King's Wrath

Valisar Trilogy #3

by Fiona McIntosh

The thrilling conclusion to the breathtaking saga of power, blood, birthright, and enchantment.

The barbarian King Loethar may have gained his throne through brutality and bloodshed, but he has ruled Penraven with unexpected wisdom. Now his innumerable past sins threaten his reign—as Valisars who escaped slaughter prepare to rise up. Loyalties shift and new alliances are formed as the truth of history begins to emerge.

King-in-exile Leonel hungers for revenge against the man he considers the usurper of his throne. Yet Leo is unaware of another who wields the enchantment he covets—the once-charming "halfwit" brother Piven, now a powerful youth whoseexceptional cunning is matched only by his ruthless desire for the throne.

But the efforts of all three to hold or gain control of Penraven may well be in vain, for the true inheritor of the Valisar Legacy is being called home . . .to claim her crown.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Ebooks, Science Fiction Fantasy, Collections, Adult

486 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Fiona writes best selling historical adventure-romance alongside the heroic-romantic, often brutal, fantasy she built her career upon. She lives in Australia but frequently roams the world meticulously researching the locations and gathering material for her historical novels that have international settings. Her books are published worldwide and in various languages.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.


Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a deeply analytical person about reading this sort of stuff. I love a good story that gets you involved and this was it. I liked some of the twists, and enjoyed the build of tension to the ending, which I also really liked. Just a good ole fashioned fantasy read.

[Pierre Debar · Rating 3 out of 5]

As this is the final book of the Valisar trilogy, I have reread the two previous tomes before reading this one.

King's Wrath is the weakest of the three. I enjoyed most of it but suddenly it feels like McIntosh had to rush to finish the story.
Surely, the end is exactly like she had in her mind but it is not as well developed as the rest of the saga.

McIntosh is able to create very likable or hateable characters and make us witness their trials, errors, moral dilemmas, moment of happiness or sorrow...

When the time comes to finish the story, I had the impression that it I was reading something more akin to a list of historical facts than decision to be taken by the characters. I agree that all the decisions are logically linked to the rest of the story but the cascade of events felt a bit dry to me instead of a climax.

Nonetheless, this is a great trilogy with a memorable world and some of the best characters to be met in fantasy books.

[Patty Zuiderwijk · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

I'll be honest, I was a bit disappointed by this. I had really enjoyed the first two books in the trilogy. Until now, it's been a solid 4 star trilogy - however, King's Wrath just wasn't as good. Everything felt very repetitive - we follow a lot of different characters, but they all basically experience the same events just with different characters; and whenever the characters would meet up, they'd spent pages explaining to each other, what had happened while they'd been seperated - which meant that the story was repeated again and again for the reader. It was incredibly frustrating to read through.

I also thought the characters changed way too drastically in this book; especially Leo, Kilt and Gavriel. I didn't quite believe the change to their character.

Another big issue for me was that King's Wrath actually contains insta-love - which is just something I can't stand. The author spent so much time having her characters develop a history together and then boom, another person arrives and the past doesn't matter? Eh. It also felt like everybody had to be a couple - which honestly, didn't work for me. The ending was a little bit too perfect too.

[Danie Cutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book in the usual tradition of McIntosh. However it seemed too much of a "answering" everything, maybe another book was needed to make it more of a story and less of an explanation. The wide and varied narrative of the previous two in the series set a precedent that the third book did not live up to.

Having said that it was entertaining and I will be buying the next series but maybe downgrade it to a "wait for the paperback".

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A climatic end to the series. All the surviving characters from the previous books are drawn together to see who will end up ruling the Empire. Lots of loose ends tied up and a few surprises! If you like magic and suspense combined then go and start at the beginning of this series or even to the first of 12 books by Fiona which are set in the same fantasy world.

[GingerOrange · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an exciting turn of events!

There was so much going on in this novel. Very action packed with loads of plot twists. Kept me hooked to the last page. Although some plot lines and scenes felt a little convenient and unbelievable.

Overall, a really interesting turn to the story.

[Karine DS · Rating 4 out of 5]

De gros bouleversements ouvrent ce dernier tome, des révélations inattendues et surprenantes sont divulguées au lecteur.
Nous sommes à la croisée des chemins, les amis deviennent ennemis et les ennemis tissent des liens improbables.
 
Le pouvoir est aveuglant, la vengeance est une gangrène qui ronge de l’intérieur et détruit, la haine trompe celui qui la porte en son sein, le manipule et lui obscurcie la vision du lointain.
 
L’amour, l’intensité des sentiments est plus présente depuis le début de cet opus avec l’arrivée d’une personne importante qui sera peut-être la clé.
Un brin d’humour apparaît dans ce tome et je dois dire que c’est très rafraîchissant.
 
L’histoire est également plus chaotique, elle prend de nombreux chemins ce qui me perturbe pas mal lors de mon avancée mais comme le récit gagne en intensité, je suis plus concentrée pour le découvrir.
 
On assiste à des alliances improbables qui s’unissent, des liens que l’on croyait forts se défont par folie du pouvoir. Le récit devient bouleversant, les gentils deviennent impitoyables, alors que les personnages que je croyais abominables sont en réalités différents et possèdent compassion et honneur.
 
L’auteur emporte son lectorat dans une épopée fantastique. J’imagine plusieurs scénarios finals or saurai-je tomber juste ?
Les deux cents dernières pages de la Trilogie Valisar seront-elles aussi épiques que je l’espère ?
 
La fin est prenante, palpitante et m’absorbe avec délice. Je suis happée par une myriade de sentiments trépidants, mais sur certains points je reste perplexe, il me manque tout de même un brin d’explications complémentaires pour totalement être satisfaite. Il y a également un petit bémol concernant les égides qui me tracasse où je trouve que l’auteur a choisi la facilité.
 
Par contre, je dois avouer que cette trilogie dans sa globalité tient en haleine grâce à ses mystères, ses nombreux secrets que Fiona McIntosh dose à merveille.
Sa plume est vraiment attractive, attirante et maintient son lecteur sur le qui-vive.
 
Pour conclure, j’ai aimé ce dernier tome qui n’est malheureusement pas un coup de cœur.

[Aimee · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you've read the others and don't mind them then you will be okay with this one as it's more of the same. Same characters with annoyingly unclear motivations, falling in love with perfect strangers, making odd decisions just so that the plot can work out okay and characters can meet 'fortuitously', etc. It just got boring by the end.

The plot twists would have been good of it wasn't for the way the author tries to make you like unlikeable characters in a really awkward way, 'revealing' inner goodness they never showed in previous books. I just didn't buy it, and in order to make it work she has to make previously nice characters into nasty ones so that by the end I really didn't care who won. None of the characters feel real either, or act in the way you'd expect them to. For instance, Evie is, at most, annoyed and confused at being in a different world to the one she grew up in, but I'd expect her to be incredulous and in denial, constantly thinking it's a dream or coming up with pseudo-science explanations for it - she is a doctor after all. She never once asks what happened to the people in the world she grew up in, such as her adopted family who are presumably wondering what happened to her.

Another reason for the two stars is the lack of decent editing. At one point, at least in the edition I'm reading, the city known as Brighthelm for the first two books becomes Brighthelmstone for a whole chapter then goes back to Brighthelm later on; and at the end of chapter 15, Loethar refers to Piven and Leonel as his half-brothers when they are actually his nephews. I know this might seem petty but it breaks the immersion and leaves me feeling annoyed when what I really want from a book, especially fantasy, is to fall into another world that leaves me entranced. This trilogy really didn't do this for me.

[Tracy A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the story itself was fairly well crafted and brought to a decent close, it was sorely lacking in proofreading. A place name was changed, then later corrected. A character name was changed, then later corrected. A character's place of origin was changed, then later corrected. Conversations between characters were begun by one, followed by another, but then switched in their responses. Character names were inserted into situations in which they were not participants, but elsewhere in the story.

I believe all stories worth reading require extensive proofreading to ensure that storylines - and the characters therein - are consistent throughout, and particularly when a story is part of a series. As I read more self-published ebooks, I'm seeing more of the same. Proofreading by knowledgable participants in the publishing process are absolutely necessary for the release of credible products.

[Chris Lindert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great conclusion to this fantasy trilogy by Fiona McIntosh. All the threads of the narrative are drawn together as the four Valisar contenders for the throne, with the protection of their individual consumed Aegis, arrive at one place for the final confrontation. Those that were foes, in some cases find that they must unite to stop the bloodshed and dominance of evil. Superbly resolved. And even so, at the very end, a tiny hint that there may yet by opening to enter this world again. Loved it.

[Joy Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book the most in the series possibly because I felt invested in the characters. It has a bit of everything hate,sadness,betrayal,lust,violence,reconciliation and love. In the end the good characters come out on top . It’s sad that so many innocent honest people died and in such horrible ways.
This book just brought the whole book together So apart from the trilogy becoming repetitive in parts and perhaps a little long winded I did enjoy the books

[Stéphane Béland · Rating 5 out of 5]

J’ai adoré le dernier livre de cette trilogie. L’histoire est excellente, bien ficelée et les personnages attachants, où détestables. Je n’aurais jamais cru que j’adorerais autant cette trilogie qui dormait dans ma bibliothèque depuis longtemps. Une aventure épique qui est malheureusement terminée. Je recommande vivement.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

King's Wrath is the third and final book in the Valisar series by Fiona McIntosh. It's the conclusion to the epic high fantasy adventure series which has intrigued me and kept me invested the whole way through.
One of my go-to authors as I am always guaranteed of a great read.
Didn't disappoint!

[krsteenrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect ending

This is the final book in a trilogy.It was a long book but kept my interest all the way through.If you started this series you must take the time to finish it.The ending will entrance you !

[Fay Rayner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entrancing read.. I loved all books of this SeriesIn fact I have read many of her

I have read many of Fiona’s books and have enjoyed all...
I am looking forward to the next of this Valisar Series

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the final book in the Valisar Trilogy. It was fast paced and unpredictable, almost comical in parts. I loved the characters of Loethar, Kilt Faris, Jewd, Ella, Toddy, Ravan, Gavriel de Vis & Evie. Very clever story.

[Madeline Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first two books in this trilogy were a slow setup, then this hurriedly finished the trilogy. It was left open to further books whilw wrapping this part of the story in a neat, predictable way. Enjoyable but not close to the level of other fantasy trilogies.

[Becky Choake · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book as I love Fiona books but this is the worse one of hers that I’ve read.
It lacked vision, creativity and felt like she was entirely making it up as she went. It was predictable and the ending to me is a total flop. Sad really because this trilogy had potential!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of this book was a little heavy going, but after that I really enjoyed it. This was a strong trilogy and I am looking forward to reading the other trilogy I have by Fiona McIntosh.

[Annie Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! A cliffhanger? There better be a 4th book! Despite the bad editing and the bad reviews, I really enjoyed this saga!

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced, lots happening, very exciting, but the ending was a little too fairy tale-ish and easy.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are aspects of this book that I really liked - somehow the characters always pulled into their plight - but it didn’t quite come together for me.

[Gillean Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as enjoyable as the first two. Too many conflicting characters and I found myself skimming.

[Moureen Wittekoek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Entertaining but slow

[Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thrilling conclusion to an epic saga, cleverly bringing all the threads together 😊

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

5* for the story
3* for the editing

Whoever edited this didn't do a good job. As far as I could see there weren't any spelling or grammatical errors but there were inconsistencies. For example, at one point Brighthelm was called Brighthelmstone, Queen Iselda was called Isadora, and Leo was called Loethar's half-brother instead of nephew. Bit confusing.

The story was really good though and it leaves it open for another book! However, I must admit I did find the ending a bit rushed as I would have liked to know more about the new administration and the people's reaction to it along with the lost Valisar princess's return and Leothar being a Valisar.

[Adam Bourke · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my experience of reading McIntosh's previous books, the endings have been fairly weak and anticlimactic. If it wasn't for the fact that the first two and a half books of her trilogies are generally extremely good then she wouldn't be one of my favourite authors. This series however, and particularly this book, was the exception. The majority of the series was, while still well-written, loose and unfocused. But the ending was possibly the most exciting one that McIntosh has written.

Unfortunately, I can't say too much about the ending without major spoilers, but where previous series have had the final confrontations all but skipped, there is actually some fighting at the end of this one. Which makes it automatically better in the first place. But I will talk about the rest of the novel, and by extension the whole series. I said above that it was unfocused. And the biggest reason for that is the lack of a main protagonist, and the lack of a main antagonist. The characters are no longer clearly defined as they were in the first book, particularly Piven, the mentally handicapped prince. And while it does make it all a bit more realistic, it makes it difficult to actually want any one person to win the conflict.

The best character in the novel is undoubtedly Loethar. Considered the antagonist before the general confusion, he's an interesting, intelligent character. He isn't the only one to go through changes of character, but he's the one that it seems most natural for. He's written well, and almost seems to be the main character in this final book. On the other side of the coin we have Piven. He felt like the main character in the previous book, but in this is relegated to just a handful of viewpoint scenes. Even the (effectively) new character Evie gets more scenes than him.

And mentioning Evie brings us onto the idea of different worlds. If you didn't know, all of McIntosh's fantasy books are set on the same continent, but in different countries - so it makes sense that if something happens in one, it can just as easily happen in another. Throughout her books there is a common theme of different worlds. And the idea of sending someone to a different world until they are needed/considerably older is one that she used here, but also in the Trinity Trilogy. As is the idea of segregating those with magical powers, although for different reasons. Similarly, there are other ideas that I saw repeated in this story arc that were used in her previous novels, so I felt that some originality was lost there. However, on saying that, there were plenty of new ideas in this series, including the idea of an Aegis, and the method of unlocking their power. I also liked the slightly less central idea of the tatua, which identified which tribe the Steppes people were from. Overall, it WAS a new story, although there were some familiar patterns behind it.

I did enjoy this book. I enjoyed this whole series. But it's not the best of what she's written (I can't decide if the Trinity or Quickening Trilogy is best). Nor is it the worst, and the ending is considerably more satisfying that some others have been - although she could have still made it a bit more "epic". If you've read the Percheron Trilogy, then I'd say that there's a high chance of you liking this. If you've never read McIntosh before, this is still good, but I would recommend the Trinity series as the best to start with (it's the one that I started with, and I've read all of her fantasy books now).

[Swiftsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Completely unbelievable an ending. Everything builds up then falls in patters, returning to solid ground. Without missing of course, Fiona Mcintosh's notable traits of almost-seeming worthless deaths. Moreover, the incredible bounds of magic that interplay, though striking and awe-inspiring, lead to the pointlessness of the magic existing in the first place.

I really dislike the mish-mash excuse they often place in fantasy stories. Where everything is because of a 'god' or 'goddess' decree. It's played upon too much in this book. For goodness sakes, by the end of it all I was pretty much just screaming for the Valisar bloodline to end. We don't need more of the utter Valisar Legacy nonsense. Land can be ruled with the absence of magic. PLEASE. The damn goddess (mentioned in the epilogue) is just plain lazy- wrecking havoc where she can't be bothered to control. If this is the best ending I can get from Fiona Mcintosh's writing, I doubt I'll try reading any more of her trilogies -- as much as I enjoyed the Quickening.

I would have honestly liked to give this novel 4 stars but the last few chapters drained a star out. The endings of both the trilogies I've read of Fiona Mcintosh's are incredibly vague. However, I have to admit that the last few chapters of this trilogy, or climax so to speak is a lot better than that of 'the Quickening'. I still recall cringing when I was forced to understand balance in the world was restored through a 'Bridge of Souls'. Yes, I somehow am still able to remember the title of the last installment of the trilogy because, plainly put, it was unfathomable and too incredible a way for a story to end.

Among the things I'm most frustrated about in this novel:
1) Leo's character development. He turns into a tormented fellow. Made me really miss his cute, lively, perceptive 13 year-old self in 'the Royal Exile'. I wanted to cry for him, Lily and Gavriel.
2) Corbel just HAD to die didn't he. His death made me dislike Genevieve's character even more.
3) The stupid 'true love at first sight' between Genevieve and the old man Kilt Faris. It happened way too quickly. No wonder Corbel wanted to die. He's been with her for 20 years! And Kilt Faris, within just a few hours wins her heart. WTH.
This is why by the end of the whole trilogy, readers will pity every single character except Genevieve.
4) So Piven becomes this amazing youth, that... what? Turns into a mindless child again? Oh, great! Back to square one.

[Quigui · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was with some trepidation and apprehension that I approached the final instalment of the Valisar Trilogy. In the year that has passed since I read the second book of the series, I managed to read the Percheron Trilogy, and found it lacking in the ending department.

Much had happened already in last 2 books, and I was expecting another action filled story. There was a sense of finality to this book - all the players were known, they were all getting into position, showing their cards, all converging to the same point.

It took me a bit to get (re)used to this world, to remember some of the minor characters and what had happened. But once I was fully reacquainted with it, the pages flew by, and I kept wanting to know what would happen next.

Like the previous two books, this one also is not for those who are easily squicked, as it provides a good example of the darkness of the human mind, and what people are willing to do to get what they think is rightly theirs. Mind you, it isn't all dark and evilness; there is a balance, with some great characters that are the reverse of that coin.

As an ending to the series, King's Wrath fills it purpose. Yet there are still some questions left unanswered (albeit only minor ones), and there is a thread left hanging in case the author ever decides to revisit this world.

I'm of two minds regarding this book. On the one hand, I really liked how my favourite character turned out, something that I was kind of expecting (since book 1), but it was quite nice to see it come to fruition. On the other hand, it all seemed a tad too easy. I was expecting a bit more struggle and uncertainty to the difficult decisions that some of the characters were facing.

I also liked that the problems and ideas I had while reading certain parts, were properly answered a few pages after - seeming like the author thought of other possibilities besides the obvious.

All in all, I enjoyed reading King's Wrath. It didn't disappoint - there was a lot action, and good characterization. Also, it didn't confirm my fears - it was a good ending to the characters' story, there is a resolution to the biggest problems, even if at points it might not be the one we wished for.

Also at Spoilers and Nuts