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Ageless Mysteries #5
Flightless Afternoon
With one of their own dead, the ruling elite want answers.
The unthinkable has happened. One of the Ageless has been killed, their body left in a public space, displayed for all to see.
The Archon is furious and threatens to burn the entire city, unless the person responsible is found and turned over to her for justice.
Thea March is called on to investigate again. As little as she wants to turn anyone over to the Archon, she also knows that the Ageless could burn the city to the ground and not care about the death and destruction they cause.
Working with Niath, can Thea find the person responsible for the Ageless' death? And, if she finds them, can she bring herself to turn them over to the Archon?
Flightless Afternoon is the fifth book in the Ageless Mysteries series, and continues Thea's story which started in Deadly Night.
The unthinkable has happened. One of the Ageless has been killed, their body left in a public space, displayed for all to see.
The Archon is furious and threatens to burn the entire city, unless the person responsible is found and turned over to her for justice.
Thea March is called on to investigate again. As little as she wants to turn anyone over to the Archon, she also knows that the Ageless could burn the city to the ground and not care about the death and destruction they cause.
Working with Niath, can Thea find the person responsible for the Ageless' death? And, if she finds them, can she bring herself to turn them over to the Archon?
Flightless Afternoon is the fifth book in the Ageless Mysteries series, and continues Thea's story which started in Deadly Night.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2022
189 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Nelson
32 books431 followersI am a fantasy author living in Scotland, United Kingdom and spending my days juggling the demands of an elderly, spoiled cat, two giant dogs and a host of fictional characters.
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 23, 2022
Weaker than book 3 and 4, as Thea was facing limb and life, plus all the others’ without a saving grace ending. The stakes were sky high, but everything was too pat, too easily resolved. The murderer was the mustache twirling one and none of her personal problems were either resolved nor simply faced. We still do not know her mother’s reasoning.
Thea and her mage seems kids rather than adult in their relationship and that is another nail in the coffin.
Personal nits aside, I liked this book even if it disappointed me.
Thea and her mage seems kids rather than adult in their relationship and that is another nail in the coffin.
Personal nits aside, I liked this book even if it disappointed me.
October 15, 2022
The most disturbing case in the series!
And I absolutely love it! 😍
I also, stay awake and was waiting the next book changed from pre-order to buy it now yesterday midnight! 😳😜😂.
I know, many unanswered questions here, will resolve there ☺️.
Book #6, next!
❤️❤️❤️
And I absolutely love it! 😍
I also, stay awake and was waiting the next book changed from pre-order to buy it now yesterday midnight! 😳😜😂.
I know, many unanswered questions here, will resolve there ☺️.
Book #6, next!
❤️❤️❤️
July 10, 2022
Well dang, our girl Thea and the gang have been under major pressure in the past to solve the crime, catch the killer, and save the day before- but this time around they're racing against a dire time crunch and even more serious consequences if they don't succeed
The case- an Ageless appearing in the middle of a crowd who has died under mysterious circumstances with no witnesses who actually saw what happened
The timeline- TWO DAYS to solve the murder...well murders.
The consequences- if Thea doesn't find and deliver the killer to the Archon by then its not only her head, but the lives of everyone in the city who will feel the Ageless leaders unhinged wrath😱
So yeah, this one was pretty hectic (plus a tad frustrating in that we just got rid of the horrible Watchmen in Thea's last precinct and now have to deal with more obstinate Ageless *shakes fist*) but the shining light is the team work going on between all the characters and the still budding feelings we randomly get for Thea and Niath.
It also looks like but thankfully that mess will be saved for the next book in the series! Plus I'm looking forward to Thea embracing herself and her potential in books to come.
The case- an Ageless appearing in the middle of a crowd who has died under mysterious circumstances with no witnesses who actually saw what happened
The timeline- TWO DAYS to solve the murder...well murders.
The consequences- if Thea doesn't find and deliver the killer to the Archon by then its not only her head, but the lives of everyone in the city who will feel the Ageless leaders unhinged wrath😱
So yeah, this one was pretty hectic (plus a tad frustrating in that we just got rid of the horrible Watchmen in Thea's last precinct and now have to deal with more obstinate Ageless *shakes fist*) but the shining light is the team work going on between all the characters and the still budding feelings we randomly get for Thea and Niath.
It also looks like but thankfully that mess will be saved for the next book in the series! Plus I'm looking forward to Thea embracing herself and her potential in books to come.
December 5, 2023
SPOILERS SPOILERS
For the past four books, despite all the murder victims, I hadn't really been "moved" with any of them. It was DIFFERENT with this book though... because the murder victim was an Ageless that appeared in previous book, whom I liked.
Lucan was only a minor character, but he was young and sounded eager to contribute and to fight the warriors of Alayla, even Thea liked him. So knowing that this vibrant young Ageless warrior met his demise in a horrible way... well, I was SAD 😭
Thea was able to find the killer, of course. And somehow I wasn't surprised that it was Aldric (the Archon's son). He was already a psycopath younger Ageless when he killed Thea's twin brother (who was only 9 years old at that time). I hope that he would meet his death as well in the final book.
No update on the warriors of Alayla or even the missing Master Merchants ... but since it's only one book left, I assume that everything will be nicely tied up as the climax.
For the past four books, despite all the murder victims, I hadn't really been "moved" with any of them. It was DIFFERENT with this book though... because the murder victim was an Ageless that appeared in previous book, whom I liked.
Lucan was only a minor character, but he was young and sounded eager to contribute and to fight the warriors of Alayla, even Thea liked him. So knowing that this vibrant young Ageless warrior met his demise in a horrible way... well, I was SAD 😭
Thea was able to find the killer, of course. And somehow I wasn't surprised that it was Aldric (the Archon's son). He was already a psycopath younger Ageless when he killed Thea's twin brother (who was only 9 years old at that time). I hope that he would meet his death as well in the final book.
No update on the warriors of Alayla or even the missing Master Merchants ... but since it's only one book left, I assume that everything will be nicely tied up as the climax.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2024
This is a cozy fantasy mystery series with a dash of romance. It is plain vanilla but it's very good quality vanilla. I am a big fan of this author's writing. Her narration, plot and world building is really good. I really don't have anything bad to say about this whole series. The only thing is that the romance and intimacy between the lead characters is almost non-existent which might be a bit disappointing to many readers. It has a lot of social commentary which I like in my books.
January 29, 2024
3.5
KU eBook
KU eBook
June 23, 2022
My first piece of advice – don’t start your Ageless Mysteries experience with the fifth book in the series. While Nelson is far too skilful to allow you to flounder for very long, there is an overarching narrative arc that is worth following by reading these in the correct order. So if you have encountered this one without having had the pleasure of reading the previous four books, instead tuck into Deadly Night, the first book in the series.
While I’m aware there are huge numbers of crime fantasy books out there – Nelson’s take is somewhat different. Her setting is a Medieval/Early Modern era with all sorts of non-human magical beings living in the large city, Accanter, alongside the humans. The world is ruled by the Ageless, long-lived, angel-like beings who inhabit the Citadel and can fly. That said, there’s nothing angelic about their behaviour – they are fearsome warriors and supremely arrogant, who think nothing of savagely punishing other races who get in their way. Our plucky heroine, Thea, works for The Watch, which is Accanter’s equivalent to the police, so it’s her task to track down wrong-doers. Which makes this series an essentially a police procedural set within an epic fantasy world.
I love the dynamic, especially as Nelson does it very well. Thea and her mother have a troubled backstory that is gradually revealed throughout the series, which impacts on her ability to do her job, at times. For Thea doesn’t want to attract the attention of the Ageless, something that becomes increasingly difficult as time goes on. And in this book, that attention becomes lethal as the mentally unstable Archon, supreme ruler of the Ageless and the rest of the world, tasks Thea with discovering who has murdered two of her warriors in two days. Her life will be forfeit if she doesn’t and then the city will burn.
So Thea has a savage double murder to solve against the backdrop of a ticking clock. Fortunately, she also has a loyal team of investigators around her who are equally desperate to solve the case. The pages flew by, even as I tried to eke out the story knowing only too well that I’d end up with a miserable book hangover once I came to the end of this gripping story. And I was right. I love the world, the setting and the characters – particularly Thea’s dogged determination to see justice done for those who cannot help themselves. There are some dangling plotpoints, as the story isn’t wholly resolved and I’m now waiting for the next book in the series. Except, I’m also dreading it, as Nelson has announced it’s the final Ageless Mysteries book. Very highly recommended for fans of fantasy mystery murders.
10/10
While I’m aware there are huge numbers of crime fantasy books out there – Nelson’s take is somewhat different. Her setting is a Medieval/Early Modern era with all sorts of non-human magical beings living in the large city, Accanter, alongside the humans. The world is ruled by the Ageless, long-lived, angel-like beings who inhabit the Citadel and can fly. That said, there’s nothing angelic about their behaviour – they are fearsome warriors and supremely arrogant, who think nothing of savagely punishing other races who get in their way. Our plucky heroine, Thea, works for The Watch, which is Accanter’s equivalent to the police, so it’s her task to track down wrong-doers. Which makes this series an essentially a police procedural set within an epic fantasy world.
I love the dynamic, especially as Nelson does it very well. Thea and her mother have a troubled backstory that is gradually revealed throughout the series, which impacts on her ability to do her job, at times. For Thea doesn’t want to attract the attention of the Ageless, something that becomes increasingly difficult as time goes on. And in this book, that attention becomes lethal as the mentally unstable Archon, supreme ruler of the Ageless and the rest of the world, tasks Thea with discovering who has murdered two of her warriors in two days. Her life will be forfeit if she doesn’t and then the city will burn.
So Thea has a savage double murder to solve against the backdrop of a ticking clock. Fortunately, she also has a loyal team of investigators around her who are equally desperate to solve the case. The pages flew by, even as I tried to eke out the story knowing only too well that I’d end up with a miserable book hangover once I came to the end of this gripping story. And I was right. I love the world, the setting and the characters – particularly Thea’s dogged determination to see justice done for those who cannot help themselves. There are some dangling plotpoints, as the story isn’t wholly resolved and I’m now waiting for the next book in the series. Except, I’m also dreading it, as Nelson has announced it’s the final Ageless Mysteries book. Very highly recommended for fans of fantasy mystery murders.
10/10
November 26, 2023
These books don’t have as much action as I usually read but the story and mystery make up for it. The characters are interesting (although a bit slow in figuring out there is a romantic attraction) and the story is good. These are quick, easy reads. Enjoyable
November 15, 2025
Great book but man is this the slowest of burns between the two main characters 🙄🙄. The killer not facing any real justice either is irritating.
June 7, 2023
Come on now...
Ok. I get a slow burn, but we are 5 books in, and Niath and Thea are still just blushing ard each other. Come on. It's ridiculous at this point. I don't know what the author is waiting on, but sheesh. No one is asking for them getting down but their date..although neither called it that...was ruined by death and still they are hinting at things. It's childish at this point.
Now, back to the story. I'm glad that at the end of the book, Thea is no longer being stubborn and again childish and actually taking steps to become one w what she truly is. We also see steps towards a budding relationship with her dad.
The case, as usual, is interesting and keeps you a bit on your toes. We get more new characters added to the mix and a surprise pop-up from the earlier books. Ageless are being killed, and there is a race to catch killer. What I like abt this series is that you feel as if you are going thru the steps a real investigator would to solve the murder. Not all of it is flashy, some of it is boring and tedious. Can't wait to see where this goes next.
Ok. I get a slow burn, but we are 5 books in, and Niath and Thea are still just blushing ard each other. Come on. It's ridiculous at this point. I don't know what the author is waiting on, but sheesh. No one is asking for them getting down but their date..although neither called it that...was ruined by death and still they are hinting at things. It's childish at this point.
Now, back to the story. I'm glad that at the end of the book, Thea is no longer being stubborn and again childish and actually taking steps to become one w what she truly is. We also see steps towards a budding relationship with her dad.
The case, as usual, is interesting and keeps you a bit on your toes. We get more new characters added to the mix and a surprise pop-up from the earlier books. Ageless are being killed, and there is a race to catch killer. What I like abt this series is that you feel as if you are going thru the steps a real investigator would to solve the murder. Not all of it is flashy, some of it is boring and tedious. Can't wait to see where this goes next.
June 26, 2023
Good
Note: this is book five in a six book story arc, and the books that precede it need to be read first since this builds on those.
Thea and Niath are enjoying some time off, when their day is interrupted. The death of an Ageless is virtually unheard of, but finding one murdered sends shockwaves through the community.
Thea is given just two days to find the culprit, even as the investigation into the Hand is also heating up.
Another good mystery, well crafted and entertaining to read, this one ends up with an interesting storyline that promises more intrigue in the future.
Taking place just a few hours after the last book, and occurring over the course of two days, a lot of things happen in a short time.
Both Thea and Niath are kept busy, and in the end important connections are made.
I won’t say more, because I’m trying not to spoiler everything, but it is an entertaining read, the mystery well done (and perhaps not surprising to many despite that), and the characters are interesting. Thea has some important realisations, which will no doubt be vital later.
This is a wonderfully entertaining series, with a fascinating heroine and an enjoyable blend of mystery and magic. It’s a great read for the fantasy fan who enjoys a good mystery, or the mystery fan that likes a bit of fantasy.
Note: this is book five in a six book story arc, and the books that precede it need to be read first since this builds on those.
Thea and Niath are enjoying some time off, when their day is interrupted. The death of an Ageless is virtually unheard of, but finding one murdered sends shockwaves through the community.
Thea is given just two days to find the culprit, even as the investigation into the Hand is also heating up.
Another good mystery, well crafted and entertaining to read, this one ends up with an interesting storyline that promises more intrigue in the future.
Taking place just a few hours after the last book, and occurring over the course of two days, a lot of things happen in a short time.
Both Thea and Niath are kept busy, and in the end important connections are made.
I won’t say more, because I’m trying not to spoiler everything, but it is an entertaining read, the mystery well done (and perhaps not surprising to many despite that), and the characters are interesting. Thea has some important realisations, which will no doubt be vital later.
This is a wonderfully entertaining series, with a fascinating heroine and an enjoyable blend of mystery and magic. It’s a great read for the fantasy fan who enjoys a good mystery, or the mystery fan that likes a bit of fantasy.
July 7, 2025
Dear god, these books are becoming worse over time. The big problem is still the "too stupid to live" trope, of the "lets do everything ourselves" variant. It really infests the storyline, making all other characters basically useless.
The big bad leader of the entire empire has been reduced to a Joffrey (from GOT) role, and not a dangerous sociopathic spellslinger. Why does she just put our MC up to everything, when she has a large army of supposedly competent FLYING WARRIOR WIZARDS! Noooo lets put our half-breed young adult on the biggest murdercase of my life.
And of course the entire policeforce does nothing except show up at the end to take statements.
Where are the SWAT raids, the combined action, or even the surround the building tactics?
I really really want to like this story, because it could be a very good murder mystery urban fantasy story, with great worldbuilding. Its just that if I became the MC for 10 minutes, every problem would be solved instantly, and I can't handle those kinds stupid stories.
The big bad leader of the entire empire has been reduced to a Joffrey (from GOT) role, and not a dangerous sociopathic spellslinger. Why does she just put our MC up to everything, when she has a large army of supposedly competent FLYING WARRIOR WIZARDS! Noooo lets put our half-breed young adult on the biggest murdercase of my life.
And of course the entire policeforce does nothing except show up at the end to take statements.
Where are the SWAT raids, the combined action, or even the surround the building tactics?
I really really want to like this story, because it could be a very good murder mystery urban fantasy story, with great worldbuilding. Its just that if I became the MC for 10 minutes, every problem would be solved instantly, and I can't handle those kinds stupid stories.
July 26, 2024
Groundless Mercy
AgelessMysteries5
No matter how slowly I read them, this series will soon be over. I have enjoyed both the concept and execution of these stories. I hope this isn’t the last of Thea and Niath, but I still have one book to go. ;-)
A festival celebration is disrupted when a body is found in the square. There are feathers all around that mark and he dead as Ageless, and Thea recognizes him, as one she liked. He was placed in the midst of a crowd- two of whom die when no one can tell the Archon whodunnit.
Thea steps in to stop the slaughter and is given two days to reveal the killer and bring them before the Archon. If Thea doesn’t make the deadline, her life is forfeit, and the city will be destroyed.
Tight turnaround, but methodical inquiry - asking questions rather than hurling accusations - reveals that these are not isolated deaths. And, Thea will not be dissuaded from doing her best. After all, she has rejected living in fear anymore.
AgelessMysteries5
No matter how slowly I read them, this series will soon be over. I have enjoyed both the concept and execution of these stories. I hope this isn’t the last of Thea and Niath, but I still have one book to go. ;-)
A festival celebration is disrupted when a body is found in the square. There are feathers all around that mark and he dead as Ageless, and Thea recognizes him, as one she liked. He was placed in the midst of a crowd- two of whom die when no one can tell the Archon whodunnit.
Thea steps in to stop the slaughter and is given two days to reveal the killer and bring them before the Archon. If Thea doesn’t make the deadline, her life is forfeit, and the city will be destroyed.
Tight turnaround, but methodical inquiry - asking questions rather than hurling accusations - reveals that these are not isolated deaths. And, Thea will not be dissuaded from doing her best. After all, she has rejected living in fear anymore.
June 17, 2025
6 hrs and 6 mins
This one was better!!! Tho nakaka disappoint yung naging parusa sa hayop na Ageless 🤬. And Lucan? 😭😭😭 grabe yung ginawa sa kanya huhu.
Medyo mas exciting to although nung padulo nahulaan ko na rin kung sino yung salarin based sa wordings ni Thea pero ayun nga hays kakagigil. Di ko inexpect na ganon pala reason nung Seniormost na Citadel Mage kaya siya tutok sa case. Niwey, tatay na tatay vibes ni Reardon dito ahehe
May nangyayari na sa romance pero wala hanggang holding hands pa rin tayo gsksnsma teh naman 25 years old to 30s baka naman pwedeng ilevel up yan jusko.
Back to the Hand kineme na naman tayo sa last book so not sure if maeexcite ba ko o ewan. Also, Thea’s wings tho di niya pa rin narereveal sa iba. I wonder if makikita ba next book ang full potential niya and if iembrace niya ba. May subtle na hints sa last part na parang gusto niya rin lumipad pero parang more on content na siya sa pagtatago hmmm
This one was better!!! Tho nakaka disappoint yung naging parusa sa hayop na Ageless 🤬. And Lucan? 😭😭😭 grabe yung ginawa sa kanya huhu.
Medyo mas exciting to although nung padulo nahulaan ko na rin kung sino yung salarin based sa wordings ni Thea pero ayun nga hays kakagigil. Di ko inexpect na ganon pala reason nung Seniormost na Citadel Mage kaya siya tutok sa case. Niwey, tatay na tatay vibes ni Reardon dito ahehe
May nangyayari na sa romance pero wala hanggang holding hands pa rin tayo gsksnsma teh naman 25 years old to 30s baka naman pwedeng ilevel up yan jusko.
Back to the Hand kineme na naman tayo sa last book so not sure if maeexcite ba ko o ewan. Also, Thea’s wings tho di niya pa rin narereveal sa iba. I wonder if makikita ba next book ang full potential niya and if iembrace niya ba. May subtle na hints sa last part na parang gusto niya rin lumipad pero parang more on content na siya sa pagtatago hmmm
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2025
This one in the series was really thrilling. It gott you hooked right away. The very smal problem with this series is that the over all story line tough out the series is progressing very slow or not att all. It leads it to feeling stuck or slow, even if this single book's storyline on it's own was really great especially with the racing the clock to finding the murder. High stakes and interesting story, so it makes up for the lack of progress over all. But even the slow burn is in my opinion a little to slow, to the point that it lakes a lott of yerning, with I would have loved some of. I actually love a slow burn and I don’t need it to be what the book is about but just give us something...
To be clear I loved this book, I just have a problem with it being the fifth one. It would have bin great as a third or second book and the other ones before this book's story progression could have fited in the first book or beginning of the second.
To be clear I loved this book, I just have a problem with it being the fifth one. It would have bin great as a third or second book and the other ones before this book's story progression could have fited in the first book or beginning of the second.
June 20, 2022
A fine addition to one of my favorite series
Once again, Thea has to solve a mystery. This time, the stakes are very, very high. The solution is not a big surprise, but the proof of the killer's identity is a little weak. Still, I was satisfied.
The joy of the book is in Thea's development and the progression of her relationship with Niath. She also changes her attitude toward the Ageless warriors and her father. Disappointingly (to me), Thea STILL hasn't learned to fly or use magic. There is hope for the latter, as she has at least recognized that magic can be a weapon like the other weapons she has learned to use. Thea has come a very long way from the first book.
I am sorry that the next book will be the last. I suspect that it will cram in three books worth of events.
Once again, Thea has to solve a mystery. This time, the stakes are very, very high. The solution is not a big surprise, but the proof of the killer's identity is a little weak. Still, I was satisfied.
The joy of the book is in Thea's development and the progression of her relationship with Niath. She also changes her attitude toward the Ageless warriors and her father. Disappointingly (to me), Thea STILL hasn't learned to fly or use magic. There is hope for the latter, as she has at least recognized that magic can be a weapon like the other weapons she has learned to use. Thea has come a very long way from the first book.
I am sorry that the next book will be the last. I suspect that it will cram in three books worth of events.
July 3, 2022
I was delighted to find that after finishing the rest of this series a few days ago that this book was already out, my heart was very happy! These books have become more of an emotional read for me, more focused on the characters and their interactions than the plot (which was wonderful dark and exciting) which is my favourite kind of book. The Ageless appear unstoppable and were truly scary in this instalment and I did wonder however Thea was going to survive but as ever she kept putting one foot in front of the other and of course she got there in the end, This was definitely the most suspenseful book so far and I don't think the next is going to be easy but I will be here for every second if it. Can't wait for the last book, however I will be more than sad to see Thea no more and anticipate rereading, something I DOn't often do, just to send time with this wonderful cast again.
January 17, 2026
Heart‑wrenching, tense, and a page‑turner, Flightless Afternoon is beautifully written and offers a closer look at the customs of the proud beings, the Ageless.
Even on holiday, trouble follows Thea. This time, the stakes are higher! One of the Ageless has been killed. You know how serious the Ageless are when it comes to their own. Edris, the leader of the Ageless, gives Thea two days to catch the killer, or Thea will be executed.
The story remains engaging in book five. My tip: when you reach about 60 per cent, stop! Because in the final 40 per cent, you'll be so engrossed! So, only start the remainder when you have enough uninterrupted time.
A slightly longer review will be available on my site as soon as I finish reading the series. 😉
Even on holiday, trouble follows Thea. This time, the stakes are higher! One of the Ageless has been killed. You know how serious the Ageless are when it comes to their own. Edris, the leader of the Ageless, gives Thea two days to catch the killer, or Thea will be executed.
The story remains engaging in book five. My tip: when you reach about 60 per cent, stop! Because in the final 40 per cent, you'll be so engrossed! So, only start the remainder when you have enough uninterrupted time.
A slightly longer review will be available on my site as soon as I finish reading the series. 😉
December 3, 2022
The tension mounts…
As the series nears its conclusion, Thea faces a challenge from the Archon to find the killer of one of the Ageless warriors in 2 days, or pay with her life. As shocking details of the murder come to light, Thea and the Watch must also contend with the increasing threat of rebellion against the Ageless.
Once again, the central crime is complex, deeply layered and its resolution well paced. Thea continues to grow in confidence and character. I also found the dynamic between the Archon and her son well done - very human despite their fantasy state.
I can’t wait to see how this series concludes.
As the series nears its conclusion, Thea faces a challenge from the Archon to find the killer of one of the Ageless warriors in 2 days, or pay with her life. As shocking details of the murder come to light, Thea and the Watch must also contend with the increasing threat of rebellion against the Ageless.
Once again, the central crime is complex, deeply layered and its resolution well paced. Thea continues to grow in confidence and character. I also found the dynamic between the Archon and her son well done - very human despite their fantasy state.
I can’t wait to see how this series concludes.
December 3, 2022
I don't know why these books aren't insanely popular, I don't normally write reviews, but this series deserves more recognition and readers. I've been on a 2 days reading binge and I plan to re-read these over and over again after devouring the authors entire collection of work. I love the characters and the world building, I love how the author is threading a long-term storyline in with the individual stories of each book. It is fresh and interesting and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one... my headache is saying "no more books today" but I feel like a ravenous book zombie that has an insatiable hunger.
June 24, 2023
I thought she was going to reveal her wings in the confrontation with the killer. She didn’t, even after being throw off the balcony by the soldiers. What will it take for her to show her Ageless nature? Not even the threat of death because she is thought to be Ageless-born. Showing her wings would bring her safety and she dismissed that option altogether.
I thought she and Niath would finally kiss and assume their relationship. They didn’t, rather behaving like teenagers with an awful amount of face blushing amd thinking of the inappropriateness of hugging each other. They are around 30, mind you.
I thought she and Niath would finally kiss and assume their relationship. They didn’t, rather behaving like teenagers with an awful amount of face blushing amd thinking of the inappropriateness of hugging each other. They are around 30, mind you.
September 1, 2023
Beautiful and haunting …
Thea is at a festival with Niath when the body of a dead Ageless appears in the crowd. In order to prevent the Archon from killing innocent people in revenge for the deaths, Thea offers to find the killer! The Archon accepts her offer but gives her only two days, after which she will kill Thea and burn the city! Will two days be enough?
A haunting story with one of the most beautiful descriptions of a funeral I have ever read. I am so eager to read the final book in this series.
Thea is at a festival with Niath when the body of a dead Ageless appears in the crowd. In order to prevent the Archon from killing innocent people in revenge for the deaths, Thea offers to find the killer! The Archon accepts her offer but gives her only two days, after which she will kill Thea and burn the city! Will two days be enough?
A haunting story with one of the most beautiful descriptions of a funeral I have ever read. I am so eager to read the final book in this series.
February 29, 2024
On Pins and Needles! Soooo good!!! 💥💥💥
I truly love this series 💜. Thea is an amazing FMC, so smart, fierce, unique and with a heart of gold. She fights for those who can’t and never gives up! This fifth book was the best one yet. So much tension, I was on pins and needles throughout the whole story. If you are into mystery, magic, action, amazing characters and a great story, then this series is for you. Please note that the books need to be read in order. Highly recommended 😍
I truly love this series 💜. Thea is an amazing FMC, so smart, fierce, unique and with a heart of gold. She fights for those who can’t and never gives up! This fifth book was the best one yet. So much tension, I was on pins and needles throughout the whole story. If you are into mystery, magic, action, amazing characters and a great story, then this series is for you. Please note that the books need to be read in order. Highly recommended 😍
July 14, 2022
4.5 stars. Still in love with this series. Lots of pain at the fact that the final book isn't out yet, but thankfully this didn't end in a crazy cliffhanger. Obsessed with the MC (and all of the characters honestly), the plot was very stressful (though possibly a tad bit more predictable than the others), and the ending left just enough questions to be enticing without annoying. Very enjoyable overall. I can't wait for the last book. I will definitely be grieving this series once it's over.
January 20, 2023
Great series
This is book 5 of the ‘Ageless Mysteries’ to be read in order. ‘Flightless Afternoon’ like the previous 4 is excellent. There is a mystery that is resolved, there are several more unanswered questions, there is the growing friendship between the two main characters that may eventually lead to more, and there is the relationship with her father that seems to deepen in every book. My only complaint is that there is only one more book in this series.
This is book 5 of the ‘Ageless Mysteries’ to be read in order. ‘Flightless Afternoon’ like the previous 4 is excellent. There is a mystery that is resolved, there are several more unanswered questions, there is the growing friendship between the two main characters that may eventually lead to more, and there is the relationship with her father that seems to deepen in every book. My only complaint is that there is only one more book in this series.
July 3, 2023
5/5 stars - Edge of your seat excitement
This book was so gripping! The investigation was high stakes, and Thea was working under a tight timeline. I felt the clock ticking throughout the whole book. Plus, the killer wasn't obvious until the end, so it was very suspenseful. My only pet peeve is that Thea had a good reason to use her wings and didn't. It's annoying that the author revealed a secret that big and then did nothing with it for two books.
This book was so gripping! The investigation was high stakes, and Thea was working under a tight timeline. I felt the clock ticking throughout the whole book. Plus, the killer wasn't obvious until the end, so it was very suspenseful. My only pet peeve is that Thea had a good reason to use her wings and didn't. It's annoying that the author revealed a secret that big and then did nothing with it for two books.
September 13, 2023
What's coming next?
I can't wait to read how Thea will hopefully get justice in book six. I also am praying for Thea and Niath to finally find more in their relationship than friendship. It's been an amazing ride through the series. I have loved it all! If you haven't read the series, read it, I just know you're going to love it as much as me!
Vanessa Nelson, you are an amazing author. You have a fan!
I can't wait to read how Thea will hopefully get justice in book six. I also am praying for Thea and Niath to finally find more in their relationship than friendship. It's been an amazing ride through the series. I have loved it all! If you haven't read the series, read it, I just know you're going to love it as much as me!
Vanessa Nelson, you are an amazing author. You have a fan!
October 23, 2023
Waited all book for her wings to make an appearance. So many opportunities but nothing...and she's still scared of her magic (and everything Ageless). Realising now that it's going to be an unsatisfactory ending where it all comes out at the end with no progression to follow along. 4 books of the same thing and then 1 book to wrap up all the interesting stuff? The stories are great don't get me wrong, I really enjoy them, but pretty disappointed tbh.
November 6, 2023
I found this book a bit darker than the previous ones, a minor character that I liked was killed, which was sad, but I think that also shows that the writing is good if I managed to get attached to a fairly minor character.
The slow burn of the romance between Thea and Niath is a bit too slow for my liking, but that seems to be the norm for her books.
Anyway, these are good stories I am invested in finishing the series.
The slow burn of the romance between Thea and Niath is a bit too slow for my liking, but that seems to be the norm for her books.
Anyway, these are good stories I am invested in finishing the series.
July 21, 2022
Great fantasy mystery
I really enjoyed this series. One of the ruling Ageless is killed, and Thea must find the killer or see the city burnt. Her secret combat training can’t save her from every threat, but her friends, their magic and even her father might be enough to keep her alive.
I really enjoyed this series. One of the ruling Ageless is killed, and Thea must find the killer or see the city burnt. Her secret combat training can’t save her from every threat, but her friends, their magic and even her father might be enough to keep her alive.
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