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Legends of Muirwood #3
The Scourge of Muirwood
The Scourge of Muirwood is the final installment of the Muirwood Trilogy.
Upon discovering she is the lost heir of Pry-Ree, Lia is forced to leave the protection of Muirwood once again. She embarks upon a perilous journey across the kingdom where she avoids capture and begs passage on a ship bound to Dahomey. Lia's safety is in further jeopardy when she finally reaches Dochte Abbey and learns the hetaera have taken control. Lia must gather all her strength and muster the courage to defeat them, for if she fails, the consequence would be a world in ruin and the shattered lives of those she loves.
Upon discovering she is the lost heir of Pry-Ree, Lia is forced to leave the protection of Muirwood once again. She embarks upon a perilous journey across the kingdom where she avoids capture and begs passage on a ship bound to Dahomey. Lia's safety is in further jeopardy when she finally reaches Dochte Abbey and learns the hetaera have taken control. Lia must gather all her strength and muster the courage to defeat them, for if she fails, the consequence would be a world in ruin and the shattered lives of those she loves.
368 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2011
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3059 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Wheeler
123 books5,213 followersWall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler took an early retirement from his career at Intel in 2014 to write full-time. He is a husband, father of five, and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff lives in the Rocky Mountains.
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 703 reviews
October 17, 2018
I really liked the first two books in the trilogy. But this final installment offended me. The evil beings responsible for all evil and destruction are women. Men who do evil only do it because they are possessed or tricked by these evil women. The titular scourge is an STD. Not cool.
October 4, 2014
I have to confess: the story almost got me. I'm first thinking after reading it that it's a good tale, with a strong female lead, which is nice to see. But after my initial review, I couldn't get the story out of my mind. Something was amiss...
Because it's not about a strong female lead. In fact, Lia is naught but an empty vessel, when you look closely. Every though, every action is guided by surrendering herself completely to the will of the medium. Her only strength, if one cares to call it that, is her steadfast determination to be subservient to the medium, regardless of the pain it puts her through. She is, she must be, the Good Girl.
All other women in the story are weak, simple, or evil. Men are weak when it comes to their women, either though worry and protective instinct, or by being led astray. The story just reeks of patriarchal misogyny and parochialism.
Would I have read it forewarned? I don't know. It would certainly have read a quite a different story. Yes, I did enjoy it as I was reading it, and read it in but a few hours, but the aftertaste sneaks up on one; It took me several hours after finishing it to realize what I had read.
I won't dissuade anyone from reading the tale, a great many people will see nothing wrong and will quite like it I'm certain. But if your thinking strays from the patriarchal past, and care not to read what almost amounts to a preaching, be cautious.
Because it's not about a strong female lead. In fact, Lia is naught but an empty vessel, when you look closely. Every though, every action is guided by surrendering herself completely to the will of the medium. Her only strength, if one cares to call it that, is her steadfast determination to be subservient to the medium, regardless of the pain it puts her through. She is, she must be, the Good Girl.
All other women in the story are weak, simple, or evil. Men are weak when it comes to their women, either though worry and protective instinct, or by being led astray. The story just reeks of patriarchal misogyny and parochialism.
Would I have read it forewarned? I don't know. It would certainly have read a quite a different story. Yes, I did enjoy it as I was reading it, and read it in but a few hours, but the aftertaste sneaks up on one; It took me several hours after finishing it to realize what I had read.
I won't dissuade anyone from reading the tale, a great many people will see nothing wrong and will quite like it I'm certain. But if your thinking strays from the patriarchal past, and care not to read what almost amounts to a preaching, be cautious.
April 21, 2017
I think we're living in an interesting moment for the fantasy genre. As a genre, it really came of age not so much with Tolkien as with Terry Brooks, who took Tolkien's medieval European world and made it more accessible and less "epically epic." From there, fantasy went through a phase that was called "Tolkienesque" but should be called "Brooksesque." You know what I mean. Books with elves and dwarves and goblins, oh my. Objects of power. Great, terrible, dark lords. Bearded wizards. And so on.
That got old, and we got the opposite extreme. Grimdark, or "anti-hero fantasy," became the new, hot thing. Nihilistic, dark, violent, and crude--it's the antithesis of the "Brookseseque" fantasy that came before it. Some of it is actually quite good (Game of Thrones and the Traitor Son series come to mind), but it's definitely not for the faint of heart. And it has alienated a whole host of readers who want their fantasy more Ursula LeGuin, less Jo Abercrombie.
Now, it may be that grimdark has had its day. Sure, there are plenty of new grimdarks coming out every five minutes. But they tend to leave less and less of an impression on the collective imagination. Has the time come for a push-back of cleaner, more traditional fantasy?
Jeff Wheeler certainly thinks so. This series is the first of his that I've read. As I said in my review of The Wretched of Muirwood, this is "early" Jeff Wheeler, and you can tell he's really just getting started in developing his own distinct style. The first book, while decent, is pretty formulaic.
It's in this third book that he really catches his stride. Yes, it's clean, but the sense of danger hanging over the protagonist (something never really present in book 1) is palpable and intense. That's hard to do when readers have come to expect the hero's head on a pike in the middle of book 1.
What I really liked about this book is that the disaster that hangs over the heads of all the characters is not "fixed" with a sleight of hand, as is the temptation for many writers trying to write "clean fantasy." There is real danger, real excitement, and the choices of characters have real, and sometimes global, ramifications. That's really what makes good fantasy good.
This series is billed as a "YA romance". Honestly, I couldn't care less about YA romance. I used to love it (as a teenager), but I find it a bit silly now. Still, I recognize that Jeff Wheeler has written it about as well as can be. I never cringed, even if I did roll my eyes once or twice.
