Lucian may have bested the cunning Sorceress-Queen of Psyche, but his journey of survival is just beginning...
When he learns the location of The Prophecy of the Seven, he has no choice but to embrace his destiny as the Chosen of the Manifold and find it. Only the prophecy can lead him to the rest of the Seven Aspects of Magic. But the prophecy is in the last place he wants to go: the Golden Palace of Dara, the seat of the powerful Sorceress-Queen.
His newfound powers and abilities will be tested as never before, as lays everything on the line to challenge her again. He must fight capable new enemies, survive Psyche's brutal deserts, and decide whether he is up to the task of handling the Orbs.
Lucian must grow not only in power but in wisdom. Humanity teeters on the brink of destruction. One false move, and it's all over...
I'm Kyle West, author of the Wasteland Chronicles, Xenoworld Saga, Starsea Cycle, and more. I try to write books with lots of action and crazy twists to keep you turning the pages. Every book of mine can be categorized as "science fantasy," blending elements from both genres.
VERRAAA. I knew she was coming back and some people may not like her, but I love Verra's character and what she represents as a dark mentor in the story. So much wisdom, but with traces of darkness.
From the start of this book I was left stressing about what would happen to all the characters in question. We had like one wholesome moment when the main crew just got to chill, but other than that it was twists turns, new characters, old new characters returning and the challenge for another orb. Also the title is no joke, this book had me sweating for the character I've come to love so much. I've never liked Emma, so seeing Lucien and Sarah continue with their relationship is just the cherry on top.
Book 4 had my adrenaline going throughout the story. Lucian is discovering his powers and strengths. So much happening during their travels and it's filled with awesome details. The characters are great, the twist and turns, everything was terrific. I believe the ending is a shocker to not only Lucian but to the readers as well. It brought back the excitement of his Wasteland Chronicles, and just like it, the brilliant storyline and world-building. Okay, you get the point, I loved it.
Lots of incredible things went on in this book. So many ups and downs. Lots of betrayals and unexpected allies. Lucian was, all along, seeing visions of the future, or rather it was telling him of danger even if he didn't understand the source.
One thing I thought was interesting is how no one Lucian encountered remains in his past for long. All of them are coming together to bring him to his apparent destiny.
This is a story of a boy becoming a man with a destiny before him. It's not one he wants but one that no one else can fill, or so it seems. Lucian is underestimated by most, even himself. This isn't entirely unforeseen but we get to watch him coming into his own.
The last 20% of the book felt much better compared to the first 80%. I don't really know why I feel this way, there was action throughout the book, and i felt the exposition gave a lot of critical information to help move the story forward. But as the end drew nearer I felt myself eager to finish for an unknown reason. The twist at the end was a shocker to me, and I felt stupid for not realizing it earlier, like I realized a important detail in the previous book. All in all, I don't believe it was a bad read, but for me the last 20% really saved the book.
Lucian has two orbs now: Binding and Psionics, but they're marooned in the middle of the Burning Sands. Their friend Cleon is dead, but Selene, a powerful Atomicist, joins them. The Queen had possessed her until Lucian released her. Now they have to survive until Vera arrives to rescue them.
Very exciting. I love the travel from place to place and the cliffhanger at the end.
Fave scenes: killing the wyrm, flying the reds, escaping Psyche’s gravity well, and Lucian’s chrysalis.
Another great book in this series although the twist at the end I did not see that coming . I expected Vera to betray Lucian at some point but the way she did mind blown . I can't wait until December .
The story arc is progressing in ways I didn't expect. Lucian is definitely on a quest now, rather than bumbling around and reacting to what life throws at him.