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sam_smith_of_tencendor's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
novelheartbeat's review
5.0
This series is actually a spin-off of The Wayfarer Redemption series (which, if you didn’t know by now, is my favorite Adult series), and this is the second time I’ve read it. I read the entire Wayfarer Redemption series for the third time a couple of months ago, and I’ve been having slight withdrawal ever since. It felt so good to dive back into the world!
It’s a totally different timeline and different setting than the original, but it’s in the same world, and there are a few familiar faces. I was thrilled to see StarDrifter again – I forgot he was in this! – and Axis as well. I love the little tie-ins here and there, and how Tencedor is briefly mentioned.
The best thing about reading this again was that I’d forgotten much of what happens. Things were familiar as I was reading, but I didn’t really see much of it coming. Some things were still a surprise!
This review was originally posted on Novel Heartbeat. To see a breakdown of my assessment, please visit the full review here.
catladylover94's review against another edition
5.0
the girl leaves her only home and travels, to meet the man she will merry, only to find she may actually like him and he is not what she thinks
bookarian's review against another edition
3.0
A little dark, which is normal for Sara Douglass, who doesn't consider anyone a main character unless they're covered in scars inside and out. For being a high priestess who sacrifices humans frequently the main female character is a pushover, but that shows a possible shift for the next book in the series.
jennykeery's review against another edition
2.0
It was a long slog to finish this. I think my main problem with it was that the magic system was never properly explained which eliminated all sense of interest; situations could easily and inexplicably be created or fixed by magic so I was mostly just bored. Very frustrating, as the main character's backstory was incredibly cool and the opening chapters were really promising.
betterthanhamlet's review
3.0
Weird, dark, engaging. Not for kids! I thought the world-building was good. I also enjoyed the "shades of gray" characters - there are no black or white hats here, except the world-threatening evil, of course. People make dumb mistakes and suffer the consequences, prophecies are forgotten or not understood. Very human. It is pretty dark, though. I was kind of yearning for some hopeful hero moments. Also, this is my first book by this author. I have not read the other books everyone says must be read and I was fine. I do think reading them might make you more attached to the characters here, though. Overall an enjoyable read and I'm going to finish the trilogy.
wynwicket's review against another edition
3.0
Fairly typical epic fantasy, complete with re-awakened evil gods, contested kingdoms, and plenty of destiny and betrayal. But it's definitely well-written and compelling enough for me to finish the trilogy.
leaton01's review against another edition
4.0
About five years have passed since the fall of Tencendor to the Time-Keeper Demons and the conclusion of Douglass's previous (and second) trilogy, Wayfarer Redemption. But rest of the largely unexplored world continues. King Maximillian of Escator has been offered a bride from Ishbel, a woman who comes from the Serpent's Nest, a curious cult with macabre practices. Meanwhile the Tyrant of Isembaard is beginning to put into an action that will ruin the kingdoms to the north, including Maximillian's. Powerful forces are at play which results in the return from the world beyond of Douglass's premier hero, Axis Sunsoar and even, his father, Stardrifter. There's a lot that is happening in this novel and like many of Douglass's works, she keeps the story going; it's not like other epic fantasies where you can go hundreds of pages without anything happening. In this first of the trilogy, the world is turned upside down again and we get to enjoy seeing a different side of Axis--a more human one not seen since BattleAxe, the first book in the entire series. What I like even more about this book is that Douglass interweaves her two single novels (Beyond the Hanging Wall and Threshold) as integral parts of this story. One does not have to have read them to fully understand as she does create opportunities for readers to get filled in, but it certainly helps. Finally, it's also becomes a recurring (and insider joke for those who have read the previous trilogies), about the havoc that always comes in the path of people (particularly, women) who associate with the Sunsoars; in many ways, this feels like Douglass's wink to avid fans and their critiques. If you're looking for an enjoyable and active epic fantasy, Douglass is definitely the read to go with.
lulu628's review against another edition
fast-paced
2.0
The base story could be interesting and certainly carries some drama. But the author felt the need to weave in elements from previous books, which needlessly complicated the story. It also leads to characters needing to be *even more* special than the previously defined super special characters. Combined with not very in depth character development (which sadly did not improve from the author's previous work), I think I'll skip the rest of the series.
dani_k's review against another edition
3.0
There’s a lot I really like in this book: MCs with tragic pasts, a fairly low magic setting, meddling gods, politics, and a race of bird people. This was a super compelling, well-paced read. Where it falls short for me is in its treatment of female characters. It barely passes the Bechdel test, and the women exist to carry men’s babies and provide them motivation. So I’m torn on what to rate this. It’s probably more like a 2.5.