The Third Gambit

Order's Last Play #2

by E. Ardell

Lines about 'prophecy' and 'destiny' are best used in epic fantasies about heroes who like to wear capes. Too bad the living gods rolling the dice in this game forgot to include those characters.

After saving their older brother, Evan, and being forced to leave the lives they knew on Earth, Devon, Lyle, and Lawrence train to become the leaders of Rema—a planet they've never even heard of. And if that isn’t enough, they also have to rebuild a relationship with the brother they haven't seen in over a decade as they struggle to control powers they didn't hone on Earth. All so they can become the prophesied Four of Rema—whose choices will decide the outcome of an intergalactic war.

Separated and sent on quests to find power-magnifying gifts from a goddess, the Lauduethe brothers uncover devastating truths behind the war that lock the existence of everything they love in a deadly game of divine jeopardy. As they watch entire planets and their populations get eradicated, Devon, Lyle, Lawrence, and Evan must choose to either play the roles assigned to them by Order or be erased from existence with everything else.

447 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 2, 2021

About the author

E. Ardell spent her childhood in Houston, Texas, obsessed with anything science fiction, fantastic, paranormal or just plain weird. She loves to write stories that feature young people with extraordinary talents thrown into strange and dangerous situations. She took her obsession to the next level, earning a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Southern Maine where she specialized in young adult genre fiction. She’s a big kid at heart and loves her job as a librarian. When she’s not working, she’s reading, writing, running writers critique groups, producing a web-show, and even writing fan fiction as her guilty pleasure. Her first YA science fiction novel, THE FOURTH PIECE, was released by 48fourteen Publishing in July of 2016. THE FOURTH PIECE went on to win the bronze medal for YA Science Fiction in The Readers' Favorite Book Awards 2017, Most Promising Series in the Red City Review Book Awards 2017, and to be a finalist for the 2017 RONE Awards for YA Science Fiction/Paranormal.

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

E. Ardell creates mesmerizing new worlds lush with unimaginable vegetation and new dialects.

Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Esther Haddie's Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has finally arrived!!

Holy Torpedo, Batman! I do not think anyone could be more excited about this book than I am.

I read the first book, THE FOURTH PIECE, back in 2016; when it released. And I fell in love with the brothers. Especially Lawrie. I think it is mostly namesake, but I am very much in his corner. Lawrie just always seems to come up with the most witty, drastic assumptions.

The overall story is a wild ride and picks up where the first book left off. There was quite a bit happening and I took my time reading so I could notice the little things. Or else I would have devoured the book, and I shared this excitement with my younger brother. With whom I have read the first book, previously.

E. Darrell has captured the essence of other world magic and brings readers along for a fun ride. Definitely recommend this series!

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely takes the story up a notch. Reunited, trying to navigate a new world, powers they haven't used, and on an important quest, we get to follow the brothers on the newest leg of their adventure. It was interesting to watch each brother as he worked through his own quest, challenges and all. It gives much greater insight into their characters, and finally getting to really know Evan was wonderful. Now I'll be eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series to find out what happens next!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's here! This book picks up where "The Fourth Piece" leaves off, and doesn't give our heroes long to learn what it means to be Leaders of Rema before they're sent off on separate quests for their own stones. The story follows POV from each of the four brothers - Evan, Lyle, Lawrie and Devon - as they struggle to deal with quests and decisions so much larger than they ever imagined. We get to learn more about Order and Pan, and the true goals and consequences of wars between gods, as each brother makes difficult choices trying to save those they love most.

I greatly enjoyed getting to know Evan, and watching each character we got to know from Book 1 change for better and for worse - Devon growing up, Lawrie breaking down, Lyle falling apart while learning to care for someone other than his brothers... And none of those changes came without price after price.

Once again I'm stuck waiting for the next book. Love the ending and where your pieces ended up on the board, and why. Also, Ms. Ardell, how could you break my heart like that?? Making me care, and then BAM. >.< Hope to see "The Second Endgame" soon!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew. I really enjoyed the first book, The Fourth Piece, but this book, The Third Gambit blew it out of the water. I love love love when the second book in a series is better than the first. It just gives so much hope and possibilities to the rest of the series, so I definitely will be watching out for the release of the third book.
This story picks up right where the first left off, so I think think it is important to read these books in order. Also, I’m really enjoying how these characters have developed since book one. There is a lot of growth, which is wonderful to see.
I tried to take my time reading this because there is a lot to absorb. Action, adventure, there’s just so much in this book to enjoy. I really loved it and can’t wait for more!
Thank you to R&R Book Tours for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.

[Lamaya ꨄ︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the Order’s Last Play series reunites the brothers on a new adventure, exploring a new world and using unused powers. It provides insight into their characters and introduces Evan, completing the wild ride from the first book.

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the spin that she had with the science fiction of the story had me wanting more I can't wait

[Kaylee Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the series and it’s still a great book! The brothers are on quests for their destiny but of course have their problems. You get sucked into their world and learn all about it!