my honest opinion.
So, ok. Here’s the deal. And I’m going to be real and honest, so be prepared. The book in and of itself, was just ok. The story line, the characters, the ending. I felt like that was really good. I liked it, but didn’t love it like I did with the other 3 books. What stopped me from loving it...it was all the science behind EVERYTHING. It was so unnecessary! Surely Vera could see this? It was like she was just trying to fill the word count. The rambling of scientific descriptions was so horrible that I literally found myself falling asleep or having to reread several pages to even understand what in the shibet Vera was actually talking about. Sometimes I couldn’t even figure it out and just kept reading. I never skim a book. NEVER. But I found myself skimming, skipping, and taking lots of breaks between chapters. The description of things were so EXTRA. They were needed but not at the length at which Vera did it. I mean come on, why do we have to know every single ship and how many people it can transport? How about when describing how many seats the “carriages” they were riding in during the wedding would hold? Why was that so important to know? If you are looking for a book that includes a lot of romance, then this book is not for you. It touches on romance, tries to delve into it, and yet I felt it was hit or miss. I loved Aeson and Gwen’s love story, but felt it was so overshadowed by the chaos that was going on. Then when it finally focused on pieces of their romance it was very brief. Also, I felt that Aeson wasn’t even the same character from the first two books that we so grew to love. He just seemed different once they reached Atlantis. He seemed weak, and like a boy not a man. Oh, and Vera never even finished out the 8 month honeymoon that Aeson and Gwen were supposed to have. She built it up with suspense since it was told it was going to be a surprise, but then never even discussed it again. What a let down. 2 years we waited for this book release. Constant teasing with word counts on her Facebook page. Only to feel somewhat let down. I don’t feel happy or excited as I was. This book could’ve been so much more, with such less description had she stuck with the original tone she had with the first 2 books. I would read and reread the first 2 books often, they are that good. Some of the best writing I have seen and are to date my very favorite books of all time. Third book was great when I first read it, but lost all the suspense after reading it the for the second time, and honestly I skipped most of it when I read it the second time, and only skimmed it to get to the 4th book. Overall, would I recommend this book series to my friends or other avid readers? I would, but with caution. If science and fantasy isn’t their thing, then don’t bother with this series. I do appreciate the character development, but I do not think I will even attempt to read any of the novellas or other books she will write about this series. This author takes way too long to get her books out. My sister who was only 2 years older than me, started this book series because I raved about the first two books. But as we waited and waited for the 4th and final book to be released with much anticipation, she unexpectedly passed away and never got to finish this series. It was very hard for me to finish this book series for that reason alone. Never again will I wait for her books. Again, just my honest opinion.
February 16, 2020
I absolutely adored the first three books in the series. Having to wait three years for the final book in the series drove me nuts so I read the first three books a second time, something I never do!
Gwen was not only a great female heroine but her ability to think outside the box made me love her and the series. What I loved about Gwen in the first three books was 90% missing in book four. Gwen spends most of the book sitting around doing nothing.
I looked at the other reviews (all seem to be 5 star) and wonder what I am missing?
Gwen was not only a great female heroine but her ability to think outside the box made me love her and the series. What I loved about Gwen in the first three books was 90% missing in book four. Gwen spends most of the book sitting around doing nothing.
I looked at the other reviews (all seem to be 5 star) and wonder what I am missing?
January 20, 2020
I loved the other 3 books! This book comes in as Vera phoning it in. It took 44, let me say that again 44 chapters for the story to really begin. In between that were a bunch of parties, descriptions of clothes and food. Omg, way too much time spent on food. I wanted to choke on the dea meal and all the juice. The bride court - I was hoping for a mean girl showdown and it landed flat. Gwen let all her friends do the heavy lifting. Grow a backbone, Gwen!!!
Overall the only person who died everyone wanted to die! There was no real personal cost to the whole finale. People who should have died were magically saved. WHY? Earth was saved at the last minute by Mary sue/Gwen. Vera, I waited 2 years for a Mary sue ending!!!!
The science stuff didn't bother me I'm a nerd. But the melodrama did.
In book 3 people died, and their deaths mattered. This book no one died and it made the story not matter. Don't worry about the evil 'they' our ancient enemy, because Gwen will magically save everyone.
I'm glad the series is over and my questions were answered, eventually, but I won't be reading another book by this author.
Overall the only person who died everyone wanted to die! There was no real personal cost to the whole finale. People who should have died were magically saved. WHY? Earth was saved at the last minute by Mary sue/Gwen. Vera, I waited 2 years for a Mary sue ending!!!!
The science stuff didn't bother me I'm a nerd. But the melodrama did.