Ultimately, it's not the romance that makes this a good story. Simply, it's a rollicking good tale of good vs. evil, where the evil is really evil, and the good have to battle the evil within themselves if they even have a chance against the big evil outside. And through it all, there's no gratuitous violence or sex. And I found that refreshing after so much grimdark.
I will definitely be trying out Jeff Wheeler's new series at some point soon. Let's hope that what the trend of "clean fantasy" that he started will develop and not become puritanical in its requirements. I, for one, will always appreciate a good traditional tale well told. This is certainly one of them.
That got old, and we got the opposite extreme. Grimdark, or "anti-hero fantasy," became the new, hot thing. Nihilistic, dark, violent, and crude--it's the antithesis of the "Brookseseque" fantasy that came before it. Some of it is actually quite good (Game of Thrones and the Traitor Son series come to mind), but it's definitely not for the faint of heart. And it has alienated a whole host of readers who want their fantasy more Ursula LeGuin, less Jo Abercrombie.
Now, it may be that grimdark has had its day. Sure, there are plenty of new grimdarks coming out every five minutes. But they tend to leave less and less of an impression on the collective imagination. Has the time come for a push-back of cleaner, more traditional fantasy?
Jeff Wheeler certainly thinks so. This series is the first of his that I've read. As I said in my review of The Wretched of Muirwood, this is "early" Jeff Wheeler, and you can tell he's really just getting started in developing his own distinct style. The first book, while decent, is pretty formulaic.
It's in this third book that he really catches his stride. Yes, it's clean, but the sense of danger hanging over the protagonist (something never really present in book 1) is palpable and intense. That's hard to do when readers have come to expect the hero's head on a pike in the middle of book 1.
What I really liked about this book is that the disaster that hangs over the heads of all the characters is not "fixed" with a sleight of hand, as is the temptation for many writers trying to write "clean fantasy." There is real danger, real excitement, and the choices of characters have real, and sometimes global, ramifications. That's really what makes good fantasy good.
This series is billed as a "YA romance". Honestly, I couldn't care less about YA romance. I used to love it (as a teenager), but I find it a bit silly now. Still, I recognize that Jeff Wheeler has written it about as well as can be. I never cringed, even if I did roll my eyes once or twice.
Ultimately, it's not the romance that makes this a good story. Simply, it's a rollicking good tale of good vs. evil, where the evil is really evil, and the good have to battle the evil within themselves if they even have a chance against the big evil outside. And through it all, there's no gratuitous violence or sex. And I found that refreshing after so much grimdark.
I will definitely be trying out Jeff Wheeler's new series at some point soon. Let's hope that what the trend of "clean fantasy" that he started will develop and not become puritanical in its requirements. I, for one, will always appreciate a good traditional tale well told. This is certainly one of them.
February 19, 2017
Actual Rating: 1.5 Stars
So this series wasn't necessarily bad, but it really wasn't spectacular.
I can't think of one special thing to say about it. I'm giving it one and a half stars because I can't look you in the face and tell you it was dreadful, it wasn't dreadful! I'm just left feeling not much of anything now that I've made it to the end.
Everything wraps up entirely too nicely. The end of this book did the thing where it ties up a bunch of the loose ends by giving you a broad summary of the events that took place after the main plot is resolved, instead of taking you through it first hand. WHICH IS LAZY AND UNSATISFYING.
Plus I had a weird thing happen where I suddenly felt as though I was being preached to about halfway through this. Like the events seemed to parallel the Christian religion so plainly, it started to feel like the author was using the series as a means of endorsement?
It was like I was being told "BAD IS BAD. GOOD IS GOOD. THE GOOD IS CLEARLY ALIGNED WITH GOD, THE BAD IS CLEARLY ALIGNED WITH SATAN. NO EXCEPTIONS!"
There was ONE morally grey character, but he literally flip-flopped so much that he ended up coming off as confused & naive more than anything else. Outside a couple weak misconception twists, there was a clear line drawn in the sand & it made for a very predictable and uninteresting ending.
And I just want to add that I am T E R R I B L E at guessing plot twists, but I pretty well guessed most of the shit that happened. If I was able to guess then everyone should have this whole series figured out after the first book because I am an IDIOT when it comes to this stuff okay?
Not the absolute worst thing I've ever read, but nothing I'll be re-reading or recommending to you.
So this series wasn't necessarily bad, but it really wasn't spectacular.
I can't think of one special thing to say about it. I'm giving it one and a half stars because I can't look you in the face and tell you it was dreadful, it wasn't dreadful! I'm just left feeling not much of anything now that I've made it to the end.
Everything wraps up entirely too nicely. The end of this book did the thing where it ties up a bunch of the loose ends by giving you a broad summary of the events that took place after the main plot is resolved, instead of taking you through it first hand. WHICH IS LAZY AND UNSATISFYING.
Plus I had a weird thing happen where I suddenly felt as though I was being preached to about halfway through this. Like the events seemed to parallel the Christian religion so plainly, it started to feel like the author was using the series as a means of endorsement?
It was like I was being told "BAD IS BAD. GOOD IS GOOD. THE GOOD IS CLEARLY ALIGNED WITH GOD, THE BAD IS CLEARLY ALIGNED WITH SATAN. NO EXCEPTIONS!"
There was ONE morally grey character, but he literally flip-flopped so much that he ended up coming off as confused & naive more than anything else. Outside a couple weak misconception twists, there was a clear line drawn in the sand & it made for a very predictable and uninteresting ending.
And I just want to add that I am T E R R I B L E at guessing plot twists, but I pretty well guessed most of the shit that happened. If I was able to guess then everyone should have this whole series figured out after the first book because I am an IDIOT when it comes to this stuff okay?
