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Talisman #3
The Onyx Talisman
Alora looked back and the corner of her lip turned up. “It’s always darkest before the dawn, Julia. Good luck.” Her words sent chills up my spine as she vanished.Unrest stirs deep in Scotts Valley. Filled with uncertainty, Julia anxiously awaits Nicholas’ return. Phil, hurt and unsure of his place as a sober vampire, holds the pieces of Julia’s fragile psyche together, secretly hoping Nicholas stays away forever. Scarlett bides her time, plotting for the perfect moment to prove herself and earn redemption. But somewhere in L.A., Alora conspires to reclaim her talisman and strip Julia of everything she holds dear. Little do they know, a war is coming and more than one vampire would like to see the Prince of Vampires overthrown. As more and more vampires show up from nowhere, addicted to her scent, Julia must pick her allies carefully before it’s too late. Can Julia bargain with fate? When the time comes, will she even have a choice? Find out how it all ends in this explosive grand finale of The Talisman Trilogy.
247 pages, ebook
First published December 14, 2011
26 people are currently reading
1047 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Pandos
33 books1,011 followersBrenda Pandos lives in California with her husband and two boys. She attempts to balance her busy life filled with writing, being a mother and wife, and spending time with friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 21, 2012
Finally, the finale of a wonderful series! Julia has a destiny to fulfill and several secrets to uncover. Julia's friends and family may not be quite what they seem and she will need to track down the person she suspects is harming vampires. The reader will be treated to the appearance of more and more vampires as the ending draws near. With the arrival of these vampires, a lot of trouble begins stirring in their small town. Julia will have several difficult decisions to make.
Julia's character is unusual. She is both easy to connect to, but hard to "read." She will certainly manage to surprise the reader. Typically, Julia displays integrity, bravery, and intelligence; however, there will be some portions in the novel where the reader will want to shake her. Of course, this is the mark of a good author; when the reader cares that much about a character's actions, the author has succeeded. The other characters will rub the reader in different ways. Most of the time, the reader will be rooting for Julia and Nicholas. Sometimes, it may be hard to keep the relationships separate, but the author does a good job of eliminating confusion between the couples.
The ending was definitely cute and many readers won't want it any other way though it was a little on the cheesy side. However, Brenda Pandos wraps up the ending nicely and doesn't leave any loose ends for the reader to worry about. This book is highly recommended to young adult/adult readers.
Julia's character is unusual. She is both easy to connect to, but hard to "read." She will certainly manage to surprise the reader. Typically, Julia displays integrity, bravery, and intelligence; however, there will be some portions in the novel where the reader will want to shake her. Of course, this is the mark of a good author; when the reader cares that much about a character's actions, the author has succeeded. The other characters will rub the reader in different ways. Most of the time, the reader will be rooting for Julia and Nicholas. Sometimes, it may be hard to keep the relationships separate, but the author does a good job of eliminating confusion between the couples.
The ending was definitely cute and many readers won't want it any other way though it was a little on the cheesy side. However, Brenda Pandos wraps up the ending nicely and doesn't leave any loose ends for the reader to worry about. This book is highly recommended to young adult/adult readers.
June 11, 2017
Im finished with the Talisman series and I feel a little brokenhearted. *SPOILER ALERT* While I love that the author gave me an outcome I never expected, I am still so hurt Julia ended up with Nicholas. I cant figure out why, but I really wanted Julia with Phil. I felt betrayed at the possibility of him with Sam. I really don't think its fair that Nicholas still exists after all, I mean, how can he? Then he just flies out to see her hoping she remembered too and expects he'll be allowed to move there? Ugh, this was supposed to be Phil's chance to make her happy without endangering her... OK, SPOILER OVER, enough of my rant, things can't always go the way you want them to. I'm not sure why I'm being so unreasonable, I'm normally the one rooting for true love... I still really like the series and think this one was the best of the three.
August 11, 2013
I love this series! This book was so good! Sad that its the end of the series. Would love to read more booms about Nicholas. Loved the twist at the end of the book. Loved that Nicholas and Julia got to be together and that he remembered everything.
Want to read
August 10, 2011I loved the first two of this series and can't wait for the third to come out!
January 3, 2012
OK, I don't know how everyone else feels, but I really really enjoyed the last book. I'm still not in love with Julia, something about her character just rubs me the wrong way. But wow, the twists and turns...I couldn't have seen any of it coming. Some got a little crazy, but I loved the "epilogue"-y part...if you read you'll know what I mean. Oh Phil, so glad you remembered too.... All in all it wasn't my favourite, but I'm so glad it didn't stop me from reading Everblue, b/c that book rocked and just reading the teaser exerpt at the end of this book again made me wish desperately for Evergreen....
August 6, 2022
I read book #1 in October 2020 and I skipped book #2 to read #3 for a challenge. I wish I hadn't made that decision because while I loved this book, I do feel like I missed out on some connecting information. But I still loved this one. I love twists and turns so this one filled the bill for me in that regard. I love it when the unexpected happens and I never saw it coming! Especially the ending! Wow! I grew to like Julia more in this book than I recall liking her in book #1 but wonder if I had read #2 how that would've changed my perspective if at all. Plus I ended up liking Julia's and Nicholas's relationship more than I thought I would. Loved it!
January 28, 2012
Let me say that I did not see this ending coming!!! I cannot say anything more because I truly want you readers to be surprised but wow, what a conclucsion!!! I absolutely fell into this trilogy by accident, the first book the Emerald Talisman was promotionally being sold for free so I decided to give it a shot on then beofre I knew it I couldn't wait to get my hands on the Onyx Talisman!!!
Julia fulfills her destiny in the final book in this series as the vampires start to flock to her town and she discovers that someone very close to her has been keeping a secret from her and is actually working for an undercover agency that tracks and kills vampires. When people all around her start becoming turned, Julia realizes that this is going to become bigger than she ever anticipated. We read more about Katie and her new vampire self and her misuse of her new vampire powers leads her and Julia down a bad path, Sam and Todd's relationship gets serious and leads to a series of events that start a whirlwhind of drama, Phil and his road to redemption play a key factor in this book, as well. But Nicholas' storyline is by far my favorite, Julia and his relationship and how it plays out, LOVE IT!!! Brenda Pandos did a great job!!! Alora, is still evil, enter Cain the head vampire and a brand new coven gets introduced. LOVE this one!!!! Must read!!!!!!
Julia fulfills her destiny in the final book in this series as the vampires start to flock to her town and she discovers that someone very close to her has been keeping a secret from her and is actually working for an undercover agency that tracks and kills vampires. When people all around her start becoming turned, Julia realizes that this is going to become bigger than she ever anticipated. We read more about Katie and her new vampire self and her misuse of her new vampire powers leads her and Julia down a bad path, Sam and Todd's relationship gets serious and leads to a series of events that start a whirlwhind of drama, Phil and his road to redemption play a key factor in this book, as well. But Nicholas' storyline is by far my favorite, Julia and his relationship and how it plays out, LOVE IT!!! Brenda Pandos did a great job!!! Alora, is still evil, enter Cain the head vampire and a brand new coven gets introduced. LOVE this one!!!! Must read!!!!!!
January 16, 2012
The Onyx Talisman wraps up the Talisman Trilogy in a big way. It was the perfect end to a great little series. Unlike many trilogies that leave you wanting more and not feeling like the ending was what you wanted it to be, this book has a "finality" to it and gives closure to the story.
The prophecy Scarlett has been harping about since she met Julia in the first book, The Emerald Talisman, comes to be finally. The day has come and Julia is torn in many different directions. Cain has descended and is ready to take Julia as a sacrifice, Nicholas' mind has been tampered with by his wicked Mother, Alora, and Julia's father has a secret of his own.
Great job to author, Brenda Pandos, for writing a worthy series.
The prophecy Scarlett has been harping about since she met Julia in the first book, The Emerald Talisman, comes to be finally. The day has come and Julia is torn in many different directions. Cain has descended and is ready to take Julia as a sacrifice, Nicholas' mind has been tampered with by his wicked Mother, Alora, and Julia's father has a secret of his own.
Great job to author, Brenda Pandos, for writing a worthy series.
January 12, 2012
Well, this series is done and I have to say I liked this last book in this series the best. I love the fact that the story is over (even though I'm sure that could change if the author wanted to). Series that leave you kind of hanging because maybe other books might come but don't annoy me. I think Brenda Pandos did a really great job pulling everything together and still giving a HEA ending.
I loved the characters in this book especially Phil but I'm glad Julia ended up where she did, it just seemed destined.
AGAIN,GREAT JOB!!!
I loved the characters in this book especially Phil but I'm glad Julia ended up where she did, it just seemed destined.
AGAIN,GREAT JOB!!!