In book 3 people died, and their deaths mattered. This book no one died and it made the story not matter. Don't worry about the evil 'they' our ancient enemy, because Gwen will magically save everyone.
I'm glad the series is over and my questions were answered, eventually, but I won't be reading another book by this author.
January 6, 2020
Just Wow!
After eagerly awaiting for this final instalment I can honestly say that I am thrilled with how it turned out.
I am definitely going to have to read it again, it can get very complex and confusing at points but Vera certainly tries to make what is complex physics and quantum science as understandable to a ‘normal’ brain such as mine as she can, but alas some of it still went over my head.
I love how everything in the prior three books was addressed and finalised with no lose ends in this final book.
I am an avid reader.. I read between 5-10 books a week.. (I certainly make the most of my Kindle Unlimited membership) and over the thousands of books I have read in the past.. The Games of The Atlantis grail series is my favourite. It has everything, if you love the Hunger Games.. buy this book..if you love romance.. buy this book.. if you love sci-fi.. buy this book and if you love a good strong female lead... guess what?... buy this book!
Thank you Vera.. for creating this incredible series and making my imagination fly.
After eagerly awaiting for this final instalment I can honestly say that I am thrilled with how it turned out.
I am definitely going to have to read it again, it can get very complex and confusing at points but Vera certainly tries to make what is complex physics and quantum science as understandable to a ‘normal’ brain such as mine as she can, but alas some of it still went over my head.
I love how everything in the prior three books was addressed and finalised with no lose ends in this final book.
I am an avid reader.. I read between 5-10 books a week.. (I certainly make the most of my Kindle Unlimited membership) and over the thousands of books I have read in the past.. The Games of The Atlantis grail series is my favourite. It has everything, if you love the Hunger Games.. buy this book..if you love romance.. buy this book.. if you love sci-fi.. buy this book and if you love a good strong female lead... guess what?... buy this book!
Thank you Vera.. for creating this incredible series and making my imagination fly.
January 31, 2023
0.5 ⭐
I can not express how much I detest this book.
This is not my original review. My first one was incredibly harsh and long but in thd end I just couldn't be bothered posting all the reason why this book is such an immature disaster.
I hate it.
It's terrible.
Got to be the worst book I'll read this year.
I can not express how much I detest this book.
This is not my original review. My first one was incredibly harsh and long but in thd end I just couldn't be bothered posting all the reason why this book is such an immature disaster.
I hate it.
It's terrible.
Got to be the worst book I'll read this year.
January 7, 2020
This is the final book in the Atlantis Grail (TAG) series. This is the series where an asteroid is coming to demolish earth and several million teens are saved by a group that lived on earth thousands of years ago. The Atlantians fled earth due to a hostile alien threat. Now they are back to at least rescue a portion of the planet. The books follow those teens to Atlantis and this culminating book concerns the ancient alien threat coming back to cause great destruction.
I finished reading this a full day ago but have been trying to figure out exactly how to describe these books with spoilers. In fact, I am still trying to get my head around this book and this series. First of all, I just happened to stumble on them purely by accident. Qualify, the first book was on my list of free Kindle books one week, and I bought it. I was not expecting a lot because Vera Nazarian is an independent writer publishing on her own. Was I shocked when, I ended up finding out it was one of those “can’t put it down, read all night” type oops. I have read a LOT of books by independent authors, but rarely have seen such a great story and such terrific writing. I didn’t expect to come to know and love the characters. I knew I wanted to meet Vera. So about 2 years my daughter and I went to DragonCon (my first time) in Atlanta despite my knees giving me fits. I am very passionate about books and especially these and have told many people about them. Most of my family has read them—though there are a few hold outs lol! And while I have met the author and have friended her on FB, I am not someone who reviews books to make a friend look good. This person became a friend BECAUSE of her books.
I finished reading this book a full day ago, but i needed to figure out what to say. Without giving spoilers, I would say that this author reminds me most of J.K. Rowling—-in the fact that every piece of information given in the first 3 books—becomes important. Think about the serpent in the zoo for Harry Potter that’s revealed to be Voldemort’s last hiding place. It’s a similar efficiency and when one of those authors tells you anything—-it’s important to the story. These books are as good as any one of the Harry Potter books. I’m sorry to say that many don’t know about them.
This book fits under several genres. If you like Sci-Fi with science facts, it’s got it. Action/Thriller - yes, Young adult -yes, dystopian-yes and a romance as well.
I love these books. I hope you will too.
