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The Fourth Talisman #3
Monstrum
In the third volume of the Fourth Talisman series, the hunt is on for the three daevas whose powers saved the world once before….
On the wave-tossed White Sea, realm of smashers and sea monsters, a ship is carrying Nazafareen and Darius to the Isles of the Marakai, where the wise woman Sakhet-ra-katme has guarded the secret of the talismans for centuries. But another is searching too, a man born in the brutal prison of the Kiln, who plans to use the talismans to free the Vatras and their mad king. Between them stands a young Marakai girl, ignorant of her own powers. From the moonlit treasure vaults of the Isles to the emperor’s lavish palace in Tjanjin, Nazafareen and Darius face their deadliest and most cunning foe yet.
In the mountain fastness of Val Moraine, the Pythia’s minions are on the scent of another talisman, this one from the Danai clan. Trapped behind a thick wall of ice, everyone’s going slightly mad—the perfect cauldron of suspicion and betrayal for Thena, who sees a chance to redeem her failure and bring the talisman back to Delphi. Then she’ll be free to indulge her twisted obsession with Darius—and make him pay.
And in Samarqand, Javid is drawn into the treacherous currents of a royal succession. When the old king dies and his son takes the throne, the depths of the prince’s depravity become clear. A journey north reveals the source of the spell dust he’s addicted to—and leaves Javid with an impossible choice.
On the wave-tossed White Sea, realm of smashers and sea monsters, a ship is carrying Nazafareen and Darius to the Isles of the Marakai, where the wise woman Sakhet-ra-katme has guarded the secret of the talismans for centuries. But another is searching too, a man born in the brutal prison of the Kiln, who plans to use the talismans to free the Vatras and their mad king. Between them stands a young Marakai girl, ignorant of her own powers. From the moonlit treasure vaults of the Isles to the emperor’s lavish palace in Tjanjin, Nazafareen and Darius face their deadliest and most cunning foe yet.
In the mountain fastness of Val Moraine, the Pythia’s minions are on the scent of another talisman, this one from the Danai clan. Trapped behind a thick wall of ice, everyone’s going slightly mad—the perfect cauldron of suspicion and betrayal for Thena, who sees a chance to redeem her failure and bring the talisman back to Delphi. Then she’ll be free to indulge her twisted obsession with Darius—and make him pay.
And in Samarqand, Javid is drawn into the treacherous currents of a royal succession. When the old king dies and his son takes the throne, the depths of the prince’s depravity become clear. A journey north reveals the source of the spell dust he’s addicted to—and leaves Javid with an impossible choice.
- GenresFantasyYoung AdultMagic
304 pages, Unknown Binding
First published June 15, 2018
115 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Kat Ross
60 books806 followersKat Ross is an award-winning and bestselling fantasy author whose series range from the Persian-inspired Fourth Element to the cozy Ravencroft Hall books. She lives in Connecticut with her son and a gang (clowder?) of anarchist cats. When she’s not writing, you can find Kat wandering in the woods or poring over maps in the cartography turret. For more info, check out her website: www.katrossbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 3, 2018
THOUGH BOOK REVIEWING is a hobby, it’s important for me to stay on top of the latest releases. I’ve been following Kat Ross’s career since The Midnight SeaThe Midnight Sea swept me off my feet. Each book since has continued to dazzle me in a completely wonderful way. Her newest release, Monstrum, is her best book yet! This story is rich and haunting, with a potent kind of magic that’s barely contained, and an incredible cast of indomitable and morally complex characters.
I’m so happy that Darius and Nazafareen are finally together for an entire book. Nazafareen and Darius are off to the Isles of the Marakai to seek out the wise woman Sakhet-ra-katme in the hopes of restoring Nazafareen’s loss memory and to discover the guarded secret of the talismans. But another is searching too. Born in the brutal prison of the Kiln, Nico finally escapes and plans to use the talismans to free his people and their deranged king.
I was so captivated by the rich backstory of the Vatras. Nico has a dark side and is guilty of some pretty terrible things, yet I doubt (hope) that he is not a true antagonist. The insight that we get into his history illuminates a soft and vulnerable side that helps explain his actions. He’s villainous but at times shows traits of heroism; he’s filled with hatred but shows an unwavering love for his brother. It’s hard to dislike him and I look forward to seeing where Ms. Kat takes him.
To say that I’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg in this review is an understatement. I don’t want to give away too much. There are many satisfying answers in this third book, with plenty of new mysteries for the next installment. One thing is for certain, Ms. Kat has completely outdone herself with her fierce imagination and storytelling prowess. I felt that she’s reached deep inside soul to to give us Monstrum--a dark and potent fantasy.
{Thank you Kat Ross and Acorn Publishing for kindly giving me this book free of charge, which does not influence my review.}
I’m so happy that Darius and Nazafareen are finally together for an entire book. Nazafareen and Darius are off to the Isles of the Marakai to seek out the wise woman Sakhet-ra-katme in the hopes of restoring Nazafareen’s loss memory and to discover the guarded secret of the talismans. But another is searching too. Born in the brutal prison of the Kiln, Nico finally escapes and plans to use the talismans to free his people and their deranged king.
I was so captivated by the rich backstory of the Vatras. Nico has a dark side and is guilty of some pretty terrible things, yet I doubt (hope) that he is not a true antagonist. The insight that we get into his history illuminates a soft and vulnerable side that helps explain his actions. He’s villainous but at times shows traits of heroism; he’s filled with hatred but shows an unwavering love for his brother. It’s hard to dislike him and I look forward to seeing where Ms. Kat takes him.
To say that I’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg in this review is an understatement. I don’t want to give away too much. There are many satisfying answers in this third book, with plenty of new mysteries for the next installment. One thing is for certain, Ms. Kat has completely outdone herself with her fierce imagination and storytelling prowess. I felt that she’s reached deep inside soul to to give us Monstrum--a dark and potent fantasy.
{Thank you Kat Ross and Acorn Publishing for kindly giving me this book free of charge, which does not influence my review.}
June 19, 2019
Monstrum was utterly BRILLIANT!
The stakes are definitely getting higher!
It was awesome do get to know more of the fire daevas and what revelation it was!
It was also nice to see some things never change like---you know, I think the definition of “pain in the ass” was invented for Mr. The Viper (I keep on forgetting how to spell his real name…)
Javid continued to impress me and I hope he manages to catch up with Katsu at some point…
I really like the variety and multi ethnicity of Kat’s books. I read books with cross-dressing characters, LGDTB couples, gender fluid MCs and all but some of them really felt stereotyped, a bit patronizing in some aspects, so I did find extremely relaxing and refreshing when, for once, things did feel completely normal, so non judgey.
If on one hand Javid impressed me, Galen continued to be the idiot it was from the start, and in the end, its stupidity comes and bites him in his sorry ass. (I still want to enter the book and slap him, though).
Culach is one of the characters that has probably undergone the most growth since we him the first time (well, back then it was possessed by the mr.pain-in-the-ass but still…) and now I can say I respect him, like him…sort of. Mina and Him are a good match (although I’d rather have some more kissing scenes involving my favorite OTP *coughs* just sayin’)
Gerda the old cow had it coming but too late----I’m so sad for Halldora.
Victor started to worry me though and I hope he breaks free of the diamond’s influence or whatever the hell is wrong with him. Also, I can’t bear the thought of something bad happening to his buddy Mithre, he looks such a fun sweet guy (Do you read me Kat, leave him alone!)
So much happens in this book, including getting to know the Oracle’s true identity and Thena’s definitive to the loony bin.
If while reading Solis I was interested in the red haired guy now I can confirm it…I like him!He is no good but at least not as psychotic like his sister and…well, what can I say? I love not-exactly-good-but-not-too-bad boys (You can say he’s kinda hot and not just in figurative way lol). The fighting scene between him and Nazi was total badass and I loved every second of it! I fear Nazi is slipping to the dark side but ---this is too exciting!
Speaking of Nazi, I’m sorry her quest to find a way to recover her memories had an abrupt stop. Although, she seemed to accept it, I have the feeling that it isn’t exactly it and I’m pretty sure all is not lost. And well, at the moment she has more pressing things to worry about hasn’t she? I can’t wait for the next book….
PS: In my mind I have founded (for my personal entertainment) the hot-bad-boys club…so far it has three members, one is a fire daeva, the other you know from the 4th element series (I’ll give you a hint: necromancer…) and the last one is from the 13th gate book (hint: crime lord?). Kat you have ruined me!
The stakes are definitely getting higher!
It was awesome do get to know more of the fire daevas and what revelation it was!
It was also nice to see some things never change like---you know, I think the definition of “pain in the ass” was invented for Mr. The Viper (I keep on forgetting how to spell his real name…)
Javid continued to impress me and I hope he manages to catch up with Katsu at some point…
I really like the variety and multi ethnicity of Kat’s books. I read books with cross-dressing characters, LGDTB couples, gender fluid MCs and all but some of them really felt stereotyped, a bit patronizing in some aspects, so I did find extremely relaxing and refreshing when, for once, things did feel completely normal, so non judgey.
If on one hand Javid impressed me, Galen continued to be the idiot it was from the start, and in the end, its stupidity comes and bites him in his sorry ass. (I still want to enter the book and slap him, though).
Culach is one of the characters that has probably undergone the most growth since we him the first time (well, back then it was possessed by the mr.pain-in-the-ass but still…) and now I can say I respect him, like him…sort of. Mina and Him are a good match (although I’d rather have some more kissing scenes involving my favorite OTP *coughs* just sayin’)
Gerda the old cow had it coming but too late----I’m so sad for Halldora.
Victor started to worry me though and I hope he breaks free of the diamond’s influence or whatever the hell is wrong with him. Also, I can’t bear the thought of something bad happening to his buddy Mithre, he looks such a fun sweet guy (Do you read me Kat, leave him alone!)
So much happens in this book, including getting to know the Oracle’s true identity and Thena’s definitive to the loony bin.
If while reading Solis I was interested in the red haired guy now I can confirm it…I like him!He is no good but at least not as psychotic like his sister and…well, what can I say? I love not-exactly-good-but-not-too-bad boys (You can say he’s kinda hot and not just in figurative way lol). The fighting scene between him and Nazi was total badass and I loved every second of it! I fear Nazi is slipping to the dark side but ---this is too exciting!
Speaking of Nazi, I’m sorry her quest to find a way to recover her memories had an abrupt stop. Although, she seemed to accept it, I have the feeling that it isn’t exactly it and I’m pretty sure all is not lost. And well, at the moment she has more pressing things to worry about hasn’t she? I can’t wait for the next book….
PS: In my mind I have founded (for my personal entertainment) the hot-bad-boys club…so far it has three members, one is a fire daeva, the other you know from the 4th element series (I’ll give you a hint: necromancer…) and the last one is from the 13th gate book (hint: crime lord?). Kat you have ruined me!
July 3, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I swear each book in this series just gets better and better. There are so many different things going on this book that I imagine the author had to keep lists next her just to keep it all straight. Just reading it I nearly had to but in the end I was able to keep it all straight. All of the pieces of the puzzle are really starting to come together though the outcome is still way up in the air. I cannot wait to see where the next book takes up. If you enjoy adult fantasy series then you really ahve to try this book/series. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
I swear each book in this series just gets better and better. There are so many different things going on this book that I imagine the author had to keep lists next her just to keep it all straight. Just reading it I nearly had to but in the end I was able to keep it all straight. All of the pieces of the puzzle are really starting to come together though the outcome is still way up in the air. I cannot wait to see where the next book takes up. If you enjoy adult fantasy series then you really ahve to try this book/series. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
July 3, 2018
-I received this book free though Xpresso Book Tours.
See my reviews of Nocturne (Fourth Talisman, #1) and Solis (Fourth Talisman #2). It's very hard to review the third book out of a four book series (at least I assume it's four books. The forth book Nemsis has been announced.)
By this time I am super deeply invested in these characters. I've been with Nazafareen and Darius since the beginning. Although you don't have to read their first series, The Fourth Element Trilogy, it does add emotional weight to the Forth Talisman (and it's EXCELLENT!)
By this time in the series I'm an emotional wreck because THINGS ARE NOT WORKING OUT! The Pythia and her lackey Thena are ruining everything and Nicodemus is running amok and Victor is going crazy and things are FALLING APART at Val Moraine!!! Ok, Ok... back up.
You probably have no idea what I'm blabbing on about if you haven't read the first books. Which is what makes this so hard, it's not a stand alone novel. The story is so big and complicated at this point that its almost impossible to wrap it up neatly for you( and it is most definitely not wrapped up neatly by the end of Monstrum although there is a clear course for our characters to follow.)
The world building and character development are great. It's why I feel so invested in this series. Every character is well thought out and complex. Even minor characters feel lived in.
The world of Nocturne/Solis is mysterious and familiar, the mythology so well done and the locations are amazing without having to take too much time away from the action.
The plot is complex and rich, every turn is filled with either action, love, or lies.
The Forth Talisman series is excellent in nearly every way and Monstrum is no exception.
It was a book I couldn't wait to finish and yet dreaded to finish because I know that I there'll be looong wait for the conclusion of the story. I just couldn't bear to say goodbye to these characters, leaving them when there was still so much happening.
Bottom Line:
Kat Ross writes binge worthy fantasy stories. Get Nocturne and Solis and Monstrum, lock yourself away somewhere with lots of snacks and read them!
See my reviews of Nocturne (Fourth Talisman, #1) and Solis (Fourth Talisman #2). It's very hard to review the third book out of a four book series (at least I assume it's four books. The forth book Nemsis has been announced.)
By this time I am super deeply invested in these characters. I've been with Nazafareen and Darius since the beginning. Although you don't have to read their first series, The Fourth Element Trilogy, it does add emotional weight to the Forth Talisman (and it's EXCELLENT!)
By this time in the series I'm an emotional wreck because THINGS ARE NOT WORKING OUT! The Pythia and her lackey Thena are ruining everything and Nicodemus is running amok and Victor is going crazy and things are FALLING APART at Val Moraine!!! Ok, Ok... back up.
You probably have no idea what I'm blabbing on about if you haven't read the first books. Which is what makes this so hard, it's not a stand alone novel. The story is so big and complicated at this point that its almost impossible to wrap it up neatly for you( and it is most definitely not wrapped up neatly by the end of Monstrum although there is a clear course for our characters to follow.)
The world building and character development are great. It's why I feel so invested in this series. Every character is well thought out and complex. Even minor characters feel lived in.
The world of Nocturne/Solis is mysterious and familiar, the mythology so well done and the locations are amazing without having to take too much time away from the action.
The plot is complex and rich, every turn is filled with either action, love, or lies.
The Forth Talisman series is excellent in nearly every way and Monstrum is no exception.
It was a book I couldn't wait to finish and yet dreaded to finish because I know that I there'll be looong wait for the conclusion of the story. I just couldn't bear to say goodbye to these characters, leaving them when there was still so much happening.
Bottom Line:
Kat Ross writes binge worthy fantasy stories. Get Nocturne and Solis and Monstrum, lock yourself away somewhere with lots of snacks and read them!
June 1, 2018
This series is growing on me, and this installment was a tad better than book two, but still not five stars.
One thing that bugged me was that Nazafareen just accepted the memory block by the end of the book. That has been her driving motivation from the beginning and there wasn't enough internal change and external tension to justify this sudden acceptance from her.
I am enjoying watching the various players move toward finally meeting up for an explosive something. I really wanted to slap Galen, but it's not the first time, and if Thena doesn't wake up and realize she's got two fire daevas under her nose, I'm not going to be impressed with her either. She's been shown as very smart, and she won't like being played by anyone.
I'm looking forward to seeing it all play out. The identity of the talismen and especially the fourth talisman were not a surprise to me at all. I just wondered how the truth would come out, and that was a gripping scene.
One thing that bugged me was that Nazafareen just accepted the memory block by the end of the book. That has been her driving motivation from the beginning and there wasn't enough internal change and external tension to justify this sudden acceptance from her.
I am enjoying watching the various players move toward finally meeting up for an explosive something. I really wanted to slap Galen, but it's not the first time, and if Thena doesn't wake up and realize she's got two fire daevas under her nose, I'm not going to be impressed with her either. She's been shown as very smart, and she won't like being played by anyone.
I'm looking forward to seeing it all play out. The identity of the talismen and especially the fourth talisman were not a surprise to me at all. I just wondered how the truth would come out, and that was a gripping scene.
May 29, 2018
I was totally engrossed! One can't help but feel sorry for the little waif, Meb, and hope against hope that Nico does not get his way. Love this series.
July 6, 2018
Monstrum is third in the Fourth Talisman series by Kat Ross. Darius and Nazafareen continue to search for the elemental talismans, accompanied by Herodotus and several of the Maenads. Their travels lead them to Tjanjin, and beyond. Meanwhile, among the Marakai Selk fleet, a young girl with a penchant for getting in trouble become the focus of Nicodemus. The mysterious Vatra hunts the talismans as well, determined to free his kin trapped in the Kiln.
At Val Moraine, things go poorly for Victor. A parley with the other Valkirin clans ends in death, shattering any hope of truce. Several of his prisoners escape, landing themselves in the vicious Pythia's clutches. Oops. Perhaps better planning? Culach is not among them, choosing to stay at the Maiden Keep. Confrontation comes to a head in Tjanjin, when thief-catcher Katsu sneaks Nazafareen and several others into the palace grounds, and pitting Nico’s flames against Nazafareen’s breaking magic. The consequences will shock of the all participants, leaving them to re-evaluate what they think they know. In Samarqand, Javid is working for Asabana, running shipments of spell dust to Prince Shakar. Javid’s 0wn world gets shaken to its very core when he is chosen by Asabana to retrieve a new shipment of spell dust. Never could he have guessed the horrifying truth!
This books follows several PoVs, all handled with smooth ease. The story threads themselves criss-cross, with characters meeting, then going their own ways. Characters we know have their backstories and personalities expanded upon. New characters, like Meb, are fleshed out, without it seeming like an info dump. Even transitory characters, like Anuketmatma have depth. (I think and hope the Mother of Storms plays a large part in the next novel!)
I loved all of the storythreads. Javid and Nico are my favourite. Javid is a beloved character for me, and to have those chapters devoted to him alone was delightful. Getting to know Nicodemus left me really attached to him. I was truly terrified when Nazafareen got ahold of him! My fingers are crossed that Nico may evolve past what he's been raised as. He seems to have a compassionate side buried deep down. I doubt it would happen, but I'd love to see him team up with Nazafareen and Darius, to rescue his brother and thwart the other Vatra’s plans. I still think the Pythia deserves a go in her brazen bull. The asshat…
Really, the whole thing with the Avas Vatra remind me of Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, where we learn that the planet Kirk left Khan on so many years previous turned from a lush, if somewhat dangerous, home to a desolate wasteland. And in all that time, no one checked on them!! This has always bothered me, and so it is with the Vatra. They were sealed away, and forgotten. No-one cared enough to see what really happened, it to consider any children born in the Kiln. A whole culture doesn't deserve such punishment.
The rich cultures continued to be explored. This time, we get a glimpse of life on a Marakai ship, and are treated to the wonder of exploring Tjanjin. The Kiln is also discussed. The glass city of Pompeii sounds eerie and beautiful. The archaeologist in me would love to explore it, though the remains of the occupants would likely freak me out, just like our Pompeii!
I highly recommend this series! I'm so ready for the next one!
Read my other reviews for the Fourth Talisman series:
Solis by Kat Ross https://wp.me/gp6C2DX-1s5
Nocturne by Kat Ross http://www.aislynndmerricksson.com/bo...
***Many thanks to XPresso Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
At Val Moraine, things go poorly for Victor. A parley with the other Valkirin clans ends in death, shattering any hope of truce. Several of his prisoners escape, landing themselves in the vicious Pythia's clutches. Oops. Perhaps better planning? Culach is not among them, choosing to stay at the Maiden Keep. Confrontation comes to a head in Tjanjin, when thief-catcher Katsu sneaks Nazafareen and several others into the palace grounds, and pitting Nico’s flames against Nazafareen’s breaking magic. The consequences will shock of the all participants, leaving them to re-evaluate what they think they know. In Samarqand, Javid is working for Asabana, running shipments of spell dust to Prince Shakar. Javid’s 0wn world gets shaken to its very core when he is chosen by Asabana to retrieve a new shipment of spell dust. Never could he have guessed the horrifying truth!
This books follows several PoVs, all handled with smooth ease. The story threads themselves criss-cross, with characters meeting, then going their own ways. Characters we know have their backstories and personalities expanded upon. New characters, like Meb, are fleshed out, without it seeming like an info dump. Even transitory characters, like Anuketmatma have depth. (I think and hope the Mother of Storms plays a large part in the next novel!)
I loved all of the storythreads. Javid and Nico are my favourite. Javid is a beloved character for me, and to have those chapters devoted to him alone was delightful. Getting to know Nicodemus left me really attached to him. I was truly terrified when Nazafareen got ahold of him! My fingers are crossed that Nico may evolve past what he's been raised as. He seems to have a compassionate side buried deep down. I doubt it would happen, but I'd love to see him team up with Nazafareen and Darius, to rescue his brother and thwart the other Vatra’s plans. I still think the Pythia deserves a go in her brazen bull. The asshat…
Really, the whole thing with the Avas Vatra remind me of Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, where we learn that the planet Kirk left Khan on so many years previous turned from a lush, if somewhat dangerous, home to a desolate wasteland. And in all that time, no one checked on them!! This has always bothered me, and so it is with the Vatra. They were sealed away, and forgotten. No-one cared enough to see what really happened, it to consider any children born in the Kiln. A whole culture doesn't deserve such punishment.
The rich cultures continued to be explored. This time, we get a glimpse of life on a Marakai ship, and are treated to the wonder of exploring Tjanjin. The Kiln is also discussed. The glass city of Pompeii sounds eerie and beautiful. The archaeologist in me would love to explore it, though the remains of the occupants would likely freak me out, just like our Pompeii!
I highly recommend this series! I'm so ready for the next one!
Read my other reviews for the Fourth Talisman series:
Solis by Kat Ross https://wp.me/gp6C2DX-1s5
Nocturne by Kat Ross http://www.aislynndmerricksson.com/bo...
***Many thanks to XPresso Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 4, 2018
Monstrum… The monster within us or others?
Mrs. Ross, what a world! It takes a great talent for such a mix of history, mythology, and magic of the elements not to explode in your face. I took my time to enjoy it and to analyze the connections you made! I do not have what to criticize. Also, your descriptions put together the imagines and the sounds that allow creating a very vivid world. The way in which the figures of speech were used brings beauty without impeding the good, steady pace of the story.
Many threads flow apparently independent from each other until they are weaved within the main plot. The various characters continue to develop and I must say, that I really liked one of the “bad guys” and that increased my curiosity about the ending. Court plots, lies and half-truths, manipulations and ill interests, but also the good deeds feed the story and add consistency to the plot. Adventure, a little bit of romance, a litlle bit of humor, a little bit of dispair.. are the condiments to enhance the atmosphere.
In other order, let’s see if the 5 main features of a fantasy story are met:
- a magic system – special abilities and fantastical creatures and.. – √
- a robust setting – see above - √
- a complex set of characters – indeed - √
- the central conflict – oooh, yes - √
- the power system – yep - √
The conclusion? Monstrum and the whole series have all it is necessary to be a successful one. I liked it, I hope you’ll like it too.
https://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/20...
Mrs. Ross, what a world! It takes a great talent for such a mix of history, mythology, and magic of the elements not to explode in your face. I took my time to enjoy it and to analyze the connections you made! I do not have what to criticize. Also, your descriptions put together the imagines and the sounds that allow creating a very vivid world. The way in which the figures of speech were used brings beauty without impeding the good, steady pace of the story.
Many threads flow apparently independent from each other until they are weaved within the main plot. The various characters continue to develop and I must say, that I really liked one of the “bad guys” and that increased my curiosity about the ending. Court plots, lies and half-truths, manipulations and ill interests, but also the good deeds feed the story and add consistency to the plot. Adventure, a little bit of romance, a litlle bit of humor, a little bit of dispair.. are the condiments to enhance the atmosphere.
In other order, let’s see if the 5 main features of a fantasy story are met:
- a magic system – special abilities and fantastical creatures and.. – √
- a robust setting – see above - √
- a complex set of characters – indeed - √
- the central conflict – oooh, yes - √
- the power system – yep - √
The conclusion? Monstrum and the whole series have all it is necessary to be a successful one. I liked it, I hope you’ll like it too.
https://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/20...
October 13, 2018
(English Below)
Цялото ревю прочетете тук. :)
Кат Рос предлага изтощителни събития на всяка страница, както физически, така и емоционално. Тя е брилянтна в изграждането на света си и неумолима с героите си! Monstrum е безжалостно преживяване. Бяха права да се тревожа.
И в същото време, беше съвършеното преживяване. Усещам, че сме към края на историята, ала Рос продължава да разкрива все повече от света. Тази жена има безгранична фантазия. Никодемус е един от най-приятните за четене злодеи, а Тена просто обичаш да я мразиш. Всеки ти влиза под кожата по един или друг начин. И определено всички ще ми липсват, когато историята приключи.
---
Monstrum is cruel. I was wrong to believe Kat Ross will show her characters (or me) mercy.
Everything that could go wrong, went wrong. But it was such a feast to read it. Nicodemus is one of the best villains I've come across in young adult fantasy. Thena is one of the few characters I truly hate in literature. She's been built beautifully.
The final clash feels upon us but the world still expands. I'm truly happy Ross shows us more of the Vatras' past. This makes her world beutifully rich, adding to the expanded culture of the Marakai. I feel so very lucky to have found it!
Цялото ревю прочетете тук. :)
Кат Рос предлага изтощителни събития на всяка страница, както физически, така и емоционално. Тя е брилянтна в изграждането на света си и неумолима с героите си! Monstrum е безжалостно преживяване. Бяха права да се тревожа.
И в същото време, беше съвършеното преживяване. Усещам, че сме към края на историята, ала Рос продължава да разкрива все повече от света. Тази жена има безгранична фантазия. Никодемус е един от най-приятните за четене злодеи, а Тена просто обичаш да я мразиш. Всеки ти влиза под кожата по един или друг начин. И определено всички ще ми липсват, когато историята приключи.
---
Monstrum is cruel. I was wrong to believe Kat Ross will show her characters (or me) mercy.
Everything that could go wrong, went wrong. But it was such a feast to read it. Nicodemus is one of the best villains I've come across in young adult fantasy. Thena is one of the few characters I truly hate in literature. She's been built beautifully.
The final clash feels upon us but the world still expands. I'm truly happy Ross shows us more of the Vatras' past. This makes her world beutifully rich, adding to the expanded culture of the Marakai. I feel so very lucky to have found it!
August 31, 2020
http://viaggiatricepigra.blogspot.com...
Pubblicato settimana scorsa, questa novità Dunwich Edizioni mi è stata gentilmente fornita dalla CE ed appena ho avuto tempo, mi ci sono lanciata.
Seguo Kat Ross dal primo romanzo che questa Casa Editrice ha portato in Italia, non potevo farmelo scappare.
Siamo quasi alla fine di questa serie "Il Quarto Talismano", il prossimo sarà il libro conclusivo.
Se già non lo sapevate, questa serie è il seguito de "Il Quarto Elemento", ma si possono leggere anche separati; l'autrice ha creato una nuova trama che lo permette.
Fine momento informazione.
Vediamo la trama.
Come i precedenti volumi, la storia ha tanti protagonisti che ci mostrano momenti diversi e luoghi diversi, mentre il tutto prosegue.
Abbiamo Nazafareen e Darius, finalmente di nuovo insieme, che hanno appena iniziato un viaggio per mare verso la casa di Sakhet-ra-katme, una donna molto saggia che sa qualcosa riguardo i talismani, e Nazafareen spera possa anche aver qualche soluzione per risolvere il suo problema di amnesia.
Il rapporto fra i due è tornato molto solido, ma c'è sempre qualcosa che la fa soffrire, ovvero non ricordare tantissimi momenti che hanno vissuto insieme dalla loro conoscenza.
Lei spesso risulta un po' fastidiosa, ma in questo romanzo decisamente molto meno.
Darius invece, lui è la dolcezza fatta person...Daeva.
Ritroveremo anche Javid che brevemente ci mostrerà la sua vita a Samarcanda ed il suo nuovo lavoro, che ben presto lo porterà in situazioni molto rischiose: dallo scoprire altri usi riguardanti la polvere d'incantesimo, fino alla rivelazione della sua origine.
Ci mostrerà anche alcuni frammenti della sua famiglia, che ci permetteranno di capire meglio il suo passato e come è diventato ciò che è. Anche l'arrivo di un'alleata a sorpresa, ci farà conoscere meglio i retroscena del suo enorme segreto. Ed entrare in empatia molto di più con lui.
Alla fortezza dei Valkirin le cose vanno a rilento. Victor è sempre più taciturno e schivo, nonostante l'arrivo a sorpresa delle due "ex" sacerdotesse del tempio di Apollo con i loro "schiavi". Queste le menzogne che hanno raccontato per salvarsi la vita, sostenute dalle due "streghe"(/Daeva) che erano con loro: una che le ha seguite per amore folle, l'altra per ricatto. Thena ha un piano molto semplice in mente: tornare dalla Pizia con un talismano e riscattare il suo nome. Il modo migliore è trovare un talismano, ma da dietro le sbarre di una prigione di ghiaccio le cose si fanno complicate, anche se lei non demorde.
Altra voce importante in quel luogo è la vecchia Gerda, astuta e crudele, con un piano che finalmente ci viene rivelato nella sua interezza, che coinvolge, appunto, i Daeva del fuoco.
Ormai alla fortezza tutti stanno impazzendo, da Victor fino a Thena che ormai è totalmente ossessionata da Darius, ed ogni azione ha come scopo riaverlo con sè.
Nel frattempo, quella fortezza è diventata un'enorme prigione: nonostante il ghiaccio li protegga, non possono sopravvivere a lungo, e quindi si rendono tutti conto che devono trovare una via d'uscita, in fretta.
Ci saranno due nuove voci: Meg, una ragazzina che è sempre vissuta per mare, emarginata da chiunque e sotto le grazie della capitana della nave, nonostante non le venga risparmiato alcun lavoro da sguattera e venga in ogni caso trattata come uno scarto. Ma a lei piace questa vita, ed ha timore di crescere e di perderla, a causa della sua natura....(scoprirete di più leggendo).
L'altra voce molto importante è quella di Nicodemus, un daeva del fuoco, scappato dalla Fornace ed in cerca di un modo per aprire le porte di quella prigione infernale in cui è nato. Sarà interessante scoprire frammenti del suo passato e cosa si nasconde in quel luogo terrificante, in cui anche solo sopravvivere è un impresa estremamente difficile.
Quest'ultimo dovrebbe essere il cattivo della storia, uno degli esseri più temuti e spaventosi che fa ritorno in quel regno, eppure più lo si conosce, più entrano dubbi riguardo le sue intenzioni e si inizia a capire come mai voglia ad ogni costo vendetta e libertà.
Questi i personaggi principali, ma ogni tanto ne compariranno altri per dare più completezza alle cose e far capire come mai si vada in quella direzione.
Una storia piuttosto imprevedibile, anche se spesso il cambio di personaggi e luoghi crea confusione e stacca dal ritmo che si era preso. Un escamotage interessante per tenere sulla corda il lettore e farlo continuare, anche se la curiosità a volte fa storcere il naso (perché, almeno per quanto mi riguarda, vorrei sapere tutto subito. Lo so, sono una rompiballe).
Lo stile è scorrevole e ricco di azione, facendo in modo che siano davvero pochi i momenti di "stallo" in cui il ritmo cala. Più si avanza, più la tensione cresce.
Un fantasy molto piacevole da leggere.
Sono curiosissima di scoprire come si chiuderà questa serie.
Alla fine di questo romanzo vengono a galla alcune informazioni che lasciano il lettore spiazzato.
Una un pochino prevedibile, anche se non mi era venuto in mente e mi ha piacevolmente sorpreso; l'altra non me la sarei mai nemmeno immaginata e devo sapere che strada prenderanno le cose d'ora in poi per quel frangente.
Riguardo la precedente serie, l'autrice mi aveva lasciato completamente spiazzata e senza parole alla chiusura della storia.
Aveva azzardato molto e, per me, ha "vinto" senza dubbio.
Adoro i finali imprevedibili, che non sono "per il pubblico".
Quindi, spero che riuscirà a sorprendermi ancora.
Pubblicato settimana scorsa, questa novità Dunwich Edizioni mi è stata gentilmente fornita dalla CE ed appena ho avuto tempo, mi ci sono lanciata.
Seguo Kat Ross dal primo romanzo che questa Casa Editrice ha portato in Italia, non potevo farmelo scappare.
Siamo quasi alla fine di questa serie "Il Quarto Talismano", il prossimo sarà il libro conclusivo.
Se già non lo sapevate, questa serie è il seguito de "Il Quarto Elemento", ma si possono leggere anche separati; l'autrice ha creato una nuova trama che lo permette.
Fine momento informazione.
Vediamo la trama.
Come i precedenti volumi, la storia ha tanti protagonisti che ci mostrano momenti diversi e luoghi diversi, mentre il tutto prosegue.
Abbiamo Nazafareen e Darius, finalmente di nuovo insieme, che hanno appena iniziato un viaggio per mare verso la casa di Sakhet-ra-katme, una donna molto saggia che sa qualcosa riguardo i talismani, e Nazafareen spera possa anche aver qualche soluzione per risolvere il suo problema di amnesia.
Il rapporto fra i due è tornato molto solido, ma c'è sempre qualcosa che la fa soffrire, ovvero non ricordare tantissimi momenti che hanno vissuto insieme dalla loro conoscenza.
Lei spesso risulta un po' fastidiosa, ma in questo romanzo decisamente molto meno.
Darius invece, lui è la dolcezza fatta person...Daeva.
Ritroveremo anche Javid che brevemente ci mostrerà la sua vita a Samarcanda ed il suo nuovo lavoro, che ben presto lo porterà in situazioni molto rischiose: dallo scoprire altri usi riguardanti la polvere d'incantesimo, fino alla rivelazione della sua origine.
Ci mostrerà anche alcuni frammenti della sua famiglia, che ci permetteranno di capire meglio il suo passato e come è diventato ciò che è. Anche l'arrivo di un'alleata a sorpresa, ci farà conoscere meglio i retroscena del suo enorme segreto. Ed entrare in empatia molto di più con lui.
Alla fortezza dei Valkirin le cose vanno a rilento. Victor è sempre più taciturno e schivo, nonostante l'arrivo a sorpresa delle due "ex" sacerdotesse del tempio di Apollo con i loro "schiavi". Queste le menzogne che hanno raccontato per salvarsi la vita, sostenute dalle due "streghe"(/Daeva) che erano con loro: una che le ha seguite per amore folle, l'altra per ricatto. Thena ha un piano molto semplice in mente: tornare dalla Pizia con un talismano e riscattare il suo nome. Il modo migliore è trovare un talismano, ma da dietro le sbarre di una prigione di ghiaccio le cose si fanno complicate, anche se lei non demorde.
Altra voce importante in quel luogo è la vecchia Gerda, astuta e crudele, con un piano che finalmente ci viene rivelato nella sua interezza, che coinvolge, appunto, i Daeva del fuoco.
Ormai alla fortezza tutti stanno impazzendo, da Victor fino a Thena che ormai è totalmente ossessionata da Darius, ed ogni azione ha come scopo riaverlo con sè.
Nel frattempo, quella fortezza è diventata un'enorme prigione: nonostante il ghiaccio li protegga, non possono sopravvivere a lungo, e quindi si rendono tutti conto che devono trovare una via d'uscita, in fretta.
Ci saranno due nuove voci: Meg, una ragazzina che è sempre vissuta per mare, emarginata da chiunque e sotto le grazie della capitana della nave, nonostante non le venga risparmiato alcun lavoro da sguattera e venga in ogni caso trattata come uno scarto. Ma a lei piace questa vita, ed ha timore di crescere e di perderla, a causa della sua natura....(scoprirete di più leggendo).
L'altra voce molto importante è quella di Nicodemus, un daeva del fuoco, scappato dalla Fornace ed in cerca di un modo per aprire le porte di quella prigione infernale in cui è nato. Sarà interessante scoprire frammenti del suo passato e cosa si nasconde in quel luogo terrificante, in cui anche solo sopravvivere è un impresa estremamente difficile.
Quest'ultimo dovrebbe essere il cattivo della storia, uno degli esseri più temuti e spaventosi che fa ritorno in quel regno, eppure più lo si conosce, più entrano dubbi riguardo le sue intenzioni e si inizia a capire come mai voglia ad ogni costo vendetta e libertà.
Questi i personaggi principali, ma ogni tanto ne compariranno altri per dare più completezza alle cose e far capire come mai si vada in quella direzione.
Una storia piuttosto imprevedibile, anche se spesso il cambio di personaggi e luoghi crea confusione e stacca dal ritmo che si era preso. Un escamotage interessante per tenere sulla corda il lettore e farlo continuare, anche se la curiosità a volte fa storcere il naso (perché, almeno per quanto mi riguarda, vorrei sapere tutto subito. Lo so, sono una rompiballe).
Lo stile è scorrevole e ricco di azione, facendo in modo che siano davvero pochi i momenti di "stallo" in cui il ritmo cala. Più si avanza, più la tensione cresce.
Un fantasy molto piacevole da leggere.
Sono curiosissima di scoprire come si chiuderà questa serie.
Alla fine di questo romanzo vengono a galla alcune informazioni che lasciano il lettore spiazzato.
Una un pochino prevedibile, anche se non mi era venuto in mente e mi ha piacevolmente sorpreso; l'altra non me la sarei mai nemmeno immaginata e devo sapere che strada prenderanno le cose d'ora in poi per quel frangente.
Riguardo la precedente serie, l'autrice mi aveva lasciato completamente spiazzata e senza parole alla chiusura della storia.
Aveva azzardato molto e, per me, ha "vinto" senza dubbio.
Adoro i finali imprevedibili, che non sono "per il pubblico".
Quindi, spero che riuscirà a sorprendermi ancora.
June 15, 2018
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received from the author*
It's a 3.7 for me. Part of the reading experience felt like slipping back under your childhood's bedsheets, but the other half of me felt bored with the world building. The writing is totally amazing and beautiful with a whimsical, sharp tone, but right now all I care about is Nazafareen, so when I'm getting more characters for the world plot than her, things begin to feel slow.
I really find Nazafareen intriguing. She's impatient and impulsive and strong-minded and kind and I love when she uses her negation magic, because that's when things get scary, and she turns a little more sinister... it's awesome. She's struggled with it for the past three or so books and it's one of the reasons why I stick around, because of how complex she is. A lot of her characters are, really. Most are evil at first but with every installment, you begin to see why they are the way they are, and you can't help but relate to most of them. There's one villain I CANNOT stand, however. I never thought of villains as anything to hate until I met this crazy woman. Thena. May she burn in the most horrific of ways.
It's a 3.7 for me. Part of the reading experience felt like slipping back under your childhood's bedsheets, but the other half of me felt bored with the world building. The writing is totally amazing and beautiful with a whimsical, sharp tone, but right now all I care about is Nazafareen, so when I'm getting more characters for the world plot than her, things begin to feel slow.
I really find Nazafareen intriguing. She's impatient and impulsive and strong-minded and kind and I love when she uses her negation magic, because that's when things get scary, and she turns a little more sinister... it's awesome. She's struggled with it for the past three or so books and it's one of the reasons why I stick around, because of how complex she is. A lot of her characters are, really. Most are evil at first but with every installment, you begin to see why they are the way they are, and you can't help but relate to most of them. There's one villain I CANNOT stand, however. I never thought of villains as anything to hate until I met this crazy woman. Thena. May she burn in the most horrific of ways.
October 2, 2018
Waiting for the next book :)
I am happy that I have found these series close to the date of the release of the next book. Just a month away :)
Things develop really cool in here already. There are really nice unexpected turns in the story, but it all seems to flow together rather well.
I also admire the fact that these series get better and better it seems. These set of books in comparison to the previous storyline of main heroes (that started as a young adult and ended in a different direction) is a much better put together story :)
Love it
Looking frw for Oct 20 :)
I am happy that I have found these series close to the date of the release of the next book. Just a month away :)
Things develop really cool in here already. There are really nice unexpected turns in the story, but it all seems to flow together rather well.
I also admire the fact that these series get better and better it seems. These set of books in comparison to the previous storyline of main heroes (that started as a young adult and ended in a different direction) is a much better put together story :)
Love it
Looking frw for Oct 20 :)
July 7, 2018
-ARC kindly offered by Xpresso and author in exchange for an honest review-
Usually, after three or four books in a series, the story tends to get bored, to lose its splendor chapter by chapter but this is a huge exception. I am loving the Fourth Talisman series even more than the Fourth Element. Seeing how Naz and Darius tackle everything while remaining together, the ever more spectacular setting, the adventure becoming more complex, makes me very happy. As if by now it was my world and Naz and other my friends. Everything is so well described and exciting to catapult you every time in the novel of Kat between daeva, deities and other mythological creatures.
We continue with the search for talismans and the group of Naz and Darius is increasingly assorted. They must hurry to find them before a cruel Vatra uses them to free his people from imprisonment in which they have been for centuries. The author really loves playing with the feeling of revenge and anger to create a compelling and unique story.
New characters appear on the horizon and the conflict becomes increasingly harsh. I loved action scenes almost as much as love scenes. The passion is not lacking (OMG, Darius! <3) and even the adrenaline and the fury of the battle.
Of characters there are for all tastes and many facets. Kat gives the opportunity to various voices to speak giving us a complete picture of the whole story. Perhaps too many rumors. I don't mind knowing the thoughts and the stories of other characters beyond the main characters but sometimes it confuses me a bit this continuous change of scenery.
Kat continues to remain one of my undisputed fantasy queens. My love for her grows with every novel and I can't wait to read the next volumes of the series. I was convinced that it would be three books like the Fourth Element series but instead I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there will be five. I want a long-awaited final but at the same time I know I will suffer a lot. She has now captured my heart and can destroy it and rebuild it as she pleases.
Usually, after three or four books in a series, the story tends to get bored, to lose its splendor chapter by chapter but this is a huge exception. I am loving the Fourth Talisman series even more than the Fourth Element. Seeing how Naz and Darius tackle everything while remaining together, the ever more spectacular setting, the adventure becoming more complex, makes me very happy. As if by now it was my world and Naz and other my friends. Everything is so well described and exciting to catapult you every time in the novel of Kat between daeva, deities and other mythological creatures.
We continue with the search for talismans and the group of Naz and Darius is increasingly assorted. They must hurry to find them before a cruel Vatra uses them to free his people from imprisonment in which they have been for centuries. The author really loves playing with the feeling of revenge and anger to create a compelling and unique story.
New characters appear on the horizon and the conflict becomes increasingly harsh. I loved action scenes almost as much as love scenes. The passion is not lacking (OMG, Darius! <3) and even the adrenaline and the fury of the battle.
Of characters there are for all tastes and many facets. Kat gives the opportunity to various voices to speak giving us a complete picture of the whole story. Perhaps too many rumors. I don't mind knowing the thoughts and the stories of other characters beyond the main characters but sometimes it confuses me a bit this continuous change of scenery.
Kat continues to remain one of my undisputed fantasy queens. My love for her grows with every novel and I can't wait to read the next volumes of the series. I was convinced that it would be three books like the Fourth Element series but instead I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there will be five. I want a long-awaited final but at the same time I know I will suffer a lot. She has now captured my heart and can destroy it and rebuild it as she pleases.
March 15, 2019
Ok for some reason I had the wrong order of the series and so started with this one- No wonder I was confused! I'm going to start from the beginning - Nocturne and then reevaluate once I get to book 3.
Now that I've read the first two, this book makes so much more sense. Fantastic series. Cannot wait to finish it.
Now that I've read the first two, this book makes so much more sense. Fantastic series. Cannot wait to finish it.
June 2, 2018
How does she do this? Kat Ross, I mean. I won't go into too much detail, as this hasn't dropped yet, but prepare yourselves for a monstrously good time following Naz and Darius into the belly of the beast in Monstrum, the third book of The Fourth Talisman series. Things are even bleaker than before.
But the adventure is wicked, the romance is sweet, the humor is as cutting as usual, and you'll suddenly find yourself on the very last pages. And by the way, watch out for those. There's a doozy of a reveal back there that will make you salivate for book four.
I dunno how she turns out these gems so fast. Maybe it's the Spell Dust.
Thanks to the author for the free early release ARC, it was truly, unbiased-ly awesome.
Read this. Don't argue, just go do it.
But the adventure is wicked, the romance is sweet, the humor is as cutting as usual, and you'll suddenly find yourself on the very last pages. And by the way, watch out for those. There's a doozy of a reveal back there that will make you salivate for book four.
I dunno how she turns out these gems so fast. Maybe it's the Spell Dust.
Thanks to the author for the free early release ARC, it was truly, unbiased-ly awesome.
Read this. Don't argue, just go do it.
March 18, 2020
- “Sharks? What is a shark?”
- “A fish with big teeth, very big.”
- “Leave the sharks to me. I am not afraid of fish.”
- “You haven’t seen one yet.”
Galen è utile come un culo senza buco.
♠ Mi pare evidente che questa serie mi sta convincendo molto meno della precedente e non è solo per la mancanza di Tijah. La Ross ha deciso, finalmente, di aggiungere un glossario e un elenco di personaggi, bello ma tardivo, e continua a non capirsi niente, sopratutto, anche in questo libro, ci sono decisioni che non ha senso vengano prese e situazione che non ha senso si sviluppino in quel modo. Victor e i Danai decidono di fidarsi di Thena senza alcun motivo, senza alcuna prova che stia dicendo la verità, non provano nemmeno ad interrogarli per vedere se si contraddicono o se confessano qualcosa, niente. Nessuno che abbia chiesto 'ma se eravate voi a torturare questi due perché siete scappate senza chiavi? Perché non vi siete limitate a togliergli il collare? Perchè non avete liberato anche Ysabel o gli altri?'. Ad un certo punto Thena uccide Korinna soffocandola e io ho capito solo dopo, quando Daniel la libera, che l'avevano rinchiusa perché non le credevano, ma il libro non te lo dice mai, poi scappa e insegue Rafel e Galen catturandoli e nessuno dei due si è accorto che lei li stava seguendo, Rafel ha usato il talismano per tornare a Delfi e non si capisce come sia possibile che questa sia passata nel portale con loro e loro non si siano accorti di lei visto che teoricamente sarebbe dovuta ripoppare nello stesso posto. A meno che lei non abbia usato un altro talismano (non mi pare venga mai detto che ne abbia due ma potrei aver rimosso l'informazione) e quindi perché sta li, perché li trova tre secondi dopo? Sopratutto, visto chei due si piacevano, rivedremo mai Rafel? Ovviamente no.
Mettono Daniel nella stanza di Gerda, di nuovo, senza alcuna spiegazione che abbia senso, forse perchè sono entrambi Valkirin? Se è per questo lo è anche Culach. Lei, dopo due libri dove sembrava dovesse avere un ruolo determinante, è assolutamente inutile e il suo modo di suicidarsi è fallimentare e non ha l'effetto che voleva visto che le roccaforti si alleano comunque con i Danai quindi, è morta per niente.
♠ La pazzia di Victor io l'avevo totalmente fraintesa, ho capitolo solo più tardi che era colpa del diamante ma anche qui, non si capisce questo diamante cosa sia, perché faccia quell'effetto.
Il talismano dei Marakai rimane nelle isole, perchè? (Forse viene detto ma devo aver rimosso anche questo) perchè non è li con voi visto che state andando in guerra con la Pizia e teoricamente servite tutti e tre per sconfiggerla?
Rivediamo Katsu (io non ci speravo, sarò onesta) e ho skippato gran parte dei capitoli di Javid perché oh, non me ne frega niente, magari è importantissimo eh, però meh.
Sorpresa sorpresa non è Culach il talismano ma Katrin, ho sbagliato previsione ma a mia difesa posso dire che non avrei potuto saperlo visto che non è mai stato detto che lei avesse qualche problema con la sua magia mentre Culach si.
- “A fish with big teeth, very big.”
- “Leave the sharks to me. I am not afraid of fish.”
- “You haven’t seen one yet.”
Galen è utile come un culo senza buco.
♠ Mi pare evidente che questa serie mi sta convincendo molto meno della precedente e non è solo per la mancanza di Tijah. La Ross ha deciso, finalmente, di aggiungere un glossario e un elenco di personaggi, bello ma tardivo, e continua a non capirsi niente, sopratutto, anche in questo libro, ci sono decisioni che non ha senso vengano prese e situazione che non ha senso si sviluppino in quel modo. Victor e i Danai decidono di fidarsi di Thena senza alcun motivo, senza alcuna prova che stia dicendo la verità, non provano nemmeno ad interrogarli per vedere se si contraddicono o se confessano qualcosa, niente. Nessuno che abbia chiesto 'ma se eravate voi a torturare questi due perché siete scappate senza chiavi? Perché non vi siete limitate a togliergli il collare? Perchè non avete liberato anche Ysabel o gli altri?'. Ad un certo punto Thena uccide Korinna soffocandola e io ho capito solo dopo, quando Daniel la libera, che l'avevano rinchiusa perché non le credevano, ma il libro non te lo dice mai, poi scappa e insegue Rafel e Galen catturandoli e nessuno dei due si è accorto che lei li stava seguendo, Rafel ha usato il talismano per tornare a Delfi e non si capisce come sia possibile che questa sia passata nel portale con loro e loro non si siano accorti di lei visto che teoricamente sarebbe dovuta ripoppare nello stesso posto. A meno che lei non abbia usato un altro talismano (non mi pare venga mai detto che ne abbia due ma potrei aver rimosso l'informazione) e quindi perché sta li, perché li trova tre secondi dopo? Sopratutto, visto chei due si piacevano, rivedremo mai Rafel? Ovviamente no.
Mettono Daniel nella stanza di Gerda, di nuovo, senza alcuna spiegazione che abbia senso, forse perchè sono entrambi Valkirin? Se è per questo lo è anche Culach. Lei, dopo due libri dove sembrava dovesse avere un ruolo determinante, è assolutamente inutile e il suo modo di suicidarsi è fallimentare e non ha l'effetto che voleva visto che le roccaforti si alleano comunque con i Danai quindi, è morta per niente.
♠ La pazzia di Victor io l'avevo totalmente fraintesa, ho capitolo solo più tardi che era colpa del diamante ma anche qui, non si capisce questo diamante cosa sia, perché faccia quell'effetto.
Il talismano dei Marakai rimane nelle isole, perchè? (Forse viene detto ma devo aver rimosso anche questo) perchè non è li con voi visto che state andando in guerra con la Pizia e teoricamente servite tutti e tre per sconfiggerla?
Rivediamo Katsu (io non ci speravo, sarò onesta) e ho skippato gran parte dei capitoli di Javid perché oh, non me ne frega niente, magari è importantissimo eh, però meh.
Sorpresa sorpresa non è Culach il talismano ma Katrin, ho sbagliato previsione ma a mia difesa posso dire che non avrei potuto saperlo visto che non è mai stato detto che lei avesse qualche problema con la sua magia mentre Culach si.
July 4, 2018
A chaque nouveau tome, Kat Ross arrive à me surprendre avec la qualité de son univers qui ne cesse de s’enrichir. On rencontre de nouveaux personnages, de nouvelles légendes, de nouveaux décors et des nouvelles intrigues. On ne s’ennuie pas un seul instant et surtout on en prend plein les yeux avec les diverses révélations et rebondissements auxquels on a le droit ! Nazafareen et Darius ne sont pas encore au bout de leur surprise et la vie calme de couple, ce n’est clairement pas pour tout de suite.
Nazafareen commence peu à peu à regagner certain morceau de son ancienne vie mais ses souvenirs semblent toujours aussi perdus, son lien avec Darius se renforçant, mais on sent bien qu’elle pourrait bien finir par craquer et pas dans le bon sens. Il en va de même pour Darius qui ne s’en est pas du tout sortis intacte de sa rencontre avec Thena, il n’est plus le même et sa relation avec Nazafareen pourrait devenir malsaine s’il ne se reprend pas. Mais ce couple qu’on commence à si bien connaitre et apprécier, ne sont pas les seuls à avoir la parole, à avoir un impact sur l’avenir de Nocturne.
Javid est un personnage que j’ai adoré dans le tome précédent et j’ai adoré le suivre dans son enquête, voir comment il allait survivre en eaux troubles. Culach, c’est la même chose, il est de plus en plus intéressant et intriguant, son couple avec Mina y étant pour quelque chose d’ailleurs. En parlant de Mina, plus le temps passe et moins je supporte la bêtise de Galen… Tout comme Victor qui est bien trop arrogant pour son bien. Thena est vraiment flippante et tordu à souhait, tout comme l’Oracle qui surprend bien que les indices étaient éparpillés un peu partout.
Il y a tellement de personnages qu’on ne sait plus du tout où donner de la tête. On découvre le peuple si étrange des Malakai, ces êtres de l’eau qui ne se coupent pas des hommes. Tout comme les daevas du feu qui passent enfin à l’action, le pot aux roses est dévoilés et ça promet du beau pour la suite. Pourtant les daevas ne sont pas les seuls à risquer de tout faire exploser. Les humains avec leurs diverses dictatures sont au bord de la rupture, surtout avec les différents trafics et avancées technologiques qui modifient l’équilibre des forces.
Avec son style travaillé et une créativité folle, Kat Ross m’a fait plongé une fois de plus dans son monde incroyable où la différence peut être une force et bien des thèmes sur les relations et la vision de soit sont abordés. Bien que les choses se concluent de façon assez brutale dans ce tome, on a plus que hâte de lire la suite, de savoir comment va évoluer la situation intenable dans laquelle se trouve tout ce petit monde. Les révélations nous laissent sur des charbons ardents et on ne peut pas s’empêcher de créer les hypothèses les plus folles !!
Nazafareen commence peu à peu à regagner certain morceau de son ancienne vie mais ses souvenirs semblent toujours aussi perdus, son lien avec Darius se renforçant, mais on sent bien qu’elle pourrait bien finir par craquer et pas dans le bon sens. Il en va de même pour Darius qui ne s’en est pas du tout sortis intacte de sa rencontre avec Thena, il n’est plus le même et sa relation avec Nazafareen pourrait devenir malsaine s’il ne se reprend pas. Mais ce couple qu’on commence à si bien connaitre et apprécier, ne sont pas les seuls à avoir la parole, à avoir un impact sur l’avenir de Nocturne.
Javid est un personnage que j’ai adoré dans le tome précédent et j’ai adoré le suivre dans son enquête, voir comment il allait survivre en eaux troubles. Culach, c’est la même chose, il est de plus en plus intéressant et intriguant, son couple avec Mina y étant pour quelque chose d’ailleurs. En parlant de Mina, plus le temps passe et moins je supporte la bêtise de Galen… Tout comme Victor qui est bien trop arrogant pour son bien. Thena est vraiment flippante et tordu à souhait, tout comme l’Oracle qui surprend bien que les indices étaient éparpillés un peu partout.
Il y a tellement de personnages qu’on ne sait plus du tout où donner de la tête. On découvre le peuple si étrange des Malakai, ces êtres de l’eau qui ne se coupent pas des hommes. Tout comme les daevas du feu qui passent enfin à l’action, le pot aux roses est dévoilés et ça promet du beau pour la suite. Pourtant les daevas ne sont pas les seuls à risquer de tout faire exploser. Les humains avec leurs diverses dictatures sont au bord de la rupture, surtout avec les différents trafics et avancées technologiques qui modifient l’équilibre des forces.
Avec son style travaillé et une créativité folle, Kat Ross m’a fait plongé une fois de plus dans son monde incroyable où la différence peut être une force et bien des thèmes sur les relations et la vision de soit sont abordés. Bien que les choses se concluent de façon assez brutale dans ce tome, on a plus que hâte de lire la suite, de savoir comment va évoluer la situation intenable dans laquelle se trouve tout ce petit monde. Les révélations nous laissent sur des charbons ardents et on ne peut pas s’empêcher de créer les hypothèses les plus folles !!
March 17, 2019
Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and author Jennifer Ellision for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Monstrum is the third instalment in Kat Ross’s riveting Fourth Talismans series and is another intricately woven and told story of adventure, magic and high stakes danger.
On a ship in the middle of the ocean, Nazafareen and Darius travel alongside the followers of Dionysius on a hunt for the three daeva’s whose abilities can save the world. Hoping a wise woman may be able to point them in the right direction, Nazafareen and Darius know they are not the only ones searching. Across the ocean, a man from a long exiled Vatras clan seeks the fourth talisman as well and he will stop at nothing to find it, even if it means bending a young girl unaware of her own powers to his will. Various forces are at work and as different individuals face cunning foes, the only way to stop untold horrors are for daeva clans to work together; if only they don’t kill each other first…..
Kat Ross is back with the third novel in her Fourth Talisman series and takes her readers on another complex, dangerous and exciting story. Personally I love having the opportunity to follow Nazafareen and Darius again—I’ve adored them since the first series—but can also see that each instalment in the Fourth Talisman series is becoming more complex and intricate as more and more characters are being introduced that we follow and join throughout the series. It’s occasionally necessary to pay close attention so not to miss anything, but I have to commend Ross for such a detailed storyline.
Nazafareen continues to remain my favourite character although Culach and Darius hold special places in my heart. I love her overall characterisation and feel like she’s easy to follow, capable and determined. Darius too is very capable and I adore the relationship they have together. Kat Ross certainly knew how to develop their connection and continue to maintain it as the novels progress without it being overbearing within the story.
Overall, Monstrum was another dashing read and I can’t wait to see what Kat Ross does next. There were both revelations and new questions raised in this novel and I have no doubt the next one will be as thrilling and sure to both answer them as well as raise others. Bring it on—I can’t wait to see what Nazafareen, Darius and their friends encounter next!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Monstrum is the third instalment in Kat Ross’s riveting Fourth Talismans series and is another intricately woven and told story of adventure, magic and high stakes danger.
On a ship in the middle of the ocean, Nazafareen and Darius travel alongside the followers of Dionysius on a hunt for the three daeva’s whose abilities can save the world. Hoping a wise woman may be able to point them in the right direction, Nazafareen and Darius know they are not the only ones searching. Across the ocean, a man from a long exiled Vatras clan seeks the fourth talisman as well and he will stop at nothing to find it, even if it means bending a young girl unaware of her own powers to his will. Various forces are at work and as different individuals face cunning foes, the only way to stop untold horrors are for daeva clans to work together; if only they don’t kill each other first…..
Kat Ross is back with the third novel in her Fourth Talisman series and takes her readers on another complex, dangerous and exciting story. Personally I love having the opportunity to follow Nazafareen and Darius again—I’ve adored them since the first series—but can also see that each instalment in the Fourth Talisman series is becoming more complex and intricate as more and more characters are being introduced that we follow and join throughout the series. It’s occasionally necessary to pay close attention so not to miss anything, but I have to commend Ross for such a detailed storyline.
Nazafareen continues to remain my favourite character although Culach and Darius hold special places in my heart. I love her overall characterisation and feel like she’s easy to follow, capable and determined. Darius too is very capable and I adore the relationship they have together. Kat Ross certainly knew how to develop their connection and continue to maintain it as the novels progress without it being overbearing within the story.
Overall, Monstrum was another dashing read and I can’t wait to see what Kat Ross does next. There were both revelations and new questions raised in this novel and I have no doubt the next one will be as thrilling and sure to both answer them as well as raise others. Bring it on—I can’t wait to see what Nazafareen, Darius and their friends encounter next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2018
Monstrum is the third book in the Fourth Talisman series, and it gets even more intense.I honestly don't know if I can find the words to really explain how awesome this book was. There are so many things going on between the characters, and while it's easy to keep track of who is doing what, it left me strangely anxious and, at times, frustrated. Frustrated mostly because I now have to wait for book four in the series to see how everything is going to play out.
I don't want to spoil any of the plot, but just know that there are some really exciting adventures awaiting you between the pages. Nazafareen and Darius have teamed up with the Marakai to try and learn more about the talismans; Javid finds himself tangled up in some serious craziness, and over in Val Moraine, there's...well, there's a lot of stuff going on with Victor, Culach, Gerda, and the new arrivals. That's all I'm going to say. You'll have to dive in to find out what, exactly, I'm hinting at.
Monstrum definitely keeps things into high gear, and I found myself switching between a variety of emotions. It definitely is a whirlwind of a story, and it will leave you breathless and eager for more. At least it did for me.
The plot doesn't drag at all, the characters are all really well-written and seem to have even more development in terms of how they react to things to choose to do things, and the words bring to life the world the characters live in, making it easy to picture the stormy seas, the blazing hot sun, and the cold, snowy mountains.
I really, really liked Monstrum, and I am so excited for the next book. I can't wait! I highly recommend this series.
4.5 stars from me.
I don't want to spoil any of the plot, but just know that there are some really exciting adventures awaiting you between the pages. Nazafareen and Darius have teamed up with the Marakai to try and learn more about the talismans; Javid finds himself tangled up in some serious craziness, and over in Val Moraine, there's...well, there's a lot of stuff going on with Victor, Culach, Gerda, and the new arrivals. That's all I'm going to say. You'll have to dive in to find out what, exactly, I'm hinting at.
Monstrum definitely keeps things into high gear, and I found myself switching between a variety of emotions. It definitely is a whirlwind of a story, and it will leave you breathless and eager for more. At least it did for me.
The plot doesn't drag at all, the characters are all really well-written and seem to have even more development in terms of how they react to things to choose to do things, and the words bring to life the world the characters live in, making it easy to picture the stormy seas, the blazing hot sun, and the cold, snowy mountains.
I really, really liked Monstrum, and I am so excited for the next book. I can't wait! I highly recommend this series.
4.5 stars from me.
May 2, 2024
A bit slowly than other books, but still very very good. I love the way Kat Ross explain the past of Danai and what happened with Vatras. I tried to dislike Culah due to what he was about to do at the end of Fourth Element series, but I can´t. Kat Ross made me think about him and reconsider if he is really bad or if he is one of typical grey characters. I like his story and I like how his relationship with Mina is developing. I hope I will see more in next book and to be honest, I really wish them their happy ending :)
Nazafareen is growing up. She is not the same girl we knew from Fourth Element or from first books of this series. She learned her lessons hard. It is amazing to follow her destiny and her journey and it is amazing to follow her way back to Darius. She still do not remember her past and their relationship before Nocturne, but she is certain with their love. I would be destroyed if Darius will not have her back, so I am glad that this is not the case, for now.
I appreciate that author did not make her turn with Nazafareen´s memory. I can imagine it has to be hard for the girl remember nothing, but I am glad that Kat Ross avoided some kind of miracle with Sakmet or any other Marakai to restore Nazafareen´s memory. It would be too .... juvenile. :)
Again, I see many resemblanec to J.R.R.Tolkien and Robert Jordan. But not in annoying way. It is pretty wel handled and where Tolkien and Jordan were shallow in their points, Kat Ross was more detailed and she developed the whole tropes on just small resemblances. I liked that. :)
Nazafareen is growing up. She is not the same girl we knew from Fourth Element or from first books of this series. She learned her lessons hard. It is amazing to follow her destiny and her journey and it is amazing to follow her way back to Darius. She still do not remember her past and their relationship before Nocturne, but she is certain with their love. I would be destroyed if Darius will not have her back, so I am glad that this is not the case, for now.
I appreciate that author did not make her turn with Nazafareen´s memory. I can imagine it has to be hard for the girl remember nothing, but I am glad that Kat Ross avoided some kind of miracle with Sakmet or any other Marakai to restore Nazafareen´s memory. It would be too .... juvenile. :)
Again, I see many resemblanec to J.R.R.Tolkien and Robert Jordan. But not in annoying way. It is pretty wel handled and where Tolkien and Jordan were shallow in their points, Kat Ross was more detailed and she developed the whole tropes on just small resemblances. I liked that. :)
July 4, 2018
This is book 3 in an epic fantasy that has me utterly addicted. I love the way Kat Ross writes. Even though it has been a while since I last read bk2 I fell back into this story. The mystery and strength of the story and characters is great. Bk3 gave me more answers to the questions that 1 and 2 created, feeding the curiosity in me. There is still so much to discover and the moments of angst are gripping.
What will Victor do with Val Moraine? Willthe talismans be brought together in time? How close are the avatars to escaping?!
Every character you grew attached to in books 1 and 2 are revisited and they slide along each other’s timeline providing tidbits of information that is creating a much bigger picture. The different personalities and back grounds are great and are further explored in this book.
I simply cannot wait for the next instalment. I need the above questions answered. From the corrupted and twisted to the noble and lost. Every person has their place and Kat Ross has you yearning for the stories.
What will Victor do with Val Moraine? Willthe talismans be brought together in time? How close are the avatars to escaping?!
Every character you grew attached to in books 1 and 2 are revisited and they slide along each other’s timeline providing tidbits of information that is creating a much bigger picture. The different personalities and back grounds are great and are further explored in this book.
I simply cannot wait for the next instalment. I need the above questions answered. From the corrupted and twisted to the noble and lost. Every person has their place and Kat Ross has you yearning for the stories.
December 29, 2018
"Monstrum" continues the "Fourth Talisman" series in the same exciting vein as the previous books. The hunt is on for the talismans, there's a revelation involving the Vatras, the fourth, exiled clan of daevas, and the Pythia is becoming increasingly threatening. She's a genuinely frightening character, so I have to applaud the author for creating her, while noting once again that, for all the variety of female characters in these books, there is a certain theme of women who have been abused/scorned as dangerous, while men in the same situation are sympathetic if flawed. Since I don't think this is intentional at all, I'll just say that this is further proof that ridding ourselves of these beliefs is harder than one might think. Anyway, there are enough twists and turns in this plot that the reader is unlikely to guess all of them, and there's a wide cast of characters, all working at cross purposes. You'll probably want to start with the first book in the series before jumping into this one, but if you're already a fan, you'll probably enjoy this continuation.
March 19, 2019
Getting to know more about the Marakai and Valkirin was amazing! And I finally found out for sure who these mysterious Talismans are and more about their legacy. I loved the way the various tribes' cultures are so diverse, and while I see their inspirations, they are still very unique and fun to visit.
Events are unfolding rather quickly in both Nocturne and Solis, and the Vatras are breathing down the doors as they continue their hunt for the talismans as well.
One of the things that stands out the most to me is the depth of the characters. Each stands out on the own and they develop and change, adapting to the story as things change around them.
Nazafareen's purpose in the grand scheme of things is becoming more clear. And while she seems to be the "main" character, she could never get anything done without her friends and companions. Even friends that no longer travel with her, like Javid, still have major moments to play and I was really excited to see that they stay as a part of the story.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
Events are unfolding rather quickly in both Nocturne and Solis, and the Vatras are breathing down the doors as they continue their hunt for the talismans as well.
One of the things that stands out the most to me is the depth of the characters. Each stands out on the own and they develop and change, adapting to the story as things change around them.
Nazafareen's purpose in the grand scheme of things is becoming more clear. And while she seems to be the "main" character, she could never get anything done without her friends and companions. Even friends that no longer travel with her, like Javid, still have major moments to play and I was really excited to see that they stay as a part of the story.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
July 12, 2021
Nocturne by Kat Ross is N in my A-Z Challenge of Fiction Titles. This is part of The Fourth Talisman series, which is a sequel to The Fourth Element Series, so as a quick recap, I reread the review I had written previously.
The book starts with Nazafareen being held in Nocturne after she has lost all her memories. She has been advised not to travel without being accompanied, but she is aware there is more going on than meets the eye, convinced that if she could regain her memories everything would fall into place. After stowing away aboard an air-ship, Nazafareen discovers the other lands are not all they seem.
As with the previous series by Kat Ross, I couldn't put these books down, and ended up buying the rest of the series: Solis, Monstrum, Nemesis, and Inferno.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot of these books, but it is another epic adventure mixing magic, religion, revenge, power, love and action.
Highly recommended.
The book starts with Nazafareen being held in Nocturne after she has lost all her memories. She has been advised not to travel without being accompanied, but she is aware there is more going on than meets the eye, convinced that if she could regain her memories everything would fall into place. After stowing away aboard an air-ship, Nazafareen discovers the other lands are not all they seem.
As with the previous series by Kat Ross, I couldn't put these books down, and ended up buying the rest of the series: Solis, Monstrum, Nemesis, and Inferno.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot of these books, but it is another epic adventure mixing magic, religion, revenge, power, love and action.
Highly recommended.
June 17, 2018
While it took all of 2 seconds to get back into the story and what was happening with each of the characters in different places, I can say that I enjoy coming back and reading about Naz, Darius, Culach, Javid, and the rest of the people of the Fourth Talisman series.
More pieces are falling into place, the huge diverse cast of characters are getting more and more interesting, and the stakes are getting higher, it seems like a full blown war is imminent. With so much going on, it's great to learn more things about the Vastras, the other daevas, the powers and talismans, and more of the world building- some characters have grown on me, while others I still don't like (you know, because they're evil), but either way I look forward to reading more about the talismans who are weak in their elements, and the fourth talisman.
More pieces are falling into place, the huge diverse cast of characters are getting more and more interesting, and the stakes are getting higher, it seems like a full blown war is imminent. With so much going on, it's great to learn more things about the Vastras, the other daevas, the powers and talismans, and more of the world building- some characters have grown on me, while others I still don't like (you know, because they're evil), but either way I look forward to reading more about the talismans who are weak in their elements, and the fourth talisman.
May 30, 2025
I’ve said it before (so many times… repeatedly, really…) and I’ll say it again; Kat Ross is an absolute master when it comes to multiple povs and multiple plots running parallel in one story.
I mean, clearly, you lean toward some characters more than others, but the reality of it (for me at least) is it’s not even always the same characters I’m pulled to in every book.
Book 2 I was completely drawn to Nazafareen’s povs. So color me shocked when I go into book 3 and I can’t get enough of Thena, Culoch and Nico.
This series is continuously evolving, and this world gets deeper and with every installment.
I mean, clearly, you lean toward some characters more than others, but the reality of it (for me at least) is it’s not even always the same characters I’m pulled to in every book.
Book 2 I was completely drawn to Nazafareen’s povs. So color me shocked when I go into book 3 and I can’t get enough of Thena, Culoch and Nico.
This series is continuously evolving, and this world gets deeper and with every installment.
November 8, 2020
Up through the third book of this series I was saying it was nearly as entertaining as Game of Thrones but let's say a solid "B" grade version. By that, I mean multi-layered, complex storylines interwoven within sprawling magical and political worldbuilding.
Then, the Author stretched it out across too many volumes and it all went to shite in the fourth book. Stupid decisions by the characters; conflicts from left field taking up huge chunks of pages; melodrama (lurve instead of love) blah blah--you know, the usual downfalls of greedy editors pushing for as long a series as possible.
Then, the Author stretched it out across too many volumes and it all went to shite in the fourth book. Stupid decisions by the characters; conflicts from left field taking up huge chunks of pages; melodrama (lurve instead of love) blah blah--you know, the usual downfalls of greedy editors pushing for as long a series as possible.
July 21, 2019
Way too complicated
This book jumps around so much and introduces new terminology on every page that just confuses the story even more. The author should have included a glossary at the beginning of book 2. Waiting until book 3 for the glossary didn't help, especially with the glossary at the end of the book. Had to stop after chapter 11, I couldn't take anymore. Will not be purchasing book 4
This book jumps around so much and introduces new terminology on every page that just confuses the story even more. The author should have included a glossary at the beginning of book 2. Waiting until book 3 for the glossary didn't help, especially with the glossary at the end of the book. Had to stop after chapter 11, I couldn't take anymore. Will not be purchasing book 4
April 20, 2021
I am a huge fan of Kat Ross and this book will not disappoint. I love all of the characters and you just can't wait to read each book to find out what adventures they will go on next. Her books make your heart race in danger and go ba-da-bump in the tender spots. Her words paint a vivid picture of the scenes that you could practically read with all your senses. I can't say enough good things, but needless to say, this is a great book like the rest in her repertoire.
April 26, 2021
Fantastic read!
The characters are full and well established within the storyline. The plot is smooth and concise...like a snake ready to strike. No stone is left unturned and no ploy undiscovered. Evil lurks in every corner and family is not always a surety for loyalty and trust. A web so intricately woven that the trap is never seen until it's much too late. Excellent!
I received this book as a gift and this is my honest review.
The characters are full and well established within the storyline. The plot is smooth and concise...like a snake ready to strike. No stone is left unturned and no ploy undiscovered. Evil lurks in every corner and family is not always a surety for loyalty and trust. A web so intricately woven that the trap is never seen until it's much too late. Excellent!
I received this book as a gift and this is my honest review.
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