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Mage Errant #6
Tongue Eater
Kanderon Crux has fallen.
The traitors who brought the powerful sphinx down have fled with plagues and other magical weapons stolen from Skyhold's Vault, intending to use them against the Havath Dominion, no matter the cost to the rest of the Ithonian continent. Havath teeters on the edge of collapse after their failed invasion of Skyhold, and the nations and monsters of Ithos circle like vultures. The Dominion has no interest in going down without a fight, however, and there are few depths they're unwilling to sink to for survival.
Kanderon's surviving allies are working desperately to stop both the traitors and the Dominion, but the situation is worse than they know. The traitors didn't steal plagues at all. They stole the Tongue Eater, a weapon capable of devouring entire languages, and unless they're stopped, it threatens the fate of the entire continent. Hugh Stormward and his friends are the only ones who know the truth, and there's no one they can trust with the knowledge. Even with the fate of the continent on his shoulders, however, Hugh doesn't care about any of that.
He's convinced that Kanderon is still alive, even if no one else believes him, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to help her.
(Includes the bonus novella Gram of Clan Castis.)
The traitors who brought the powerful sphinx down have fled with plagues and other magical weapons stolen from Skyhold's Vault, intending to use them against the Havath Dominion, no matter the cost to the rest of the Ithonian continent. Havath teeters on the edge of collapse after their failed invasion of Skyhold, and the nations and monsters of Ithos circle like vultures. The Dominion has no interest in going down without a fight, however, and there are few depths they're unwilling to sink to for survival.
Kanderon's surviving allies are working desperately to stop both the traitors and the Dominion, but the situation is worse than they know. The traitors didn't steal plagues at all. They stole the Tongue Eater, a weapon capable of devouring entire languages, and unless they're stopped, it threatens the fate of the entire continent. Hugh Stormward and his friends are the only ones who know the truth, and there's no one they can trust with the knowledge. Even with the fate of the continent on his shoulders, however, Hugh doesn't care about any of that.
He's convinced that Kanderon is still alive, even if no one else believes him, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to help her.
(Includes the bonus novella Gram of Clan Castis.)
631 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2022
671 people are currently reading
957 people want to read
About the author
John Bierce
11 books1,179 followersJohn Bierce is a fantasy novelist, history and science buff, SFF fan, and general all-around dork. He currently lives in Lisbon, Portugal.
https://johnbierce.com/
https://johnbierce.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
April 24, 2022
The aspect of this book that's the most fun is one that I'm reluctant to talk about in detail, because the moment when the gang's plan is revealed in the book excited me greatly. Suffice to say, this entry is packed to the gills with Bierce's wonderful brand of worldbuilding and magical abilities, possibly the best showcase of both those things he's had yet.
This is definitely a "travel" book, so readers' opinions may vary on that, but I deeply enjoyed it. For me, the best part of a fantasy book is getting to learn more about the universe we're in, seeing different cultures and monsters and magic. That was why I loved book 4 in this series so much, and I had a great time with this one, as well. My favorite area the group explored had to be Limnus, but I won't delve into details about it, because there's a ton of joy in discovery in this book.
But like I said, it's a travel book. This one is entirely setup, both for our group of four and also for the other forces at play, including Alustin. It's the longest entry in the series yet, and it's wholly spent on getting everyone in position for the big confrontation in the upcoming final book of the series. And by that, I mean both literally traveling to a certain location but also honing their magic and coming up with new techniques to aid them in battle. Fans of magic system explanations and training sequences will find a lot to love in this book, because Hugh and the gang have a lot of preparing to do if they want to come out on top in the end.
Another thing I thought this book tackled well was the moral ambiguity of basically every single side of this conflict. No one is fully right, and even those who are trying to do the "right" thing struggle with their motivations for doing it and also the methods with which they plan to pursue it. It's always been clear that Bierce has put a whole lot of thought into his world's magic and history and cultures, but never before has it been more obvious that he's put a lot into this aspect, too. Nobody is let off the hook for what they've done or plan to do, and there are no easy answers in this world.
With all that's revealed and set up in this book, I can't wait to see how it comes to an end in the final volume. I have no doubt it's going to be epic and unexpected.
This is definitely a "travel" book, so readers' opinions may vary on that, but I deeply enjoyed it. For me, the best part of a fantasy book is getting to learn more about the universe we're in, seeing different cultures and monsters and magic. That was why I loved book 4 in this series so much, and I had a great time with this one, as well. My favorite area the group explored had to be Limnus, but I won't delve into details about it, because there's a ton of joy in discovery in this book.
But like I said, it's a travel book. This one is entirely setup, both for our group of four and also for the other forces at play, including Alustin. It's the longest entry in the series yet, and it's wholly spent on getting everyone in position for the big confrontation in the upcoming final book of the series. And by that, I mean both literally traveling to a certain location but also honing their magic and coming up with new techniques to aid them in battle. Fans of magic system explanations and training sequences will find a lot to love in this book, because Hugh and the gang have a lot of preparing to do if they want to come out on top in the end.
Another thing I thought this book tackled well was the moral ambiguity of basically every single side of this conflict. No one is fully right, and even those who are trying to do the "right" thing struggle with their motivations for doing it and also the methods with which they plan to pursue it. It's always been clear that Bierce has put a whole lot of thought into his world's magic and history and cultures, but never before has it been more obvious that he's put a lot into this aspect, too. Nobody is let off the hook for what they've done or plan to do, and there are no easy answers in this world.
With all that's revealed and set up in this book, I can't wait to see how it comes to an end in the final volume. I have no doubt it's going to be epic and unexpected.
May 6, 2022
Not up to usual standard
Have really enjoyed the series so far, different takes on magic, interesting group of protagonists but this one… too much like hard work. The bounds of possibility are stretched so far that the elastic has broken and spoiled the whole thing.
I will read the final book - in the hope that it reverts to the previous level of interest but it might have been a better ending to stop before this.
Have really enjoyed the series so far, different takes on magic, interesting group of protagonists but this one… too much like hard work. The bounds of possibility are stretched so far that the elastic has broken and spoiled the whole thing.
I will read the final book - in the hope that it reverts to the previous level of interest but it might have been a better ending to stop before this.
May 11, 2022
I cannot stress enough that I am glad this book is being so well received. Definitely my least favorite so far.
(SPOILERS BELOW)
Ithos is EXTREMELY interesting on its own, and this book spends a ton of time describing magic, ecosystems, philosophies and politics of lands that I don't care about.
Still love the crew, still love Mage Errant, which is why I'm giving this three stars, but truth be told, I can list the only chapters I liked in this book.
1. Godrick getting schooled on smell magic.
2. The pirate fight (and I didn't even like this that much since they weren't fighting people with interesting magic, and we already had one of these on the Erg. And really only Talia gets service that I like.)
3-5. The characters deciding what to do with their new affinities.
6. The description of the Gorgon Queen's power.
I was begging to get back to Ithos by 54% of the book. I'm almost certainly going to reread Mage Errant at some point, but not this one again.
Mackerel is a good boy.
(SPOILERS BELOW)
Ithos is EXTREMELY interesting on its own, and this book spends a ton of time describing magic, ecosystems, philosophies and politics of lands that I don't care about.
Still love the crew, still love Mage Errant, which is why I'm giving this three stars, but truth be told, I can list the only chapters I liked in this book.
1. Godrick getting schooled on smell magic.
2. The pirate fight (and I didn't even like this that much since they weren't fighting people with interesting magic, and we already had one of these on the Erg. And really only Talia gets service that I like.)
3-5. The characters deciding what to do with their new affinities.
6. The description of the Gorgon Queen's power.
I was begging to get back to Ithos by 54% of the book. I'm almost certainly going to reread Mage Errant at some point, but not this one again.
Mackerel is a good boy.
April 26, 2022
Nothing happens, it's just setup for book 7. Excellent writing, amazing scenes and the magic system is perhaps the best I've ever read about, It's more science like than anything. But plot wise it's really awful to end the book on yet another cliffhanger.
June 14, 2023
Interesting in an slightly unnecessary way because nothing really is happening here.
April 25, 2022
If you enjoyed the previous five books in the series, you'll like this one.
I did have some problems with this book that weren't present in the previous books and they're all because this book was originally intended to end the series but ended up needing to be split into two separate books. This really throws off the ending; it kinda just ends. There is a fight but it doesn't involve the main characters and in the grand scheme of things it doesn't match up to the narrative flow of the previous books. Our main characters get to grow personally and in power and go on some interesting travel but we don't get to see them use that new growth.
Again, I enjoyed Tongue Eater but the ending left me feeling like I just read Peace Talks and now I'm stuck waiting for the next book to find the payoff.
I did have some problems with this book that weren't present in the previous books and they're all because this book was originally intended to end the series but ended up needing to be split into two separate books. This really throws off the ending; it kinda just ends. There is a fight but it doesn't involve the main characters and in the grand scheme of things it doesn't match up to the narrative flow of the previous books. Our main characters get to grow personally and in power and go on some interesting travel but we don't get to see them use that new growth.
Again, I enjoyed Tongue Eater but the ending left me feeling like I just read Peace Talks and now I'm stuck waiting for the next book to find the payoff.
May 6, 2022
the decline in the book series has become apparent in this one. Too much over explanation and much less action in this book. also giving the main characters same powers is good way to take much of the uniqueness out of them.
November 10, 2023
Good but not my favorite. This is more of a setup book that is more of a really long side quest
May 3, 2022
Next book, please.
May 24, 2023
Once again, this series has caused great emotional turbulence in the reader's lives.
Book 5 ended with lots of *destruction*
Book 6 picks up the pieces, and molds them together into a brand new piece of art. We see the four main characters at their lowest, and somehow build themselves up to become stronger than they ever have been.
Alustin once again shows the depths of how well his character is established, and the crazy creative way his mind works.
When Hugh's grand plain is explained and put into action, I was just :O in pure shock and awe.
Cant wait for the next installment
EDIT- Reread the full series to prepare for the release of book 7, and I'm glad I did, there's so much stuff I had forgotten, like why the magic spellbook was named Mackerel, and the other thousand ridiculous things that happen in this story.
Book 5 ended with lots of *destruction*
Book 6 picks up the pieces, and molds them together into a brand new piece of art. We see the four main characters at their lowest, and somehow build themselves up to become stronger than they ever have been.
Alustin once again shows the depths of how well his character is established, and the crazy creative way his mind works.
When Hugh's grand plain is explained and put into action, I was just :O in pure shock and awe.
Cant wait for the next installment
EDIT- Reread the full series to prepare for the release of book 7, and I'm glad I did, there's so much stuff I had forgotten, like why the magic spellbook was named Mackerel, and the other thousand ridiculous things that happen in this story.
June 2, 2022
500 pages and it felt like nothing happened. The kids learn more magic and have a walk about.
Maybe it’s because I think the multiverse is the least interesting thing of the series. I enjoyed the idea as a vague concept about labyrinths being connected to other worlds but the implementation of it in a more solid form kind of took away the mystique of it, I guess. Plus adding another convolution to an already crowded plot using otherworldly manipulations.
Maybe it’s because I think the multiverse is the least interesting thing of the series. I enjoyed the idea as a vague concept about labyrinths being connected to other worlds but the implementation of it in a more solid form kind of took away the mystique of it, I guess. Plus adding another convolution to an already crowded plot using otherworldly manipulations.
April 4, 2025
Shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain shipchain
April 29, 2022
Note: I read a beta copy of this story, so some details may have changed with the final version.
Tongue Eater was a marked departure from the previous Mage Errant books, for reasons that are difficult to discuss without descending into spoiler territory. At the end of the Siege of Skyhold, the primary antagonist of the story has been dealt a heavy blow, yet Hugh and friends find themselves adrift. Their guide and mentor, Alustin, is gone, and Kanderon sealed away and presumed dead.
At the start of this book, forces are now marshaling, both to take advantage of the sudden power vacuum and to rise up and strike back at Alustin before the situation can become any worse. Our titular heroes are left with an insurmountable task—gain power to actually matter in the coming battle, and try to do what they can to fix the problems their mentors have left them inexorably linked to.
And accomplish this they do, spectacularly. Tongue Eater is not a book of enormous, dramatic battles, let's just get that out of the way now. It is a travel story more in the vein of the first half of Lost City of Ithos, but on a scale that frankly I have yet to see other fantasy books accomplish outside of Sanderson himself. Hugh and his friends find themselves in places both strange and deadly, even by the already insane standards of Anastis.
Even without the massive battles of the last book though, Tongue Eater shines in dozens of ways. Bierce's writing skill has only improved with each novel, and it is honed to near perfection here, from the settings that almost defy belief to the (in some cases, quite literal) colorful cast of characters who inhabit them. Plus there are a plethora of new abilities and magic items to sate even the most hardcore of fantasy fans.
Finally, the ending is a powerhouse of a setup for the final book. I get chills just thinking about what's awaiting just around the bend.
TLDR: This book is awesome. Seriously, after 5 books is there really any doubt about that fact? Go read and enjoy it.
Tongue Eater was a marked departure from the previous Mage Errant books, for reasons that are difficult to discuss without descending into spoiler territory. At the end of the Siege of Skyhold, the primary antagonist of the story has been dealt a heavy blow, yet Hugh and friends find themselves adrift. Their guide and mentor, Alustin, is gone, and Kanderon sealed away and presumed dead.
At the start of this book, forces are now marshaling, both to take advantage of the sudden power vacuum and to rise up and strike back at Alustin before the situation can become any worse. Our titular heroes are left with an insurmountable task—gain power to actually matter in the coming battle, and try to do what they can to fix the problems their mentors have left them inexorably linked to.
And accomplish this they do, spectacularly. Tongue Eater is not a book of enormous, dramatic battles, let's just get that out of the way now. It is a travel story more in the vein of the first half of Lost City of Ithos, but on a scale that frankly I have yet to see other fantasy books accomplish outside of Sanderson himself. Hugh and his friends find themselves in places both strange and deadly, even by the already insane standards of Anastis.
Even without the massive battles of the last book though, Tongue Eater shines in dozens of ways. Bierce's writing skill has only improved with each novel, and it is honed to near perfection here, from the settings that almost defy belief to the (in some cases, quite literal) colorful cast of characters who inhabit them. Plus there are a plethora of new abilities and magic items to sate even the most hardcore of fantasy fans.
Finally, the ending is a powerhouse of a setup for the final book. I get chills just thinking about what's awaiting just around the bend.
TLDR: This book is awesome. Seriously, after 5 books is there really any doubt about that fact? Go read and enjoy it.
May 11, 2022
4.5/5
This is an honest review in exchange for a beta/ARC edition
John Bierce gets progressively better with every new book he writes. I may sound like a broken record but Tongue Eater is simply the strongest instalment so far in the series. It’s the first book in the series that joins my personal 4.5-Stars-and-Up Club.
Aftermath: More Plots and Reveals, Oh My!
This book delves deeper into the aftermath of the Siege of Skyhold. Grief fills the air while the landscape around the Skyhold changes thanks to the clash of Great Powers. Havathi forces are planning their next move while the Skyhold traitors are with their own agenda. Meanwhile, rather than reacting, Hugh and his friends take the initiative with their crazy plan this time.
I've always been wondering since the series is nearing the end, how Hugh and his friends would progress to the Great Powers' level. The answer is twofold: first, they simply align with benevolent Great Powers while the second is all about their crazy plan (which I won't talk about too much since it's quite spoilerific).
With no major climax or conclusive resolution, this book reads like a great build-up before the finale. Personally, I don't really mind since I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and it in itself is already rewarding for me. However, readers who expect decisive battles and grand final reveals might be let down a bit.
Speaking about big reveals, in general, I have a big problem with characters who pull off a surprise or a sudden power-up or a secret reveal during the decisive climax. Even more so for reveals without proper build-up or lampshade hanging. However, in this case, Bierce is clear from the start that Hugh and his crew are planning something insane, and by the time it's shown to the reader, rather like a convenient plot, it feels like a genuine, fun reveal.
Expanding World, Expanding Humour
A major aspect that I also enjoy from this book is its expansive worldbuilding. In order to accomplish their secret mission, Hugh and his friends travel to new vistas, introducing brand new locales and cultures. Again, John Bierce is getting crazier with his worldbuilding and I absolutely eat it up. With more bizarre creatures and interesting cultures popping up, the journey is thoroughly enjoyable for me.
And in the humour department, I think it has been improving as well. I particularly like these two quotes:
Also this one
Conclusion
Tongue Eater is a strong penultimate instalment of Mage Errant series. My minor complaint would be that the titular Tongue Eater isn't featured prominently to warrant the title status, while the travel aspect is the main star of the book. But again, revealing where the characters travel to would be too spoilerish for a title I suppose.
This is an honest review in exchange for a beta/ARC edition
John Bierce gets progressively better with every new book he writes. I may sound like a broken record but Tongue Eater is simply the strongest instalment so far in the series. It’s the first book in the series that joins my personal 4.5-Stars-and-Up Club.
Aftermath: More Plots and Reveals, Oh My!
This book delves deeper into the aftermath of the Siege of Skyhold. Grief fills the air while the landscape around the Skyhold changes thanks to the clash of Great Powers. Havathi forces are planning their next move while the Skyhold traitors are with their own agenda. Meanwhile, rather than reacting, Hugh and his friends take the initiative with their crazy plan this time.
I've always been wondering since the series is nearing the end, how Hugh and his friends would progress to the Great Powers' level. The answer is twofold: first, they simply align with benevolent Great Powers while the second is all about their crazy plan (which I won't talk about too much since it's quite spoilerific).
With no major climax or conclusive resolution, this book reads like a great build-up before the finale. Personally, I don't really mind since I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and it in itself is already rewarding for me. However, readers who expect decisive battles and grand final reveals might be let down a bit.
Speaking about big reveals, in general, I have a big problem with characters who pull off a surprise or a sudden power-up or a secret reveal during the decisive climax. Even more so for reveals without proper build-up or lampshade hanging. However, in this case, Bierce is clear from the start that Hugh and his crew are planning something insane, and by the time it's shown to the reader, rather like a convenient plot, it feels like a genuine, fun reveal.
Expanding World, Expanding Humour
A major aspect that I also enjoy from this book is its expansive worldbuilding. In order to accomplish their secret mission, Hugh and his friends travel to new vistas, introducing brand new locales and cultures. Again, John Bierce is getting crazier with his worldbuilding and I absolutely eat it up. With more bizarre creatures and interesting cultures popping up, the journey is thoroughly enjoyable for me.
And in the humour department, I think it has been improving as well. I particularly like these two quotes:
“If the world was about to be destroyed, and public speaking were the only way to save it, I would let it die, ” Hugh said.
Also this one
“This would be heartwarming from any other family, but the fact you’re hugging over murder plans rather detracts from that.”
Conclusion
Tongue Eater is a strong penultimate instalment of Mage Errant series. My minor complaint would be that the titular Tongue Eater isn't featured prominently to warrant the title status, while the travel aspect is the main star of the book. But again, revealing where the characters travel to would be too spoilerish for a title I suppose.
April 27, 2022
This entry in the series felt indulgent on the author’s part. The plot advanced very little, if any, and the journey to other worlds seemed wholly unnecessary. It was fun for a few pages but became a slog. It wasn’t so bad that I feel like giving up on the series but am really hoping for a big payoff next book.
December 31, 2023
Ratings:-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 28, 2022
I definitely enjoyed watching our characters grow and prepare. I looove seeing the other worlds and found that super creative and realistic ideas.
However, not a 5/5 because this book was definitely a filler book. Or better, the preparation book for the last book. Apart from world building and character development, I didn't feel like the actual story progressed. It was still a very enjoyable addition, but now I feel cranky that I can't read the next book immediately.
However, not a 5/5 because this book was definitely a filler book. Or better, the preparation book for the last book. Apart from world building and character development, I didn't feel like the actual story progressed. It was still a very enjoyable addition, but now I feel cranky that I can't read the next book immediately.
May 13, 2022
I enjoyed this one in the same way I enjoy the rest of the series, just sort of a comfortable easy read, but on reaching the end it didn't feel like a complete book. Turns out that's because it sort of isn't; sounds like it was intended to be the first half of a final book to the series, which ended up getting split into two. So this is kind of part one of one book, and it feels it. Still enjoyable to read, but definitely feels incomplete.
May 11, 2022
I despise cliffhangers
Cliffhangers are the cheap tricks of horror movies and charlatans. It disrespects the reader and the characters in the book. I’m tempted to not even bother with this series anymore between the cliffhanger and word buffering I’m disappointed. Such an interesting story line and approach and it’s get blown by greed and a terrible plot device.
Cliffhangers are the cheap tricks of horror movies and charlatans. It disrespects the reader and the characters in the book. I’m tempted to not even bother with this series anymore between the cliffhanger and word buffering I’m disappointed. Such an interesting story line and approach and it’s get blown by greed and a terrible plot device.
June 2, 2022
This is a review I didn't want to write...
First off, let me say, I love the series as a whole...
BUT... Tongue Eater falls far short of the other excellent books in the series. The whole thing read like a Silmarillion-esque attempt at showing off some cool concepts and world building that the author was dying to use but couldn't find a way to put in the plot in an organic way. As a result this book reads like part science textbook for a fantasy world and part contemporary drama for our 4 main characters.
Our four main characters are traumatised by the events of the Siege at Skyhold, each of them fighting the grief in their own way and it takes far too long for them to remember that they're friends who care about each other and to listen to each other as they process what happened. Sabae was the usual "devil's advocate" who refused to believe Hugh about an important (and obvious) plot point that the whole book hinges on and so he spends far too long convincing her to even begin to listen before they can go on their "adventure".
Their adventure...
Hugh's plan...
What follows the beginning of their adventure is 350ish pages of walking, we see some cool creatures, they almost get baked alive in the sun, we cut to pages long descriptions of the world around them, then we cut to random chapters in which Alustin the Traitor is out there doing his thing for vague and mysterious reasons (not really, he's bent on revenge and it's boring) all while he slowly loses his mind because at the end of Seige of Skyhold he was a dummy who did something dumb.
The last 50 pages were okay.
Mackerel was his usual comedic relief and I enjoyed his exchanges with the main characters a great deal, but without Alustin and Artur to subtly lead our gaggle of goofballs in a coherent way they go about Hugh's plan in a convoluted and whacky way all while Sabae seems shifty, Godrick is grieving and Talia is... well she's Talia, she makes quips about blowing stuff up and pretends to be okay instead of dealing with her feelings and Hugh is his usual troubled self, weighed down with self doubt and imposter syndrome.
They need therapy and I needed a stiff drink after finishing that book. I'm hoping and praying for bigger and better things in the next book because i love the series as a whole but this was difficult to get through and even more difficult to find redeeming features to mention in my review (thanks again Mackerel).
First off, let me say, I love the series as a whole...
BUT... Tongue Eater falls far short of the other excellent books in the series. The whole thing read like a Silmarillion-esque attempt at showing off some cool concepts and world building that the author was dying to use but couldn't find a way to put in the plot in an organic way. As a result this book reads like part science textbook for a fantasy world and part contemporary drama for our 4 main characters.
Our four main characters are traumatised by the events of the Siege at Skyhold, each of them fighting the grief in their own way and it takes far too long for them to remember that they're friends who care about each other and to listen to each other as they process what happened. Sabae was the usual "devil's advocate" who refused to believe Hugh about an important (and obvious) plot point that the whole book hinges on and so he spends far too long convincing her to even begin to listen before they can go on their "adventure".
Their adventure...
Hugh's plan...
What follows the beginning of their adventure is 350ish pages of walking, we see some cool creatures, they almost get baked alive in the sun, we cut to pages long descriptions of the world around them, then we cut to random chapters in which Alustin the Traitor is out there doing his thing for vague and mysterious reasons (not really, he's bent on revenge and it's boring) all while he slowly loses his mind because at the end of Seige of Skyhold he was a dummy who did something dumb.
The last 50 pages were okay.
Mackerel was his usual comedic relief and I enjoyed his exchanges with the main characters a great deal, but without Alustin and Artur to subtly lead our gaggle of goofballs in a coherent way they go about Hugh's plan in a convoluted and whacky way all while Sabae seems shifty, Godrick is grieving and Talia is... well she's Talia, she makes quips about blowing stuff up and pretends to be okay instead of dealing with her feelings and Hugh is his usual troubled self, weighed down with self doubt and imposter syndrome.
They need therapy and I needed a stiff drink after finishing that book. I'm hoping and praying for bigger and better things in the next book because i love the series as a whole but this was difficult to get through and even more difficult to find redeeming features to mention in my review (thanks again Mackerel).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2022
What an absolute non-ending. It's like the author dropped the pen mid-novel and said "That's enough pages. Ship it!"
January 28, 2023
I'm going to skip the brief intro of the book since doing so would reveal too many spoilers to those who haven't yet read the first five books of this series. For those of you who have, know that this book starts off immediately following the actions of book 5. While the tension levels are relatively high throughout the book, there isn't nearly as much action as there has been in previous books. The vast majority of it is the various parties readying themselves for the upcoming battles, which will take place in the next book.
That said, we do see some battles between Alustin and Havath forces, as well as a few monster battles for our favorite student protagonists. The best part about this book, though, for me, was when Hugh, Talia, Godrick, and Sabae travel through the multiverse to other planets and even try to learn some foreign magic. Not only do they experience growth in their own magic, but they each experience some very interesting growth (no, I'm not going to say what it is) that I can't wait to see more of in the next book.
As with the other books, Bierce paid close attention to the personal growth of the four protagonists. That continues in this book, with each of them dealing with the way things happened at the end of the last book. I can't really say much about the growth each of them has without giving away spoilers, which is kind of frustrating, but know that if you have enjoyed their character growth in previous books, you'll get more here. If you didn't like it, well, I don't really know what to say. Sorry?
Anyway, because of the traveling through the multiverse, there are a lot of new characters met - some of whom we get brief POVs from - and continued world-building with each of those new worlds. I'm going on record and saying that while there are some worlds I wouldn't mind visiting, I do NOT want to ever visit Apostis. You'll see why when you read the story.
I don't really know what else to include in this review because, as far as I'm concerned, by this point in the series, you already know whether or not you like it and want to continue reading it. If you liked the first 5 books, you'll enjoy this one. If you didn't, then why would you torture yourself any further? As for the different ways in which to read this book, I went back and forth between reading the ebook and listening to the audiobook, which was narrated by Ralph Lister. This is the first audiobook of this series that I have listened to, and I enjoyed it. For one, I learned that there were some things I have been mispronouncing in my head, and for another, Lister has a compelling voice which I enjoyed listening to when I was unable to read the ebook myself.
That said, we do see some battles between Alustin and Havath forces, as well as a few monster battles for our favorite student protagonists. The best part about this book, though, for me, was when Hugh, Talia, Godrick, and Sabae travel through the multiverse to other planets and even try to learn some foreign magic. Not only do they experience growth in their own magic, but they each experience some very interesting growth (no, I'm not going to say what it is) that I can't wait to see more of in the next book.
As with the other books, Bierce paid close attention to the personal growth of the four protagonists. That continues in this book, with each of them dealing with the way things happened at the end of the last book. I can't really say much about the growth each of them has without giving away spoilers, which is kind of frustrating, but know that if you have enjoyed their character growth in previous books, you'll get more here. If you didn't like it, well, I don't really know what to say. Sorry?
Anyway, because of the traveling through the multiverse, there are a lot of new characters met - some of whom we get brief POVs from - and continued world-building with each of those new worlds. I'm going on record and saying that while there are some worlds I wouldn't mind visiting, I do NOT want to ever visit Apostis. You'll see why when you read the story.
I don't really know what else to include in this review because, as far as I'm concerned, by this point in the series, you already know whether or not you like it and want to continue reading it. If you liked the first 5 books, you'll enjoy this one. If you didn't, then why would you torture yourself any further? As for the different ways in which to read this book, I went back and forth between reading the ebook and listening to the audiobook, which was narrated by Ralph Lister. This is the first audiobook of this series that I have listened to, and I enjoyed it. For one, I learned that there were some things I have been mispronouncing in my head, and for another, Lister has a compelling voice which I enjoyed listening to when I was unable to read the ebook myself.
April 27, 2022
Spoiler free review
This was an amazing book. Really.
It was one of thr best breathers I have ever read, which was a pleasant surprise. After all the Big Stakes that we got on the last book, I was frankly expecting some insane action packed story, but instead we got a really well done interlude before we get to see the closing of this atory.
It was fun and emotional, lighthearted and still managed to keep all the Big Stakes going, albeith in a more background position, like a bomb waiting to explode.
The way the story progresses was also a really nice surprise, that came out of nowhere but at the same time really fit the story. Just as Alustin taught us that the secret of battle is to accumulate small advantages until they build up to something greater, we can see tiny bits of lore from the past books masterfully assemble to give us the story of this book, culminating in one of my favorite adventures to read.
Also, special metion to all the little gags on the book, they kept me giggling everytime they showed up. Show Diogenes some more respect, tho, please John.
Some small nitpicks that kinda threw me off the story, before I go:
First, there are some chapters that show us the goings of the Big Stakes that kinda threw me off the story. Kinda complicated, though, becase I can understad while they're there and why they're essential. Maybe they would be better if they were shorter chapters of people reacting to what is happening, like we had one time, or maybe they're just a necessary evil. At the end, albeit noticiable, it didn't really made the book less enjoyable.
Also, I would like to point out that Bierce uses the word "dwarfed" a liiiiitle bit too much. It's not super noticiable, and in fact I think I'm doing a disservice for the readers to point this here, but once you notice, it can get somewhat tiring, specially considering the scale of this book and the last. Just had to get off my chest, sorry John!
Overall, 5/5 book. Really nice and fun, a welcoming breather before everything explodes, spiced with the ocasional and well placed emotional scenes and really funny gags.
This was an amazing book. Really.
It was one of thr best breathers I have ever read, which was a pleasant surprise. After all the Big Stakes that we got on the last book, I was frankly expecting some insane action packed story, but instead we got a really well done interlude before we get to see the closing of this atory.
It was fun and emotional, lighthearted and still managed to keep all the Big Stakes going, albeith in a more background position, like a bomb waiting to explode.
The way the story progresses was also a really nice surprise, that came out of nowhere but at the same time really fit the story. Just as Alustin taught us that the secret of battle is to accumulate small advantages until they build up to something greater, we can see tiny bits of lore from the past books masterfully assemble to give us the story of this book, culminating in one of my favorite adventures to read.
Also, special metion to all the little gags on the book, they kept me giggling everytime they showed up. Show Diogenes some more respect, tho, please John.
Some small nitpicks that kinda threw me off the story, before I go:
First, there are some chapters that show us the goings of the Big Stakes that kinda threw me off the story. Kinda complicated, though, becase I can understad while they're there and why they're essential. Maybe they would be better if they were shorter chapters of people reacting to what is happening, like we had one time, or maybe they're just a necessary evil. At the end, albeit noticiable, it didn't really made the book less enjoyable.
Also, I would like to point out that Bierce uses the word "dwarfed" a liiiiitle bit too much. It's not super noticiable, and in fact I think I'm doing a disservice for the readers to point this here, but once you notice, it can get somewhat tiring, specially considering the scale of this book and the last. Just had to get off my chest, sorry John!
Overall, 5/5 book. Really nice and fun, a welcoming breather before everything explodes, spiced with the ocasional and well placed emotional scenes and really funny gags.
April 29, 2022
This is the strongest book in the series after the first one. The book immediately picks up after the last one which ended in a huge cliffhanger and after the tragedy the main cast suffered at the climax of the last book, we see them properly grieve and come to terms with it. Which was quite refreshing to read. And that's about the only unambiguously good thing here, everything else comes with a caveat. Like the world opened up quite a bit and the main cast went on an exploratory adventure almost immediately at the start, which showed the immense and well fleshed out world. But I also got a distinct impression of ignoring the main quest in favour of side quests in an RPG. Hugh and his friends made some interesting/bold choices following the aftermath of the last book's events but before they could face the consequences they promptly scampered off on this 'adventure'.
That whole section, which makes up the entirety of the book if we ignore Alustin's POV, felt completely out of place because they are still on a time limit and the overall plot completely ground to a halt. So much so that at the end the story pieces are exactly in the same place as they were at the end of the last book. This is especially frustrating because now we have 2 books in a row with a cliffhanger ending. Nothing that Hugh and his friends did change anything, the status quo remained the same, they got incrementally stronger but nothing more happened plot-wise. Their adventure should have been a novella or companion book which would shave off 90% of the book for some tangetial advancement.
Also, the abrupt ending took me by surprise.
That whole section, which makes up the entirety of the book if we ignore Alustin's POV, felt completely out of place because they are still on a time limit and the overall plot completely ground to a halt. So much so that at the end the story pieces are exactly in the same place as they were at the end of the last book. This is especially frustrating because now we have 2 books in a row with a cliffhanger ending. Nothing that Hugh and his friends did change anything, the status quo remained the same, they got incrementally stronger but nothing more happened plot-wise. Their adventure should have been a novella or companion book which would shave off 90% of the book for some tangetial advancement.
Also, the abrupt ending took me by surprise.
August 21, 2023
Oh my Gosh, this series!! It is so good!
I have to admit that, at the beginning of the book, I was a tad scared, because the story is becoming a bit more dark and adult as we progress and... I was scared that all the magical things that made this series so good were disappearing. But fear not! This book is as amazing as all the others before it. And I loved it!
To be honest, I found Alustin's chapters not as interesting as the rest, but I think it is normal , and following Hugh and his friends romping around the world was a pleasure. We get to see so many fantastical places and meet some fascinating beings. It was really nice, and the story is pervaded by the peculiar brand of humor typical of Bierce, which I love the most!
I can't recommend this series enough!
I have to admit that, at the beginning of the book, I was a tad scared, because the story is becoming a bit more dark and adult as we progress and... I was scared that all the magical things that made this series so good were disappearing. But fear not! This book is as amazing as all the others before it. And I loved it!
To be honest, I found Alustin's chapters not as interesting as the rest, but I think it is normal , and following Hugh and his friends romping around the world was a pleasure. We get to see so many fantastical places and meet some fascinating beings. It was really nice, and the story is pervaded by the peculiar brand of humor typical of Bierce, which I love the most!
I can't recommend this series enough!
May 31, 2022
Author John Bierce continues his fantasy series by giving his four Librarian Errant mages wilder adventures than ever before.
The main character Hugh is sad and depressed over the massive battle that left the Library leaderless. But not even his best friends will listen to him about what he thinks should be done.
Meanwhile, Alustrin, their former teacher, is off seeking vengeance for the destruction of his homeland.
After licking their wounds and grieving, the four friends set off on a quest like no other.
The main character Hugh is sad and depressed over the massive battle that left the Library leaderless. But not even his best friends will listen to him about what he thinks should be done.
Meanwhile, Alustrin, their former teacher, is off seeking vengeance for the destruction of his homeland.
After licking their wounds and grieving, the four friends set off on a quest like no other.
May 7, 2022
Two books
Kept getting better until the last 1/4. Then the book just went no where. Lost any thread of a story. Too bad you dropped the ball and didn't give your readers any satisfaction of all the build up. Didn't tie or resolve any of the storyline. Just plunk Let it all go. It is frustrating as a reader to hang in there collecting the clues that were set out to see which ones were just red herrings and which led somewhere. Not very nice. The writing was good if still confusing at times.
Kept getting better until the last 1/4. Then the book just went no where. Lost any thread of a story. Too bad you dropped the ball and didn't give your readers any satisfaction of all the build up. Didn't tie or resolve any of the storyline. Just plunk Let it all go. It is frustrating as a reader to hang in there collecting the clues that were set out to see which ones were just red herrings and which led somewhere. Not very nice. The writing was good if still confusing at times.
March 14, 2023
Sehr gute Weiterentwicklung der Charaktere und ein spannender (und unerwartet verzweigter bzw. erweitereter) Handlungsbogen machden dieses sechste Buch der Reihe zu einem lohnenswerten Zwischenschritt vor dem finalen Buch der Reihe. Man darf zwar gespannt sein, wie der Autor in nur einem letzten Buch alle Handlungsbögen zusammenführen will, ich bin aber nach diesem guten Buch zuversichtlich, das ihm dies gelingen wird.
May 3, 2022
Another excellent addition to the series, with more exploration of the in-book multiverse and its weird and wonderful magical inhabitants.
April 12, 2024
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RATE A BOOK WHERE THE FIRST HALF WAS SOME OF MY FAVORITE IN THE SERIES, AND THEN THE 2ND HALF WAS KINDA JUST OK
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