When the winds of war begin blowing, only the strong can withstand the storm.
Following the fall of a beloved prince, division brews across the north. Elyon Daecar, freed of the Warrior King’s cells, rides to Dragon’s Bane to defend the border of Vandar against an incoming Agarathi horde. He must become a prince, and a champion, to his people. But will it be enough?
Having finally arrived in Aram, Saska finds herself a captive yet again, this time by the sinister Sunlord Elio Krator, the man once betrothed to her mother. When a Tukoran army arrives to siege the great fortress of Eagle’s Perch, Krator marches to defend it, taking Saska with him. If she is to survive, she needs to escape. And she won't be able to do it alone.
With his old master in chains, Jonik and his men sail north, intent on the destruction of the Shadow Order, and most of all, its mysterious king. Along the way, they face triumph and tragedy, as ancient secrets are unearthed.
Aware now of the dreaded rise of Eldur, Lythian Lindar strives to find answers, while returning from the Icewilds, Amron Daecar marches back into his kingdom, with a long-lost Blade of Vandar in his grasp. In the days to come, the world will need its heroes. Old prophesies are coming true, and the shadow of doom is spreading.
Its a good series with well developed characters. Not overly predictable but sensible in nature. You don't get everything you want but you aren't frustrated all the time either. I've certainly been irresponsible by staying up all night reading and that's always a good sign. Just bummed I have to wait for the next book.
I have long preferred bigger books. Short episodic titles for long form, epic tales are just annoying to me, and feel like a device to wring more money out of a little work. The author has delivered a deeply satisfying read. The only problem is for the reader who is following along as each book is published. The wait between books is very painful and makes me envious of that future reader who gets to binge read the entire box set.
Though the story continues, each book ends at convenient pauses, rather than in true cliffhanger fashion.
Atdzimušais senatnes pārstāvis Eldars un tā milzu pūķis Dread, no sajūtas, kāda rodas vien par to iedomājoties, un simtos tūkstošos mērāmā dienvidu kontinenta armijas turpina savu karagājienu pret ziemeļu kontinentā esošo Tukoru, Rasalanu un galvenokārt Vandaras karalistēm. Daudzi Eldara karagājienam seko aiz patriotiska lepnuma un vienkāršas vēlmes atriebt kādu senčiem nodarītu sāpi, bet tikpat liela daļa to dara aiz bailēm pret Eldaru un Dredu, ja tie pat ieminētos par vēlmi palikt mājās.
Horrifyingly bad writing. I had been sticking through these, but these plot conveniences have gotten out of hand. Clearly the author has an idea, then doesn't give anything an additional thought.
3-3.5 stars Probably my least favorite book of the series...seemed like there was less action and also, I just don't care to hear about Cecelia's point of view.
Much like book 3, parts of this book varied between 3, 4, and 5 stars. Giving it an aggregate score of 4.
The last third of this one might be the best chunk of the series. Because, holy hell, stuff went down and other stuff was revealed. The setting and lore remain the high point. Every new reveal and twist leave me enamored and seeking more.
Character-wise, still a mixed bag. We're up to 10 POVs. My favorite of the series, thus far, was barely in this one and, golly gee, did I miss them. Four books in and I am still not impressed with a certain POV character. Though where they end this book does leave me intrigued for what book 5 has in store. I liked the new POVs in this book, though they remain in the middle of my list of POV rankings. We'll see if any of them rise in ranks as I progress further into the series.
This series has thus far been a slow burn. We had 3.5 books of set-up, allowing us to be immersed in this world and these characters. Latter half of this book, though, is when things really start hitting hard for this series and I feel like the foot is firmly placed on the pedal from here out. Dread approaches.
First book of the series where I felt compelled to actually skip chapters depending on who was narrating, I get seeing what’s going on illithor is important but we could’ve cut several of those, and after skipping most of saskas chapters because I was confident nothing would happen and status quo would be intact, unfortunately I was right and missed literally nothing. Finishing this book just made me genuinely wonder if TC Edge hates saska or just enjoys punishing her because she is so poorly written to a comical point. She’s assaulted, kills a someone, runs away, captured, assaulted kills somoene runs gets captured etc. she is nothing more than a mcguffin and has ichigo kurosaki levels off a**-pull powers literally only missing eldur and illith, she’s supposed to be overpowered but constantly gets captured and fails to introduce any tension just tedium and it’s drags the pacing so bad when so many more interesting things are happening, like why did lithian just disappear 3/4 of the way after his meeting with eldur?
Another amazing book in this epic series. I loved that it was so long and that all of the different POV and storylines had ample airtime, you definitely won’t feel shortchanged with underdeveloped plots. As with the previous books in this series there are many echos of Game of Thrones but the complexity and richness of the world that TC Edge has created is wonderfully unique. The characters are well rounded and engaging, no two dimensional heirs and villains to be seen! You care about all of their stories and even when you are lost in one POV and the next chapter rips you away to another part of the world and a different plot thread, your immediately lost in that one too. There are no weak plot lines or chapters you want to skip past. The threads are well weighted and balanced to deliver a rich tapestry of intrigue and adventure that will leave you counting the days/weeks/months til the book 5 is published.
What’s not to love? My favorite series in some time- so glad to hear 2-3 more books will be written!
Such a satisfying series with many iconic themes including, castles, knights, lords, and ladies, ancient prophecies, , dragons, etc, told by a very vivid storyteller who makes sure you feel the thrill of being there! The writer also creates great epic quests for her characters allowing us to travel with so many new people and confront so many twists and turns it is like riding a roller coaster! Letting us know all of the characters thoughts is, for me, an extraordinary experience as a reader! It is hard for an author to do that, over time and so satisfying to read!! Great fun and deep philosophy wrapped up on a gorgeous package.
Book four continues this fantasy saga, which sees a huge cast of characters battle foes, dilemmas and a litany of plots and prophesies. My favourite character is Saska, though Elyon is second on my list. There are heroes and villains and those who do their best.
I'm not too keen on the major battles but understand the reasons; I prefer the smaller fights for justice, where the 'villain' is put in its place.
The characters are well developed, some taking unexpected turns, while others plunge into the darkness as predicted.
Overall, this is very well written, with a great sense of place and I really liked how each chapter follows each character and their part in the overall plot.
This series got everything I like in fantasy...epic battles, dragons, sword fights, great world building, female characters who are strong/capable/intelligent, relatable characters, political intrigue, heroes and villains and much more.
This is book 4 in the Bladeborn Saga and is not like with a lot of books, where they start dragging or you lose focus. The multiple POVs show the story from all angles, good and bad. You see the characters grow, make mistakes, repent and it doesn't get boring. So many secrets have been unveiled, lots of twists and turns happened and I still have lots of questions I need answered.
The war predicted in the first 3 books has started and the heir to Varin is revealed. I just wish the number of detailed secondary characters would decrease. I think you can build a world without inviting everyone to live there. Also where are the navigation tools on these books. At least 5 times I bumped something and was projected hundreds of pages ahead. This is really annoying.
I have always liked TCH’s books. This one by far is now my favorite. It started a little slow and I thought oh I’m not sure I’m gonna make it through this but once we got through the beginning I could not put it down. I did not watch television for about four weeks. The series was exciting, Dramatic, and always full of twists and turns. What a writer.
Each book in this saga just gets better and better the four so far are all winners and I can't wait for book 5 haven't enjoy a fantasy story as much since Game of Thrones. Love most of the main characters and can't wait to read what happens when Amron and Elyon come face to face with Jonik. Would love to see these books made into a TV series either live or a high quality animated version.
The storyline is absolutely fantastic....very well written, edge of your seat - can't put it down chapters one after another, strong characters who are realistic with faults and strengths both, with lots of moving pieces and sub-stories that are now converging into one epic drama. The multiple POV was a bit difficult at first, but quickly made sense when you went back to a character as the story progressed....one of the best I've read!
Excellent book and series! The author takes the necessary time to develop the plot and characters in a well balanced and thorough manner. I tire of books that try to do this and then as the last third of the story approaches they rush and destroy all that they worked toward. The concepts in this series aren't new, but are written so well that it feels new. A great balance of dragons, magic swords, corrupt Gods, heroes, and villains. Well done!
I've read most of this author's work and this series is far and away my favorite. Mr. Edge's writing is better with each book. He has created a credible world and brings it to life with his descriptions. I love the characters and the plots woven throughout. I'm hoping the next installment comes soon!
An excellent which now appears to be the middle book of an excellent series. Very well developed characters with more than ample action. I can't wait for the next book. Just when you think you have things figured out, it then throws a curve. I highly recommend this series.
Ill tell you this right now. There's nothing I hate more than when a villain has been the most vile character all book, NAY book series, then gets some kind of redemption arc. I don't want their redemption, I want their death!!!
I've been so pissed reading this book. I'm not even done yet. I just had to come vent about it
Much better character development. And the action finally started that the previous books alluded to. Many of the characters I now care about and many of the characters I now understand better. The storytelling has improved, and my enjoyment of the books has improved. Definitely plan on finishing the series
I found this book extremely hard to just put down even for a short time. I was afraid that the story may change as I read. LOL!!! T. C. Keeps you right on the edge of your seat trying to anticipate the next change in this exciting read. Be careful, if you start this series you will NOT put it down.
Each chapter, named for a character is a cliffhanger. I am kept on the edge of my seat and can’t wait to circle back around to that character. Unlike other books/series, there are few (very few) grammatical errors which tends to say a lot about this author’s attention to detail.
This book is everything I want from sword and sorcery epic fantasy. Dragons, magic, righteous fury, love both familial and romantic. It passes the Bechdel Test. No gruesome rape scenes. We see the POV of both sides, and the sad truth that they’re all pawns of malevolent gods.
Fantastic Author. I have loved every one of his books. Can't wait for next one! I prolonged reading this one because I knew I would have to wait for the next.
It has been a long time since I have been so utterly captivated by a series. I have hung on every word. I'm absolutely thrilled and impatient for the next. Love this series!
TC Edge creates the best character s. So good, you feel like you know them. This series might be his biggest triumph right up there with game of thrones but way better.
Great read so far all the pieces of an incredible series are coming together nicely great people and monsters good guys and bad guys it's all culminating into a massive war for the ages I highly recommend it so far
I was totally captured by this series of books. Like the detail of people,places,& things. The story line was great especially silly of yoh enjoy the knight\dragon fantasy.