Jake West's battle against the forces of evil continues as he leads the remnants of the Estian Alliance to Te'oull. Hot on their heels is an army of murderous beasts intent on sealing their doom. The war of wars is here. The future of us all depends upon the actions of an ordinary fifteen year old boy. If he fails to restore the weapon bestowed upon the Estians by the Heynai and fulfil his destiny, all will be lost. This is the last book in the best selling Jake West trilogy, following on from 'The Keeper of the Stones' and 'Warriors of the Heynai'
M J Webb lives and works in the heart of England. A short while after the birth of his two children he found himself wanting to do something for them. To give them something from him they could hopefully be proud of. The Jake West trilogy was the result. http://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Webb/e/B0... http://www.amazon.com/M-J-Webb/e/B004... These books are easy reading, penned for anyone above the age of twelve who has a little imagination.
In September 2022 A Child of Szabo was published. This is a high octane adult thriller which will appeal to readers of Lee Child, Mark Greaney, Tom Cain etc. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Child-Szabo-...
In 2024 he published Realm of Ruin. This is an adult fantasy standalone with a little spice so 18+. It's fast-paced and full of action. A few twists. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Realm-Ruin-B...
M J Webb is also an avid reader. He reads historical fiction, fantasy, young adult novels, military and thriller/adventure stories. His rating system;
5 - Absolutely loved it. Couldn't put it down. 4 - Great book. Interesting and well crafted. 3 - Not bad at all. Too easy to put down however. 2 - Didn't grip me. A bit of a struggle. 1 - Sorry, not for me.
I have been a bad reviewer, fan and friend. I finished this book a little over a week ago, but then life happened and I totally forgot to come back and write a review. *holds head down in shame* If only I could get a job where all I had to do was read all day - and I got paid well doing it - my life would be perfect. :)
So, here goes ...
Anyone who has been following my reviews of this series knows how much I love it, but this book - THIS book - is the best of the trilogy. There is actually not anything that I don't like about it, which is weird because usually, when it comes to books, I can name at least one or two small things that nag at me a little when I get to the end. The description of the BIG war, the no turning back moment, is really good. I love how there are these moments where a secret is shared and at first you're shocked and then there's this moment of - clarity - where you realize that you should have known that all along. Then, as that secret gets shared with all those involved, the end result is just beautiful. The end of the book answers every question that has been opened and more some ... and yet ... well, I've already told him that he needs to write another adventure for this young man because I just didn't get enough.
If you have not put this trilogy on your MUST READ list, then you better hurry up and do so.
I did receive the entire trilogy free in exchange for my HONEST review. :)
The Estian Alliance is the third and final book in the Jake West Trilogy. In this book Jake, along with his best friend Ben and other allies, prepare and face the greatest battle ever seen in the land of Estia. And just when everything looks like it might end or go well, things get worse! This book was very well written and filled adrenaline, adventure, magic, and excitement. It kept me on the end of my seat right until the very last page. The descriptions and narrative added to the storyline and kept up with the action, making this book enticing to read. There were twists and turns that kept me wondering what would happen next! Each character was still true to his or her personality, more matured and somewhat better developed, but I was happy that the characters didn't change too drastically. I definitely believe this book was the best paced of the three! The development of the storylines was brilliant. The characters had to fight hard and there were difficult losses to deal with. The description and detail of the battle was great (I am not a violent person but it was still great). I really enjoyed the DRAGONS! As the final installment in the series, M. J. Webb did an amazing job in concluding the story and journey of the characters without disappointment. Though I will miss Jake and his friends, I am happy to know they fulfilled their destiny. I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in YA. You won't regret reading it. Though you really don't have to read the other two previous books because the author gives a detailed prologue, you still wouldn't want to miss out in reading how Jake and his friends began their amazing journey.
This book had me on the edge of my seat through out! I loved the epic battle in this book. I think this is a great way to end the series! Thanks M. J. Webb! * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
This book is book three of the Jake West series and it is AMAZING! I would highly recommend that the reader read books one and two before reading this one to fully enjoy the epic battle that takes place in his book. This book was one nail-biting moment after another, and I loved every minute of it.
I loved how the author successfully switched scenes from one battle to another, allowing us to see what was happening on different fronts of the war without losing the urgent pace needed for any of the battles. I love how the characters faced their challenges despite their fears. I absolutely LOVE the twists that came in this book and the new characters that were added (no spoilers...sorry, I hate spoilers). And I loved, loved, LOVED the dragons! I usually do not read about dragons, but I'll admit I had a tear or two in certain (undescribed) moments. ;-)
This book was the best paced of the three, but maybe that was because the reader is already invested in the story and knows the characters as if they were his/her friends/enemies. The development of the storylines was brilliant. I love that this was a difficult battle and it was not won/lost easily. The characters had to fight hard and there were difficult losses to deal with.
I LOVED the ending of the story and how (and who) finally rid the world of the evil one. And I really like that although the author definitely brought closure to the series, there is an opportunity to write more stories of Jake's adventures. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves epic battles or fantasy. You will thoroughly enjoy this series.
Note to parents: This book is about a highly descriptive violent battle. I would not recommend this book to the preteens or younger. There is practically no profanity (I think "ass" was said once. lol!). There is no sexual scenes, but the violence is VERY detailed.
Review of The Estian Alliance by M. J. Webb Jake West Trilogy #3
With any speculative fiction, including fantasy, the question always arises of whether the author’s world-building is believable: is the suspension of disbelief strained, or is it easy and immediate? There is never any doubt with the novels of M. J. Webb’s Jake West Trilogy: the reader leaps instantaneously from contemporary Britain to a world not our own, a world of magic and strange beasts, wars and terror, a world that can only be preserved by one fifteen-year-old English boy, son of the former Keeper of the Stones, who himself becomes the new Keeper, the chosen “One” of prophecy. But can even Jake West save Estia?
“The Estian Alliance” is the third, and concluding, entry in Author Webb’s “Jake West Trilogy,” so the question naturally arises, is it necessary to have first read “Keeper of the Stones” and “The Warriors of Heynai”? The technical answer is no: Mr. Webb generously provides us with a Prologue delineating the background of the trilogy, and summarizing some of the essential points. But my personal thinking is: why would you want to miss out on two/thirds of Mr. West’s smooth and enticing storytelling, and on Jake’s story as he is living it, along with best pal Ben and the many unusual individuals he encounters? Personally, I would appreciate owning this as a boxed set in print, as wwell as in ebook version, and I hope that will be possible at some point. This series is targeted for YA readers (the protagonist is fifteen, after all), but so what? I haven’t seen fifteen in many decades, and I still love this series. So come on-go out there and get all three. You won’t regret it!
At last, Jake West and his entire team are forced to prepare for the greatest battle ever seen in the land of Estia. With the odds continually being stacked against them, only faith, chance, a little bit of luck, and a whole lot of magic is just about all they have for a chance to survive. And then things get worse. This book was a constant adrenaline rush with everything that took place in order to restore peace, and the adventure continues from the very first part to the last. As the third and maybe final book in the series, the author truly raised the stakes of excitement with more power, drama, and unexpected revelations that will stick with the reader long after the book is finished. A thrilling finale is the only way to describe this book as a whole and I seriously recommend the trilogy as a number one, YA male fantasy adventure series. In my opinion, as a book-to-film project, this series would easily become another blockbuster hit.
The Estian Alliance is the spectacular conclusion to the Jake West trilogy which will take you on the ride of your life. This story is full of action, adventure and twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Jake, Ben and the remainder of the Estian Alliance, after their near defeat at Dassilliak, have retreated to Te'oull with King Vantrax's evil army hot on their trail. Jake still needs to restore the box of stones to receive his full power as Keeper which will hopefully be the advantage they need to win this war. The Heynai have told Jake that this will be the final battle. Is Jake up to the challenge and will the Estian Alliance be strong enough to defeat King Vantrax and his evil army once and for all?
The author does an excellent job of drawing you into this story through his vivid descriptions which make you feel as if you are on the battle field, too. If you are looking for a fantasy packed with action suitable for all ages then this is the book for you.
This is the third and final installment of this epic series and finds us following Jake West as he pulls together the peoples of Estia to battle against King Vantrax in an epic battle that will turn the characters lives upside-down and leave you breathless. And best of all not only does my favourite dragon make a very welcome and prolonged appearance, he saves the day and in more ways than one.
Webb has created a series of epic proportions and rounded it off nicely with this book that is jam packed with battle after battle both large and small scale, internal and external as every character digs deep and faces their demons. All the best bits of fantasy are here with wizards and warlocks, spirits and demons, warriors and healers and, of course, dragons.
While there are some longer character monologues these portray the inner turmoil that each have to go through to continue their battles and give the story that sense of reality and terror that otherwise may have been lacking. All in all this is a superb book to end a superb series that will leave you wanting more.
Honestly the first thing I said when I finished this book was: " OH MY GOD!"
This was the best Jake West's story book. Mr. M.J. Webb managed to put everything in it and to tie some loose ends. The story starts right where the previous book left and it incredible how the story in different locations intertwine and keep the pace up. The descriptions of the battles were amazing, like I could imagine myself there with a sword fighting to end the evil!
It was brilliant the way some characters reunite and family issues are solved and unfortunately some people have to die but in the end, it was worth it and it guaranteed a surprising twist of events. I'm glad that it finished with a possibility for a continuation (pleasee) and that Jake and Ben didn't lose their humility after all the fighting and the importance that they had in the war. This book is definitely the kind that one time it's not enough, you have to read again and again.
Thank you very much for allowing people to review your books Mr. Webb, it was an amazing journey.
This is my final book in the Jake West trilogy and I've agonised over rating it myself. I have seen on this site that most authors do however and so I give it 5 stars; one of the many 5 star ratings on Amazon.co.uk is shown below. It was penned for teens and young adults. It's a bit of fun and escapism, nothing more.
First review on Amazon.co.uk by Kirstin;
I'd been on tenter hooks book waiting to read the third and final book and I wasn't left disappointed. As with the previous two books, it's a well written, captivating read that feeds your imagination. There are more characters, more magic, more battles and even more secrets to behold. It's full of unexpected twists and turns that need unravelling and add to the excitement and sometimes emotional journey of the characters. It was a book that I longed to read however, didn't want to finish, but now that I have, I am once again left wanting more, which can only be a good thing!!
This was the end to a trilogy of books by M.J.Webb, and it was great to see how the story ends. The book was full of action and suspense and it actually had quite a few twists in the story which were unexpected! The writing was on par with the last two books and it was fast moving and well written.
I think this trilogy was great. There was a lot of suspense, heartbreak, and surprises throughout the story. Ben was a great companion to The Keeper, and his comedic side was great. I want another adventure with Jake and Ben.
This story is exceptionally well written. It is fast paced and very easy to follow. The smooth flow of the story aids this greatly. Webb’s mastery of the English language allows for descriptions and narrative that aid the storyline and keep up with the action. I also appreciate that the author uses a writing style and vocabulary suitable for the storyline while writing with a flair for the dramatic and imagination that will captivate and be suitable for all audiences.
The story picks up right where the last one left off, with just enough background that you’re not lost trying to remember who’s who, but without long, tedious summaries of the previous two stories. The characters and writing style are also consistent with the first two installments, making it very easy to jump back in to the action.
In this novel, all of the different mini-storylines come together masterfully to create an awesome conclusion. It keeps you on the end of your seat right until the very last page. It is the perfect ending to this story. I also like how the author records the passage of time in each chapter title. It makes it so that the story doesn’t appear to all happen in one day without having to say ‘and then they went to sleep’ or ‘and then they woke up’ which would break up the flow of the story.
The characters in this novel are phenomenal. After the 3rd novel in the series, the characters are all the same people that they were in the first story. Sure, they are better developed, and some have grown into stronger, more mature individuals, but no one has miraculously become someone new. You get to know these characters so well over the course of the trilogy that you can’t help but have a favorite and root for the good guys. I absolutely love the random exclamation noises that the characters make. They are so unique, not your random run of the mill ‘groan’.
As a whole, this is a fantastically fun and suspenseful installment in the series. It is the culmination in a series that most definitely will stand the test of time. And the best part... The trilogy may be complete, but I have a sneaky feeling we may see Jake and Ben again.
Please note that I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Estian Alliance is the last book of the Jake West trilogy and is the best book of the series. I give this book a rating of 3.7 STARS.
Once again thanks to the author, like the previous two books of the series, I got this book too for free in return for a review.
I really liked this book and would have given it 4 stars but the shortcomings of the first two books continue in this one too.
The writing style and narration could still improve. There are still some punctuation and grammatical errors in the book. The entire series could do with better editing. The narration and the dialogues of the characters continue to be melodramatic.
Despite all that I really liked this book. It has a fast paced plot, with continuous action and lots of twists and turns. You will never feel bored through out the book and the ending will leave you with a satisfied feeling at how things turn out in the end.
Highly entertaining, picking right up where the last book left off. As with the other books expect plenty of twists and turns throughout the plot. Characters develop even more depth, and new, totally unexpected characters are introduced, creating new friendships, strengthening family bonds, and generally keeping the characters from ever being at risk of stagnating.
There are some scenes that are completely out of the blue, keeping the reader on their toes trying to anticipate what comes next. And since the pace never slacks off, it is challenging not too read too quickly and miss something crucial while trying to keep pace with the characters. The action is almost non-stop, yet the dialog is never sacrificed in favor of action, the two just have a sterling blend between them helping make the story read as if it were a memory being recounted by the author, instead of a piece of fiction.
The series comes to an interesting conclusion with decisions made that startle all - reader & character alike. Who knows, maybe one day we'll be reading about Jake's great-granddaughter going off to server her turner as the next Keeper.
MJ Webb’s third title – Jake West – The Estian Alliance – has everything fans of epic fantasy will enjoy, no matter their age. Readers seeking action, danger and good guys, facing almost insurmountable odds against bitter evil, will find the challenges facing fifteen-year old Jake and his companions to be a great adventure. The odds are against them, but these fighters have heart, ingenuity and the fate of the world resting upon their shoulders.
Although reading the first two books of the trilogy – Jake West – The Keeper of the Stones and Jake West – The Warriors of the Heynai is advised, Webb provides a Prologue in Jake West – The Estian Alliance, allowing readers to be caught up with or refreshed on the unfolding plot. His writing flows smoothly through dangerous worlds, bringing engaging characters to life. Jake and his friends will have readers cheering as they deal with terrifying situations. Highly recommended for young adults, adults and anyone else who enjoys a fantastical thrill ride.
As someone who loves Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia, I was very excited back when I read the description of the first book in this series: Jake West The Keeper of the Stones. I went into that book never expecting that I would find a world just as bright and magical as the ones in my favorite books, but author M.J. Webb truly surprised me. I loved it and I quickly snatched up book 2: Jake West Warriors of Heynai. I've finally made it to book 3: Jake West The Estian Alliance and oh my gosh, you have to read these books! In this one, 15-year-old Jake and his best friend Ben are still trying to restore the box of stones so they can gather his full power as keeper in hopes of defeating King Vantrax. This is the final battle in the war against evil and the level of suspense has risen quite a bit. If you love fantasy, YA, or heck you like to read then go get this series!!
This, by far, is the best of the Jake West books! The Estian Alliance will not disappoint!
This book is very action packed, and filled with so many plot twists that you will not want to put this book down! The Estian Alliance concludes the story of Jake, Ben, Zephany, and the others in a roller coaster ride that you couldn't decide which way the story was headed and who would win. I literally gasped out loud at some of the revelations and events in the story, along with choking up and having my eyes fill with tears, so attached to the story and characters was I. In the end, it concludes the trilogy sufficiently (although not entirely as I hoped.) I love the world which was created, and would love to learn more about it!
I look forward to reading more from this author, and even more of this story should the series, or a spin off, be continued!
This book was an excellent conclusion to the series. Jake and the alliance are put to the ultimate test as all of the forces of evil converge in battle against them, and Jake races against the clock to restore the stones.
The action was non-stop and progressed nicely with no detours. I could hardly put this one down and wanted to see how it ended. The character development was excellent and there were actually a few surprises I didn't see coming. The story wrapped up nicely but there is still an opening for a future book to continue the journey.
If you liked the first two books and want to see how the story ends, then this one is a no-brainer...you will love it.
Still think that the series is more of a younger teen read than a YA book.
The Estian Alliance was the best book in the series. What an entertaining fantasy adventure. Once again it picked up from where the last book left off and making wanting more. I don't think I've read a series this fast for a very long time.
The whole trilogy had everything you want in a fantasy story to feed your imagination. There was magic, battles, kings, queens, princesses, creatures, evil, heroes, dragons...... and of course full of course full of action and adventure with lots of twist and turns.
The Estian Alliance was a great end to a great trilogy. I will be one reader that will be looking out for more books by M J Webb
This has to be my favorite out of the 3 book series. There were alot of unexpected twists that I did not see coming. For the last quarter of the book there were so many times where I thought the book was about to end and then the plot would take off again in another direction. I liked how the author developed the story around the family. This was very evident in the third book. I also like how the author shows just how horrific war is and also how when things seem totally lost that there is always hope against all odds. There are real life examples of how relationships are tested and how life isn't always as it seems. Especially in the case of Harry and his son. To protect sometimes you look to be the bad person. I see that in life in my own family.
This Book is by far the best it shows the most unlikely surprise. A twist I did not see coming in retrospect it should have be plain to see. But I was very surprised at the end to see who the true hero’s were. It was to me not the fighters but the glue that kept the fighters going. FAMILY is powerful in ways that can either build or the can destroy. This story shows that to its fullest! All in all this series was my kinda style it was full of decisions that are made for the greater good not just the individual. War is not about the survivors its also about the sacrifices that are made as well!
My son, Adrian read this book, having eagerly devoured the first two in the series, and asked me to post this review; "Another excellent book that I didn't want to put down. Possibly even better than the first two Jake West books in the series, this one brings the story to a finishing point, though I hope the author might write another one with a new villain. I loved this series of books. They have all been well-written with a good mix of action and characters." Praise indeed from a very picky reader! Firmly in the 'Sword and Sorcery' genre, this has been a real hit.
Wow if you have read the other two books in this trilogy this is a must I am only sorry there are no more these books have got better and better, almost impossible to put down, if you have not tried this author then put his books on your Christmas list, get them all you will not be disappointed the twist and turns from first to last keep you wondering what will happen next, it has been a real joy to experience the adventures of Jake West, I hope Martin enjoyed writing as much as I've enjoyed reading well done!!!!
The Estian Alliance is the 3rd book in the Jake West series by M.J Webb. The novel continues where the 2nd novel left off and follows Jake and his friend Ben in the battle against the forces of evil as they lead their army to the remnants of the Estain Alliance to Te'oull. I really enjoyed following Jake's adventures and found the novel exciting and a brilliant page turner. I definitely recommend the book and hope to read more by the author. 💖I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
What a fantastic end to this trilogy. I've really enjoyed reading these. This final chapter has everything; twists, turns, more dragons! The storyline is like something out of a C S Lewis novel. I feel sure that anyone over 13 or so will love this/these books.
Is it over? Whew! I never thought that I could endure such torture. Right, if I wasn’t a woman of my word, the most sensible thing that I can think of at this moment is to stop myself from spending more time laboring about this book. I will have to make this review brief and concise because the thought of the opposite will surely ruin me forever.
After reading the two first books, I was really hoping that things would improve with this one particularly that I gave the second book a 3-star rating. But no, this conclusion to the whole Jake West series plummeted into the void and hopefully, never to be seen again.
The novelty of the magnificent world-building has finally worn off. The book has already achieved its maximum limit to impress me further. I felt that everything in this book was written to vex my patient nature. The whole time I was reading it, I was gritting my teeth and I was on the verge of deleting the whole file for good to preserve my own sanity.
As much as I would like to write glowing paragraphs about the things that I loathed in this book, I cannot bring myself to do so, thus please let me have it in the simplest way.
My complaints...
1. Character development- Throughout the whole story, I’ve been silently cursing every character that I came across with. I totally failed to connect even with Zephany, the Princess of Rhuaddan (whom I learned to like from the second book). They remained flat no matter how the author tried to make them lovable characters. They just lacked that X-Factor. Regurgitating my own observations from the first two books, I hated Ben. I hated how he tried so hard to be an annoying little git that it didn’t suit him. I hated the villains for being so dry and dull. They’re so crap that they do not deserve to become villains. >,<
2. Jumbled train of thoughts- This was the strongest flaw of the book. Countless of times I have found myself re-reading stuff just because I was suddenly lost. Different POVs were inserted in one paragraph that it was hard to follow the character’s train of thought. For the first two books, I was lenient about this issue but this time around, it's difficult to make considerations especially if we're talking about the finale of a series.
3. Unnecessary talking and melodramatics- This book is brimming with these. Even if it is not needed in a scene, expect that you’ll come across a lot of unessential talking and cringe-worthy melodramatics. I was even caught dumbfounded upon reading a scene where one of the villains is talking like a scorned woman even when he’s in close combat. It was very unbecoming for such a villain who evoked fear across Estia. I don’t know if this is an attempt at humor but if it is, then I’m sorry that the punchline was delivered too early or too late.
The melodramatics was worst. Every talking or thinking chance the characters get, they will readily jump into endless dramatics. It was excessive that it was sickening. Was this an attempt to sound deep, philosophical, inspirational and prestigious? I don’t think so because all these rather failed to surface at the right moments.
4. Repetitiveness- Another strong flaw of not only this book but also the previous two. The story was full of verbosity that it was becoming a nag. It failed to provoke my thought in a positive way. Instead, this repetitiveness made me feel like a 3 year old kid who cannot understand a thing and my mother has to repeat herself again and again to ensure that it sink in.
5. Some sentimental moments weren’t given their right time and place- There were some sentimental moments in this book that would have been remarkable. But for some reason, it failed to make my heart stop. The timing was all wrong and the way it was delivered, it was all…. Ahmm…errr… Should I be crying now? Whatever.
6. Sudden appearance of new characters at the end part- Gaaah! If all else was unsuccessful and the main characters failed to provide solution to their problems, just create another character/s to solve the seemingly impossible task. Easy peasy!
On the other hand, another character was also created at the end part to emphasize the grandness of the battle that was taking place. This could have worked if it wasn’t just too late. Read on the next bullet for clarification.
7. Abrupt insertion of unnecessary scenes at the end- So after thinking that the lengthy battle has been won and all the important characters have given their all, another battle scene was inserted which was facilitated by the introduction of the new villain (read previous bullet). Why so sudden? Was it an attempt to make the book more action filled or to make the war larger-than-life? Perhaps an attempt to provide a twist to the story? Sorry, but it epically failed. Too much action can also be boring especially if there’s nothing new to it.
8. Overall story- Predictable and cumbersome
What I liked...
1. The dragons- Their roles might be short but they’re the only ones that I liked in this book. Perfect tone, perfect dialogue and perfect timing of appearance.
Verdict: I tried my best but things didn't really work out between me and this book.