With Elmerah sailing to Shadowmarsh in search of her mother, and Saida on the run with Malon, Isara is on her own when the rising demon realm threatens Galterra. But answers will not come easily, especially not while she is haunted by her past.
Based on her decisions, the realm may be changed forever. Destruction is only a single shift away.
Can Isara come to terms with her role in the Empire? Will Elmerah fight against the dark goddess whispering in her ear? And will Saida finally move forward from the destruction of Arcale’s blinding light?
Find out in the sixth and final installment of The Moonstone Chronicles!
Sara C. Roethle is a Fantasy author and part-time unicorn. She enjoys writing character driven stories in various fantasy realms with elements of Celtic and Norse myth, humor, and metaphysical ponderings.
Her series include:
Tree of Ages The Thief's Apprentice The Moonstone Chronicles Xoe Meyers Bitter Ashes
The finale of the series. Honestly, it wasn't as good as the others and the ending did not feel as satisfying as I had hoped. First, I didnt like that at the end of the previous story Saida "realizes" her feelings for Malon. It felt like a left turn after 4 books of her despising him (and me too, quite frankly) so fully embracing that romance in this book felt so off. He was so unlikeable for most of the series and suddenly he's...just fine. Almost bland, actually. Saida deserves so much better.
I also felt like there wasn't as much lore/mythology explored as was hinted at, particularly with Ithune, Cindra, and Arcale. The little bit of backstory we do get just falls flat. It's almost like this book was rushed through in order to finish the series and wasn't as thoughtful in execution as the other books. Kind of disappointing.
The demon realm story line wasn't really that interesting. For the first 4 books you have the big bad demon antagonist, Egrin. The other demons dont really feel like as much of a threat as he did. And since the last book took care of the one who might have come close, we are basically left with no real antagonist in this story. Just a problem with warping portals and merging realms that really didnt feel as high stakes as fighting Egrin did.
I absolutely loved this series and these characters otherwise, and would definitely recommend it to fantasy readers, but the finale of this book just wasnt as exciting as some of the others.
An amazing ending to what has been a great adventure and a fight to save the human realm from the demon realm which was trying to rise up instead and take it over. Our group of heroes is all splintered up in this final book, each trying to resolve their own problems. Saida and Malon had the two crowns of the gods Cindra and Arcale which gave them power so when approached by another demon, Cyriel in order to ally with him to bring down Matha Nalore they decided it was high time that Frianca and her sorceror be brought down for the evil crystals they were using to turn people into mindless puppets. Malon had been thus turned and caused great evil to his own people. Elmerah, Rissine Alluin and Zirin were on their way to the Shadowmarsh in order to find their supposedly dead mother. Nialin had faked her own death in order to protect her daughters, but they were too young to be on their own, and now had a lot of resentment against her, However Saida had told them she was alive and so they undertook the journey to look her up as they had many questions which needed answers, mainly that they were half-demons. Isara on the other hand was being haunted by the past demon emperor Egrin Dinoba, who was trying to persuade her to help him rise once again in order to help her quell the rest of the demon horde. She was seriously considering the benefit of fighting against one demon rather than the many who were presently threatening their realm. Celen, Killian and Brosod were helping to locate Egrin's trove desperately wanting to keep this away from demonic hands. So much is going on in this final book, so many loose ends are finally tied up really satisfactorily, it made for a brilliant read with many happy endings. As always it was a battle between the Gods and Demons who tried to use humans as their pawns but neither succeeded.
3.5 Cons: So Malon went from this evil traitor to a hero that Saida fell in love with???? Stockholm syndrome more like it for how often he kidnapped/tricked/drugged her, etc... I knew it was coming after book 5, but I still hated that part of this book. I would've liked to learn more about how Elmerah was half demon and if she ever got her powers back after destroying the circlets. I feel a lot of the "wrap it up in a neat bow" stuff wasn't really written after destroying the circlets and I was left with questions. Pros: Mommy dearest was alive and well all along, we got a nice family reunion moment. Alluin and El's relationship remained strong, and they became more comfortable being together in public. Egrin's spirit was fully destroyed (finally).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Elmerah, Saida, and Isara have all gone their separate ways, each with their own agenda but all trying to prevent the demon realm from taking over. Elmerah, her sister, and Alluin hunt for her mother. Saida and Malon head to the desert to keep their promise. Isara tries to salvage the capital and find Egrins trove. The demons and gods want something else and before the end they all find themselves united again facing a desperate peril.
Truly a great story from start to finish. This was an epic tale for the ages, there was magic, love, mayhem, chaos, war, demons and everything in between. I like that even though there was romance in the story it was not the focus and it gave the main parts of the story their time to shine. I think the story concluded nicely and there was no loose ends that needed to be tied up, which I am very appreciative of that. I think this is a good read for teenagers through adults and highly recommend.
Never a dull moment in these books. I could not wait to start the next one. The series was finished perfectly to finish up each realm and creatures destiny and hope of new life together with friendship with most all. All walls have been torn down to be rebuilt together. Awesome.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. It was definitely one that I could read again and again! I strongly recommend The Moonstone Chronicles as an epic tale with strong m/c's ans original storyline with a wide range of characters. Excellent.
Enjoyed this series. Characters are powerful and what I did like using my own imagination regarding love entanglements without in-depth goings on, each to their own right enough. Will miss and will re-read again in the future.
In the end family. This was an excellent read. From beginning to end. You fell for each character. You rooted for them even when they made dumb choices. I needed an great series and this was certainly one.
I flew through all 6 books in less than a week. I am reluctant to part with the characters but I’m sure I will read this series again. Now, I’m going to look for the “Shadows” series as recommended by Sara.
Once you start reading you just can’t stop. A great story with fabulous characters who you really get to know and love. All have their own part to play in this wonderful story. Thank you Sarah for having such a wonderful imagination.
The Moonstone Chronicles will appeal to any reader who believes good will prevail over evil. Roethlisberger develops the characters and plot slowly so the readers share in the adventure.
I thoroughly enjoyed the entire Moonstone Chronicles series! I was kept interested and spent many nights staying up way too late finishing these books. I look forward to more from this author!