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The Chosen #3

The River of Tears

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As the Chosen lie broken, defeated or dead, the Once and Future King with his legions stand victorious. The promised golden age of humankind is instead a ruin filled with despair. Kingdoms burn, destroyed by lies, misdirection and a plan a thousand years in the making.

At the centre of it all stands Malina. Stripped of her love, humanity and hope, both betrayer and betrayed, she continues her desperate struggle against the encroaching darkness.

For despite losing everything, Malina is driven to face her nemesis again by thoughts of revenge, a thirst for blood, and a desire to save the world she helped condemn. With such a mission before her, just one thing is certain.

Only the strong will survive.

455 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2023

345 people are currently reading
644 people want to read

About the author

Marcus Lee

8 books86 followers
Marcus Lee is a bestselling author of Fantasy novels full of magic, conquest, darkness vs light, and Machiavellian plot twists that you won't see coming.

Born and living in London, he has been a lover of fantasy since reading Homer the Odyssey and The Iliad as a seven year old. Now, as a father of one, he seeks to create worlds and stories that capture the imagination of a new generation of readers, to give back some of the magic he has so happily immersed himself in over the years.

Whenever Marcus' quill is at rest, he can be found wandering enchanted forests, or engaging in a variety of sports/playing computer games with his son.

Marcus can be contacted via his website: www.marcusleebooks.com

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5 stars
809 (65%)
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334 (27%)
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76 (6%)
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18 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Lynn Burnett.
70 reviews
June 12, 2025
This book was so disappointing. After really liking the first two books in the series, I so wanted it to end with a bang, but instead it ended with a dud. What the heck happened to Malina? She went from being a bad-ass woman to a whiny girl - am I a good person or a bad person, why does Lotane no longer love me (duh - you cheated on him), why am I always alone.... and the list goes on. It takes 3/4 of the book to get to any real action or battle and by then it was the same old same old and so predictable. I gave it a 2 only because the first two books were great and I really have to hate a book to give it a 1.
Profile Image for Daniel McCann.
8 reviews
February 20, 2025
The whole series is fantastic, it's been years since any book has captured my interest so strongly. Incredibly hard to put down from the start of book 1 until the end
Profile Image for Becki Jane.
38 reviews
August 12, 2024
Cons: This series was perhaps a bit too long. I felt like some of the ratios were off - for example, getting to the final battle took most of the third book but his death took maybe three pages. Also there were a few key plot points which it feels like Lee rushed past - the farmhouse meeting of Malina, Norgoth and the other chosen where Norgoth suddenly reveals that the chosen have forgotten instructions that subconsciously affected their decisions; a massive plot point which i don’t think lasted a full chapter. Malina having Fey blood and then in a later chapter it being revealed that it was Norgoth that turned her Fey. Also not a fan of the final what, two pages? Honestly if I was Malina I’d have smashed Lotane’s teeth out in book 2, the hypocritical *insert swear word of choice here*, yet he miraculously appears in the Fey world and proposes and Malina forgives him and he seemingly had forgiven her cause he wants to be a god?!

Pros: love a strong if deeply flawed main character. Would have loved more of an exploration around Malina’s heritage given her powers. The evil characters tend to get their comeuppance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
November 6, 2024
good but ending was rushed

Good world building. Liked the nuanced layering in storytelling. Author pulled in different lores to build the storyline. I highly recommend. But the last chapter in the last book was slightly disappointing. Not enough to say I wouldn’t read again. Not to give ending away: it seemed rush and too neatly tied in a fairy tale happy ending way. I think a few more pages or a chapter would have answered some questions and the ending wouldn’t seen so forced and rushed. Like what happened to kral? Why did he and Lotane make the choices they made? How did Malina arrived where she did and for how long? Was the letter just sitting there the whole time?
Did she lose her soul? If not why is she stuck? Can’t she use the pool like before? Why is she exiled/trapped.
Kinda irritating to end like that when everything else was so good leading up to it
Also, nogothA?!? Come on. So insulting. Malina is a badass. She should have what ever name she wants. Nogotha is like changing your last name AFTER the divorce AND just before going down the aisle
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
7 reviews
February 14, 2025
I HATED the ending!

This final book was disjointed and depressing. The characters’ relationships with each other were flimsy and their interactions barely believable. And of Malina and Lotane’s romance? Just no,no and no! Has she really so little self respect as to want to constantly keep flogging a dead horse!
The single paragraph ending with the HEA was just the icing on top of one big unbelievable cake.
I am so sorry I slogged my way through these three successively worse books.
Profile Image for Zoe Hill.
73 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2024
I've finally finished The Chosen trilogy!! This was definitely the better out of the 3 with a lot more action/interesting points but it still felt like a push to finish. An interesting conclusion to the series and I'm so glad I can focus on something else now 😂
29 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2024
No words

I don't even know where to begin. I was pretty skeptical about reading this series. And it's not for what many people might think. I generally do not read male authors when it comes to fantasy. Because I like to lean more towards romance. But I do like a good plot line, which this book seems to really have. And I had put this book off for a long time. And since I was in a book slump, I figured why not?
This book series starts out. Really dark? And I'm not gonna lie. The whole series is very dark, but if you are a massive fan of Lord of the Rings. And the Witcher and any other kind of fantasy movie. This book series is definitely for you. We follow the female main character in her point of view. As she navigates this dark, dark world and becomes this incredible assassin. There is found family trope, which is an amazing aspect that I like to read in books. Especially in high fantasy books. There is a side of romance, which was a big surprise. And I'm really, really happy that. The romance did not take over the plot line. I absolutely loved the world. Building the epic battles and the war. And the ending is just incredible. It wasn't rushed at all. I don't feel like the characters were all thought out really well. I really liked how in the beginning you felt sympathy for all these kids because they're being brainwashed. And you can see it all happened, and it's quite sad because they took pleasure in it. And they thought this is just completely normal, which is definitely a form of grooming, and it's really sad to see, but then you watch them all grow. And become their own person throughout this entire series. They learn right from wrong and try to make everything better but turn out what they think. Was their purpose or their new purpose? Should say was actually all planned out and just the devastation that they felt you feel with them, and it's just you are. Completely consumed in these books and feel like you are involved every step of the way with these characters. The ending was incredible. I loved how you really get happily ever after. Especially when these books didn't seem like you would get that. The only downside was the love interest. He seemed like he really could not accept. What elina was, especially when they thought that it was the end that they were going to die the next morning. He just could not take what she was and has even called her monster and then at the end of the book. It's like me. It just all happened so fast. There was no. Real talk between them. She could not explain herself to him. And he kind of did not accept it at all. And all I was saying it's like bam. He accepts it, and it's that was pretty confusing.
And it seemed like there's just a big hole right there in the story that I wish was filled but I am not disappointed in these books at all and I am going to be putting this series into my list. On Amazon so I can re-read it again in the beach area because, man. I am incredibly happy. I read these books, and I had read these books all within 2 days saying. I'm way too late into the night.
Profile Image for Lauren Cosgrove.
3 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2023
I was a blubbering mess by the final page. The River of Tears was a fantastic conclusion to The Chosen trilogy. Marcus continues to deliver complex, multi-faceted, three-dimensional characters and it was refreshing to watch satisfying and poignant character growth unfold. My favourite element of The Chosen trilogy was the characters. These are people you won't forget, and they are reason enough to read this series. However, the plot is fantastic also. There are so many elements to this story and every subplot, setting, culture, and creature is introduced to the reader in a seamless and captivating way. The River of Tears leaves the reader with a sense of conflict as we are tugged across a morally grey landscape where it becomes more and more difficult to distinguish right from wrong. All three novels of The Chosen trilogy act as many different pieces of a large puzzle and they all come together in The River of Tears. Each instalment provides the reader with vivid landscapes, enticing creatures, bloody battles, sex, betrayal, and magic. The Chosen trilogy is The Hunger Games meets Lord of the Rings; fantasy, adventure, and romance all bundled into an intricate package of terror.
Profile Image for Jade Michaelson.
130 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2025
This was a good finale! Well, it was written as a finale, but apparently due to fan demand, Marcus wrote a fourth (and will be writing a 5th) book. But it had a great ending, the character development was good, but some parts were kind of all over the place, like Lotane hates Malina then loves her then hates her and then loves her... and Marcus tried to write an explanation for it but it still kind of fell short. So now I'm wondering if Lotane did all this just to figure out a way to end her.. I guess I'll have to read the next books to find out. I'm also wondering if we'll get to see Kral again, but the way this book ended, I'm guessing probably not.

His writing style seemed to fluctuate a bit, the first book I thought the writing was very strong, this last book seemed slightly devolved, almost childish at times. Adults throwing temper tantrums, and there was way too much use of exclamation points.

All in all these books were very good and I'd highly recommend for anyone who likes genres similar to the Hunger Games. Very dark fantasy, especially the first book. The second book had some sex scenes but this one, other than all the battles, was pretty clean.
Profile Image for Korinne Chaney-Butler.
40 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2024
OMG. I WOULD GIVE THIS SERIES 100 STARS IF I COULD.

I think Malina aka the Wolf Slayer aka the King Slayer is ONE of the best female characters I've ever read. She's badass, compassionate but calculated. Kragen and Dimitar were additional favorite characters. So much action. Loss. Just a really good story. So entertaining. These books really got me out of a slump I was in where it was taking me forever to finish anything. I'll be recommending these over and over like I do my other favorite series. Probably my top reads of the year. If you like dark, brutal, action with dashes of compassion and politics-READ THIS!

Triggers! Check them first if you do that kind of thing. The pacing and action of this series reminds me of The Dragonblood Assassin series by Andy Peloquin and Jaime Castle. If you liked that pacing, you'll love this. I think this is telling me something I never thought about in my 25 years reading lol I like plot driven books as opposed to character driven??
Profile Image for Bigred6126.
1,384 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2025
Chosen

I loved these books. They were so hard to read at times. I definitely cried several times. They are filled with violence but also a sense of well being at times. I didn't know what to expect but I knew it was going to be bad. They was also good as well. It's really hard to determine the bad guy. I mean there's definitely one really bad guy but the good ones are also bad. They definitely redeem themselves and the Chosen come out on top. I was rooting for the Chosen the whole time and in the end they won but not without great loss. These books are not happy to lucky. They're very serious and heartbreaking. Everyone comes out a winner and a loser. They don't all end up together with a happy ending, but I'm the end it works out well.
5 reviews
February 4, 2025
Brilliant

It was a wonderful trilogy, start to finish, with a great plot, brilliant world building and well written characters. I 100% recommend it to any fans of dark fantasy tales.
My only major gripe is the path that Malina and Lotane’s relationship follows. It all seemed to tie up far too neatly at the end, given the actions of both characters, and I felt like Malina’s love for Lotane was far too enduring, while Lotane was growing ever more disgusted by her. Their miraculous ending seemed forced and annoyed me, more than anything.
Either way, that is a small aspect of the story (which is overall wonderful). It is also biased by my personal dislike for Lotane’s character in this book.
Profile Image for Sydney.
18 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2025
Much better than the 2nd book, and once again Marcus Lee nails it with visuals that astound the mind in simple writing form. I read another review that criticized Malina for becoming a cry baby and whiny. While she has become quite depressed and self-pitying in this book, it is very easy to see why as the story progresses, fate it would seem does not like Malina and makes her pay in ways she wishes dearly she didn't have to. After reading the synopsis for the 4th book, it will be interesting to see where the story goes and some non-spoiler reviews it will seem that quite a bit of time passes for Malina. I do hope we get to see Kral again as his friendship with Malina has become something i would rather read about than Lotane and Malina.
2 reviews
February 25, 2023
Remarkable

A remarkable ending to Malina’s incredible journey. I always feel content when I’ve read a truly good book. A book that has captivated me, kept me in suspense, let me experience a new and remarkable journey within each chapter.

I’m so glad that I’ve found the author Marcus Lee. This man not only has a way with words but he has an incredible imagination. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being drawn and experienced the fantastical world of the trilogy, The Chosen. if you want to immerse yourself in a truly captivating fantasy world, I highly recommend this trilogy.
I can’t wait to read what Marcus Lee writes next.
Profile Image for Daniel Bowers.
14 reviews
February 3, 2025
An emotional rollercoaster.

I'm always team Malina all the way, for I feel kindred with her. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to say, Fuck Lotane. Why he never understood what she was going through. For he knew the seduction of the power As well as any other. Kral became a hero of mine. 1st hating him and his brother, To him being Melina's 1 and only ally That was constant throughout. Never have I gone from anger to joy so fast in one chapter before. 1st angry that she's been again left alone, And then there he is ready to spend eternity with her. I could not have asked for a better ending.
3 reviews
July 26, 2024
blew me away!!!

I’ve never heard of Marcus Lee. Downloaded this to kindle by chance. From the very first chapter of the first book in the series I was captivated by the story, by the characters. I love to read. I don’t know how many books I’ve read in my life but this story, this saga, stands out as one of my favorites. Throughout the whole 3 books there was never a time when the story got slow or boring. I definitely recommend giving it a chance. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Susan Hancock.
Author 7 books30 followers
March 27, 2023
Oh!!! Such an ending! The subtle penultimate twist and those final moments (Thank you author for that!) If you’ve read thus far then you know how good the books are. Book 3 doesn’t disappoint, with action, emotions, betrayals, victories and defeats in balance and those wonderful characters (Kralgon is one of my favourites... but then, all the characters are so different and so well crafted.) A really great close to a great epic fantasy trilogy.
Profile Image for Gloria Sanders-Williams.
Author 27 books10 followers
September 19, 2024
damn this was a good story

At first I wasn’t certain I would continue this story. Somehow the character and the tale like magic held on and I’d never been more thrilled I gave this story my time. I couldn’t help but smile at the end of such trials and pain and conviction to be rewarded by a complete and wonderfully mastered ending. Thank you Mr Lee. I hope my stories I write leave the reader as satisfied.
Profile Image for Heather Drago.
6 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2024
Awesome series- Perfect final book!

I genuinely enjoyed this series so much. This final chapter for Alina was perfect. I love love love the battle strategies, the fights, the magic! I love how smart Malina is while also having her vulnerabilities. I love that I could not predict what was going to happen at freaking all!! I binged this entire series in literally 48 hours. Thank you so much for the escape.
1,033 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2025
Awesome finale!

The final battle is as awe inspiring!
Malina fights long and hard to thwart Nogarth’s plans, even as those around her loathe her existence.
That’s all I’m going to put into words about this last book. I do not want to diminish your revelation of the outcome of this last fight for humanity.
I am so glad I found this trilogy. It is one of the best fantasy series I have had the pleasure to read. I look forward to reading more by this author!
Profile Image for Margo Fox.
12 reviews
April 14, 2024
Review

I very much enjoyed these books. The psychological aspects, love in many forms, monsters, period piece, travel to other worlds and all mixed with majick. Very different from most magical fantasy with witches, vampires and werewolves. I like those too but this was totally a different view. I really appreciate someone thinking completely out of the usual box.
4 reviews
Read
January 8, 2025
Fantastic Trilogy

A lifetime of reading fantasy means I'm hard to impress but this trilogy was awesome. Incredible world and character building and it kept me in suspense which is so unusual.
It wasn't predictable or the same regurgitated stories that the genre has become. Just its own unique story. Bravo and thank you to the author!
1 review
January 24, 2025
From the minute I picked up the first book a couple of weeks ago to completing the Trilogy tonight, I have been twisted torn, felt sick, and sad every step of the way. I've been horrified at the darkness but loved the little glimmers of hope, love, and friendship. These books are not an easy read, very dark, and yet like a supremely dark fairy tale, it catches your imagination.
15 reviews
March 7, 2025
Best series EVER!

This was truly 1 of the best series that I've ever read. I could hardly wait to get to the next book , chapter and sentence. I must say that I'm rather sad that I finished it I'm extremely happy with the ending Thank you so much Marcus lee and I will definitely be recommending this series to all of my friends.
Profile Image for Ann Anderson.
37 reviews
April 14, 2024
Great Story

Having read all three books this is by far the best one. I found book one a bit of a struggle and read a couple of other books before returning to finish it, I hate not finishing books! Book two had a bit more pace to it and book three was hard to put down.
6 reviews
April 25, 2024
A must read

This trilogy of books are incredible, with plot twists that will keep you hanging on to the edge of your seat. It is primarily a journey of 3 people, full of action, mayhem and lighter parts. It'd a must read.
67 reviews
May 18, 2024
10 our if 10

It's been a while since I have been captured by a series... I just couldn't stop until I had read all three & now I feel at a loss. Full of interesting characters & landscapes - lots of unexpected turns . It's been a wonderful journey.
9 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2024
Wow! Excellent Book!

This is a must read, it is entertaining and there’s always a different twist or turned that surprises you. Enjoy this whole series. It is very entertaining like watching a movie.
251 reviews
July 11, 2024
Okay I really !liked it

This was a very good read. All three books in this series were very well done. The concept was different and I really ghar no idea how it was going to turn out. Yes a very enjoyable read.
2 reviews
November 15, 2024
Brilliant read

I found this trilogy to be totally engaging. It never goes where you think it will and for the last few days I have done little to no housework due to needing to read these books. :-D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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