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The Tethered Citadel #3
Sorcerer's Edge
After all they've suffered, rebel sorcerer Raythe Vyre and his fortune-seekers are still empty-handed, but they've found real treasure: peace.
Deep inside the Ice wastes, Raythe's people stumbled upon Rath Argentium, the legendary Aldar city, and the long-lost Tangato people. After fighting through betrayal, treachery and powerful magic, they forged a hard-won treaty with the Tangato and their extraordinary queen, Shiazar. Now they've put aside their dreams of wealth and revenge and embraced something better: a life outside the tyrannical Bolgravian Empire.
But the Bolgravian Empire never gives up.
The empire hasn't forgotten Raythe Vyre, and his enemies know where he is. Guided by Toran Zorne, the implacable imperial assassin, they are coming to claim Rath Argentium for themselves. Raythe and Shiazar know all too well that courage and cunning won't be enough this time: they are outnumbered, out-gunned and out of time.
Faced with total annihilation, it's up to Raythe to find an edge . . .
Deep inside the Ice wastes, Raythe's people stumbled upon Rath Argentium, the legendary Aldar city, and the long-lost Tangato people. After fighting through betrayal, treachery and powerful magic, they forged a hard-won treaty with the Tangato and their extraordinary queen, Shiazar. Now they've put aside their dreams of wealth and revenge and embraced something better: a life outside the tyrannical Bolgravian Empire.
But the Bolgravian Empire never gives up.
The empire hasn't forgotten Raythe Vyre, and his enemies know where he is. Guided by Toran Zorne, the implacable imperial assassin, they are coming to claim Rath Argentium for themselves. Raythe and Shiazar know all too well that courage and cunning won't be enough this time: they are outnumbered, out-gunned and out of time.
Faced with total annihilation, it's up to Raythe to find an edge . . .
- GenresFantasy
465 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2022
11 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
David Hair
47 books535 followersDavid Hair is the author of The Bone Tiki, winner of Best First Novel (Young Adult Fiction section) at the 2010 NZ Post Children's Book Awards. The Bone Tiki and its sequel The Taniwha's Tear are fantasy novels set in New Zealand. David is a New Zealander, who has worked primarily in financial services. He has a degree in History and Classical Studies. He has lived from 2007 to 2010 in New Delhi, India, but usually resides in Wellington, New Zealand. Apart from writing, he is interested in folklore, history, and has a passion for football.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 7, 2022
I was really looking forward to reading this, as I had thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the series.
Fortunate enough to be allowed to read this early thanks to NetGalley, I am grateful to the publisher for this opportunity.
The series ends superbly, as this final instalment in the trilogy is just sublime and lives up to any expectation.
All the loose ends are tied up reassuringly, as the book races to an end which both satisfies and pleases. You are reminded by both the fullness and sparkling brilliance of the characters and just how good the story has been throughout this series. One to savour and also appreciate.
Thank you David Hair, I am now you newest fan.
Fortunate enough to be allowed to read this early thanks to NetGalley, I am grateful to the publisher for this opportunity.
The series ends superbly, as this final instalment in the trilogy is just sublime and lives up to any expectation.
All the loose ends are tied up reassuringly, as the book races to an end which both satisfies and pleases. You are reminded by both the fullness and sparkling brilliance of the characters and just how good the story has been throughout this series. One to savour and also appreciate.
Thank you David Hair, I am now you newest fan.
April 27, 2025
Nun habe ich ziemlich in einem Rutsch die Trilogie um die Schwebende Zitadelle beendet. Das hat bei mir schon ein bisschen Seltenheitswert, denn normalerweise lese ich Reihen eher mit größeren Unterbrechungen. Mit um die 400 Seiten haben die Bücher aber auch eine „handliche Größe“.
Im Mittelpunkt steht eine Gruppe politischer Flüchtlinge, die von dem Magier Raythe Vyre angeführt werden. Sie verlassen ihre alte Heimat, um einen seltenen Rohstoff zu finden – und auf diese Weise zu Geld und Unabhängigkeit zu kommen. Dabei ist die Geschichte dreigeteilt: die Flucht, die Ankunft in einer neuen Welt und schließlich das Finale im dritten Teil.
Wie auch in den ersten beiden Teilen gefällt mir das Gesamtpaket: das Tempo der Geschichte, das Worldbuilding und auch die Vielfalt sowie Vielseitigkeit der Charaktere. Dadurch, dass das Buch nicht so dick ist und wir „nur“ drei Teile haben, ist die Geschichte sehr kompakt, ohne oberflächlich zu sein. Es gibt keine ausschweifenden Beschreibungen von Landschaften und gleichzeitig auch keine epischen Schlachten über zig Seiten. Wobei, und das muss ich zugeben, der Fokus im dritten Teil tatsächlich kurze Kämpfe und politische Intrigen sind. Doch auch hier liegt wieder die Stärke in der Kürze, sodass ich nicht irgendwann das Bedürfnis hatte, Schlachten zu überblättern. Dennoch kommen auch die Charaktere nicht zu kurz: Es gibt Konflikte bei Raythe und seiner Truppe, ohne dass es melodramatisch wird. Ja, sogar die Liebe spielt eine Rolle, aber als kleiner Baustein des gesamten Plots. So mag ich es. (Weiter im Kommentar)
Ich mag, wie David Hair die Kontraste in der Welt darstellt: Wir haben das kalte Eis und mitten im Eis die kleine, ehemals versteckte Welt der Einheimischen – die nun nicht nur mit Neuankömmlingen und deren Kultur konfrontiert werden, sondern mit einem ganzen Reich in der weiten Ferne, das die Bodenschätze plündern will. Und das um jeden Preis und Nachhaltigkeit steht nicht ganz oben auf der Liste.
Gleichzeitig zeigt sich auch, dass eine Kultur per se nicht gut oder schlecht ist, hier geht es vor allem um die Extreme des Matriarchats und des Patriarchats. Allerdings wirklich auf abstrakter Ebene und nicht als Vortrag für den Leser, der belehrt werden muss. Es ist eine Fantasygeschichte mit aktuell politischen Themen, die man wahrnehmen kann, aber nicht muss. Es ist kein Lehrbuch.
Den ersten Teil gibt es noch auf Deutsch, die anderen beiden Teile aktuell ausschließlich auf Englisch, was sehr schade ist und was ich ja bereits das eine oder andere Mal kritisch angemerkt hatte.
Mir hat die Reihe wirklich gut gefallen, eine Mischung aus Fantasy- und Abenteuerroman mit einem interessanten Magiesystem. Wer Lust hat, probiert es wirklich aus. Es lohnt sich.
Im Mittelpunkt steht eine Gruppe politischer Flüchtlinge, die von dem Magier Raythe Vyre angeführt werden. Sie verlassen ihre alte Heimat, um einen seltenen Rohstoff zu finden – und auf diese Weise zu Geld und Unabhängigkeit zu kommen. Dabei ist die Geschichte dreigeteilt: die Flucht, die Ankunft in einer neuen Welt und schließlich das Finale im dritten Teil.