I finished reading this a full day ago but have been trying to figure out exactly how to describe these books with spoilers. In fact, I am still trying to get my head around this book and this series. First of all, I just happened to stumble on them purely by accident. Qualify, the first book was on my list of free Kindle books one week, and I bought it. I was not expecting a lot because Vera Nazarian is an independent writer publishing on her own. Was I shocked when, I ended up finding out it was one of those “can’t put it down, read all night” type oops. I have read a LOT of books by independent authors, but rarely have seen such a great story and such terrific writing. I didn’t expect to come to know and love the characters. I knew I wanted to meet Vera. So about 2 years my daughter and I went to DragonCon (my first time) in Atlanta despite my knees giving me fits. I am very passionate about books and especially these and have told many people about them. Most of my family has read them—though there are a few hold outs lol! And while I have met the author and have friended her on FB, I am not someone who reviews books to make a friend look good. This person became a friend BECAUSE of her books.
I finished reading this book a full day ago, but i needed to figure out what to say. Without giving spoilers, I would say that this author reminds me most of J.K. Rowling—-in the fact that every piece of information given in the first 3 books—becomes important. Think about the serpent in the zoo for Harry Potter that’s revealed to be Voldemort’s last hiding place. It’s a similar efficiency and when one of those authors tells you anything—-it’s important to the story. These books are as good as any one of the Harry Potter books. I’m sorry to say that many don’t know about them.
This book fits under several genres. If you like Sci-Fi with science facts, it’s got it. Action/Thriller - yes, Young adult -yes, dystopian-yes and a romance as well.
I love these books. I hope you will too.
January 15, 2020
I once said the sign of a really good book was when an author left you wanting more at the end. That isn't the case with this book. I waited and waited and waited some more (2 1/2 years) for this final book in the series. Now, I'm just glad it's over. I didn't think it was ever going to end. There was so much material that did nothing to advance the story - extensive, unnecessary descriptions of clothing, decor, and "scientific" explanations that I had to wade through to get to the real story. The character of the Imperator was written as an evil, uncompromising, self-serving individual who came across as a juvenile and nasty bully with no rhyme or reason for his behavior. This is supposed to be the leader of Atlantida? I'm not opposed to reading a lengthy book if it's well written. I'm an avid reader, but when reading a book becomes a chore instead of a joy, something is wrong. There was a great potential for an amazing story contained in these 4 books, but sadly it was missed. At this point the best I can say is I'm so glad I'm done with it.
February 16, 2020
I'm sorry, did Stephanie Meyer write this book instead of Vera Nazarian? How did we go from cool science stuff focus to 600 pages of this book bring about a wedding and like 5 pages about saving Earth? Dafaq?? Look, love the romance when it's not the main focus of this story. Also, the scene after the wedding when she _apologises for taking contraceptive_ is fucking bullshit. Are you serious??? And of course he has a magic dick or whatever omg I couldn't even.
The last 20% of the book with the science and battle plans was alright but felt so rushed because she wrote the bulk of the book about the wedding which, after reading the last 20% was just ridiculous! Especially when it came to Earth being saved. It's an overarching plot point and it's solved in 5 pages/half a chapter?? (approx. I have a kindle). It's just a serious misprioritisation of the story and what this book could have been. Also, since it is over 1000 pages, it's a serious investment for most people to read.
Very disappointed.
The last 20% of the book with the science and battle plans was alright but felt so rushed because she wrote the bulk of the book about the wedding which, after reading the last 20% was just ridiculous! Especially when it came to Earth being saved. It's an overarching plot point and it's solved in 5 pages/half a chapter?? (approx. I have a kindle). It's just a serious misprioritisation of the story and what this book could have been. Also, since it is over 1000 pages, it's a serious investment for most people to read.
Very disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2020
The story starts out where Win concluded. The original Arc ship has been unintentionally activated by Gwen during the Atlantis Grail tie breaker and as a result “They” will be able to find them. This resulting race to stop the ancient enemy has laughs, tears, heart stopping moments, and enough science to enthrall everyone. Ultimately everyone on Team Lark (every Earthie and Atlantan Gwen collected since book one) work together to save the human race. This was a wonderful conclusion to Gwen and Aeson’s story and to the Atlantis Grail series. Vera Nazarian creates a wonderful, deep, rich universe carefully and meticulously woven throughout all four books and it has been fantastic going along for the ride. The growth of the two main characters in the series as well as the deepening of their love for each other was portrayed perfectly and that growth allowed the rescue of two worlds in the stunning conclusion.
January 9, 2020
The Atlantis Grail series captured me from the start with the first book Qualify. These are not small books, but I find myself going back and reading them again and again. Now the 4th in the series is out. I bought it right away and couldn't wait to read it. Then I found myself trying to slow down and pace myself so I wouldn't finish too fast. yet, 5 days later I came to the end. So many feelings. I had to take a day to just think about the book before I could begin to write a review. The author does a great job of wrapping up all the main threads of the story and still leaving a few small things to the readers imagination. Things that may come up in her future novellas that I'm eagerly awaiting. This is a series for anyone who likes sci-fi, dystopian, apocalyptic stories. If you enjoyed the Hunger Games story concept, I think these books will blow you away. This is a series I will read over and over.
January 17, 2020
Spoilers ahead!
I really enjoyed the series despite some of the problems I had with it. Survive is my least favorite of the books, but I didn’t hate it. I know it is a YA series but the constant focus on pairing up the teenagers was a bit much in the midst of the world possibly coming to an end. I also felt that it took far too long to get to any real action and suspense. The first half of the book could have been edited down quite a bit.
The final bits about Gwen having 5 babies in the space of about 5 years, starting as a teenager, didn’t seem to fit her character. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I would have thought Gwen would want to spend some time finishing her education, learning about Atlantis, learning how to be a leader and deal with all of the country’s problems ,etc., for a few years first. It just seemed too happily ever after for me.
I really enjoyed the series despite some of the problems I had with it. Survive is my least favorite of the books, but I didn’t hate it. I know it is a YA series but the constant focus on pairing up the teenagers was a bit much in the midst of the world possibly coming to an end. I also felt that it took far too long to get to any real action and suspense. The first half of the book could have been edited down quite a bit.
The final bits about Gwen having 5 babies in the space of about 5 years, starting as a teenager, didn’t seem to fit her character. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I would have thought Gwen would want to spend some time finishing her education, learning about Atlantis, learning how to be a leader and deal with all of the country’s problems ,etc., for a few years first. It just seemed too happily ever after for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2020
Oh my god!!! Incredible!!!!
This book was the longest I've read in years but it was 100% worth it. I laughed, I cried, I was literally shaking with anticipation and angst. This book was incredible and the most amazing conclusion to this fantastic series. I'll definitely be rereading these books again and again. I loved them so much!!!
This book was the longest I've read in years but it was 100% worth it. I laughed, I cried, I was literally shaking with anticipation and angst. This book was incredible and the most amazing conclusion to this fantastic series. I'll definitely be rereading these books again and again. I loved them so much!!!
December 16, 2017
Amazing love them all . Can’t wait for the next book
January 6, 2020
This is the best, and most satisfying, conclusion to any series I have ever read. I recommend that every science fiction fan reads this wonderful series. And, way to go, Vera!
October 31, 2023
best series I’ve read all year
Absolutely loved every minute of this series. The word building is perfect and extremely in-depth with believable and very lovable characters
Absolutely loved every minute of this series. The word building is perfect and extremely in-depth with believable and very lovable characters
February 24, 2023
I have run out of tears, lads. I feel... nothing, yet everything.
As I've said before, this is DEF my fav series, but this book, imo, was the best one in the series.
Now This Will Be Me Just Reiterating Everything That Happened to Project My Trauma 🥲:
-
Astounding novel, peeps. I definitely recommend it!
Can't wait for the rest of the novellas, the prequel series, and The Book of Everything to come out! AND THE MOVIE IS GONNA COME OUT SOON, SO YAYAYAYAYAY!
As I've said before, this is DEF my fav series, but this book, imo, was the best one in the series.
Now This Will Be Me Just Reiterating Everything That Happened to Project My Trauma 🥲:
-
Astounding novel, peeps. I definitely recommend it!
Can't wait for the rest of the novellas, the prequel series, and The Book of Everything to come out! AND THE MOVIE IS GONNA COME OUT SOON, SO YAYAYAYAYAY!
January 6, 2020
Out of this world!
This is such an amazingly complex and beautiful end to the story. There will always be more I'll want to know about the continuing lives of all the characters but this brings a satisfying finish to Gwen's journey. The weaving of ancient legends into this adds to the incredible world that the author has created. It is glorious, heartbreaking, stunning, exhilarating, mysterious and breathtakingly all at once. I'm sad, in a way, that it's over - I'll have to re-read again and again.....at least until the novellas come out!
This is such an amazingly complex and beautiful end to the story. There will always be more I'll want to know about the continuing lives of all the characters but this brings a satisfying finish to Gwen's journey. The weaving of ancient legends into this adds to the incredible world that the author has created. It is glorious, heartbreaking, stunning, exhilarating, mysterious and breathtakingly all at once. I'm sad, in a way, that it's over - I'll have to re-read again and again.....at least until the novellas come out!
January 5, 2020
A great conclusion to the series and definitely worth the wait. I couldn’t put it down which meant a late night last night and an all day marathon session today. The book starts exactly where the last left off. It neatly ties up all the loose ends. Gwen is a bit more passive in this book, not as much of the intense problem solving as she did in the other titles but still manages to save the world. Still well worth the read.
January 13, 2020
As soon as the book came out, my sister bought it on our Kindle, and, boy, was it a good read. I have followed Gwen through everything and wanted a good closing on her story. The book had so much action in it, so must expitments and knowledge about Atlantian culture.
I especially fan-girled when Laronda and Anu kiss, and my sister and I totally wanted it to happen. Once Laronda started calling Anu 'Troll-boy', I shipped it. It was especially adorable that they were fighting and then they kissed. (Also, Laronda is totally the 'man' of the relationship.)
I was very happy at the wedding and the mixture of Atlantian tradition and Earth tradition. I was happy that George and Charles were there to see it and it was a very happy moment.
The only thing that I wish would be added/changed would be the Epiloge. I want to go deeper into their family. Did Manala get married? What do their children know of their mother's and father's experiences? I did, however, like that Gwen turned into the Starlight Sorcerer and that she was keeping a Book of Everything.
I can't wait for this series to be turned into a film!
I especially fan-girled when Laronda and Anu kiss, and my sister and I totally wanted it to happen. Once Laronda started calling Anu 'Troll-boy', I shipped it. It was especially adorable that they were fighting and then they kissed. (Also, Laronda is totally the 'man' of the relationship.)
I was very happy at the wedding and the mixture of Atlantian tradition and Earth tradition. I was happy that George and Charles were there to see it and it was a very happy moment.
The only thing that I wish would be added/changed would be the Epiloge. I want to go deeper into their family. Did Manala get married? What do their children know of their mother's and father's experiences? I did, however, like that Gwen turned into the Starlight Sorcerer and that she was keeping a Book of Everything.
I can't wait for this series to be turned into a film!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2021
The Atlantis Grail series rocks!
I thoroughly enjoyed this culmination of the Atlantis Grail saga. It was moving, relevant, relatable, absorbing, and just fantastic! The ultimate discovery by Gwen of an ancient, universal secret, was mind boggling. I'll not spoil it for those who have yet to enjoy the story in its fullness, just know that you will be moved, as I was, by this poignant tale of love beyond our galaxy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this culmination of the Atlantis Grail saga. It was moving, relevant, relatable, absorbing, and just fantastic! The ultimate discovery by Gwen of an ancient, universal secret, was mind boggling. I'll not spoil it for those who have yet to enjoy the story in its fullness, just know that you will be moved, as I was, by this poignant tale of love beyond our galaxy.
November 25, 2023
I refuse to accept this is over, I wish these were a 1000 more books after this because it’s just that good.
January 6, 2020
Survive is Superlative!
This is the only review where I have given 5 stars! I cried, despised, laughed, not so secretly enjoyed the apology (hope this clue is not a spoiler), loved, and was inspired!!! I will begin rereading Survive today and savor my favorite moments!!!
This is the only review where I have given 5 stars! I cried, despised, laughed, not so secretly enjoyed the apology (hope this clue is not a spoiler), loved, and was inspired!!! I will begin rereading Survive today and savor my favorite moments!!!
January 10, 2020
Survive
The best Sci Fi series I have ever read, full of amazing thought and imagination. Rivals Asimov and Niven. Truly a great read. Thank you for writing a story about Atlantis that actually expands your knowledge.
The best Sci Fi series I have ever read, full of amazing thought and imagination. Rivals Asimov and Niven. Truly a great read. Thank you for writing a story about Atlantis that actually expands your knowledge.
January 6, 2020
The book provided resolution to many things left hanging. Gwen seemed to have grown up a bit in this book, despite there being no time gaps between this and the former book, and she sounded less like a teen girl when she spoke and a little more grown up. What I felt this book lacked that I loved from the others was the creative problem solving from Gwen. Overall a good conclusion to the series.
January 6, 2020
Breathtaking
Such an amazing conclusion to an absolutely wonderful series. I am already planning a re-read to pick up any subtleties I missed in my first and dash to devour this book. Without giving any spoilers I will just say that this is a beautiful 4th novel that leaves me happy and excited for the novellas and prequel. Excellent work!!!!
Such an amazing conclusion to an absolutely wonderful series. I am already planning a re-read to pick up any subtleties I missed in my first and dash to devour this book. Without giving any spoilers I will just say that this is a beautiful 4th novel that leaves me happy and excited for the novellas and prequel. Excellent work!!!!
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