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The AetherBorn Saga #4
AetherWars
To save the ones she loves, she has to give up everything.
AetherBorn and leader of the Elementals, Ruby Black, never imagined that her blood could open a portal. Let alone a portal to Tartarus, a realm that is more nightmare than truth — filled with death, torture, and unspeakable horrors.
When her boyfriend is captured by Demas, the self-appointed wicked King of Tartarus, she knows there is only one thing she can do. Ruby must gather an army and form unlikely alliances to save her boyfriend and destroy Demas for good.
But war is a fickle thing, especially when the lives of everyone she loves are on the line!
Will Ruby be able to destroy her mortal enemy and save the love of her life? Or will the evil-filled world of Tartarus engulf her whole?
Everything is put to the test in the final chapter of The AetherBorn Saga. With lives on the line and worlds to save, can our strong heroine survive what’s coming for her?
AetherBorn and leader of the Elementals, Ruby Black, never imagined that her blood could open a portal. Let alone a portal to Tartarus, a realm that is more nightmare than truth — filled with death, torture, and unspeakable horrors.
When her boyfriend is captured by Demas, the self-appointed wicked King of Tartarus, she knows there is only one thing she can do. Ruby must gather an army and form unlikely alliances to save her boyfriend and destroy Demas for good.
But war is a fickle thing, especially when the lives of everyone she loves are on the line!
Will Ruby be able to destroy her mortal enemy and save the love of her life? Or will the evil-filled world of Tartarus engulf her whole?
Everything is put to the test in the final chapter of The AetherBorn Saga. With lives on the line and worlds to save, can our strong heroine survive what’s coming for her?
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Published May 12, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 15, 2020
The final installment of the AetherBorn Saga sees Ruby and her cohort travel to Tartarus in order to rescue Liam and confront Demas on his home turf once and for all.
While I have read books 1 & 2 in the series, I have not read book 3. While I did not feel that I had missed anything crucial to the plot of this novel, and I was familiar with many of the characters, it's likely that some references did go over my head and this may colour my review.
Normally, when I review, I leave my comment about editing to the end as a sort of footnote. In this case, I found the editing had a much greater influence on other elements, so it makes more sense to lead with it.
The edition of the novel that I read needs another editing pass. It was rife with errors, weird word imagery (that doesn't make a lot of sense), punctuation problems, and so on. The prose tends to the messy (e.g. "takes a breath in" instead of "inhales") which results in a lack of flow/rhythm and a certain overarching awkwardness that I found prevented me from really immersing myself in the story. (I normally am not conscious of the act of reading to the point where I can't always tell whether I've read a book or seen a film. In this case, I found I couldn't escape into the story - I was very conscious of the act of reading). There were also cases where some extra research would really have benefited the novel, as in the scene that takes place on a boat.
The pacing of the story was generally good, although would have been significantly improved with additional editing, and leaner prose. There were some redundancies in the descriptions, as well as times when a phrase was used where a single word could have evoked the same meaning. These things definitely slowed things down and bloated the novel. Still, there was plenty of action and I think the author's intent for how these scenes played out was clear.
The character development was an area that could have been improved for me. In this novel, there are three viewpoints: Ruby (who has been the primary focus of the prior novels I had read), Liam, and Demas. As a matter of personal opinion, I didn't feel that the addition of two male viewpoints added anything for me - I didn't feel that they showed me a different side of Ruby, of themselves, nor did they add anything to the plot other than to allow the reader access to scenes that didn't include Ruby. I think the story could have worked just fine from Ruby's perspective alone, so I am a bit confused as to why this choice was made.
Demas, especially, was a weak character to me. He read as a cartoon villain (I kept waiting for him to twirl his mustache) with no redeeming characteristics. His actions at the climax of the novel were not well explained, despite a portion of the events being told from his viewpoint. I think there was a lot of potential in the character - the backstory held a lot of pathos, and could have been used to turn him into a more sympathetic figure for the reader (if not the Elementals). This would have really enriched the story for me.
Liam also read as a bit of a Ken-doll character, lacking in dimension to me. I think he could have been a much stronger character with some flaws - perhaps a real internal struggle to recognise Ruby's autonomy (i.e. control issues to overcome). I also wished that sections from his perspective had revealed more about Elemental culture, and how different his worldview was (as someone raised on the inside) differed from Ruby's (who learned of her abilities as a young adult).
Ruby remains the strongest and most well-formed character. She has flaws. I wish they'd gotten her into more trouble - in her relationships, with people questioning her leadership, etc - in order to add a layer of internal conflict for her to wrestle throughout the novel. I also found that what was, to me, her biggest flaw, never really saw a reckoning, which I think was a pity. Through the series, Ruby has definitely developed and grown, but I found that the most dramatic change happened within Book 1 of the series. I think there have been a number of wasted opportunities to really evolve the character.
One thing that has bothered me through the series (which I think could be helped with editing) is that the characters all read very young to me through not only their dialogue, but also what we learn of their thought processes. I would peg them in their mid- to late teens (even the adult characters), although the series begins while Ruby is at college (this could make her anywhere from 18 to 22 years old, by my calculations).
The world-building was probably the strongest element for me, although, again, the editing could have leveled this up a notch or two. There were some rules as far as Ruby's abilities were concerned that remained undefined, but, by far and large, the way this universe worked was comprehensible and generally consistent throughout.
In spite of my concerns, I did find the series to be an interesting one that shows a lot of promise. I did find that it had rough edges that I believe additional editing would smooth considerably.
I received an ARC via the author.
While I have read books 1 & 2 in the series, I have not read book 3. While I did not feel that I had missed anything crucial to the plot of this novel, and I was familiar with many of the characters, it's likely that some references did go over my head and this may colour my review.
Normally, when I review, I leave my comment about editing to the end as a sort of footnote. In this case, I found the editing had a much greater influence on other elements, so it makes more sense to lead with it.
The edition of the novel that I read needs another editing pass. It was rife with errors, weird word imagery (that doesn't make a lot of sense), punctuation problems, and so on. The prose tends to the messy (e.g. "takes a breath in" instead of "inhales") which results in a lack of flow/rhythm and a certain overarching awkwardness that I found prevented me from really immersing myself in the story. (I normally am not conscious of the act of reading to the point where I can't always tell whether I've read a book or seen a film. In this case, I found I couldn't escape into the story - I was very conscious of the act of reading). There were also cases where some extra research would really have benefited the novel, as in the scene that takes place on a boat.
The pacing of the story was generally good, although would have been significantly improved with additional editing, and leaner prose. There were some redundancies in the descriptions, as well as times when a phrase was used where a single word could have evoked the same meaning. These things definitely slowed things down and bloated the novel. Still, there was plenty of action and I think the author's intent for how these scenes played out was clear.
The character development was an area that could have been improved for me. In this novel, there are three viewpoints: Ruby (who has been the primary focus of the prior novels I had read), Liam, and Demas. As a matter of personal opinion, I didn't feel that the addition of two male viewpoints added anything for me - I didn't feel that they showed me a different side of Ruby, of themselves, nor did they add anything to the plot other than to allow the reader access to scenes that didn't include Ruby. I think the story could have worked just fine from Ruby's perspective alone, so I am a bit confused as to why this choice was made.
Demas, especially, was a weak character to me. He read as a cartoon villain (I kept waiting for him to twirl his mustache) with no redeeming characteristics. His actions at the climax of the novel were not well explained, despite a portion of the events being told from his viewpoint. I think there was a lot of potential in the character - the backstory held a lot of pathos, and could have been used to turn him into a more sympathetic figure for the reader (if not the Elementals). This would have really enriched the story for me.
Liam also read as a bit of a Ken-doll character, lacking in dimension to me. I think he could have been a much stronger character with some flaws - perhaps a real internal struggle to recognise Ruby's autonomy (i.e. control issues to overcome). I also wished that sections from his perspective had revealed more about Elemental culture, and how different his worldview was (as someone raised on the inside) differed from Ruby's (who learned of her abilities as a young adult).
Ruby remains the strongest and most well-formed character. She has flaws. I wish they'd gotten her into more trouble - in her relationships, with people questioning her leadership, etc - in order to add a layer of internal conflict for her to wrestle throughout the novel. I also found that what was, to me, her biggest flaw, never really saw a reckoning, which I think was a pity. Through the series, Ruby has definitely developed and grown, but I found that the most dramatic change happened within Book 1 of the series. I think there have been a number of wasted opportunities to really evolve the character.
One thing that has bothered me through the series (which I think could be helped with editing) is that the characters all read very young to me through not only their dialogue, but also what we learn of their thought processes. I would peg them in their mid- to late teens (even the adult characters), although the series begins while Ruby is at college (this could make her anywhere from 18 to 22 years old, by my calculations).
The world-building was probably the strongest element for me, although, again, the editing could have leveled this up a notch or two. There were some rules as far as Ruby's abilities were concerned that remained undefined, but, by far and large, the way this universe worked was comprehensible and generally consistent throughout.
In spite of my concerns, I did find the series to be an interesting one that shows a lot of promise. I did find that it had rough edges that I believe additional editing would smooth considerably.
I received an ARC via the author.
May 11, 2020
„AetherWars“ is already the forth and final installment in “The AetherBorn Saga”, a series that keeps improving with each new release.
Ruby has come a long way since she realizes her blood is the conduit to open a direct portal into Tartarus, a realm filled with the stuff of nightmares. When the ruler of Tartarus himself (Demas) captures her boyfriend, Ruby realizes that her only chance at success in freeing him is to destroy Demas and end his reign of horror forever. But in order to accomplish the sheer impossible, she will need an army willing to go into war with the King of Tartarus himself. War is the only solution, but also the biggest threat to anything she holds dear and everyone she loves. And the price for defeat unbearable in itself… should Demas win the war, it could expand his reign throughout the realms and slave everyone to his rule.
A.N. Sage’s writing style is fast-paced and full of action, with well developed and enjoyable characters, a carefully crafted fantasy world with reminiscences of old Greek mythology and very interesting storyline, that intermixed action, fantasy, romance and light-horror tropes into a fully satisfying tale. A veritable great conclusion to the Saga.
Ruby has come a long way since she realizes her blood is the conduit to open a direct portal into Tartarus, a realm filled with the stuff of nightmares. When the ruler of Tartarus himself (Demas) captures her boyfriend, Ruby realizes that her only chance at success in freeing him is to destroy Demas and end his reign of horror forever. But in order to accomplish the sheer impossible, she will need an army willing to go into war with the King of Tartarus himself. War is the only solution, but also the biggest threat to anything she holds dear and everyone she loves. And the price for defeat unbearable in itself… should Demas win the war, it could expand his reign throughout the realms and slave everyone to his rule.
A.N. Sage’s writing style is fast-paced and full of action, with well developed and enjoyable characters, a carefully crafted fantasy world with reminiscences of old Greek mythology and very interesting storyline, that intermixed action, fantasy, romance and light-horror tropes into a fully satisfying tale. A veritable great conclusion to the Saga.
May 12, 2020
Destiny Awaits
Ruby’s boyfriend Liam is dragged through a portal to another world ruled by Demas. Demas is waging war against Elemental and Aether Borns after the death of his love and her child.
This story is the tale of Ruby, and her band of Elementals and Aether Borns attempts to rescue Liam. Be prepared to read of lost souls and monsters as ruby’s group travel the underworld that is not hell. There are gruesome sights, torture, and murders aplenty. Their very lives are at risk every step that they take.
I received a free ARC.
Ruby’s boyfriend Liam is dragged through a portal to another world ruled by Demas. Demas is waging war against Elemental and Aether Borns after the death of his love and her child.
This story is the tale of Ruby, and her band of Elementals and Aether Borns attempts to rescue Liam. Be prepared to read of lost souls and monsters as ruby’s group travel the underworld that is not hell. There are gruesome sights, torture, and murders aplenty. Their very lives are at risk every step that they take.
I received a free ARC.
May 14, 2020
Engaging! I highly recommend this series! Ruby Black is a curious leader and warrior, not always by choice. Her allies and enemies can sometimes be one and the same, as we've seen in the past. She now has a new quest...to save her love and partner from the maniacal usurper of the Tartarus throne. A sworn enemy to all she holds dear. Ruby cannot waver and her will must be true. Let's see this conflict to the end, and prevail!
May 12, 2020
An Unexpected Ending!
“AetherWars” is the final book of “The AetherBorn” Saga. And is everything I hoped for. This tale is the end of the storyline for Ruby and her team. This tale has unexpected Twists when Ruby makes unexpected alliances to save her love. This is a MUST Read ending for Ruby and her friends.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
“AetherWars” is the final book of “The AetherBorn” Saga. And is everything I hoped for. This tale is the end of the storyline for Ruby and her team. This tale has unexpected Twists when Ruby makes unexpected alliances to save her love. This is a MUST Read ending for Ruby and her friends.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
May 12, 2020
AetherWars (The AetherBorn Saga Book 4) by A.N. Sage is such an amazing story to read. This is book number four in this amazing series that I was hooked from the start. I highly recommend this story to all.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
May 1, 2020
Ruby and her team is back in the final installment of their story. The action continues until the very end.
May 9, 2020
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a review. Awesome book, very exciting couldn't keep the book down. Page turner would definitely recommend this book for all ages.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews