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Merlin's Immortals #4
Blades of Valor
Travel with Thomas from Jerusalem to England in this exciting conclusion to the Merlin's Immortals series.
Thomas is finally in the Holy Land and reunited with Sir William, but is forced to travel on his own from the coast through Nazareth, and finally to Jerusalem. The road is a dangerous one—especially to a lone traveler. Bandits masquerade as slaves, traitors appear to be allies, and once again, Thomas doesn’t know whom to trust. He must rely on his own resources to discern friend from foe, and to finally discover the final key to the Druids' master plan before returning home to expose them.
Back in England, a final storm is brewing against Thomas, for the Druids are much more powerful than the Orphan King can even imagine.
Thomas is finally in the Holy Land and reunited with Sir William, but is forced to travel on his own from the coast through Nazareth, and finally to Jerusalem. The road is a dangerous one—especially to a lone traveler. Bandits masquerade as slaves, traitors appear to be allies, and once again, Thomas doesn’t know whom to trust. He must rely on his own resources to discern friend from foe, and to finally discover the final key to the Druids' master plan before returning home to expose them.
Back in England, a final storm is brewing against Thomas, for the Druids are much more powerful than the Orphan King can even imagine.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Sigmund Brouwer
279 books411 followersSigmund loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his Rock&Roll Literacy Show.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 19, 2025
Great finish to this series! All of the plotting, backstabbing and betrayal eventually gets sorted out.
May 28, 2014
Blades of Valor
is the final book in the Merlin's Immortals series. The series itself does not take place in Merlin's time, but 1,000 years later in 1313. The first three books in this series are: The Orphan King, Fortress of Mist, and Martyr's Fire. From what I've read in other reviews, the four books are based on a book Brouwer wrote on an adult reading level: Magnus. The series was re-written for youth ages 8-12. This is an appropriate series to appeal to that age group as well as carrying appeal for anyone else who enjoys medieval fiction.
Blades of Valor
is best read as part of the series rather than as a stand alone book because it picks up immediately where book three leaves off and refers to the events of the earliest books.
Like the other ones in the series, this book is packed with non-stop action and suspense. Thomas of Magnus flees England where he had briefly ruled the kingdom island of Magnus, only to have his life threatened by Druids posing as Priests of the Holy Grail. Friends helped him escape. He has finally arrived in Acre, the city of the knights' last stand in the era of the Crusades. But even in Acre assassins followed him and attacked his hiding place along with Katherine and Sir William. After many life threatening events eventually Thomas is faced with doubts as to whom to trust. He has caught Katherine, Sir William and Lord Baldwin in deceptions that leave him as distrustful of them as they are of him. How he tackles this quandary draws us further into the story and earns the respect of the reader for Thomas' intellect.
It is obvious in this series that the Druids and Merlin's Immortals are locked in a secret battle against each other, but it isn't evident until the very end of the book how large and sweeping the scope of this conflict really is. Apparently Thomas holds the key to a treasure both groups have sought for centuries. He does not know what the treasure could be until all clues lead him to what and where it is. At that point, the scope broadens from a regional skirmish, territorial claims and petty political disagreements to continental and even world wide significance, and from natural to spiritual in nature. Truly good is pitted against evil and the consequences of failure on either side is enormous.
Blades of Valor along with the others in the series is exciting to read and well worth owning. Back when I was homeschooling my children, this would have been a great series to read for its attention to historical detail, the captivating way the author develops Thomas' character over the time allotted by the series, and for its ability to capture the readers' attention through the author's writing style. He knows how to keep everyone in suspense and the way he write encourages his readers to speculate about the upcoming events.
This book also reveals that the series is not so much a fantasy series for which it appears in the three earlier books, but a historical series. The Druids and Merlin's Immortals are revealed as being completely human, but with knowledge that made them appear to the common ordinary person of those times to be supernatural. Thus the true fight was between ignorance and knowledge. Keeping the people from education and learning translated to power over the superstitious. It is an ageless battle that is as relevant today as it would have been a thousand years ago, even many thousands of years ago. This additional insight makes Brouwer's books appealing for older readers.
Because of some of the violence and implied violence within this volume, I would caution parents of younger children to use discretion in reading. I arbitrarily categorize this book as more of a thriller and suspense than an action and adventure book. There is plenty of action and adventure, but the upgrade is just a warning of the increased intensity of the material. I still highly recommend this book to those who love medieval fiction and historical literature with a hint of fantasy.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Waterbrook Press and the website, Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Like the other ones in the series, this book is packed with non-stop action and suspense. Thomas of Magnus flees England where he had briefly ruled the kingdom island of Magnus, only to have his life threatened by Druids posing as Priests of the Holy Grail. Friends helped him escape. He has finally arrived in Acre, the city of the knights' last stand in the era of the Crusades. But even in Acre assassins followed him and attacked his hiding place along with Katherine and Sir William. After many life threatening events eventually Thomas is faced with doubts as to whom to trust. He has caught Katherine, Sir William and Lord Baldwin in deceptions that leave him as distrustful of them as they are of him. How he tackles this quandary draws us further into the story and earns the respect of the reader for Thomas' intellect.
It is obvious in this series that the Druids and Merlin's Immortals are locked in a secret battle against each other, but it isn't evident until the very end of the book how large and sweeping the scope of this conflict really is. Apparently Thomas holds the key to a treasure both groups have sought for centuries. He does not know what the treasure could be until all clues lead him to what and where it is. At that point, the scope broadens from a regional skirmish, territorial claims and petty political disagreements to continental and even world wide significance, and from natural to spiritual in nature. Truly good is pitted against evil and the consequences of failure on either side is enormous.
Blades of Valor along with the others in the series is exciting to read and well worth owning. Back when I was homeschooling my children, this would have been a great series to read for its attention to historical detail, the captivating way the author develops Thomas' character over the time allotted by the series, and for its ability to capture the readers' attention through the author's writing style. He knows how to keep everyone in suspense and the way he write encourages his readers to speculate about the upcoming events.
This book also reveals that the series is not so much a fantasy series for which it appears in the three earlier books, but a historical series. The Druids and Merlin's Immortals are revealed as being completely human, but with knowledge that made them appear to the common ordinary person of those times to be supernatural. Thus the true fight was between ignorance and knowledge. Keeping the people from education and learning translated to power over the superstitious. It is an ageless battle that is as relevant today as it would have been a thousand years ago, even many thousands of years ago. This additional insight makes Brouwer's books appealing for older readers.
Because of some of the violence and implied violence within this volume, I would caution parents of younger children to use discretion in reading. I arbitrarily categorize this book as more of a thriller and suspense than an action and adventure book. There is plenty of action and adventure, but the upgrade is just a warning of the increased intensity of the material. I still highly recommend this book to those who love medieval fiction and historical literature with a hint of fantasy.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Waterbrook Press and the website, Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 27, 2013
Blades of Valor is a brilliant and captivating conclusion to this amazing series. While it beautifully ties up all of the loose ends, it also poses some intriguing questions of character and faith along the way. Is there a limit to our faith whenever it seems to cross certain lines? Do we stop trying to understand and learn for fear of being required to do something that we don’t want to do? Is it worth putting our life and our heart on the line in order to attain a dream that we have been promised especially when everything points to the opposite? When it comes down to the wire, what is worth more to you – good character or power and wealth? These and many others are answered in depth throughout this phenomenal series. Just when you think you are reading merely a story of fantasy, you discover that you are really reading a fascinating story of faith that is filled with hope and sprinkled with love.
We find Thomas in the Holy Land embarking on the most dangerous part of his quest. While he faced both hidden and visible dangers up to this point, what he walks into now will test the remainder of his resilience and the last vestige of his faith in man. He is so close to reaching his final goal, and yet he couldn’t feel any farther away than if he was back home in England. Knowing who he can trust has been an on-going thorn in his side, and he is determined to uncover that truth no matter the cost. Will he find what he so desperately seeks, or will he walk away tired and frustrated with no desire to push onward?
The central character of Thomas is essentially every man who is on his own journey of truth and faith. Each of us face dangers, pitfalls, and lies that lead us astray, but if we learn to open our eyes to what is most important, we will find that there is always a light that will guide us back to the right path. What we need to always remember is to keep pushing onward. Even when things look like they can’t get any worse, we need to draw from the wellspring of life within us to keep our feet steady and our eyes focused on the prize ahead of us. What a sad day it will surely be if we falter just before reaching our treasure. Don’t waver in doing good and leading the life that you are called to live. Your reward will be great, and your blessings will be everlasting.
Isabella and Katherine are fascinating in their character’s opposition to the other. There is no middle ground taken by either of them. They know the plans laid out for them, and they follow them without question or doubt. We see Isabella question her actions a few times, but she keeps those safely tucked away inside for fear of retribution. If only we could release our fears in order to live the life that has been laid out before us, we could come to know the ecstasy and joy that would unabashedly fill our lives. Could you imagine such a life? Would you want a life like that?
There is no doubt of the level of craftsmanship that is on display throughout the Merlin’s Immortals series. Brower’s words immediately fall away and all I see is the breathtaking landscape of England and the Holy Land. I observe as Thomas, Sir William, Katherine, and Isabella take us on an unforgettable excursion into exotic lands while surrounded by danger and mystery. It seems almost natural to walk beside them as they question, doubt, and persevere. Their struggles made me stronger, and their hardships brought me hope. This collection of dreams and beliefs were put through the intense flames of despair, heartache, and pain in order to be refined into the rich tapestry that is then put on display for all to gain knowledge, encouragement, and hope during their own times of trial and suffering. Only a master of words and heart can make this all look so effortless. I have greatly enjoyed reading and experiencing this enthralling series, and I eagerly look forward to what is next for this incredibly talented author.
We find Thomas in the Holy Land embarking on the most dangerous part of his quest. While he faced both hidden and visible dangers up to this point, what he walks into now will test the remainder of his resilience and the last vestige of his faith in man. He is so close to reaching his final goal, and yet he couldn’t feel any farther away than if he was back home in England. Knowing who he can trust has been an on-going thorn in his side, and he is determined to uncover that truth no matter the cost. Will he find what he so desperately seeks, or will he walk away tired and frustrated with no desire to push onward?
The central character of Thomas is essentially every man who is on his own journey of truth and faith. Each of us face dangers, pitfalls, and lies that lead us astray, but if we learn to open our eyes to what is most important, we will find that there is always a light that will guide us back to the right path. What we need to always remember is to keep pushing onward. Even when things look like they can’t get any worse, we need to draw from the wellspring of life within us to keep our feet steady and our eyes focused on the prize ahead of us. What a sad day it will surely be if we falter just before reaching our treasure. Don’t waver in doing good and leading the life that you are called to live. Your reward will be great, and your blessings will be everlasting.
Isabella and Katherine are fascinating in their character’s opposition to the other. There is no middle ground taken by either of them. They know the plans laid out for them, and they follow them without question or doubt. We see Isabella question her actions a few times, but she keeps those safely tucked away inside for fear of retribution. If only we could release our fears in order to live the life that has been laid out before us, we could come to know the ecstasy and joy that would unabashedly fill our lives. Could you imagine such a life? Would you want a life like that?
There is no doubt of the level of craftsmanship that is on display throughout the Merlin’s Immortals series. Brower’s words immediately fall away and all I see is the breathtaking landscape of England and the Holy Land. I observe as Thomas, Sir William, Katherine, and Isabella take us on an unforgettable excursion into exotic lands while surrounded by danger and mystery. It seems almost natural to walk beside them as they question, doubt, and persevere. Their struggles made me stronger, and their hardships brought me hope. This collection of dreams and beliefs were put through the intense flames of despair, heartache, and pain in order to be refined into the rich tapestry that is then put on display for all to gain knowledge, encouragement, and hope during their own times of trial and suffering. Only a master of words and heart can make this all look so effortless. I have greatly enjoyed reading and experiencing this enthralling series, and I eagerly look forward to what is next for this incredibly talented author.
April 8, 2014
Summary:The Druids held the humanity in the Dark Age for too long, keeping the most advanced knowledge about science and medicine for themselves. They vowed to rule the world though people’s ignorance, making people believe what the Druids possessed was pure magic. Another group of people came to fight the Druids. They called themselves the Immortals.
The war between the Druids and the Immortals continued for centuries and now is coming to the epic end. Who will win: the Druids or the Immortals?
The Druids held the position in the highest ranks in the British society for generations, and had an easy access to the King Edward II.
Follow the adventure with the Immortals Thomas and Katherine through the Holy Land to save the people from the Dark Age. Their foe: Isabelle and Waleran always seeking to eliminate Thomas and Katherine.
My rate: 4 stars out of 5.
This is the great book.
The characters are well constructed and likable.
The description of the scenes is great: very realistic; I could feel sun heat in the desert scene. Well done.
The story details are wonderfully constructed.
I loved the flow of the story. It was easy and interesting.
Many twists and turns, which makes it a great story with a great plot. I’ve enjoyed it a lot.
My one small “but” is the big leaps in a timeline in the back story. For example, it mentions about King David (907 BCE), then Jesus (1-33 AD), and them the Middle Ages (14th century= 1313 AD), where the story takes place.
My overall reaction on the book: great book. I recommend it for all who loves historical novels.
*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
My review is based solemnly on my honest opinion about the book.
Many thanks. I’ve enjoyed it.
Spoiler:
A Piece from Chapter ONE:
October, AD 1313
St. Jean d’Acre, Holy Land
Beneath the blue of clear sky and gentle breeze that carried the salt smell of the Mediterranean Sea, Isabelle Mewburn strode on the cobblestone with plans of murder in her heart. She was burned by the ultimate task her father had assigned upon her departure from England, months before. Deciding the best way to end the lives of the two people who prevented her from fulfilling this task gave her a cold satisfaction.
As she walked, her cloak and gown dragging along the spice-dusted streets, she heard the babble of foreign tongues at every market stall. Once, this harbor town had been one of the richest cities in all of Europe and the Mediterranean, when merchants from all over the Europe had enjoyed raucous lives as middlemen, trading from ships that arrived from the sea on one side, with Arab traders supplied by camel caravans from the Damascus road on the other.
St. Jean d’Acre had served for nearly two hundred years as the main port to the Holy Land. It had been the last Crusader stronghold in the Holy Land to fall to Mameluke infidels. First Jerusalem, then Nazareth, then each fortress along the Sea of Galilee. One by one, the mighty castles that had guarded the land for generations had fallen.
The massive stone walls of the city and the high turrets of its remaining buildings showed glory and strength from a distance, but Isabelle soon discovered it was merely an illusion. Beyond the market stalls, the town seemed empty and the shadows were deep. So many opportunities to fulfill her orders! The possibilities seemed endless. Should she aim to destroy Thomas and Katherine together? separately? secretly? But oh, how she would love to see the light of recognition in their eyes spark as she ended their interference once and for all! How was she to choose?
The war between the Druids and the Immortals continued for centuries and now is coming to the epic end. Who will win: the Druids or the Immortals?
The Druids held the position in the highest ranks in the British society for generations, and had an easy access to the King Edward II.
Follow the adventure with the Immortals Thomas and Katherine through the Holy Land to save the people from the Dark Age. Their foe: Isabelle and Waleran always seeking to eliminate Thomas and Katherine.
My rate: 4 stars out of 5.
This is the great book.
The characters are well constructed and likable.
The description of the scenes is great: very realistic; I could feel sun heat in the desert scene. Well done.
The story details are wonderfully constructed.
I loved the flow of the story. It was easy and interesting.
Many twists and turns, which makes it a great story with a great plot. I’ve enjoyed it a lot.
My one small “but” is the big leaps in a timeline in the back story. For example, it mentions about King David (907 BCE), then Jesus (1-33 AD), and them the Middle Ages (14th century= 1313 AD), where the story takes place.
My overall reaction on the book: great book. I recommend it for all who loves historical novels.
*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
My review is based solemnly on my honest opinion about the book.
Many thanks. I’ve enjoyed it.
Spoiler:
A Piece from Chapter ONE:
October, AD 1313
St. Jean d’Acre, Holy Land
Beneath the blue of clear sky and gentle breeze that carried the salt smell of the Mediterranean Sea, Isabelle Mewburn strode on the cobblestone with plans of murder in her heart. She was burned by the ultimate task her father had assigned upon her departure from England, months before. Deciding the best way to end the lives of the two people who prevented her from fulfilling this task gave her a cold satisfaction.
As she walked, her cloak and gown dragging along the spice-dusted streets, she heard the babble of foreign tongues at every market stall. Once, this harbor town had been one of the richest cities in all of Europe and the Mediterranean, when merchants from all over the Europe had enjoyed raucous lives as middlemen, trading from ships that arrived from the sea on one side, with Arab traders supplied by camel caravans from the Damascus road on the other.
St. Jean d’Acre had served for nearly two hundred years as the main port to the Holy Land. It had been the last Crusader stronghold in the Holy Land to fall to Mameluke infidels. First Jerusalem, then Nazareth, then each fortress along the Sea of Galilee. One by one, the mighty castles that had guarded the land for generations had fallen.
The massive stone walls of the city and the high turrets of its remaining buildings showed glory and strength from a distance, but Isabelle soon discovered it was merely an illusion. Beyond the market stalls, the town seemed empty and the shadows were deep. So many opportunities to fulfill her orders! The possibilities seemed endless. Should she aim to destroy Thomas and Katherine together? separately? secretly? But oh, how she would love to see the light of recognition in their eyes spark as she ended their interference once and for all! How was she to choose?
November 4, 2013
Age Appropriate For: 12 and up for Violence and mild romance
Best for Ages: 12 and up
I have to admit, this book was frustrating. Even though this book isn’t long, I found myself just wanting for it to be over. I really wanted to give this book five stars, as the rest of the series has been so awesome. This book, though, was more frustrating than the last one. I kept literally yelling: “Someone trust somebody already!” (You can feel sorry for my family for having to put up with me).
This book was as well written and had some of the same, fascinating aspects as the last three books. The battle between the Druids and the immortals rages on, and Thomas is caught in the middle. There is no doubt that Sigmund Brouwer has a great imagination.
Why did I end up not caring for the book? I felt the story was on repeat. Yes, Thomas in and friends are in different situations with different results, but I felt that the basic plot was repeating over and over again. Thomas thinks he can trust person A; then he sees person A with person B. Now he knows he can't trust them, so he seeks help from C. That works out fine until he sees them with person A.
The family relations? My head was spinning by the end of the book with sudden revelations of who was related to whom and complicated relationships. I didn’t feel most of them added anything of benefit and felt a little weird at times.
With that said, the ending did keep the book from being a complete waste of time. It was a brilliant ending, I have to admit. I also really liked what happened to Isabelle.
I recommend that those who read the last three books go ahead and read it to find out what happens, but be prepared for some frustration.
I received this book from WaterBrook Press through BookLook in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Best for Ages: 12 and up
I have to admit, this book was frustrating. Even though this book isn’t long, I found myself just wanting for it to be over. I really wanted to give this book five stars, as the rest of the series has been so awesome. This book, though, was more frustrating than the last one. I kept literally yelling: “Someone trust somebody already!” (You can feel sorry for my family for having to put up with me).
This book was as well written and had some of the same, fascinating aspects as the last three books. The battle between the Druids and the immortals rages on, and Thomas is caught in the middle. There is no doubt that Sigmund Brouwer has a great imagination.
Why did I end up not caring for the book? I felt the story was on repeat. Yes, Thomas in and friends are in different situations with different results, but I felt that the basic plot was repeating over and over again. Thomas thinks he can trust person A; then he sees person A with person B. Now he knows he can't trust them, so he seeks help from C. That works out fine until he sees them with person A.
The family relations? My head was spinning by the end of the book with sudden revelations of who was related to whom and complicated relationships. I didn’t feel most of them added anything of benefit and felt a little weird at times.
With that said, the ending did keep the book from being a complete waste of time. It was a brilliant ending, I have to admit. I also really liked what happened to Isabelle.
I recommend that those who read the last three books go ahead and read it to find out what happens, but be prepared for some frustration.
I received this book from WaterBrook Press through BookLook in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
January 26, 2014
A couple of years ago I reviewed the second book in the Merlin’s Immortal series written by Sigmond Brouwer. Since then I’ve been interested in how the story develops and also reviewed the third book in the series and now, with the release of the fourth, and final, book, Blades of Valor I felt the need to see how the series ended since I have grown to know these characters over the past couple of years.
In book three, Thomas of Magnus and Katherine ended up in the Holy Land looking for answers. Book four picks up right where book three ended. Katherine and Thomas have found Sir Williams and are looking for a treasure they believe to be hidden somewhere in the Holy Land. However, Thomas is still struggling to figure out who he can trust. His heart wants to trust Katherine, the beautiful girl that he can’t think straight around, but he feels she has betrayed him when he sees her enter a city with men who tried to assassinate him. Thomas must use his knowledge to figure out whether to trust Sir William and Katherine or Sir Baldwin instead. Meanwhile, back in England, a conspiracy brews that could destroy the kingdom.
This is a great series for teenage boys with fighting, sword play and the mystery of what Thomas possesses that is sought after by evil men. Brouwer did a great job of wrapping up the series and giving readers closure to the story of Thomas of Magnus.
****Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing provided me with a free eBook in exchange for an honest and fair review. I was not compensated in any way for either a positive or a negative review.
In book three, Thomas of Magnus and Katherine ended up in the Holy Land looking for answers. Book four picks up right where book three ended. Katherine and Thomas have found Sir Williams and are looking for a treasure they believe to be hidden somewhere in the Holy Land. However, Thomas is still struggling to figure out who he can trust. His heart wants to trust Katherine, the beautiful girl that he can’t think straight around, but he feels she has betrayed him when he sees her enter a city with men who tried to assassinate him. Thomas must use his knowledge to figure out whether to trust Sir William and Katherine or Sir Baldwin instead. Meanwhile, back in England, a conspiracy brews that could destroy the kingdom.
This is a great series for teenage boys with fighting, sword play and the mystery of what Thomas possesses that is sought after by evil men. Brouwer did a great job of wrapping up the series and giving readers closure to the story of Thomas of Magnus.
****Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing provided me with a free eBook in exchange for an honest and fair review. I was not compensated in any way for either a positive or a negative review.
June 23, 2014
My review of book 3 in Sigmund Brouwer's "Merlin's Immortals" series
included my thoughts of"I love the story. I love the characters. I want to know how it ends."
I now know. And I'm well pleased!
Action and intrigue grabbed my interest from the opening page
and kept me reading from the Holy Land to England.
Thomas is understandably confused when he sees the ones he has come to trust
in the company of his would be assassins , setting him on the edge of disaster.
The pace is intense - emotionally and intellectually - as we follow
confusion and complications.
Alliances and broken trust, exotic locations and deprivations,
all well formed and descriptive.
A good sense of being present in the settings and action.
Dialogue was good. As was the element of surprise!
Brouwer leads the reader on a few merry chases
where we believe a situation to be as described,
only to discover all is not as it appears...
Experiencing all the tension and dismay of our heroes.
A few details seemed unusual leaving me wondering such as where
Thomas's pup, Beast, disappeared between book 3 and 4.
Conclusion wrapped up the series with finesse
and I was left with a sense of satisfaction in having discovered
the mysteries as well as the outcome.
Time well spent!
*Original review posted at Faith Hope & Cherrytea
** Appreciation to Waterbrook for an ecopy to read and review without obligation or compensation.
February 18, 2014
Thomas and Katherine are in the Holy Land, and they’re both looking for answers. They also both still don’t know if they can trust the other. They set off in search of an ancient treasure. But they are travelling through a dangerous place with bandits, Druids, and the desert sun. Can they find the treasure? And can Thomas discover the truth once and for all?
This was the final book in the Merlin’s Immortals series, and overall, I enjoyed this tale. But there was a place in this book where I was just annoyed with the continual “Who can we trust?” thing. Katherine and Sir William put Thomas through a test that is completely unfair and by no means foolproof. Yet the result makes them certain that Thomas is a Druid after all. I, the reader, was annoyed. This “Can we trust him?” thing went on for four books, and this time, it was too much. Just have a conversation, please!
Once we got past all that, the story rolled on to an excellent and entertaining conclusion. So, all in all, I enjoyed this series. The narrative style in which point of view characters knows things but won’t tell the reader has never been my favorite, but I cared enough about the characters and the mysterious plot that I kept with it. I also think these four books would do better as one 500-page novel than four short ones. Overall, an enjoyable series.
This was the final book in the Merlin’s Immortals series, and overall, I enjoyed this tale. But there was a place in this book where I was just annoyed with the continual “Who can we trust?” thing. Katherine and Sir William put Thomas through a test that is completely unfair and by no means foolproof. Yet the result makes them certain that Thomas is a Druid after all. I, the reader, was annoyed. This “Can we trust him?” thing went on for four books, and this time, it was too much. Just have a conversation, please!
Once we got past all that, the story rolled on to an excellent and entertaining conclusion. So, all in all, I enjoyed this series. The narrative style in which point of view characters knows things but won’t tell the reader has never been my favorite, but I cared enough about the characters and the mysterious plot that I kept with it. I also think these four books would do better as one 500-page novel than four short ones. Overall, an enjoyable series.
Read
February 6, 2014I haven't been thrilled with this series, but I felt like I should read the fourth (and last) book. And I have to admit that I was curious as to what new adventures Thomas would find himself in, how he would finally get some of his questions answered, and whether the Immortals (the good guys) would finally trust him. I wasn't disappointed; finally, I, the reader got some questions answered. And it was about time!
At the end of the third book, Thomas was in the Holy Land, trying to find hidden Druid treasure, and this book picks up there and takes Thomas back to England where he saves the world from the Druids, gets the girl, and becomes king of his own small fiefdom. Spoiler alert? I don't think that was needed; how else would this book end?
This book was better than the first three in the series (read my reviews here), so I'm glad that I read it. And I'm glad that I don't have any "loose strings," so to speak. This series might be good for a ten year old boy, but that's about it. Of course, that boy is the preferred audience, so I shouldn't be too harsh. These books are good, clean fun, even if a little (a lot!) unbelievable.
I want to thank WaterBrook Multnomah for my review copy of this book, but my opinions are my own.
At the end of the third book, Thomas was in the Holy Land, trying to find hidden Druid treasure, and this book picks up there and takes Thomas back to England where he saves the world from the Druids, gets the girl, and becomes king of his own small fiefdom. Spoiler alert? I don't think that was needed; how else would this book end?
This book was better than the first three in the series (read my reviews here), so I'm glad that I read it. And I'm glad that I don't have any "loose strings," so to speak. This series might be good for a ten year old boy, but that's about it. Of course, that boy is the preferred audience, so I shouldn't be too harsh. These books are good, clean fun, even if a little (a lot!) unbelievable.
I want to thank WaterBrook Multnomah for my review copy of this book, but my opinions are my own.
March 6, 2014
In this final installment of his "Merlin's Immortals" series, Sigmund Brower pulls all of the pieces together to answer his readers' questions. But, do those answers include Thomas and Katherine actually finding the treasure? learning the truth? Come along on this final journey to see!
Thomas and Katherine may be traveling together, but they still aren't sure about trusting each other. The Holy Land is a very dangerous place filled with those who seek to do them harm, and a desert sun that would scorch anyone. Do they dare let down their guard even for each other? Now is time for the Druids and the Immortals to battle for the ultimate power using whatever devices they want to employ. Nothing seems to be off limits and trickery abounds. How will the battle end? What will be the fate of each group? Why is Thomas called an Immortal?
I have really enjoyed this series, pulling for those I thought were the heroes and looking for the demise of those who were not. There are life applications that can be found inside the cover of this book, ones of faith, trust, love, and hope (to name a few), and I recommend this fun series to readers of all ages.
Thomas and Katherine may be traveling together, but they still aren't sure about trusting each other. The Holy Land is a very dangerous place filled with those who seek to do them harm, and a desert sun that would scorch anyone. Do they dare let down their guard even for each other? Now is time for the Druids and the Immortals to battle for the ultimate power using whatever devices they want to employ. Nothing seems to be off limits and trickery abounds. How will the battle end? What will be the fate of each group? Why is Thomas called an Immortal?
I have really enjoyed this series, pulling for those I thought were the heroes and looking for the demise of those who were not. There are life applications that can be found inside the cover of this book, ones of faith, trust, love, and hope (to name a few), and I recommend this fun series to readers of all ages.
April 30, 2014
It’s over! Done for, finished…
And a rather good ending it was too, for Sigmund Brouwer’s Merlin’s Immortals series. I finally read Blades of Valor, and I actually liked it fairly well.
For me, the previous book, Martyr’s Fire, felt frustratingly convoluted. Everyone knows everyone else is up to something, but can’t prove who is working for what. Therefore, no one can trust anyone and Thomas has to run all over the place looking for a mysterious secret.
There are still lots of secrets to this story, and some of them still don’t make sense at the end, but Blades of Valor seemed to pick up energy as it went on. The story reads just as fast as the previous books with just over 200 pages, but it travels from Acre on the Mediterranean coast down to the Dead Sea and back to Jerusalem. On the way, Thomas dodges bandits, learns who he can really trust, and tracks down the final secret he needs to reclaim Magnus from the Druids. And yes, it has the happily-ever-after Thomas wants—after he finally devises a test to cut past all the lies and trickery he faces.
And a rather good ending it was too, for Sigmund Brouwer’s Merlin’s Immortals series. I finally read Blades of Valor, and I actually liked it fairly well.
For me, the previous book, Martyr’s Fire, felt frustratingly convoluted. Everyone knows everyone else is up to something, but can’t prove who is working for what. Therefore, no one can trust anyone and Thomas has to run all over the place looking for a mysterious secret.
There are still lots of secrets to this story, and some of them still don’t make sense at the end, but Blades of Valor seemed to pick up energy as it went on. The story reads just as fast as the previous books with just over 200 pages, but it travels from Acre on the Mediterranean coast down to the Dead Sea and back to Jerusalem. On the way, Thomas dodges bandits, learns who he can really trust, and tracks down the final secret he needs to reclaim Magnus from the Druids. And yes, it has the happily-ever-after Thomas wants—after he finally devises a test to cut past all the lies and trickery he faces.
May 8, 2014
With more questions than answers, and continually hounded by certainty of who to trust, Thomas faces the incredible task of reclaiming his kingdom from the Druids. Having journeyed to Jerusalem to find answers, he must now face the answers to his questions; and find his true identity, in God. A compelling book, Brouwer has the reader guessing again and again, with many plot twists and emotions. I enjoyed this last book in the Merlin's Immortals series, however, at times there was too much repetition with his previous books, and unnecessary details. Hence why I would only give it 4 stars.
August 14, 2016
there was potential to this series which is why I stuck with it. but overall the story was just not told in a very good way...
March 30, 2021
I loved it!! Even though it is only available as an ebook( which I don’t usually read) I still really enjoyed it. I definitely recommend it!!😁
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