Not the absolute worst thing I've ever read, but nothing I'll be re-reading or recommending to you.
September 1, 2015
The trilogy started off okay but quickly turned into thinly veiled religious propaganda. I feel like I was tricked into attending a super crazy church service. The idea that a kiss before marriage is so evil that it deserves death/plague is so outdated that I cannot believe that this book has gotten so many 5 star reviews. It was depressing to know that that so many people were okay with the idea that women were the source of all the evil in the land. I am okay with a strong woman villain, but really, can't men be equally as evil? Or do people still want to believe that women are corrupting us all with our evil "kissing." And scheming, and low cut dresses. Blah. And really I just felt bad for all the evil harlots because they were supposedly indoctrinated as young girls. Wouldn't God, oh I mean the "medium" been a little more merciful? Wouldn't normally be so lengthy in my complaints but when religious people treat sexuality as more of a sin than killing and violence it gets under my skin.
February 9, 2013
A satisfying ending to the trilogy. It leaves room for more story, but there are no real loose ends. If anything, it may have been a little too neatly wrapped up -- with one of those endings where two of the characters "recap" what happened to them that we didn't see in order to satisfy our need to know without the bother of including it in the actual story.
The series still has a bit too much Christian allegory and I'm really not sure how I feel about a... I was going to say magic system but it's not, it's 100% a faith system, where not only are only women turned "evil", they are literally the only ones who CAN be turned evil. :/
This is still a 3-star book for me because while I believe the plot and story need some serious work, I think the character development was good and felt real. Fake characters in an engaging world to me are worse than real characters in a no-so-engaging world.
The reason the world doesn't feel so engaging to me is because 1) If the Medium can make someone LITERALLY invincible and able to do anything without any repercussion, then what's the big world-saving deal? If the Medium is that strong then... it could just protect anyone it wishes and keep everything from happening. 2) The whole "Gifting" of talents is incredibly convenient. Any maston can "Gift" anyone with any number of things without any limit or repercussion. Even bringing others back to life. So what's stopping the mastons from just gifting everything to everyone? It doesn't even make them tired, like using magic might in other stories. It doesn't drain anything from them, it doesn't hurt them, it's just "Boom I Gift you with magically being able to understand every language" or "BAM I Gift you with coming back to life" and then they are fine. If I had that power? Shit I'd be Gifting all over the damn place. 3) If Lia has such faith in the Medium and "knows" it's going to protect her when she needs it, then there is no tension. We know she's not going to be killed, we know she's not going to fall off the steps around the scary tower she pretends she's afraid of, we know she's not going to be hurt. 4) Stories that have a "fate" element and remove basically ALL free will and choice from the main character are kind of boring. It was her "fate" to do this or that, she is told by the Medium what to do, so she doesn't have to make hard choices. She just does it. Because faith is about doing what you are "fated" to do instead of questioning anything or thinking critically about why you do something...
I think this author definitely has a spark that could be cultivated, but needs some real work as far as story development goes. That being said, I would give future books a chance!
The series still has a bit too much Christian allegory and I'm really not sure how I feel about a... I was going to say magic system but it's not, it's 100% a faith system, where not only are only women turned "evil", they are literally the only ones who CAN be turned evil. :/
This is still a 3-star book for me because while I believe the plot and story need some serious work, I think the character development was good and felt real. Fake characters in an engaging world to me are worse than real characters in a no-so-engaging world.
The reason the world doesn't feel so engaging to me is because 1) If the Medium can make someone LITERALLY invincible and able to do anything without any repercussion, then what's the big world-saving deal? If the Medium is that strong then... it could just protect anyone it wishes and keep everything from happening. 2) The whole "Gifting" of talents is incredibly convenient. Any maston can "Gift" anyone with any number of things without any limit or repercussion. Even bringing others back to life. So what's stopping the mastons from just gifting everything to everyone? It doesn't even make them tired, like using magic might in other stories. It doesn't drain anything from them, it doesn't hurt them, it's just "Boom I Gift you with magically being able to understand every language" or "BAM I Gift you with coming back to life" and then they are fine. If I had that power? Shit I'd be Gifting all over the damn place. 3) If Lia has such faith in the Medium and "knows" it's going to protect her when she needs it, then there is no tension. We know she's not going to be killed, we know she's not going to fall off the steps around the scary tower she pretends she's afraid of, we know she's not going to be hurt. 4) Stories that have a "fate" element and remove basically ALL free will and choice from the main character are kind of boring. It was her "fate" to do this or that, she is told by the Medium what to do, so she doesn't have to make hard choices. She just does it. Because faith is about doing what you are "fated" to do instead of questioning anything or thinking critically about why you do something...
I think this author definitely has a spark that could be cultivated, but needs some real work as far as story development goes. That being said, I would give future books a chance!
September 21, 2011
I loved it! I loved the entire trilogy! I was completely caught up in the story and involved with the characters. This book kept me on my toes--a complete page turner. I never really knew what was going to happen. I stayed up until 1:00 am to finish the book. The author is not afraid to put his characters in dire situations full of tension and conflict (which is what makes a story gripping). The writing was exceptional. It had a strong voice throughout the novel. I really liked his descriptions and word choice. His characters were believable and deep. It was a great experience reading this trilogy and I highly recommend it!
