Scan barcode
kimmi_a's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
caitsidhe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A satisfying end to a series I've been enjoying
thoughtsstained's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
4.75
Full review posted at Thoughts Stained With Ink:
I did it!! I finally caught up with Melissa Caruso's backlog. (Which, it was depression's fault for not reading when her books came out, but still.) How lucky I am to actually get to read these incredible series. And how incredibly sad that The Ivory Tomb is the last story in this incredible world. I am going to miss it so much. ðŸ˜
I'm not super specific in this review because I want to avoid spoilers. But, let me just say that The Ivory Tomb was invigorating and utterly unputdownable. What a series.
So, the second book was still my favorite. But wow, did The Ivory Tomb pack such an emotional punch. I legit cried at the end of the book. I thought it was an incredible story that wraps up so perfectly. (While also leaving room for future stories in this world? 👀👀)
If you enjoy memorable, real characters in a fascinating world with intense, twisty politics and mesmerizing worldbuilding, you NEED to read Melissa Caruso's books.
I did it!! I finally caught up with Melissa Caruso's backlog. (Which, it was depression's fault for not reading when her books came out, but still.) How lucky I am to actually get to read these incredible series. And how incredibly sad that The Ivory Tomb is the last story in this incredible world. I am going to miss it so much. ðŸ˜
I'm not super specific in this review because I want to avoid spoilers. But, let me just say that The Ivory Tomb was invigorating and utterly unputdownable. What a series.
So, the second book was still my favorite. But wow, did The Ivory Tomb pack such an emotional punch. I legit cried at the end of the book. I thought it was an incredible story that wraps up so perfectly. (While also leaving room for future stories in this world? 👀👀)
If you enjoy memorable, real characters in a fascinating world with intense, twisty politics and mesmerizing worldbuilding, you NEED to read Melissa Caruso's books.
seatosky's review against another edition
5.0
A great end to a great trilogy. I loved seeing the Ryx grow as a character while also staying true to who she is and who she wanted to be. High stakes, great dialogue and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
biblionerdrflxn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
***Thank you to Orbit Books for providing a copy of The Ivory Tomb. My review contains my honest thoughts about my reading experience. There may be spoilers for previous books in the series. So, proceed with caution.***
The Ivory Tomb was a wild ride and an epic conclusion to this trilogy. I expected it to be good, but this book seriously blew me away. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it. The end couldn't come soon enough because I needed to know what happened. However, I also never wanted it to end. It did eventually come to a close, and I thought the author provided a conclusion that made sense while also evoking some strong emotions.
The plot of The Ivory Tomb was one crisis after another. How could it not be with all of the demons from the Hells rampaging through the world? There was barely a moment to catch a breath. Whereas the previous two books focused on localized, locked-castle events, this one spanned the entire continent. I had fun visiting new places with the characters and getting to experience the horrors of the newly released demons, Carnage, Despair, and Corruption.
I really loved so much of the world-building in The Ivory Tomb. After six books, the author has still managed to add nuance to this world and keep me excited to learn even more of its mysteries. The politics surrounding all of the story's events really kept me interested. I also ate up all of the background on the Graces and their history with the Demons. My favorite thing, though, was getting to see the ascension of a Witch Lord firsthand and learning about how impactful and daunting the experience could be.
There were two real stars of The Ivory Tomb. Most importantly, this was the story of Ryx finally coming to terms with being a demon. Identity was a huge theme throughout the series but especially in this book. Ryx experienced flashbacks throughout the story as her memories of the demon inside her woke bit by bit. She had to figure out who she was now that those memories were a part of her. Human? Demon? Both? The resolution of those questions was poignant, and I loved how everything came full circle in the end. Ryx's demonic nature also allowed for the exploration of what it means to be evil. Is it something innate or chosen?
The other star of The Ivory Tomb was Severin. He had such a beautiful journey in this book. His home and family were threatened by the Demons, which ate at his very soul. To save them, he had to confront both the brother that cast him out and his traumatic past. His relationships with Ryx and the rest of the Rookery became a source of strength for him, which was massive growth given his trust issues and fears of being vulnerable with others. I loved him so much and just wanted to give him a big hug. His gruffness hid such a big heart underneath.
Overall, The Ivory Tomb was a fantastic conclusion to this series. It was riveting, emotional, and extremely satisfying. The characters had truly compelling arcs with a great deal of personal growth, and there were so many moments that made me hold my breath. The stakes had never been higher, but the author managed to pull everything together for an epic ending. Therefore, I rate The Ivory Tomb 5 out of 5 stars!
The Ivory Tomb was a wild ride and an epic conclusion to this trilogy. I expected it to be good, but this book seriously blew me away. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it. The end couldn't come soon enough because I needed to know what happened. However, I also never wanted it to end. It did eventually come to a close, and I thought the author provided a conclusion that made sense while also evoking some strong emotions.
The plot of The Ivory Tomb was one crisis after another. How could it not be with all of the demons from the Hells rampaging through the world? There was barely a moment to catch a breath. Whereas the previous two books focused on localized, locked-castle events, this one spanned the entire continent. I had fun visiting new places with the characters and getting to experience the horrors of the newly released demons, Carnage, Despair, and Corruption.
I really loved so much of the world-building in The Ivory Tomb. After six books, the author has still managed to add nuance to this world and keep me excited to learn even more of its mysteries. The politics surrounding all of the story's events really kept me interested. I also ate up all of the background on the Graces and their history with the Demons. My favorite thing, though, was getting to see the ascension of a Witch Lord firsthand and learning about how impactful and daunting the experience could be.
There were two real stars of The Ivory Tomb. Most importantly, this was the story of Ryx finally coming to terms with being a demon. Identity was a huge theme throughout the series but especially in this book. Ryx experienced flashbacks throughout the story as her memories of the demon inside her woke bit by bit. She had to figure out who she was now that those memories were a part of her. Human? Demon? Both? The resolution of those questions was poignant, and I loved how everything came full circle in the end. Ryx's demonic nature also allowed for the exploration of what it means to be evil. Is it something innate or chosen?
The other star of The Ivory Tomb was Severin. He had such a beautiful journey in this book. His home and family were threatened by the Demons, which ate at his very soul. To save them, he had to confront both the brother that cast him out and his traumatic past. His relationships with Ryx and the rest of the Rookery became a source of strength for him, which was massive growth given his trust issues and fears of being vulnerable with others. I loved him so much and just wanted to give him a big hug. His gruffness hid such a big heart underneath.
Overall, The Ivory Tomb was a fantastic conclusion to this series. It was riveting, emotional, and extremely satisfying. The characters had truly compelling arcs with a great deal of personal growth, and there were so many moments that made me hold my breath. The stakes had never been higher, but the author managed to pull everything together for an epic ending. Therefore, I rate The Ivory Tomb 5 out of 5 stars!
moniquemarsten's review against another edition
5.0
Phenomenal conclusion to the trilogy! I devoured this book. It made me stay up past my bedtime and I had no regrets
melissalurie81's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
It makes sense given where we left things in book two, but in The Ivory Tomb, we open on a hopeless situation. All the demons are officially loose in the world again, a return of the Dark Days. The humans are outgunned no matter their clever alchemy and artificery, their wild vivomancy and powerful but distrusted demon ally. This finale is as fast-paced as the others in the series, the Rookery tumbling from one crisis to the next, constantly on the verge of personal loss and/or the end of the world.
This is a satisfying end to the trilogy on several levels. It celebrates Ryx and gives her room to celebrate herself before all is said and done. She's so long found herself barely worthy of human connection and a full life. Here, she takes a stand not only for everyone else but for herself in particular. She'll go down in history as one of my favorite protagonists for her earnest nature, how deeply she values her friends, and how high her hopes are for humanity. She loves with her whole self, even when it applies to family members who don't love her with the same depth and compassion. She tries again and again, ceaselessly yearning for something better.
The rest of the Rookery gets satisfying conclusions to their character arcs, as well. Severin stands out, and I'll forever be a Kessa and Ash stan. I'm obsessed with Caruso's dedication to having a fully queer team, even with the addition of Hylah in this book-- a trans artificer and religious scholar who has a past with someone in the Rookery. We get some delightful cameos, as well. All hail Ardith and their dedication to a good time. And reaching back deeper into the world's lore, I freaked out to see the Crow Lord back with his games.
This is a series about redemption, found family, and backing yourself. I love the emotional journey I took with these characters, and I sincerely hope they get a full night's rest for once now that their adventures are at a close. Thanks to Orbit for my copy to read and review!
This is a satisfying end to the trilogy on several levels. It celebrates Ryx and gives her room to celebrate herself before all is said and done. She's so long found herself barely worthy of human connection and a full life. Here, she takes a stand not only for everyone else but for herself in particular. She'll go down in history as one of my favorite protagonists for her earnest nature, how deeply she values her friends, and how high her hopes are for humanity. She loves with her whole self, even when it applies to family members who don't love her with the same depth and compassion. She tries again and again, ceaselessly yearning for something better.
The rest of the Rookery gets satisfying conclusions to their character arcs, as well. Severin stands out, and I'll forever be a Kessa and Ash stan. I'm obsessed with Caruso's dedication to having a fully queer team, even with the addition of Hylah in this book-- a trans artificer and religious scholar who has a past with someone in the Rookery. We get some delightful cameos, as well. All hail Ardith and their dedication to a good time. And reaching back deeper into the world's lore, I freaked out to see the Crow Lord back with his games.
This is a series about redemption, found family, and backing yourself. I love the emotional journey I took with these characters, and I sincerely hope they get a full night's rest for once now that their adventures are at a close. Thanks to Orbit for my copy to read and review!