enbyglitch's review
5.0
This is a damn well executed conclusion to the Codex Alera. Nonstop action, endless intrigue, and every character I can think of gets to strut their stuff at least once.
Regarding the series as a whole; it is a hell of an achievement. I've been reading a lot of fantasy, and I think this is honestly one of the most interesting worlds put to the page. The magic system is fairly well defined, yet does not feel constrained in the slightest. Each culture in the world is fascinating in its own right, and the tiny bits of lore regarding some origins still have my mouth watering for more.
A number of these books do have slow starts, and frankly some characters never get to shine as brightly as I'd like them to. Two characters in particular were pretty hard to follow for over half the series, but the fact is you can skim areas that you aren't enjoying.
So overall, I'm happy to recommend this series. Is it the "Rome with Pokémon" that I had heard going in? Kind of... For the most part, it is a fun fantasy series with lots of fascinating characters. Enjoy!
Regarding the series as a whole; it is a hell of an achievement. I've been reading a lot of fantasy, and I think this is honestly one of the most interesting worlds put to the page. The magic system is fairly well defined, yet does not feel constrained in the slightest. Each culture in the world is fascinating in its own right, and the tiny bits of lore regarding some origins still have my mouth watering for more.
A number of these books do have slow starts, and frankly some characters never get to shine as brightly as I'd like them to. Two characters in particular were pretty hard to follow for over half the series, but the fact is you can skim areas that you aren't enjoying.
So overall, I'm happy to recommend this series. Is it the "Rome with Pokémon" that I had heard going in? Kind of... For the most part, it is a fun fantasy series with lots of fascinating characters. Enjoy!
napthenknit's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sarz's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
kutterek's review
5.0
Perfect finish
Everything culminated to this masterpiece of a book to finish off the series! This series is officially among my favorites and definitely deserves to be re-read some years from now.
Everything culminated to this masterpiece of a book to finish off the series! This series is officially among my favorites and definitely deserves to be re-read some years from now.
abigcoffeedragon's review
5.0
I enjoyed the series as a whole - there were twists and turns and I liked that - and things were wrapped up completely and I am not left with anything unanswered - this was the final battle and the results of everything within the series and I feel that things came full circle quite well - without spoiling, there is a scene near the end of the book that calls back directly to the beginning of the series - though intentional (I'm Sure) I wonder if Jim Butcher knew how symbolic it would be when it happened in book one, or if he made it so six years later - either way it worked well, and was a completely cool way to end the battle - the epilogue was unneeded, but I know that there are people that want the final resolutions that are not within the general chapters of the story - but, as a whole, this was a fun and interesting journey that has come to a close - I wonder if there will be a second series later in the timeline or if this is it for Alera - but well done, and highly recommended for High Fantasy lovers.
schluschli's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
dainean's review
4.0
End of the series, and a proper one. Something about the way Jim Butcher writes keeps me engrossed. Whether it's not being afraid to give main characters actual flaws, copious use of the rule of cool or subtle world building done in the back ground. It was an amusing series that took a bit to get started, but not without its flaws for sure. I'd compare his writing to spectacles movies rather then arthouse stuff, but even if so, its the marvel cinematic universe, with its own character flair and humour, not the dc or transformers one
ashtardeza's review
5.0
Great ending to the series, though not so sure if it would stand on it's own as a story.
The Codex Alera as a whole left me feeling satisfied, and I enjoyed reading it a lot. It's been a while since I enjoyed epic fantasy this much.
The Codex Alera as a whole left me feeling satisfied, and I enjoyed reading it a lot. It's been a while since I enjoyed epic fantasy this much.