johnhcarroll's review
5.0
As it says in the description, this story picks up two years after the 4th book ends. It is the beginning of a new series in a way, though staring many of the same characters. Aiden, the main character in all the books is wiser, yet troubled. He's been working as a pawn . . . errr politician . . . errr baron, running the fortress he helped rescue. The moment word comes that someone needs help, he blows that popsicle stand and gets back to adventuring as is only proper.
Danger, betrayal, a conspiracy or three, more danger, surprise old friends, new dangerous frenemies, yet more danger, dragons, elves, dwarves and . . . did I mention danger? face our group.
The characters in the story have evolved even more and the interpersonal relationships show an intriguing complexity. Mr. Nowland weaves the moral conflict of what good and evil truly are as he puts the characters in quandaries that would drive a normal person to madness. The characters do the best they can to survive, all the while keeping how they truly feel about the author to themselves.
The battles are intense as always and there's no telling who will make it and who won't. It feels as though the reader is there beside the characters, worrying for their safety. Even more powerful spells light up the battlefield, taking the imagination to new heights.
As far as criticism, I would have liked to see a new major character thrown in the mix with the adventurers. I think it could have given everyone a new dynamic to work off of. Toward the end there was one person that was part of a twist I didn't see coming. I believe that character will be more prominent in the next book and I look forward to it.
This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, leaving the reader desperate to get their hands on the next one. I'm going to be very interested to see how it turns out.
As with all of Mr. Nowland's books, the dialogue has humor scattered throughout, the battle scenes are vivid and intense. If you enjoy rousing, epic adventures, this is an excellent series for you.
Danger, betrayal, a conspiracy or three, more danger, surprise old friends, new dangerous frenemies, yet more danger, dragons, elves, dwarves and . . . did I mention danger? face our group.
The characters in the story have evolved even more and the interpersonal relationships show an intriguing complexity. Mr. Nowland weaves the moral conflict of what good and evil truly are as he puts the characters in quandaries that would drive a normal person to madness. The characters do the best they can to survive, all the while keeping how they truly feel about the author to themselves.
The battles are intense as always and there's no telling who will make it and who won't. It feels as though the reader is there beside the characters, worrying for their safety. Even more powerful spells light up the battlefield, taking the imagination to new heights.
As far as criticism, I would have liked to see a new major character thrown in the mix with the adventurers. I think it could have given everyone a new dynamic to work off of. Toward the end there was one person that was part of a twist I didn't see coming. I believe that character will be more prominent in the next book and I look forward to it.
This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, leaving the reader desperate to get their hands on the next one. I'm going to be very interested to see how it turns out.
As with all of Mr. Nowland's books, the dialogue has humor scattered throughout, the battle scenes are vivid and intense. If you enjoy rousing, epic adventures, this is an excellent series for you.
More...