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Chronicles of the Necromancer #4
Dark Lady's Chosen
Treachery & blood magic threaten King Matris Drayke's hold on the throne he risked to everything to win. As the battle against a traitor lord comes to its final days, war, plague & betrayal bring Margolan to the brink of destruction. Civil war looms in Isencroft. In Dark Haven, Lord Jonmarc Vahanian has bargained his soul for vengeance.
595 pages, Paperback
First published December 14, 2009
44 people are currently reading
2109 people want to read
About the author
Gail Z. Martin
178 books1,785 followersGail Z. Martin discovered her passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school. The first story she wroteat age fivewas about a vampire. Her favorite TV show as a preschooler was Dark Shadows. At age 14, she decided to become a writer.
She enjoys attending science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites. She is married and has three children, a Maltese and a golden retriever.
Gail Z. Martin is also Morgan Brice, which is her pen name for urban fantasy MM paranormal romance.
In addition to the online sites listed below, you can find me on
Facebook.com/Groups/MartinShadowAlliance
Facebook.com/Groups/WorldsOfMorganBrice
Twitter: @GailZMartin and @MorganBriceAuthor
YouTube: YouTube.com/c/GailZMartinAuthor
IG: @MorganBriceAuthorGail & Larry newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dd5XLj
Morgan Brice newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dy_8oL
BookBub for Morgan: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/morga...
Bookbub for Gail: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gail-...
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Morgan-Brice/e...?
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Gail-Z-Martin/...
Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail) www.Pinterest.com/Gzmartin
She enjoys attending science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites. She is married and has three children, a Maltese and a golden retriever.
Gail Z. Martin is also Morgan Brice, which is her pen name for urban fantasy MM paranormal romance.
In addition to the online sites listed below, you can find me on
Facebook.com/Groups/MartinShadowAlliance
Facebook.com/Groups/WorldsOfMorganBrice
Twitter: @GailZMartin and @MorganBriceAuthor
YouTube: YouTube.com/c/GailZMartinAuthor
IG: @MorganBriceAuthorGail & Larry newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dd5XLj
Morgan Brice newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dy_8oL
BookBub for Morgan: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/morga...
Bookbub for Gail: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gail-...
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Morgan-Brice/e...?
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Gail-Z-Martin/...
Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail) www.Pinterest.com/Gzmartin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 5, 2013
The stunning conclusion to an epic series, which has captured the very essence of what is cherished within the fantasy genre & given a contemporary twist!
I cannot enthuse enough about Gail Z Martin’s spectacular epic fantasy series ‘the chronicles of the necromancer’, which has brought such a fresh and original look at imaginative creativity ad vision – gifted to us readers. In this last installment wherein the mystery and secrets are unraveled and the pieces of the plot come together, one gets a sense of emptiness within knowing that this lengthy saga is sadly coming to its end. As soon as I picked up book 1: The Summoner I knew that not since other ‘greats’ like Kate Elliot or Brian Ruckley had I encountered something quite special, for this series has taken me on such an emotional rollercoaster of a ride; with tears, gripping excitement and an innate enthusiasm and passion for the fantasy world & creation. Gail’s work has re-ignited that flame within for all things fantasy, magical and creative which is taken to new heights within this series whereby you encounter all kinds of mystifying creatures and unusual magical beings, and fantastical notions.
Just when you think you have grasped the concept of where this compelling story may lead, you are delightfully surprised by another shocking twist in the tale as the author continues to astonish…Complete with believable characters whom you have grown to love and understand as if they were ‘real’, within a beautiful, cleverly crafted world that is full of exquisite intricate detail and depth this is an outstanding creation and masterpiece. So atmospheric and vivid, you are able to smell the sweat and putrid stench of death and see with your own eyes the fire that burns brightly within the enemy’s eyes, hear the roar of anger and shouts of joy and hold the potent magic within the palm of your hand.
Treachery, lies and deceit ensue as blood magic threatens to unseat King Martris Drayke’s time upon the throne (which he risked everything to win). As the great battle against a traitor Lord comes to its conclusion, war, betrayal and plague bring Margolan to the brink of destruction. Civil war looms in Isencroft. Finally, in Dark Haven, Lord Jonmarc Vahanian has bargained his soul for vengeance as he leads the Vayash Moru against a dangerous rogue who would usher in a future drenched in blood…
As you are swept into a world of raging conflict and bloodthirsty battles with Vampires, man and magical sorcerers’ one is ultimately taken on a journey of discovery and thought-provoking, emotive intensity until the bitter end. In a tale of good versus evil one must contemplate on all that has come to pass, so as to empathize and understand those actions and choices that the characters make – in the name of good or for personal gain? This touching narrative hit me with such deep, profoundly affecting poignancy that I was brought to tears as this spectacular story came to its end. As an avid reader of this genre I highly recommend this remarkable series, which encompasses all that is great about the fantasy genre including in-depth characterization, cleverly crafted world-building and an absorbing page-turner that sparks ones imagination with its astonishing imaginative concepts. All I can utter is one word to describe and sum-up my feelings on this book and perfectly breathtaking ending to a wonderful series…WOW!
I cannot enthuse enough about Gail Z Martin’s spectacular epic fantasy series ‘the chronicles of the necromancer’, which has brought such a fresh and original look at imaginative creativity ad vision – gifted to us readers. In this last installment wherein the mystery and secrets are unraveled and the pieces of the plot come together, one gets a sense of emptiness within knowing that this lengthy saga is sadly coming to its end. As soon as I picked up book 1: The Summoner I knew that not since other ‘greats’ like Kate Elliot or Brian Ruckley had I encountered something quite special, for this series has taken me on such an emotional rollercoaster of a ride; with tears, gripping excitement and an innate enthusiasm and passion for the fantasy world & creation. Gail’s work has re-ignited that flame within for all things fantasy, magical and creative which is taken to new heights within this series whereby you encounter all kinds of mystifying creatures and unusual magical beings, and fantastical notions.
Just when you think you have grasped the concept of where this compelling story may lead, you are delightfully surprised by another shocking twist in the tale as the author continues to astonish…Complete with believable characters whom you have grown to love and understand as if they were ‘real’, within a beautiful, cleverly crafted world that is full of exquisite intricate detail and depth this is an outstanding creation and masterpiece. So atmospheric and vivid, you are able to smell the sweat and putrid stench of death and see with your own eyes the fire that burns brightly within the enemy’s eyes, hear the roar of anger and shouts of joy and hold the potent magic within the palm of your hand.
Treachery, lies and deceit ensue as blood magic threatens to unseat King Martris Drayke’s time upon the throne (which he risked everything to win). As the great battle against a traitor Lord comes to its conclusion, war, betrayal and plague bring Margolan to the brink of destruction. Civil war looms in Isencroft. Finally, in Dark Haven, Lord Jonmarc Vahanian has bargained his soul for vengeance as he leads the Vayash Moru against a dangerous rogue who would usher in a future drenched in blood…
As you are swept into a world of raging conflict and bloodthirsty battles with Vampires, man and magical sorcerers’ one is ultimately taken on a journey of discovery and thought-provoking, emotive intensity until the bitter end. In a tale of good versus evil one must contemplate on all that has come to pass, so as to empathize and understand those actions and choices that the characters make – in the name of good or for personal gain? This touching narrative hit me with such deep, profoundly affecting poignancy that I was brought to tears as this spectacular story came to its end. As an avid reader of this genre I highly recommend this remarkable series, which encompasses all that is great about the fantasy genre including in-depth characterization, cleverly crafted world-building and an absorbing page-turner that sparks ones imagination with its astonishing imaginative concepts. All I can utter is one word to describe and sum-up my feelings on this book and perfectly breathtaking ending to a wonderful series…WOW!
February 2, 2011
I finished the 3rd book around midnight and was so into the story that I stayed up till 5 am reading and finishing the last book of the series. It did not disappoint! All of the main characters made it out alive, though perhaps worse for the wear, and the sense of despair and wonder that the book could ever end well that I felt as I was reading was all resolved satisfactorily for the most part. Some of the romance seemed a bit abrupt, but character development was spot on and characters stayed in character throughout. With the kingdom torn asunder and disease and famine ravaging the lands, one wonders what kind of new threat is left for Gail Martin's new series.
May 9, 2015
I did feel like the whole series fell apart for me in this one. I was not interested at all.
Tris spent most of the time in a tent or well outside the tent. His character lacked depth.
Kiara was somewhat better as she tried to navigate the court and people tried to kill her. But honestly even her character was flat and showed nothing.
Jonmarc actually showed some feelings. He did his best to keep the peace between humans and vamps.
Then there was Cam who spend the entire book in a cell and who cares, and his sister Carina who *yawn* did something.
The book took place during a week, and honestly only book 1 showed any real promise. I think it would have been better if book 2-4 would have been 2 books instead of 3.
The book left me disappointed. And too bad that I have the first of the sequel, sigh.
Tris spent most of the time in a tent or well outside the tent. His character lacked depth.
Kiara was somewhat better as she tried to navigate the court and people tried to kill her. But honestly even her character was flat and showed nothing.
Jonmarc actually showed some feelings. He did his best to keep the peace between humans and vamps.
Then there was Cam who spend the entire book in a cell and who cares, and his sister Carina who *yawn* did something.
The book took place during a week, and honestly only book 1 showed any real promise. I think it would have been better if book 2-4 would have been 2 books instead of 3.
The book left me disappointed. And too bad that I have the first of the sequel, sigh.
June 25, 2023
This and book three truly are the best in this series.
Tris managed to save my opinion of him.
The human character, Jonmarc remains my favorite. Not the Necromancer, but the human. I'd say Jonmarc is towards the top of my favorite characters list, right after Batman and Zorro.
Yeah, I really need to find some magical men to add to that list.
Oh, an absolutely wonderful ending. So very stressful to reach the wonderful, yet grand nonetheless.
Tris managed to save my opinion of him.
The human character, Jonmarc remains my favorite. Not the Necromancer, but the human. I'd say Jonmarc is towards the top of my favorite characters list, right after Batman and Zorro.
Yeah, I really need to find some magical men to add to that list.
Oh, an absolutely wonderful ending. So very stressful to reach the wonderful, yet grand nonetheless.
June 24, 2023
Lots of action, great characters and story. Along with different magic, ghosts and spirits, this is a good series.
February 7, 2010
The fourth book in the Chronicles of the Necromancer series.
The series is fantastic - it breathes life back into the high fantasy, swords and sorcery genre that has gotten a bad reputation from some of the more plodding and slow moving authors.
Dark Lady's Chosen is a good example of how the series flows. It's fast paced and intense, all the way through. Within the first 50 pages, there are massive battles and bloody fights, revenge oaths and even one man selling his soul.
That said, this book wraps up a lot of the loose plot-lines that have been floating around since the last volume "Dark Haven". It ends on a much better note and doesn't leave us with a cliff-hanger waiting for the next book to come out.
All in all, if you're a fan of the series, pick up this volume and get cracking.
If you haven't read anything from this series, pick up the first book 'The Summoner' and give it a shot.
The series is fantastic - it breathes life back into the high fantasy, swords and sorcery genre that has gotten a bad reputation from some of the more plodding and slow moving authors.
Dark Lady's Chosen is a good example of how the series flows. It's fast paced and intense, all the way through. Within the first 50 pages, there are massive battles and bloody fights, revenge oaths and even one man selling his soul.
That said, this book wraps up a lot of the loose plot-lines that have been floating around since the last volume "Dark Haven". It ends on a much better note and doesn't leave us with a cliff-hanger waiting for the next book to come out.
All in all, if you're a fan of the series, pick up this volume and get cracking.
If you haven't read anything from this series, pick up the first book 'The Summoner' and give it a shot.
September 30, 2011
There's something with Gail Z. Martin's books. I like the setting, the characters (though a bit too much love, everybody getting married and pregnant and the main character is not my favorite). I like the way the author creates suspense. But then sometimes there are so many repetitions while describing situations, feelings and appearances that I think Gail doesn't trust her readers' memory. It's then when I wonder why I'm reading this particular book.
Repetitions might be OK for a debut, and that's why I gave the series a second (and later a third and fourth). And I might even read the next 2 books placed in the world of The Necromancer. Because I got so familiar with it I feel almost at home when I read about Tris, Jonmarc & Co. But as was with the third and fourth book, only when there's nothing more interesting.
Repetitions might be OK for a debut, and that's why I gave the series a second (and later a third and fourth). And I might even read the next 2 books placed in the world of The Necromancer. Because I got so familiar with it I feel almost at home when I read about Tris, Jonmarc & Co. But as was with the third and fourth book, only when there's nothing more interesting.
September 15, 2011
This was a wonderful book. It wrapped up everything from the previous book very nicely, and left room for more books in the series. One thing I did find, was that it felt like the book had ended 3/4 of the way through. Not much of a problem since Martin continued the story masterfully.
All in all I would say that anyone who has read the previous three books from the series will not be disappointed, and it is nice to have the author wrap things up nicely so that while I am looking forward to another book, I don't feel like I am being left on the edge of a cliff waiting for it. Anyone who is a fan of fantasy should start on this series, and it gets a thumbs up from me.
All in all I would say that anyone who has read the previous three books from the series will not be disappointed, and it is nice to have the author wrap things up nicely so that while I am looking forward to another book, I don't feel like I am being left on the edge of a cliff waiting for it. Anyone who is a fan of fantasy should start on this series, and it gets a thumbs up from me.
February 19, 2011
At least one year fell between reading Dark Haven and picking up Dark Lady's Chosen, which can be quite daunting considering the large amount of plot that Martin puts into these stories. However, her quick and very dense summary threw me back into the midst of this world with no problem.
I like Martin's writing style, and the world she's created is unique. While the intrigue is fairly predictable, and there's always a happy ending - sort of - the books are well written and great fun.
I like Martin's writing style, and the world she's created is unique. While the intrigue is fairly predictable, and there's always a happy ending - sort of - the books are well written and great fun.
October 10, 2021
There is more to like about this book in the series as compared to the third book - it doesn't suffer from the lack of resolution that a middle book can struggle with. It's a good series with lots of good ideas, and sometimes those good bits just make the difficult or poorly executed bits seem more annoying. The principal concern for me remains Kiara's storyline as pretty much everyone in that part of the story has theoretically been navigating court politics since birth and yet somehow none of them have any actual ideas or tactics to help them survive. How Crevan manages to become the actual King in Tris's absence with apparent duties including passing sentence on criminals and ordering soldiers is an enduring mystery.
I think the weaving of storylines wasn't quite successful either - the "invoking old magic" theme didn't quite gel with the "messing in politics" theme as a motivating factor for the bad guys in the story, and Malesh's war in Dark Haven was oddly isolated from the rest of the plot.
So I liked the book and the characters and many of the ideas, but I found the execution and some of the story lines intensely frustrating at times.
I think the weaving of storylines wasn't quite successful either - the "invoking old magic" theme didn't quite gel with the "messing in politics" theme as a motivating factor for the bad guys in the story, and Malesh's war in Dark Haven was oddly isolated from the rest of the plot.
So I liked the book and the characters and many of the ideas, but I found the execution and some of the story lines intensely frustrating at times.
July 6, 2017
Martin's fourth entry in this fantasy series continues where Dark Haven left off, King Tris laying siege to the rebel mage stronghold, Jonmarc in the middle of a vampiric war, Cam imprisoned and Kiara in fear of assassination. All that sounds very exciting, however there's a definitive lack of tension and suspense present. The plot in more deft hands might have been a thrilling fantasy tale, with Dark Lady's Chosen the narrative style is too simplistic and there are too few unrevealed cards to keep the story interesting. In all, it's too neatly packaged, not dark enough and too predictable. More suited to early adopters of the genre than readers who are well seasoned.
April 23, 2018
2.5 stars really, as this was one of those series where I breathed a sigh of relief when I finished it!
This final book was just more of the same as the previous one, continuing on the theme of: injure all your heroes/heroines as much as you possibly can, throw in an enemy that has all the advantages... oh, and add a dash of stupidity to the good guys!
There was also far too much soul-searching, self-flagellation and yakking on about what might be going to happen instead of getting on with what was actually happening - just needed as padding around a storyline that was wearing too thin I guess.
This final book was just more of the same as the previous one, continuing on the theme of: injure all your heroes/heroines as much as you possibly can, throw in an enemy that has all the advantages... oh, and add a dash of stupidity to the good guys!
There was also far too much soul-searching, self-flagellation and yakking on about what might be going to happen instead of getting on with what was actually happening - just needed as padding around a storyline that was wearing too thin I guess.
February 9, 2020
If given the option I would probably rate this at 4.5 just because some of the information got a bit repetitive but I can see how it would be less bothersome to someone who read it a bit slower. (which I believe I did on my first read through)
Over all though I love how this tied up all of the loose ends from the previous books but still left enough open to indicate that life does go on once the adventure is over.
Over all though I love how this tied up all of the loose ends from the previous books but still left enough open to indicate that life does go on once the adventure is over.
September 14, 2019
After reading this I assume there will be another in the series. The author seemed to hint as such.
If you read the series and looking for closure you will get it in this book.
I thought the previous books had strong endings this one seemed to have to purpose of giving the reader closure more than excitement.
If you read the series and looking for closure you will get it in this book.
I thought the previous books had strong endings this one seemed to have to purpose of giving the reader closure more than excitement.
June 18, 2017
Excellent. Nothing more.
March 28, 2018
Great conclusion!
July 9, 2019
Great Series
September 15, 2019
3.5 stars
September 22, 2020
One of the worst books I have ever read. The number of tropes and clichés is indecent. Gender roles are stereotypical. The plot is ludicrous. The whole thing made me roll my eyes a 1000 times.
December 8, 2022
I love and will always love this series of books. Are they good - possibly? Are they enjoyable - hell yes!
December 9, 2025
I just love these books - the characters are like old friends.
March 30, 2012
Though there are no spoilers for this book, this book contains spoilers from books one, two and three. You have been warned!!! (It's also early on in the review.)
***
The next book in this (seeming interminable) series is the continuation and arguable conclusion of what occurred in book 3, Dark Haven. We see the end of the plot to kill Kiara, the result of the War with Curane, the fate of Cam of Cairnrach as well as the fate of Dark Haven itself- an ending wound up with the lives of Jonmarc and Carina.
This a well structured book, in my opinion. It seemed that Martin had accepted that, by the end of Dark Haven, everything was coming to its end; for better or for worse. So the majority of the book actually only takes place over 5 days, and the chapters in those days are split between the multiple story lines. I get that some people would rather dislike this (arguable) mess, but it worked for the book. On her site, she says this book was about the aftermath of events that are the settling down of chaos and order into some sort of balance: something I'm going to venture in saying is represented through the written style. It is a bit hectic and indiscernible at times, but there is a clear order and structure that is adhered to.
All the plots seem to figure themselves out in the expected manner: people survive, at a cost or they survive only to find a greater challenge. I don't think anyone would be blown away by the outcome of events since you you've probably been expecting it and though you're obviously happy with the result, you won't be overflowing with excitement after having read it. On the other hand though, you'll never be inconsolable. So if you want a book which isn't going to stress you out to much as a reader, but you can still enjoy reading, this is an excellent choice.
Getting more into specifics...
I felt that Kiara's plot and storyline got slowly more repetitive as time went on. She'd make the mistake of feeling safe or powerful, and then a threat would rear its ugly head. She would survive it, but it underlines the precariousness of her position as well as risking something concerning her unborn child. I am being somewhat cynical, but it has to be said that for an interesting character who could have a had a much more interesting story (in my opinion) it was annoying that it descended into repeating itself. The most interesting bit was the end of her plot. I'm not saying that it was great because it was over (though that lingers at the back of my mind) but because the possible repercussions are interesting. I believe her child will be a mage and that the excess of wormroot (a magic inhibiting drug) in her system from the dart will give the baby an unusual tolerance for it.
I'm of the same sort of opinion of Cam's story too. I feel like his was only used to remind us of the divisionists and the widespread chaos in the kingdoms; otherwise it wasn't too important.
Tris' story was when he was still at war with Curane. His story was also a tad dull, but the ever-looming battle and the mystery surrounding what to do and what new horrors would be encountered kept be reading quickly through these pages. Give whatever meaning to it what you will, I really enjoy reading about battles that involve magic and average soldiers. Part of it is my inbuilt love of magic, but I think I just like the idea of combat magic since it is the most instinctive side of magic and can have interesting consequences. What I disliked about this portion was that Tris seemed to be constantly at the edge of his power, but still managing to hold on. His comments on his growing fatigue and loss of power got a bit dull.
For me though, the Dark Haven story of Jonmarc and Carina was much more interesting. I think that might have been because it was the one story that wasn't so clear cut. The others ones needed their players to survive in order to continue. This story only needed one and, in Carina's case, that one didn't need to come about completely unscathed. If I look back on their story now, the same cynicism takes over that they were hardly the most interesting and that the story was hardly unique. There were conflicts with the revolting (as in revolution) Vampires and Jonmarc's fear of loosing Carina. Carina had her own problems in trying to avoid the taint of Vampirism that warred with her healing magic for dominance. I guess their story was also interesting because it was a chance to learn more about the flow: the river of magical energy in these lands.
So I was impressed with this book. Maybe Dark Haven was a book to set up this one which, in so many ways, was much better. It's actually the end of the Chronicle's of the Necromancer Series, since the following books are a separate series which (I suspect) have a more active focus on Jonmarc. Though maybe it instead focuses on the children of the people on these books: the series being the symbol for the next generation.T
***
The next book in this (seeming interminable) series is the continuation and arguable conclusion of what occurred in book 3, Dark Haven. We see the end of the plot to kill Kiara, the result of the War with Curane, the fate of Cam of Cairnrach as well as the fate of Dark Haven itself- an ending wound up with the lives of Jonmarc and Carina.
This a well structured book, in my opinion. It seemed that Martin had accepted that, by the end of Dark Haven, everything was coming to its end; for better or for worse. So the majority of the book actually only takes place over 5 days, and the chapters in those days are split between the multiple story lines. I get that some people would rather dislike this (arguable) mess, but it worked for the book. On her site, she says this book was about the aftermath of events that are the settling down of chaos and order into some sort of balance: something I'm going to venture in saying is represented through the written style. It is a bit hectic and indiscernible at times, but there is a clear order and structure that is adhered to.
All the plots seem to figure themselves out in the expected manner: people survive, at a cost or they survive only to find a greater challenge. I don't think anyone would be blown away by the outcome of events since you you've probably been expecting it and though you're obviously happy with the result, you won't be overflowing with excitement after having read it. On the other hand though, you'll never be inconsolable. So if you want a book which isn't going to stress you out to much as a reader, but you can still enjoy reading, this is an excellent choice.
Getting more into specifics...
I felt that Kiara's plot and storyline got slowly more repetitive as time went on. She'd make the mistake of feeling safe or powerful, and then a threat would rear its ugly head. She would survive it, but it underlines the precariousness of her position as well as risking something concerning her unborn child. I am being somewhat cynical, but it has to be said that for an interesting character who could have a had a much more interesting story (in my opinion) it was annoying that it descended into repeating itself. The most interesting bit was the end of her plot. I'm not saying that it was great because it was over (though that lingers at the back of my mind) but because the possible repercussions are interesting. I believe her child will be a mage and that the excess of wormroot (a magic inhibiting drug) in her system from the dart will give the baby an unusual tolerance for it.
I'm of the same sort of opinion of Cam's story too. I feel like his was only used to remind us of the divisionists and the widespread chaos in the kingdoms; otherwise it wasn't too important.
Tris' story was when he was still at war with Curane. His story was also a tad dull, but the ever-looming battle and the mystery surrounding what to do and what new horrors would be encountered kept be reading quickly through these pages. Give whatever meaning to it what you will, I really enjoy reading about battles that involve magic and average soldiers. Part of it is my inbuilt love of magic, but I think I just like the idea of combat magic since it is the most instinctive side of magic and can have interesting consequences. What I disliked about this portion was that Tris seemed to be constantly at the edge of his power, but still managing to hold on. His comments on his growing fatigue and loss of power got a bit dull.
For me though, the Dark Haven story of Jonmarc and Carina was much more interesting. I think that might have been because it was the one story that wasn't so clear cut. The others ones needed their players to survive in order to continue. This story only needed one and, in Carina's case, that one didn't need to come about completely unscathed. If I look back on their story now, the same cynicism takes over that they were hardly the most interesting and that the story was hardly unique. There were conflicts with the revolting (as in revolution) Vampires and Jonmarc's fear of loosing Carina. Carina had her own problems in trying to avoid the taint of Vampirism that warred with her healing magic for dominance. I guess their story was also interesting because it was a chance to learn more about the flow: the river of magical energy in these lands.
So I was impressed with this book. Maybe Dark Haven was a book to set up this one which, in so many ways, was much better. It's actually the end of the Chronicle's of the Necromancer Series, since the following books are a separate series which (I suspect) have a more active focus on Jonmarc. Though maybe it instead focuses on the children of the people on these books: the series being the symbol for the next generation.T
November 19, 2020
loved the whole series, but this is the last book & the ending was cut short! like what are we supposed to do with that???
November 30, 2014
So basically, Gail's books in her Chronicles of the Necromancer continuity can be grouped into two separate duologies. A duology of duologies if you will. I have unfortunately at this time not read The Summoner, but I read the Blood King because the premise intrigued me and I didn't see the first book when I was buying. I very much enjoyed The Blood King. But from what I have read, Gail has the tendency in all her books thus far to spend the first book building the world and setting up all the pieces and then having them all move in the second book. This is definitely what happened with this duology. Dark Haven had a lot of interesting things going on, sure, but the overall theme was building this world and setting up for the battles that happen in this book. And while the characters kept me interested in both books, compared to The Blood King, Dark Haven had a little lag going on. This book is the opposite almost. Everything is crashing around you and all the characters get separated and get the stuffing torn out of them and the reader is not given hardly any time to just breathe and get brought up to speed on the crapstorm happening around them. Unfortunately, the strength of The Blood King was not only the characters, but the bond they form and their interactions with each other. The other strength, to me at least, was that the main character was effectively a necromancer. That is unusual and interesting. In both of these books, that strength is limited because most of our heroes are scattered across the land and with each chapter they get more scattered. Furthermore, it is no spoiler that Tris's magic has gone to crap because the source of magic is so damaged. So both elements that drew me in to The Blood King have been removed. So why four stars? Well I can pick the books apart, but at the end of the day I very much enjoyed the books. The characters are far away from each other, but they are all still interesting. Many scenes, especially early in are well developed, but others just make me scratch my head at how this is supposed to make me anxious or how the characters are so dense as to miss such obvious signals, like who the traitor is. Like why are all these characters worried about scandal when the king is able to summon a hundred invisible ghosts who are prowling the halls to confirm the truth or even bare the accused's soul for everyone to see. Why am I supposed to be worried? I read the other books, I know he can do this. He's also the frigging king, are they going to call him or his queen a liar and insult his honor? Are they high? Another complaint is how frequently all this effort is expended to build suspense when the actual battle or trial or other plot point is just resolved so quickly and easily. And that is basically my only real complaint. The beginning of the book feels finished and flushed out, but the last 300 pages feels like it needed more time and detail. Don't get me wrong the book doesn't feel unfinished, it just feels like it needed the climaxes polished a little more. Several people die with little ackowledgement for the characters feeling. Early on the emotions and situations were fully explained and towards the end things just happen. But I still enjoyed it. I still enjoyed the journey. I still enjoyed the story and journeying with these characters, even though I just wish I had more fully experienced their experiences. But the fact I want to experience more of the journey is just a testament to how much i right with this book. Gail is a good story teller. I just wish she had maybe held on this another year maybe and pushed it from very good to great.
February 25, 2016
I really liked this book, and I’m glad that I didn’t give up on the series. I had a difficult time getting into it with the first 2 books, but books 3 & 4 are awesome! I highly recommend them.
There is so much overwhelming conflict going on that has built over the course of the series, and Gail Martin is able to guide the reader through the incredible, insane, tangled maze with professional ease. In my opinion, I’m doubtful that the Winter Kingdoms will ever see peace in Tris and Kiara’s time of rule. This book is a superb background/start to her new series, The Fallen Kings Cycle.
There is so much overwhelming conflict going on that has built over the course of the series, and Gail Martin is able to guide the reader through the incredible, insane, tangled maze with professional ease. In my opinion, I’m doubtful that the Winter Kingdoms will ever see peace in Tris and Kiara’s time of rule. This book is a superb background/start to her new series, The Fallen Kings Cycle.
March 6, 2010
I had wanted to finish this book by the end of the weekend. When I first started it, I thought it would take me at least until then to get through its 595 pages, but those pages went by quickly and last night I found myself unable to put it down despite my tiredness and my various renditions of "just one more chapter". Ms. Martin once again weaves a tale which captivates and compells you to find out what happens, not because it's really all that original, but because the characters are so real and you truly care for them, and her writing just flows, getting you involved in the story without pretension and needless details that so plague the epic genre.
This book follows 7 different perspectives, our heroes who were mostly together in the first book have since been brough in different places, but all the storylines are interconnected, and even though the overall story is very big in scope, the individual perspectives are very personal.
Of course, my favorites are still Jonmarc and Carina and the vayash moru and vyrkin of Dark Haven (the word not as tediously overused as in the last book), but there isn't really a character of a part that I didn't like or felt was unnecessary. That said, the pats with Cam did drag a bit, and the characterization of Carroway did disappoint me just a touch because the fact that he had no faith in Tris to be true to the friendship, especially since he knows Tris' power as a soul-reader, was a bit much.
It's not a perfect story, but it's a very good one, in that rarest of all things - an epic story which has yet to disappoint me.
This book follows 7 different perspectives, our heroes who were mostly together in the first book have since been brough in different places, but all the storylines are interconnected, and even though the overall story is very big in scope, the individual perspectives are very personal.
Of course, my favorites are still Jonmarc and Carina and the vayash moru and vyrkin of Dark Haven (the word not as tediously overused as in the last book), but there isn't really a character of a part that I didn't like or felt was unnecessary. That said, the pats with Cam did drag a bit, and the characterization of Carroway did disappoint me just a touch because the fact that he had no faith in Tris to be true to the friendship, especially since he knows Tris' power as a soul-reader, was a bit much.
It's not a perfect story, but it's a very good one, in that rarest of all things - an epic story which has yet to disappoint me.
April 29, 2011
Chronicles of the Necromancer series
Chronicles of the Necrmancer is my second favorite series that i have read so far. Gail Z. Martin is an author that has an amazing ability to create interesting and believable characters. The chapters tend to switch between the main characters, and I find myself wanting to read more of that character, but also looking forward to reading about the character in the next chapter. In the The Summoner and Blood King, It switches between Tris and Jonmarc. Later, in Dark Haven and Dark Lady's Chosen, you read from the point of view of Tris, Jonmarc, Carroway, Kiara, and Carina. I think that the way she switches the point of view keeps the story frest, and you never get bored of a character.
Chronicles of the Necrmancer is my second favorite series that i have read so far. Gail Z. Martin is an author that has an amazing ability to create interesting and believable characters. The chapters tend to switch between the main characters, and I find myself wanting to read more of that character, but also looking forward to reading about the character in the next chapter. In the The Summoner and Blood King, It switches between Tris and Jonmarc. Later, in Dark Haven and Dark Lady's Chosen, you read from the point of view of Tris, Jonmarc, Carroway, Kiara, and Carina. I think that the way she switches the point of view keeps the story frest, and you never get bored of a character.
June 14, 2010
Martin continues to keep the reader enthralled with the characters and enticed by the plot as the fourth book in this epic series sees almost everyone pushed to the brink of death and the kingdoms on the verge of destruction. Except for one passage that shows Jonmarc a vision of the future, this could be the final book in an adventure that started in book one and needed three more books to wrap up all of the ripples caused by the first stone. I look forward to more adventures in the Winter Kingdoms.
June 14, 2010
Martin continues to keep the reader enthralled with the characters and enticed by the plot as the fourth book in this epic series sees almost everyone pushed to the brink of death and the kingdoms on the verge of destruction. Except for one passage that shows Jonmarc a vision of the future, this could be the final book in an adventure that started in book one and needed three more books to wrap up all of the ripples caused by the first stone. I look forward to more adventures in the Winter Kingdoms.
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