Lostwell – a dying world of volcanos, earthquakes, endless wastes and wild dragons.
For Corthie and Aila, Lostwell is a stepping stone to the home of the Holdfasts, and for Blackrose and Maddie it is the way to Dragon Eyre. But for Belinda, Lostwell means something else – the land where she once ruled as Queen.
Within the sanctuary of the Falls of Iron, the exiles from the city of Pella and Tara make their plans, but unknown to them, on Implacatus, the home of the Gods, a task force is being assembled – their mission, to find and secure the source of Salve, the miracle material that grants everlasting youth to the gods.
Sable Holdfast works alone. Tasked with finding a Quadrant, the former assassin is trying to redeem herself. Can she stop the gods of Implacatus from finding the world of Maddie and Aila, and help Corthie get home, or will she succumb to the old temptations…
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I love deserts, which is too bad as I live in Scotland, but the mountains, glens and lochs more than make up for it. My other love is Greek Tragedy, especially Euripides, and I also read history, science, fantasy, and pretty much anything about the Beatles…
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I enjoyed book 4 of The Magelands. It 's effectively a new beginning as the story is set on one of the other worlds, however, it feels tight and fresh and it still centres around some of my favourite characters from the first 3 books, as their stories continue and develop. I will also say that this is very much NOT just a couple of chapters as I noticed someone had mentioned elsewhere. This is a full book and very much worth a read. I was lucky enough to be given an ARC of this book and have reviewed it because I enjoyed the book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Falls of Iron continues this series incredible momentum. It has such a jolt of fun I haven’t experienced at this level since David Estes Fatemarked series. This is a must for any YA fantasy fan.
3.5-4.0 : As others say, its effectively like a new beginning due to the world jump, introducing new characters, but also keeping a good part. Me gusta !
Another outstanding read by Christopher Mitchell. I had forgotten about Sable* so my initial reaction was, "Who's this?" I actually went back to an earlier volume to verify that she had appeared before. Once I got that established I was totally hooked. Sable's trials and tribulations are one of the primary storylines in this book
The quest for Quadrants continues. Everybody wants them - gods, demigods and mortals. The gods are intent on finding a source for Salve to retain eternal youth. The mortals want to be able to get home. They additionally want control of the Quadrants to prevent the gods from invading as they've already battled a previous incursion with horrific repercussions.
There's discovery of a time warp (not sure if that's what it's called)
Karalyn is a bitch, no two ways about it. Does Maddie finally get a boyfriend?
I can hardly wait for the next book to find out what happens.
*Totally due to all of the other books I've read in between. Us old folks sometimes lack a bit in the memory department. I also can't remember what happened to Maddie's sister so will have to check. As another reviewer mentioned, it is imperative that these books are read in order.
Question: Blackrose and Maddie can't use Quadrant to get to the Falls of Iron because Blackrose does not know its precise location. What's to stop them from using it after Blackrose ferries Maddie, Corthie and Naxor there? She shouldn't need to fly back to where Belinda and Aila are waiting yet apparently does.
This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
This is more of a 3.5 star for me, I'm super conflicted about it. It starts a new story arc in the series, but it honestly doesn't feel like it adds anything new to said story, if that makes sense. I like being with the characters, but what point does this ultimately serve? It feels like a retread of the plot of the first 3 books, but with a different setting. I will say the stakes are a lot higher, as the Ascendants need to be stopped at all costs, and it's sad to see what toll said costs will put on our characters. But at the same time, I wish it had just ended with book 3 because everything gets worse before it gets better in these books.
One thing that bugs me in this series is Corthies's family. For me, they are a little too over powered, and it makes the demigods look feeble in comparison. I get that's the point, but it gets a little old at times - though ngl, I do enjoy seeing Corthie and his family knock all of them down a few pegs. Belinda's plot is especially interesting, and she's growing into one of my favorite characters and I can't wait to see where her story leads her.
Maddie and Blackrose's plot hasn't taken off yet, but they still remain my favorite characters. All of the characters are still fantastic, and the new characters are fun, but this first book felt like way more setup then The Mortal Blade did, and I wish it had gotten to the point a little sooner then it did. I assume book 2 will be an improvement though, and pick up the plot a lot more. This book is definitely setting up for the other two in this new trilogy, so I don't hold too much against it.
Still a fun series, but it loses what originally captivated me about it when reading the Mortal Blade. I'll stick with reading this series, but so far, I like the first three books better. Not saying this is a terrible read or anything, but the first three were a lot more gripping. We'll see if at the trilogy's conclusion I change my mind though, as this setup has a lot of promise to it, so I'm not giving up on it just yet. Still a fantastic series, I enjoyed this book a lot, just not as fun as the book 1 in the first half of this series.
We pick up after the last book so it really is important to read these books in order. You cannot just jump in because you will be lost.
We have our characters who are weaving the story like threads of a tapestry. Even though we have our main story we also have so many other personal journeys that are just as important. The theme to start out is a bit of redemption. We have Belinda, Sable and Naxor all looking to prove themselves. Even Captain Logos is looking to do something that gives his life meaning.
There is uncertainty in the world and we get to see some fresh eyes. Imagine not knowing what an earthquake or volcano is, but being able to look into the minds of others. What a strange and fantastic world. Karalyn is not where she's expected and our reunion is also not what we thought. I loved the attention to detail, all the small things really impact the whole. The setting is so vivid you almost live it.
If you've been following this series you should already be prepaired for the darker tone. It's not the puff piece fantasy some authors would choose. Christopher Mitchell instead exposes parts of the worst of humanity, even though we aren't dealing with humans. His Gods and demigods are not the kind, forgiving type. Instead they continue to wreak havoc being the master manipulators and conflict instigators. The book tone is set right from the beinging when we start in the arena and even though there is light, the balance is never achieved.
If you haven't been reading this series, what are you waiting for? You'll realize things can always take a turn for the worst, embrace what you have.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
This volume introduces a huge change to what has otherwise been quite a tightly plotted trilogy: we're on a brand-new world, with a mostly new set of characters (though many of the heroes from the initial books reappear). Falls of Iron sees the many protagonists of the series in transit: halfway from their home cities to their destination. The divine characters are mostly concerned with finding a still-mysterious substance called Salve, Maddie and Blackrose are trying to find the Dragon Eyre (which, based on titles alone, I'm guessing will be a major focus of future books in the series), and most of the humans just want to come home. This was a great read: Maddie and Blackrose continue to be my favorite characters, and I enjoyed how much time we got to spend with them. The plot was quite complex, but I thought all the different story threads were woven together with clarity.
Lostwell—a realm plagued by volcanoes, earthquakes, and dragons. Protagonists Corthie and Aila view Lostwell as a route to their ancestral home, while Blackrose and Maddie seek passage to Dragon Eyre. Meanwhile, Belinda confronts her past reign over this land. Within the sanctuary of the Falls of Iron, exiles from Pella and Tara strategize, unaware that the gods of Implacatus are dispatching a task force to secure Salve, a substance granting them eternal youth. Sable Holdfast, a former assassin seeking redemption, is tasked with locating a Quadrant to thwart the gods' plans and assist Corthie. The novel delves into themes of redemption, power struggles, and the complexities of divine and mortal conflicts.
Great book. Has a little of everything - magic, dragons, gods, wars and adventure. The story tells of the many realms relating to each of the characters in the story. The gods think that they should have control over all. These gods are not kind. Everyone seems to be looking for the one item that will give them the power to rule everyone. You discover different types of magic and find that it can be used with or against other magic. The adventures and wars keep your attention. You cheer for some and hiss for others. Get this book for a different look at the gods and the people they rule.
Falls of Iron (Magelands Eternal Siege, #4), my fifth read from author Christopher Mitchell. The fourth book in the epic picks up seamlessly from where book three left off. All I can say is WOW! When I want to read epic fantasy I first look for author Christopher Mitchell. I look forward to reading more from this author, I look forward to the publication of Paths of Fire (Magelands Eternal Siege, #5), the next book in the epic. I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.
This series is completely slept on! I love these books so much since The Magellans Epic, I can’t put them down. I read them every opportunity I get. I feel compelled to start the next book after the one I’m reading ends. The character building and world building is extraordinary. Delicious read. I’ve read every series book so far and all the prequel stories. A must if you love adventure, sci-fi, romance, and the pull between good and bad! I stay rooting for the good guys!
Okay, my confessed "curse" is not really so terrible: I simply have the foresight and intuition to quickly unravel all but the best, most creatively "knotted" plotlines. I was born this way... What else can I say except to heap praise and offer profound thanks to author Christopher Mitchell; the Magelands Eternal Siege series has been a true delight! Even better... there are yet more adventures to enjoy! Holdfast, I am coming!
Fall of Iron: (The Magelands Eternal Siege (Book4)
This being the fourth book in the series and followed from book 3. Another great read and story. Really enjoying this series so far. With God's believing they are superia than mortals, yet are they really??. Christopher Mitchell is doing a superb job writing this series so far. Let's see if it continues fingers crossed. Highly recommend 5*****Stars
This series had captivated me the first three books but this one didn’t hold my attention as much. The author has some great ideas and I know it could be amazing but its execution has fallen a little flat this time. The series thus far could’ve been condensed and been just as impactful. I think I’m going to step away for now (read something else for a bit) and come back for the next book down the road.
Complex and consulates yet exciting and fun. That pretty much describes Christopher Mitchell’s The Magelands Eternal Siege to date, abs it definitely describes Falls of Iron (Book 4). This is a great roller coaster of a story, a well written and perfectly plotted expansion of the story arc that filled with truly well crafted characters. It’s easy to highly recommend this tale.
The major thing this series has going for it is its cast of female protagonists. All of them are amazingly written with their arcs and stories doing them justice. I found I liked Emily aurelian and Maddie jackdaw the best in the series and then aila and sable. Sable was a fun read.
Well some old and then some new characters. Yep. Maddie is back with Blackrose. The gods are treating to find salve. But I think the two characters I have enjoyed is Van and Belinda. Van reminds me of the hero’s from the 30 and 40 movies. Totally enjoyed and must continue with this Series.
Another great book in the Magelands Eternal Siege series. Lots of action, we meet new gods and Holdfasts and travel to a new world. In this one we begin to learn more about the greater ‘universe’ in which the City sits, including more about the gods. If you have read the previous 3 books then this will not disappoint.
I was all in for this series but I hit this book and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I realize the story has taken a turn but the characters that we've come to know over the past 3 books seem to have developed new character traits and I'm not feeling very connected to any of them. I'm going to take a break and come back.
Once again a page turner ,with action exploding into your brain. Twists and turns abound , and Magic is in the air. I am an Honest ARC reviewer and enjoyed reading of Corthies adventures, Godlings , Dragons , Gods,and of course Corthies Family. Awaiting his next adventure ..Love this Series.
I started back in the City.. 3 wonderful easy to read and engrossing books, each building up momentum... now we move to another world, and the characters expand, evolve and change and new ones are introduced.. Corthie, Aila, Blackrose, Maddie, Naxor, and recently introduced Belinda are now joined by Sable & Cptn Logos and others ... new characters ... more adventure, the end leaves it open enough that you can't wait for the next book in this series. Brilliantly written and so engaging.
So far I have loved every book by this author. This series is an ever evolving twisted story that makes me crave for more. The characters are easy to love and hate. They make mistakes, do bad, and try to do good. As always an edge of your seat ride! Look forward to the next book in the series.
Not as good as the first three books in the series. The characters are not as enjoyable in this book and the ending is not what I expected. I will read the next one as some of the characters are in interesting plots I want to know the end of...
This book was cool! It was perhaps not as action packed as the previous one but I enjoyed the new world and the new characters introduced. The ending was dope, and I look forward to reading the next book.
I liked the book. It’s very well written and kept me turning pages. But, I must ask; what the hell is this obsession with cigarettes? It’s jarring and I don’t think it adds anything important to the book. This is the reason I gave it a four instead of a five.
Book 4 action packed.the love interests are getting depressing I was routing for them but lately I'm liking alia more then her big lug he needs to grow up, and stop saying hurtful things when her family was killed and she was locked up.
I hate cliffhanger based continuing sagas. Long tales.are replete with this atrocity,.so if the individual books are of sufficient length it is acceptable, but worthy of note in review. This is a good story worth reading.
Great series with fascinating characters. What happens with salve trade, dragons, and Holdfast's? Keep reading! Well worth the time in this amazing series.
Building a new world and many new characters takes some time. Not much action to start in this one but it picks up and the plot twists are fantastic as always. Solid read and looking forward to the pace picking up in the next book.