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Guilds of Ilbrea #3
Viper and Steel
Prisoner. Traitor. Murderer. Thief.
The fate of Ilbrea has fallen into unlikely hands. As lethal forces converge on Ilara, the path chosen by the Karron clan will have consequences that can’t be undone.
A love that will be lost forever.A vow that can’t be broken.A magic that was born of myths.A death that will shape the coming battle.
The bond between the Guilds has been broken, and powerful enemies have been unleashed. Will the cost of freedom be steeper than the Karron clan can endure?
The fate of Ilbrea has fallen into unlikely hands. As lethal forces converge on Ilara, the path chosen by the Karron clan will have consequences that can’t be undone.
A love that will be lost forever.A vow that can’t be broken.A magic that was born of myths.A death that will shape the coming battle.
The bond between the Guilds has been broken, and powerful enemies have been unleashed. Will the cost of freedom be steeper than the Karron clan can endure?
- GenresFantasy
421 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2022
34 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Megan O'Russell
52 books495 followersFrom the epic fantasy world of Ilbrea to the vampire and werewolf-plagued dystopia of the domes, author Megan O'Russell offers readers thirty-two books across nine series.
With a passion for building immersive worlds, uncovering each character’s unique voice, and discovering innovative ways to bring stories to audiences, Megan has created and presented workshops across the country helping fellow authors along their journey, including facing the Indie Publishing process with clear eyes and a workable plan.
Megan's newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, is presented in partnership with the podcast Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time, where you can listen to a new, full chapter of the series every week. Other titles include Ember and Stone, Girl of Glass, The Cursebound Thief, and How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days.
With a passion for building immersive worlds, uncovering each character’s unique voice, and discovering innovative ways to bring stories to audiences, Megan has created and presented workshops across the country helping fellow authors along their journey, including facing the Indie Publishing process with clear eyes and a workable plan.
Megan's newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, is presented in partnership with the podcast Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time, where you can listen to a new, full chapter of the series every week. Other titles include Ember and Stone, Girl of Glass, The Cursebound Thief, and How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 11, 2024
The story is getting better. I'm just getting frustrated that there are 3 left in the series to read!
July 13, 2022
Wow! Another roller coaster of emotions thru Ilbrea, The Black Mountains and Isofol. I'm so attached to these characters and want them all to come together and have happy endings. You definitely need to read the first books in the series before this one because it drops you right back in and goes fast! The ending had me already wanting the next book because ENA!!
July 8, 2022
Megan’s series’ are chocked full of adventure, suspense, intrigue. drama, and page turning excitement as the stories draw you in and keep you spellbound as you take a journey in your mind and witness what these characters (your friends) go through to survive!
I wholeheartedly recommend not only this book but also this entire series as well as the Ena of Ilbrea series for your reading and enjoyment pleasure! After all you need to know who Ena is and the other series tells her story before she meets Adrial in this series!
The Karron “clan” is spread out and those at home think Kai and Niko are dead because of the news they’ve received but they are still alive and you get to read all about them here along with Allora, Adrial, Ena, and Mara and Tham who are also out in another part of the country trying to get back!
You’ll cheer for your friends and their successes but you’ll also get very angry at the sorcerer’s guild who has reaped so much death and misery on the people, along with the other guilds who aren’t much better! You’ll also meet others not associated with the guilds who aren’t any better!
I can promise you that if you’re looking for a great series you’re going to love well here it is! You’ll be reading into the wee hours of the morning because you’ll find you just can’t put the book down! But I hope you’ve already read the previous books in this series or you’ve missed so much it won’t be as enjoyable unless you’d already read them!
I urge you to get this entire series and the other one as well and let your mind be entertained by a masterful story teller who weaves a story you wish you were a part of in real life so you could be one to also exact revenge on those you read about!
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series, Tower and Grave, to continue where this book left off and see if all can be reunited and the evil doers meet their just rewards!
I wholeheartedly recommend not only this book but also this entire series as well as the Ena of Ilbrea series for your reading and enjoyment pleasure! After all you need to know who Ena is and the other series tells her story before she meets Adrial in this series!
The Karron “clan” is spread out and those at home think Kai and Niko are dead because of the news they’ve received but they are still alive and you get to read all about them here along with Allora, Adrial, Ena, and Mara and Tham who are also out in another part of the country trying to get back!
You’ll cheer for your friends and their successes but you’ll also get very angry at the sorcerer’s guild who has reaped so much death and misery on the people, along with the other guilds who aren’t much better! You’ll also meet others not associated with the guilds who aren’t any better!
I can promise you that if you’re looking for a great series you’re going to love well here it is! You’ll be reading into the wee hours of the morning because you’ll find you just can’t put the book down! But I hope you’ve already read the previous books in this series or you’ve missed so much it won’t be as enjoyable unless you’d already read them!
I urge you to get this entire series and the other one as well and let your mind be entertained by a masterful story teller who weaves a story you wish you were a part of in real life so you could be one to also exact revenge on those you read about!
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series, Tower and Grave, to continue where this book left off and see if all can be reunited and the evil doers meet their just rewards!
August 26, 2022
Viper and Steel is an invigorating story of power, the ways it is taken advantage of, and the lengths people will go to restore what is just. Every character in this novel experiences a different type of power and/or privilege that they grapple with and decide whether it’s something to fight for or against. It brought a lot of discussions surrounding privilege, opportunity, and the ways people try to change the rules/laws for those in higher ranking positions.
In the fairly uniform genre of YA, this book sets itself apart through the writing style, the intricate and unique government system, and the pre-existing tight-knit relationships that exist within the story. I really love this series. O’Russell manages to balance the POV’s so well and she gives each one a distinct flavour and voice, which makes it easier to follow the many plot lines and characters arcs. I find it fascinating how the story is told from 7 POVs, and yet it feels cohesive. I also love how the story is centred around one main character, but she only narrates the first and last chapter of each novel. It brings more meaning to the other chapters because you get to see how they are all interconnected in one colossal power move to undermine and overthrow.
I really hate it when books end on cliff-hangers, and this one left so much unfinished. I have no idea how many books will be in this series, and the idea of waiting a year between each release feels like almost too much. :) In my heart this is a 5 star read, though I couldn't really tell you why, but I really love this world and characters that have been created. I'll settle for a 4 star rating since I'm not exactly sure I could provide an adequate explanation for a perfect 5 score lol.
In the fairly uniform genre of YA, this book sets itself apart through the writing style, the intricate and unique government system, and the pre-existing tight-knit relationships that exist within the story. I really love this series. O’Russell manages to balance the POV’s so well and she gives each one a distinct flavour and voice, which makes it easier to follow the many plot lines and characters arcs. I find it fascinating how the story is told from 7 POVs, and yet it feels cohesive. I also love how the story is centred around one main character, but she only narrates the first and last chapter of each novel. It brings more meaning to the other chapters because you get to see how they are all interconnected in one colossal power move to undermine and overthrow.
I really hate it when books end on cliff-hangers, and this one left so much unfinished. I have no idea how many books will be in this series, and the idea of waiting a year between each release feels like almost too much. :) In my heart this is a 5 star read, though I couldn't really tell you why, but I really love this world and characters that have been created. I'll settle for a 4 star rating since I'm not exactly sure I could provide an adequate explanation for a perfect 5 score lol.
February 26, 2023
Book 3 in the Guilds of Ilbrea series
A heart-pounding, action-packed, emotionally-gripping installment to this series that quite often left me on the edge of my seat while holding my breath and trying to piece my heart back together. Brilliantly written to ensnare the reader and keep them engaged in the characters. This book is written in multiple POVs, but it's easy to follow each. Strongly developed characters and intricately detailed world building.
Magic. Determination. Resolve. Sorrow. Survival. Sadness. Betrayal. Forced submission. Fighting/searching for a way back. Legends vs. Facts
"Two broken people clinging to each other, wishing they could hide from the wrath of the gods and the bloody battles to come."
"Your weapons may be knives and poison, but paper and ink can strike mighty blows."
"But whatever scars life has left on your heart can't change the way I feel."
"I would rather die by your side than face a world without you in it."
"...safety is not nearly as precious to me as freedom."
"Better to die than live with that stain on my soul."
"We don't choose the battles we fight."
A heart-pounding, action-packed, emotionally-gripping installment to this series that quite often left me on the edge of my seat while holding my breath and trying to piece my heart back together. Brilliantly written to ensnare the reader and keep them engaged in the characters. This book is written in multiple POVs, but it's easy to follow each. Strongly developed characters and intricately detailed world building.
Magic. Determination. Resolve. Sorrow. Survival. Sadness. Betrayal. Forced submission. Fighting/searching for a way back. Legends vs. Facts
"Two broken people clinging to each other, wishing they could hide from the wrath of the gods and the bloody battles to come."
"Your weapons may be knives and poison, but paper and ink can strike mighty blows."
"But whatever scars life has left on your heart can't change the way I feel."
"I would rather die by your side than face a world without you in it."
"...safety is not nearly as precious to me as freedom."
"Better to die than live with that stain on my soul."
"We don't choose the battles we fight."
July 20, 2022
“Chivving cact of a chivving sopping demon spawn!” Why?!! Why must a book end like that?! I neeeed more!!
Viper and Steel is the third book in the Guilds of Ilbrea series and this was my favourite one yet! I can’t get enough of this world and these characters and I absolutely love all the different storylines taking place at once!
There’s so much adventure and discovery happening throughout, it’s no wonder I absolutely devoured this book! I’ve always been invested in the books set in Ilbrea, but this one especially captured my heart. There was so much devastation and defeat felt in this book. I don’t know which character had it worse in this one, but my heart was breaking for them all by the end of it.
I can’t wait for the day Tower and Grave releases ‘cause I’m dying to know where the story will go from here and how it’s all gonna play out!
Viper and Steel is the third book in the Guilds of Ilbrea series and this was my favourite one yet! I can’t get enough of this world and these characters and I absolutely love all the different storylines taking place at once!
There’s so much adventure and discovery happening throughout, it’s no wonder I absolutely devoured this book! I’ve always been invested in the books set in Ilbrea, but this one especially captured my heart. There was so much devastation and defeat felt in this book. I don’t know which character had it worse in this one, but my heart was breaking for them all by the end of it.
I can’t wait for the day Tower and Grave releases ‘cause I’m dying to know where the story will go from here and how it’s all gonna play out!
July 9, 2022
Non-stop action which pulls no punches, various points of view but easy to follow, and lots of high drama!
This is a great series, and one I am really enjoying reading. You do need to start at the beginning of the series, but will not regret it as you are taken on a roller coaster of events and emotions. And one really, really sad bit!!! This was a book that was very hard to put down once started, and I cannot wait for the next!
This is a great series, and one I am really enjoying reading. You do need to start at the beginning of the series, but will not regret it as you are taken on a roller coaster of events and emotions. And one really, really sad bit!!! This was a book that was very hard to put down once started, and I cannot wait for the next!
July 11, 2022
Can this series get any better? Yes! Yes, it can! I love that I can simply slip back into Ena’s world like I never left. That’s the beauty of O’Russell’s writing style. When I say that I devour her books, I mean it! You’re so drawn into the story you can’t put it down. Can we talk about these covers?! Gorgeous and stunning! Don’t miss out on this series! And if you love Ena, you absolutely must pick up her series Ena of Ilbrea to experience the whole saga!
October 28, 2022
I’m enjoying these enough to keep reading them, and definitely want to know what happens next. They are an engaging light read, with enjoyable characters and some decent plot development. The characters are a little 2 dimensional and mainly develop around one or two fixed central characteristics. This can be a little repetitive. I’ve wanted to go straight on to the next in the series each time, but I think with a gap they won’t really stick in my mind.
July 15, 2022
I'm thrilled that the saga of Era and Ilbrea is continuing in the book. As usual, O'Russell vividly paints a detailed picture of her characters, their stories, and the world they live in. It is truly magical. My only complaint is that I get so involved I never want to put it down! I look forward to more of O'Russell's adventures!
July 15, 2022
Megan O’Russell, master storyteller, has done it again!! I love being immersed in the world of Ilbrea!! My only regret is that I have to wait too long for the next book to be published. If you are in the mood for amazing character development, fantastical world building, and the most on the edge of your seat story writing, I definitely suggest a visit to Ilbrea! You won’t be disappointed!
September 16, 2022
This book was everything. The storyline kept me on the edge of my seat and the various characters are dealing with so many emotional things and they do so in truly real ways. There were times when I wanted things to move along faster, but it definitely wasn't because I was bored, it was because I couldn't wait to find out what happens.
May 4, 2023
Riveting Action & Gorgeous Romance!!!
The action in this one is palpable and you feel the emotions and see the worlds of each character right along with them!!:-) I ADORE how large a roll that Chosen Family plays in this and how much it means for each of them:-). Cannot WAIT to see where this journey goes next!!:-). LOVED IT!!:-)
The action in this one is palpable and you feel the emotions and see the worlds of each character right along with them!!:-) I ADORE how large a roll that Chosen Family plays in this and how much it means for each of them:-). Cannot WAIT to see where this journey goes next!!:-). LOVED IT!!:-)
August 17, 2022
Evil evil superevil cliffhanger, beware because thus book will rip your heart out and make you rage and cry ~ all the feels! You must read it, well the whole series actually... Unputdownable 🤗❤️❤️❤️
May 20, 2024
3.5 - 3.75
August 11, 2022
This series and the one before this where we meet Ena have been a rollar coaster.
My heart broke so hard at the end of the first series that I actually had to take a reading break.
I was glad to see the story continue with the guilds of Ilbrea as I need to see this through.
I love Adrial and things better work out for him in the end. He belongs with Ena and i cannot handle the pain if this does not happen. The anticipation of what comes next better not end in another broken heart. I can only cling to my desperate hope that everyone makes it to the end even though I know that most likely will not happen.
I hope that the sorcerer guild gets what is coming to them and it had better be big and painful.
My heart broke so hard at the end of the first series that I actually had to take a reading break.
I was glad to see the story continue with the guilds of Ilbrea as I need to see this through.
I love Adrial and things better work out for him in the end. He belongs with Ena and i cannot handle the pain if this does not happen. The anticipation of what comes next better not end in another broken heart. I can only cling to my desperate hope that everyone makes it to the end even though I know that most likely will not happen.
I hope that the sorcerer guild gets what is coming to them and it had better be big and painful.
July 11, 2022
A soul-tearing romance in a world of social injustices
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books and was able to continue the pleasure immediately in the first chapter. Ena is making her rounds with the society ladies and we know her (and them) well enough for me to forgo any details. That gal calls it how she sees it – imagine what the world would look like if we all had her balance of righteous indignation and sense of restraint against outright murder.
The author continues to take us on separate journeys of the main characters – daughter and wards of the Lord Map Maker. It was easy to pick up from the last book and to incorporate a few new characters. And some of the character’s threads start to come back towards each other…
The author had me at:
‘The more they studied the girl who’d stolen the head scribe’s heart, the less they’d see the hunter who longed to wade through their blood.’
OUCH!
“Even members of the Guilds need boots, so do be careful not to kill the last cobbler.”
OMG! The ending!!! Give me ‘Tower and Grave’ NOW!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books and was able to continue the pleasure immediately in the first chapter. Ena is making her rounds with the society ladies and we know her (and them) well enough for me to forgo any details. That gal calls it how she sees it – imagine what the world would look like if we all had her balance of righteous indignation and sense of restraint against outright murder.
The author continues to take us on separate journeys of the main characters – daughter and wards of the Lord Map Maker. It was easy to pick up from the last book and to incorporate a few new characters. And some of the character’s threads start to come back towards each other…
The author had me at:
‘The more they studied the girl who’d stolen the head scribe’s heart, the less they’d see the hunter who longed to wade through their blood.’
OUCH!
“Even members of the Guilds need boots, so do be careful not to kill the last cobbler.”
OMG! The ending!!! Give me ‘Tower and Grave’ NOW!!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews