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assam_athenaeum's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
writings_of_a_reader's review against another edition
4.0
Rescued from a world of poverty, Cettie Pratt has avoided a bleak destiny—until now. Deceived and manipulated, she has been groomed for the ultimate betrayal: to destroy her best friend and stop peace from uniting two war-torn worlds. Her path leads her to a mysterious underworld where appearances can be deceiving.
Sera Fitzempress knows the value she has to her enemies. As heir to the empire, she must keep her foes at bay and prevent them from unleashing a being of unspeakable evil upon the world while fighting a brutal war. But her enemies are more cunning than Sera expects, and the key to their plans is none other than her best friend.
Neither woman knows what to believe. Neither one knows if she can trust the other. Both Cettie and Sera have made decisions that have irrevocably changed them. But the decisions they have yet to make will determine the fate of their world…
I really enjoyed reading this series. I'm not going to write reviews for each book because I read them one right after the other and the lines of where one stopped and the next began have become rather fuzzy in my mind. I also feel like I would just be repeating myself a lot. If you read my review of the first book in the series, Storm Glass, then you know I was fairly new to Jeff Wheeler's books, having only previously read The King's Poisoner. Little did I know at the time how much I would be pulled into both series, plus the Muirwood series, or how interconnected they all were. For the most part, it's been a fun ride, with some minor gripes on my part, especially concerning Muirwood. I still think after finishing this series that the author laid the religious aspects on too thick. It got slightly annoying to me in this series, but not nearly as bad as Muirwood.
There were some heartbreaking things that happened in this series, and also some really great things. Book 4, Prism Cloud was particularly heartbreaking and a bit of a downer compared to the other books. I knew things would somehow end up being set straight in this one, and I'm mostly happy with the way things ended. I was also pleasantly surprised that a couple of my favorite characters from Kingfountain appear in this book.
It's funny how initially I liked reading about Cettie more than Sera, but by the end of the series it had switched. I still liked Cettie as well, but I think with the path she went down for a while, her chapters got a little depressing compared to Sera's. I think the way the author handled the choices Cettie made was really well done. While I was disappointed in the way her story ended up going for a while, it also felt necessary, and gave some insight into the other side of things. I did feel like the bad guys were a little bit over the top a few times though, but that may have had a lot to do with the way the narrator was narrating those parts.
One thing I really enjoyed about this series is the world building. The floating estates, the air ships, the gates to the other world...it had a bit of a steampunkish feeling to it. It's my second favorite series that Wheeler has written, right behind Kingfountain, which had a more medieval/Authurian feel to it. The Legends of Muirwood would be a distant third in my opinion. It felt rather bland compared to the other two, and then there were my other complaints that I won't rehash here.
Now that I've read these books and the other series as well I would recommend to anyone wanting to read Wheeler's books, to start with either The Legends of Muirwood or the first three Kingfountain books and switch over to Legends of Muirwood before reading the last three Kingfountain books. I'm saying that as a person who didn't like Legends of Muirwood very much, and I think if I had started there I wouldn't have continued to any of the other series. Anyway here is how I would recommend reading them:
Kingfountain books 1-3
Legends of Muirwood trilogy
Kingfountain books 4-6
Covenant of Muirwood trilogy
Harbinger series
Although I haven't read it yet, I'm placing Covenant of Muirwood in there ahead of Harbinger, because things in that trilogy take place before Harbinger, and there are people and events referenced in the Harbinger series that take place in that series. Had I known, I probably would have read it first.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
Sera Fitzempress knows the value she has to her enemies. As heir to the empire, she must keep her foes at bay and prevent them from unleashing a being of unspeakable evil upon the world while fighting a brutal war. But her enemies are more cunning than Sera expects, and the key to their plans is none other than her best friend.
Neither woman knows what to believe. Neither one knows if she can trust the other. Both Cettie and Sera have made decisions that have irrevocably changed them. But the decisions they have yet to make will determine the fate of their world…
I really enjoyed reading this series. I'm not going to write reviews for each book because I read them one right after the other and the lines of where one stopped and the next began have become rather fuzzy in my mind. I also feel like I would just be repeating myself a lot. If you read my review of the first book in the series, Storm Glass, then you know I was fairly new to Jeff Wheeler's books, having only previously read The King's Poisoner. Little did I know at the time how much I would be pulled into both series, plus the Muirwood series, or how interconnected they all were. For the most part, it's been a fun ride, with some minor gripes on my part, especially concerning Muirwood. I still think after finishing this series that the author laid the religious aspects on too thick. It got slightly annoying to me in this series, but not nearly as bad as Muirwood.