September 3, 2016
If I could sum up the entire trilogy in one word, it would be WOW. While there were some aspects of the novel that I could have done without (triangles...really?) the ending far made up for any shortcomings over the whole series. I haven't felt this satisfied with a series end in, well, I don't know if I've ever been this satisfied. For what may be the first time ever, I finished the series and didn't want to scream, didn't want to throw something in frustration, or even so much as lament the end. It was complete. Bravo.
February 19, 2012
Many of the series I have read lately do not finish strong. Or leave me wanting to read more by the author. After book 1 I want to read everything they've written, by book 3, I would be okay with not reading anything.
NOT SO HERE!
In fact, I wanted more about these characters. What a GREAT series, great story, and great characters.
I've read a lot of YA lately, and this is the series I want to see more of, movies, print, however I can get it.
Well done.
NOT SO HERE!
In fact, I wanted more about these characters. What a GREAT series, great story, and great characters.
I've read a lot of YA lately, and this is the series I want to see more of, movies, print, however I can get it.
Well done.
December 16, 2011
I so loved this book. I just hate the thought of it being the last one. I so want more. Iwant too know how Nicholas and Julia handle things from here on out. I want too know if Phil gets with Sam. I just want more of Nicholas.
It has love, hate, losing close friends and having loved ones hurt. And it deal with what it would be like too never loose someone.
Brenda I want more.
It has love, hate, losing close friends and having loved ones hurt. And it deal with what it would be like too never loose someone.
Brenda I want more.
December 18, 2011
WOW! This was the best written book of the series. Once the action started (and it started early on) it was rapid fire action and danger. One thing I love about this series is the supernatural character changes, their good, then bad, then indifferent. I loved that! I never knew what to expect. I can't say more without spoiling it for others. It really kept me reading.
December 18, 2011
That was amazing! Brenda, You really pulled everything together beautifully! I'm just sad that it's over I'm really going to miss Phil most of all! ;) If you loved the first two in this series, Onyx really tops it off! A MUST READ!
March 1, 2012
"I wish for a fourth book," was the sentence that I though at the finish of this book. What a story! Amazing. The twist at the end threw me off for a second, but only made me read faster.
Whether you're 10 or 110, this book is a must read.
M&M Drew
Whether you're 10 or 110, this book is a must read.
M&M Drew
December 21, 2011
Omg....this was am awesome ending to a great series. I'm kind of sad that there won't be anymore Julia and Nicholas, but I really liked how it ended. I smiled a lot and cried at times. Loved it!!
January 3, 2012
I love this series. It is really well done and the characters are amazing. Nicholas and Julia are one of my favorite literary couples. I also love love love how this series ends. It was a great read.
December 20, 2011
WOW!!!! I absolutely LOVED this book! I loved how it ended and the whole build up through out the story to the happy ending. Can't wait for the next book to come out by Brenda Pandos.
February 14, 2012
Loved this series! So sad its done!
February 4, 2012
Loved loved loved the ending!!!! Kinda cheesy but I loved it!!
January 6, 2012
This was a great series. The ending was refreshingly different. Great job Brenda.
March 22, 2012
Review coming soon
February 24, 2019
This has been an interesting trilogy with a completely unexpected ending. I will have to read Blood Wars to find out what happens to the characters next.
Textual errors: 1. its / it's ; 2. Scarlet / Scarlett ; 3. tellers / teller's ; 4. Daren Applegate / Darin Applegate ; 5. vice / vise ; 6. snuck / sneaked ; 7. inciting / inducing ; 8. donned / dawned ; 9. Darren / Darin ; 10. Dad's / Dad ; 11. Scott's Valley / Scotts Valley ; 12. grizzly / grisly ; 13. half-heartily / half-heartedly ; 14. florescent / fluorescent ; 15. may / might ; 16. of / for ; 17. it's / its ; 18. bore / bored ; 19. anymore / any more ; 20. washed / washing ; 21. prophesy / prophecy ; 22. ridged / rigid ; 23. opened / open ; 24. lulled / lolled ; 25. you / your ; 26. steal / steel ; 27. she'd / she ; 28. your / you're ; 29. shirked off / shucked off ; 30. everyday / every day.
Missing from text: where, for, of, as.
Textual errors: 1. its / it's ; 2. Scarlet / Scarlett ; 3. tellers / teller's ; 4. Daren Applegate / Darin Applegate ; 5. vice / vise ; 6. snuck / sneaked ; 7. inciting / inducing ; 8. donned / dawned ; 9. Darren / Darin ; 10. Dad's / Dad ; 11. Scott's Valley / Scotts Valley ; 12. grizzly / grisly ; 13. half-heartily / half-heartedly ; 14. florescent / fluorescent ; 15. may / might ; 16. of / for ; 17. it's / its ; 18. bore / bored ; 19. anymore / any more ; 20. washed / washing ; 21. prophesy / prophecy ; 22. ridged / rigid ; 23. opened / open ; 24. lulled / lolled ; 25. you / your ; 26. steal / steel ; 27. she'd / she ; 28. your / you're ; 29. shirked off / shucked off ; 30. everyday / every day.
Missing from text: where, for, of, as.
May 8, 2019
I loved the conclusion to the Talisman series. It was great to see more of Julia's dad in this book and his involvement. Julia really matured as a character in this book. It was great to have Nicholas back but I would have liked to see Preston and Hung once more. Nevertheless, the ending was unexpected and sweet.
November 11, 2019
Great series
I loved the characters, and hated a couple. You wove a good story. Absolutely a terrific ending, wasn't expecting it to go like that.
I loved the characters, and hated a couple. You wove a good story. Absolutely a terrific ending, wasn't expecting it to go like that.
February 6, 2020
Would have been a perfect ending but then there's the fourth book...
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Unrest and intrigue deepen as Julia’s world spirals with new alliances and betrayals. With a brewing war among vampires and deadly enemies closing in, Julia must navigate a perilous path where trust is scarce and power is deadly. This explosive finale delivers thrilling action, emotional complexity, and satisfying resolutions, wrapping up the trilogy with intensity and heart.
Unrest and intrigue deepen as Julia’s world spirals with new alliances and betrayals. With a brewing war among vampires and deadly enemies closing in, Julia must navigate a perilous path where trust is scarce and power is deadly. This explosive finale delivers thrilling action, emotional complexity, and satisfying resolutions, wrapping up the trilogy with intensity and heart.
April 5, 2012
Ever since I stumbled upon The Emerald Talisman, the first book in the Talisman series, I've been a huge fan of this series as well as Brenda Pandos. Brenda always manages to write such spectacular books that are plot as well as character driven, so to say I was pumped to read The Onyx Talisman, the last in the series, is a serious understatement. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next, and I had inkling that Brenda would figure out the perfect way to end the series. Luckily, my prediction was right on, as not only did I fully enjoy the ending she gave as well as the surprises it threw my way. Best of all, The Onyx Talisman has to be the best books of hers thus far!
The Onyx Talisman wastes no time jumping into action. From the first page, the reader is throttled right back into Julia and Nicolas' world as the clock strikes down to a vampire war, one that may mean the end of vampires as well as everything Julia has learned to love as well as abhor in the recent year. The action in this one was nonstop, and as everything got even more tense, my fingers were glued to the pages, because I needed to know what would happen next. Would Julia and her friends win against the vampires as well as Alora? Would Julia end up with Phil or Nicholas? Both of these questions as well as others kept swirling around in my head, and as the ending approached, I was not only given answers but action and plot twists I never anticipated.
What I enjoyed most about this book, however, was the characters. Over the past three books, I've grown to really enjoy reading about Julia, Nicholas, Phil, Sam, and the rest of the gang, and in this one it was no different. Julia grew even more kick ass in this one, rising to fight every task and challenge thrown her way, no matter what the consequences. What I also enjoyed about Julia's character was seeing how her friendship with Phil as well as Sam developed, because Phil is just hilarious, and it was also intriguing to see how Brenda expanded Sam's character and used her to help move the book along. Last but not least... Nicholas: there were some big surprises thrown in with his character, and while sometimes I worried that everything wouldn't end perfectly, Brenda still perfectly handled and developed his character to the best potential, and best of all, readers once again get to see his relationship with Julia continue to bloom.
Lastly, I have to mention the ending. I'm not going to give anything away, but I will say it absolutely rocked. It was everything I wanted it to be and much, much more. The final surprise thrown in at the end, though, had to be the best part, because even on the last page there was still that element of surprise I just love in a book.
Romantic, suspenseful, and wonderfully executed, The Onyx Talisman is a stasfying conclusion to the Talisman series. I'm extremely eager to read more by Brenda, especially if her future books involve characters from this trilogy.
Grade: A+
The Onyx Talisman wastes no time jumping into action. From the first page, the reader is throttled right back into Julia and Nicolas' world as the clock strikes down to a vampire war, one that may mean the end of vampires as well as everything Julia has learned to love as well as abhor in the recent year. The action in this one was nonstop, and as everything got even more tense, my fingers were glued to the pages, because I needed to know what would happen next. Would Julia and her friends win against the vampires as well as Alora? Would Julia end up with Phil or Nicholas? Both of these questions as well as others kept swirling around in my head, and as the ending approached, I was not only given answers but action and plot twists I never anticipated.
What I enjoyed most about this book, however, was the characters. Over the past three books, I've grown to really enjoy reading about Julia, Nicholas, Phil, Sam, and the rest of the gang, and in this one it was no different. Julia grew even more kick ass in this one, rising to fight every task and challenge thrown her way, no matter what the consequences. What I also enjoyed about Julia's character was seeing how her friendship with Phil as well as Sam developed, because Phil is just hilarious, and it was also intriguing to see how Brenda expanded Sam's character and used her to help move the book along. Last but not least... Nicholas: there were some big surprises thrown in with his character, and while sometimes I worried that everything wouldn't end perfectly, Brenda still perfectly handled and developed his character to the best potential, and best of all, readers once again get to see his relationship with Julia continue to bloom.
Lastly, I have to mention the ending. I'm not going to give anything away, but I will say it absolutely rocked. It was everything I wanted it to be and much, much more. The final surprise thrown in at the end, though, had to be the best part, because even on the last page there was still that element of surprise I just love in a book.
Romantic, suspenseful, and wonderfully executed, The Onyx Talisman is a stasfying conclusion to the Talisman series. I'm extremely eager to read more by Brenda, especially if her future books involve characters from this trilogy.
Grade: A+
January 28, 2015
All I can say is that I am super glad that there is spinoff to this series.
The last book in this trilogy was probably my favorite out of the three. I didn't know what was going to happen and I just had to keep reading.
I love the group that Julia has. I am also glad that Nicholas came back but not so much himself eventually in the story. It almost seemed like everyone was getting in the way of Julia and Nicholas but their love kept bringing them back together.
Julia finds out more shocking twists in this story. I am having a hard time not spoiling this review so I am just going to warn you now that I am probably going to spoil something.
Julia's dad knowing about Vampires and working from the government I kind of figured he may have known something with all the measures of watching his daughter.
I felt bad for Sam being turned even though she didn't know anything about it. It was like everyone that Julia loved was connected to the vampires in some way. With how many people got turned near the end I know Julia would need some sort of power to get out of this.
I also like the twist of Cain being the first vampire but I hate that if he dies all vampires die. I almost feel that being half human should save them but if they can't get rid of there vampire side then I guess they could still be a threat.
Again the flow of the book worked well and made it exciting to find out what was going to happen. I didn't like how much Nicholas was away from Julia near the end of the book but something always was getting in the way such as Alora. I really do not like that character. The fact she just wanted to rule and did not even want to save her son. She only wanted to save him to have him be a vampire with her but with Julia that didn't work well.
Anyway I wasn't too happy when I came to find out they were an a alternate universe. I was happy but not. I wanted something different to happen. Putting them in a alternate universe almost makes it erase the rest.
But after reading the summary of the spin off it seems there will be more added to it because some people remember while others do not. I am curious to find out what happens next in Julia and Nicholas's life.
The last book in this trilogy was probably my favorite out of the three. I didn't know what was going to happen and I just had to keep reading.
I love the group that Julia has. I am also glad that Nicholas came back but not so much himself eventually in the story. It almost seemed like everyone was getting in the way of Julia and Nicholas but their love kept bringing them back together.
Julia finds out more shocking twists in this story. I am having a hard time not spoiling this review so I am just going to warn you now that I am probably going to spoil something.
Julia's dad knowing about Vampires and working from the government I kind of figured he may have known something with all the measures of watching his daughter.
I felt bad for Sam being turned even though she didn't know anything about it. It was like everyone that Julia loved was connected to the vampires in some way. With how many people got turned near the end I know Julia would need some sort of power to get out of this.
I also like the twist of Cain being the first vampire but I hate that if he dies all vampires die. I almost feel that being half human should save them but if they can't get rid of there vampire side then I guess they could still be a threat.
Again the flow of the book worked well and made it exciting to find out what was going to happen. I didn't like how much Nicholas was away from Julia near the end of the book but something always was getting in the way such as Alora. I really do not like that character. The fact she just wanted to rule and did not even want to save her son. She only wanted to save him to have him be a vampire with her but with Julia that didn't work well.
Anyway I wasn't too happy when I came to find out they were an a alternate universe. I was happy but not. I wanted something different to happen. Putting them in a alternate universe almost makes it erase the rest.
But after reading the summary of the spin off it seems there will be more added to it because some people remember while others do not. I am curious to find out what happens next in Julia and Nicholas's life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews