jmercury's review against another edition
5.0
Deliciously satisfying ending. Wonderful character development, smooth plot, tearjerker moments, and shock and awe.
raevynskyye's review against another edition
3.0
This book takes place almost immediately after The Protectors War, and deals with the consequences of decisions made by the characters in the previous book.
eishe's review against another edition
4.0
A fitting end to the first trilogy, S.M. Stirling has pulled out all the stops. It suffers from some initial pacing issues, just like The Protector's War did, but the second half of the book more than makes up for it.
netgyrl's review against another edition
4.0
Oct2021 - 2nd listen
Even though I know how it ends, it still made me tear up. Such a good book. Moving right on to the next one.
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Oct2013 - 1st Listen
Wow. What an ending to this first trilogy! I admit I cried. I think the next 3 start 10 years after the end of book 3. I'm taking a breather for a bit to clear my palate but will definitely be reading/listening to the next 3.
Even though I know how it ends, it still made me tear up. Such a good book. Moving right on to the next one.
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Oct2013 - 1st Listen
Wow. What an ending to this first trilogy! I admit I cried. I think the next 3 start 10 years after the end of book 3. I'm taking a breather for a bit to clear my palate but will definitely be reading/listening to the next 3.
shai3d's review against another edition
3.0
War has finally come between the Protectorate and the rest of the free people in the Willamette Valley. For my personal taste there was a bit too much about the battle plans. There was still quite a lot about the people involved however which redeemed this book in my eyes.
While this wasn't my favorite book in the trilogy, I am still looking forward to listening to the next trilogy.
While this wasn't my favorite book in the trilogy, I am still looking forward to listening to the next trilogy.
kairosdreaming's review against another edition
4.0
I'd have to give this installment of the series 3 1/2 stars. It was certainly better than The Protector's War, but not as good as the first book, Dies the Fire. These books should really be read in order, but the main thing about them is they center around an event called the Change. This change made things completely different for human beings. No longer do guns, other weapons, electricity, or other modern objects work. Those who have eeked out a living in this world are strong indeed and include Juniper McKenzie's wiccan archer clan, Mike Havel's Bearkiller warriors, and their enemy The Protector and his vast holdings and enslaved minions.
In this book, a war that has been brewing finally starts. It is the McKenzie's and the Bearkillers, along with their allies who must defeat the mighty horde of the Protector. At first, battle seems to go easy with luck happening for the good guys. But then, in the lull of quiet, Rudi, the son of Mike Havel and Juniper McKenzie is kidnapped along with the daughter of the Protector and the tide changes. They must defeat a large group of the Protector's army and stage a rescue for Rudi with limited resources. This is not all that goes on however. The Rangers are also featured in this book, a group made by Astrid (Mike's sister in law) and Eilir (Juniper's daughter) that helps protect the innocent and scout the forest. They are a valuable team and do a lot of good with winning allies for the group.
The characters are not as fully developed in this book. Rudi is a joy to read about as he is a very interesting character, but he does not feature in this book. The rest just didn't have as much description as they did before and seemed shadows of themselves. The writing in this book on the other hand is very descriptive for everything else. This causes it to be slow moving at parts and Stirling spent a lot of time on unnecessary scenes and people. Also, some readers may be taken aback at the genre of this book. I would classify it as Wiccan fiction, and those going into the book without knowing this, might not be ready for it as they were for a fantasy novel. It doesn't make it a bad book, it just might not be to some people's tastes.
I did like this ending of the trilogy and look forward to reading more of his books about this alternate history. Its an interesting concept and definitely one that should be explored.
A Meeting at Corvallis
Copyright 2006
622 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2011
In this book, a war that has been brewing finally starts. It is the McKenzie's and the Bearkillers, along with their allies who must defeat the mighty horde of the Protector. At first, battle seems to go easy with luck happening for the good guys. But then, in the lull of quiet, Rudi, the son of Mike Havel and Juniper McKenzie is kidnapped along with the daughter of the Protector and the tide changes. They must defeat a large group of the Protector's army and stage a rescue for Rudi with limited resources. This is not all that goes on however. The Rangers are also featured in this book, a group made by Astrid (Mike's sister in law) and Eilir (Juniper's daughter) that helps protect the innocent and scout the forest. They are a valuable team and do a lot of good with winning allies for the group.
The characters are not as fully developed in this book. Rudi is a joy to read about as he is a very interesting character, but he does not feature in this book. The rest just didn't have as much description as they did before and seemed shadows of themselves. The writing in this book on the other hand is very descriptive for everything else. This causes it to be slow moving at parts and Stirling spent a lot of time on unnecessary scenes and people. Also, some readers may be taken aback at the genre of this book. I would classify it as Wiccan fiction, and those going into the book without knowing this, might not be ready for it as they were for a fantasy novel. It doesn't make it a bad book, it just might not be to some people's tastes.
I did like this ending of the trilogy and look forward to reading more of his books about this alternate history. Its an interesting concept and definitely one that should be explored.
A Meeting at Corvallis
Copyright 2006
622 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2011
bibliophilelinda's review against another edition
5.0
What an awesome, yet bittersweet ending to the first Emberverse series. Incredible how much I've become addicted to this story. It truly is one of the better sci-fi (though, admittedly, not much sci-fi stuff has happened yet outside the actual change) series I've ever read. Clan MacKenzie and the BearKillers continue to protect their hearth and home from the Lord Protectors association. Matilda and Rudi, rather predictably, become best friends and endure the back-and-forth capture and recapture game between their parents.The battle's heat up until, finally, a coalition of MacKenzie's, BearKiller's, and the Corvallians confront the Protectors association in an attempt to end the frequent skirmishes and drive the Protector's army underground for awhile. One of my favorite points to this book is that Lady Sandra Arminger's character commands a bit more attention. We experience her more fully outside the simply smart concubine role and more as a devious, self-serving sidekick with the actual brains that run the Protector's association.
majkia's review against another edition
5.0
It is year 8, after The Change. People are trying to survive, relearning how to grow their own food, protect themselves from marauders and warlords. The Bear Killer Clan and Clan Mackenzie are separate but close, with a mutual pact to assist when the self-styled Protector once again sends his forces to conquer them.
Lots of details with regard to primitive survival, and a surprisingly strong emphasis on worship of the Goddess.
Characters are well drawn and strong, and the plot is clear and pointed, with one small exception at the end.
It has cliff hangers though so beware. I'm having to hurry up and read the next book in the series right now!
Lots of details with regard to primitive survival, and a surprisingly strong emphasis on worship of the Goddess.
Characters are well drawn and strong, and the plot is clear and pointed, with one small exception at the end.
It has cliff hangers though so beware. I'm having to hurry up and read the next book in the series right now!
jaxboiler's review
3.0
This was the final book in the trilogy. I thought it was pretty good. A little predictable towards the end but overall another good book by the author.
genehack's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0