There were some heartbreaking things that happened in this series, and also some really great things. Book 4, Prism Cloud was particularly heartbreaking and a bit of a downer compared to the other books. I knew things would somehow end up being set straight in this one, and I'm mostly happy with the way things ended. I was also pleasantly surprised that a couple of my favorite characters from Kingfountain appear in this book.
It's funny how initially I liked reading about Cettie more than Sera, but by the end of the series it had switched. I still liked Cettie as well, but I think with the path she went down for a while, her chapters got a little depressing compared to Sera's. I think the way the author handled the choices Cettie made was really well done. While I was disappointed in the way her story ended up going for a while, it also felt necessary, and gave some insight into the other side of things. I did feel like the bad guys were a little bit over the top a few times though, but that may have had a lot to do with the way the narrator was narrating those parts.
One thing I really enjoyed about this series is the world building. The floating estates, the air ships, the gates to the other world...it had a bit of a steampunkish feeling to it. It's my second favorite series that Wheeler has written, right behind Kingfountain, which had a more medieval/Authurian feel to it. The Legends of Muirwood would be a distant third in my opinion. It felt rather bland compared to the other two, and then there were my other complaints that I won't rehash here.
Now that I've read these books and the other series as well I would recommend to anyone wanting to read Wheeler's books, to start with either The Legends of Muirwood or the first three Kingfountain books and switch over to Legends of Muirwood before reading the last three Kingfountain books. I'm saying that as a person who didn't like Legends of Muirwood very much, and I think if I had started there I wouldn't have continued to any of the other series. Anyway here is how I would recommend reading them:
Kingfountain books 1-3
Legends of Muirwood trilogy
Kingfountain books 4-6
Covenant of Muirwood trilogy
Harbinger series
Although I haven't read it yet, I'm placing Covenant of Muirwood in there ahead of Harbinger, because things in that trilogy take place before Harbinger, and there are people and events referenced in the Harbinger series that take place in that series. Had I known, I probably would have read it first.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
dlobby's review against another edition
1.0
Disappointing finish because of heavy religious undertones
I read the whole series because the premise was good and the first book quite good. I was raised in the Mormon church and started to see the religious undertones were Mormon in the second book. It didn’t interfere too much with the story at first but by the book it became so blatant that I could barely read it. I’m sure others with religious inclinations that march Mormonhood would not mind, but as I no longer have a positive relationship with that church this book was insufferable. I don’t plan on reading anymore of this author for my own sake, but I will recommend him to my Mormon friends as it will likely be something they will like.
I read the whole series because the premise was good and the first book quite good. I was raised in the Mormon church and started to see the religious undertones were Mormon in the second book. It didn’t interfere too much with the story at first but by the book it became so blatant that I could barely read it. I’m sure others with religious inclinations that march Mormonhood would not mind, but as I no longer have a positive relationship with that church this book was insufferable. I don’t plan on reading anymore of this author for my own sake, but I will recommend him to my Mormon friends as it will likely be something they will like.
alexandria333's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A good ending to the series with a continuously strong female lead. I've loved the characters and could read many more adventures in this world of mysteries. Love the way the magical system is slowly introduced over the series and the growth in characters and world building. It was all fast paced but that is relative I suppose. Wish they were longer and that i had more books to read!
angelic712's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent ending but don’t expect everything to be resolved. Another series set a bit in the future is necessary.
lostinagoodbook's review against another edition
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Netgalley.
Epic! This is how a series gets wrapped up in spectacular fashion. Loose ends tied up … favorite characters from past book get a quick cameo … a few unexpected twists and here we are, at the end.
The people we love are happy, the people we hate are … well they will get their comeuppance at some point, I suppose. In other words, it looks as though there will be more books in a new series set in this world and I am here for it.
Ugh, I have to write in such vague terms about this title, but I don’t want to give away a single thing. I need to say it is one of my favorite series written by Mr. Wheeler. He has promised more books are to come, I’ll just have to be patient until they get her.
Bonus link: If you’re interested in reading some of Mr. Wheeler’s books there is a great listing of the reading order for all of his books on his webpage. They are interconnected so I would suggest starting at the beginning!
Song for this book: Ode to Joy – Beethoven – Flash Mob
Epic! This is how a series gets wrapped up in spectacular fashion. Loose ends tied up … favorite characters from past book get a quick cameo … a few unexpected twists and here we are, at the end.
The people we love are happy, the people we hate are … well they will get their comeuppance at some point, I suppose. In other words, it looks as though there will be more books in a new series set in this world and I am here for it.
Ugh, I have to write in such vague terms about this title, but I don’t want to give away a single thing. I need to say it is one of my favorite series written by Mr. Wheeler. He has promised more books are to come, I’ll just have to be patient until they get her.
Bonus link: If you’re interested in reading some of Mr. Wheeler’s books there is a great listing of the reading order for all of his books on his webpage. They are interconnected so I would suggest starting at the beginning!
Song for this book: Ode to Joy – Beethoven – Flash Mob
kaileah22's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
michellehenriereads's review
5.0
In PRISM CLOUD, the world is a mess and there appears to be no hope for our friends Cettie and Sera. How can they even be friends after the betrayal? They’re not even on the brink of war, but in the middle of it. Time, space, and ideals separate them. The world may even be destroyed.
Once I finally had the book in my hands, and before I opened it, I took a deep breath and asked myself: Who is going to die? Am I going to cry through the whole book? Will any of the love interests work out?
These are legitimate questions because we all know, Wheeler loves to throw in twists and turns. In the interest of not spoiling things, I will not answer the questions I posed but will say I was frequently surprised.
I’m going to divert from talking about BROKEN VEIL for a moment to talk about themes in great literature (but if you’ll hang with me, I promise there is a connection).
Two of my favorite books are LES MISERABLES by Victor Hugo and THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexander Dumas. Some of the themes found in these books are revenge, betrayal, redemption, and forgiveness. These are strong and powerful emotions. If an author sets out to write a story and says my book will be about betrayal, I think this fictitious author would fail because it isn’t that simple. For strong themes to work, they have to be woven through the text in a way that is genuine and believable for the reader to become vested. Hugo’s and Dumas’ books are as much a fantasy to me as the world built by Jeff Wheeler, because I didn’t live through those time periods. (I actually see just about every book as being a fantasy: romance? Totally a fantasy – people never act like they do in those books.)
Getting back on track, all of Wheeler’s series do two things. First, they draw me into a believable world and tell an interesting story. Second, because I believe the world, every moment of revenge, betrayal, redemption, and forgiveness hits me to my core. Yes, sometimes, I cry and laugh through these books. This is why I read.
Once I finished the Harbinger Series, I felt satisfied. Now, satisfaction may seem like an only okay response but that isn’t what I’m trying to say. Some books I hate by the end, others I roll my eyes because I can’t believe in the world anymore because of literary decisions. But to say I am satisfied means so much more; it means that I still believe in the world, that I’ve gone through the journey with the characters, and that I am at peace with both the good and bad in the book. I’ve heard it said that the ending of a story should be ‘surprisingly inevitable’. If that was Wheeler’s goal, he succeeded.
Wheeler is a master storyteller. I hoped that both Cettie and Sera would come into their own power, believe in themselves, and ultimately make choices from their core selves instead of external factors. I hoped for peace in the two kingdoms. And I hoped for love to be fulfilled. But love can take so many turns. Love for country, love for the masses who suffer, family love, and romantic love. I honestly hoped for all of these to be fulfilled.
I know this review says very little about the BROKEN VEIL but that is because I want you to read it and go on the journey yourself. Doesn’t the idea of living revenge, betrayal, redemption, and forgiveness make you want to run out and read this right now?
Here are a couple of quotes to whet your appetite:
“She should just toss the book into a fire and burn it. Adam must hate her now.” p. 16
“She’d had a year to scheme.” p. 70
“She grabbed at the handle, trying to twist it, but she was too late.” p. 123
“They had traded darkness for daylight.” p. 143
“She now had access to memories that weren’t her own.” p.220
“It was treason. But perhaps, in his mind, he’d justified it.” p. 254
“No one was coming. She was alone.” p. 270
“The worth of a soul is its capacity to become something greater.” p. 294
“And you never will.” p. 347
I highly recommend this book, series, and author. I hope you step into a new world and discover more about yourself. You can find more at www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
Once I finally had the book in my hands, and before I opened it, I took a deep breath and asked myself: Who is going to die? Am I going to cry through the whole book? Will any of the love interests work out?
These are legitimate questions because we all know, Wheeler loves to throw in twists and turns. In the interest of not spoiling things, I will not answer the questions I posed but will say I was frequently surprised.
I’m going to divert from talking about BROKEN VEIL for a moment to talk about themes in great literature (but if you’ll hang with me, I promise there is a connection).
Two of my favorite books are LES MISERABLES by Victor Hugo and THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexander Dumas. Some of the themes found in these books are revenge, betrayal, redemption, and forgiveness. These are strong and powerful emotions. If an author sets out to write a story and says my book will be about betrayal, I think this fictitious author would fail because it isn’t that simple. For strong themes to work, they have to be woven through the text in a way that is genuine and believable for the reader to become vested. Hugo’s and Dumas’ books are as much a fantasy to me as the world built by Jeff Wheeler, because I didn’t live through those time periods. (I actually see just about every book as being a fantasy: romance? Totally a fantasy – people never act like they do in those books.)
Getting back on track, all of Wheeler’s series do two things. First, they draw me into a believable world and tell an interesting story. Second, because I believe the world, every moment of revenge, betrayal, redemption, and forgiveness hits me to my core. Yes, sometimes, I cry and laugh through these books. This is why I read.
Once I finished the Harbinger Series, I felt satisfied. Now, satisfaction may seem like an only okay response but that isn’t what I’m trying to say. Some books I hate by the end, others I roll my eyes because I can’t believe in the world anymore because of literary decisions. But to say I am satisfied means so much more; it means that I still believe in the world, that I’ve gone through the journey with the characters, and that I am at peace with both the good and bad in the book. I’ve heard it said that the ending of a story should be ‘surprisingly inevitable’. If that was Wheeler’s goal, he succeeded.
Wheeler is a master storyteller. I hoped that both Cettie and Sera would come into their own power, believe in themselves, and ultimately make choices from their core selves instead of external factors. I hoped for peace in the two kingdoms. And I hoped for love to be fulfilled. But love can take so many turns. Love for country, love for the masses who suffer, family love, and romantic love. I honestly hoped for all of these to be fulfilled.
I know this review says very little about the BROKEN VEIL but that is because I want you to read it and go on the journey yourself. Doesn’t the idea of living revenge, betrayal, redemption, and forgiveness make you want to run out and read this right now?
Here are a couple of quotes to whet your appetite:
“She should just toss the book into a fire and burn it. Adam must hate her now.” p. 16
“She’d had a year to scheme.” p. 70
“She grabbed at the handle, trying to twist it, but she was too late.” p. 123
“They had traded darkness for daylight.” p. 143
“She now had access to memories that weren’t her own.” p.220
“It was treason. But perhaps, in his mind, he’d justified it.” p. 254
“No one was coming. She was alone.” p. 270
“The worth of a soul is its capacity to become something greater.” p. 294
“And you never will.” p. 347
I highly recommend this book, series, and author. I hope you step into a new world and discover more about yourself. You can find more at www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
deb_is_reading's review against another edition
5.0
this was fantastic! I'm so glad I picked up this series way back when. It was so refreshing and unlike anything I've ever read. It makes me so sad that most people won't even know of this series because Jeff Wheeler and this story isn't from a bigger publisher. I'll absolutely do whatever I can to push this series on other people because I'm that B*tch. I can't wait to pick up his other books.
- I felt like so many obstacles were presented to our protagonists throughout the series however I thought they came fairly organically. This past month I read another book series with about a billion side plots that felt like they were added for the sake of creating drama. It felt really good to see this done a with a little more hindsight.
- Both perspectives (Cettie and Sera) were soooo good. At the start of the series I wasn't totally in love with Sera as a character, I just didn't care.
- This series honestly reminds me why I love a good political fantasy.
- How the story has come from book one to now...wow.
You might like this series if you enjoy these tropes"
- Victorian sensibilities, culture, society
- floating isles/islands as a setting
- rags to riches protagonist
- just/honorable royal
- political fantasy
- destiny
- discourse about classism and elitism
- I felt like so many obstacles were presented to our protagonists throughout the series however I thought they came fairly organically. This past month I read another book series with about a billion side plots that felt like they were added for the sake of creating drama. It felt really good to see this done a with a little more hindsight.
- Both perspectives (Cettie and Sera) were soooo good. At the start of the series I wasn't totally in love with Sera as a character, I just didn't care.
- This series honestly reminds me why I love a good political fantasy.
- How the story has come from book one to now...wow.
You might like this series if you enjoy these tropes"
- Victorian sensibilities, culture, society
- floating isles/islands as a setting
- rags to riches protagonist
- just/honorable royal
- political fantasy
- destiny
- discourse about classism and elitism