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Tairen Soul #5
Crown of Crystal Flame
A Song of Love won her heart.
A Song of Darkness haunted her soul.
A Song in the Dance would seal her fate.
Seers had long foreseen an extraordinary destiny for Ellysetta Baristani. Already she had won the heart of the Fey King—the magnificent Rain, ever her ally, eternally her love. She had saved the offspring of the magical tairen and fought beside her legendary mate against the armies of Eld. But the most powerful—and dangerous—Verse of her Song had yet to be sung.
As the final battle draws nigh and evil tightens its grip upon her soul—will Ellysetta secure the world for Light or plunge it into Darkness for all eternity? As she and Rain fight for each other, side by side, will they find a way to complete their truemate bond and defeat the evil High Mage of Eld before it's too late, or must they make the ultimate sacrifice to save their world?
A Song of Darkness haunted her soul.
A Song in the Dance would seal her fate.
Seers had long foreseen an extraordinary destiny for Ellysetta Baristani. Already she had won the heart of the Fey King—the magnificent Rain, ever her ally, eternally her love. She had saved the offspring of the magical tairen and fought beside her legendary mate against the armies of Eld. But the most powerful—and dangerous—Verse of her Song had yet to be sung.
As the final battle draws nigh and evil tightens its grip upon her soul—will Ellysetta secure the world for Light or plunge it into Darkness for all eternity? As she and Rain fight for each other, side by side, will they find a way to complete their truemate bond and defeat the evil High Mage of Eld before it's too late, or must they make the ultimate sacrifice to save their world?
469 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 26, 2010
316 people are currently reading
5350 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Wilson
24 books4,070 followersC.L. Wilsons unique blend of pulse-pounding action, sweeping epic fantasy, and passionate romance has made her books a favorite read for romance and fantasy readers alike. Praised for exceptional worldbuilding and lyric prose, her critically acclaimed novels have regularly appeared on bestseller lists including the USA Today, the New York Times, and Publishers Weekly.
C.Ls novels have won numerous industry and reader-selected awards including, LifetimeTV.coms Best Paranormal debut of 2007, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, two National Readers Choice awards, the Colorado Award of Excellence, and the Holt Medallion. Ms. Wilson is the honored recipient of the PEARL award from Paranormal Romance as the best new author of 2007, and winner of the 2009 PEARL award for best Romantic Fantasy novel.
When not torturing her characters mercilessly, C.L. enjoys relaxing with her family in sunny Florida and daydreaming of a world where people exercise in their sleep and chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream is a fat burning food.
"
C.Ls novels have won numerous industry and reader-selected awards including, LifetimeTV.coms Best Paranormal debut of 2007, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, two National Readers Choice awards, the Colorado Award of Excellence, and the Holt Medallion. Ms. Wilson is the honored recipient of the PEARL award from Paranormal Romance as the best new author of 2007, and winner of the 2009 PEARL award for best Romantic Fantasy novel.
When not torturing her characters mercilessly, C.L. enjoys relaxing with her family in sunny Florida and daydreaming of a world where people exercise in their sleep and chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream is a fat burning food.
"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 751 reviews
April 16, 2015
[Second EDIT] I am not sure how many times I have read this series of five books - four or five counting the audiobooks. Each time I am just blown away, not just with this wonderful fantasy world the author has created but with the beautiful characters so different than any other fantasy books I have read. If this is not my favorite series EVER, I am not sure I can think of one that is better. Close...but not better.
[REREAD - SECOND TIME]
Once again I have finished the fifth and last book in the series that I have to admit is my favorite ever. And that is saying a lot. This is a world and a story that it is very difficult to move away from. The world that this author has created is not like anything I can compare it to for several reasons. The Fey in these books are the most honorable beings imaginable. The men's respect for tradition, for each other as warriors (and they ARE warriors), their reverence and respect for women, as well as the incredible women who are all healers in some way is so beautiful. The Fey in this story are hundreds of years old at the youngest and in some cases have lived for 2000 years or more. The relationship with them, the humans (some of whom have fey blood), and the Elves is so well explained that I never was confused or unable to understand the connections. The Mages are as evil as you can get in a story, so this is a battle between Light and Dark. Major major wonderful writing by this author.
I can't say enough about the love between Rain and Ellysetta and the love scenes between them. This is not a YA book and some of the scenes are explicit, but somehow they are so beautifully written I didn't cringe (have to admit I am not into graphic sex scenes). This kind of love is magic, beyond real, and pretty much sings a song of LOVE like few other books. Actually, like any other book I have read.
I knew all along we were heading for a terrible showdown between good and evil, and all of the Fey I have come to love would be in terrible danger. I think the first fourth or so of the book was a little tedious for me because I knew it was setting up for what was to come. Then it CAME and I could not have put the book down had my house been burning down.
This book is the darkest of them all, the most threatening to Rain and Ellysetta at a time when she is most vulnerable to the evil Mage and when Rain is fighting against the madness of the truemate bond that has not been completed (you have to read them to understand that one). The most beautiful part (well nearly) is when they they are saved by the dahl'reisen who have been reviled and banished from the Fading Lands for thousands of years. What happens then turns upside down everything that the Fey have believed in for milliniums. There are no words for the bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice that is shown by so many in Rain and Ellie's race to outrun their enemies. If one likes reading about battles, this book has it, and strangely this is something I normally do not like and yet in this book it all worked for me. I don't enjoy reading real dark stories and yet the evil in this book was necessary because Light only really triumphs when darkness is at it's worst. I am sure I was holding my breath more than once during that last half of this final book. Wonderful wonderful author. Beylah vo.
I hate to say good-bye to this series and I am sure I will read it many times again. I even learned a new language - Feyan.
[REREAD - SECOND TIME]
Once again I have finished the fifth and last book in the series that I have to admit is my favorite ever. And that is saying a lot. This is a world and a story that it is very difficult to move away from. The world that this author has created is not like anything I can compare it to for several reasons. The Fey in these books are the most honorable beings imaginable. The men's respect for tradition, for each other as warriors (and they ARE warriors), their reverence and respect for women, as well as the incredible women who are all healers in some way is so beautiful. The Fey in this story are hundreds of years old at the youngest and in some cases have lived for 2000 years or more. The relationship with them, the humans (some of whom have fey blood), and the Elves is so well explained that I never was confused or unable to understand the connections. The Mages are as evil as you can get in a story, so this is a battle between Light and Dark. Major major wonderful writing by this author.
I can't say enough about the love between Rain and Ellysetta and the love scenes between them. This is not a YA book and some of the scenes are explicit, but somehow they are so beautifully written I didn't cringe (have to admit I am not into graphic sex scenes). This kind of love is magic, beyond real, and pretty much sings a song of LOVE like few other books. Actually, like any other book I have read.
I knew all along we were heading for a terrible showdown between good and evil, and all of the Fey I have come to love would be in terrible danger. I think the first fourth or so of the book was a little tedious for me because I knew it was setting up for what was to come. Then it CAME and I could not have put the book down had my house been burning down.
This book is the darkest of them all, the most threatening to Rain and Ellysetta at a time when she is most vulnerable to the evil Mage and when Rain is fighting against the madness of the truemate bond that has not been completed (you have to read them to understand that one). The most beautiful part (well nearly) is when they they are saved by the dahl'reisen who have been reviled and banished from the Fading Lands for thousands of years. What happens then turns upside down everything that the Fey have believed in for milliniums. There are no words for the bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice that is shown by so many in Rain and Ellie's race to outrun their enemies. If one likes reading about battles, this book has it, and strangely this is something I normally do not like and yet in this book it all worked for me. I don't enjoy reading real dark stories and yet the evil in this book was necessary because Light only really triumphs when darkness is at it's worst. I am sure I was holding my breath more than once during that last half of this final book. Wonderful wonderful author. Beylah vo.
I hate to say good-bye to this series and I am sure I will read it many times again. I even learned a new language - Feyan.
May 11, 2017
I didn't nearly get what I wanted. I wanted more Gaelen and Bel. Need it. Hell, I even needed but did we get it? No. Cruel, C.L. Wilson, cruel.
August 1, 2013
Crown of Crystal Flame is the final book in the five book Tairen Souls series where we finally see the battle between Light and Dark forces that will determine the fate of the world.
Ellysetta and her truemate Rain, King of the Fey, have been through so much as they battle the High Mage of Eld and his plans to conquer the world including the Fading Lands - and most of all his quest to capture Ellysetta. The final chapter of this epic fantasy romance is full of battles, adventures and the final showdown for Ellysetta to be Light or Dark. Along the way familiar characters are lost and we meet some new ones, the Elves in particular were fascinating.
Looking back over this series as a whole, the story was wonderfully imaginative and filled with characters who came to life. The world building and writing were amazing, I felt like I was in a magical world similar to Lord of the Rings. I loved the first two books in particular, they focused the most on Ellysetta and Rain as they met and started their relationship. The third and fourth books were a bit too dark, I felt like there was little hope and bad things kept happening to beloved characters. Finally in this book we see the final battles and a brighter future. I was pleased that the battle with the High Mage was more than just him and Ellie, she has many people who cared about her. The final chapters felt a little rushed, I would have enjoyed more information on where some of our characters end up, especially the girl from Eld and the babies. We get to see our main characters and their happy endings so I am still happy.
I would recommend this series to people who enjoy epic fantasy romance. The characters and story will stay with me long after I am finished.
Ellysetta and her truemate Rain, King of the Fey, have been through so much as they battle the High Mage of Eld and his plans to conquer the world including the Fading Lands - and most of all his quest to capture Ellysetta. The final chapter of this epic fantasy romance is full of battles, adventures and the final showdown for Ellysetta to be Light or Dark. Along the way familiar characters are lost and we meet some new ones, the Elves in particular were fascinating.
Looking back over this series as a whole, the story was wonderfully imaginative and filled with characters who came to life. The world building and writing were amazing, I felt like I was in a magical world similar to Lord of the Rings. I loved the first two books in particular, they focused the most on Ellysetta and Rain as they met and started their relationship. The third and fourth books were a bit too dark, I felt like there was little hope and bad things kept happening to beloved characters. Finally in this book we see the final battles and a brighter future. I was pleased that the battle with the High Mage was more than just him and Ellie, she has many people who cared about her. The final chapters felt a little rushed, I would have enjoyed more information on where some of our characters end up, especially the girl from Eld and the babies. We get to see our main characters and their happy endings so I am still happy.
I would recommend this series to people who enjoy epic fantasy romance. The characters and story will stay with me long after I am finished.
October 25, 2010
I adore this series and these characters C.L. Wilson has brought to life. She writes the evilest of all villains and the most tortured of all heroes. Between these two men is Ellyseta, a woman so in love with the light, yet marked with evil and teetering on the edge of darkness.
Crown of Crystal Flame, the final book in the Tairen Soul series starts right where Queen of Song and Souls ends. Actually, the prologue is the heartbreaking event of Adrial and his truemate all over again (and their death plays a big role in this book). I don’t know how C.L. Wilson does it, but she gets me so wrapped up in these characters. While I love the story of Rain and Ellysetta, I have become so attached to Bel and Gaelen (part of her guard) and Shan and Elfeya (her parents stuck in prison). She weaves in the stories of her supporting characters to the point I latch on and I don’t want to let go.
C.L. Wilson has so much to address and wrap up in this book and I think she does an amazing job. Ellysetta is fighting her four mage marks while Rain is desperate to find a way to finish his bonding before the madness overtakes him. Shan and Elfeya are at wits end after endless torture. Kieran and Kiel are missing with Ellysetta’s sisters. King Dorian and Queen Annoura are struggling in their marriage and constant political maneuverings. And finally, the epic war is on the horizon. Vadim Maur, who may be my favorite villain of all time, has amassed not only a stunning number in his evil army, but has a plan set to capture his prize possession Ellysetta.
This book is intense, action-filled and with some absolutely heartbreaking moments that made me tear-up. Everyone’s story, not just Rain and Ellysetta’s, are resolved. Some with joy, others with tragedy. The action starts right from the beginning, and although the actual romance scenes are fewer in this book, there are an abundance of poignant, touching scenes. At this point in the series, we know of the love between Rain and Ellysetta – what we need to see is the final outcome and we are not disappointed.
I honestly don’t have any complaints. This book is an outstanding end to one of my favorite series. You must read this series in order, this isn’t one you can casually pick-up halfway through but I highly recommend it. I am not huge into reading fantasy, but this one delivers romance, action and characters that are unforgettable.
Crown of Crystal Flame, the final book in the Tairen Soul series starts right where Queen of Song and Souls ends. Actually, the prologue is the heartbreaking event of Adrial and his truemate all over again (and their death plays a big role in this book). I don’t know how C.L. Wilson does it, but she gets me so wrapped up in these characters. While I love the story of Rain and Ellysetta, I have become so attached to Bel and Gaelen (part of her guard) and Shan and Elfeya (her parents stuck in prison). She weaves in the stories of her supporting characters to the point I latch on and I don’t want to let go.
C.L. Wilson has so much to address and wrap up in this book and I think she does an amazing job. Ellysetta is fighting her four mage marks while Rain is desperate to find a way to finish his bonding before the madness overtakes him. Shan and Elfeya are at wits end after endless torture. Kieran and Kiel are missing with Ellysetta’s sisters. King Dorian and Queen Annoura are struggling in their marriage and constant political maneuverings. And finally, the epic war is on the horizon. Vadim Maur, who may be my favorite villain of all time, has amassed not only a stunning number in his evil army, but has a plan set to capture his prize possession Ellysetta.
This book is intense, action-filled and with some absolutely heartbreaking moments that made me tear-up. Everyone’s story, not just Rain and Ellysetta’s, are resolved. Some with joy, others with tragedy. The action starts right from the beginning, and although the actual romance scenes are fewer in this book, there are an abundance of poignant, touching scenes. At this point in the series, we know of the love between Rain and Ellysetta – what we need to see is the final outcome and we are not disappointed.
I honestly don’t have any complaints. This book is an outstanding end to one of my favorite series. You must read this series in order, this isn’t one you can casually pick-up halfway through but I highly recommend it. I am not huge into reading fantasy, but this one delivers romance, action and characters that are unforgettable.
October 5, 2015
Final rating: 5/5 stars
And with this book, the series has ended. It was a nice journey while it lasted and i don't regret reading this series. Although, by the time that you start reading this book, you already know enough of what will happen in the future, thanks to prophecies and what not. Even so, it was interesting and well done story, but the best part of this whole story lied in characters.
I will miss all of them, and i will miss their world. Overall, this series is not for faint hearted, and it is quite dark - very dark, so be careful.
Although the only thing i had problem with was how suddenly it ended. But everything was explained, and all pieces fell into place, but even so, i wish epilogue was a bit longer.
I want to thank my dear friend Raven.mikhail who recommend me the book in the first place!
____________________________________________
OVERALL :
____________________________________________
This series was really, really interesting, full of great characters and nice fantasy setting. It combines adult type books with a well written fantasy story and makes a perfect balance.
____________________________________________
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
____________________________________________
MY TAIREN SOUL REVIEWS:
◉ Lord of the Fading Lands (Tairen Soul #1)
◉ Lady of Light and Shadows (Tairen Soul, #2)
◉ King of Sword and Sky (Tairen Soul, #3)
◉ Queen of Song and Souls (Tairen Soul, #4)
◉ Crown of Crystal Flame (Tairen Soul, #5)
“Let love, not fear, be your guide.”
And with this book, the series has ended. It was a nice journey while it lasted and i don't regret reading this series. Although, by the time that you start reading this book, you already know enough of what will happen in the future, thanks to prophecies and what not. Even so, it was interesting and well done story, but the best part of this whole story lied in characters.
I will miss all of them, and i will miss their world. Overall, this series is not for faint hearted, and it is quite dark - very dark, so be careful.
Although the only thing i had problem with was how suddenly it ended. But everything was explained, and all pieces fell into place, but even so, i wish epilogue was a bit longer.
I want to thank my dear friend Raven.mikhail who recommend me the book in the first place!
____________________________________________
OVERALL :
____________________________________________
This series was really, really interesting, full of great characters and nice fantasy setting. It combines adult type books with a well written fantasy story and makes a perfect balance.
____________________________________________
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
____________________________________________
MY TAIREN SOUL REVIEWS:
◉ Lord of the Fading Lands (Tairen Soul #1)
◉ Lady of Light and Shadows (Tairen Soul, #2)
◉ King of Sword and Sky (Tairen Soul, #3)
◉ Queen of Song and Souls (Tairen Soul, #4)
◉ Crown of Crystal Flame (Tairen Soul, #5)
February 3, 2024
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
In the final installment of the saga of Ellysetta Baristani and the Tairen Soul King Rain. This book sets off right after the ending of Queen of Song and Soul, where our wonderful Adrial and his truemate are killed. I am so grateful this was a re read, but man its been years and I had forgotten how much this author can pull me right into a story, and how easily I get wrapped up into these characters and my goodness...all the feels this series and especially this last installment conveys is beyond extraordinary. In this book, we come to the final battle between the Celirians and Fey and the evil Mages who are trying to destroy all in their path. We such strengths in Rain and Ellysetta and all of those special people that protect and defend them. We see the true courage Ellysetta's parents have, suffering over a thousand years of torture and protecting her as best the can. Ellysetta has come a long way from a innocent woodcarver's daughter, to learning of her fate to be the Tairen Fey King's truemate and developing her gifts so she could heal the young tairen kitlings. And learning how to sing true song in many different ways and learning of her destiny that will either make her capable of destroying the evil mages or a power that will consume her and destroy the light within her. Ellysetta and Rain go through war, and strife, pain and suffering, but in this beautifully compelling final story, we see how strong they are together, and vibrant their connection is.
Let love, not fear, be your guide.
There is something so magical about their epic story of love and courage, of seeing them fight together for freedom and love. It was simply a wonderful experience to read this series again, and when I realized I had yet to review this book, I knew I needed to do a short review because really this book definitely deserves it. If you have yet to read this series, or this author....you need to pick up this series...IMMEDIATELY. I guarantee it will make you fall in love with this wondrous world that C.L. Wilson has created and you will become captivated with all of my favorite characters including our playful and feisty Tairen's and the quintent.
The Fey did nothing in half measures. That intensity of emotion was part of their appeal. It made them the fiercest warriors, the staunchest allies, the most passionate lovers. The most devoted mates.
This is a story that will leave you on edge, break through your emotional barriers, and tug at your heartstrings. This book and this whole series, stays with you and even though this is my second time reading this book, it has always held a special place in my heart and I know it will in yours too!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="19708"]
In the final installment of the saga of Ellysetta Baristani and the Tairen Soul King Rain. This book sets off right after the ending of Queen of Song and Soul, where our wonderful Adrial and his truemate are killed. I am so grateful this was a re read, but man its been years and I had forgotten how much this author can pull me right into a story, and how easily I get wrapped up into these characters and my goodness...all the feels this series and especially this last installment conveys is beyond extraordinary. In this book, we come to the final battle between the Celirians and Fey and the evil Mages who are trying to destroy all in their path. We such strengths in Rain and Ellysetta and all of those special people that protect and defend them. We see the true courage Ellysetta's parents have, suffering over a thousand years of torture and protecting her as best the can. Ellysetta has come a long way from a innocent woodcarver's daughter, to learning of her fate to be the Tairen Fey King's truemate and developing her gifts so she could heal the young tairen kitlings. And learning how to sing true song in many different ways and learning of her destiny that will either make her capable of destroying the evil mages or a power that will consume her and destroy the light within her. Ellysetta and Rain go through war, and strife, pain and suffering, but in this beautifully compelling final story, we see how strong they are together, and vibrant their connection is.
Let love, not fear, be your guide.
There is something so magical about their epic story of love and courage, of seeing them fight together for freedom and love. It was simply a wonderful experience to read this series again, and when I realized I had yet to review this book, I knew I needed to do a short review because really this book definitely deserves it. If you have yet to read this series, or this author....you need to pick up this series...IMMEDIATELY. I guarantee it will make you fall in love with this wondrous world that C.L. Wilson has created and you will become captivated with all of my favorite characters including our playful and feisty Tairen's and the quintent.
The Fey did nothing in half measures. That intensity of emotion was part of their appeal. It made them the fiercest warriors, the staunchest allies, the most passionate lovers. The most devoted mates.
This is a story that will leave you on edge, break through your emotional barriers, and tug at your heartstrings. This book and this whole series, stays with you and even though this is my second time reading this book, it has always held a special place in my heart and I know it will in yours too!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="19708"]
February 1, 2012
All in all I enjoyed this series. The world building in particular was extremely well done and highly original. I enjoyed the story, the setting, and the characters a great deal. This series was not perfect however and this novel exposed certain problems therein.
Let me also state that this review contains spoilers. If this bothers you, don't read any further.
(i) My biggest issue came towards the end of the book, in which there was a prime example of what I have come to refer to as the TSTL syndrome. :-)
This acronym stands for the phrase 'too stupid to live'. I have now come to use this for a book (or movie) where the main character(s) exhibit a highly unbelievable level of stupidity with regards to the eventual actions of the bad guy(s). In this book, the main character's two young sisters are kidnapped by an evil mage, Vadim Maur. As a result, the main character, her mate, and their allies decide to rescue them. However, while even the main characters acknowledge that their plan (which involves using the bad guys' means of travel and assuming they haven't been double-crossed) has more holes than a sieve, it does not really occur to them that the aforementioned evil mage could be waiting for them. And this was the case after said mage had spent most of his time trying to capture the main character which he has become obsessed with (I'm trying not to give too much away here).
Um, right. Just how stupid are these people, exactly?
(ii) The end of the series is a tad abrupt, insofar as the evil mage is killed very quickly. I will reiterate here what I have said in at least one previous review of another series: while it may be the case that the CHARACTERS need to 'off' the evil character(s) quickly, this does not mean that the written account of this death/elimination needs to be rushed.
In the end, the main evil character's death took one paragraph. Frustrating.
(iii) The fate of certain secondary characters is left entirely unanswered. One particular character, Melliandra, escapes with one of the Fey women and several children. The two of them, with the children, head for the northern mountains. Nothing more is said about them, which means they've essentially been left hiking forever in a frozen mountain wasteland by the author.
I am still hoping this will be dealt with in a subsequent book (the author has said that there will be another novel in this universe, though this novel will not be part of the current series).
These elements are unfortunate, because otherwise I truly enjoyed this series and found it extremely well written.
Let me also state that this review contains spoilers. If this bothers you, don't read any further.
(i) My biggest issue came towards the end of the book, in which there was a prime example of what I have come to refer to as the TSTL syndrome. :-)
This acronym stands for the phrase 'too stupid to live'. I have now come to use this for a book (or movie) where the main character(s) exhibit a highly unbelievable level of stupidity with regards to the eventual actions of the bad guy(s). In this book, the main character's two young sisters are kidnapped by an evil mage, Vadim Maur. As a result, the main character, her mate, and their allies decide to rescue them. However, while even the main characters acknowledge that their plan (which involves using the bad guys' means of travel and assuming they haven't been double-crossed) has more holes than a sieve, it does not really occur to them that the aforementioned evil mage could be waiting for them. And this was the case after said mage had spent most of his time trying to capture the main character which he has become obsessed with (I'm trying not to give too much away here).
Um, right. Just how stupid are these people, exactly?
(ii) The end of the series is a tad abrupt, insofar as the evil mage is killed very quickly. I will reiterate here what I have said in at least one previous review of another series: while it may be the case that the CHARACTERS need to 'off' the evil character(s) quickly, this does not mean that the written account of this death/elimination needs to be rushed.
In the end, the main evil character's death took one paragraph. Frustrating.
(iii) The fate of certain secondary characters is left entirely unanswered. One particular character, Melliandra, escapes with one of the Fey women and several children. The two of them, with the children, head for the northern mountains. Nothing more is said about them, which means they've essentially been left hiking forever in a frozen mountain wasteland by the author.
I am still hoping this will be dealt with in a subsequent book (the author has said that there will be another novel in this universe, though this novel will not be part of the current series).
These elements are unfortunate, because otherwise I truly enjoyed this series and found it extremely well written.
December 18, 2010
Wow, what an ending to a beautiful, epic-like series.
The final book in the story of Rain and Elysseta is powerful, heart-wrenching, riveting and delivered what it promised and more.
I have to admit that during the first half of the book I was literally biting my nails. It is so dark, the enemy so cunning, and the challenges just seemed insurmountable. I was afraid that someone important will die, and I don't think I can handle that. The story, of course, had a positive conclusion, but it was a ride to get there.
Wilson created a complex world with fascinating characters that inevitably wormed themselves into the reader's heart. I was happy for the beautiful ending of Rain and Elly's romance, even as I worried and hurt and fret for them and their friends.
I love this series, and highly recommend it to everyone who loves a great romance.
The final book in the story of Rain and Elysseta is powerful, heart-wrenching, riveting and delivered what it promised and more.
I have to admit that during the first half of the book I was literally biting my nails. It is so dark, the enemy so cunning, and the challenges just seemed insurmountable. I was afraid that someone important will die, and I don't think I can handle that. The story, of course, had a positive conclusion, but it was a ride to get there.
Wilson created a complex world with fascinating characters that inevitably wormed themselves into the reader's heart. I was happy for the beautiful ending of Rain and Elly's romance, even as I worried and hurt and fret for them and their friends.
I love this series, and highly recommend it to everyone who loves a great romance.
January 9, 2017
I really struggled with this book, which is sad because I honestly enjoyed most of the others. I find that I can't review this book without taking into consideration the books that came before, because this, unlike other series, reads more like one continuous book as opposed to multiple books in a series and I feel that this is really where the series as a whole fails. The books pick up one right after the other, which in theory is okay, except that most of the books don't have a clear beginning middle and end. There is only one problem that we are constantly trying to fix through all 5 books and if the book doesn't make any headway on that problem, then it basically does nothing for 400 pages. So the problem with the series begins and ends with the pacing. The entire thing is off. Normal series have multiple problems that as you progress through them you solve some and find more and that in turns helps progress toward the completion of the main problem. In that respect this book does have many foci (which is awesome considering I came into this thinking of it as romance book series and was pleasantly surprised to find plot too), but where Wilson fails is that she didn't solve or progress any of them until the end this book. So coming into this book we had The Mage wars, Maur trying to claim Ellysetta, Lorelle and Lillis missing, Melliandra trying to kill Maur, Lord Shan and Elfeya on year 1001 of torture, etc. From Previous books we have lingering the fact that Ellysetta is a tairen soul with no song, That she hasn't completed her mate bond with Rain, she's mage marked, the mages have created tons of portals all over the world and the Celierians are in trouble, there's a rift between the Celierians and the Fey d/t that whole boring side shei'tanitsa bond gone wrong. And to top it off we gain more problems, we learn of the Mage cross breeding program, we learn of the dahlreisen's village, etc. There's so much going on. One would think that with so much going on the 5th book would be action packed from beginning to end. I was initially excited to read the book because I felt that I was finally going to get answers. I was always upset with the pacing of the earlier books but I just knew I was going to get answers now and I was willing to forgo the bad pacing earlier but no. What could have been awesome just ended up being boring and redundant.
There is definitely action. 80% of the book is action, but it's repetitive and very sliced up. Every page or so is split between different characters but nothing gets accomplished. We go to Rain, driven mad by bond rage, to Ellysetta who's mage marked and always flowing with Shedalin's love, to the twins, lost in the faering mists, to Melliandra, the most uninteresting character on the planet, to tortured Shan and Elfeya, to Mage Maur plotting, to the Cellerian queen crying, etc. it goes on and on. And every time you switch to them they do nothing. Nothing occurs that pushes us further to solving ALL the problems listed above. They fight mages and fight mages, and run from mages, and meet dahlreisen in the woods, and try to steal crystals, and cry for literally 80% of the book. I love action, but when it's described over and over again as "throwing weaves" or "shei'dalin's love" over and over again it becomes tiresome. And then suddenly Wilson remembers that she left all of these problems open and very quickly tries to wrap them all up.
We quickly defeat the Mage army and just decide on a whim to go to Mage Maur in his lair and finally things start to happen. But the end result is so quick that it's unfufilling, the fact that I spent 5 books reading about how unstoppable Maur is and then bam, it's over. The problems I mentioned earlier are tied up in a speed not proportionate to the time spent creating and mulling over them. It makes everything fall flat.
Also, where did her quintet go? They were some of my favorite characters. I absolutely love Gaelen and Bel has always been a front runner as well and they were basically completely removed from the book, they barely even spoke. Is she had spent less time with Melliandra and more with them it would have been a definite plus. As for her, I would go on more of a rant about how useless her plot line was but I don't want to spoil anything. I will say that I felt that her ending in particular was particularly stupid and vapid.
I feel that Wilson was afraid that if she solved some of her problems earlier she wouldn't have enough substance for later, but that's not the case. If she could have rescued her parents in an earlier book or maybe have let Ellysetta find her tairen song earlier, those could have been used to enhance the rest of the plot. She would be able to fly and fight as a tairen and he father could have fought side by side with her. That would build on the plot. But in leaving everything for the end I find myself questioning why they even mattered in the first place?
SPOILER:
(P.S. the tairen song resolution bothered me the most. I'd been waiting to see her tairen form since book 3 when they introduced that she was a tairen soul, and to have her finally complete her change 5 PAGES FROM THE END OF THE SERIES IS INFURIATING!)
END SPOILER:
I'm struggling with my overall rating for this book. I don't regret reading this series about all. I really enjoyed the bare bones of the series, the overarching themes of what Wilson was trying to accomplish. I still stick by my rating of book 2 of 4.5 stars. If she could have just eliminated one book and spread everything out a little more I would be changing my rating entirely.
There is definitely action. 80% of the book is action, but it's repetitive and very sliced up. Every page or so is split between different characters but nothing gets accomplished. We go to Rain, driven mad by bond rage, to Ellysetta who's mage marked and always flowing with Shedalin's love, to the twins, lost in the faering mists, to Melliandra, the most uninteresting character on the planet, to tortured Shan and Elfeya, to Mage Maur plotting, to the Cellerian queen crying, etc. it goes on and on. And every time you switch to them they do nothing. Nothing occurs that pushes us further to solving ALL the problems listed above. They fight mages and fight mages, and run from mages, and meet dahlreisen in the woods, and try to steal crystals, and cry for literally 80% of the book. I love action, but when it's described over and over again as "throwing weaves" or "shei'dalin's love" over and over again it becomes tiresome. And then suddenly Wilson remembers that she left all of these problems open and very quickly tries to wrap them all up.
We quickly defeat the Mage army and just decide on a whim to go to Mage Maur in his lair and finally things start to happen. But the end result is so quick that it's unfufilling, the fact that I spent 5 books reading about how unstoppable Maur is and then bam, it's over. The problems I mentioned earlier are tied up in a speed not proportionate to the time spent creating and mulling over them. It makes everything fall flat.
Also, where did her quintet go? They were some of my favorite characters. I absolutely love Gaelen and Bel has always been a front runner as well and they were basically completely removed from the book, they barely even spoke. Is she had spent less time with Melliandra and more with them it would have been a definite plus. As for her, I would go on more of a rant about how useless her plot line was but I don't want to spoil anything. I will say that I felt that her ending in particular was particularly stupid and vapid.
I feel that Wilson was afraid that if she solved some of her problems earlier she wouldn't have enough substance for later, but that's not the case. If she could have rescued her parents in an earlier book or maybe have let Ellysetta find her tairen song earlier, those could have been used to enhance the rest of the plot. She would be able to fly and fight as a tairen and he father could have fought side by side with her. That would build on the plot. But in leaving everything for the end I find myself questioning why they even mattered in the first place?
SPOILER:
(P.S. the tairen song resolution bothered me the most. I'd been waiting to see her tairen form since book 3 when they introduced that she was a tairen soul, and to have her finally complete her change 5 PAGES FROM THE END OF THE SERIES IS INFURIATING!)
END SPOILER:
I'm struggling with my overall rating for this book. I don't regret reading this series about all. I really enjoyed the bare bones of the series, the overarching themes of what Wilson was trying to accomplish. I still stick by my rating of book 2 of 4.5 stars. If she could have just eliminated one book and spread everything out a little more I would be changing my rating entirely.
January 31, 2016
2nd read 31 January- February 2016
Buddy read with Anzu and maybe Maru
1st read 5th April 205
I loved this series, I totally did!
It did leave me with some questions:
1. This, I couldn't stop asking myself this: why name all Celierian kings Dorian It's very, very creepy!
2. What happened to Melliandra and the fey woman?
3. What happened to the kids?
4. Will the twins really be together with the guys(names not written, because spoillers, and also because I don't remember the spelling :D)
5. Will Galen(my love) bond with Melliandra?
I need another novel or 2 please :D
Buddy read with Anzu and maybe Maru
1st read 5th April 205
I loved this series, I totally did!
It did leave me with some questions:
1. This, I couldn't stop asking myself this: why name all Celierian kings Dorian It's very, very creepy!
2. What happened to Melliandra and the fey woman?
3. What happened to the kids?
4. Will the twins really be together with the guys(names not written, because spoillers, and also because I don't remember the spelling :D)
5. Will Galen(my love) bond with Melliandra?
I need another novel or 2 please :D
September 28, 2012
What a friggin ride!!!! Not sure about full review to come but something is coming.
What an end to an epic ride for me. One of my friends was disappointed with this book and it had me a little worried. I didn’t read the review just looked at the stars and went ut oh. Not at all the case for me. Book 2 was so good I really didn’t expect any of the others to top it but this one did and by a clear margin. Not far in I thought ” oh we better not do like 80% more world building and then throw everything at us all at once.” Well that was not the case. It was just the opposite. Don’t want to give the percentage but it is pretty early on that the flood gates opened and there was just no break in the action. It was not stop action even with some more world building going on, although most of that was done on the fly.
Very difficult to give a full review on fantasy books but even harder on a book that ties up the loose ends of 5 books. Just read the series it is totally awesome and I am sure I will be heading into a 5 star slide.
What an end to an epic ride for me. One of my friends was disappointed with this book and it had me a little worried. I didn’t read the review just looked at the stars and went ut oh. Not at all the case for me. Book 2 was so good I really didn’t expect any of the others to top it but this one did and by a clear margin. Not far in I thought ” oh we better not do like 80% more world building and then throw everything at us all at once.” Well that was not the case. It was just the opposite. Don’t want to give the percentage but it is pretty early on that the flood gates opened and there was just no break in the action. It was not stop action even with some more world building going on, although most of that was done on the fly.
Very difficult to give a full review on fantasy books but even harder on a book that ties up the loose ends of 5 books. Just read the series it is totally awesome and I am sure I will be heading into a 5 star slide.
July 4, 2023
Well, it's over, and I have mixed feelings about it. After five books, all the silly stuff and the melodrama of the writing was starting to wear on me. On the other hand, I did enjoy the ending, and the many answers we got about how Ellysetta was going to save the Fey from extinction, and how she had to change their society to do it. I particularly liked how the story of the Dahl'reisen as a group ended, and the resulting social implications for the how the Fey were living, but I would have liked a little more wrap-up to Meliandra's story. And I would have loved an epilogue to see how everyone is getting on a year or two later.
The pacing of the series overall could have been better. Books 1-3 were really fun page turners, Book 4 was almost a slog with very little action taking place, and Book 5 was a lot of lead-up to a finale that felt rushed. My ratings for Books 1-3 were solid four stars for pure fun despite the many objectively bad qualities I've talked about, Book 4 was three stars, and I'm calling Book 5 three-and-a-half stars, rounded up to 4.
But overall, if you don't mind your heroine being a gigantic Mary Sue, your hero being a Super Handsome Dude with lavender eyes who also turns into a giant flying panther, a super cheesy romance that is front and center in the first two books (although it takes a bit more of a backseat in Books 3-5) and writing that's as melodramatic as a teen girl having a hissy fit, it's fun. Books 1-2 are maybe 70% romance / 30% fantasy, so it's fair to call them a romance in a fantasy setting, and Books 3-5 almost flip that on its head, 30% romance / 70% fantasy, as Rain and Ellysetta are married now and while they're still totally besotted with each other, the rest of their drama really comes to the fore. It's still romantic in the sense that their bond is the key to virtually everything, but for the most part it's not as openly steamy as the courtship phase of their relationship.
A few gripes:
I mentioned in my review of Book 4 how it seemed like Elly needed to , but she didn't actually do that until literally 10 minutes before the end after all the drama had been resolved, and that was a big disappointment.
And how stupid was that thing they did at ~75%, which immediately went badly wrong, as any sensible person could easily foresee? The entire final quarter felt really poorly thought out and rushed. How Ellysetta got all of these vastly experienced military commanders to go along with it, I'll never know. And the actual final confrontation with the evil High Mage was the worst boss battle ever.
It was left disappointingly unclear how, aside from that thing she did in Book 3, Elly is going to save the tairen from extinction. The entire population of the species is a single pride numbering less than a dozen. Is she going to spend the next thousand years hanging around in tairen form and gestating lots of tairen eggs or what?
Wilson's whole idea of immortal people truemating and having everlasting love that never fades even a little bit is really quite annoying to me, and has been all along. I liked Dennis L. McKiernan's idea of how immortals form romantic bonds a lot better, where they acknowledge that beings who can easily live 1,000 years (or 10x that) simply can't make promises like “til death do us part,” and instead they simply promise to walk the path together as long as they have common ground to walk, and to part with friendship and respect when their paths take them apart.
I also struggled increasingly as the story went on with the typical patriarchy bullshit so common in fantasy, and it makes me rage when women in particular write it. Part of the Fey's gallantry consists of, “we protect our women by wrapping them up in silk and never letting them go beyond the mists, and we're totally unreasonable whenever, in our judgment, a Fey woman is in danger, regardless of what she has to say about it.” Their idea of protection seems to have a lot in common with a lush sort of imprisonment. And do Fey women have any job other than healer and librarian? Come to think of it, do Celiarian women have any job other than wife and mother to other characters? And it's pretty noticeable that there are no female mages, so I think it's fair to say that everywhere outside of Elvia, women are getting short shrift. It was quite cool when the elves finally showed up to help the war effort, and they had a badass female cavalry commander and (one assumes) some female warriors in their ranks. One of my favorite counter-examples is Kate Elliott's Crown of Stars series, which is filled with all kinds of women doing all kinds of things at every level.
And did I mention how white this story is? Everyone of every race is clearly Caucasian. Writing fantasy worlds where you totally erase people of color is not okay in the 21st century. Beyond that, I grew increasingly tired of the whole light=good, dark=bad imagery. It's so pervasive in fantasy, and I hate it every time I see it. But to be fair, Wilson did redeem that a bit with her ending. One of my favorite counter-examples on this issue is Louise Cooper's Chaos Gate trilogy, where the Lords of Order, associated with light/day, have built this world order where they = good and the Lords of Chaos = evil, but... well, I won't spoil any of that.
The pacing of the series overall could have been better. Books 1-3 were really fun page turners, Book 4 was almost a slog with very little action taking place, and Book 5 was a lot of lead-up to a finale that felt rushed. My ratings for Books 1-3 were solid four stars for pure fun despite the many objectively bad qualities I've talked about, Book 4 was three stars, and I'm calling Book 5 three-and-a-half stars, rounded up to 4.
But overall, if you don't mind your heroine being a gigantic Mary Sue, your hero being a Super Handsome Dude with lavender eyes who also turns into a giant flying panther, a super cheesy romance that is front and center in the first two books (although it takes a bit more of a backseat in Books 3-5) and writing that's as melodramatic as a teen girl having a hissy fit, it's fun. Books 1-2 are maybe 70% romance / 30% fantasy, so it's fair to call them a romance in a fantasy setting, and Books 3-5 almost flip that on its head, 30% romance / 70% fantasy, as Rain and Ellysetta are married now and while they're still totally besotted with each other, the rest of their drama really comes to the fore. It's still romantic in the sense that their bond is the key to virtually everything, but for the most part it's not as openly steamy as the courtship phase of their relationship.
A few gripes:
I mentioned in my review of Book 4 how it seemed like Elly needed to , but she didn't actually do that until literally 10 minutes before the end after all the drama had been resolved, and that was a big disappointment.
And how stupid was that thing they did at ~75%, which immediately went badly wrong, as any sensible person could easily foresee? The entire final quarter felt really poorly thought out and rushed. How Ellysetta got all of these vastly experienced military commanders to go along with it, I'll never know. And the actual final confrontation with the evil High Mage was the worst boss battle ever.
It was left disappointingly unclear how, aside from that thing she did in Book 3, Elly is going to save the tairen from extinction. The entire population of the species is a single pride numbering less than a dozen. Is she going to spend the next thousand years hanging around in tairen form and gestating lots of tairen eggs or what?
Wilson's whole idea of immortal people truemating and having everlasting love that never fades even a little bit is really quite annoying to me, and has been all along. I liked Dennis L. McKiernan's idea of how immortals form romantic bonds a lot better, where they acknowledge that beings who can easily live 1,000 years (or 10x that) simply can't make promises like “til death do us part,” and instead they simply promise to walk the path together as long as they have common ground to walk, and to part with friendship and respect when their paths take them apart.
I also struggled increasingly as the story went on with the typical patriarchy bullshit so common in fantasy, and it makes me rage when women in particular write it. Part of the Fey's gallantry consists of, “we protect our women by wrapping them up in silk and never letting them go beyond the mists, and we're totally unreasonable whenever, in our judgment, a Fey woman is in danger, regardless of what she has to say about it.” Their idea of protection seems to have a lot in common with a lush sort of imprisonment. And do Fey women have any job other than healer and librarian? Come to think of it, do Celiarian women have any job other than wife and mother to other characters? And it's pretty noticeable that there are no female mages, so I think it's fair to say that everywhere outside of Elvia, women are getting short shrift. It was quite cool when the elves finally showed up to help the war effort, and they had a badass female cavalry commander and (one assumes) some female warriors in their ranks. One of my favorite counter-examples is Kate Elliott's Crown of Stars series, which is filled with all kinds of women doing all kinds of things at every level.
And did I mention how white this story is? Everyone of every race is clearly Caucasian. Writing fantasy worlds where you totally erase people of color is not okay in the 21st century. Beyond that, I grew increasingly tired of the whole light=good, dark=bad imagery. It's so pervasive in fantasy, and I hate it every time I see it. But to be fair, Wilson did redeem that a bit with her ending. One of my favorite counter-examples on this issue is Louise Cooper's Chaos Gate trilogy, where the Lords of Order, associated with light/day, have built this world order where they = good and the Lords of Chaos = evil, but... well, I won't spoil any of that.
March 3, 2012
Some books just rob me of words to adequately describe what it did with me, CROWN OF CRYSTAL FLAME is such a book. C.L. Wilson gave me a conclusion where joy and sadness, love and hate, courage and angst, laughter and tears fuse in to an action filled story that gave me an unparalleled reading experience within the romance fantasy genre. CROWN OF CRYSTAL FLAME is by no means a novel you can read as a stand-alone since it is an end game story where the truemate bond between Elly and Rain needs to find completion or else…, and the battle against High Mage Vadim Maur enters the last stage to claim the final victor.
From the first word C.L. Wilson plunged me in to high risk chases and tension filled battles where fey powers and Celierian tenacity clashed with the dark strength of the mages. There is a very fine line between death and survival, defeat and victory, and I can guarantee you there will be moments of angst, tearful goodbye’s and moments filled with utter relief as various characters make it through one ordeal or another. C.L. Wilson holds nothing back, the plot thickens to almost insurmountable heights with a rapid succession of unfolding events. It nailed me to the couch, every major and secondary story thread blended seamlessly together. I was completely absorbed in the story being told as to whether or not my most beloved characters would find peace, joy and love again.
The plotlines that were set-up in the former four books of this series and hadn’t found a conclusion do so in CROWN OF CRYSTAL FLAME. The signature beautiful and lyrical writing style of C.L. Wilson encompassed me; it set me on the grim battlefields, it made me soar like a Tairen, weave magic along the fey warriors and allowed me to feel the range of emotions coursing through the characters. This author knows how to bare the souls of the characters, let me witness all the good, the bad and everything in between that they have to give. Each character; Rain, Elly, Belliard, Gaelen, Shan, Elfeya, Vadim Maur, Melliandra, Lillis, Lorelle, the Dahl’reisen and the Tairen, to those new to the series they are just names. Nevertheless, to those familiar with the series know that each brims with a distinctive voice that allows them to come to life via the pages and in the mind’s eye. I loved them all; each of them gave the love, the friendship, the battles and even the darkness of hate or evil meaning and purpose. While the story, as each of the four preceding books, revolves around the completion of the truemate bond between Rain and Elly, it is each supportive character, each secondary storyline, that deepens this series to a rich and multi-layered reading adventure.
I cannot tell you much about the story plot itself since each reader who has longed for CROWN OF CRYSTAL FLAME should go in to it unspoiled and experience it all firsthand themselves. The tender courtship romance between Elly and Rain I got to read about in Lord Of the Fading Lands is no longer. Now it is a love, running so deep in the soul of the couple it demands the full and complete truemate bond. There are risks to be taken, the love needs to be expressed, the fear felt and the dangers are everywhere, Rain and Elly’s go rock bottom to aim for the completion of their bond and they took me along with it for every moment! Their romance is truly one of epic proportions that touched my heart to the very core but my heart also plummeted in fear for them and cried for them. This story is the culmination of everything that came to pass and it delivered a breathtaking read from an author who can wholly claim a reader with her characters, imagination, storytelling and high-risk plotting.
From the moment I read Lord Of The Fading Lands I knew C.L. Wilson was an author with a fantastic gift for writing. With CROWN OF CRYSTAL FLAME C.L. Wilson has cemented herself among the greatest authors on my shelves with exquisite storytelling, fantastic world building, heart-in-throat tension, larger-than-life characters and a romance that will keep you on edge till the very last chapters. I will love reading this series for the rest of my life!
Quote:
The Fey did nothing in half measures. That intensity of emotion was part of their appeal. It made them the fiercest warriors, the staunchest allies, the most passionate lovers. The most devoted mates.
From the first word C.L. Wilson plunged me in to high risk chases and tension filled battles where fey powers and Celierian tenacity clashed with the dark strength of the mages. There is a very fine line between death and survival, defeat and victory, and I can guarantee you there will be moments of angst, tearful goodbye’s and moments filled with utter relief as various characters make it through one ordeal or another. C.L. Wilson holds nothing back, the plot thickens to almost insurmountable heights with a rapid succession of unfolding events. It nailed me to the couch, every major and secondary story thread blended seamlessly together. I was completely absorbed in the story being told as to whether or not my most beloved characters would find peace, joy and love again.
The plotlines that were set-up in the former four books of this series and hadn’t found a conclusion do so in CROWN OF CRYSTAL FLAME. The signature beautiful and lyrical writing style of C.L. Wilson encompassed me; it set me on the grim battlefields, it made me soar like a Tairen, weave magic along the fey warriors and allowed me to feel the range of emotions coursing through the characters. This author knows how to bare the souls of the characters, let me witness all the good, the bad and everything in between that they have to give. Each character; Rain, Elly, Belliard, Gaelen, Shan, Elfeya, Vadim Maur, Melliandra, Lillis, Lorelle, the Dahl’reisen and the Tairen, to those new to the series they are just names. Nevertheless, to those familiar with the series know that each brims with a distinctive voice that allows them to come to life via the pages and in the mind’s eye. I loved them all; each of them gave the love, the friendship, the battles and even the darkness of hate or evil meaning and purpose. While the story, as each of the four preceding books, revolves around the completion of the truemate bond between Rain and Elly, it is each supportive character, each secondary storyline, that deepens this series to a rich and multi-layered reading adventure.
I cannot tell you much about the story plot itself since each reader who has longed for CROWN OF CRYSTAL FLAME should go in to it unspoiled and experience it all firsthand themselves. The tender courtship romance between Elly and Rain I got to read about in Lord Of the Fading Lands is no longer. Now it is a love, running so deep in the soul of the couple it demands the full and complete truemate bond. There are risks to be taken, the love needs to be expressed, the fear felt and the dangers are everywhere, Rain and Elly’s go rock bottom to aim for the completion of their bond and they took me along with it for every moment! Their romance is truly one of epic proportions that touched my heart to the very core but my heart also plummeted in fear for them and cried for them. This story is the culmination of everything that came to pass and it delivered a breathtaking read from an author who can wholly claim a reader with her characters, imagination, storytelling and high-risk plotting.
From the moment I read Lord Of The Fading Lands I knew C.L. Wilson was an author with a fantastic gift for writing. With CROWN OF CRYSTAL FLAME C.L. Wilson has cemented herself among the greatest authors on my shelves with exquisite storytelling, fantastic world building, heart-in-throat tension, larger-than-life characters and a romance that will keep you on edge till the very last chapters. I will love reading this series for the rest of my life!
Quote:
The Fey did nothing in half measures. That intensity of emotion was part of their appeal. It made them the fiercest warriors, the staunchest allies, the most passionate lovers. The most devoted mates.
February 11, 2018
*1,5 stars*
This last book is on par with the rest of the series. Dragging, with lots of repetition and predictable.
In my opinion the 5 books could have been edited and condensed in at least 3 books. There's nothing wrong with predictability as long as you make the journey interesting. Here the journey drags on and on and on...
The paradox being that contrary to the other books, lots of things happen in this one. But the structure of the book, the writing and the amount of repetitions doesn't save the book from being a bore. And the wrap up was such a hurried, sloppy lack luster that the author managed to leave with loose ends. I mean, really??
This last book is on par with the rest of the series. Dragging, with lots of repetition and predictable.
In my opinion the 5 books could have been edited and condensed in at least 3 books. There's nothing wrong with predictability as long as you make the journey interesting. Here the journey drags on and on and on...
The paradox being that contrary to the other books, lots of things happen in this one. But the structure of the book, the writing and the amount of repetitions doesn't save the book from being a bore. And the wrap up was such a hurried, sloppy lack luster that the author managed to leave with loose ends. I mean, really??
October 5, 2021
[8.79/10] - reread October 2021
If I had any sort of power within the book community, I would make every single Sarah J. Maas fan read this series. Not just because they'd enjoy it, but also because SJMnicked was inspired by a lot from this series for both A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass.
This final book in the Tairen Soul series is absolutely the best of them all. It's a thrill ride from start to finish with non-stop action and major catharsis on virtually every character moment and plot line. So although this came out as a 4 star, I'm going to leave my overall 5 star rating because I think this book, and the series as a whole, deserves it - not in the least because of the powerhouse FaRo it inspired in its wake.
Original read - 5 stars
I'm done. It's over.
I enjoyed this final book so much, but ho-boy it was not a relaxing read. There were many sections where I had to read standing up because it was the only way to keep my nerves from spiralling out of control. The battle scenes probably made up over a third of this book -- it was very tense, but so much fun.
This series is an instant favourite of mine and I can see myself revisiting this world again in the near future. I'm so sad that it is over but I'm so happy that I loved all 5 books as much as I did. The book hangover is going to be severe.
If I had any sort of power within the book community, I would make every single Sarah J. Maas fan read this series. Not just because they'd enjoy it, but also because SJM
This final book in the Tairen Soul series is absolutely the best of them all. It's a thrill ride from start to finish with non-stop action and major catharsis on virtually every character moment and plot line. So although this came out as a 4 star, I'm going to leave my overall 5 star rating because I think this book, and the series as a whole, deserves it - not in the least because of the powerhouse FaRo it inspired in its wake.
Original read - 5 stars
I'm done. It's over.
I enjoyed this final book so much, but ho-boy it was not a relaxing read. There were many sections where I had to read standing up because it was the only way to keep my nerves from spiralling out of control. The battle scenes probably made up over a third of this book -- it was very tense, but so much fun.
This series is an instant favourite of mine and I can see myself revisiting this world again in the near future. I'm so sad that it is over but I'm so happy that I loved all 5 books as much as I did. The book hangover is going to be severe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2019
I feel annoyed with this one.
I give the whole series 4 - 4.5 stars read, but this one? It just 3 stars read for me!
Because I really dislike the way Rain’s needs to keep protecting Ellie.
Good grief, he did a disservice to her with his needed to keep her in a save place all the time!
The girl need someone who is supporting her new found power, believe and confidence in her, guide her how to use it and trust her will become the one she always meant to be 😠.
If not because this soulmate stuff, I really think, he wasn’t the right guy for her! 🙄
Oh well..
Also, I found it too many pages from the villain’s POV was very disappointing.
It feels like he got more pages than from Ellie and Rain’s, urgh! 😫
Anyway, the fantasy itself is fabulous.
If you love an adult fantasy story, I think you will love this one too:)
❤️
I give the whole series 4 - 4.5 stars read, but this one? It just 3 stars read for me!
Because I really dislike the way Rain’s needs to keep protecting Ellie.
Good grief, he did a disservice to her with his needed to keep her in a save place all the time!
The girl need someone who is supporting her new found power, believe and confidence in her, guide her how to use it and trust her will become the one she always meant to be 😠.
If not because this soulmate stuff, I really think, he wasn’t the right guy for her! 🙄
Oh well..
Also, I found it too many pages from the villain’s POV was very disappointing.
It feels like he got more pages than from Ellie and Rain’s, urgh! 😫
Anyway, the fantasy itself is fabulous.
If you love an adult fantasy story, I think you will love this one too:)
❤️
November 5, 2010
This is an intense book! So much was going on and so many different places and different people ~ it was kind of hard to keep up with. I think it would have been better to read Queen of Song and Souls(book 4) right before reading this one.
I liked how everything came together and the story of Ellyseta finally being revealed in its entirety. I did feel that it eclipsed Rain a bit but it was understandable. There were some things that were not addressed and some things set up for the spin off books that seem very interesting.
I loved the ending! BUT I think it would've been more exciting if you didn't know if there was going to be a HEA or not.
I would definitely recommend you reading the books fairly close together. It will be easier to follow and keep track of!
I liked how everything came together and the story of Ellyseta finally being revealed in its entirety. I did feel that it eclipsed Rain a bit but it was understandable. There were some things that were not addressed and some things set up for the spin off books that seem very interesting.
I loved the ending! BUT I think it would've been more exciting if you didn't know if there was going to be a HEA or not.
I would definitely recommend you reading the books fairly close together. It will be easier to follow and keep track of!
June 7, 2025
It’s been a few days since I finished this book and since then I cannot concentrate in any other story. I just wish to start it all over because I am going to miss everybody.
I will review it soon.
I will review it soon.
November 6, 2010
Here I am at the end of a wonderful journey to the Fading Lands and back. This is quite possibly, one of the only times that I can recall truly feeling satisfied as I close the book on a series. Not every single question was answered, but I was able to finish the book and relish the magic that was Tairen Soul.
Book 5, the final installment gave me insight into some of my favorite characters like the twins, Kieran, Kiel, King Dorian, Shan, and Elfeya, as well as some of my not so favorite characters like Melliandra and Annoura. By the end of the story I was even rooting for people I didn't like in the past! I felt the first 100 pages or so dragged a little, but once the book hit its stride, there was nothing but pure bliss in reading. It was fantasy heaven for me. The final battles were so well thought out and described. This book was lighter on the romance/love scenes than the previous books, but surprisingly enough (for me), I didn't seem to miss them. There was just too much going on and so much that I wanted to know for me to worry about if Rain and Ellie were going to get down to business.
Will I miss the Fading Lands and the Fey? Without a doubt. I am grateful that Wilson will grace us with spin-off books in the future featuring Bel and Gaelen. My only hope is that we will see appearances from Kieran, Kiel and the twins. So much has been hinted at, but that is the one last thing that I would love to see come to fruition.
The only words left to say are this : "Miorah felah ti'Feyreisa!" (Joy to the Feyreisa)
Book 5, the final installment gave me insight into some of my favorite characters like the twins, Kieran, Kiel, King Dorian, Shan, and Elfeya, as well as some of my not so favorite characters like Melliandra and Annoura. By the end of the story I was even rooting for people I didn't like in the past! I felt the first 100 pages or so dragged a little, but once the book hit its stride, there was nothing but pure bliss in reading. It was fantasy heaven for me. The final battles were so well thought out and described. This book was lighter on the romance/love scenes than the previous books, but surprisingly enough (for me), I didn't seem to miss them. There was just too much going on and so much that I wanted to know for me to worry about if Rain and Ellie were going to get down to business.
Will I miss the Fading Lands and the Fey? Without a doubt. I am grateful that Wilson will grace us with spin-off books in the future featuring Bel and Gaelen. My only hope is that we will see appearances from Kieran, Kiel and the twins. So much has been hinted at, but that is the one last thing that I would love to see come to fruition.
The only words left to say are this : "Miorah felah ti'Feyreisa!" (Joy to the Feyreisa)
November 17, 2017
Well I'm done and now I don't know what to do with myself. A week and a half of reading this whole series nonstop and now I'm thrust back into the real world. I expect my book hangover is going to be brutal, but it was worth it. This is an amazingly written series from start to finish and I couldn't recommend it enough to anyone in need of a good fantasy romance read.
December 21, 2016
Ah this series got better with each book! I'm sad that it's over. I'd love a spin off with the twins!
January 2, 2014
Overall series rating: 4.5 stars!
When a Fey warrior meets the woman who completes him, his soul's truemate, he knows in an instant. And in that instant, whether she will have him or no, he binds himself to her, hear and soul with the words "Ver reisa ku'chae. Kem surah, shei'tani," which means "Your soul calls out. Mine answers, beloved." And he spends the rest of their courtship - the rest of his life, if necessary - proving himself worthy of the magnificent gift of her love.
It was a sad, sad day when I finally swiped the last page of this book. To realize that I will never again hear or ever use the words "aiyah", "beylah vo", or "sieks'ta". Or to feel the thrill whenever I hear "Ku shalah aiyah to nei, shei'tani." I should feel satisfied, and I do. This was a series ender done really well, but not all questions were answered and some important characters just... faded. I feel as though Ms. Wilson set the book up in a way that left us readers hungry for a spinoff. If only to know what happens to Lillis and Kieran, to Gaelen vel Serranis, and to see little Tairen kitlings roaming around the Fey'Bahren.
Nevertheless, this series has managed to worm its way to my heart (and my favourites shelf) and guaranteed its spot in my reread list in the future. Despite the cheesy start, I found myself emotionally involved in the characters' plight right away. And though there was a period when my reading kept getting interrupted, I managed to get right back into the story and still continued to be riveted.
Rainier and Ellysetta are one of the most awesome couples you will ever read about. Their love and support for each other only grows deeper and stronger with each book. There are beloved characters like Bel, Gaelen and the rest of the quintet who will touch you with their loyalty and their honor as Fey warriors. And then there are those characters who you initially abhor but feel sympathy for later on. The antagonists are threatening, and there is war and conflict, and sadly, death. But there is love, plenty of it. This is truly one of the most romantic series I've ever read! I'm looking forward to getting back to the Fading Lands and reading more Tairen Soul.
When a Fey warrior meets the woman who completes him, his soul's truemate, he knows in an instant. And in that instant, whether she will have him or no, he binds himself to her, hear and soul with the words "Ver reisa ku'chae. Kem surah, shei'tani," which means "Your soul calls out. Mine answers, beloved." And he spends the rest of their courtship - the rest of his life, if necessary - proving himself worthy of the magnificent gift of her love.
It was a sad, sad day when I finally swiped the last page of this book. To realize that I will never again hear or ever use the words "aiyah", "beylah vo", or "sieks'ta". Or to feel the thrill whenever I hear "Ku shalah aiyah to nei, shei'tani." I should feel satisfied, and I do. This was a series ender done really well, but not all questions were answered and some important characters just... faded. I feel as though Ms. Wilson set the book up in a way that left us readers hungry for a spinoff. If only to know what happens to Lillis and Kieran, to Gaelen vel Serranis, and to see little Tairen kitlings roaming around the Fey'Bahren.
Nevertheless, this series has managed to worm its way to my heart (and my favourites shelf) and guaranteed its spot in my reread list in the future. Despite the cheesy start, I found myself emotionally involved in the characters' plight right away. And though there was a period when my reading kept getting interrupted, I managed to get right back into the story and still continued to be riveted.
Rainier and Ellysetta are one of the most awesome couples you will ever read about. Their love and support for each other only grows deeper and stronger with each book. There are beloved characters like Bel, Gaelen and the rest of the quintet who will touch you with their loyalty and their honor as Fey warriors. And then there are those characters who you initially abhor but feel sympathy for later on. The antagonists are threatening, and there is war and conflict, and sadly, death. But there is love, plenty of it. This is truly one of the most romantic series I've ever read! I'm looking forward to getting back to the Fading Lands and reading more Tairen Soul.
August 31, 2015
This is a combined review over the 5 books of this Series.
OK...so I read all 5 of this series non stop this weekend...
I just couldn't put this series down for the life of me.
Yes, it does drag on in parts and found myself skimming over paragraphs but overall this was a freakin fantastic series full of Fey, Dragons, Mages, Elves and so many other characters...but...
who won my heart??
Ellie - shit...she was a perfect main character and stole the book for me. From the beginning, the way the author developed her character was perfect and sublime!
Rain - Another freaking awesome character...
shit, I might as just say that all the characters in this book stole a piece of my heart.
The one thing I'm a bit upset about is that I don't see any books for Ellie's little sisters and their brave Fey warriors who protected them. I would have loved to see more from this series from the secondary characters.
OK...so I read all 5 of this series non stop this weekend...
I just couldn't put this series down for the life of me.
Yes, it does drag on in parts and found myself skimming over paragraphs but overall this was a freakin fantastic series full of Fey, Dragons, Mages, Elves and so many other characters...but...
who won my heart??
Ellie - shit...she was a perfect main character and stole the book for me. From the beginning, the way the author developed her character was perfect and sublime!
Rain - Another freaking awesome character...
shit, I might as just say that all the characters in this book stole a piece of my heart.
The one thing I'm a bit upset about is that I don't see any books for Ellie's little sisters and their brave Fey warriors who protected them. I would have loved to see more from this series from the secondary characters.
February 29, 2016
Lol.. usually in series I read the reviews so as to know what to expect.. but I absolutely refuse to have the ending to such a wonderful series spoiled for me!! I just ordered it and can't wait to receive it sometime this week!!!!
Nov 2nd update
Ok.. I love this series!!!! Adore it! What a beautiful soulmate story, engaging writing and compelling characters...I wish I could have spent more time in Elysetta and Rain's world!
While not my favorite of the series(which I guess is normal since she needed to wrap up all the storylines), the ending was sweet and wrapped Ellie and Rain's story beautifully, if leaving a couple other "maybe?" romances hanging: Gaelen and Melliandra (maybe)? And what about Kieran, Kiel and the twins??? Definitely looking forwards to any future books by this author!
Nov 2nd update
Ok.. I love this series!!!! Adore it! What a beautiful soulmate story, engaging writing and compelling characters...I wish I could have spent more time in Elysetta and Rain's world!
While not my favorite of the series(which I guess is normal since she needed to wrap up all the storylines), the ending was sweet and wrapped Ellie and Rain's story beautifully, if leaving a couple other "maybe?" romances hanging: Gaelen and Melliandra (maybe)? And what about Kieran, Kiel and the twins??? Definitely looking forwards to any future books by this author!
January 15, 2019
What a brilliant conclusion to this series! I was a little less enchanted with books three and four than I was with the first two books, but I still enjoyed them. This book, though, had me completely enthralled as everything came to fruition. All of the dreams. All of the schemes. It was such an incredible journey. I've been so immersed in this series for the last week that I have no idea what to read now. It should probably be something less substantial, though, because I'm going to have a hard time moving past these books...
August 27, 2015
3-1/2 stars I am definitely in the minority with this book. I got so tired of all the hidden bad guys and the double dealing. I was tired of the battles. In fact, I was tired during the reading of this book because it didn't keep me interested. I thought the ending was way too fluffy. I was disappointed in the ending of this series.
February 26, 2016
Amazing. Simply amazing. Full series review to come!
Series Rating: 5/5
Series Rating: 5/5
November 25, 2021
So glad I finished this. A lot of action in this one. We finally completed the bond. 😊
February 2, 2016
I was overwhelmed. This series was such a romantic fantasy treat. Loved every bit of it. Slow and rich. Just the way I like it.
Feel sorry to say good bye.
Feel sorry to say good bye.
August 20, 2017
Ignore the cheesy covers for this series, this is a pretty fun fantasy.
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