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The League of Elder #3
The Dead Held Hands
In the ruins of a distant castle, a light comes on signaling the end of everything...
Kabyl, son of the famed Captain Davage, discovers the world around him is not as it seems. His beloved is a haunted woman full of secrets. She looks over shoulder at things that are not there and dread's the dark. What is she so afraid of? The Dead hold hands, they say, and lend the living their power. Will they hold hands for Lord Kabyl as he ventures into the unknown?
Temple of the Exploding Head, a League of Elder series.
Kabyl, son of the famed Captain Davage, discovers the world around him is not as it seems. His beloved is a haunted woman full of secrets. She looks over shoulder at things that are not there and dread's the dark. What is she so afraid of? The Dead hold hands, they say, and lend the living their power. Will they hold hands for Lord Kabyl as he ventures into the unknown?
Temple of the Exploding Head, a League of Elder series.
316 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2011
53 people want to read
About the author
Ren Garcia
25 books144 followersRen Garcia, the author of the League of Elder Series, graduated from the Ohio State University with a degree in literature. He enjoys playing volleyball and ice hockey and lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife and their four dogs. You can check out Ren’s website at http://theleagueofelder.com/, or his blog at http://thetempleoftheexplodinghead.wo... .
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 22, 2011
A First Reads won book!
Full disclosure: when I saw the flying seal on the back of the book, I was prepared not to like. But I did end up liking it better than I thought I would, even though it's really not my cup of fantasy/sci fi tea. The world itself was pretty good, but the characters were so one dimensional, and I thought the dialogue was terrrrribbbllleee (especially the flirting). Plus the cousin? NO ONE WOULD PUT UP WITH THAT SHIT, "BLUSTER" OR NO. That girl needed like 17 slaps.
Full disclosure: when I saw the flying seal on the back of the book, I was prepared not to like. But I did end up liking it better than I thought I would, even though it's really not my cup of fantasy/sci fi tea. The world itself was pretty good, but the characters were so one dimensional, and I thought the dialogue was terrrrribbbllleee (especially the flirting). Plus the cousin? NO ONE WOULD PUT UP WITH THAT SHIT, "BLUSTER" OR NO. That girl needed like 17 slaps.
March 27, 2013
This book was so fantastic that I didn't want it to end! First off the artwork of this series is phenomenal. The writing is wonderful, the characters are unique, and the action was so fast paced in this one that I felt myself pulled into the story even more so than the last two!
Great book, great author, not much more to say... I'm looking forward to the next one.
Great book, great author, not much more to say... I'm looking forward to the next one.
June 7, 2012
I apologize for such a late review... Again another wonderfully crafted book by Ren. As I have stressed before if you love multi layered complex worlds and character relations in an energizing storyline these books are calling your name. Ren develops his characters at such a high level that they easily and seamlessly grow up, have lives and their children become focal characters. This is art.
October 13, 2014
***Yet another imagination-overloaded tale from Ren Garcia. Full review coming soon.***
October 26, 2016
This book series has a very detailed world. That was the first impress I got from the reading.
I felt like the first book was mostly exposition. While only halfway through, I didn't think that I would normally bother to seek out the next two novels in the series. It wasn't until the end that the story really began to develop and pull my interest. It definitely ends on a cliff hanger.
I am interested in several elements of this story universe. There are moments when I feel like it has a steampunk taste. The different cultures are fascinating and I wish I was better able to visualize them (which is why I like the added sketches throughout). I love the concept of different abilities being born to different people.
I really am glad of the way this book ended. I finally found a unique minor character that I really liked and wanted to learn more about - for it held a strong similarity to a character I had created in one of my writings. That is one thing I like about the vast differences in characters included in this book. Each is unique in their own way so that different readers can relate or connect with them and be drawn in to finding out more.
A series cannot be successful without the reader wanting to follow the characters actions. If the reader will hold out and just finish this first book with all the exposition, I think they will have a character that they relate to and want to continue onward with through the series.
My favorite part of the whole book was when the reader discovers the meaning of the title. I have come to love books that are named after a particular phrase that is used within the book. This book title, although it sounds odd, has a beautiful message. It is found on page 184.
Unfortunately, I don't think I could recommend this to my family and some of my friends to read because of the references to sex, sexual organs, and descriptive violence/gore. The people I associate with are mainly the conservative dress/language/content types. There are some friends I could consider recommending it to, but I feel I need to discuss their tastes in fantasy fiction first - just to make sure I don't offend them by making such a suggestion. But even with the content, I really liked it and hope readers are willing to look past some of the sexual/violent content to appreciate the fantasy world and enjoy the adventurous storyline.
I felt like the first book was mostly exposition. While only halfway through, I didn't think that I would normally bother to seek out the next two novels in the series. It wasn't until the end that the story really began to develop and pull my interest. It definitely ends on a cliff hanger.
I am interested in several elements of this story universe. There are moments when I feel like it has a steampunk taste. The different cultures are fascinating and I wish I was better able to visualize them (which is why I like the added sketches throughout). I love the concept of different abilities being born to different people.
I really am glad of the way this book ended. I finally found a unique minor character that I really liked and wanted to learn more about - for it held a strong similarity to a character I had created in one of my writings. That is one thing I like about the vast differences in characters included in this book. Each is unique in their own way so that different readers can relate or connect with them and be drawn in to finding out more.
A series cannot be successful without the reader wanting to follow the characters actions. If the reader will hold out and just finish this first book with all the exposition, I think they will have a character that they relate to and want to continue onward with through the series.
My favorite part of the whole book was when the reader discovers the meaning of the title. I have come to love books that are named after a particular phrase that is used within the book. This book title, although it sounds odd, has a beautiful message. It is found on page 184.
Unfortunately, I don't think I could recommend this to my family and some of my friends to read because of the references to sex, sexual organs, and descriptive violence/gore. The people I associate with are mainly the conservative dress/language/content types. There are some friends I could consider recommending it to, but I feel I need to discuss their tastes in fantasy fiction first - just to make sure I don't offend them by making such a suggestion. But even with the content, I really liked it and hope readers are willing to look past some of the sexual/violent content to appreciate the fantasy world and enjoy the adventurous storyline.
April 11, 2012
***I was lucky to win a copy of this book through the GoodReads Advance program.***
One thing that I like about science fiction/fantasy is that the only limits are the authors' imagination. This book is no exception: it is different from what I've read so far, and I really like it. This is the first book in the "The Temple of the Exploding Head" trilogy, but it is the third book in "The League Of Elder" series. The story is centered on Lord Kabyl of Blanchefort since he was born until he was 22. He is different from everybody in his family starting with is physical appearance (he has purple hair not blue). Everybody in his family had powers and they show them since childhood ... not little Kay who struggle using his powers all the time. However, when it counted he fought to protect the love ones with everything he had. And ... he fell in love with a girl from a different culture. The book has both action and romance and kept me captivated from the beginning to the end.
Mr. Garcia creates a very interesting world with people and cultures that makes you to want to know more about them. The writing is very good, however not without flaws. And, as another reviewer said, the last chapter seems that it belongs to the next book. Definitely I'll go and read the next book from trilogy: The Machine.
One thing that I like about science fiction/fantasy is that the only limits are the authors' imagination. This book is no exception: it is different from what I've read so far, and I really like it. This is the first book in the "The Temple of the Exploding Head" trilogy, but it is the third book in "The League Of Elder" series. The story is centered on Lord Kabyl of Blanchefort since he was born until he was 22. He is different from everybody in his family starting with is physical appearance (he has purple hair not blue). Everybody in his family had powers and they show them since childhood ... not little Kay who struggle using his powers all the time. However, when it counted he fought to protect the love ones with everything he had. And ... he fell in love with a girl from a different culture. The book has both action and romance and kept me captivated from the beginning to the end.
Mr. Garcia creates a very interesting world with people and cultures that makes you to want to know more about them. The writing is very good, however not without flaws. And, as another reviewer said, the last chapter seems that it belongs to the next book. Definitely I'll go and read the next book from trilogy: The Machine.
June 2, 2011
I love a series where you get to see the original characters grow up and their children take over as the main characters, which is exactly what happens in this new saga. The children are just as believable and loveable as their parents (with the exception of one VERY annoying particular cousin!). Although they're not flying around in space and having epic battles like their parents, the characters of this series get themselves in an exciting adventure, nonetheless.
Kay, son of Davage and Syg, falls in love with a very...unusual girl: one with a lot of secrets and strange fears. As Kay struggles to figure out what is going on, the world starts to fall apart around him and it becomes clear that they are at the center of a vicious attack on the world they cherish. It's up to Kay to develop his gifts (which are shamefully weak) in order to fight off the attack. Although his love for her is strong, it just might not be enough to succeed.
The book definitely leaves off on a cliffhanger, so I'll be anxiously awaiting the next one!
Kay, son of Davage and Syg, falls in love with a very...unusual girl: one with a lot of secrets and strange fears. As Kay struggles to figure out what is going on, the world starts to fall apart around him and it becomes clear that they are at the center of a vicious attack on the world they cherish. It's up to Kay to develop his gifts (which are shamefully weak) in order to fight off the attack. Although his love for her is strong, it just might not be enough to succeed.
The book definitely leaves off on a cliffhanger, so I'll be anxiously awaiting the next one!
May 30, 2011
The best so far of the three, I really love the way this story taps into the characters’ desires and doubts in the face of the challenges their current lives and ancestry presents to them. There are status issues, the concept of living up to unfair expectations that others may hold for you and the main theme of trusting in love at the risk of self-sacrifice if that love fails you. The culture of the Monamas is definitely one of Mr. Garcia’s most spectacular and detailed creations, making this book well worth the read. My only criticism is I felt the final chapter should have been reserved for the next book, where the story continues. It seemed out of place and a little confusing included in this first book in the Temple of the Exploding Head trilogy. Consider it a teaser for the next book – that worked for me.
November 8, 2016
Kay held up Sam's fur. "You...you forgot your fur, and your coat, and I want to give them back. And, in any event...I miss you, Sam. How can I tell you such a thing without sounding like a total fool? I'll just lay it out. The day we started talking, I was going to kill myself. The only reason I'm alive is because of the promise I made to you. I can't even look at the posts without thinking of you. I can't enjoy anything without you. Are you happy? Here, how about if I say it like this: Enier ane mirada. That's Anuie, right? That's what you speak, I looked it up. That's Anuie for 'Will you forgive m'." Silence. "At least get the last word in; tell me how stupid I am." "You're stupid..." he heard a quiet voice say from behind.
How would it feel to be told by someone that they are your one and true love? That they have known and had dreams about you since before you were born? While a bit creepy...it can be deeply emotional and quite confusing. Garcia shares an exceptional adventure, one that will continue to entertain readers who have read the first two installments in this League of Elder series.
The Dead Held Hands is primarily about Lord Kabyl of Blanchefort and Sammidorin. In the beginning, there are prophecies and a haunting future laid out for Sammidorin as she is a Monoma. Being what she is, demons keep tabs on them wherever they go. If they travel past the fog of their lands, the demons are there...waiting to turn them into Berserkacides. Sam begins dreaming of an Elder, one that is supposed to become her beloved if she were strong enough to meet the challenge. Most Monoma men and women never do find their true love because of the fear, so they go and plant their white flower which is supposed to rid them of the dreams...but Sam is not clouded by fear. She wants to know who Kabyl is and have the chance that most of her kind do not. Kabyl...or Kay falls in love with Sam, but he knows that there is a vast amount of secrets that she keeps to herself. In order for them to have the relationship that they both want, all secrets must be revealed...but Sam's only fear is that Kay isn't strong enough to endure what is to be faced in the oncoming Trials.
Garcia has a grand story, one with creativity, suspense and superb character development. These characters have emotion, in-depth personalities and intrigue. The pace is fast, making the book very easy to read because of the fluidity of the scenes and passages. By this third installment, the reader should have a good idea of the characters involved in the series thus far...if reading the series in chronological order. If you are a reader of fantasy and science fiction, you may want to try this series. These books are highly entertaining with non-stop action and adventure.
How would it feel to be told by someone that they are your one and true love? That they have known and had dreams about you since before you were born? While a bit creepy...it can be deeply emotional and quite confusing. Garcia shares an exceptional adventure, one that will continue to entertain readers who have read the first two installments in this League of Elder series.
The Dead Held Hands is primarily about Lord Kabyl of Blanchefort and Sammidorin. In the beginning, there are prophecies and a haunting future laid out for Sammidorin as she is a Monoma. Being what she is, demons keep tabs on them wherever they go. If they travel past the fog of their lands, the demons are there...waiting to turn them into Berserkacides. Sam begins dreaming of an Elder, one that is supposed to become her beloved if she were strong enough to meet the challenge. Most Monoma men and women never do find their true love because of the fear, so they go and plant their white flower which is supposed to rid them of the dreams...but Sam is not clouded by fear. She wants to know who Kabyl is and have the chance that most of her kind do not. Kabyl...or Kay falls in love with Sam, but he knows that there is a vast amount of secrets that she keeps to herself. In order for them to have the relationship that they both want, all secrets must be revealed...but Sam's only fear is that Kay isn't strong enough to endure what is to be faced in the oncoming Trials.
Garcia has a grand story, one with creativity, suspense and superb character development. These characters have emotion, in-depth personalities and intrigue. The pace is fast, making the book very easy to read because of the fluidity of the scenes and passages. By this third installment, the reader should have a good idea of the characters involved in the series thus far...if reading the series in chronological order. If you are a reader of fantasy and science fiction, you may want to try this series. These books are highly entertaining with non-stop action and adventure.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews