Illumination (Curse of The Bond Riders, #3)

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Illumination (Curse of the Bond Riders #3)

by Karen Brooks (Goodreads Author)

4.43 of 5 stars 4.43 · rating details · 42 ratings · 12 reviews

Talented candlemaker. Intoxicating courtesan. Lethal assassin. Can Tallow become what she has always denied . . . or is it too late?

Against a backdrop of bloodshed and turmoil, Tallow flees the cunning Maleovellis and a city on the brink of war to enter the Limen, determined to find the Estrattore and meet her destiny.Unbeknownst to Tallow, she sets in motion forces beyon...more

Paperback, 672 pages

Published July 2nd 2012 by Random House Australia

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Aug 11, 2012 Elle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: alpha-male, assassins, awesome-character-dies, aww-that-is-sooo-sweet, awww-u-r-famous, book-crush, existing-relationship, fantasy, guns, just-kill-the-evil-guy-already, messed-up-past, mind-control, revoloution, romance, soul-mates, speak-to-the-dead, strong-heroine, swords-daggers-bows, told-by-more-than-one-character, war, would-u-figure-it-out-already

So today I sat down and decided to finish reading Karen Brooke's Illumination which I had started the day before. I had really enjoyed the last two books and was really hoping that Illumination would live up to the hype. I was rooting for Dante to finally talk to Tallow ever since he figured out that she was actually Tarlo and yelling at Tallow/Tarlo to stop messing around with Giaconda and her 'papa' (who really knows what is going on there?) all through Votive and my wishes were finally answer...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Skyemberr rated it 5 of 5 stars

I finished this book just moments ago.

This series is an amazing debut into the world of fantasy. This setting in a mythical Venice-like setting trumps and destroys any other that I have seen a fantasy author use. (For instance, Mercedes Lackey). I have been to Venice and strolled it's Fondamenta. I have sat on the Grand Canal. I have been to the mask makers quarter.

These were all so well and vividly described in this book. The characters within were fleshed out and given life.

The concepts of th...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Malcolm rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction-contemporary

I have to confess that as a writer of non-fiction (the trap of academia) I really struggle with conclusions, even when drawing together strands of an argument about the ‘real’ world. As a result I have also to confess to being a little bit in awe of fiction writers who can draw together stories in powerful and compelling ways that hold and encapsulate complex narratives; this does that extremely well. I also have to note at this point (as I have in writing about the previous two books in the Bon...more I have to confess that as a writer of non-fiction (the trap of academia) I really struggle with conclusions, even when drawing together strands of an argument about the ‘real’ world. As a result I have also to confess to being a little bit in awe of fiction writers who can draw together stories in powerful and compelling ways that hold and encapsulate complex narratives; this does that extremely well. I also have to note at this point (as I have in writing about the previous two books in the Bond Riders’ trilogy) Karen Brooks is a dearly beloved friend of many years standing; we do not see each other anywhere near often enough. Even if she weren’t so dear, I’d still greatly admire the writerly skill and narrative power of this fine novel.

Throughout the series, and especially here, the multi-faceted narrative and interwoven plot of the differing greed and ambition of several characters/cabals is confronted by a morally complex, at times uncertain and ambiguous opposition. Not only are some of the ambitious in conflict with each other, they are also in conflict with but at times trying to use the Estrattore, the mythical, mystical god-like people at the centre of everything in this story. In this concluding part, the young and slightly less naïve Tallow/Tarlo searches for her Estrattore kin while try also to prevent a war that will destroy her home, Serenissima. The skill shown in managing these multiple interwoven plotlines is considerable.

The second aspect of the story I have enjoyed and that comes to the fore here is the rich knowledge of European myths and religions that underpins events as well as the rich philosophical and religious history and knowledge that is so lightly worn, I don’t think any of this knowledge is necessary for readers to engage and enjoy the tale of Tallow, but my limited knowledge of many of these issues added to my enjoyment.

In large part, this enjoyment rests in the morality and ethics of this tale of loyalty, sacrifice, commitment to something bigger all within a framework of choice and agency, of pluralism, compromise and constancy. Characters, in the singular and in groups, must often step away from the comfort of the known to take a stand, to do something that might effect change for the better; there is a sense of the celebration of bravery and uncertainty throughout. There is, of a form, a grand historical narrative here, but certainly not one that is predetermined or predestined. It is, in particular, this moral core that provides the conclusion with its drive, power and richness that rounds out the characters and provides for unexpected alliances and humane sacrifice and commitment to a cause.

These three tropes have been woven throughout the series, although they shift and derive nuance as situations develop without falling into the trap of relativism: the moral core remains but takes on different aspects that enrich and enhance the power of the tale, the significances of the losses and the wonder of the victories and the compromises they require.

There is a section, much of the second half of this volume, where the tone changes and the pace accelerates; until that point the books were structured as one chapter per character, thereafter chapters become multiply narrated and focussed while Tallow’s role shifts from narrator to narrated to become both talker and talked about. The effect of this shift is speed up the narrative, begin to expose the confluences and contradictions of the competing parties and the potential dangers of failure to make the right choices. As a writerly ploy, it works well.

This is the second series of Karen’s I have read, and I understand we should be expecting a change in style and genre. I’ll look forward to what comes next. I am often uncomfortable reading friend’s fiction and sometimes very reluctant to venture into print about them: not this time. Tallow and her world will be missed, although I look forward to continuing to introduce people in our world’s Farrowfare the Tallow’s Venice fully confident they’ll enjoy the meeting as much as I have. (less)

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Jul 08, 2012 Alex rated it 5 of 5 stars

A breath-taking and intoxicating finale in the Curse of the Bond Riders trilogy. Tallow flees, struggling to be accepted in a society she was never fit for, looking for her people- the Estrattore in the brink of war. Enemies hunt for her destruction knowing her place within the prophecy; she is betrayed, sought after and used. She has a choice but will the sacrifice be too much? And will she risk everything including the man she loves?

The elegantly written and beautifully descriptive prose reall...more A breath-taking and intoxicating finale in the Curse of the Bond Riders trilogy. Tallow flees, struggling to be accepted in a society she was never fit for, looking for her people- the Estrattore in the brink of war. Enemies hunt for her destruction knowing her place within the prophecy; she is betrayed, sought after and used. She has a choice but will the sacrifice be too much? And will she risk everything including the man she loves?

The elegantly written and beautifully descriptive prose really was at the forefront of this novel. The words and paragraphs eloquently blended together to form rich descriptions of sceneries that were beyond comprehension yet were formed so vividly in my mind. Intertwined within these luscious descriptions were historical facts dating back hundreds of years placed so inauspiciously that they to blended within the words and were extremely interesting to read about. I also loved how Brooks used many words deriving from the language that was spoken in her dialogue. The dialogue itself flowed from one sentence to another and was extremely intriguing and so was the excellent world building. I also loved the structural hierarchy of power from the Doge to the Council of Ten to the nobles and finally to the peasants. The constant hunger for power and money mixed with political intrigue against a backdrop of the beautiful city of Serenissima in Venice was very interesting and always gave that feel of tension and suspense.

Illumination, although had many characters, were so unique in their personalities and traits ranging from murderer, thief, spy, hero, knight, queen, courtesan- basically you name it and it will probably be there and this diversity really made the novel what it was. Tallow was a great heroin that wasn't afraid to back down and never said no to a challenge. This mix of determination and courage as well as her mysterious abilities really gave the novel a sense of intrigue and brilliant character development as you could clearly see the journey of Tallow- something also symbolized in the varied covers of the trilogy. Each chapter was a new perspective of a character and being in their shoes, seeing everything unfurl from their eyes really made you see the justification behind their actions. Towards the end of the novel I had established a great connection with many of the characters throughout the various circumstances of betrayal and heart-break. I also really enjoyed the supernatural element and being honest I could not find any flaws in this novel.

The ending was unexpected yet seemed right at the same time. The way Brooks writes really demonstrates that she's a natural born story-teller. It's sad knowing this is the last book of a trilogy having read each book over the years and eagerly anticipating the next but I extremely encourage anyone to read the series, you won't be disappointed and I assure you that you will be captured and enthralled in the beautiful writing.

For more reviews please visit my blog: Possession of Books (less)

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Aug 09, 2012 Sue rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am feeling quite sad that I have finished Illumination bc I did enjoy it and the other 2 books in this series so much.
I easily connected with the characters and couldnt pick the twists in the plot. I love history and fantasy so this book ticked both boxes for me.
I am quite disappointed the series has ended and Karen Brooks has developed a easy read formula in this genre.
Her descriptions and detail eg Tarlos gowns etc were fantastic, plot was believable and yes I hated the villains.
Would recomm...more

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Aug 12, 2012 Betty rated it 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely brillent! What a talented writer, twists and turns to the very end. Will read more books by this author.

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Jan 22, 2013 Joan rated it 5 of 5 stars

I won the third book in this trilogy from goodreads. If you want to enjoy a science fiction journey with both characters and a world which keeps you entranced, then you have found it here. The third book in the Trilogy ties the characters together as they all try to get to their own desires. As each character finds itself helped or confounded by others or their own actions gone awry, the main character finds her purpose and the story builds toward a less than happy ending...until the end :)

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Jul 09, 2012 Sasha rated it 5 of 5 stars

I can't believe book three is finished. It seemed like only yesterday that I was succumbing to the power of Tallow.
Illumination is a great ending to The Curse of the Bond Riders. The end was so beautiful and had me crying with joy. I don't think I have never felt so happy reading a book.
Just as Tallow can control emotions being an Estrattore, so too can the talented Karen Brooks elicit powerful emotions in her readers.
If I could, I would give Illumination 10 stars! :)

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Aug 02, 2012 Joy Rockey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant. Loved the series & can't wait for Karen's next book.

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Jan 14, 2013 Lyn Battersby rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: awards

Lyn is a judge for the Aurealis Awards. This review is the personal opinion of Lyn herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.

I will be rating this once the AAs are announced.

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Jul 29, 2012 Faybear rated it 5 of 5 stars

EXCELLENT!!!!!

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Dec 06, 2012 Ed Napiorkowski rated it 4 of 5 stars

Glad to have finally finished this story. Elements were enjoyable but others a struggle.

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Shelves: fantasy

May 18, 2013 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

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