What do you think?
Rate this book
Weapons and Wielders #3
Soulbrand
The Tournament of the Sacred Sword sounded like exactly the type of thing Keras would enjoy: a series of challenges for thousands of contestants seeking a chance to fight for the Sacred Sword of Earth. He knew there would be challenges. It wouldn’t be a high-stakes tournament without a few high-profile assassinations and mysterious murders, after all. But Keras wasn’t ready to run into someone from his homeland, and he certainly wasn’t prepared for the revelations that came from their confrontation.
Still reeling from the strange revelations of their meeting, Keras plunges back into the fight, preparing for the battle royale — a massive free-for-all contest outside of the scope of the standard tournament rounds. When the consequences of that match tear at the bonds between his allies, he’ll have to face new challenges alone.
Satoshi Muramasa, the strange swordsman from the distant kingdom of Artinia.
Crown Princess Edria Song, the Wielder of Diamantine.
Ishyeal Dawnsglow, the Wielder of Soulbrand.
When their blades clash, the heart of the world will tremble.
Still reeling from the strange revelations of their meeting, Keras plunges back into the fight, preparing for the battle royale — a massive free-for-all contest outside of the scope of the standard tournament rounds. When the consequences of that match tear at the bonds between his allies, he’ll have to face new challenges alone.
Satoshi Muramasa, the strange swordsman from the distant kingdom of Artinia.
Crown Princess Edria Song, the Wielder of Diamantine.
Ishyeal Dawnsglow, the Wielder of Soulbrand.
When their blades clash, the heart of the world will tremble.
762 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2021
361 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
January 6, 2025
I NEED MORE Q_Q
December 25, 2021
The whole "I'm mad at you" bit in the first half was infuriating. That is not how relationships work and nor should anyone tolerate that. Otherwise, I enjoyed the continuation of the storyline.
June 14, 2021
Set the series on a good track
I highly recommend this book.
I read a lot of fantasy, and a lot of more pulpy kinds of fantasy. Rowe's unrestrained style is one of the reasons I love his book so much, but there are downsides to madcap fantasy with a hundred or so plot threads. It's easy to lose control of the different story elements and ultimately fail to tell a good story. After Diamantine, I was seriously concerned that it was all going to fall apart into a mush of funny dialog and bizarre and too earnest plot threads. Soulbrand completely alleviated my fears, he brought the plot threads together and restored to pace to something much more calculated. For all the things I saw coming, I was surprised and excited by the trajectory set up by the end of Soulbrand. I loved this book. If you were worried after reading the second book in this series, stop. Get this book. I read it straight through as fast as I could. So excited for the next in the series.
Get it.
I highly recommend this book.
I read a lot of fantasy, and a lot of more pulpy kinds of fantasy. Rowe's unrestrained style is one of the reasons I love his book so much, but there are downsides to madcap fantasy with a hundred or so plot threads. It's easy to lose control of the different story elements and ultimately fail to tell a good story. After Diamantine, I was seriously concerned that it was all going to fall apart into a mush of funny dialog and bizarre and too earnest plot threads. Soulbrand completely alleviated my fears, he brought the plot threads together and restored to pace to something much more calculated. For all the things I saw coming, I was surprised and excited by the trajectory set up by the end of Soulbrand. I loved this book. If you were worried after reading the second book in this series, stop. Get this book. I read it straight through as fast as I could. So excited for the next in the series.
Get it.
June 29, 2021
Good Storyline but too much filler
The book continues the storyline and provides some closure but not much on main tournament. I was speed reading through a decent amount. There was a significant amount of filler story and details in this book. It was quite exhausting actually. The main story is very interesting and fun to connect with his other books. However, like his last book(Arcane Assenion 3) there was way too much detail and filler in this book. You don't need to know every detail of the environment that it becomes overwhelming to remember. There are several scenes of battles between the major rounds that se to be just adding length rather than content. Possibly a bad analogy but reminds me of DBZ and just staring at the fighters for about 2 minutes before anything happened. If I wasn't already committed to learning the end I would suggest not reading it. Though if it continues like this I may call it quits. Bummer cause the main story is fascinating.
The book continues the storyline and provides some closure but not much on main tournament. I was speed reading through a decent amount. There was a significant amount of filler story and details in this book. It was quite exhausting actually. The main story is very interesting and fun to connect with his other books. However, like his last book(Arcane Assenion 3) there was way too much detail and filler in this book. You don't need to know every detail of the environment that it becomes overwhelming to remember. There are several scenes of battles between the major rounds that se to be just adding length rather than content. Possibly a bad analogy but reminds me of DBZ and just staring at the fighters for about 2 minutes before anything happened. If I wasn't already committed to learning the end I would suggest not reading it. Though if it continues like this I may call it quits. Bummer cause the main story is fascinating.
February 26, 2025
Fue muy intenso y me dejó más preguntas de las que me contestó, deus
September 23, 2022
I'm a huge fan of this series and all of Andrew Rowe's other series involving the same characters (Weapons and Wielders, Arcane Ascension, The War of Broken Mirrors). I want to make this quick,
so I'm not going to review the series or universe this book is set in, I'm just going to review how this book compares to the others by Andrew Rowe.
This is one of the better books he's written. It flows a lot better than his earlier works and does a good job of mixing the action, character building, and RPG-lite stuff. I don't remember a single part where I felt bored and wanted him to move on to something different.
The action scenes follow the same kind of structure as the previous book in this series since the characters are still competing in the tournament for Diamantine. If you liked that stuff you will like this as the scenarios are still creative and heavy on video game features.
The previous book left a lot of plot threads hanging and I'm happy to say that this book managed to pull off some great reveals without it feeling cheap or like deus ex machina. Basically, if it was related to the tourney then by the end of this book you will understand it.
Really if you enjoy his other work then you will enjoy this one lol. It's nice to see that Andrew Rowe is growing as a writer, and this book has me excited to see what comes next.
so I'm not going to review the series or universe this book is set in, I'm just going to review how this book compares to the others by Andrew Rowe.
This is one of the better books he's written. It flows a lot better than his earlier works and does a good job of mixing the action, character building, and RPG-lite stuff. I don't remember a single part where I felt bored and wanted him to move on to something different.
The action scenes follow the same kind of structure as the previous book in this series since the characters are still competing in the tournament for Diamantine. If you liked that stuff you will like this as the scenarios are still creative and heavy on video game features.
The previous book left a lot of plot threads hanging and I'm happy to say that this book managed to pull off some great reveals without it feeling cheap or like deus ex machina. Basically, if it was related to the tourney then by the end of this book you will understand it.
Really if you enjoy his other work then you will enjoy this one lol. It's nice to see that Andrew Rowe is growing as a writer, and this book has me excited to see what comes next.
June 29, 2025
Dawn tēls un triloģija kā tāda apveltīta ar pietiekošo humora piedevu, lai dialogos tie viens otru saistoši mēgtu pakacināt, bet vienmēr pozitīvā, ne ļaunprātīgā veidā. Ne tik izteikti uz to tendēta pūķene (spēj mainīt formu un izskatīties pēc cilvēka), bet kā viena, tā otra ir ļoti lielas romantisko grāmatu fanes. Papildus kam abas tik ilgi pavadījušas divatā iekš alas nošķirti no plašākas civilizācijas, ka Kerasam ne reizi vien jāsmeļas pacietības, lai palīdzētu likt noprast, ka ne vienmēr visu šajos fantāziju romānos var uzreiz viens pret vienu attiecināt uz plašāku pasauli ārpus, pat ja autora Andrew Rowe izveidotajā pasaulē eksistē maģija. Attiecību dinamika starp trio viens no spēcīgākajiem punktiem triloģijā.
https://poseidons99.com/2025/06/29/an...
https://poseidons99.com/2025/06/29/an...
December 17, 2021
Part three of Man Talks at People on a Train for Hours! This time the listeners were held captive for 25.5 hours while our main character over explained how the Soul Blade Tournament ended.
I really enjoyed the first book, the second book improved on so much of what made the first book fun...but it also hinted at something that kills this story for me...the main character is just talking at people...that's how we're learning his story...he's just there retelling a moment in his life in such an unnatural way. When Kvothe sits down and retells his life in such a way it's because this story is being documented...and even then the author gives us breaks from the past and brings us to the present.
This book completely burnt me out on how this author uses snark...it is beyond obnoxious in this book. So many conversations revolve around the characters talking in wishy-washy ways...so many words are used and rarely is anything of value conveyed.
Lots of half-baked destiny shit too. And even when characters were explaining odd realities concerning our character...nothing is actually said...it's all so fuckin vague.
This book could have been 10 hours shorter if people talked realistically.
I really enjoyed the first book, the second book improved on so much of what made the first book fun...but it also hinted at something that kills this story for me...the main character is just talking at people...that's how we're learning his story...he's just there retelling a moment in his life in such an unnatural way. When Kvothe sits down and retells his life in such a way it's because this story is being documented...and even then the author gives us breaks from the past and brings us to the present.
This book completely burnt me out on how this author uses snark...it is beyond obnoxious in this book. So many conversations revolve around the characters talking in wishy-washy ways...so many words are used and rarely is anything of value conveyed.
Lots of half-baked destiny shit too. And even when characters were explaining odd realities concerning our character...nothing is actually said...it's all so fuckin vague.
This book could have been 10 hours shorter if people talked realistically.
March 18, 2024
Re-read: Solid and fun, with an annoying middle. Can't wait for the next one.
Lots of combat, lots of humor, lots of character building. It was a great listen, the narrator is amazing. The only downer is that the main character makes one mistake, and pays for it most of the book. Eventually you want him to stop paying for it, to forgive and forget but it takes way too long. Still, such a funny and fun book.
Lots of combat, lots of humor, lots of character building. It was a great listen, the narrator is amazing. The only downer is that the main character makes one mistake, and pays for it most of the book. Eventually you want him to stop paying for it, to forgive and forget but it takes way too long. Still, such a funny and fun book.
June 20, 2021
Rowe's novels are consistently very enjoyable to read; some of them, however, have been a little unpolished at times. Soulbrand is not one of these--it, instead, was highly polished.
Rowe writes great, fun fantasy, especially for those who love a good RPG, and this was one of his best books and a testament to his skill in the genre. I'm excited to see where he goes from here.
Rowe writes great, fun fantasy, especially for those who love a good RPG, and this was one of his best books and a testament to his skill in the genre. I'm excited to see where he goes from here.
June 14, 2021
As always great showing from Rowe.
This is a wonderful continuation of the story so far and a great wrap up for the tournament story line. Excellent characters, excited to see where they go. Hopefully we'll get even more answers to all of the questions in the next book.
This is a wonderful continuation of the story so far and a great wrap up for the tournament story line. Excellent characters, excited to see where they go. Hopefully we'll get even more answers to all of the questions in the next book.
December 6, 2023
This book is essentially non-stop action, and the scenes are well-written. But they don't advance or reveal much that is more significant than the winner of that specific conflict. There is character advancement, but it's fractured and incomplete, even if you consider this story to be just a stage in a larger narrative. By all the evidence here, there is an overarching plot, but it doesn't advance by much in the course of this book.
A lesser problem that contributes to my dissatisfaction with this book is that many of the fights are between two characters we don't know much about. In a highly magical world, that results in fights that feel entirely arbitrary. Every fight is an exercise in dueling dei ex machinae*, which dramatically** reduces tension and engagement.
Even in a longer series, I expect individual volumes to have defined arcs. This book is not a story.
Not recommended, though a future book might alter my perception of the series.
* Apologies if that is terrible Latin.
** 8-)
A lesser problem that contributes to my dissatisfaction with this book is that many of the fights are between two characters we don't know much about. In a highly magical world, that results in fights that feel entirely arbitrary. Every fight is an exercise in dueling dei ex machinae*, which dramatically** reduces tension and engagement.
Even in a longer series, I expect individual volumes to have defined arcs. This book is not a story.
Not recommended, though a future book might alter my perception of the series.
* Apologies if that is terrible Latin.
** 8-)
October 20, 2022
I don't know how or why but each book of this series evolves into something about two hundred pages more than the previous one. Maybe the next book is going to be near thousand page!
However, the plots are expanding smoothly, there are multiple leads to pursue. The author has built the story well. It is also getting better and better. I do not have much to complain about. Now all I have to do is to wait for the next book.
Personal rating: 4.5/5
However, the plots are expanding smoothly, there are multiple leads to pursue. The author has built the story well. It is also getting better and better. I do not have much to complain about. Now all I have to do is to wait for the next book.
Personal rating: 4.5/5
September 27, 2023
The third book of Weapons and Wielders - and the last one to date - is where I'll have to stop my ongoing read-through of Andrew Rowe books for now, at least until one of my local libraries finally sees fit to acquire the fourth book of Arcane Ascension. But it's a good stopping point, I'd say. While it's far longer than either of its predecessors in this series, long enough to stand on par with the first two Arcane Ascension novels, it still has a blistering fast pace and a hell of a lot of fun in the weapons department. Pale Crescent, in particular, is a new favorite weapon of mine, purely for its lunar imagery involved. I really hope that it gets used more often in future installments, though hopefully not paired with the dreaded Weight of the World attack, because that one's a real doozy...
February 3, 2022
The tournament arc dragged on a bit too long for my liking, but excuse me where's the next instalment how dare you end like that >:(
June 6, 2022
So much I want to say... So much... 🤦
February 20, 2022
Too long between books seems to have lost track of his own plot line.
December 19, 2021
Awesome! This series is super fun. The plot has very fast pacing and leaves you wanting more. Development is stronger on this one, not only with the main characters but most of the side ones as well. Great read!
September 11, 2021
Hit it out of the park! Fantastic!
I will admit, I stumbled upon these novels while stalking the work of Nick Podehl. And in a bid to spend all my unspent audible credits before they disappeared, I took a gamble and got these books. They are as different in terms of the tone of the writing to the voices displayed in the audiobook, in a great way. The ability for these books to be part of a whole and still take you to different worlds, scenarios, and view points with each series while never losing track of the main objectives of each character is so truly unique.
Andrew Rowe mastered this genre with his work and Soulbrand is one of his best pieces of writing so far. If you’re reading this review in hopes of finding a good series, check his website and see how he draws out the reading series (I’ve listened in many different orders, I find starting with Sufficiently Advanced Magic to be the best although when I originally started it was with the Broken Mirrors trilogy and it was still wonderful).
If you’re looking for a review of Soulbrand and a fan of the series, you already know it is going to answer a ton of questions and leave you at the end wanting answers to even more! There is no true cliff hanger, it is an “Andrew ending” that will definitely allow us to begin the next series with a great starting point.
The characters have significant growth per usual, the fluidity in sexuality and gender is a high point to the author for his inclusivity in this book as he did it many times throughout the novel very discreetly. It was written with open-minded characters and I wish more children had access to books that were so entertaining and yet so “not in your face” about their openness as this series. I know it isn’t a focal point (the fight scenes, weapon cataloging, and characters were amazing in this series — as well as answered back story questions) but the way Rowe writes about characters preferences and descriptions is so wholeheartedly amazing. You rock, man. And to the rest of you, go read this book. Go read the series. Join us on discord. And then get on Reddit and tell us all your theories and questions!
I will admit, I stumbled upon these novels while stalking the work of Nick Podehl. And in a bid to spend all my unspent audible credits before they disappeared, I took a gamble and got these books. They are as different in terms of the tone of the writing to the voices displayed in the audiobook, in a great way. The ability for these books to be part of a whole and still take you to different worlds, scenarios, and view points with each series while never losing track of the main objectives of each character is so truly unique.
Andrew Rowe mastered this genre with his work and Soulbrand is one of his best pieces of writing so far. If you’re reading this review in hopes of finding a good series, check his website and see how he draws out the reading series (I’ve listened in many different orders, I find starting with Sufficiently Advanced Magic to be the best although when I originally started it was with the Broken Mirrors trilogy and it was still wonderful).
If you’re looking for a review of Soulbrand and a fan of the series, you already know it is going to answer a ton of questions and leave you at the end wanting answers to even more! There is no true cliff hanger, it is an “Andrew ending” that will definitely allow us to begin the next series with a great starting point.
The characters have significant growth per usual, the fluidity in sexuality and gender is a high point to the author for his inclusivity in this book as he did it many times throughout the novel very discreetly. It was written with open-minded characters and I wish more children had access to books that were so entertaining and yet so “not in your face” about their openness as this series. I know it isn’t a focal point (the fight scenes, weapon cataloging, and characters were amazing in this series — as well as answered back story questions) but the way Rowe writes about characters preferences and descriptions is so wholeheartedly amazing. You rock, man. And to the rest of you, go read this book. Go read the series. Join us on discord. And then get on Reddit and tell us all your theories and questions!
February 19, 2023
I may have given an unfair review to 'The Silence of Unworthy God's' as this book actually was a great conclusion on the 'Weapons and Wielders' trilogy, and it was MUCH better than the past two.
One thing this book has in excessive abundance, however, is that whole 'We are heroes! We don't kill bad people because we are the good guys'... and somehow Keras Sylarian manages to be even more of a sanctimonious asshole about it than most MC's.
However, it was far worse in the previous two books... so yay? Regardless, it is a fun book with some amazing action scenes. Probably would have done 3 stars, but the fact that it is soooo much better then it's predecessors does it credit.
One thing this book has in excessive abundance, however, is that whole 'We are heroes! We don't kill bad people because we are the good guys'... and somehow Keras Sylarian manages to be even more of a sanctimonious asshole about it than most MC's.
However, it was far worse in the previous two books... so yay? Regardless, it is a fun book with some amazing action scenes. Probably would have done 3 stars, but the fact that it is soooo much better then it's predecessors does it credit.
October 14, 2021
how is this an Andrew Rowe novel?
The fight scenes get better as the book moves forward. The development of the chapter gets worse. The story gets all over the place, with zero consistency until it crash-lands into a messy puddle of unresolved plots.
Andrew Rowe is such a talented author; what the heck happened here?
--------
This story could have been solved in half a chapter if all the people involved had sat around a table with pen a paper and talked, like regular humans of above 11. Instead, they collectively decide separately to stupidly try to drown themself in a fake “**Popular guys have emo vibe crisis: I'm deep and there is no drama like my drama.**”
Point to Keras for spending all three books trying to get someone to talk. Until, of course, he became wanna be fake emo too.
Half the book could have been called “Do not talk to me! I’m dark and tormented” (add black eyeliner and violin music for effects ).
And the other half should be called “Bad Keras! How to get dominated and blinded by the traumas of your possessive and emotional manipulative sword.”
So are we to accept that this guy managed to survive to his late twenties with his “all solving superpower” sane and in good health, and now he falls in love with a sharp phallic object, and now she is like, “you are right; I can't save everybody if the cost is you mad me oh my beautiful sexy-sword.” This is like that other book where the guy was havening s_x with his donkey, but way worse, this is a freaking knife.
The other issue with the book is the story. It was going very solid and consistent until this book. Then bang! Time to set more plot lines for a sequel series and not solve the plot lines already open ever.
This guy is one of the most talented writers I follow; I'm sad this ended like this.
The fight scenes get better as the book moves forward. The development of the chapter gets worse. The story gets all over the place, with zero consistency until it crash-lands into a messy puddle of unresolved plots.
Andrew Rowe is such a talented author; what the heck happened here?
--------
This story could have been solved in half a chapter if all the people involved had sat around a table with pen a paper and talked, like regular humans of above 11. Instead, they collectively decide separately to stupidly try to drown themself in a fake “**Popular guys have emo vibe crisis: I'm deep and there is no drama like my drama.**”
Point to Keras for spending all three books trying to get someone to talk. Until, of course, he became wanna be fake emo too.
Half the book could have been called “Do not talk to me! I’m dark and tormented” (add black eyeliner and violin music for effects ).
And the other half should be called “Bad Keras! How to get dominated and blinded by the traumas of your possessive and emotional manipulative sword.”
So are we to accept that this guy managed to survive to his late twenties with his “all solving superpower” sane and in good health, and now he falls in love with a sharp phallic object, and now she is like, “you are right; I can't save everybody if the cost is you mad me oh my beautiful sexy-sword.” This is like that other book where the guy was havening s_x with his donkey, but way worse, this is a freaking knife.
The other issue with the book is the story. It was going very solid and consistent until this book. Then bang! Time to set more plot lines for a sequel series and not solve the plot lines already open ever.
This guy is one of the most talented writers I follow; I'm sad this ended like this.
January 3, 2022
Andrew Rowe would be an amazing DM. The progression of characters and giving magical items is so much fun.
It's just such a pity that this series and war of broken mirrors are both limited by Keras.
I loved him as a background character in arcane ascension but when he's the main character we suffer from Mary Sue (Well Marty Sue) disease.
He conveniently gets through everything. He's smart when convenient, reckless when convenient and even when injured and "exhausted", he is conveniently able to survive the next battle and fight fine.
At least in arcane acension these traits are distributed over multiple characters and their starting strength is basically zero so characters work hard to develop new skills. When you start with a god level of strength, everything feels like it has no consequence.
I also don't think having one tournament over two novels was a good poor choice. It makes everything plod on far more than necessary
Looking forward to more arcane ascension. I'm not sure if I'll keep reading any of Rowes other stories.
It's just such a pity that this series and war of broken mirrors are both limited by Keras.
I loved him as a background character in arcane ascension but when he's the main character we suffer from Mary Sue (Well Marty Sue) disease.
He conveniently gets through everything. He's smart when convenient, reckless when convenient and even when injured and "exhausted", he is conveniently able to survive the next battle and fight fine.
At least in arcane acension these traits are distributed over multiple characters and their starting strength is basically zero so characters work hard to develop new skills. When you start with a god level of strength, everything feels like it has no consequence.
I also don't think having one tournament over two novels was a good poor choice. It makes everything plod on far more than necessary
Looking forward to more arcane ascension. I'm not sure if I'll keep reading any of Rowes other stories.
October 25, 2021
After loving book 1 and liking book 2, this just felt a bit tedious. For the first 85% of the book, lots of events happen without actually progressing the plot much. Like Reika/Dawn interaction, but after 3 books of it, it certainly is getting a bit used up.
The book kinda question itself at the end as Keras is not serious in acquiring the swords, so the whole competition in past 2 books makes less sense. But still he chooses to put the meaningless competition over his quest for Velthryn's history, which again made even less sense. Ironically, Dawn actually asks this question, but again not answered. Neither here not there, the plot just waffles while we wait for author to make up his mind.
I like Rowe's writing and have read all his books, and so will see this to the end, but unfortunately I'm not as excited as I was after book 1.
The book kinda question itself at the end as Keras is not serious in acquiring the swords, so the whole competition in past 2 books makes less sense. But still he chooses to put the meaningless competition over his quest for Velthryn's history, which again made even less sense. Ironically, Dawn actually asks this question, but again not answered. Neither here not there, the plot just waffles while we wait for author to make up his mind.
I like Rowe's writing and have read all his books, and so will see this to the end, but unfortunately I'm not as excited as I was after book 1.
June 19, 2024
Bombastic battles and charming characters in a cool sword tournament.
If an anime tournament arc were made into a book, this would be it (in the best ways possible). This book is a chunker and I read it episodically, really lending to that tournament arc feel. Of course, where tournament arcs are made is in the places between the battles, and Rowe's 'off-tournament days' added great character moments and side-adventures that really fleshed out the world and justified its length. The book does a good job of setting up a slew of aggravating antagonists for Keras to beat up in excellent fight scenes, with enough heartfelt moments to lend the fights stakes, and a surprisingly wholesome ending. 5 'Keras would like to talk to you about your sacred sword's extended warranty' out of 5.
If an anime tournament arc were made into a book, this would be it (in the best ways possible). This book is a chunker and I read it episodically, really lending to that tournament arc feel. Of course, where tournament arcs are made is in the places between the battles, and Rowe's 'off-tournament days' added great character moments and side-adventures that really fleshed out the world and justified its length. The book does a good job of setting up a slew of aggravating antagonists for Keras to beat up in excellent fight scenes, with enough heartfelt moments to lend the fights stakes, and a surprisingly wholesome ending. 5 'Keras would like to talk to you about your sacred sword's extended warranty' out of 5.
January 8, 2022
DNF 77%
I've spent many hours immersed in the universe created by Rowe, across several series. It's sad that I realized I was no longer enjoying myself. The reader is given the illusion of progress but in reality, the plot doesn't actually advance.
If you like fighting, battles, and martial challenges then you'll probably still enjoy the book. After all, that's what makes up 90% of the content. For me though, it all started to blend together.
I've spent many hours immersed in the universe created by Rowe, across several series. It's sad that I realized I was no longer enjoying myself. The reader is given the illusion of progress but in reality, the plot doesn't actually advance.
If you like fighting, battles, and martial challenges then you'll probably still enjoy the book. After all, that's what makes up 90% of the content. For me though, it all started to blend together.
August 14, 2021
The only plot arc I was interested in was left without any sort of conclusion. Just getting kind of tired of plot arcs and foreshadowing with 0 payoff. I mean he foreshadows dawn and keras getting separated multiple times in this book and then just nothing happens with that.
I just read a 700 page tournament arc with a villain that I couldn't care less about. If you think about it the plot that started in first two books didn't advance in this at all.
Extra star for the dank memes though. Nothing personal.
I just read a 700 page tournament arc with a villain that I couldn't care less about. If you think about it the plot that started in first two books didn't advance in this at all.
Extra star for the dank memes though. Nothing personal.
December 31, 2021
This book is 700 pages of fight scenes. They go to, off the top of my head, one party and one dinner event, and the rest is just fighting. Or talking about fighting. Also this dude is way too into his sword.
August 24, 2021
Fights in tournament. Frees spirits from sword. Fights big bad and wins. Now has new friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2023
TLDR: Easily the weakest book I've ready by Andrew Rowe; it's everything bad about tournament arcs.
For those of you who want to save a lot of time, you can simply read the following and skip this book.
Ultimately, this book is everything that's wrong with the "tournament arc" trope that is omnipresent in bland fighting series.
* The characters gain multiple completely new powers over the course of about two months that completely dwarf all of their previous abilities, which they've struggled to acquire over the previous twenty years.
* The new powers are so ridiculously powerful that all previous challenges look like toddlers fighting.
* The characters travel to a land where all the support staff is also super powered and capable of keeping up with these world-shattering combats and willing to throw wheelbarrows worth of coins around at the drop of the hat, because the previously established system of doing things wouldn't keep up with the new super powers.
* All sense of risk is destroyed by the obviously fake nature of everything in the tournament and the only way to reestablish a sense of tension is with contrived schemes worthy of a Saturday Morning Cartoon.
* Despite doing this for centuries, the support staff randomly stop doing their jobs in order to allow these contrivances.
* New powers that are only vaguely related to what we've seen before appear out of nowhere, because the author wants to show off their creativity more than they want to maintain any sort of cohesion in the magic system of their world.
And, worst of all, the author has super powered the heroes to such a degree that none of the pre-tournament stuff matters anymore. This means that both enemies and allies from the first series can be safely ignored and any new threat has to literally destroy entire worlds in order for it to pose any threat to the protagonist.
So, in conclusion, I'll give this series one more book to somehow redeem itself, but I frankly think that it has been killed by the power creep.
For those of you who want to save a lot of time, you can simply read the following and skip this book.
Ultimately, this book is everything that's wrong with the "tournament arc" trope that is omnipresent in bland fighting series.
* The characters gain multiple completely new powers over the course of about two months that completely dwarf all of their previous abilities, which they've struggled to acquire over the previous twenty years.
* The new powers are so ridiculously powerful that all previous challenges look like toddlers fighting.
* The characters travel to a land where all the support staff is also super powered and capable of keeping up with these world-shattering combats and willing to throw wheelbarrows worth of coins around at the drop of the hat, because the previously established system of doing things wouldn't keep up with the new super powers.
* All sense of risk is destroyed by the obviously fake nature of everything in the tournament and the only way to reestablish a sense of tension is with contrived schemes worthy of a Saturday Morning Cartoon.
* Despite doing this for centuries, the support staff randomly stop doing their jobs in order to allow these contrivances.
* New powers that are only vaguely related to what we've seen before appear out of nowhere, because the author wants to show off their creativity more than they want to maintain any sort of cohesion in the magic system of their world.
And, worst of all, the author has super powered the heroes to such a degree that none of the pre-tournament stuff matters anymore. This means that both enemies and allies from the first series can be safely ignored and any new threat has to literally destroy entire worlds in order for it to pose any threat to the protagonist.
So, in conclusion, I'll give this series one more book to somehow redeem itself, but I frankly think that it has been killed by the power creep.
May 12, 2023
This book and series overall is just a mishmash of ideas. While in earlier books it was still interesting albeit derivative, by now you've seen it all before.
What makes this book utterly unenjoyable is its petulant, stubborn child of a main character. Every time he opens his mouth I wanted to put the book down because he is just so unbearable and self-righteous. I find myself rooting against him at every turn. But unfortunately because he is the main character, no matter what brain dead decision he makes he comes out on top. Because you get used to the writer bailing out the main character, conflicts feel meaningless because you know the main character won't suffer lasting damages.
The author tries to incorporate some political intrigue but fails utterly. His depiction of a crown princess doesn't even have the political savvyness and charisma of a high school president. But hey, maybe this is because the main character has to look good so everyone else has to look dumb by comparison. Who knows.
I powered through this series because I was intrigued by some of the mysterious and the lore was interesting. But this is too much. Finishing this book was a chore and the ending annoyed me more than anything else in the book. Somehow instead of improving as a writer, this author has just gotten worse the more books he publish.
What makes this book utterly unenjoyable is its petulant, stubborn child of a main character. Every time he opens his mouth I wanted to put the book down because he is just so unbearable and self-righteous. I find myself rooting against him at every turn. But unfortunately because he is the main character, no matter what brain dead decision he makes he comes out on top. Because you get used to the writer bailing out the main character, conflicts feel meaningless because you know the main character won't suffer lasting damages.
The author tries to incorporate some political intrigue but fails utterly. His depiction of a crown princess doesn't even have the political savvyness and charisma of a high school president. But hey, maybe this is because the main character has to look good so everyone else has to look dumb by comparison. Who knows.
I powered through this series because I was intrigued by some of the mysterious and the lore was interesting. But this is too much. Finishing this book was a chore and the ending annoyed me more than anything else in the book. Somehow instead of improving as a writer, this author has just gotten worse the more books he publish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews