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The city of Illharek teeters on the edge of war. Rival godsworn battle in both the Suburban streets and the Senate chambers. And in the fields and forests, a Taliri army plots its attack.
When a rebel faction of Taliri offers to help defeat Tal’Shik, Dekklis sends Snow and her partner, Veiko, north to Cardik’s ruins. The Taliri say that Tal’Shik’s avatar lives in the ruins, and they want Snow and Veiko to kill her. Instead, they discover a city full of angry dead, betrayal, and an unexpected ally.
Meanwhile, Dekklis, now a senator, tries to keep the peace in Illharek by making allies of the powerful Academy and enlisting the Laughing God’s help to control the Suburba. But when a godsworn assassin tries to kill her, the fragile peace shatters, and the Suburba erupts into violence.
As Dekklis restores order on the tip of a legion sword, Snow and Veiko concoct a plan to defeat Tal’Shik. But as the Taliri army bears down on Illharek, their alliance--and friendship--starts to crack. Because this isn’t a battle for Illharek’s streets, it’s a battle for Illharek’s soul. And some costs might be too high…
When a rebel faction of Taliri offers to help defeat Tal’Shik, Dekklis sends Snow and her partner, Veiko, north to Cardik’s ruins. The Taliri say that Tal’Shik’s avatar lives in the ruins, and they want Snow and Veiko to kill her. Instead, they discover a city full of angry dead, betrayal, and an unexpected ally.
Meanwhile, Dekklis, now a senator, tries to keep the peace in Illharek by making allies of the powerful Academy and enlisting the Laughing God’s help to control the Suburba. But when a godsworn assassin tries to kill her, the fragile peace shatters, and the Suburba erupts into violence.
As Dekklis restores order on the tip of a legion sword, Snow and Veiko concoct a plan to defeat Tal’Shik. But as the Taliri army bears down on Illharek, their alliance--and friendship--starts to crack. Because this isn’t a battle for Illharek’s streets, it’s a battle for Illharek’s soul. And some costs might be too high…
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First published March 20, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 19, 2018
This series is so good, and ALLY is a perfect closing volume. When the first two books came out I couldn't wait for the third, so when I got offered an early copy by my agent, I jumped at it. It was everything I hoped it would be. My only disappointment with this series is that it's over. Hell and damn. Looking forward to whatever comes next from K. Eason.
September 28, 2019
This is the concluding volume of a trilogy that I have greatly enjoyed. If I had to rank the three books, I think I would rate this above the middle book and below the first book, but all three books were a pleasure to read. The worldbuilding is good; the variations on magic are well-drawn; the use of the spirit/ghost world is excellent and less well-trodden than most fantasy settings. The plot, the prose, the politics, and the fight scenes are all good. It is the characters, however, that sucked me in and would not let go, most especially the interaction between the characters of Snowdenaelikk and Veiko. I only wish this was an ongoing series, not a trilogy. I'd happily read another six books about these characters.
About my book reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
About my book reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
March 24, 2018
Look, it’s hard to write a truly original fantasy novel/series. There are clearly elements of this trilogy that are reflections of other work that has come before it, especially this third book (was the dragon really necessary??) That said, I was impressed by the level of originality here and there was a lot to like:
(1) Both of the female protagonists are POC. That is incredibly uncommon in fantasy books. They are also both complicated characters that are neither heroes nor anti-heroes which is also refreshing.
(2) the storyline here is pretty complicated. You have the two gods and their adherents, but then you also have the Dvergiri, Taliri and Alviri societies and the two groups do not match up precisely so there are a lot of factions to keep straight. Mostly Eason trusts the reader to keep track of everything (which I appreciate), although there are some exposition dumps especially towards the end. There is not really a clear right or wrong faction and the book touches on themes of racism, sexism and what it means to be a colonizing group and how those factors have led to the creation of all of these different factions.
(3) The writing is stylistically the same as the first two books with lots of cursing, and internal thoughts in choppy sentences and italics. It was difficult to get into with the first book but I fell right back into the rhythm of reading it here. The emphasis on the internal dialogue continues to make the main characters very distinct with clear differences in their points of view.
And lastly:
(4) How refreshing to have a depiction of partnerships between men and women that appear to be based on mutual respect.
I thoroughly enjoyed these and I am glad that Eason self-published this last volume so all of us who had come this far could have some closure. Really this is 4.5 stars.
(1) Both of the female protagonists are POC. That is incredibly uncommon in fantasy books. They are also both complicated characters that are neither heroes nor anti-heroes which is also refreshing.
(2) the storyline here is pretty complicated. You have the two gods and their adherents, but then you also have the Dvergiri, Taliri and Alviri societies and the two groups do not match up precisely so there are a lot of factions to keep straight. Mostly Eason trusts the reader to keep track of everything (which I appreciate), although there are some exposition dumps especially towards the end. There is not really a clear right or wrong faction and the book touches on themes of racism, sexism and what it means to be a colonizing group and how those factors have led to the creation of all of these different factions.
(3) The writing is stylistically the same as the first two books with lots of cursing, and internal thoughts in choppy sentences and italics. It was difficult to get into with the first book but I fell right back into the rhythm of reading it here. The emphasis on the internal dialogue continues to make the main characters very distinct with clear differences in their points of view.
And lastly:
(4) How refreshing to have a depiction of partnerships between men and women that appear to be based on mutual respect.
I thoroughly enjoyed these and I am glad that Eason self-published this last volume so all of us who had come this far could have some closure. Really this is 4.5 stars.
April 2, 2018
4.5 stars
While I still loved this book I feel that it lacked a little in the areas of characters' perspective and in the way the plot was laid out. In the first two books Eason really did a terrific job of showing us the story through the characters eyes and unveiling the plot through their understanding; in this book more of the plot seems to get revealed to the reader after the fact without that, it just gets plopped into the readers lap in a kind of second handed way which was a little disappointing compared to the first two books. I also didn't care for the cliff hanger at the end, either wrap it up nicely or let us know if the story is going to continue.. Seriously though this is probably my favorite fantasy trilogy I've ever read, it's witty with just the right amount of dry humor and imaginative in ways that I couldn't have fathomed prior to reading it. Fantastic stuff, read it!
While I still loved this book I feel that it lacked a little in the areas of characters' perspective and in the way the plot was laid out. In the first two books Eason really did a terrific job of showing us the story through the characters eyes and unveiling the plot through their understanding; in this book more of the plot seems to get revealed to the reader after the fact without that, it just gets plopped into the readers lap in a kind of second handed way which was a little disappointing compared to the first two books. I also didn't care for the cliff hanger at the end, either wrap it up nicely or let us know if the story is going to continue.. Seriously though this is probably my favorite fantasy trilogy I've ever read, it's witty with just the right amount of dry humor and imaginative in ways that I couldn't have fathomed prior to reading it. Fantastic stuff, read it!
April 26, 2018
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
Snow, Veiko, Logi, and Briel - what a team! I love the world the author created and, as the last book in the trilogy, we get to walk a bit down memory lane as Snow and Veiko are forced to travel from Illhari to Cardik and back again. It's helpful when books do a bit of this since it feels like ages since I read Enemy and Outlaw.
This book is a proper culmination of everything that as happened up until this point: Snow and Veiko's relationship, Tal'Shik versus The Laughing God, Dekklis and her desires for Illhari. Plus, the story adds depth to the existing mythology within the series and we finally get to see an actual dragon!
If you've read the first two book, obviously you're going to read this last one. But, if you have not started this series yet, and are, for some reason, reading a review for the last book, pick up Enemy and read it now! You will fall in love with this world and its characters, especially the animals.
Read it!
Snow, Veiko, Logi, and Briel - what a team! I love the world the author created and, as the last book in the trilogy, we get to walk a bit down memory lane as Snow and Veiko are forced to travel from Illhari to Cardik and back again. It's helpful when books do a bit of this since it feels like ages since I read Enemy and Outlaw.
This book is a proper culmination of everything that as happened up until this point: Snow and Veiko's relationship, Tal'Shik versus The Laughing God, Dekklis and her desires for Illhari. Plus, the story adds depth to the existing mythology within the series and we finally get to see an actual dragon!
If you've read the first two book, obviously you're going to read this last one. But, if you have not started this series yet, and are, for some reason, reading a review for the last book, pick up Enemy and read it now! You will fall in love with this world and its characters, especially the animals.
Read it!
June 12, 2018
*Spoilers*
I remember thinking as I started reading, "The gang's all back!" I've been eagerly awaiting this final installment, and Eason's story is as unique (and awesome) as ever. I love her writing. I love all the badassary. Plus: SNOW AND VEIKO! (I know I'm alone in how much I care about this, but I have been rooting for those two since the first book and gosh, I was smiling like an idiot when it finally happened).
My only disappointment was how rushed the end was (felt like a cheat) and how I didn't actually understand how the end ended. I thought Tsabrak killed Snow on the ghost roads, but then I found out later that he actually saved her? (Which is touching and so beautiful, but I wish I'd known when it was actually happening!) Also, it wasn't clear that Dek had died. I ended up having to find all this out after the fact as Snow was explaining it to Bel, which was too bad. Would have felt more powerful if all of that was clear.
But besides that, I'm a huge fan of these novels and think this was a great end to the series.
I remember thinking as I started reading, "The gang's all back!" I've been eagerly awaiting this final installment, and Eason's story is as unique (and awesome) as ever. I love her writing. I love all the badassary. Plus: SNOW AND VEIKO! (I know I'm alone in how much I care about this, but I have been rooting for those two since the first book and gosh, I was smiling like an idiot when it finally happened).
My only disappointment was how rushed the end was (felt like a cheat) and how I didn't actually understand how the end ended. I thought Tsabrak killed Snow on the ghost roads, but then I found out later that he actually saved her? (Which is touching and so beautiful, but I wish I'd known when it was actually happening!) Also, it wasn't clear that Dek had died. I ended up having to find all this out after the fact as Snow was explaining it to Bel, which was too bad. Would have felt more powerful if all of that was clear.
But besides that, I'm a huge fan of these novels and think this was a great end to the series.
March 25, 2018
Exceptional fantasy
I read a lot of fantasy and sci-fi, or I should say, I start a lot of fantasy and sci-fi. These days I have no patience with the mediocre ones but the goods one are hard to find. This is a good one. Gritty, to be sure, also real, passionate, and surprisingly compassionate. The relationships are handled deftly and the reader really cares about some diverse and difficult characters. Think a nasty Paksenarrion with swearing and you’ll have an idea. Anyone that I can compare in any way to Elizabeth Moon is going to be very good. It’s a trilogy, not a saga so it can end here but I will expect and read more by this author.
I read a lot of fantasy and sci-fi, or I should say, I start a lot of fantasy and sci-fi. These days I have no patience with the mediocre ones but the goods one are hard to find. This is a good one. Gritty, to be sure, also real, passionate, and surprisingly compassionate. The relationships are handled deftly and the reader really cares about some diverse and difficult characters. Think a nasty Paksenarrion with swearing and you’ll have an idea. Anyone that I can compare in any way to Elizabeth Moon is going to be very good. It’s a trilogy, not a saga so it can end here but I will expect and read more by this author.
May 31, 2018
The end?
Excellent read. Thrilling, full of action and, surprisingly, romance. Godmagic, conjuring and noidghes are at the center of it all. The characters evolve and are given a somewhat satisfying send off. The story also reaches a nice satisfying conclusion, while also leaving room for a sequel. Overall the writing is good, but there are the occasional plot items that are not fully explained, something that even the characters acknowledge. Overall though, great story and definitely worth the read, especially in the context of the series. Would like to see more novels set in this universe.
Excellent read. Thrilling, full of action and, surprisingly, romance. Godmagic, conjuring and noidghes are at the center of it all. The characters evolve and are given a somewhat satisfying send off. The story also reaches a nice satisfying conclusion, while also leaving room for a sequel. Overall the writing is good, but there are the occasional plot items that are not fully explained, something that even the characters acknowledge. Overall though, great story and definitely worth the read, especially in the context of the series. Would like to see more novels set in this universe.
July 9, 2018
A solid end to a really underrated series. The characters from the first novels continue to grow and I appreciated the political aspect of the novel introduced through Dekklis’ story line. You won’t find machinations on the level of Game of Thrones, but it’s a refreshing break from the skullduggery and noidghe aspects that are central to other characters.
Eason also does a good job continuing to build the lore of the world while leaving some things to mystery and without turning Ally into an encyclopedia.
Eason also does a good job continuing to build the lore of the world while leaving some things to mystery and without turning Ally into an encyclopedia.
Read
June 4, 2020Great Series!
I believe I bought the first book, Enemy, as a Kindle daily special. After reading that, I HAD to buy the second volume, Outlaw. But it was the 3rd book, Ally, that brought everything together. What amazing world building! I was truly sad to realize, the story was over. I just re-read all three to see if it was as good as I recalled. Nope--it's even BETTER! Thinks I missed in the 1st reading leaped off the Kindle at me. If you like fantasy, if you like a strong woman protagonist, if you like epic tales, you need to give this series a read.
I believe I bought the first book, Enemy, as a Kindle daily special. After reading that, I HAD to buy the second volume, Outlaw. But it was the 3rd book, Ally, that brought everything together. What amazing world building! I was truly sad to realize, the story was over. I just re-read all three to see if it was as good as I recalled. Nope--it's even BETTER! Thinks I missed in the 1st reading leaped off the Kindle at me. If you like fantasy, if you like a strong woman protagonist, if you like epic tales, you need to give this series a read.
April 25, 2018
Well, well worth the wait.
Same rhythm, same vernacular. Same characters and more developed. No rushed ending where you can tell the publishing deadline changed the course of what could have been a good ending. Here, just a good ending. I loved the whole series. Skilled and smart women rule in this world. Men are respectful. A darn good story, well-crafted to the last word.
Same rhythm, same vernacular. Same characters and more developed. No rushed ending where you can tell the publishing deadline changed the course of what could have been a good ending. Here, just a good ending. I loved the whole series. Skilled and smart women rule in this world. Men are respectful. A darn good story, well-crafted to the last word.
June 22, 2018
AWESOME Book, a new favorite for me!
When I read the first book in the series I actually listened to it, which was difficult to follow. I hung in there and have learned to LOVE Eason's unique style. Really got me into the entire story. The development of the relationship between main characters, Snow and Veiko, was perfect- and based on trust, rather than just physical attraction like so many fantasy books I've read. Ill be reading this series again!
When I read the first book in the series I actually listened to it, which was difficult to follow. I hung in there and have learned to LOVE Eason's unique style. Really got me into the entire story. The development of the relationship between main characters, Snow and Veiko, was perfect- and based on trust, rather than just physical attraction like so many fantasy books I've read. Ill be reading this series again!
April 15, 2018
Incredible fantasy trilogy
I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy, but rarely have I felt inspired to write a review. This is easily among the top 10 fantasy series I have read, ever.
I must admit it took me a few days to get through the first half of Enemy, but it was well worth the effort. Once the story kicks into high gear it is almost impossible to put down.
I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy, but rarely have I felt inspired to write a review. This is easily among the top 10 fantasy series I have read, ever.
I must admit it took me a few days to get through the first half of Enemy, but it was well worth the effort. Once the story kicks into high gear it is almost impossible to put down.
June 3, 2021
A good read!
“On the Bones of Gods” has been a delightful trilogy. Good story, good characters, and well written; the latter an increasingly rare find these days. Understanding the author’s meaning without having to dissect homemade sentence structure is really refreshing. Well worth the time.
“On the Bones of Gods” has been a delightful trilogy. Good story, good characters, and well written; the latter an increasingly rare find these days. Understanding the author’s meaning without having to dissect homemade sentence structure is really refreshing. Well worth the time.
October 5, 2021
Two and a half stars. This ended the trilogy on a whimper for me. The weakest, by far, of the three books, this felt like it wandered around looking for something and never really found it. Because I was invested in the characters from the first two books, it kept me interested. but there was not satisfaction in the ending.
October 9, 2022
Excellent novel
I love the way K. Eason's characters fracture, following two paths to the same conclusion. The character building in this series is some of the finest work I've read in a rather long time.
The world she's woven together, Above versus Below, Dvergiri versus skraeling, faith versus reason, is beautiful to behold. I'm left wishing for more.
I love the way K. Eason's characters fracture, following two paths to the same conclusion. The character building in this series is some of the finest work I've read in a rather long time.
The world she's woven together, Above versus Below, Dvergiri versus skraeling, faith versus reason, is beautiful to behold. I'm left wishing for more.
March 29, 2018
An excellent ending to the series
A true delight, with a fresh perspective and as warm as it is dark. The final book in the series was worth waiting for. The author created a whole new world and characters to hate and love in this series.
A true delight, with a fresh perspective and as warm as it is dark. The final book in the series was worth waiting for. The author created a whole new world and characters to hate and love in this series.
April 3, 2018
Excellent!
Excellent conclusion. Leaves you guessing how it will play out, fast paced, strong characters, and great storyline. Makes me want more from this author and from this world she created. Love Snow and Veiko and their menagerie.
Excellent conclusion. Leaves you guessing how it will play out, fast paced, strong characters, and great storyline. Makes me want more from this author and from this world she created. Love Snow and Veiko and their menagerie.
December 6, 2019
An enjoyable conclusion to the trilogy. I love how the story easily moves from one character’s viewpoint to another, continued character development and wrapped up the story in an exciting and believable way.
March 26, 2018
Spectacular conclusion
No disappointment in the conclusion - a satisfying end to an utterly engaging tale. Clever and fast paced; full of rich detail.
No disappointment in the conclusion - a satisfying end to an utterly engaging tale. Clever and fast paced; full of rich detail.
March 29, 2018
A good end to an entertaining trilogy!
October 20, 2019
Great fantasy
Fast read, story pulls you in with wonderful imagery and character development. Left me wanting more! Highly recommend for any age.
Fast read, story pulls you in with wonderful imagery and character development. Left me wanting more! Highly recommend for any age.
December 7, 2019
Good read
I enjoyed the story. The characters were real and believable. Good ending. The ghost roads were a nice touch to the story
I enjoyed the story. The characters were real and believable. Good ending. The ghost roads were a nice touch to the story
August 28, 2020
Loved this series, not all loose ends are tied, but that's OK as it leaves some things for the reader to imagine.
If you like dark fantasy then this should suit you.
If you like dark fantasy then this should suit you.
May 4, 2023
Such a lot of reflection and repetition
October 26, 2024
And…we’re done.
Read
April 24, 2018The series was very well written. Even with multiple perspectives, the story was easy to follow and very engaging. In many trilogies the final book feel like the author is just picking up loose ends and print a bow on it. This one kept my attention and left room for more without leaving the sorry y unfinished. It was a satisfying resolution.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews