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Thornraven #3
Thorn Bearer
Four years ago, Lilian left the First System ruined, indentured, and in peril of execution. Now as the Nightingale flies toward the Thirteenth System, she returns to the glittering spires of Pinnacle City, triumphant and soon to be consort to the ruthless and powerful Lucius Mercio. With her dreams within reach, she discovers disturbing clues to the identities of the Despoilers, a vile sect bent on returning the Twelve Systems to bloody anarchy. Beset by ominous prophecy and dire Guild revelations, Lilian must set aside her desires to accept a thorn bearer's duty—a quest to uncover the leaders of these ancient adversaries of order.
With his cartouche and cartel weakened by his kinsman's betrayal, Lucius must let Lilian complete her quest alone. Resolved to protect her from afar, Lucius will utilize every resource at his command. But even his considerable shadow may be too small to save her from a web of deceit and corruption that exceeds their worst imaginings. With their enemy's reach far greater than they feared, Lucius must race to forge new alliances and exploit old ones before the Despoilers lay waste to the Twelve Systems.
In the uncharted expanse of the Thirteenth System, Lucius and Lilian will risk all to defeat the forces of darkness.
With his cartouche and cartel weakened by his kinsman's betrayal, Lucius must let Lilian complete her quest alone. Resolved to protect her from afar, Lucius will utilize every resource at his command. But even his considerable shadow may be too small to save her from a web of deceit and corruption that exceeds their worst imaginings. With their enemy's reach far greater than they feared, Lucius must race to forge new alliances and exploit old ones before the Despoilers lay waste to the Twelve Systems.
In the uncharted expanse of the Thirteenth System, Lucius and Lilian will risk all to defeat the forces of darkness.
619 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2021
4 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
E.G. Manetti
18 books157 followers
I write from the world around me, and the world around me is full of color.
Award-winning author EG Manetti has always enjoyed a vivid imagination and occasional scribbling. Her epic science fiction series, The Twelve Systems Chronicles, blends the intrigue and danger of space opera with the passion and social rigidity of historical romance.
The ten-volume series began in 2012, with The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1, and completed in 2021 with Thorn Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 3. The series has received four Paranormal Guild Reviewers Choice Awards, seven InD’tale RONE (Reward for Novel Excellence) nominations with five volumes award finalist badges. Shield Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 2 received the 2021 RONE for Science Fiction.
Elemental Fire: The Hidden Realms #1, her first venture into fantasy, combines her favorite aspects of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and action/adventure genres.
A former information technology project manager, EG resides in Florida with her beloved (often confounded) husband and their severely OCD Jack Russell Terrier. She writes as often as possible, cooks exceptionally, and gardens adequately.
The Twelve Systems Chronicles are epic science fiction romance that blends elements of space opera with the intrigue and suspense of a political thriller. “With characters that jump off the page, love that is forbidden yet unstoppable mixed with top-notch worlds and technology, sci-fi has never looked so good or become so addictive!” ~ InD'Tale Magazine, February 2018.
Enter The Twelve Systems with a free copy of The Cartel
Like EG Manetti on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
EG Manetti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egmanetti/
EG Manetti Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@egmanetti
Award-winning author EG Manetti has always enjoyed a vivid imagination and occasional scribbling. Her epic science fiction series, The Twelve Systems Chronicles, blends the intrigue and danger of space opera with the passion and social rigidity of historical romance.
The ten-volume series began in 2012, with The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1, and completed in 2021 with Thorn Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 3. The series has received four Paranormal Guild Reviewers Choice Awards, seven InD’tale RONE (Reward for Novel Excellence) nominations with five volumes award finalist badges. Shield Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 2 received the 2021 RONE for Science Fiction.
Elemental Fire: The Hidden Realms #1, her first venture into fantasy, combines her favorite aspects of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and action/adventure genres.
A former information technology project manager, EG resides in Florida with her beloved (often confounded) husband and their severely OCD Jack Russell Terrier. She writes as often as possible, cooks exceptionally, and gardens adequately.
The Twelve Systems Chronicles are epic science fiction romance that blends elements of space opera with the intrigue and suspense of a political thriller. “With characters that jump off the page, love that is forbidden yet unstoppable mixed with top-notch worlds and technology, sci-fi has never looked so good or become so addictive!” ~ InD'Tale Magazine, February 2018.
