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Magelands Eternal Siege #6
Gates of Ruin
The Holdfasts of Lostwell are scattered. Sable, injured by Belinda, hides among the wild dragons of the Catacombs, while they plot to drive her and Maddie out.
Taken by the former God-Queen of Tara, Kelsey faces a life in captivity, alongside Aila; while Corthie lies sick and broken - his dreams of destiny in tatters, his hopes in ruins.
All that stands between the Ascendants and victory is Belinda, who faces her own struggles as she attempts to keep her resistance a secret. Battling her fears, only she has the power to free the land where once she was queen.
Taken by the former God-Queen of Tara, Kelsey faces a life in captivity, alongside Aila; while Corthie lies sick and broken - his dreams of destiny in tatters, his hopes in ruins.
All that stands between the Ascendants and victory is Belinda, who faces her own struggles as she attempts to keep her resistance a secret. Battling her fears, only she has the power to free the land where once she was queen.
458 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2021
591 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
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Christopher Mitchell
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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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About Me
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 3, 2021
By now I wouldn't still be leaving reviews from my ARC of this series if I didn't find it a fantastic read. My opinions are my own. I wholly enjoy this series and if you like original fantasy, so will you. IMHO The Mage lands Eternal Siege is well worth investing in.
April 30, 2021
Another 4.5 star for me, as I love how it ended, but there was a lot of meandering about that could have been condensed a little. That being said, this final book made the Lostwell series totally worth the read, and while I had my criticisms of some of the writing and points of some scenes in the first two books, it all panned out magnificently, as it tends to do. This author has a wonderful way of crafting a world and stories, and I'm excited to follow Kelsey and Van on their new adventures, and excited to rejoin Daniel and Emily in the next trilogy of books. It'll be nice to see some familiar faces, but also sad to see some of my favorite characters not be seen until another set of books. I'm really hoping we get to see Blackrose's story come to an end, as by far those chapters, and those characters are my favorites. Sable and Maddie are fantastic foils to one another, as are their dragons.
That gushing aside, can I just talk about how wonderful the character growth is in this? Belinda especially. I went from being like ugh, she's being an idiot to rooting for her in her battle to rebel. I don't want to say anything else, but her story especially was a really good read, and it was nice to see her stand up against Edmond - which, I hope he died in the rubble! It was nice to see Corthie go through major character development, and get some humility as well. Aila and Kelsey's interactions were fun, and Frostback is such a fun dragon who grows so much too. Honestly, stellar character work here. Everyone's plots ended well, and I'm excited to read more of all the growing casts adventures.
I've said in the past that the story feels like it lacks weight, because I never feared anyone dying. That was a false sense of security, as there are some character deaths in here and you feel the full weight of them. Once again, well done by the author, and made this an even better read than it was initially because of the added weight. This book gets super intense in the last ten chapters, and I was on the edge of my seat reading it. Just phenomenal writing on display here, hands down my favorite epic fantasy series.
The first two books in the Lostwell trilogy didn't grab me as much as the first two books in the The City trilogy, but this third one made me enjoy this trilogy just as much as the first one. Avoiding spoilers here, because there are tons, but read this series start to finish. If you start with this trilogy, there will be spoilers for the first three books, so it takes away from the experience. I enjoyed this six book ride, and am excited for the next 3 books in this world. Pick it up for some epic fantasy with weight, depth, action, and great characters.
That gushing aside, can I just talk about how wonderful the character growth is in this? Belinda especially. I went from being like ugh, she's being an idiot to rooting for her in her battle to rebel. I don't want to say anything else, but her story especially was a really good read, and it was nice to see her stand up against Edmond - which, I hope he died in the rubble! It was nice to see Corthie go through major character development, and get some humility as well. Aila and Kelsey's interactions were fun, and Frostback is such a fun dragon who grows so much too. Honestly, stellar character work here. Everyone's plots ended well, and I'm excited to read more of all the growing casts adventures.
I've said in the past that the story feels like it lacks weight, because I never feared anyone dying. That was a false sense of security, as there are some character deaths in here and you feel the full weight of them. Once again, well done by the author, and made this an even better read than it was initially because of the added weight. This book gets super intense in the last ten chapters, and I was on the edge of my seat reading it. Just phenomenal writing on display here, hands down my favorite epic fantasy series.
The first two books in the Lostwell trilogy didn't grab me as much as the first two books in the The City trilogy, but this third one made me enjoy this trilogy just as much as the first one. Avoiding spoilers here, because there are tons, but read this series start to finish. If you start with this trilogy, there will be spoilers for the first three books, so it takes away from the experience. I enjoyed this six book ride, and am excited for the next 3 books in this world. Pick it up for some epic fantasy with weight, depth, action, and great characters.
April 12, 2021
Gates of Ruin is book 6 in The Magelands Eternal Seige series. I would highly recommend reading this series in order. The books are so intertwined and this one picks up right where Paths of Fire left off.
When they fall through the portal you are instantly transported back into the Magelands. The Quadrant is still the key everyone wants, and salve is worth more than gold. Greed and jealousy continue to tear families apart. Most of all you know you can't trust anyone, their motivations are all selfish and you can be stabbed in the back any second.
Seriously the webs Christopher Mitchell weaves are spectacular. Once again I was drawn into the intrigue and politics. At times I wanted to leap into the pages and shake someone or beg them not to do what I knew they would. I once described The Magelands as dystopic, and I feel it's still a good word for the overall feel of these books. We have magic and gods, more power than anyone should ever hold, on top of all of that we have broken people. Heros arise out of the fallen and old heroes fall. The world is in ruins and those that are forced into a corner must do what they can to rebuild and stop it from falling further. "Then we go to war." Not because they want to, but because it's the only choice.
There were so many quotes I wanted to use to emphasize the magnitude of what happens in this book but I fear giving anything away. The best I can say is that this book rivals the rest, if you've already been reading this series you will gobble this book up. I'm never sure if I should love Sable, or hate her, but I can say that her parts shine as the most memorable in this story.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
When they fall through the portal you are instantly transported back into the Magelands. The Quadrant is still the key everyone wants, and salve is worth more than gold. Greed and jealousy continue to tear families apart. Most of all you know you can't trust anyone, their motivations are all selfish and you can be stabbed in the back any second.
Seriously the webs Christopher Mitchell weaves are spectacular. Once again I was drawn into the intrigue and politics. At times I wanted to leap into the pages and shake someone or beg them not to do what I knew they would. I once described The Magelands as dystopic, and I feel it's still a good word for the overall feel of these books. We have magic and gods, more power than anyone should ever hold, on top of all of that we have broken people. Heros arise out of the fallen and old heroes fall. The world is in ruins and those that are forced into a corner must do what they can to rebuild and stop it from falling further. "Then we go to war." Not because they want to, but because it's the only choice.
There were so many quotes I wanted to use to emphasize the magnitude of what happens in this book but I fear giving anything away. The best I can say is that this book rivals the rest, if you've already been reading this series you will gobble this book up. I'm never sure if I should love Sable, or hate her, but I can say that her parts shine as the most memorable in this story.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
June 30, 2022
Gates of Ruin provided a strong conclusion to the Lostwell story arc. I loved the dragons. There were so many dragons and their connections to humans as well as their resistance to those connections was beautiful to watch. Loved them all.
Belinda was also her amazing self. She had to deal with so much change, but her strength and determination was inspiring. Sure she was a god, but she was also fallible and human and, honestly, good. She chose to be good. And with so many morally gray characters in this story - I'm looking specifically at you, Naxor - she is a lovely, refreshing change.
I received this book as an ARC and sadly have gotten very behind on my reviews, but I'm also really excited to return to The City and see what Emily and Daniel have been up to, to see more of what happens with the Holdfasts (which I didn't like very well in the beginning and have grown to love), and more than anything else, where the dragons will end up and what they will do. Everything that Christopher Mitchell writes is incredible and this book was no exception.
Belinda was also her amazing self. She had to deal with so much change, but her strength and determination was inspiring. Sure she was a god, but she was also fallible and human and, honestly, good. She chose to be good. And with so many morally gray characters in this story - I'm looking specifically at you, Naxor - she is a lovely, refreshing change.
I received this book as an ARC and sadly have gotten very behind on my reviews, but I'm also really excited to return to The City and see what Emily and Daniel have been up to, to see more of what happens with the Holdfasts (which I didn't like very well in the beginning and have grown to love), and more than anything else, where the dragons will end up and what they will do. Everything that Christopher Mitchell writes is incredible and this book was no exception.
April 27, 2021
Another excellent book in the Magelands series. I suppose Belinda can be considered the featured character but Sable, Maddie, Blackrose, Aila, Corthie, Van, Kelsey and others are well represented. They all have many obstacles to overcome to survive and locate each other.
Lots of heartbreak, heroism and sacrifice which helps to offset the brutal nepotism of the Ascendant gods and demigods. How to use the Sextant or acquire a Quadrant is one of the main objections of everyone.
The Second Ascendant is super easy to hate. I'm hoping the ascendants never locate more salve and eventually shrivel up and die. I echo another's recommendation to read these books in order. They've all had strong storylines. Some day I hope to re-read them sequentially. Now I'm looking forward to City of Salve.
Lots of heartbreak, heroism and sacrifice which helps to offset the brutal nepotism of the Ascendant gods and demigods. How to use the Sextant or acquire a Quadrant is one of the main objections of everyone.
The Second Ascendant is super easy to hate. I'm hoping the ascendants never locate more salve and eventually shrivel up and die. I echo another's recommendation to read these books in order. They've all had strong storylines. Some day I hope to re-read them sequentially. Now I'm looking forward to City of Salve.
April 23, 2021
Gates of Ruin (Magelands Eternal Siege, #6), my sixth read from author Christopher Mitchell. The sixth book in the epic. All I can say is WOW, but I missed reading Magelands Eternal Siege, #5, now I have to go back & catch up. 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 reading Paths of Fire (Magelands Eternal Siege, #5). I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.
August 23, 2022
This is the final book in this sub-series, closing off the trilogy. It focuses primarily on Belinda's story: her history as queen, her desire to regain power, her ambivalence about the things she might need to do to get it back. She is a fascinating, complex character--and I think a well-depicted version of a superhuman mind, which is always a challenge. The more time we spend with her, though, the more I want to know about her. A really great character and one who is gradually becoming a hero. Though I continued to miss the well-developed world of books 1-3, I very much enjoyed this story.
April 18, 2021
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
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 action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
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 action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 18, 2022
Another delicious addition to the Magelands series
Just as all the other installments of this series, Christopher Mitchell’s character building and storytelling has me enchanted yet again. I love these books. The way it ended leaves me wishing I could continue following Corthie and Alia’s story along with Van and Kelsey’s journey. It also makes me wish there could a follow up on Keir, Thorn, Emily, and Daniel! I love this series, keep ‘em coming!
Just as all the other installments of this series, Christopher Mitchell’s character building and storytelling has me enchanted yet again. I love these books. The way it ended leaves me wishing I could continue following Corthie and Alia’s story along with Van and Kelsey’s journey. It also makes me wish there could a follow up on Keir, Thorn, Emily, and Daniel! I love this series, keep ‘em coming!
April 19, 2021
Christopher Mitchell is back, with Gates of Ruin, Book 6 of his The Magelands Eternal Siege and trust me this is not even remotely getting stale. Action, adventure, swords and sorcery, thrills galore and s story arc that’s getting wonderfully complex but still easy enough to follow along. Totally fun, and easy to highly recommend.
April 19, 2021
Another amazing book by the gifted Christopher Mitchell.. the story continues and all parts and characters of this story are jelling to be able to move forward to a conclusion. Breath holding at times and what i really love is that i can't predict what will happen next!! Surprises all the way!!!
What will happen next?
What will happen next?
June 9, 2021
Captivating…
Every book in this six book series is amazing. Thankfully the ending permitted what I hope will be a continuation of the lives of the protagonists including the return of Belinda from the dead. Sad this series is now over and I only have hope for what comes next… Cheers!
Every book in this six book series is amazing. Thankfully the ending permitted what I hope will be a continuation of the lives of the protagonists including the return of Belinda from the dead. Sad this series is now over and I only have hope for what comes next… Cheers!
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January 2, 2022The end of this world
Corthie and alia in this series they have been apart more than together and when together there was no romantic moment mostly not getting on or fighting a war.so the ending was good I'm guessing that's it for them.unless they travel back to help out in the city? Or Dragon world
Corthie and alia in this series they have been apart more than together and when together there was no romantic moment mostly not getting on or fighting a war.so the ending was good I'm guessing that's it for them.unless they travel back to help out in the city? Or Dragon world
April 18, 2021
Belinda on the side of the Gods? Blackrose captured? Corthie a drunken mess? And what is Sable plotting? Everyone scattered and in a mess of their own. Can they fix this or is it the end? Have they lost against Implacatus? Another fabulous installment in the series!
April 26, 2021
Sorry, but I nearly put it down less then halfway through, just stubbornness that I didn't, but it's all the same read now and the saga just seems to be the same story different book, I'm unlikely to continue reading this series shame as I have for the most part enjoyed this author
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May 1, 2021A right good read!
Loving these magelands stories. The characters are strong and I am loving exploring the new worlds through their eyes. I highly recommend you plunge into this detailed and interesting world.
Loving these magelands stories. The characters are strong and I am loving exploring the new worlds through their eyes. I highly recommend you plunge into this detailed and interesting world.
Read
July 10, 2021Excellent
I just got through all the books in about a week, could hardly put my kindle down! Great world building, fantastic character interaction. Can't wait for the next book to be released!!
I just got through all the books in about a week, could hardly put my kindle down! Great world building, fantastic character interaction. Can't wait for the next book to be released!!
December 10, 2021
I cannot say I have an emotional attachment to any of the characters in these books. However, I keep coming back because they are fast paced, easy to read, and entertaining. Plus I'm a completionist, so I feel compelled to finish off the series. I would not describe these books as deep, but the action is good and the overall plot across the books is interesting. The author does a good job of pushing the Rafer firearms to find out what happens next, and I'm sure I'll get to the next book soon.
January 31, 2022
No spoiler here. Christopher Mitchell is a master story teller. Characters are full of depth and personality. The worlds are complex and he places you right in the middle of them. Looking forward to the next trilogy.
March 20, 2022
The Magelands External Siege.
None stop suspense from start to finish. MUST READ. Has magic and dragons wirh evil gods more than one Hero. Try reading all of thease books you will love them
None stop suspense from start to finish. MUST READ. Has magic and dragons wirh evil gods more than one Hero. Try reading all of thease books you will love them
November 17, 2025
There are just so many amazing characters! It can be rough keeping track of them, especially when they jump worlds! This series is incredible! Just when I think the characters have their backs to the wall the wall falls revealing more and more to do!
April 24, 2021
I started reading this series last year on a whim and I absolutely love it. A few of my favourite characters have died but they did so heroically. I cannot wait until the next release now.
May 4, 2021
Absolutely loved this series. A great story with wonderful characters.
May 22, 2021
Great
This was a great ending to the series. Lots happens in the book, it’s very action packed. Awesome books overall.
This was a great ending to the series. Lots happens in the book, it’s very action packed. Awesome books overall.
October 9, 2021
great series
Great book in an awesome series. This has been a great series so far. A few of the books were slow to start, but overall a fantastic read.
Great book in an awesome series. This has been a great series so far. A few of the books were slow to start, but overall a fantastic read.
October 19, 2021
Oh wow oh wow
Oh, what can I say. What a ride. Another amazing book. Ups, downs, laughing, crying and in the end loss but fulfillment. Thank you.
Oh, what can I say. What a ride. Another amazing book. Ups, downs, laughing, crying and in the end loss but fulfillment. Thank you.
March 5, 2022
Series that keeps giving.
Don't miss this if you like fantasy fiction. A while new set of world's to explore whilst in your armchair.
Don't miss this if you like fantasy fiction. A while new set of world's to explore whilst in your armchair.
April 18, 2022
This is a good and entertaining read. You'll enjoy it. Be warned through it is different from other books. Good Reading Everyone!
September 21, 2022
The series got its mojo back. Well done. Nice development. Good cliff banger.
October 6, 2022
Enjoying this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews