Forest

Vox Oculis #3

by Frederic Martin

Running from her past, Blue finds herself crashing right back into it in this exciting and emotional finale to the Vox Oculis trilogy.

Vox oculis ability allows Blue and Will to delve into the hidden thoughts behind people’s words and emotions, but what happens when that insight leads them astray?

Blue’s unexpected encounter with Babineau’s bodyguard causes her to disappear in the belief that it is the best path to protect herself, her friends, and the O’Days. But during her months-long exile, flashes of her past pop up everywhere, uncovering a tapestry of truths that draws everyone she was trying to protect into a deadly confrontation that no one could predict . . .

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2022

About the author

Frederic (Fritz) Martin was born in Iowa, grew up in Western New York, and lived and worked in Maine, Idaho, and California, finally settling in Vermont where he now lives and writes. Along the way, he jack-hammered concrete, worked as a mechanic, drove a taxi, delivered papers, rowed dories as a guide on the great western rivers, hitch-hiked everywhere, read a lot, and somehow picked up a college degree in Physics. He married and raised a son and a daughter with his wife Betsy. His very first published work, a short story "Maybe Lake Carmi,” won the Vermont Writer's Prize in 2018. He has since published several short stories and novels.

Reviews

[Sandy Pardee · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally get to the end of this series and everything goes exactly as you expected it to. Not! What I love about this series is that the characters are so three-dimensional. Blue and her contemporaries are constantly developing as is appropriate for teenagers, but we also see into the “bad guys” and they are not all evil simply by nature. We see what creates this kind of person and we are shown different levels of evil. Beyond that, the plot is filled with unanticipated twists and turns and there’s plenty of action. I could definitely see this as a limited series on Netflix. There are even some openings for more books in the series, though nothing like the cliffhangers we faced before. A thoroughly enjoyable read for teens and for adults who are looking for some summer reading fun. Well done!

[Trinity Waddell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy to read from the author. Unfortunately life has been very busy and I apologise I hadn't finished it sooner.

As with the first two books in the series, this was an adventure! Action, romance, tears, astonishment. I went through a whole tumult of emotions. Such a great ending to the series and how everything tied together was so clever and neat. Characters are so likeable (apart from the baddies, of course!!) And overall this series is a must read!!

I was very excited to see an off shoot with Chief Hannah on the way!!

[Kelsey Ruud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ending that finally gives us all the answers to Blue's past. At first I thought it was starting off a little slow but it picked up and brought all the characters out again as well as introduced a few more. This whole series was a quick and fun read that I would recommend.

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin’s scintillating YA latest, the finale to his Vox Oculis trilogy, has richly described worldbuilding, tight plot, and hefty emotion, making for a complex and layered story. Blue’s unexpected encounter with Babineau’s bodyguard shatters her newly gained sense of security. Believing her presence will endanger the O’Days and her friends’ lives, Blue decides to disappear. When memories of her past begin to resurface in flashes, Blue knows she must return to the place where all of it started. But with Babineau’s people on her trail, Blue’s plan is more than dangerous.


The chapters alternate between third-person omniscient narrative and Blue and Will’s journal entries, each in a unique and well-realized voice providing insight into the duo’s motives as well as deep feelings of attraction and admiration for each. The teens’ interpersonal dynamic is authentic, and their adolescent struggles will resonate with many. Will is sensitive, intuitive, and a tad bit insecure; Blue is ferociously independent, passionately determined, and occasionally frustrating.

Martin expertly weaves together both the individual struggles and the tragic family history of Blue as she pieces together heartbreaking past events in the aftermath of the present-day danger. Through the layers of story, even the minor characters come to life (Becky’s self-destructive streak is never far from the surface). Ma Beth, Pa Bill, Rosie, Wu, Sam, Nate, Anna, Mr. and Mrs. Woods shine through and through. Martin weaves elements of sci-fi into the novel’s unique setting with authority.

The narrative’s focus on Blue’s individual struggle occasionally overshadows fascinating SF worldbuilding. But her tragic backstory, the trauma in its aftermath, all of it adds to the depth. As the story moves forward, it becomes clear that there is more to this tale than is immediately apparent: the novel is more than a runaway teen’s struggle to survive in the big, bad world. Instead, it’s about the strength and courage of the human spirit in the face of difficulties, as well as what makes a family a family.

Throughout, Martin covers timeless themes of friendship and the strength of love along with teen angst, mental illness, homelessness, runaway youths and exploitation, drugs and prostitution, integrity, courage, and inner strength, while illustrating the effects of trauma. Many YA novels delve into similar themes, but few do it so beautifully.

A beautifully crafted, riveting tale; memorable and satisfying.

[Vanessa Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, a huge thanks to the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a way to end an incredible series! It was so interesting to see Blue mature so much in this last book. Away from her friends, building new relationships and revisiting her past (until it caught up with her, as expected).
A lovely twist along the way, some nail biting moments and a great finale. I couldn't have asked for more. Thanks for inviting me on this adventure Frederic.
Reviews of book 1 and 2 are on my IG (@vanessareadsya). I highly recommend them.

[Emmeline Everdeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! The final book of the trilogy was a perfect completion to the series. I loved that it answered questions, tied up loose ends and ended on such an emotional high point presented in true Blue fashion. The author gives the reader the ability to tap into the emotions and feelings of the characters, to live the story through their eyes, it’s almost like your really experiencing the story more than reading it. This series is definitely going on my To Be Read Again list. I laughed, I cried, I absolutely loved it!
If you like stories about a journey to find one’s self and one’s place in the world, mixed with intensity, excitement, suspense, a bit of sci-fi, and a pinch of young love, this is the series for you! I highly recommend it!
I received this book from the author and I am so Thankful to have gotten to meet Blue!
P.S. I love the intros that guide you into the story and will always remember Blue “doo-bwah”

[Amanda Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read! I’m so glad the author graciously gave me a copy of this book, but like the other two in this series, I would have gladly purchased it. It’s a great mix of action, adventure, sci-fi, and romance. Blue has had to deal with so much in the time span of this trilogy that it makes one wonder how she didn’t break. It’s because she had family, even if it wasn’t blood, her foster family and other friends always had her back. I really wish this story would continue, or perhaps books made explaining the back stories of some of the other characters. I would love to read about Heather’s life while she’s split from her sister.

[patricia sendelbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and now want to read the first and second of the trilogy. Blue has unique abilities and a traumatic past that she finally seems to have overcome.