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War of the Archons #3
The Spear of Malice
In the third in the epic fantasy series, War of the Archons, the war of the gods continues to threaten all existence. Perfect for fans for Brandon Sanderson, Michael J. Sullivan and Brian Staveley.
As its neighbours muster for war, the city state of Kantor clings desperately to neutrality. Suraan, the queen regent, is beset on all sides, her son Rahuul still too young to take the throne. As his elder sister and guardian, Adaali's only purpose is to protect Rahuul from would be usurpers. But dark forces are at play from within and without, and she must seek help from the most unlikely of places, or be consumed by the war of the gods that threatens to destroy the very fabric of her world.
As its neighbours muster for war, the city state of Kantor clings desperately to neutrality. Suraan, the queen regent, is beset on all sides, her son Rahuul still too young to take the throne. As his elder sister and guardian, Adaali's only purpose is to protect Rahuul from would be usurpers. But dark forces are at play from within and without, and she must seek help from the most unlikely of places, or be consumed by the war of the gods that threatens to destroy the very fabric of her world.
367 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2021
13 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Richard S. Ford
21 books434 followersR S Ford originally hails from Leeds in the heartland of Yorkshire. He is a writer of fantasy and historical fiction (check out Richard Cullen on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...)
You can find out more about what he's up to, and download free stuff, here:
http://wordhog.co.uk
And follow him on Twitter here: @rich4ord
And Instagram here: thewordhog
You can find out more about what he's up to, and download free stuff, here:
http://wordhog.co.uk
And follow him on Twitter here: @rich4ord
And Instagram here: thewordhog
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 28, 2021
Definitely a good conclusion to the trilogy, but nothing really earth-shattering so to speak and I thought the first two books (and especially the first novel in the series which was among the best fantasies of 2018) were more inventive and twisty than this one
March 12, 2023
A fun end to a fun series. Like the other two, this suffered from a lack of substance. Also like the other two, it was enjoyable despite.
The way he weaved the myriad of different characters throughout this series, especially this book, was downright admirable; more so given the short length of these books.
Closing thoughts: fun, quick series. Good slump-breaker. Fun world. Fun concept. Could have been an all-timer were it more fleshed out and expanded. Memorable characters. Josten Cade in particular; absolute unit of a character. After all, everyone gets what they desrrve.
The way he weaved the myriad of different characters throughout this series, especially this book, was downright admirable; more so given the short length of these books.
Closing thoughts: fun, quick series. Good slump-breaker. Fun world. Fun concept. Could have been an all-timer were it more fleshed out and expanded. Memorable characters. Josten Cade in particular; absolute unit of a character. After all, everyone gets what they desrrve.
December 17, 2022
The spear of malice is a good conclusion to a solid series. If you enjoyed the first 2 installments in the series then you will likely enjoy this.
It's not ground breaking and some parts of the ending I wish had been given more time and attention. However I do think the character work of one new character in particular was a standout part of this book.
An enjoyable fantasy series. 3.5 Stars
It's not ground breaking and some parts of the ending I wish had been given more time and attention. However I do think the character work of one new character in particular was a standout part of this book.
An enjoyable fantasy series. 3.5 Stars
May 27, 2024
A good ending to a good book
May 30, 2021
This isn't a bad series, but it didn't drag me in as other series have done.
I think the biggest issue is that I just didn't care about any of the characters. After the first two books I was expecting some grand finale, but somehow it felt a bit 'is that it?'
I think the biggest issue is that I just didn't care about any of the characters. After the first two books I was expecting some grand finale, but somehow it felt a bit 'is that it?'
February 19, 2021
Not bad
Overall, trilogy was good. Interesting world, interesting characters. Final chapters felt rushed. Lackluster conclusion. First two books were better than the third.
Overall, trilogy was good. Interesting world, interesting characters. Final chapters felt rushed. Lackluster conclusion. First two books were better than the third.
January 26, 2023
A very decent battle fantasy with a good balance of grim death and heroes with flaws. Note for those who keep track, there's sexual equally between heroes and villains.
Justin; in particular, manages to stay alive for all 3 books. A deadly killer first as a soldier, then a mercenary, a pirate, and finally a leader in the opposition to the fanatical army trying to destroy the world for their goddess. He easily became a favorite with his quips and narrow escapes.
The gods that are causing such havoc are an interesting concept. The usual idea that they have to be worshiped to have power when they incarnate into the human realm. They easily achieve this because their Aura is so strong they are immediately worshiped.
In their own realm there is a variety of gods in appearance and speciality waiting to inhabit a human body. Many seem to have a real grudge, a desire to destroy the world. And of course you couldn't have a decent war without a god opposing the war mongering god.
A very satisfying trilogy.
Justin; in particular, manages to stay alive for all 3 books. A deadly killer first as a soldier, then a mercenary, a pirate, and finally a leader in the opposition to the fanatical army trying to destroy the world for their goddess. He easily became a favorite with his quips and narrow escapes.
The gods that are causing such havoc are an interesting concept. The usual idea that they have to be worshiped to have power when they incarnate into the human realm. They easily achieve this because their Aura is so strong they are immediately worshiped.
In their own realm there is a variety of gods in appearance and speciality waiting to inhabit a human body. Many seem to have a real grudge, a desire to destroy the world. And of course you couldn't have a decent war without a god opposing the war mongering god.
A very satisfying trilogy.
February 27, 2022
War of the Archons had a special approach to protagonists, each installment had their own main one. I personally did not like this as it meant that the story was always severed from its history at the beginning of each novel. During The Spear of Malice all protagonists were tied together in a way which left me cool. Also the plot of the trilogy (revealed in the final installment) ended up being quite thin and uninspiring.
March 24, 2023
Great book last of the trilogy, and it lived up to really enjoyed it as I enjoyed the other two books. Still remember scenes, despite having read multitudes books in between these books are memorable, I’ve laughed out loud, reading these books, and I found myself grinning like a fool, I found myself feeling the empathy sadness of the losses of the characters , a very good book a very good ending a very good series
December 29, 2025
I enjoyed this series even though I started with book 2. I felt the loss of some of the characters I loved in book 2 but overall it's a good read.
This book wraps up everything nicely while leaving something for a new series if the author wants to revisit this world.
I would recommend this series if you want to read about gods meddling in the lives of people and wanting a foothold into the world.
This book wraps up everything nicely while leaving something for a new series if the author wants to revisit this world.
I would recommend this series if you want to read about gods meddling in the lives of people and wanting a foothold into the world.
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December 18, 2021I very seldom write a review. But here goes...
I was quite happy and surprised by the ending of this trilogy. Reminded me of how I felt when I finished the Hobbit for the first time. A journey done with a promise of a good future.
I would recommed this trilogy highly to anyone who likes fantasy.
I was quite happy and surprised by the ending of this trilogy. Reminded me of how I felt when I finished the Hobbit for the first time. A journey done with a promise of a good future.
I would recommed this trilogy highly to anyone who likes fantasy.
February 9, 2022
A satisfactory ending to a series, with the right people getting stabbed up and the right people surviving. Happy times for all, especially a certain trickster god. I hope the setting gets a sequel series sometime.
April 21, 2021
A worthy conclusion to the War of Archons trilogy. Not as interesting as the first 2 books, but worth reading.
February 2, 2023
Expertly executed series. 5⭐️
August 11, 2023
This one flowed much better than the last two. It’s good, but still think I would’ve enjoyed it more as a physical book so I could “see” the scene changes better.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews