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At the gates between worlds.
In a war outside of time.
They fight for us.

The man they took prisoner was not the Jonathan Tibbs they remembered.
He said that time was running out.
That the world faced an enemy it could not defeat.
He said everything depended on whether or not they could make a leap of faith.

Then, he asked them for five nuclear warheads.

The Never Army is the final installment in The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs -- a mind-bending, genre crossing, multiple award winning, action-adventure trilogy.

31 pages, Audible Audio

First published December 17, 2020

259 people are currently reading
344 people want to read

About the author

T. Ellery Hodges

6 books472 followers
T. Ellery Hodges was born in Sacramento, Ca in 1981. He moved to Seattle at nineteen and received his Bachelors of Science from the University Of Washington.
Somewhere in high school and early college, he gravitated toward writing. Then he forced unsuspecting students, who had made the mistake of taking creative writing during the same period as him, to endure the reading of his short stories.
During his twenties he worked in a laboratory performing drug trials, traveled most of Washington State fixing computers for Apple, sold gym memberships, and helped manage an international supply chain for a chemical distributor. Yet, much like the rest of his generation, he found that he wasn't well suited to doing any type of work for long.
So, he brushed the metaphorical dust off the novel he'd been writing in his head for the last six years. Then, he looked up the definition of 'metaphorical' because he was pretty sure that people who called themselves writers knew that one. He found that there was at least one thing he could endure doing for forty hours a week for the rest of his life.
There is a lesson in all that about ignoring what you want to do for what you think you should, but this is a biography not a lecture.
Currently, he lives with his wife, sons, and daughter, in Seattle. He has two dogs, a Border Collie and a Doberman, Darwin and Dharma, respectively.

In the 2015 Reader's Favorite book award contest, T. Ellery Hodges' debut novel, The Never Hero, was awarded an honorable mention in the category of Science Fiction. In 2017, the sequel, The Never Paradox, was awarded a Bronze Metal for the category of YA Urban Fantasy.

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5 stars
835 (66%)
4 stars
301 (23%)
3 stars
98 (7%)
2 stars
17 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
Profile Image for Addie.
29 reviews
July 21, 2021
This is one of my most favorite series of all time! T. Ellery Hodges is amazing at complex high intensity epic action worldbuilding.

My only gripe is this: **spoilers**, as a female reader, I was looking for a female character I can root on, even a side character. I understand Jonathan is the main hero, so I don't know if I'm biased or this is just something coming from female-characters-written-by-men sort of thing, but NONE of the female characters were endearing.

All of them came across as flat, annoying, busybody or stubborn. For starters, I hated Leah with a passion!! She was a manipulative liar for the most part of book 1 and 2, and even with her redemption arc in book 3 she brought nothing to the table. I really disliked her setup as the main love interest, seemingly the only good part she had was her heritage and plastic-surgery sexy body. Nothing else. The plot where she got pregnant at the beginning of her relationship with Jonathan left a sour taste in me, there were no substance to their relationship and frankly Jonathan seem to have more chemistry with Riley, wish she was the end game. Riley would have made much more sense if Jonathan had enough time to develop his feelings for her organically.

The other females: Olivia- I want to tear her head off for her stubborness, Paige- clueless and busybody, her interest in hot men was more highlighted than her relationship with Colin. Sydney- forgettable. Even the Mom, Elizabeth- too pushy at first then too permissive in the end.

Idk, nothing hit the right note for me with these women, then again perhaps that's how T Ellery Hodges is in regards with women insight. I feel i can relate more to men-written-by-women even though they're villains, it's just the headspace.

Just my 2 cents, I'm biased.
But this book still gives me the most satisfying book hangover of the year.

Solid read!! Looking forward to his next series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joshua.
35 reviews4 followers
December 20, 2020
I really wanted to like this book, but it kind of dragged on. The pacing was really inconsistent, in not a great way.

This isn't new to the series, the first book also had oddly disjointed pacing, swapping back and forth between Jonathan's life and battles in the Never, but that actually worked for telling that character's story.

How disjointed Jonathan's life WAS by fighting in the Never, but then coming back and nothing has changed. It really put me in the mindset of the character.

This book, because it isn't telling that story, falls a little flatter as a result, because the story it is telling and the pacing of the book don't really mesh.
Profile Image for Johnny.
2,176 reviews82 followers
June 23, 2021
Book three The End

Mistakes: I found a few scattered throughout this book, but for over 900 pages it wasn't bad.

Plot: All good things must come to an end. There is a lot going on to get there though. I don't want to give spoilers though, I will say it's best to read all three books back to back to back.

Characters: Some of my favorite characters. Plenty of growth.

8/10 Almost gave it a nine out of ten.
Profile Image for Peter.
1 review
April 18, 2021
This was a great conclusion to a series that has [IMO] had its up-and-downs but always remained committed to its setting and premise.

I will start by saying this is a lengthy book, and at the time of this review, I am experiencing catharsis from the three months it took me to read it. Bias is therefore implied. However, The Never Army does not contain much, if any, padding. Action set-pieces are efficient and engaging, character drama takes advantage of the setting and has noteworthy conflicts/resolutions, and suspense is built-up in a manner I thought was gripping. Some of these aspects were missing from the previous entry to the series, but part of that was my intolerance for the melodrama driving much of said book's narrative.

Speaking of the narrative, there is a sizable expansion to cast of characters (not a spoiler, that's implied by the title). This was a net positive for both the book and the series because here Hodges maintained his flair for introducing noteworthy characters. Their perspectives were perhaps the most interesting of the entire book and something I would have liked to have seen more of. Character discussion of overt themes from earlier entries to the series (I'm looking at you abominable graphic novel/comic thing) returns with less frequency and at times I found were more appropriate. And lastly, on the subject of characters, character interaction can be hit-or-miss unless two or more major characters are involved in a given scene. That is not uncommon for this genre, and I should say that all characters are at least likable (except the villain, duh), relatable, and all that other good stuff.

One more thing, what an ending! By the end of the book, expect to have the sci-fi and thriller/mystery plot threads tied up in thought-provoking ways. Though, by the author's own admission, there is a small handful of plot-holes deliberately left unfilled. If they bothered you previously, the positive aspects I have mentioned in this review will help in overlooking them, which you absolutely should do. ***Vague character spoiler: Characters' development reaches conclusions one might call cliché with two or three vital exceptions, and I was alright with that.***

Accept that superhero logic/physics is often at play (don't get me started on the weaponry) and enjoy the 'never'-ending ride.
Profile Image for Jacques Bezuidenhout.
386 reviews20 followers
February 7, 2022
3.5*

Not amazing, but entertaining.
This installment being quite a bit longer than the previous two, had plenty of time to do a lot of things. And that it did.

I think the series concluded satisfactory. And I'd probably give T. Ellery Hodges another go when his new series comes out.

There were quite a few threads to keep track off in this book. You never really knew whether things were happening in the real world or the never.
And then some surprise reveals in the end.

This is pretty much the over powered hero theme. But as always, I tend to enjoy it for entertainment value.
Profile Image for ➳ s t e f f.
13 reviews
April 18, 2021
Most satisfying book I have ever read

The book has a couple of spelling errors, though I read the book a month after it was rushed to production. The story is gripping, I haven't had time to sit down and read a book in years. This book pulled me from my busy life and held my attention to the end. I would give this book a 100 out of 5 if I could. This entire series is a must read for anyone who loves science fiction, action, romance, and mystery. If you pick these books up, enjoy the ride
Profile Image for Justin.
180 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2021
Loved it

This last book did a great job of wrapping the story up in a good way. Not all endings are perfectly happy especially not ones that people can relate to like we can this one. Great writing style and just overall enjoyed the series!
10 reviews
April 13, 2022
Great world building anchored in present day, and a very rich story with likable characters. Have all 3 books at your disposal, though, unless you love a cliffhanger.
1 review
December 17, 2020
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the early version of this book. This is my honest review.)

The Never Army was a delightful end of the Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs trilogy. Admittedly, this was the first of the series I have read with my own eyes. The other two books I have thoroughly enjoyed on Audible four or five times.

The characters we know from the other books remain charming and quirky. Their quips, insight, and pop culture banter guide the reader through the darkness of the universe. All of the arcs from the first and second books are wrapped up in satisfying ways, and the Tibbs and Grant arcs are especially memorable. A number of other characters are introduced, as the focus of the trilogy widens, and all are equally interesting and realistic. The only downside is that it felt that some of these characters could have used more time, but there was a lot packed into this book. Hopefully, we get some spinoff tales of these other characters.

The book is paced exceedingly well. I read my copy over the course of a couple of days, and had difficulty setting it down. Many late nights were had. While there were some sections I wasn't as invested in as others, there was never a section of the book that I didn't enjoy.

The setting continues to be an intriguing one. With a fascinating alien culture, time shenanigans, and a unique premise.

The Never Army was everything I had hoped for in the series. While it's always sad to reach the end of a series, I know that I'll revisit the world of Tibbs time and again. Whatever Hodges puts out, I will absolutely snatch up. Definitely looking forward to more stories from this excellent author.

If you haven't picked this series up yet, don't wait! Just do it!
9 reviews
April 11, 2021
Surprise ending that made sense

The whole series were well interconnected with none of the loose ends left unresolved that I can remember. The story is well linked without extravagant explanations that are hard to accept for sci-fi. A true masterpiece!
Profile Image for Brian Fernandez.
24 reviews5 followers
December 17, 2020
I received an early edition of the book in exchange for an honest review. Here is my honest opinion:

This is an excellent read and the book beautifully delivers on the promise made in book 1 titled "The Never Hero". The first book is nearly perfect and became the new standard by which I rate other works of fiction. "The Never Hero" is not just a hero story, but it is a story about heroism and could be used as the textbook for anyone wanting to learn what it takes to be a hero. The first book ends with a promise to the reader that the following books would be a thoughtful, emotional, and action-packed continuation of a superb story.

Book 3 - "The Never Army" wraps up the Tibbs Saga with style. It has everything you could ask for in a story: romance, suspense, action, humor, and lovable characters. The story has uplifting messages about the importance of family, friendship, struggle, hope, trust, and honesty. The final battle is epic and the ending is a beautiful blend of joy and sorrow that leaves you wishing it would never end. Hodges is an incredible author and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
6 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2021
There was a LOT of build up in the last two books, especially with book 2 ending like it did. I was worried I'd see a somewhat interesting series fizzle out.

But holy hell did this book deliver. It was everything I could've wanted for this series and more. This book alone takes the trilogy from something that'd collect dust on my shelf until I find it years later to a series I'll be looking back on fondly and probably suggesting to friends.

I'll definitely be keeping a close eye on this author's future works. You knocked it out of the park, Hodges!!
2 reviews
December 9, 2020
T. Ellery Hodges (once again) sticks the landing on this third and final installment of the Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs. The Never Hero drew us into a world that successfully blended the action sequences of Jason Bourne with the marvel and technology of Dr. Who. In the first book, Everyman Jonathan Tibbs is unwittingly drawn into an intergalactic struggle and asked to play a part of which he has little understanding. The Never Paradox expands our understanding of the looming existential threat to humanity of which Jonathan is one of the few who sees it coming. The Never Army moves us towards that fateful conflict and proves difficult for any reader to put down as Jonathan and his associates attempt the impossible. Riveting prose flesh out the cast of actors as they navigate the complexity of preparing for the battle and the sacrifices they are willing to make to save Earth.
47 reviews
August 20, 2021
I just finished reading “The Never Army,” the third and final book in the “Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs” series by T. Ellery Hodges. At a hefty 776 pages, this book took quite some time to get through. The first book was 317 pages and the second was 594, so this self-published author was building toward something very important.

Although the series is science fiction, the feeling that the book and series left me with was similar to the same feeling I experience with J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, which is that this was a story the author wanted – needed – to tell. I believe (and have asked the author) the general outline of the entire trilogy was planned in advance. I would not be surprised if Hodges had been noodling over these concepts since high school or college, refining the characters, researching plot points until he finally had it “just right” and began committing it to paper.

As this is the third in the series, I do not expect anyone to jump into this book first (and honestly, you’d be lost) and I don’t want to give away too much. Suffice it to say that the story progresses from a solitary man on a mission to save the world to a small army now seeking to do the same.

In terms of general outline, the sci-fi novel has a certain air of combining elements of the movie “Groundhog Day” with those of “Altered Carbon”. If you’re not familiar with “Altered Carbon,” it is another science fiction novel-turned-television-series in which individuals can live have their consciousness loaded into an electronic device.

The book has its straight-ahead plot, but it also has parallel themes, sometimes in allegorical form, as revealed in the comic book story that Jonathan’s roommates are authoring. The strength of love and the nature of leadership and sacrifice are also explored. Philosophical and theological themes are also investigated, such as how much death are you allowed to cause to save your own people? However, none of these themes hit you over the head, they just add depth to the story.

The book is also funny at times, with multiple pop-cultural references. I frequently literally laughed out loud. One scene which spoke to me, in particular, was in a battle scene when one of the protagonists stated, “I regret to report I could not save the Krispy Kreme store.”

All in all, in a story that neared 1700 pages, the story hung together quite well. There were a few moments that began to push against the limits of my incredulity, but then I thought, “You know, within the context of this book, everything is consistent and coherent.” It is science fiction, after all.

As I referenced, the book has some depth. It is factually dense in a good way. “Factually” is probably not the best word because again, it’s fiction, but the author wants to share the facts of his universe so we know he’s given it all a lot of thought. Due to that depth and density, I will probably read the entire series again at some point, just to see what I missed.

I don’t think this series is for everyone, especially if you’re not into science fiction, but if you enjoy the odyssey of the epic hero, you might enjoy it. For me: 5 stars.
Profile Image for Jordan.
662 reviews13 followers
January 17, 2021
I had to take a day to think how I felt about this book after completing it, but first and foremost it was a great book and I honestly love this series. Although I think I'm definitly going to need another read sometime in the future, which is not surpising since I've read the Never hero 3-4 times, Paradox twice (hurts too good for anymore lol).

The inception style early stages of the book was interesting and not something I imagined you could do with The Never, gave me a lot to think about. I appreciated the Evolution easter egg, that had me laughing. It was great to see a paticular character again even though it also made me a little sad. The city battle and the last battle itself were very very cool. Malkier's conclusion was just perfect, I honestly didnt know how things would end but I thought it was just amazing. Ooh oh and I never expected to find out about the Borealis, so that was an interesting reveal (agree with Tibbs decision by the way) The family conclusion at the end was fantastic and exactly what I would have wanted for the gang.

I think if I had to be a little nitpicky and find something I didnt like it was that some of the jumps lost us the oppertunity to see character's reactions, like when everyone finds out what Tibbs and his men have been doing for them. I say nitpicky because we have seen these reactions before, they've just forgetten once Tibbs took out the Ferox, however they've never understood previously exactly what he was doing only that he was glowing or there was a monster downtown, not that he was essentially in a war of attrition. I felt like we were cutting to a different scene during these discussions, then jumping back in once they'd had a bit of time with the info Then theres things like lincoln's backstory that I would have like to have seen developed, maybe I missed some signs about his struggles previously, but I always liked his character and I would have like to have seen more.

I know that all seems negative but I really am picking at straws here.

Basically if the author decided to release a novella or something with some unseen moments, I would totally buy that.

Speaking of, if the author does see this, I'd like him to know that if he decides to continue releasing new books in the future I will absolutely be checking them out. If its something similar or completly different from the chronicles, I think he's worth taking a chance on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Koffe.
736 reviews18 followers
August 6, 2021
One of the most anticipated endings to a series ever that's what this book was too me. Let me tell you it was so worth the wait!!!

This book ties as number 1 with one other as the best audio book I've listened too this year.
I can't understand why this isn't and wasn't everywhere on audible and amazon's Top new fantasy books. I had to go too a different website to find out that it was finally released and that's after it's been out for almost 4 months. That's just crazy.

Now for the actual review spoiler free:

We start with the negative to get it out of the way.
So this book didn't have the same anticipation and tension in it as the others it lacked the urgency that the rest of the series really bombards you with. As someone else said it felt like everything went too much in accordance with plans. Now that is the only negativ thing about it.

The positive: It was amazing and when a series like this ends it leaves you at a loss you feel like you're missing a piece inside you. It's put bluntly, a bitter sweet feeling.

Too me that really goes to show how spectacular of a series this was and how much I fell in love with it.
There is so much that happens in this book and it is a very long book.
T. Ellery Hodges Mad respect for not being like so many shitty authors now a days and splitting this last book in two just too make more sales. For that you have my sincere and honest appreciation!!! Everyone should read this book it's truly the stuff of LEGENDS.

Jonathan changed a lot in this book and well without going in too spoilers let me just say I loved how it all develop. It has several surprises in store for anyone that believes they know how it will end.
I am really happy with the ending and feel like we got closure for every character.
It's sad that this amazing story is ending but at the same time it's amazing. Like I said it's bitter sweet.
Profile Image for Erica.
139 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2021
Overall this was a great book and a great trilogy. I did have one or two issues/questions: since Heyer originally wanted Douglass to lead the army, was he planning on giving the female implant to someone? Who? And if not, did he think Douglass would be strong enough to win without it? And did it have to be Leah?? She got the answers to all her questions, she got Jonathan, and she didn't have to really answer for her actions. Perhaps I'm biased because I never really liked her character, but it was sure convenient. Lastly, what happened to Rylee's parents afterwards? Her father just went home? How would he explain to his wife what happened and where he's been?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
June 5, 2021
I’m a big fan of the first two books in the series, and was pumped to read the third. I can see by the other reviews that I’m definitely in the minority when I say that I was really disappointed in the third book. It seemed like a different author had picked up the third book and tried to make it work. It was such a different story arc, and I struggled to keep it straight when reading it in short bursts. Maybe it’s one of those books that you just have to keep reading in longer sessions.

Really glad that so many folks liked it. I really want to like this author as he’s sorta local for me.

Looking forward to any new books, and hoping for some of the old magic.
25 reviews
February 15, 2022
The book felt choppy and jumped around, got whiplash. Also - how many times can you say "Disorientating" in one chapter? Read this book and find the Guinness Book of Records.
I don't know if it's because I'm not from Seattle, but I and every one I know says "disorienting," not "disorientating." Frustrating.

And if you listen to the book - be advised the narrator will pronounce the silent Ls in words. Like waLk and taLk. WHO ACTUALLY PRONOUNCES THE L IN THESE WORDS?! Like the first R in FebRuary, no one actually says it out loud. :|
10 reviews
July 1, 2021
While the story was very good, there were many points of view. It took me a long time to finish the book. The story would start to get really good, then change point of view and I would get pulled out of the moment and stop reading. If there had been fewer point of views, I would have enjoyed it much more.
Profile Image for Samantha.
33 reviews22 followers
January 25, 2021
Enjoyed the Groundhog Day aspects to this book and the ending felt satisfying for the series, but the middle dragged on. Felt like a lot of the book was waiting and preparing for the final battle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Eli.
15 reviews
August 1, 2024
I'm only giving this book five stars because of how much I fucking love Jonathon. It's a interesting story, and I really did enjoy this series. The first book was by far my favorite though. It's just that.. I had the biggest fucking problem with Leah And even though I loved most of the characters and the story, it's really hard to get past the amount of I have for this character. Honestly it almost ruined the book for me.

Okay now I'm going on a spoiler rant so beware.

I have no problems with undercover love interests. I actually HIGHLY ENJOY it. I find it fun to finally see the characters come to the realization. So what's the problem, right?

Well, Leah is a bitch.

I can emphasize with characters that have good reasons for trying to get intel. And even though Leah had reasons, it didn't justify her actions. First of all, even though she said she cared about Jonathon she never stopped actively feeding The Cell information. She never hesitated to manipulate him and his friends. She never once stopped and wondered if she should relay every interaction she had with Jonathon. Even their sex?? Even his vulnerable moments?? Like, she constantly pushes for more from him when he's clearly not ok. Also to think he's an accomplice to a crime when he's probably going to disappear like everybody else?? Wouldn't anyone with common sense think he was a victim?

Not even that, but during the course of their relationship she never showed signs of guilt or remorse till after he was taken by her organization. why the fuck would anyone work for an organization who can basically kidnap someone, plan to torture him and his family members, and have no proof of any involvement other than sometimes seeing him with the alien??? NOT only that, but put cameras all over their house where they can see everyone naked and sleeping and monitor them all the damn time. I could never respect someone who works for something like that and then claims she loves Jonathon?? If she really loved him and if she really cared for his roommates that welcomed her with open arms, she would have stopped the act.

BUT SHE NEVER DID STOP. She only stopped when her identity was figured out. It's honestly so fucking ridiculous.

And how she treated Riley?? (I know Riley wasn't spelled like that but I forgot how the author spelled her name in the book). Riley and Jonathon were drawn together which was not really a conscious decision but the difference between them is Riley had no bad intentions towards Jonathon. The moment Leah saw her, she had no right to be jealous after Manipulating Jonathon for so long. Leah went through Riley's private Journals and when confronted pulled out the random ass pregnancy card. And then claimed she needed to keep it?? I'm sorry, but if I were Jonathon I'd stay for the child but I'd have nothing to do with her. And it begs the question why would she even keep a baby that as far as she knew would grow up to be tested like they were some sort of experiment. Bullshit. I'm so pro-choice and making the right decision for yourself and your child. But I don't know how anyone, without a plan to actually leave the company and she probably NEVER would have left without Jonathon escaping with her, could live with themselves to have a child born to be a fucking experiment.

Also not even that. She STILL kept the ruse. She pretended to be drugged and tortured and came to Jonathons cell thinking she needed to get more information from him. Even after his family and friends were being threatened and LITERALLY kidnapped she still wouldn't stop the fucking act. She never once tried to help them. No amount of apologies can excuse her horrid fucking personality and conscious.

I'm sorry your brother died and disapeared. But couldn't you fucking see the SAME thing was happening to Jonathon and instead of trying to HELP him she actively worked against him and manipulated him. ITS SO FUCKED UP.

I know I'm repeating myself I'm angry typing right now so my grammar probably sucks but I'm just so so angry.

I also know that some of the things I'm mentioning didn't happen in this exact book but I'm just saying that Leah did not deserve Jonathon.

I also can not name one aspect of her personality besides having a fake fucking face. (I don't care who has plastic surgery no shame in the game if you have the money to) but it's just like her only personality aspect. Like no my brother died, and now I have a fake face. That's her entire personality.

RILEY AND JONATHON DESERVED EACHOTHER. THEY UNDERSTOOD EACHOTHER. THEY WOULD HAVE GROWN TO LOVE EACHOTHER.

I said what I said.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
7 reviews
January 5, 2021
I completely agree. I didn't expect a book coming so close to time travel and escaping with its' plot unscathed. Yet Hodges managed to apply a consistent set of rules to his universe and "magic," and use those rules to create a unique and breathtaking story. The action sequences and ability to create tension despite his ridiculously OP characters were extremely entertaining. I truly cared about the characters after investing for 3 books.

Spoilers below for critiques.

>! I found Rylee and Leah's relationship unlikely at best, sexist at worst. The idea that these two could come together despite LITERALLY HAVING SEEN THE OTHER HAVE SEX WITH THE MAN THEY LOVE is just insane to me. The book literally introduced overpowering forced monogamy as a plot device and these two both just... navigated it while sharing a brain. I understand that it was only in the face of complete antihalation but I still found it very hard to connect to those two specifically. I love them both individually, but wow. !<

>! The series did an excellent job managing power creep. 3 books was the correct length. Having a neigh-indestructible foe means that your main character needs to approach indestructible as well. I loved that TNA outwitted Malkier in the end, rather than out-fighting him. It was one of the reasons the ending was so satisfying. However, having the ultimate climax be a long monologue exposition from Mr. Clean's subconscious was a small let down for me. Mr. Clean is a great character, but he's obviously way OP in a universe designed around OP characters and it felt a bit cheap to say "this AI was ultimately the designer, executor, and savior of everything that happened here." The moral dilemma that Qweli presents to Jonathan is interesting, but essentially dumped on him and then he makes a quick call before moving on with his life. I think they could have incorporated Mr. Clean's ability to record the Never into the plot without solving the mystery of what killed the Borealis... it wrapped everything up to cleanly and, most importantly, all at once via a monologue. Not my favorite part of the book, even though I really enjoyed the satisfaction of getting all the answers at the time.!<

These critiques are basically nitpicks to show that I've actually thought about this a lot. If you're reading this buy the Jonathan Tibbs series now! It's an incredible work of science fiction (more on the modern urban speculative fantasy side than true sci fi) and I enjoyed absolutely every second of it. I can't recommend it highly enough: interesting story, interesting characters, clever use of tropes and the hero's journey (I didn't talk about this enough above... GENIUS trope subverting and acknowledgement going on here), relatable characters (mostly) and a satisfying ending. Fun fights as well. Read it!!
Profile Image for Evan Scangas.
43 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2021
A very satisfactory end to a series since I'm always sad when a good series comes to an end.

I can often see where things are going while reading a story, little hints early on or just too simple of a story so the events later on come as no surprise. This 3rd book had some very nice surprises (no spoilers) and I applaud the creativity of the battles and planning of the characters.

I feel the death scenes were toned down quite a bit in the 3rd book compared to the previous two and some of the events in the Never felt a bit odd, either in their positioning/organization.

I happily suggest this series as an audible book. The narrator did a good job on the reading, the voices were more consistent than not, from book to book as well as in each book itself. Some narrators lose the voices of individual characters they were using between books, which becomes obviously when listening to them back to back rather than a year or more apart during the initial releases.

I'll be keeping an eye on his future releases.
Profile Image for Jailyn.
38 reviews
October 14, 2024
I laughed, cried, and was mad at the author. I’ve since forgiven him and can’t wait to read whatever is next.

The story has so many puzzle pieces that draw you in and ultimately, all your questions are answered but you’re never able to see what’s coming. It was a long journey and worth every second of it. 30 hours is Long for an audio book for me. I have many DNF audiobooks because they are so long and at some point they lost me. The Never Army never lost me.

The character development was perfect, the scenes vivid and the pace was good enough to keep you engaged and interested. I loved the characters, even the new ones. The humor and intensity of the situation draws you in and keeps you unraveling the mysteries of the “time travel” and what happened in the Never.

I don’t know why but I kept getting Dragon Ball Z vibes- maybe the super powers, fight scenes and the transformations. There were also “bad” Super strong monkey like super saiyans so if you grew up with Goku and crew you might see what I mean and hopefully enjoy it just as much.
2 reviews
November 28, 2020
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book as a Beta reader before the official release. This is my honest review.) I have been a fan of the series since The Never Hero was published in 2015. If you have been a fan since the beginning, this is a fulfilling way to end the saga. If you are just starting the series, you are lucky because you will not have to way 5 years to find out how this ends. I will not spend time summarizing the plot, because I do not want to drop any spoilers. The level of detail and the depth of the characters is what makes this a fantastic read. I finished The Never Army and plan to read The Never Hero and The Never Paradox again! I would highly encourage anyone who has been a fan or is looking for a great series to read The Never Army and the entire series.
Profile Image for Darrell Martin.
14 reviews
December 17, 2020
(Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book for free as a Beta reader before official release. This is my honest review.)

Once again, T. Ellery Hodges does something not many writers today seem capable of. He brings a satisfying ending to an amazing series. So many of todays writers either can't or won't write a solid ending. They have a great beginning, a fantastic middle, and then botch the finale. Doesn't matter if it's 1 book or 7. Mr. Hodges manages to avoid that trap. It's a satisfying ending to the trilogy. This book is fantastic, and keeps you engaged from start to finish. I was hopeful but not overly optimistic that I'd enjoy this book. Boy, was I happy to not be disappointed. He packs so much action in but the plot never bogs down. I can't recommend this book highly enough, and the entire series has been wonderful from start to finish. Well done Mr. Hodges.
1 review
July 11, 2021
Fantastic conclusion to a modern day epic

Really enjoyed this series when I first picked it up. Love the connection to the hero and heroine journey tropes. The wait for each new book was always worth it. But this final installment of the trilogy delivered beyond all expectations. I have often found books that set up an epic tale but then don’t quite land the ending. Here, the author pulled a complex storyline and compelling set of character narratives together flawlessly. Cannot rave enough about the sequence with Jonathan and Olivia…orchestrated to perfection. This is my new sci fi favorite and it will be a yearly read for me from now on. Cannot wait to see what he will write next!
Profile Image for Goede.
201 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2021
I really like this book. I think it is the best in the serie. It gave me a lot.
Thrilled, Anxiety. Happiness. Romance.
The story is far more complex than you think at a first glance and the action is like a Jim Butcher book. Now I mention the famous name, it is a bit a Jim Butcher science fiction. For me that is the best compliment I can give an author.

If you are looking for a page turner with a different kind of story. A story that pulls you in. That makes you loose sleep in a good way. Buy and read this book.

Looking forward to T.Ellery Hodges his next story.

Message for the author; thank you for writing this book!
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