July 5, 2013
This book was such a disappointment after the first two. The first half was good (that's why it gets two stars instead of one) but the second half is just awful. It makes me want to re-rate the other two lower just to keep people from reading them and being drawn into this atrocity of a final novel. It feels like the author just got tired of writing and decided to regurgitate the Bible (yes, there were religious overtones in the other two but not to this extent). And speaking of being tired of writing, I guess it was too much effort to actually extend the final chapter into any semblance of a storyline. Instead you get some mediocre effort to tie up everything into a pretty package. It's like at the end of a crappy 80s movie where they freeze frame on a character and then flash up some writing. "Joey fell in love with Meg and they opened their own fish fry food truck." Oh, and PS, Sowe becomes an effing Maston?! I feel like you just punched a kitten in front of me. Thank the Medium I only paid three bucks for this junk.
July 8, 2012
This was the 3rd and final installment. Others refer to heavy-handedness with Christian Allegory, I did not find it so. I thought it flowed nicely with the ancient beliefs rooted in paganism and the inclusive nature of the philosophers and great thinkers of the past that the author freely admits to referring to frequently.
A nice wrap up to the story, leaving open-ended the potential for more ( and there are stories, written much earlier by this author that are informed by this series)
I would certainly recommend the author http://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Wheeler/e/B004SBCEK6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
A nice wrap up to the story, leaving open-ended the potential for more ( and there are stories, written much earlier by this author that are informed by this series)
I would certainly recommend the author http://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Wheeler/e/B004SBCEK6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
September 11, 2014
Final book in the trilogy and the author has done a good job to wrap it up. I really like it but I liked "The Blight of Muirwood" better. The story in this book was a little predictable.
Now that Lia is the real princess of the Pry-Ree but she is bind by the "binding sigil" so Medium doesn't allow her to reveal this secret of hers to anyone. The one we know as the princess is actually grand-daughter of Martin.
Lia is recovering from her injuries and had to make another journey to alert the Dochte Abbey. Colvin and Hillel were still in the Abbey. First with help of Kieran (a new character) she rescues Marciana from Earl Dieyre's confinement. Then with Aldermaston's permission she goes to Dochte Abbey to warn them of the coming blight as she is the real princess. After reaching there how she defeats evil is the story.
Lia's character as always is good. During the course of her journey she faces many difficulties but she never lose faith in Medium. Medium is always there to encourage and help her. At one point she has to choose between love and duty but she makes the right decision. She struggles to tell Colvin that she is the real princess and is heartbroken on finding out that Medium bids Colvin to marry Ellowyn.
I missed Colvin in this book. He ought to have some more space as he was our hero. He was there for only 3 scenes. When he find Lia in his prison he was surprised yet relieved that she was alright. He tells her how much he cares for her and how miserable he was without her.
Story also revolves around the life after death and history of the hetaera. We also came to know how Lia's father has seen all this a long time ago and made all the arrangements as directed by Medium to help Lia.
Now that Lia is the real princess of the Pry-Ree but she is bind by the "binding sigil" so Medium doesn't allow her to reveal this secret of hers to anyone. The one we know as the princess is actually grand-daughter of Martin.
Lia is recovering from her injuries and had to make another journey to alert the Dochte Abbey. Colvin and Hillel were still in the Abbey. First with help of Kieran (a new character) she rescues Marciana from Earl Dieyre's confinement. Then with Aldermaston's permission she goes to Dochte Abbey to warn them of the coming blight as she is the real princess. After reaching there how she defeats evil is the story.
Lia's character as always is good. During the course of her journey she faces many difficulties but she never lose faith in Medium. Medium is always there to encourage and help her. At one point she has to choose between love and duty but she makes the right decision. She struggles to tell Colvin that she is the real princess and is heartbroken on finding out that Medium bids Colvin to marry Ellowyn.
I missed Colvin in this book. He ought to have some more space as he was our hero. He was there for only 3 scenes. When he find Lia in his prison he was surprised yet relieved that she was alright. He tells her how much he cares for her and how miserable he was without her.
Story also revolves around the life after death and history of the hetaera. We also came to know how Lia's father has seen all this a long time ago and made all the arrangements as directed by Medium to help Lia.
July 28, 2020
2.5
This was the best of the three, I think, but as the trilogy progresses the thinly veiled references to Christian dogma and "women are the source of evil and the cause of the end of the world" and "the only way to overcome evil is to give yourself up to a power outside of yourself" messages were inordinately off-putting. In this trilogy even the serpent in their original sin stories is a woman, although at least the author makes the male in the equation the one that actually ate the apple.
I'm going to continue the consumption of this author's catalog as I've found the stories and characters to largely be well drawn and engaging, but too much more of the Christian dogma may finish me with it.
This was the best of the three, I think, but as the trilogy progresses the thinly veiled references to Christian dogma and "women are the source of evil and the cause of the end of the world" and "the only way to overcome evil is to give yourself up to a power outside of yourself" messages were inordinately off-putting. In this trilogy even the serpent in their original sin stories is a woman, although at least the author makes the male in the equation the one that actually ate the apple.
I'm going to continue the consumption of this author's catalog as I've found the stories and characters to largely be well drawn and engaging, but too much more of the Christian dogma may finish me with it.
August 1, 2016
Executive Summary: A enjoyable, but mostly predictable conclusion to a decent trilogy.
Audio book: Ms. Rudd is once again the narrator for the third and final book of the trilogy. As with the previous two, she a good, but not great reader with little variety in her character voices.
She does attempt to do some accents for a few of the characters, but many of them sounded the same to me.
Full Review
I finished this of the course of the weekend. This was partly due to various chores and activities I had to finish that allowed me the opportunity to get extra listening in, and partly due to my desire to finish the story.
While I found it enjoyable, it's ending was mostly predictable, and I didn't think it was as strong as the previous novel.
One of the aspects of all the books in this trilogy that I didn't hit upon in my previous reviews is the heavy use of Christian allegory.
A key concept to the series is that your ability to channel "the Medium" is largely related to your belief in it. This relates to the notion of giving your will over to that of the Medium and faith that it will protect and bless you if you do so. Many of the abilities of the medium may only be used to the benefit of others and not oneself.
There is also a large theme of life after death, and resurrection of the dead. While these themes are present throughout the whole trilogy, they weren't as much at the forefront as they were in this book. The plot of this novel largely revolves around testing the main character Lea's faith in the Medium.
I'm reluctant to throw out the term "Deus ex Machina" because I feel that all the events fall within the explained abilities of the Medium and someone who is strong with it being able to perform those actions. I could see someone making a good case for it however.
Overall, I think Mr. Wheeler does a good job of wrapping things up with a neat bow. There is certainly room for future stories in the world of Muirwood.
The author's note indicated he has a novella called Maia taking place many years after this trilogy available on his website. I believe he wrote it prior to completing any of the Muirwood books however.
Audio book: Ms. Rudd is once again the narrator for the third and final book of the trilogy. As with the previous two, she a good, but not great reader with little variety in her character voices.
She does attempt to do some accents for a few of the characters, but many of them sounded the same to me.
Full Review
I finished this of the course of the weekend. This was partly due to various chores and activities I had to finish that allowed me the opportunity to get extra listening in, and partly due to my desire to finish the story.
While I found it enjoyable, it's ending was mostly predictable, and I didn't think it was as strong as the previous novel.
One of the aspects of all the books in this trilogy that I didn't hit upon in my previous reviews is the heavy use of Christian allegory.
A key concept to the series is that your ability to channel "the Medium" is largely related to your belief in it. This relates to the notion of giving your will over to that of the Medium and faith that it will protect and bless you if you do so. Many of the abilities of the medium may only be used to the benefit of others and not oneself.
There is also a large theme of life after death, and resurrection of the dead. While these themes are present throughout the whole trilogy, they weren't as much at the forefront as they were in this book. The plot of this novel largely revolves around testing the main character Lea's faith in the Medium.
I'm reluctant to throw out the term "Deus ex Machina" because I feel that all the events fall within the explained abilities of the Medium and someone who is strong with it being able to perform those actions. I could see someone making a good case for it however.
Overall, I think Mr. Wheeler does a good job of wrapping things up with a neat bow. There is certainly room for future stories in the world of Muirwood.
The author's note indicated he has a novella called Maia taking place many years after this trilogy available on his website. I believe he wrote it prior to completing any of the Muirwood books however.
April 12, 2012
I didn't mind the direction this went, a lot of people were upset about the way women are viewed in this, but that didn't offend me at all. I was more irritated that it felt like it was wrapped up too nicely in a bow. I don't get why most everyone got a happy ending, for example:
Other than the ending not feeling quite up to what I wanted and the symbolism still making me somewhat uncomfortable, I really enjoyed this series! Very interesting!
Other than the ending not feeling quite up to what I wanted and the symbolism still making me somewhat uncomfortable, I really enjoyed this series! Very interesting!
December 30, 2013
Seriously an epic book. Loved it. Again if you are looking for a quick rush with a high paced romance novel, this book is not for you. But it is a wonderful story, just absolutely wonderful. I love how Wheeler has the past in this book, it took me awhile to figure out what it was but what depth it brought to the story.
The words that comes to mind when I think of this book is resolute, firm, solid, deep, and exciting. I was at 80 % and I had to go make dinner and I was like AAAAAAHHHHH must.finish.this.book!
Wheeler stands absolutely true to his characters, which is funny if you read his comments about the book. He said something about characters determining the paths they took. Thought that was pretty cool, lucky us that he listened to his characters.
This book is squeaky clean too. I am going to recommend it to my son who is 13 and I won't be worried that he will be reading something inappropriate.
Wheeler is a very talented author and I find it impressive he if does indeed only write from 7-10 on Wednesday nights. Way to put your family first.
The words that comes to mind when I think of this book is resolute, firm, solid, deep, and exciting. I was at 80 % and I had to go make dinner and I was like AAAAAAHHHHH must.finish.this.book!
Wheeler stands absolutely true to his characters, which is funny if you read his comments about the book. He said something about characters determining the paths they took. Thought that was pretty cool, lucky us that he listened to his characters.
This book is squeaky clean too. I am going to recommend it to my son who is 13 and I won't be worried that he will be reading something inappropriate.
Wheeler is a very talented author and I find it impressive he if does indeed only write from 7-10 on Wednesday nights. Way to put your family first.
July 30, 2014
Where to start. I really like the first one, bit childish, young adult style - Not enough depth the the character but I fear A Song Of Ice And Fire has ruined all other books for me, as i know expect that level of detail from everything I read.
But the idea of "magic" is different enough from the norm to keep my attention.
The thing that's is really bugging me from some time in the 2nd book is the underlining woman issue - I know our leading lady is a lady but the Queen Dowager types (i cant think what they are called H- somethings). Its the women who are evil and corrupt the men with their dancing and manipulative ways - very dark ages witch hunt type stuff. I'm not even sure why it bothers me, I normally don't notice or mind religious under tones.
I'm also starting to think it a very easy plot, (not finished yet) every one is going to save the world (or those worth according to the Medium) get married ad live happily every after....... George RR Martin has ruined the rest of my reading life....... ;)
But the idea of "magic" is different enough from the norm to keep my attention.
The thing that's is really bugging me from some time in the 2nd book is the underlining woman issue - I know our leading lady is a lady but the Queen Dowager types (i cant think what they are called H- somethings). Its the women who are evil and corrupt the men with their dancing and manipulative ways - very dark ages witch hunt type stuff. I'm not even sure why it bothers me, I normally don't notice or mind religious under tones.
I'm also starting to think it a very easy plot, (not finished yet) every one is going to save the world (or those worth according to the Medium) get married ad live happily every after....... George RR Martin has ruined the rest of my reading life....... ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2020
Nope, nope, nope... LOVED the overall story but HATED that many questions were never fully answered and/or understood. Never did figure out why, especially after Lia learns of her true heritage, she is never allowed to read. Considering how important that information is (the cruciger orb, anyone?!?) I also never got why it so important at this point for her NOT to be able to say her name. Why did it take so long, even though the life of her loved ones depend on it? Also, if the love of your life were leaving and you may never see him again, would a great big hug without even a kiss goodbye suffice? Seriously? That was just weird.
Of course everything works out in the end and I closed the book satisfied, just not completely..
As a side note, as with the other series I have read by this author, the characters start out as children but we watch them progress into adulthood. So, I wouldn’t technically call the series a YA even though much of the story is set when the characters are young.
Of course everything works out in the end and I closed the book satisfied, just not completely..
As a side note, as with the other series I have read by this author, the characters start out as children but we watch them progress into adulthood. So, I wouldn’t technically call the series a YA even though much of the story is set when the characters are young.
August 5, 2020
When a deadly plague is unleashed in the land of Muirwood, the fate of the world is placed in the hands of a young woman named Lia. Charged to be a magical protector, Lia volunteers to be sent on a desperate quest to rescue the squire Colvin, her love, and his pupil Ellowyn Demont, the alleged heir to the fallen kingdom of Pry-Ree. Still recovering from the injuries of her last adventures, Lia sets off across land and sea warning the kingdom of the oncoming plague. The journey leads her to Dochte Abbey, where her friends are supposedly held. Instead, though, a fallen enemy lies in wait for her, as well as an unbearable new truth. The revelation will force Lia to choose between the lives of her closest friends and her deepest desires…
This is the last book in the Muirwood trilogy and I liked it the least of the three. Everything I complained about in the last book was present here. Yet again too much religious reference. Too message heavy. Character's actions that don't make sense at times. If this had been the first series I had ever read by Wheeler I probably would never have tried any of his other works. Which would have been a shame because The Kingfountain series is leaps and bounds better than this one, even if this world does play a big part in the plot of book 6 in that series (which is why I read this one in the first place). Even though I didn't like this very much I don't regret reading it. It gave context to what was happening at the end of the other series.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
This is the last book in the Muirwood trilogy and I liked it the least of the three. Everything I complained about in the last book was present here. Yet again too much religious reference. Too message heavy. Character's actions that don't make sense at times. If this had been the first series I had ever read by Wheeler I probably would never have tried any of his other works. Which would have been a shame because The Kingfountain series is leaps and bounds better than this one, even if this world does play a big part in the plot of book 6 in that series (which is why I read this one in the first place). Even though I didn't like this very much I don't regret reading it. It gave context to what was happening at the end of the other series.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
July 8, 2019
Review to come...
December 22, 2018
Loved the story, but was a bit let down by the pat ending.
June 27, 2013
I just finished reading the last Muirwood book and I LOVED it! I can't believe I finished the series so quickly. It's making me a bit sad that the story is over. I loved the characters so much! Lia and Colvin ... Marciana, Maderos, and the Aldermaston ... Edmon, Jon, Martin, not to mention Sowe, Pasqua and even in the end, Reome. Sigh.... I loved how the author wove the past into book 3 as well. It's a fantastic story within a story. Geezzzz.... I'm sure I am confusing people but you have to read the series to understand what I'm saying. I loved everything about these books. Jeff Wheeler weaves a tale that hooks you from beginning to end and he tells it very well! I know that I will read these books over and over. I can't say anymore because I don't want to spoil anyone. I highly recommend the Murirwood series. You will not be disappointed!! When I finished the book, I read the Author's note and he dedicates the novel to Sharon Kay Penman. Right before I found the Muirwood series, I bought all three of her books. Here Be Dragons, Falls The Shadow and The Reckoning! I am going to read them, but I think I am going to look at a few more of Jeff Wheeler's books first. . Here is the Amazon link for book 1 of the Muirwood series: http://www.amazon.com/The-Wretched-Mu... Enjoy! And thank you to Mr. Wheeler for sharing this wonderful story with us!
July 30, 2013
Looking back at the series, now that I'm done with it, I am still very attached to the two main characters. They were well-fleshed-out and Colvin, especially, had some real characteristic flaws and temper problems that made him just that much more lovable. The plot was interesting and relatively unique, even within its genre. It definitely had a strong YA lean and skipped over some parts to which an adult book would have devoted chapters and they would have been some of the best parts. Also, Lia was young enough to not stand on personal pride and forgive easily where an adult woman would have caused a minor tragedy by being mortally offended by some events. Which might have made for some delicious groveling on the part of the guilty party and would have changed the story and overshadowed some of the events -- or made the book longer. So, while I felt this part to be unrealistic and difficult to relate to, on the other hand it IS realistic to someone that age and it's nice to be reminded that some of the grudges adults carry might be a total waste of time! Overall, a very nicely written and crafted story, pretty fast-paced and with pleasant characters. It was a memorable series, though I wouldn't place it on a pedestal along with what I would consider truly irreplaceable fantasy novels.
March 26, 2014
I wasn't sure if this series was really going to hit me by it's close, but of course I found myself sobbing in a Starbucks for the last 20% or so of this last in the trilogy. I wasn't sure if there was going to be anything really unexpected for the rest of this novel, and I was wrong. I was positive it wouldn't have an HEA at the end, I was also wrong in that.
One of my favorite parts of this was how Wheeler weaved confusion into a life-determining test of good and evil for even the reader, to the extent that I couldn't tell for several pages if she was making the wrong choices or not.
Other than this, the story did sometimes follow in the way I expected, however these moments were almost always because of the necesary foreshadowing of a narrator being a Seer, and always had some sort of twist when it actually came to pass.
There are, as with the others in the Muirwood series, heaving reference and utilizing of beliefs from history and religion, including the pagan notion that men are easily corrupted and women are more powerful and able to be a conduit of power. This, along with Eve and the forbidden fruit parable in Christian religion, tied in neatly with the storyline and explained the background of the story well. I recommend!
One of my favorite parts of this was how Wheeler weaved confusion into a life-determining test of good and evil for even the reader, to the extent that I couldn't tell for several pages if she was making the wrong choices or not.
Other than this, the story did sometimes follow in the way I expected, however these moments were almost always because of the necesary foreshadowing of a narrator being a Seer, and always had some sort of twist when it actually came to pass.
There are, as with the others in the Muirwood series, heaving reference and utilizing of beliefs from history and religion, including the pagan notion that men are easily corrupted and women are more powerful and able to be a conduit of power. This, along with Eve and the forbidden fruit parable in Christian religion, tied in neatly with the storyline and explained the background of the story well. I recommend!
August 7, 2013
I found this book by chance while looking for something to read before bedtime. As it turns out -- IT KEPT ME UP FOR 4 WHOLE DAYS -- because I "HAD TO KNOW" what would happen to the characters in the book. I found myself engulfed on all three books, it's characters, torn between the heroine "Lia" and the need to know if she would choose "her heart" or "her sworn promise & duty". Something everyone can relate to in real life struggles.
The books setting is the "Ancient" world similar to that of Camelot/Game of thrones / Lady of the Mist type. It's alluring, haunting, and its characters relatable. Jeff Wheeler allowed the book to unfold and created the world in your mind. While reading the trilogy, you almost feel like you are walking/aching/laughing/fighting/cheering with the characters in the land of Muirwood. Book 1, Book 2, Book 3 were all excellent and never lost it's heart racing pace.
Jeff Wheeler is truly a gifted writer.
I would read this book again and praying that they would make a movie out of it!!! ...and if I listen close enough, I think there is a tome somewhere in the world that whispers: yes. (it begins with a thought, right?!)
The books setting is the "Ancient" world similar to that of Camelot/Game of thrones / Lady of the Mist type. It's alluring, haunting, and its characters relatable. Jeff Wheeler allowed the book to unfold and created the world in your mind. While reading the trilogy, you almost feel like you are walking/aching/laughing/fighting/cheering with the characters in the land of Muirwood. Book 1, Book 2, Book 3 were all excellent and never lost it's heart racing pace.
Jeff Wheeler is truly a gifted writer.
I would read this book again and praying that they would make a movie out of it!!! ...and if I listen close enough, I think there is a tome somewhere in the world that whispers: yes. (it begins with a thought, right?!)
November 6, 2014
One of the things I found annoying in the early John Grisham books is his abrupt way of ending them without tying up multiple loose ends (which is why I don't read him anymore). I often imagined him saying, "I'm tired of this book, these characters, so I'm just going to quit now." Now I see what happens when an author has the same urge to finish up but tries to knot those ends together in a hurry. I think I like Grisham's way a little better.
This the final volume of the Muirwood Trilogy. If the ending had been as good as the rest of the book, I would have given it five stars. Lia, the main character throughout, grows and changes as more and more of the burden of her world falls on her (except for her inexplicable love for the insipid and unjustifiably haughty Colvin). The book unfolds just fine until, at the last, not very long, chapter everything implausibly wraps up everything left unresolved. It was so implausible that I kept thinking "No, don't trust [someone]! It's got to be another betrayal!". But it wasn't. It was just the author's way of saying, "I'm done now."
Too bad. This was otherwise a riveting and enjoyable story.
This the final volume of the Muirwood Trilogy. If the ending had been as good as the rest of the book, I would have given it five stars. Lia, the main character throughout, grows and changes as more and more of the burden of her world falls on her (except for her inexplicable love for the insipid and unjustifiably haughty Colvin). The book unfolds just fine until, at the last, not very long, chapter everything implausibly wraps up everything left unresolved. It was so implausible that I kept thinking "No, don't trust [someone]! It's got to be another betrayal!". But it wasn't. It was just the author's way of saying, "I'm done now."
Too bad. This was otherwise a riveting and enjoyable story.
October 28, 2014
This series was unusual for me....
I normally really like fantasy, but I had a lot of opposing emotions with regards to these books, mostly due to the way he incorporated women and religion into the story.
I really liked that the protagonist was a strong woman. I thought she was very well developed. I enjoyed the setting and the descriptive passages - it was really easy to "see" in my mind what was going on in the story.
I did not like how the author also created a world where women were the only ones that could become the epitome of evil and the ultimate seductress. (Do we really need MORE of that???)
The religion in the book felt too copy-cat-ish to come across as original. It's an obvious spin on biblical+mormon theology. To me, it seemed forced...like he tried too hard to make it "fit" within the story. (The only religious incorporations that felt original & that I liked were the "leering" stones.)
Also, the ending was a big disappointment. Not all books/series need a "happy" ending, and this is one of them. Endings are always EXTREMELY important to me - if they don't fit, then it ruins the story. The ending in this book dropped my rating from 3 stars to 2.
I normally really like fantasy, but I had a lot of opposing emotions with regards to these books, mostly due to the way he incorporated women and religion into the story.
I really liked that the protagonist was a strong woman. I thought she was very well developed. I enjoyed the setting and the descriptive passages - it was really easy to "see" in my mind what was going on in the story.
I did not like how the author also created a world where women were the only ones that could become the epitome of evil and the ultimate seductress. (Do we really need MORE of that???)
The religion in the book felt too copy-cat-ish to come across as original. It's an obvious spin on biblical+mormon theology. To me, it seemed forced...like he tried too hard to make it "fit" within the story. (The only religious incorporations that felt original & that I liked were the "leering" stones.)
Also, the ending was a big disappointment. Not all books/series need a "happy" ending, and this is one of them. Endings are always EXTREMELY important to me - if they don't fit, then it ruins the story. The ending in this book dropped my rating from 3 stars to 2.
August 30, 2012
In a word, breathtaking. All of it. The names, the Gifts, the back stories, the intricate knots and connections between the characters.
The whole trilogy is so rich in its language, world-building and characters. Everything and everyone is so memorable I'll be concentrating on work for the following weeks due to a colossal book-hangover. I won't be able to start another book just yet.
The Scourge of Muirwood completes the trilogy with as much magic, suspense and grace as in its predecessors, leaving you in the end staring at the door that's not quite closed, longing for Idumea yourself, or MORE, MORE, MORE of Lia and Colvin and all the rest of them.
Dang, I shall hunt for fan fiction.
The whole trilogy is so rich in its language, world-building and characters. Everything and everyone is so memorable I'll be concentrating on work for the following weeks due to a colossal book-hangover. I won't be able to start another book just yet.
The Scourge of Muirwood completes the trilogy with as much magic, suspense and grace as in its predecessors, leaving you in the end staring at the door that's not quite closed, longing for Idumea yourself, or MORE, MORE, MORE of Lia and Colvin and all the rest of them.
Dang, I shall hunt for fan fiction.
May 21, 2016
I really liked the first 2 books and up until the last quarter of this one, was enjoying it. But as the book progressed I became more unsettled and finally irritated . I resent the perpetuation of the myth that women are the root of all evil and that the only way to prevent this is to keep women uneducated and ignorant. I realize this is a fictional novel and that the next novel may redeem this one. It just left this lingering bad taste in my mouth that I am not sure I want to read the next one.
April 21, 2017
You know when you read other reviews and don't know how they didn't love this book? That is me right now. I adored this! What a perfect end to a wonderful trilogy, I've already downloaded the rest of Wheeler's books onto my kindle and I can't wait to get stuck in!
This book follows on almost exactly after the previous one, except now we know who Lia truly is, and what she must do with the oncoming blight in sight. Lia is really tested in this book and the outcomes are not always what you would expect. Once again you become part of this beautiful magical world and I cannot rave about it enough!
The story takes a religious tone, especially in the form of the 'medium'. I also loved that the villains were trying to make people take ' the water rite ' as a little nod to Christianity and the bringing in of another religion. Though, of course the main thing that stands out is Lia's faith in the medium, its an enchanting relationship to read about, and a wonderful insight into how powerful faith can be.
The other thing that stood out to me was how strong and powerful Lia's character was. It is rare to find books with strong female heroines, who don't get waylaid and give everything up for love. Even though the love between her and Colvin and their journeys into a relationship are explored between all 3 books, she never looses sight of what is important. She will sacrifice her own love and need for the good of many and it is beyond refreshing to see a female character written that way. I love that she struggles to be so selfless, its very redeeming and makes the character a lot stronger and more relatable.
My favourite thing, throughout all the books has been the relationship between Lia, the Abby and the Aldermaston. It's takes a very talented writer to make you love characters so deeply that you can feel the bond between them. It's incredibly refreshing to be able to get so lost within a story. I love that the Abby is her safe place, her home, that always brings her comfort and focuses her mind. It's fantastically portrayed.
Obviously I would highly recommend this book (I have gushed about it long enough)! It's a story that you will stay up all through the night reading because you cannot put it down. You are easily able to immerse yourself in this world Wheeler has created. It's a place of true fantasy.
This book follows on almost exactly after the previous one, except now we know who Lia truly is, and what she must do with the oncoming blight in sight. Lia is really tested in this book and the outcomes are not always what you would expect. Once again you become part of this beautiful magical world and I cannot rave about it enough!
The story takes a religious tone, especially in the form of the 'medium'. I also loved that the villains were trying to make people take ' the water rite ' as a little nod to Christianity and the bringing in of another religion. Though, of course the main thing that stands out is Lia's faith in the medium, its an enchanting relationship to read about, and a wonderful insight into how powerful faith can be.
The other thing that stood out to me was how strong and powerful Lia's character was. It is rare to find books with strong female heroines, who don't get waylaid and give everything up for love. Even though the love between her and Colvin and their journeys into a relationship are explored between all 3 books, she never looses sight of what is important. She will sacrifice her own love and need for the good of many and it is beyond refreshing to see a female character written that way. I love that she struggles to be so selfless, its very redeeming and makes the character a lot stronger and more relatable.
My favourite thing, throughout all the books has been the relationship between Lia, the Abby and the Aldermaston. It's takes a very talented writer to make you love characters so deeply that you can feel the bond between them. It's incredibly refreshing to be able to get so lost within a story. I love that the Abby is her safe place, her home, that always brings her comfort and focuses her mind. It's fantastically portrayed.
Obviously I would highly recommend this book (I have gushed about it long enough)! It's a story that you will stay up all through the night reading because you cannot put it down. You are easily able to immerse yourself in this world Wheeler has created. It's a place of true fantasy.
November 27, 2020
All of the stars!!
I absolutely love everything Jeff Wheeler writes!
I absolutely love everything Jeff Wheeler writes!
June 25, 2024
A little uneven in places, but a fun summer story.
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