Reviews

The Battlemage, by Taran Matharu

char931's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

atullio's review against another edition

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4.0

Ohhh, this series. I definitely loved it, although I had some issues with it. As the conclusion to this trilogy, I found The Battlemage to be slightly lacking. I felt as if the set up of Raleightown took up entirely too much of the story. I understand it's about rebuilding his family (in more ways than one) and cleansing... But for book that is dealing with a country at war, it was a tad much. The fact that every single battle was won by their skin of their teeth was unbelievable as well... But this is a book about demon summoners, so I digress. Also, Slyva. UGGGGGHHHHHHH. How can you leave it like that? There better be more of them in the future, and that's all I'm going to say about that.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable series that I would recommend to friends and family alike. I would suggest, as I did in my review for book 2, that more action be included rather than detail upon detail about their travel and surroundings. World building is vital, of course, but I do not believe it should require chunks out of all three books.

wordsareweapons's review against another edition

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4.0

Thank god for all the action in this one! The second book was fairly heavy on the politics and just felt really slow. This book was a non stop whirlwind. Following Fletcher and his friends through the ether, then into hiding, and then into war. The battle scenes were a lot of fun, although I was really hoping more of the jerky nobles would die. I think the main thing I love about this series is that while Fletcher is the hero who rises from commoner to noble, and has summoner powers, it's not a typical "chosen one" trope. He's not any more powerful than most, he has no added abilities, he's just a talented kid who is also a quick thinker. He has allies that help him a lot, and he messes up and get in trouble. This was a really solid ending to an enjoyable series.

oblivionsprice's review against another edition

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5.0

I actually own the hard copy trilogy, that’s how much I love Tarans work!

The third book reads a lot different from the last two, due to the immense amount of battle scenes. Those are really hard to write! But amazingly, I found myself actually able to follow what was happening.

The ending is pretty happy. I felt it was a little lackluster? But I think I’m just bitter and jaded and enjoy tragedy more haha. An amazing conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. Can’t wait to get at the prequel!

haynoelle96's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5/5

I really enjoyed this ending to the trilogy, although there were some loose ends that weren't quite tied up in the way that I would've liked. To the point that I could see the author writing a book of novellas to release sometime in the near future because of how fast he ended his 3rd book in the trilogy. Back to the point though, this book was absolutely astounding and it was non-stop action the entire time. I was stressed during my reading of this book and to be honest, that's what I love about reading. Reading about the demons in this trilogy makes me want one of my own, obviously, and the connections that the summoners have with them is really special and we get to learn more in this book about that. I honestly think that more people should read this trilogy. It is truly special and doesn't get enough hype for how good it is. I barely hear anyone talking about it and everyone should be talking about it. I mean, the main character is too pure and too good for this world and he suddenly acquires a pet demon who is also too good and too pure but also will not hesitate to murder. What more can you ask for in a companion???

inmars's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5

debraserrins's review

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slow-paced

2.0

rhonanc's review against another edition

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5.0

This review is going to be an absolute mess. I just finished this book, and my feelings are all over the place.

That was absolutely wonderful. Where do I begin? I'm so proud of these characters even though they're not real. Fletcher has grown so much over this book. You see him become more comfortable with leading, and he makes riskier choices for the betterment of his people. I would talk about all of the characters' development, but I'm afraid we would be here forever. I cried when Rory, Sir Caulder, Rotter, Atilla, and Dalia died. I usually never cry so intensely when characters die, but I had to with this book. Oh my gosh, this book was amazing! I would recommend this novel to anyone!

wildflowerz76's review against another edition

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4.0

I received this as a digital ARC From Edelweiss for an honest review.

This is probably the most satisfying series I've read in quite a while. The characters are well thought out and develop nicely and the fantasy world is extremely well done. The Battlemage is a very satisfying finale to this trilogy.

I didn't like this one quite as much as the previous two, but I realize that's probably a ME thing. I don't care for very long battle scenes. And *SPOILER* that's the last quarter of this book. Again, though, probably a ME thing. I highly recommend this entire series.

mstrau29's review

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adventurous tense fast-paced

4.0

cheers to my last finished book of 2022. my main sentiment: fletcher deserves some serious R&R. this whole series was action-packed and kept me at the edge of my seat. there were tears shed toward the end of this book, but that could have also been influenced by brother by eddie vedder playing in the background of the most heartbreaking scene; damn you eddie. /j. overall, this series has convinced me to not blindly hate on books that started on wattpad, within reason of course, because i genuinely enjoyed the writing and story of this series so much. i’m glad i ended up giving the first book a try after it being in my TBR and started collection for many years. This is a great series if you’re trying to ease your way into battle-heavy fantasy.