Enter The Twelve Systems with a free copy of The Cartel
Like EG Manetti on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
EG Manetti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egmanetti/
EG Manetti Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@egmanetti
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 9, 2023
Honor Endures into the 13th System
Fantastic finally for The Twelve System Chronicles. I never give spoilers but this does a great job tying up plot points and character arcs. Action packed (parts more space opera than romance….that is a great thing since they are moving into the 13th system) and we get to see some great moments with some secondary characters that return to wreck havoc or redeem themselves!
Fantastic finally for The Twelve System Chronicles. I never give spoilers but this does a great job tying up plot points and character arcs. Action packed (parts more space opera than romance….that is a great thing since they are moving into the 13th system) and we get to see some great moments with some secondary characters that return to wreck havoc or redeem themselves!
October 4, 2021
The Making of Legends
This final book in the Twelve System Chronicles, Thorn Bearer, is all about crafting a legend. Lilian and Lucius are going to occupy a place in the annals of history of the Thirteen Systems. The Shrines will sing litanies about them, and this book is the blueprint.
Legends are fabricated from extreme bravery, revolutions, the pinnacle of innovation, exploring the unknown, genius, overcoming evil, athletic prowess, and mythological love. Every single item in this list applies to Lilian and Lucius in Thorn Bearer. They needed each other to achieve greatness. And they did.
Thorn Bearer picks up immediately after Shield Bearer. But really, if you’ve never read any of E.G. Manetti’s Twelve Systems Chronicles, you must start with The Cartel. That is where the legend begins. So much of what happens in the first quarter of that first book of a ten-book series is revisited in this final installment. Old nemeses are out for vengeance, family puzzles are explained, and the unorthodox schemes of Lucius, Lilian and their close circle of allies bear unimaginable fruit. I am in awe of the talent it takes for an author to forge such a carefully crafted path from inception to conclusion. There are so many threads, so many characters, so many seemingly unimportant details that are revealed as clues. One of my favorites is the little nugget dropped about the very first physical description of Lilian’s little sister Katleen, with her dark eyes being a throwback to an earlier ancestor. Little did we know…..
However, the final book brings us some new things as well. There is a suspenseful mystery about the identity of the final Vessel of the Eldest, the archvillain of the story. I admit to being all over the place in my speculation since there are so many evil candidates. Bringing the readers full circle, Manetti also devotes energy to reliving and explaining the earliest days of Lilian’s Trial. I found the flashbacks incredibly satisfying as a devotee of the series, but they were disturbing as well. Trust me, you will be surprised at who set Lilian on this path of Trial by Ordeal and the circumstances that lead her and Lucius to become the ultimate saviors of the way of life of the Twelve Systems. And, yes, it is that epic. That legendary.
Always one-upping herself with grand battle sequences, Manetti pulls out all the stops in Thorn Bearer. She awed me with her strategic machinations in the Battle for Serengeti in the halls of the cartel building in Serengeti Valor. She forces Lilian and Lucius to battle overrunning hordes in the deep of Desperation Crevasse in Shield Bearer. Finally, in Thorn Bearer, Manetti crafts an interstellar starship battle which rivals anything you’ve seen in the Star Wars saga.
In her always unpredictable way of executing the climax to her stories, Manetti quickly pulls Lilian and Lucius out of the Thirteenth System. I thought, “What? Wait! Aren’t we going to spend some time in this unchartered world? I have SO many questions!” But then I settled myself down and realized that this series is about the Twelve Systems, not the Thirteen Systems, and there are more than a few unresolved issues back in the home worlds. I get the sense that future stories featuring Nickolas, Fletcher, Cesare, Elysia, Raleigh, Chrys and Katleen will explore events in the Thirteen Systems. Plus, I am still waiting for the puzzle of the Ancients to be solved.
Despite barely surviving a dogfight in the stars, Lilian’s peril is far from over. In the third part of Thorn Bearer, the danger to her turns deeply personal. We go from Lilian battling with firepower and maneuvering entire armadas to using the smallest, most inconsequential tools at her disposal to secure her freedom. Both types of conflict had me reading as quickly as I could.
And the story doesn’t end there. In the final chapters of the Twelve Systems Chronicles, I was misdirected by the specifics of the personal hardships of Lilian and Lucius and absorbed by their ever more romantic love story. Meanwhile, Manetti eclipsed them as people and lovers and turned them into legends. I won’t tell you what Lilian and Lucius accomplish, but it is deeply humble, completely appropriate, world changing, and harkens back to just how unconventional this pair has proven to be since Lilian crossed through the scarlet doors into the realm of Lucius Mercio.
P.S. I will be forever dissatisfied with this review. In a few paragraphs, it is impossible to highlight everything I wish, discuss at length the nuances of the story and characters, and postulate on how this book has me examining religion, politics, entrepreneurial spirit and honor in our own society. Mostly, though, I will be dissatisfied with this review because it forced me to say farewell to Lilian and Lucius.
This final book in the Twelve System Chronicles, Thorn Bearer, is all about crafting a legend. Lilian and Lucius are going to occupy a place in the annals of history of the Thirteen Systems. The Shrines will sing litanies about them, and this book is the blueprint.
Legends are fabricated from extreme bravery, revolutions, the pinnacle of innovation, exploring the unknown, genius, overcoming evil, athletic prowess, and mythological love. Every single item in this list applies to Lilian and Lucius in Thorn Bearer. They needed each other to achieve greatness. And they did.
Thorn Bearer picks up immediately after Shield Bearer. But really, if you’ve never read any of E.G. Manetti’s Twelve Systems Chronicles, you must start with The Cartel. That is where the legend begins. So much of what happens in the first quarter of that first book of a ten-book series is revisited in this final installment. Old nemeses are out for vengeance, family puzzles are explained, and the unorthodox schemes of Lucius, Lilian and their close circle of allies bear unimaginable fruit. I am in awe of the talent it takes for an author to forge such a carefully crafted path from inception to conclusion. There are so many threads, so many characters, so many seemingly unimportant details that are revealed as clues. One of my favorites is the little nugget dropped about the very first physical description of Lilian’s little sister Katleen, with her dark eyes being a throwback to an earlier ancestor. Little did we know…..
However, the final book brings us some new things as well. There is a suspenseful mystery about the identity of the final Vessel of the Eldest, the archvillain of the story. I admit to being all over the place in my speculation since there are so many evil candidates. Bringing the readers full circle, Manetti also devotes energy to reliving and explaining the earliest days of Lilian’s Trial. I found the flashbacks incredibly satisfying as a devotee of the series, but they were disturbing as well. Trust me, you will be surprised at who set Lilian on this path of Trial by Ordeal and the circumstances that lead her and Lucius to become the ultimate saviors of the way of life of the Twelve Systems. And, yes, it is that epic. That legendary.
Always one-upping herself with grand battle sequences, Manetti pulls out all the stops in Thorn Bearer. She awed me with her strategic machinations in the Battle for Serengeti in the halls of the cartel building in Serengeti Valor. She forces Lilian and Lucius to battle overrunning hordes in the deep of Desperation Crevasse in Shield Bearer. Finally, in Thorn Bearer, Manetti crafts an interstellar starship battle which rivals anything you’ve seen in the Star Wars saga.
In her always unpredictable way of executing the climax to her stories, Manetti quickly pulls Lilian and Lucius out of the Thirteenth System. I thought, “What? Wait! Aren’t we going to spend some time in this unchartered world? I have SO many questions!” But then I settled myself down and realized that this series is about the Twelve Systems, not the Thirteen Systems, and there are more than a few unresolved issues back in the home worlds. I get the sense that future stories featuring Nickolas, Fletcher, Cesare, Elysia, Raleigh, Chrys and Katleen will explore events in the Thirteen Systems. Plus, I am still waiting for the puzzle of the Ancients to be solved.
Despite barely surviving a dogfight in the stars, Lilian’s peril is far from over. In the third part of Thorn Bearer, the danger to her turns deeply personal. We go from Lilian battling with firepower and maneuvering entire armadas to using the smallest, most inconsequential tools at her disposal to secure her freedom. Both types of conflict had me reading as quickly as I could.
And the story doesn’t end there. In the final chapters of the Twelve Systems Chronicles, I was misdirected by the specifics of the personal hardships of Lilian and Lucius and absorbed by their ever more romantic love story. Meanwhile, Manetti eclipsed them as people and lovers and turned them into legends. I won’t tell you what Lilian and Lucius accomplish, but it is deeply humble, completely appropriate, world changing, and harkens back to just how unconventional this pair has proven to be since Lilian crossed through the scarlet doors into the realm of Lucius Mercio.
P.S. I will be forever dissatisfied with this review. In a few paragraphs, it is impossible to highlight everything I wish, discuss at length the nuances of the story and characters, and postulate on how this book has me examining religion, politics, entrepreneurial spirit and honor in our own society. Mostly, though, I will be dissatisfied with this review because it forced me to say farewell to Lilian and Lucius.
Read
September 21, 2021A favorite passage.
***
Lucius stares out the salon window at the stellar transit center awaiting Aristides’ signal that the media is in place. The arrival ritual is familiar, but the transit center has grown. In the six years since he last entered Pinnacle City, his life has altered beyond imagining. Joy and sorrow at all that passed blends into a bittersweet brew.
A gentle hand touches his shoulder. “What troubles you?”
He wraps an arm around Lilian, holding her to his side. For all his conflicting emotions, the city holds naught but bright memories. Not so for Lilian. “It is naught.”
Her sigh is so soft he feels rather than hears it. Tilting his head, he finds her expression closed in the manner he detests. She will not press, but she is wounded by his silence. He feathers a kiss on her temple. “So much has altered since I was here last. It would be another month before the Discoverer IX reported the Thirteenth System. Elysia was but eleven, Cesare’s voice starting to crack, and Raphael a year from consent age.”
Lilian makes a soft sound, her fingers pressing his waist, her gray eyes filled with compassion. “And Lady Estella was well.”
“It was the Five Warriors’ Festival then. She had agreed to perform a series of Rimon ballads at the entertainments. It was the last time she performed.” His heart fills as he remembers Estella’s golden beauty, the splendor of her voice. “It was a joyous visit.”
“I am glad. For you, and your children, that this visit awakens bright echoes. Even with the Nightingale’s flight, the past year has held too much sorrow.”
He cups her face, finding naught of dissembling. No whisper that it troubles her that he loved, and to some degree yet loves, another. “You are untroubled that I yet grieve for her?”
Confusion, surprise, and then comprehension flicker through her gaze. “It troubles me that you sorrow, but not that you loved her and always will. Your capacity for powerful love is part of what draws me to you. I would not change it or you.”
Closing his eyes against emotion, he pulls her close, her pliant weight soothing the ache in his heart.
***
Lucius stares out the salon window at the stellar transit center awaiting Aristides’ signal that the media is in place. The arrival ritual is familiar, but the transit center has grown. In the six years since he last entered Pinnacle City, his life has altered beyond imagining. Joy and sorrow at all that passed blends into a bittersweet brew.
A gentle hand touches his shoulder. “What troubles you?”
He wraps an arm around Lilian, holding her to his side. For all his conflicting emotions, the city holds naught but bright memories. Not so for Lilian. “It is naught.”
Her sigh is so soft he feels rather than hears it. Tilting his head, he finds her expression closed in the manner he detests. She will not press, but she is wounded by his silence. He feathers a kiss on her temple. “So much has altered since I was here last. It would be another month before the Discoverer IX reported the Thirteenth System. Elysia was but eleven, Cesare’s voice starting to crack, and Raphael a year from consent age.”
Lilian makes a soft sound, her fingers pressing his waist, her gray eyes filled with compassion. “And Lady Estella was well.”
“It was the Five Warriors’ Festival then. She had agreed to perform a series of Rimon ballads at the entertainments. It was the last time she performed.” His heart fills as he remembers Estella’s golden beauty, the splendor of her voice. “It was a joyous visit.”
“I am glad. For you, and your children, that this visit awakens bright echoes. Even with the Nightingale’s flight, the past year has held too much sorrow.”
He cups her face, finding naught of dissembling. No whisper that it troubles her that he loved, and to some degree yet loves, another. “You are untroubled that I yet grieve for her?”
Confusion, surprise, and then comprehension flicker through her gaze. “It troubles me that you sorrow, but not that you loved her and always will. Your capacity for powerful love is part of what draws me to you. I would not change it or you.”
Closing his eyes against emotion, he pulls her close, her pliant weight soothing the ache in his heart.
December 12, 2022
4.5 STARS!
What an AMAZING series! So complex and engaging . . . and trashy! (I use that word in the BEST possible way.) A very rare combo that I can't recommend enough.😈😈
What an AMAZING series! So complex and engaging . . . and trashy! (I use that word in the BEST possible way.) A very rare combo that I can't recommend enough.😈😈
==> Book 1: 5 STARSThe only reason my ratings went down a bit in the latter part of the series is because the characters' relationships were well established and the story became more plot driven. Which is certainly not a bad thing for most readers, lol, but for me, I'm always only here for the characters. I LOVED Lilian and Lucius!
==> Book 2: 4 STARS
==> Book 3: 5 STARS
==> Book 4: 5 STARS
==> Book 5: 5 STARS
==> Book 6: 5 STARS
==> Book 7: 4 STARS
==> Book 8: 4 STARS
==> Book 9: 4 STARS
==> Book 10: 4.5 STARS
September 28, 2021
Thorn
Wow! I want to cry; this is one of the best sci-fi romances I have ever read, and I hope the author will develop certain characters' stories in future books. She did hint at the thirteenth systems, so we will see what happens. Ok, I have questions and comments. E.G. Manetti, please tell me that all of Lucius's children will get their own stories. I want Kathleen and Cesare to become a couple. You hinted at it so please make it happen, but don't make it easy for them. What will Celeste be like? I'm curious. What does Raphael and Elysia's future hold? Will the assassin and Helena have children?
Yes, I want more of Lucius and Lilian; I want to see them grow old together, have a full life and see Lucius's children and Lilian's sister grow and have their own adventures. I know this isn't a traditional review, but this story left me wanting more of these characters and wanting them to have new adventures on the thirteenth system. If anyone is wondering if I love this book or series, the answer is YES! The author could make this a saga, and I hope she does. I can also see this adapted into a movie. E.G. Manetti, please format all ten books into audiobooks. This series deserves to be in an audio format, it needs to be dramatized in a way that will capture each character's voice.
Wow! I want to cry; this is one of the best sci-fi romances I have ever read, and I hope the author will develop certain characters' stories in future books. She did hint at the thirteenth systems, so we will see what happens. Ok, I have questions and comments. E.G. Manetti, please tell me that all of Lucius's children will get their own stories. I want Kathleen and Cesare to become a couple. You hinted at it so please make it happen, but don't make it easy for them. What will Celeste be like? I'm curious. What does Raphael and Elysia's future hold? Will the assassin and Helena have children?
Yes, I want more of Lucius and Lilian; I want to see them grow old together, have a full life and see Lucius's children and Lilian's sister grow and have their own adventures. I know this isn't a traditional review, but this story left me wanting more of these characters and wanting them to have new adventures on the thirteenth system. If anyone is wondering if I love this book or series, the answer is YES! The author could make this a saga, and I hope she does. I can also see this adapted into a movie. E.G. Manetti, please format all ten books into audiobooks. This series deserves to be in an audio format, it needs to be dramatized in a way that will capture each character's voice.
December 17, 2021
Man, what a ride this series has been! When I read that first book (“The Cartel”), I wasn’t even much of a Sci-Fi fan. But in just one book, I was completely won over and addicted! We began by watching a young woman, Lilian, be unjustly condemned but given a reprieve IF she agrees to become an “apprentice” (basically a slave) to one of the most powerful men in the galactic systems. Through the first few books, we see her put through unimaginable hardships and humiliations, enduring them all with honor and grace. In the next few books, Lilian rises and begins to command respect and even a bit of admiration while still fighting to rise above all the bigotry. Then, in the last few books and culminating in this finale, Lilian not only succeeds but shines as she finally takes her place as the powerful, gifted, and kind leader she was destined to be.
Through the entire series, the relationship between Lilian and her powerful “boss” grew, as well. And by the time we turn the last page of this book, that relationship has grown into a rock solid, eternal love that is an absolute joy to behold. The book, and the series, ends after much excitement, many times of uncertainty and nail-biting suspense, and finally absolute sigh-worthy happiness and contentment. I’m sad to see it end but thrilled to have taken the journey.
Through the entire series, the relationship between Lilian and her powerful “boss” grew, as well. And by the time we turn the last page of this book, that relationship has grown into a rock solid, eternal love that is an absolute joy to behold. The book, and the series, ends after much excitement, many times of uncertainty and nail-biting suspense, and finally absolute sigh-worthy happiness and contentment. I’m sad to see it end but thrilled to have taken the journey.
September 23, 2021
Oh so good
I’m a huge fan of this series and EG Manetti never disappoints. Complex world building paired with extraordinary characters results in books worth reading again and again. Can’t recommend enough, but reading in order is a must.
I’m a huge fan of this series and EG Manetti never disappoints. Complex world building paired with extraordinary characters results in books worth reading again and again. Can’t recommend enough, but reading in order is a must.
October 29, 2021
Wow! Such a wonderful series and this concluding book ties up many loose ends. No spoilers, but all characters are touched upon and the plot, battles and romance do not disappoint. The writing is splendid and the characters have become beloved to me. I wanted to savor this book as I knew it was the end of this series, but the action kept up reading entirely too late at night. As for the ending, all I will say is...devious author!!! Or perhaps, we shall discover a means. Brilliant work and a must read series. Best if you start in the beginning with The Cartel, but if you happen to read this first, it will have you reaching for all the other books.
October 8, 2021
A fantastic finish to an epic series. Every last character from the previous 9 books makes an appearance, even if by reference. But this is not a wrap-up story, as the ongoing plot arc is augmented by new situations, relationships, and surprises. Plus there is an intense space battle!
You really have to start at the beginning of the series, and I encourage you to do so. In a few months, I will re-read the entire series to marvel at how the numerous threads have been interwoven.
You really have to start at the beginning of the series, and I encourage you to do so. In a few months, I will re-read the entire series to marvel at how the numerous threads have been interwoven.
December 15, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5.0
What an exciting ride this series has been! Lilian is a heroine that every reader can love and cheer for as they watch her finally demand her place and receive the recognition she so rightly fights for.
Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
What an exciting ride this series has been! Lilian is a heroine that every reader can love and cheer for as they watch her finally demand her place and receive the recognition she so rightly fights for.
Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 23, 2021
I am a fan of this series .and wish more people would read it. Their loss.
Gun fights, air battles, kidnapping, secondary characters, (Friends), are wounded. One fatally. Oh and the bad guys get their just rewards…finally.
Now I want to read about new adventures in the Thirteenth.
Gun fights, air battles, kidnapping, secondary characters, (Friends), are wounded. One fatally. Oh and the bad guys get their just rewards…finally.
Now I want to read about new adventures in the Thirteenth.
January 7, 2023
Thank you Santa's Naughty Mistress
November 25, 2022 Amazon
November 25, 2022 Amazon
January 15, 2025
I've been following this series for years but hadn't gotten around to reading this book - yet ! Now it's finally done.
What attracted me most to The twelve systems chronicles was Lilian, our main character. At the beginning, she's lower than the lowest, an outcast. But through sheer will and intelligence, she overcomes her adversaries (there are a lot of them), her past, her loneliness to a place she deserves.
It's hard to write this without spoiling anything.
With Thorn Bearer, the final (?) book in the series so far, we see many secrets revealed to the point of building a legend.
Captivating !
What attracted me most to The twelve systems chronicles was Lilian, our main character. At the beginning, she's lower than the lowest, an outcast. But through sheer will and intelligence, she overcomes her adversaries (there are a lot of them), her past, her loneliness to a place she deserves.
It's hard to write this without spoiling anything.
With Thorn Bearer, the final (?) book in the series so far, we see many secrets revealed to the point of building a legend.
Captivating !
November 5, 2021
Wow
Back in book one, The Cartel (you must read this series in order), author EG Manetti introduces the idea of the "self-opening box."
Thorn Bearer opens the box. Wow
A longer review will follow soon.
Back in book one, The Cartel (you must read this series in order), author EG Manetti introduces the idea of the "self-opening box."
Thorn Bearer opens the box. Wow
A longer review will follow soon.
April 29, 2024
Formal and passionate, excellent combination
I really, really enjoyed this series. Excellent world building. Supreme relationship building within a strict social structure.
This was the perfect balm to instalove sexcapades, as it slowed the pace, focused initially more on world building and societal aspects.
There can be perceived "cheating" going on here, but it seems for their society it is a norm, as you'll see.
At first I was really annoyed by the pre-chapters (small section before each new chapter) that would provide historical backstory regarding religion, or commerce, or interpersonal relationships. I learned to appreciate them as they didn't need to be weaved into paragraphs of story or dialogue, they were just there.
<<<<
I really, really enjoyed this series. Excellent world building. Supreme relationship building within a strict social structure.
This was the perfect balm to instalove sexcapades, as it slowed the pace, focused initially more on world building and societal aspects.
There can be perceived "cheating" going on here, but it seems for their society it is a norm, as you'll see.
At first I was really annoyed by the pre-chapters (small section before each new chapter) that would provide historical backstory regarding religion, or commerce, or interpersonal relationships. I learned to appreciate them as they didn't need to be weaved into paragraphs of story or dialogue, they were just there.
<<<<
November 15, 2021
Epic!
Everything you could possibly want and then some occur in this book. Epic battles between good and evil, intrigue, romance and happiness that has been won through hard fought battles. The Twelve Systems Chronicles ending is just flat out a fantastic book. I sincerely hope that there are more stories from the Thirteen Systems to come!!
Everything you could possibly want and then some occur in this book. Epic battles between good and evil, intrigue, romance and happiness that has been won through hard fought battles. The Twelve Systems Chronicles ending is just flat out a fantastic book. I sincerely hope that there are more stories from the Thirteen Systems to come!!
August 16, 2022
5.0
By far one of the best of the series. It did an excellent job of wrapping up major points developed throughout the tale into an enjoyable conclusion.
By far one of the best of the series. It did an excellent job of wrapping up major points developed throughout the tale into an enjoyable conclusion.
September 17, 2023
This book ends in style a series that I really, very much liked. I thought the author was going to feast us on a sequel set in the thirteenth system, with Katleen as the main character, but after reading an interview with the author (done by Veronica Scott), I understand it's not in her plans, but there should still be a few accounts, some of which featuring the five founders of the society of the twelve systems (now thirteen).
I found some passages difficult to read,
However, the ending is extremely satisfying. I am very happy, almost all the threads are tied at the end.
Thank you E.G. Manetti for this wonderful journey and for these characters that I will not soon forget. Honor endure. :)
I found some passages difficult to read,
However, the ending is extremely satisfying. I am very happy, almost all the threads are tied at the end.
Thank you E.G. Manetti for this wonderful journey and for these characters that I will not soon forget. Honor endure. :)
March 11, 2024
Excellent romantic sci fi adventure
I waited almost two years to read Thorn Bearer, because I did not want the series to end. I reread the entire spectacular series for the third or fourth time before Thorn Bearer. The worldbuilding is fantastic, the characters are fascinating, the romances are wonderful, and the story is riveting. The erotic interludes add depth to the relationships of the featured couples. There is graphic violence and a high, sad body count. One death was especially sad, and I'm not sure necessary, but that is always the author's choice. The characters are memorable and will always be worth a reread. Thorn Bearer is a brilliant conclusion to this phenomenal series.
I waited almost two years to read Thorn Bearer, because I did not want the series to end. I reread the entire spectacular series for the third or fourth time before Thorn Bearer. The worldbuilding is fantastic, the characters are fascinating, the romances are wonderful, and the story is riveting. The erotic interludes add depth to the relationships of the featured couples. There is graphic violence and a high, sad body count. One death was especially sad, and I'm not sure necessary, but that is always the author's choice. The characters are memorable and will always be worth a reread. Thorn Bearer is a brilliant conclusion to this phenomenal series.
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