Wie auch in den ersten beiden Teilen gefällt mir das Gesamtpaket: das Tempo der Geschichte, das Worldbuilding und auch die Vielfalt sowie Vielseitigkeit der Charaktere. Dadurch, dass das Buch nicht so dick ist und wir „nur“ drei Teile haben, ist die Geschichte sehr kompakt, ohne oberflächlich zu sein. Es gibt keine ausschweifenden Beschreibungen von Landschaften und gleichzeitig auch keine epischen Schlachten über zig Seiten. Wobei, und das muss ich zugeben, der Fokus im dritten Teil tatsächlich kurze Kämpfe und politische Intrigen sind. Doch auch hier liegt wieder die Stärke in der Kürze, sodass ich nicht irgendwann das Bedürfnis hatte, Schlachten zu überblättern. Dennoch kommen auch die Charaktere nicht zu kurz: Es gibt Konflikte bei Raythe und seiner Truppe, ohne dass es melodramatisch wird. Ja, sogar die Liebe spielt eine Rolle, aber als kleiner Baustein des gesamten Plots. So mag ich es. (Weiter im Kommentar)
Ich mag, wie David Hair die Kontraste in der Welt darstellt: Wir haben das kalte Eis und mitten im Eis die kleine, ehemals versteckte Welt der Einheimischen – die nun nicht nur mit Neuankömmlingen und deren Kultur konfrontiert werden, sondern mit einem ganzen Reich in der weiten Ferne, das die Bodenschätze plündern will. Und das um jeden Preis und Nachhaltigkeit steht nicht ganz oben auf der Liste.
Gleichzeitig zeigt sich auch, dass eine Kultur per se nicht gut oder schlecht ist, hier geht es vor allem um die Extreme des Matriarchats und des Patriarchats. Allerdings wirklich auf abstrakter Ebene und nicht als Vortrag für den Leser, der belehrt werden muss. Es ist eine Fantasygeschichte mit aktuell politischen Themen, die man wahrnehmen kann, aber nicht muss. Es ist kein Lehrbuch.
Den ersten Teil gibt es noch auf Deutsch, die anderen beiden Teile aktuell ausschließlich auf Englisch, was sehr schade ist und was ich ja bereits das eine oder andere Mal kritisch angemerkt hatte.
Mir hat die Reihe wirklich gut gefallen, eine Mischung aus Fantasy- und Abenteuerroman mit einem interessanten Magiesystem. Wer Lust hat, probiert es wirklich aus. Es lohnt sich.
October 13, 2022
My thanks to Quercus Books Jo Fletcher Books for an invitation via NetGalley to read and review an eARC of ‘Sorcerer’s Edge’ by David Hair. I am also taking part in their publication day blog blast. This is Book 3 in The Tethered Citadel Trilogy.
As few readers have eidetic memories or the time to reread earlier books, I was pleased that Hair again opened with a detailed section titled ‘What Went Before’, that provided an overview of Shamaya, including history, peoples, magical systems, and finally a summary of events in both ‘Map’s Edge’ and ‘World’sEdge’.
As this is a trilogy with a story that develops over its three volumes, I don’t wish to give away details of the earlier books, so just a general overview:
The quest for freedom from the control of the Bolgravian Empire by rebel sorcerer Raythe Vyre and his people continues. …
Deep inside the Ice wastes they have found shelter under the shadow of the floating citadel of Rath Argentium, the legendary city of the Aldar. They have also encountered the long-lost Tangato people, who wield powerful magic and are led by their extraordinary queen, Shiazar.
Yet the Empire hasn't forgotten Raythe Vyre. His enemies not only know where he is but wish to claim Rath Argentium for themselves. Faced with total annihilation, it's up to Raythe to find a solution - an edge . . .
Thanks to David Hair’s excellent world-building I found it very easy to slip back into the world of Shamaya and its inhabitants. There were plenty of battles, some between opposing groups and other more intimate encounters, including magical duels. As in the earlier books there were a number of scenes that contained horror and strong violence.
I was a little concerned as I reached the closing chapters, that there wasn’t enough time for a proper resolution though to give David Hair his due he skilfully tied up loose ends and provided a very satisfying closing.
Overall, an excellent conclusion to this epic science fiction fantasy that was filled with action and adventure yet was also rich in characterisation and contained a spectacular created world. I do hope that there might be further books forthcoming set in Shamaya.
I am happy to recommend ‘Sorcerer’s Edge’ and the Tethered Citadel Trilogy.
As few readers have eidetic memories or the time to reread earlier books, I was pleased that Hair again opened with a detailed section titled ‘What Went Before’, that provided an overview of Shamaya, including history, peoples, magical systems, and finally a summary of events in both ‘Map’s Edge’ and ‘World’sEdge’.
As this is a trilogy with a story that develops over its three volumes, I don’t wish to give away details of the earlier books, so just a general overview:
The quest for freedom from the control of the Bolgravian Empire by rebel sorcerer Raythe Vyre and his people continues. …
Deep inside the Ice wastes they have found shelter under the shadow of the floating citadel of Rath Argentium, the legendary city of the Aldar. They have also encountered the long-lost Tangato people, who wield powerful magic and are led by their extraordinary queen, Shiazar.
Yet the Empire hasn't forgotten Raythe Vyre. His enemies not only know where he is but wish to claim Rath Argentium for themselves. Faced with total annihilation, it's up to Raythe to find a solution - an edge . . .
Thanks to David Hair’s excellent world-building I found it very easy to slip back into the world of Shamaya and its inhabitants. There were plenty of battles, some between opposing groups and other more intimate encounters, including magical duels. As in the earlier books there were a number of scenes that contained horror and strong violence.
I was a little concerned as I reached the closing chapters, that there wasn’t enough time for a proper resolution though to give David Hair his due he skilfully tied up loose ends and provided a very satisfying closing.
Overall, an excellent conclusion to this epic science fiction fantasy that was filled with action and adventure yet was also rich in characterisation and contained a spectacular created world. I do hope that there might be further books forthcoming set in Shamaya.
I am happy to recommend ‘Sorcerer’s Edge’ and the Tethered Citadel Trilogy.
November 18, 2022
In many ways, this epic fantasy has a slightly old-school feel. That isn’t bad by any means – I’ve loved the strong story-telling, the constant plots twists and intelligent character progression throughout. And I particularly enjoyed The Story So Far… summation at the start, which nicely reminded me of a number of details that I’d have forgotten. A pity that other authors don’t do it – though I suppose they are worried about readers coming across this one without having read the previous books and thinking that a condensed account would suffice. If you do encounter this one without having read the previous books, despite the handy catch-up notes, my firm advice would be to put this offering down and track down Map’s Edge instead. This classy, well-written adventure is far too good to compromise by not reading it in its entirety.
Over the previous two books, there are a handful of outstandingly unpleasant antagonists that I’ve loved to hate. So it was enjoyable to be confronted with them again – and this time around in far more detail, so that I got to know exactly what their motivations were. Once more, Hair has taken some of my assumptions, played with them and bounced them on their head, which put a certain powerful woman in a completely different light. I love it when that happens. The story starts with a bang and goes on delivering yet more surprises and shocks so that instead of going to bed at a reasonably sensible time, I stayed up faaar too late into the night to discover what happened next.
The setting is vividly realised, the characters nicely complex and changing in reaction to the privations and danger they’ve been undergoing, and the plotting masterfully handled. All in all, this is a cracking ending to an excellent epic fantasy adventure that I’ve loved from start to finish. Very highly recommended. While I obtained an arc of Sorcerer’s Edge from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
Over the previous two books, there are a handful of outstandingly unpleasant antagonists that I’ve loved to hate. So it was enjoyable to be confronted with them again – and this time around in far more detail, so that I got to know exactly what their motivations were. Once more, Hair has taken some of my assumptions, played with them and bounced them on their head, which put a certain powerful woman in a completely different light. I love it when that happens. The story starts with a bang and goes on delivering yet more surprises and shocks so that instead of going to bed at a reasonably sensible time, I stayed up faaar too late into the night to discover what happened next.
The setting is vividly realised, the characters nicely complex and changing in reaction to the privations and danger they’ve been undergoing, and the plotting masterfully handled. All in all, this is a cracking ending to an excellent epic fantasy adventure that I’ve loved from start to finish. Very highly recommended. While I obtained an arc of Sorcerer’s Edge from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
September 18, 2022
Sorceror’s Edge is the epic finale to The Tethered Citadel trilogy and is a brilliant read from start to finish. Helpfully, the author has provided a synopsis of what has gone before to help those who might not have read the previous books (or forgotten).
The book opens with a scene that reintroduces the character of Toran Zorne who disappeared in the previous book. Here we find him safely back in Otravia where he is involved in the plans to follow and hunt down Raythe Vyre and bring back the magical element of Istariol to the empire. This sets up the main theme of this book which is the confrontation between the Imperial Forces and both sets of people living in the land that used to belong to the Aldar.
David Hair’s world building is as detailed as ever and the characters are vividly drawn. I really enjoyed the increased emphasis on the imperial forces in this book especially Raythe’s ex-wife Mirella who definitely has her own agenda. I also really liked the sorceress Teirhinan Deathless who had powers that no-one else could match.
The pace never slows as at first Raythe’s people are working on living with the Tangato and then the two people have to unite to fight the invaders. There are battles and magic galore and the ending resolves everything beautifully with one or two surprises along the way.
This was a fitting finale to another great fantasy series by David Hair.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Quercus Books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The book opens with a scene that reintroduces the character of Toran Zorne who disappeared in the previous book. Here we find him safely back in Otravia where he is involved in the plans to follow and hunt down Raythe Vyre and bring back the magical element of Istariol to the empire. This sets up the main theme of this book which is the confrontation between the Imperial Forces and both sets of people living in the land that used to belong to the Aldar.
David Hair’s world building is as detailed as ever and the characters are vividly drawn. I really enjoyed the increased emphasis on the imperial forces in this book especially Raythe’s ex-wife Mirella who definitely has her own agenda. I also really liked the sorceress Teirhinan Deathless who had powers that no-one else could match.
The pace never slows as at first Raythe’s people are working on living with the Tangato and then the two people have to unite to fight the invaders. There are battles and magic galore and the ending resolves everything beautifully with one or two surprises along the way.
This was a fitting finale to another great fantasy series by David Hair.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Quercus Books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 20, 2022
The Tethered Citadel series has been one of the more original fantasy series I've encountered in recent times. Sorcerer's Edge provides a satisfying conclusion to the series as we see the various plot lines come together in an epic climax. We get to see some interesting character development and we are introduced to some very scary villains. Thankfully the author kept the cast of characters small enough to avoid the requirement for an index of characters and their relationships to be added as an appendix (After a couple of bad experiences, I am now wary of books that do this). If there is any criticism, it is that some minor characters seemed to be killed off arbitrarily, but on the whole it is nice to read a story where the characters avoid taking several levels of stupidity in order to keep the plot moving. Recommended for lovers of Gunpowder fantasy and those that appreciate well thought out worlds without the infodumping that Fantasy and Science Fiction Authors can be prone to.
October 10, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and realize the complexity of the plot and of the world building when I read the synopsis at the beginning of the book.
This is the epic conclusion to an excellent fantasy series. I loved this last instalment, loved the actions, the new and old characters, and was satisfied by the end.
David Hair is an excellent storyteller and deliver a complex, gripping, and highly entertaining story.
There's more world building and developments of the character arcs and also some new characters.
It's always sad to say goodbye and I would be glad to read new stories set in this universe or a prequel.
This a series that requires to read the books in order if you want to enjoyed at maximum level.
Well plotted, great world building, intriguing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Jo Fletcher Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This is the epic conclusion to an excellent fantasy series. I loved this last instalment, loved the actions, the new and old characters, and was satisfied by the end.
David Hair is an excellent storyteller and deliver a complex, gripping, and highly entertaining story.
There's more world building and developments of the character arcs and also some new characters.
It's always sad to say goodbye and I would be glad to read new stories set in this universe or a prequel.
This a series that requires to read the books in order if you want to enjoyed at maximum level.
Well plotted, great world building, intriguing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Jo Fletcher Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 18, 2024
I have thoroughly enjoyed The Tethered Citadel trilogy and Sorcerer's Edge was a thrilling edge of your seat finale.
What a ride this has been. The world building is excellent from the militaristic Bolgravian Empire to the icy wastes of the north and the lost tribes of the Tangato. There are heroes and villains to love and hate: praxis sorcerers Raythe Vyre and his daughter Zarelda, the Deist priestess Varahana, Vidar the bearskin, duty-obsessed Toran Zorne of the Bolgravian Secret Service, the Tangato queen Shiazar, Raythe's ex-wife Mirella Mandaryke and many others. The magic is well thought through, benign praxis, wild mizra and the blend that is maho used by the Tangato sorcerers, all enhanced by the naturally occurring mineral istariol. And I love it when a fantasy author invents their own swear words. Gerda's teats, I'm kragging well going to have to start using some of those!
In this final instalment, Toran Zorne has finally caught up with Raythe's ragtag band of followers. With only a handful of fighting men left, they and the peaceful Tangato have to fight for their lives, their land and their way of life against thousands of Bolgravian soldiers. But even more than that is at stake - whoever controls the floating citadel and its weapons will have untold power.
Sorcerer's Edge is a gripping end to what has been a fabulous series with plenty of twists and turns, exciting action and electrifying magic.
September 27, 2022
Wrapping up "The Tethered Citadel" series, "Sorcerer's Edge" is a worthy ending (that surpassed my expectations) to what has been a brilliant trilogy. I'm feeling pretty sad that it's all over now, but what a ride this has been! I'm hoping for some short stories set in this world, or maybe a prequel trilogy, because I really don't want to let it go...
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
November 26, 2022
Wow! Just...Wow!
You know you've read a great trilogy when you lose sleep three nights in a row because you can't bare stop.
You also know you've read a great trilogy when you find yourself clapping at the very end.
Well done, Mr. Hair. Just as with the Moontide Quartet, you've scored another solid win in my book. This trilogy is going in my "To Be Re-read" list!
You know you've read a great trilogy when you lose sleep three nights in a row because you can't bare stop.
You also know you've read a great trilogy when you find yourself clapping at the very end.
Well done, Mr. Hair. Just as with the Moontide Quartet, you've scored another solid win in my book. This trilogy is going in my "To Be Re-read" list!
March 22, 2023
Another fantastic series from David Hair wrapped up in spectacular fashion.
Raythe and Shiazar have forged a tentative alliance, but when the Bolgravians come calling they will be stretched to their limits to save all that they love.
I especially liked finding the little pieces of Maori scattered through the books.
Raythe and Shiazar have forged a tentative alliance, but when the Bolgravians come calling they will be stretched to their limits to save all that they love.
I especially liked finding the little pieces of Maori scattered through the books.
October 26, 2022
A fast read, could not put it down! So much happening at every turn, the pace still there from the first books. At times it did feel rushed, and I would have loved some of the plots to be given more space. Overall a good and entertaining read.
November 25, 2022
A good old fashioned fantasy trilogy - excellent world building, characters to get your teeth into, loads of action and twists galore.
An excellent ending to this fantasy trilogy.
(how about a prequel trilogy)
I'm off to find more David Hair!
An excellent ending to this fantasy trilogy.
(how about a prequel trilogy)
I'm off to find more David Hair!
June 9, 2023
Great ending to the series. Everything comes together and all the players face off and those that survive are finally given the peace they deserve.
I like that the ending is sort of open ended in that things can still happen in the future.
I'm quite excited for whatever David has planned next.
I like that the ending is sort of open ended in that things can still happen in the future.
I'm quite excited for whatever David has planned next.
December 16, 2024
Like Dalaran from WoW but this time IT SHOOTS LASERS... and somehow remains bland go figure
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews