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Curse of the Bond Riders #3
Illumination
Talented candlemaker. Intoxicating courtesan. Lethal assassin. Must Tallow become what she has always denied . . . or is it too late?
Against a backdrop of bloodshed and turmoil, Tallow flees 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 beyond her control. From Serenissima to Farrowfare, enemies - as well as those she has always trusted - plot to ensure her compliance and, ultimately, destruction.
But in doing so, they make a fatal mistake - they underestimate her and the power she can wield.
Betrayed, manipulated and hunted, Tallow is a pawn in a deadly game. In order to win, she will have to sacrifice everything . . . including the man she loves.
The Curse of the Bond Riders book 3
Against a backdrop of bloodshed and turmoil, Tallow flees 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 beyond her control. From Serenissima to Farrowfare, enemies - as well as those she has always trusted - plot to ensure her compliance and, ultimately, destruction.
But in doing so, they make a fatal mistake - they underestimate her and the power she can wield.
Betrayed, manipulated and hunted, Tallow is a pawn in a deadly game. In order to win, she will have to sacrifice everything . . . including the man she loves.
The Curse of the Bond Riders book 3
672 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 11, 2013
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.
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.
July 9, 2012
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! :)
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! :)
January 26, 2013
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 the Estrattore and the Limen were completely original, as was the concept of the Bond Riders and the Morte Whisperers.
I was whisked away from my home by this story and immersed in a world I wish I could visit for just a little while.
I highly recommend this entire series!
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 the Estrattore and the Limen were completely original, as was the concept of the Bond Riders and the Morte Whisperers.
I was whisked away from my home by this story and immersed in a world I wish I could visit for just a little while.
I highly recommend this entire series!
October 31, 2013
I would have rated it 5 stars if there was a long heated sex scene, so it's only 4 unfortunately.
(Also, I need a Dante. Where can I get one?)
(Also, I need a Dante. Where can I get one?)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2015
By this point the series was dragging and I didn't care about Tallow's story at all.
July 23, 2018
A few language gripes straight up: an Italian word was introduced in this book, having not been used in any of the others, and it was OVERused. I understand learning a new word and that it is the opening to a conversation, but it seemed to be used a lot more than that; In the last 3rd of the book, a character started being referred to by their first name, when all through, since his introduction, he had been referred to by his last name, so it took a little to remind myself which character it was; And I was a little worried when it started and some characters were playing deus ex detectiva, finding items thrown in bushes as if they had seen them fly there. I understand that they are trained trackers but it wasn't written too well. Right before this a character also sacrificed themselves rather than even attempting to run. It KIND OF made sense later but I feel it was written just because the person had to be dead for another character had motivation later.
But overall the writing was amazing, many themes explored and I was astounded at how much was added. There were so many factions working for their own gain, and only 1 or 2 would be able to succeed. Amazingly, all were resolved by the end.
As such it was a loooong listen, but worth it. I cried in the last chapter, feeling the unfairness of the situation, and I'm so glad it ended the way it did.
The person reading the audiobook was fantastic with the voices, I always knew who was speaking, even if a chapter had just started, because everyone had their own voice, and the timing and punctuation was next level, adding the atmosphere already created by the writer.
But overall the writing was amazing, many themes explored and I was astounded at how much was added. There were so many factions working for their own gain, and only 1 or 2 would be able to succeed. Amazingly, all were resolved by the end.
As such it was a loooong listen, but worth it. I cried in the last chapter, feeling the unfairness of the situation, and I'm so glad it ended the way it did.
The person reading the audiobook was fantastic with the voices, I always knew who was speaking, even if a chapter had just started, because everyone had their own voice, and the timing and punctuation was next level, adding the atmosphere already created by the writer.
May 8, 2017
Such a long third book! It was a great read however tying up all the characters felt rushed and weak and made me think the author lost their way or ran out of space to complete what she wanted to say. Maybe a 4th book would have made it easier for the author, however I understand she had created these books as a trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2019
Suspenseful and exciting culmination to an intriguing trilogy adventure with some great twists and satisfying outcomes.
July 28, 2020
4 stars
July 8, 2012
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
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
March 19, 2025
From the beginning of this three-book series, the reader enters a complex world, one with twists and turns, love and heartbreak, deception and grotesque plots, and magical beings using talents while weaving plans for wars and overthrowing governments.
In Book One, we meet Tallow. She is being treated badly by her adopted family. Quinn beats her at every turn and Pillar, although a father figure, is unable to stop the abuse his mother delivers. They hide her identity, dressing her as a boy to disguise who she is. Her talents are used to create candles that can influence the way people feel. She is learning her skills. Her friend Dante is as wild as she is. He doesn't know anything about her except that they move around the Cassas and businesses, of the ancient city, that resembles Venice.
In Book Two, Tallow is taken away from the danger that has caused Dante's death. The Maleovellis family, persuade her to use her talents, and manipulate her skills, to help them become rich. Her candles are now weapons. She is led into the life of a courtesan.
Book Three, completes the detailed story of plots by Queen Zaralina, with her ambassador Waterford to capture Tallow and take her to Albion the icy land beyond the Limen. The Cardinal, plots to deliver Sirasema to Rome, and elevate his position in the Church. Tallow is reunited with Dante who is now a Bond Rider. She wants to be the promise of the Esstodore and save her people. There are horrible consequences for those opposing Zaralina, and her Morte Whisperers who can possess people and take their souls. Tallow is the hope of the Queen to defeat her enemies, but refusing her could lead to the desolation of their world.
In Book One, we meet Tallow. She is being treated badly by her adopted family. Quinn beats her at every turn and Pillar, although a father figure, is unable to stop the abuse his mother delivers. They hide her identity, dressing her as a boy to disguise who she is. Her talents are used to create candles that can influence the way people feel. She is learning her skills. Her friend Dante is as wild as she is. He doesn't know anything about her except that they move around the Cassas and businesses, of the ancient city, that resembles Venice.
In Book Two, Tallow is taken away from the danger that has caused Dante's death. The Maleovellis family, persuade her to use her talents, and manipulate her skills, to help them become rich. Her candles are now weapons. She is led into the life of a courtesan.
Book Three, completes the detailed story of plots by Queen Zaralina, with her ambassador Waterford to capture Tallow and take her to Albion the icy land beyond the Limen. The Cardinal, plots to deliver Sirasema to Rome, and elevate his position in the Church. Tallow is reunited with Dante who is now a Bond Rider. She wants to be the promise of the Esstodore and save her people. There are horrible consequences for those opposing Zaralina, and her Morte Whisperers who can possess people and take their souls. Tallow is the hope of the Queen to defeat her enemies, but refusing her could lead to the desolation of their world.
August 11, 2012
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 answered. Illumination is all about Tallow and the final stage of her mission to restore the Estrattore to Serenissima. Tallow is tried and tested the whole way through by people left, right and centre, confronted with the truth of her parentage, kidnapped, nearly has her soul ripped from her body and will lose three people close to her heart and all the while figure out what it really means to be the child that the prophecy spoke of, the child that will restore balance to the Limen and all that surrounds it. But this time she has some new tricks up her sleeve.
August 9, 2012
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 recommend this to fantasy readers and I loved her tribute to the late Sara Douglass by naming a character the Lady Sara and making sure in book form she got a happy ending. Well done Karen.
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 recommend this to fantasy readers and I loved her tribute to the late Sara Douglass by naming a character the Lady Sara and making sure in book form she got a happy ending. Well done Karen.
September 18, 2015
Review for audiobook format.
LOVE Eloise Oxer narration! Love the many bonds and strings coming together in this finale. Although the political aspect has always been there, it felt more pronounced in this final book. At times this made the book feel extremely long. But it did not detract from the final enjoyment. Everything is bundled up and packaged beautifully for the end. I will miss Tallow and the world of Serenissima. A very good end. I was brought to tears several times and made to laugh aloud as well.
LOVE Eloise Oxer narration! Love the many bonds and strings coming together in this finale. Although the political aspect has always been there, it felt more pronounced in this final book. At times this made the book feel extremely long. But it did not detract from the final enjoyment. Everything is bundled up and packaged beautifully for the end. I will miss Tallow and the world of Serenissima. A very good end. I was brought to tears several times and made to laugh aloud as well.
January 22, 2013
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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December 20, 2015Katharine is a judge for the Sara Douglass 'Book Series' Award. This entry is the personal opinion of Katharine herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
January 14, 2013
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.
I will be rating this once the AAs are announced.
March 4, 2013
I felt that the ending was random- some parts were great but the outcome of some of the main characters felt rushed and a little like Karen was bored with writing and just went .....yeah that'll do lets end them like that....... Simple. It was a little disappointing for me.
July 12, 2014
4.5 stars. What a fitting ending. I was not disappointed in this ending at all. It is what I expected plus a lot of surprises along the way. Brooks' writing ability grew and developed more and more in this series. I will be on the look out for more from her.
July 13, 2015
I loved it like the previous books but then it took forever to wind everything up at the end. I enjoyed it up to the last few chapters, even though the end was good it took to long to get to. Its definitely worth the read for those that have read the previous books.
July 29, 2012
EXCELLENT!!!!!
August 2, 2012
Brilliant. Loved the series & can't wait for Karen's next book.
December 6, 2012
Glad to have finally finished this story. Elements were enjoyable but others a struggle.
August 12, 2012
Absolutely brillent! What a talented writer, twists and turns to the very end. Will read more books by this author.
February 21, 2014
A great finish but frustrating in parts due to a focus on nothingness in particular. the rest is unreal and fantasy driven.
September 30, 2015
Having not read the first two books of the trilogy, I struggled initially with both characters and plot. However, perseverance paid off. I had to finish this book just to find out what happened.
October 28, 2016
Quite frankly, I could not wait for it to be over.
February 22, 2016
Too much fighting.... weird weird story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews