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A Pattern of Shadow & Light #3
Paths of Alir
In Melissa McPhail’s award-winning epic fantasy series, A Pattern of Shadow Light, she introduces her readers to the realm of Alorin and a magical Adept race facing extinction. The race’s tragic decline is the result of Malorin’athgul, powerful beings from the fringes of Chaos, whose presence in Alorin has caused a shift in the cosmic Balance. Fate bends to their will, and this is set upon Alorin’s destruction. Alone in understanding the threat they pose, Alorin’s Fifth Vestal, Björn val Gelderan, has launched a desperate plan to stop them: a “great game” played upon the tapestry of mortal life. Now, in Paths of Alir, A Pattern of Shadow Light Book 3, Björn’s Players have taken the field:
Along the lush Caladrian coast…the truthreader Tanis returns to the place of his birth and finds mysterious and wonderful workings waiting for him. But the zanthyr warns Tanis that ominous events lie ahead, and the lad soon wonders if even his mother’s magical lessons will be enough to keep him alive.
In the dungeons of Tal’Shira…held prisoner by the Adept Inquisitor Taliah hal’Jaitar, Prince Trell val Lorian is facing a life of enslavement. Only two paths lie open before him: one means an eternity of torture fighting Taliah’s attempts to break him; the other requires surrendering to her will. But can he really sacrifice everything he is to walk Taliah’s path of twisted magic known as mor’alir?
In the snow-bound Castle of Tyr’kharta...Prince Ean val Lorian must choose between saving his brother Sebastian or his loyal men. But to choose his men means leaving Sebastian to an eternity of enslavement; while rescuing Sebastian means abandoning his friends along with his honor. Either decision will test Ean’s newfound skills as well as his conviction, for as the prince soon learns: once a man becomes a Player in the First Lord’s game, not even death can give reprieve.
Along the lush Caladrian coast…the truthreader Tanis returns to the place of his birth and finds mysterious and wonderful workings waiting for him. But the zanthyr warns Tanis that ominous events lie ahead, and the lad soon wonders if even his mother’s magical lessons will be enough to keep him alive.
In the dungeons of Tal’Shira…held prisoner by the Adept Inquisitor Taliah hal’Jaitar, Prince Trell val Lorian is facing a life of enslavement. Only two paths lie open before him: one means an eternity of torture fighting Taliah’s attempts to break him; the other requires surrendering to her will. But can he really sacrifice everything he is to walk Taliah’s path of twisted magic known as mor’alir?
In the snow-bound Castle of Tyr’kharta...Prince Ean val Lorian must choose between saving his brother Sebastian or his loyal men. But to choose his men means leaving Sebastian to an eternity of enslavement; while rescuing Sebastian means abandoning his friends along with his honor. Either decision will test Ean’s newfound skills as well as his conviction, for as the prince soon learns: once a man becomes a Player in the First Lord’s game, not even death can give reprieve.
ebook
First published September 27, 2014
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About the author
Melissa McPhail
10 books1,254 followersMelissa McPhail is the author of the best-selling epic fantasy series A Pattern of Shadow & Light. She's the mother of twin girls who think boys in books are just better, and the adoptive mother to four very large cats who basically rule the roost; and while she can never leave the house in one attempt, she's pretty darn good at spinning a tale. She's also a classically trained pianist, violinist and composer, a Vinyasa yoga instructor, and an avid tea drinker.
Melissa's fantasy series has won eight best fantasy awards and (even more importantly to her) a fiercely devoted following. She is known for being an engaged author on social media and welcomes your thoughts on her work, the speculative fiction genre or writing in general.
Look for Melissa on Twitter @melissagmcphail, Facebook at facebook.com/cephraelshand or via her website and blog at melissamcphail.com.
Melissa's fantasy series has won eight best fantasy awards and (even more importantly to her) a fiercely devoted following. She is known for being an engaged author on social media and welcomes your thoughts on her work, the speculative fiction genre or writing in general.
Look for Melissa on Twitter @melissagmcphail, Facebook at facebook.com/cephraelshand or via her website and blog at melissamcphail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
September 17, 2017
I love this series but this installment tried my patience. I still believe that this is a great series and that THE PATHS OF ALIR is an excellent book. But let me get my gripe on:
Firstly, there is nothing in literature that bothers me more than a stinking quotation at the beginning of every chapter. Sanderson is the only author that I've read who cleverly tells a storyline through this device. Every other author uses it poorly and boy does it infuriate me. The pre-chapter quotations in this book always foreshadowed the action of the specific chapter but why? What's the point? McPhail has proven that she has enough to write without having to come up with bullshit quotes.
Secondly, just about every character in this series has gotten abducted! Just when one character is freed another is taken prisoner! One character was held prisoner by another character who was held prisoner by another motherfucking character! Yes. You read that right. Ridiculously convoluted and unenjoyable. Not only that but my favorite character was held prisoner and raped for the entire book! The whole damn thing!
That brings me to my next gripe: This book took an extra dark turn. Some weird and twisted shit happens to my precious Adepts and wielders and Adept wielders. I like some darkness in my entertainment but this book got decidedly Mark Lawrence-y. Not to my tastes. I'm sensitive.
Lastly, there are just way too many POV characters in this book. A reader could be left in suspense for hundreds of pages before finding a resolution with any specific character. This is a strength and a weakness because every character is really well written and has an important part to play. The story would be less for losing a character but that leaves a reader with a heavy burden.
The one thing in these books that never fails to disappoint and keeps my faith in this series is Tanis. Following Tanis from book one to three has been awesome and his arc has been rewarding. The other characters arc change from rewarding to frustrating but Tanis' is solid and always enjoyable.
Looking back on what I've written I see that someone could get confused. I loved this book and series and am awaiting the release of KINGDOM BLADES with bated breath. This series is great and I fully believe more people should read it.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Firstly, there is nothing in literature that bothers me more than a stinking quotation at the beginning of every chapter. Sanderson is the only author that I've read who cleverly tells a storyline through this device. Every other author uses it poorly and boy does it infuriate me. The pre-chapter quotations in this book always foreshadowed the action of the specific chapter but why? What's the point? McPhail has proven that she has enough to write without having to come up with bullshit quotes.
Secondly, just about every character in this series has gotten abducted! Just when one character is freed another is taken prisoner! One character was held prisoner by another character who was held prisoner by another motherfucking character! Yes. You read that right. Ridiculously convoluted and unenjoyable. Not only that but my favorite character was held prisoner and raped for the entire book! The whole damn thing!
That brings me to my next gripe: This book took an extra dark turn. Some weird and twisted shit happens to my precious Adepts and wielders and Adept wielders. I like some darkness in my entertainment but this book got decidedly Mark Lawrence-y. Not to my tastes. I'm sensitive.
Lastly, there are just way too many POV characters in this book. A reader could be left in suspense for hundreds of pages before finding a resolution with any specific character. This is a strength and a weakness because every character is really well written and has an important part to play. The story would be less for losing a character but that leaves a reader with a heavy burden.
The one thing in these books that never fails to disappoint and keeps my faith in this series is Tanis. Following Tanis from book one to three has been awesome and his arc has been rewarding. The other characters arc change from rewarding to frustrating but Tanis' is solid and always enjoyable.
Looking back on what I've written I see that someone could get confused. I loved this book and series and am awaiting the release of KINGDOM BLADES with bated breath. This series is great and I fully believe more people should read it.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
December 9, 2016
I really don't understand the glowing reviews for this book, it was overlong, badly paced, and the series is still highly derivative. honestly, I feel like I'm being generous at 3 stars.
Every main character has ALL the powers, the twists are extremely predictable (I saw Tanis' parentage coming last book), the magic system is very vague and that is used to keep adding deus ex machina powers and abilities to get characters out of trouble.
Further, the main characters all have +5 Plot Armor, which removes any tension from their conflicts.
Every character falls in love after 30 seconds, and then never shuts up about it...it's ridiculous.
The worst offender is Alyneri, who has now been ~~~OMG in love~~~ with two main characters, and who exists for no other reason than to wait for/pine after/worry over the male leads, or to be captured so one of them can rescue her. I honestly started skipping/skimming her sections in this book, and as far as I can tell I missed nothing of consequence.
Not sure if I'll be getting the next book.
Every main character has ALL the powers, the twists are extremely predictable (I saw Tanis' parentage coming last book), the magic system is very vague and that is used to keep adding deus ex machina powers and abilities to get characters out of trouble.
Further, the main characters all have +5 Plot Armor, which removes any tension from their conflicts.
Every character falls in love after 30 seconds, and then never shuts up about it...it's ridiculous.
The worst offender is Alyneri, who has now been ~~~OMG in love~~~ with two main characters, and who exists for no other reason than to wait for/pine after/worry over the male leads, or to be captured so one of them can rescue her. I honestly started skipping/skimming her sections in this book, and as far as I can tell I missed nothing of consequence.
Not sure if I'll be getting the next book.
January 28, 2015
Oh My God. What a PHENOMENAL book. 2 days, I spent doing nothing except pouring over this book, experiencing a myriad range of emotions. Really. Isabel and Ean, Alyneri and Trell, Björn and Alshiba, moments simply captured me and took me to a new world. I cried openly reading what happened.
I can't wait for the next book. I feel like my life has changed. It feels so empty now. Give me the new book ASAP
I can't wait for the next book. I feel like my life has changed. It feels so empty now. Give me the new book ASAP
November 28, 2014
I love stories. I've read many, many books, watched a ton of TV and movies. I enjoyed the first 2 books in this series, but Melissa McPhail has done something that very rarely happens for me anymore in any story in any medium: She surprised me.
In the climactic section of the novel she surprised me not once, but twice. I was on pins and needles with the tension of the scenes she portrays, and I was delighted by the logic and beauty and horror of the denouement of those same scenes. This kind of artistry gives me hope that McPhail is no George R.R. Martin-style soap-opera story-teller. The tightly coupled nature of characterization and plot in her books reaches a new height in "The Paths of Alir." I cannot wait for book 4!
In the climactic section of the novel she surprised me not once, but twice. I was on pins and needles with the tension of the scenes she portrays, and I was delighted by the logic and beauty and horror of the denouement of those same scenes. This kind of artistry gives me hope that McPhail is no George R.R. Martin-style soap-opera story-teller. The tightly coupled nature of characterization and plot in her books reaches a new height in "The Paths of Alir." I cannot wait for book 4!
July 26, 2016
Full review to come closer to release date.
-------------
(Aug. 19th)
Paths of Alir is on Goodreads!
Look at the beautiful new cover!
And "Björn’s Players have taken the field"?!
Be there September 27th!
-------------
(Aug. 19th)
Paths of Alir is on Goodreads!
Look at the beautiful new cover!
And "Björn’s Players have taken the field"?!
Be there September 27th!
June 23, 2017
Paths of Alir comes on the backs of two very strong books to start off "A Pattern of Shadow & Light". In the previous books readers were introduced to a plethora of interesting characters and an interesting world. I thoroughly enjoyed both of them, but Paths of Alir was a major step in the wrong direction.
I'll try to be brief as my complaints lie in three sections:
-The characters have started to blend together. In the first two books each character was distinguishable by character traits and different strengths. One was headstrong and reckless, one had an excellent mind for tactics and as a leader, one had issues to overcome due to years of torture, one was a headstrong girl. In the third installment they all continue to grow in their strengths, but also lose their flaws. Each character could be replaced by the other non-diety characters in the novel, aside from Tanis, and the results would largely be the same. Each learns the exact same hidden sword technique and each is growing courageous and strong as they morph into a blob of flawless heroes.
-The author has re-used the same plot line to drive the story over and over and it's getting tiresome. I'm not sensitive to torture or sexual abuse in novels as I think books should continue to explore what makes us uncomfortable because bad things do happen. McPhail has done an excellent job showing characters that are capable of overcoming their hardships and rising up out of the dust, but every character goes through the same crucible. There are 6 main characters and two minor characters who have been kidnapped, tortured, and/or sexually abused as a key plot point. It's rather frustrating to read about a character getting tortured and rescued, only to have it happened again to another character 20 pages later.
-Books wish fulfill, it happens. A lot of times it really works in the story and you never once break from the realm of reality. Everything ends up going perfectly in the end for every character, especially Tanis. **SPOILER ALERT** Having Tanis, a 16 year old, predictably find out that his parents were two of the other main characters 300 years ago snapped me right out of the book and into a poorly written fan-fiction. If you have to give an extremely drab explanation about how a 16 year old has actually been alive for 300 years, you should re-think your plot line in lieu of a bit of ridiculous wish fulfillment.
All in all Paths of Alir was a poorly written book with coveluted plot lines and a whole cast of Mary Sues and their male equivalencies. Here's to hoping Kingdom Blades can re-ignite my interest in an otherwise good fantasy series.
I'll try to be brief as my complaints lie in three sections:
-The characters have started to blend together. In the first two books each character was distinguishable by character traits and different strengths. One was headstrong and reckless, one had an excellent mind for tactics and as a leader, one had issues to overcome due to years of torture, one was a headstrong girl. In the third installment they all continue to grow in their strengths, but also lose their flaws. Each character could be replaced by the other non-diety characters in the novel, aside from Tanis, and the results would largely be the same. Each learns the exact same hidden sword technique and each is growing courageous and strong as they morph into a blob of flawless heroes.
-The author has re-used the same plot line to drive the story over and over and it's getting tiresome. I'm not sensitive to torture or sexual abuse in novels as I think books should continue to explore what makes us uncomfortable because bad things do happen. McPhail has done an excellent job showing characters that are capable of overcoming their hardships and rising up out of the dust, but every character goes through the same crucible. There are 6 main characters and two minor characters who have been kidnapped, tortured, and/or sexually abused as a key plot point. It's rather frustrating to read about a character getting tortured and rescued, only to have it happened again to another character 20 pages later.
-Books wish fulfill, it happens. A lot of times it really works in the story and you never once break from the realm of reality. Everything ends up going perfectly in the end for every character, especially Tanis. **SPOILER ALERT** Having Tanis, a 16 year old, predictably find out that his parents were two of the other main characters 300 years ago snapped me right out of the book and into a poorly written fan-fiction. If you have to give an extremely drab explanation about how a 16 year old has actually been alive for 300 years, you should re-think your plot line in lieu of a bit of ridiculous wish fulfillment.
All in all Paths of Alir was a poorly written book with coveluted plot lines and a whole cast of Mary Sues and their male equivalencies. Here's to hoping Kingdom Blades can re-ignite my interest in an otherwise good fantasy series.
April 12, 2018
tl;dr? I'll save you the hassle: Everyone gets raped.
I mean, come on. What does "Fantasy" mean to you? In my fantasies there is wonder and delight. Apparently in Ms. McPhail's fantasies everyone gets raped. And sure, you can't have resolution without some conflict before it, but damn, way to use a sledge hammer instead of some delicate chisel work. Can we stop this trend now, please? Or at least file this under "torture porn" so I know better.
Oh, and here's a tip: Book 4 starts with a "where we left off" just like the others, so if you skip this one you'll be missing some context, but maybe that's a better option than trying to get through this novel.
I mean, come on. What does "Fantasy" mean to you? In my fantasies there is wonder and delight. Apparently in Ms. McPhail's fantasies everyone gets raped. And sure, you can't have resolution without some conflict before it, but damn, way to use a sledge hammer instead of some delicate chisel work. Can we stop this trend now, please? Or at least file this under "torture porn" so I know better.
Oh, and here's a tip: Book 4 starts with a "where we left off" just like the others, so if you skip this one you'll be missing some context, but maybe that's a better option than trying to get through this novel.
November 29, 2018
This went from a neat story in the first two books to rape as character development for basically every character in this book. Disgusting and gratuitous. Beyond that it's bloated into a behemoth with too many characters, too many storylines, and not enough actual plot that isn't driven by sexual assault. I'm out.
March 20, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Podium Publishing. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Again, huge freaking shout out to Podehl for narrating these three beasts of a novel because holy cow. They got so damn intense and I just know that I would not have been able to read this physically. I think about how small the font would have been and how thick the physical book would have been and having to lug that thing all over because I would have wanted to get through it as quickly and efficiently as possible. I just really appreciate Podehl for being the voice for this story and doing such an amazing job. I don’t think I would have liked anyone else besides him, and I’m very glad that he was able to stay the narrator for the full series. I’m telling you, one of my biggest pet peeves and biggest disappointments with series going on audiobook are when they end up changing the narrator after the first book, and the first narrator was AMAZING.
That experience actually happened to me with the Crazy Rich Asian series, and I was not into the narrator for the second book so I never ended up listening to the series.
Anyway, this is the very middle of the series, with five books that I’m seeing on Goodreads right now. For an epic fantasy, that could be seen as a lot. I mean The Lord of the Rings was pretty thick and only had three books. But they were all intense, just like this series. I think that the story doesn’t lag honestly, and maybe it worked out for the better that McPhail split up this amazing and epic story into five books. Sure, they are all really big and could have been condensed even more, but I think that this worked out much better.
I’m definitely curious to know if Podium Publishing will make the rest of the books into audiobooks and have it available on Audible. I’d be curious to see how it ends up ending, and honestly I’m just now really super invested in the rest of the story. If the rest end up being available, I know I’ll have to do a re-listen and probably take better (more) notes so I can keep up with everything that ended up happening throughout the novels.
Again, huge freaking shout out to Podehl for narrating these three beasts of a novel because holy cow. They got so damn intense and I just know that I would not have been able to read this physically. I think about how small the font would have been and how thick the physical book would have been and having to lug that thing all over because I would have wanted to get through it as quickly and efficiently as possible. I just really appreciate Podehl for being the voice for this story and doing such an amazing job. I don’t think I would have liked anyone else besides him, and I’m very glad that he was able to stay the narrator for the full series. I’m telling you, one of my biggest pet peeves and biggest disappointments with series going on audiobook are when they end up changing the narrator after the first book, and the first narrator was AMAZING.
That experience actually happened to me with the Crazy Rich Asian series, and I was not into the narrator for the second book so I never ended up listening to the series.
Anyway, this is the very middle of the series, with five books that I’m seeing on Goodreads right now. For an epic fantasy, that could be seen as a lot. I mean The Lord of the Rings was pretty thick and only had three books. But they were all intense, just like this series. I think that the story doesn’t lag honestly, and maybe it worked out for the better that McPhail split up this amazing and epic story into five books. Sure, they are all really big and could have been condensed even more, but I think that this worked out much better.
I’m definitely curious to know if Podium Publishing will make the rest of the books into audiobooks and have it available on Audible. I’d be curious to see how it ends up ending, and honestly I’m just now really super invested in the rest of the story. If the rest end up being available, I know I’ll have to do a re-listen and probably take better (more) notes so I can keep up with everything that ended up happening throughout the novels.
October 29, 2014
Revised review, of a wonderful book
I owe the author of this book a sincere and heartfelt apology. The apology is for the conclusions I drew and expressed regarding her motivations, conclusions that were clearly wrong. I realize apologies aren't always enough but offer mine just the same.
Ms. McPhail, I apologize
I had previously written a highly critical review of this book when my reading of the text led me to the conclusion that a female character had been raped and that act had been glorified. The author graciously clarified her intention and understood that while there may have been some confusion created by the dialog, which she took the time to clarify and update, the interaction wasn't intended to portray a rape but a consensual act, a choice, and as a result I've edited my review.
Spoilers Below:
While the style, poetry and complexity of the authors writing remained the same if not better, the content of this third book somehow felt darker and more violent which created some discomfort for me. My lack of comfort with the darker content of this book poses an issue. While it's not comfortable, the story is so well crafted, the ideas so challenging, I care so much for the individual characters, I can't help but want to know how their tale unfolds.
The concept of this book was supposed to be patterns of shadow and light, it *felt* much more dark than light on balance. Thus far, for most characters to stay on their "Path" they must endure extreme pain and sacrifice, which is fine but I felt the book spent a lot of time showing the sacrifice but too little time exploring just why that sacrifice was worthwhile.
The Isabel story-line is a good example for the "worth it" question not being asked or answered... What goodness is there in Isabel's life that makes the continued sacrifices she and Ean keep making worth it? I don't know, they seem convinced the sacrifices are worth it....they seem committed to continue to make the sacrifices but I have no earthly idea why its worth it. Isabel sacrifices her body and the mortal love of her soul mate Ean, to remain on her "path". While I know Isabel believed the sacrifice was necessary to stay on her path, and her path for the game,why?...does this mean staying on your path and being happy are mutually exclusive? If staying on your path and being happy are mutually exclusive..who the heck cares if you win the game that requires you stay on a path to unhappiness.
In contrast the "worth it" does get answered by in the Tanis story-line, by far the best in the book, a great mix of light and dark.... the sheer joy in his exploration of life, coming to love, discovery of his family clearly demonstrates why following the path, seeing this hard thing through is worth the cost.
The Pelas story-line still bothers me immensely - I still believe Pelas is portrayed as far too perfect, with every adjective use to describe him, by every person. Worse, currently he is literally responsible for nothing he's ever done. I assume that dynamic will change. Perhaps my feeling that Pelas life has no cost or consequences is a sign that I still hold some lingering animosity over his interactions with Isabel and what it cost her, but I honestly believe it's more.
I think I've figured out why....Living a life should cause some ripple, some change good and bad, with some accounting..and that accounting should include both consequences and rewards for your choices. Even the most perfect creatures, even Pelas should have some accounting--some loss, some gain,some regret, some joy, some debt owed, some balance due. Thus far, all of Pelas's accounting seems to have been placed on plus side of the ledger, all debts assigned to another.
By the way the Pelas story has unfolded he gets to jump right into the middle of the story and life with all the rewards The love of (Isabel & Tanis) and none of the consequences of a life lived. The two most wonderful people in the book are willing to give anything for him. Willing to give anything despite what the cost or how much more others have already sacrificed and contributed to and for them, withdraws on an account with no deposits. It feels..I'll say it...unjust, a reward for who/what he is not what he's done, a golden child. It seems unfair to those who have ALREADY sacrificed then seem to be cast aside, sacrificed or forgotten in consideration for what Pelas is or might do in the future. Pelas receives an account overflowing, while others like Ean, accounts seem empty. (heck he was absent from the last 1/4 of the book)
I hope Pelas taking away Tanis's right to choose, buy bonding with him, though he new he should, without telling him about the interaction with his mother at least starts the process of him having an account with both debts and credits, like everyone else.
My fear is that this will become a story about Pelas, with him becoming the savior/hero claiming eternity of happiness with heroine in reward. Happiness and reward so many others, who already have sacrificed more or everything were denied in the end. At first thought this concern was because I harbored some resentment for him but I realize it's because the other, less perfect, struggling people have always just resonated more with me. Perhaps I just can't help rooting for the underdog, those who persevere despite having none of the advantages of being a perfect.
I hope the next book focuses not on how the game can be won, but more why it's worth winning. If that takes place, I imagine it won't seem so dark..
If you can't tell, I loved the book and the series...these aren't complaints ...call it challenging passion.
April 1, 2017
This series only gets better and better. It grows a bit in adult content with this book, but overall this is one of the most complex series' I've read since Wheel of Time. It has a wonderful story, with tid-bits of reveals as the story progresses. Some of them I'm able to catch before the author reveals, but others I am completely surprised. I would definitely recommend this to someone who loves a complex epic fantasy with a fascinating world, engaging characters, and a master story line. The audio is superb as well.
July 29, 2021
Low 4 stars for me. The author continues to expand the world and are characters meet a lot of new hardships but they find the tools to help them overcome it.
This book was more dark the the first 2 in the series but in a way also less predictable.
All in all 3 books into the series I'm loving it and going to continues to the next one soon.
This book was more dark the the first 2 in the series but in a way also less predictable.
All in all 3 books into the series I'm loving it and going to continues to the next one soon.
March 25, 2017
Wow! Just finished the book and can't wait for the next one. I really like the way the character arcs are coming along and the story is progressing. So many times I've been disappointed with a middle book in an epic series, where everything is just about setting up for the next book or books. Melissa McPhail still is setting up for a conclusion, but doing it a way that keeps you captivated and draws you in more and even wrapping up some storylines.
November 3, 2024
Very skilful story weaving, with some loose strands, but compelled to follow this path to the end
September 8, 2021
New review, of book with new content, revise and upgraded
Spoilers Below:
I owe the author of this book a sincere and heartfelt apology.
Ms. McPhail, I apologize
I had previously written a highly critical review of this book when my reading of the text led me to the conclusion that a female character had been raped and that act had been glorified. The author graciously clarified her intention and understood that while there may have been some confusion created by the dialog, which she took the time to clarify and update in the book, the interaction wasn't intended to portray a rape but a consensual act, a choice, and as a result I've edited my review.
Spoilers Below:
While the style, poetry and complexity of the authors writing remained the same if not better, the content of this third book som
The concept of this book was supposed to be patterns of shadow and light, it *felt* much more dark than light on balance. Thus far, for most characters to stay on their "Path" they must endure extreme pain and sacrifice, which is fine but I felt the book spent a lot of time showing the sacrifice but too little time exploring just why that sacrifice was worthwhile.
The Isabel story-line is a good example for the "worth it" question not being asked or answered... What goodness is there in Isabel's life that makes the continued sacrifices she and Ean keep making worth it? I don't know, they seem convinced the sacrifices are worth it....they seem committed to continue to make the sacrifices but I have no earthly idea why its worth it. Isabel sacrifices her body and the mortal love of her soul mate Ean, to remain on her "path". While I know Isabel believed the sacrifice was necessary to stay on her path, and her path for the game,why?...does this mean staying on your path and being happy are mutually exclusive? If staying on your path and being happy are mutually exclusive..who the heck cares if you win the game that requires you stay on a path to unhappiness.
In contrast the "worth it" does get answered by in the Tanis story-line, by far the best in the book, a great mix of light and dark.... the sheer joy in his exploration of life, coming to love, discovery of his family clearly demonstrates why following the path, seeing this hard thing through is worth the cost.
The Pelas story-line still bothers me immensely - I still believe Pelas is portrayed as far too perfect, with every adjective use to describe him, by every person. Worse, currently he is literally responsible for nothing he's ever done. Perhaps my feeling that Pelas life has no cost or consequences is a sign that I still hold some lingering animosity over his interactions with Isabel and what it cost her, but I honestly believe it's more.
I think I've figured out why....Living a life should cause some ripple, some change good and bad, with some accounting..and that accounting should include both consequences and rewards for your choices. Even the most perfect creatures, even Pelas should have some accounting--some loss, some gain,some regret, some joy, some debt owed, some balance due. Thus far, all of Pelas's accounting seems to have been placed on plus side of the ledger, all debts assigned to another.
By the way the Pelas story has unfolded he gets to jump right into the middle of the story and life with all the rewards The love of Tania, the obvious attraction of Isabel and none of the consequences of a life lived.. It feels..I'll say it...unjust, a reward for who/what he is not what he's done, a golden child. The book works overtime to rationalize every choice Isabel and Pelas make, they are flawless I guess.
I hope Pelas taking away Tanis's right to choose by bonding without telling him about the interaction with his mother at least starts the process of him having an account with both debts and credits, like everyone else.
My fear is that this will become a story about Pelas and his perfection . At first I thought this concern was because I harbored some resentment for him but then I realized it's because the other, less perfect, struggling people have always just resonated more with me. Perhaps I just can't help rooting for the underdog, those who persevere despite having none of the advantages of being a perfect.
I hope the next book focuses not on how the game can be won, but more why it's worth winning. If that takes place, I imagine it won't seem so dark..
Spoilers Below:
I owe the author of this book a sincere and heartfelt apology.
Ms. McPhail, I apologize
I had previously written a highly critical review of this book when my reading of the text led me to the conclusion that a female character had been raped and that act had been glorified. The author graciously clarified her intention and understood that while there may have been some confusion created by the dialog, which she took the time to clarify and update in the book, the interaction wasn't intended to portray a rape but a consensual act, a choice, and as a result I've edited my review.
Spoilers Below:
While the style, poetry and complexity of the authors writing remained the same if not better, the content of this third book som
The concept of this book was supposed to be patterns of shadow and light, it *felt* much more dark than light on balance. Thus far, for most characters to stay on their "Path" they must endure extreme pain and sacrifice, which is fine but I felt the book spent a lot of time showing the sacrifice but too little time exploring just why that sacrifice was worthwhile.
The Isabel story-line is a good example for the "worth it" question not being asked or answered... What goodness is there in Isabel's life that makes the continued sacrifices she and Ean keep making worth it? I don't know, they seem convinced the sacrifices are worth it....they seem committed to continue to make the sacrifices but I have no earthly idea why its worth it. Isabel sacrifices her body and the mortal love of her soul mate Ean, to remain on her "path". While I know Isabel believed the sacrifice was necessary to stay on her path, and her path for the game,why?...does this mean staying on your path and being happy are mutually exclusive? If staying on your path and being happy are mutually exclusive..who the heck cares if you win the game that requires you stay on a path to unhappiness.
In contrast the "worth it" does get answered by in the Tanis story-line, by far the best in the book, a great mix of light and dark.... the sheer joy in his exploration of life, coming to love, discovery of his family clearly demonstrates why following the path, seeing this hard thing through is worth the cost.
The Pelas story-line still bothers me immensely - I still believe Pelas is portrayed as far too perfect, with every adjective use to describe him, by every person. Worse, currently he is literally responsible for nothing he's ever done. Perhaps my feeling that Pelas life has no cost or consequences is a sign that I still hold some lingering animosity over his interactions with Isabel and what it cost her, but I honestly believe it's more.
I think I've figured out why....Living a life should cause some ripple, some change good and bad, with some accounting..and that accounting should include both consequences and rewards for your choices. Even the most perfect creatures, even Pelas should have some accounting--some loss, some gain,some regret, some joy, some debt owed, some balance due. Thus far, all of Pelas's accounting seems to have been placed on plus side of the ledger, all debts assigned to another.
By the way the Pelas story has unfolded he gets to jump right into the middle of the story and life with all the rewards The love of Tania, the obvious attraction of Isabel and none of the consequences of a life lived.. It feels..I'll say it...unjust, a reward for who/what he is not what he's done, a golden child. The book works overtime to rationalize every choice Isabel and Pelas make, they are flawless I guess.
I hope Pelas taking away Tanis's right to choose by bonding without telling him about the interaction with his mother at least starts the process of him having an account with both debts and credits, like everyone else.
My fear is that this will become a story about Pelas and his perfection . At first I thought this concern was because I harbored some resentment for him but then I realized it's because the other, less perfect, struggling people have always just resonated more with me. Perhaps I just can't help rooting for the underdog, those who persevere despite having none of the advantages of being a perfect.
I hope the next book focuses not on how the game can be won, but more why it's worth winning. If that takes place, I imagine it won't seem so dark..
November 3, 2014
To write a good summary of Paths of Alir is almost impossible - so many things happen in this book, with so many separate threads aligning and so many new ones spinning off. When I first opened it on my kindle, I was shocked to see a reading time of 15 hours (which managed to adjust itself downwards to maybe about 9) so I just *had* to go and check out how hefty the tome would be in print. It clocks in at 782 pages as compared to Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archives which stand at about 1,000+ pages each. Not bad. I could knock someone out with this in hardcover.
Giving too much detail in this review would constitute spoilers for Cephrael's Hand and The Dagger of Adendigaeth (though if you're reading this review, you should probably have read the first two), so I'll keep it brief and to the bare minimum (also, there are so many key players now that it's impossible to talk about each of them).
Bjorn van Gelderan's plans are slowly taking shape - his Players are stepping onto the field and changing the game. Together with his sister, Isabel, he continues to move the pieces and guide the players in this intricate, high-stakes King's Game. Losing will only mean the destruction of Alorin and T'khendar.
More rude awakenings await the remaining Vestals and Adepts in Alorin, and Tanis, revealed in The Dagger of Adendigaeth to be more than he seemed, finally finds home - which raises a host of new questions in his quest for his past. Phaedor, of course, is being as evasive as ever.
Of the three val Lorian princes, Ean is coming into his own - his skills, and his memories, are returning in spurts, even as he wrestles between rescuing his brother Sebastian or his loyal men. Under the hands of Taliah hal'Jaitar, Trell's position is only getting worse - will he break under Taliah's torture?
Threaded through the dramatic storytelling, Paths of Alir struggles with this important question, aptly asked by Pelas: "Do you choose your path, or does it choose you?"
It's hard to decide. On one hand, Pelas starts to question the immutability of his nature as a Malorin'athgul and struggles against the compulsion his brother has put on him, Trell continues to strive for honour and dignity in the midst of torture, and Ean and Isabel's paths start to intertwine due to the choices they make. On the other hand, Shail and Darshan still work towards destruction despite evidence that they can change, and Taliah has submitted to her brokenness and darkness by walking the twisted path of mor'alir.
The one slightly negative thing I'd add to this otherwise great review is that Paths of Alir turns much darker than the preceding two books, delving much deeper into torture & humiliation scenes, which may overall feel a little BDSM-ish. It's not very explicit, nor is it gratuitous, but I guess it should be mentioned for those who might not like/appreciate reading these kinds of things (i.e., sorry, not for the kids).
* I received this ebook as a review copy from Novel Publicity.
Giving too much detail in this review would constitute spoilers for Cephrael's Hand and The Dagger of Adendigaeth (though if you're reading this review, you should probably have read the first two), so I'll keep it brief and to the bare minimum (also, there are so many key players now that it's impossible to talk about each of them).
Bjorn van Gelderan's plans are slowly taking shape - his Players are stepping onto the field and changing the game. Together with his sister, Isabel, he continues to move the pieces and guide the players in this intricate, high-stakes King's Game. Losing will only mean the destruction of Alorin and T'khendar.
More rude awakenings await the remaining Vestals and Adepts in Alorin, and Tanis, revealed in The Dagger of Adendigaeth to be more than he seemed, finally finds home - which raises a host of new questions in his quest for his past. Phaedor, of course, is being as evasive as ever.
Of the three val Lorian princes, Ean is coming into his own - his skills, and his memories, are returning in spurts, even as he wrestles between rescuing his brother Sebastian or his loyal men. Under the hands of Taliah hal'Jaitar, Trell's position is only getting worse - will he break under Taliah's torture?
Threaded through the dramatic storytelling, Paths of Alir struggles with this important question, aptly asked by Pelas: "Do you choose your path, or does it choose you?"
It's hard to decide. On one hand, Pelas starts to question the immutability of his nature as a Malorin'athgul and struggles against the compulsion his brother has put on him, Trell continues to strive for honour and dignity in the midst of torture, and Ean and Isabel's paths start to intertwine due to the choices they make. On the other hand, Shail and Darshan still work towards destruction despite evidence that they can change, and Taliah has submitted to her brokenness and darkness by walking the twisted path of mor'alir.
The one slightly negative thing I'd add to this otherwise great review is that Paths of Alir turns much darker than the preceding two books, delving much deeper into torture & humiliation scenes, which may overall feel a little BDSM-ish. It's not very explicit, nor is it gratuitous, but I guess it should be mentioned for those who might not like/appreciate reading these kinds of things (i.e., sorry, not for the kids).
* I received this ebook as a review copy from Novel Publicity.
December 26, 2016
Characters: 5*
Universe/World Building: 5*
Plot: 5*
First, let me get this out of the way. I absolutely loved this book and I love this series. I only wish I had realized that only three of the five books were published when I started. I am going to hate waiting for this in the same way that I hate waiting for the Patrick Rothfuss or Michael J. Sullivan.
Think of this author as a cross between George RR Martin and Michael J Sullivan. Very high praise coming from me. The characters have the sense of joy and wit about them that you get from reading Michael J Sullivan as well as the depth of the world development common to both of those authors. However, the world and antagonists also have the darkness in them that you find in the The Game of Thrones. I'm not kidding. Do NOT read this series if you get too queasy about torture of all sorts.
Characters: 5*
The characters are complex and the develop throughout the book. They are not infallible. They do not spring into being fully made. They grow. They develop. They are good. They are evil. They are complex. The characters continue to develop consistently throughout the series. They develop depth. They learn. They grow.
World/Universe: 5*
This world is fabulous. It directly impacts the story in so many ways. Ways that I do not yet see. That is my only nitpick. I want to absorb every piece of this universe. Now. I want to know the behind the scenes. I want to understand how it really works.
Plot: 5*
I love the plot of this story. It unfolds slowly and in directions you do not anticipate. It is extremely complex, but yet straightforward in how it unfolds. The author must have flowcharts covering the entire wall of her writing room to keep this straight. Plots start out separately, then come together, then branch out. They weave together seamlessly into a tapestry of a story.
Overall? 5*. I can't wait to keep reading.
Universe/World Building: 5*
Plot: 5*
First, let me get this out of the way. I absolutely loved this book and I love this series. I only wish I had realized that only three of the five books were published when I started. I am going to hate waiting for this in the same way that I hate waiting for the Patrick Rothfuss or Michael J. Sullivan.
Think of this author as a cross between George RR Martin and Michael J Sullivan. Very high praise coming from me. The characters have the sense of joy and wit about them that you get from reading Michael J Sullivan as well as the depth of the world development common to both of those authors. However, the world and antagonists also have the darkness in them that you find in the The Game of Thrones. I'm not kidding. Do NOT read this series if you get too queasy about torture of all sorts.
Characters: 5*
The characters are complex and the develop throughout the book. They are not infallible. They do not spring into being fully made. They grow. They develop. They are good. They are evil. They are complex. The characters continue to develop consistently throughout the series. They develop depth. They learn. They grow.
World/Universe: 5*
This world is fabulous. It directly impacts the story in so many ways. Ways that I do not yet see. That is my only nitpick. I want to absorb every piece of this universe. Now. I want to know the behind the scenes. I want to understand how it really works.
Plot: 5*
I love the plot of this story. It unfolds slowly and in directions you do not anticipate. It is extremely complex, but yet straightforward in how it unfolds. The author must have flowcharts covering the entire wall of her writing room to keep this straight. Plots start out separately, then come together, then branch out. They weave together seamlessly into a tapestry of a story.
Overall? 5*. I can't wait to keep reading.
November 6, 2014
There are many strands of magic to be weaved. Strands that can lead a man to every part of the world. Strands that can make a person do unimaginable things. Strands that can shape and change existence as one knows it. It's those strands that set paths into motion that can leave a lasting mark on those it comes across.
This is a fact Ean has come to know well. He's tried for so long to make sense of his entire existence, hoping to glean some insight on the secrets that have been kept from him. Though he's tried his best to do what's right, it has been difficult. To make matters worse, his strands are now tied to the vicious Dorn.
Ean knows he needs to break free of the chains that bind him. Dorn has plans. Plans that include him, and not in a good way. Though Isabel has done her best to warn him of what's to come, he knows it's not going to be easy in achieving his freedom. Magic is a force to be reckoned with. More so when it's linked heavily to the shadows surrounding the entire realm.
If he's going to achieve an ends to his own means, Ean knows he'll need to tap into his unexplored potential. Dorn must be taken down by any means necessary. His plans do not bode well for the realm, a certainty he's come to know quite well. The lives of many are at stake, his included. Deep inside, he knows he'll do everything possible to do what's right, or die trying in the process.
Another great addition to this series, The Paths Of Alir takes off in a way that the first two books never have. Here, we're given further insights into the workings of the beloved realm Melissa has created. Diverse characters come together to try and save the world itself, while doing away with the evil that surrounds them. It was great to see so many loose ends being tidied up in such a way that it left you wanting to read more of these great characters. Perhaps we'll get to see more of these characters in the future. We can hope, right?
This is a fact Ean has come to know well. He's tried for so long to make sense of his entire existence, hoping to glean some insight on the secrets that have been kept from him. Though he's tried his best to do what's right, it has been difficult. To make matters worse, his strands are now tied to the vicious Dorn.
Ean knows he needs to break free of the chains that bind him. Dorn has plans. Plans that include him, and not in a good way. Though Isabel has done her best to warn him of what's to come, he knows it's not going to be easy in achieving his freedom. Magic is a force to be reckoned with. More so when it's linked heavily to the shadows surrounding the entire realm.
If he's going to achieve an ends to his own means, Ean knows he'll need to tap into his unexplored potential. Dorn must be taken down by any means necessary. His plans do not bode well for the realm, a certainty he's come to know quite well. The lives of many are at stake, his included. Deep inside, he knows he'll do everything possible to do what's right, or die trying in the process.
Another great addition to this series, The Paths Of Alir takes off in a way that the first two books never have. Here, we're given further insights into the workings of the beloved realm Melissa has created. Diverse characters come together to try and save the world itself, while doing away with the evil that surrounds them. It was great to see so many loose ends being tidied up in such a way that it left you wanting to read more of these great characters. Perhaps we'll get to see more of these characters in the future. We can hope, right?
April 1, 2017
3.5 Stars
Another fantastic continuation from Cepreal's Hand & The Dagger of Adendigaeth. I gave the other books both a 5 star rating but i couldn't quite bring myself to reward Paths of Alir the same privilege. This feels more of a personal failing than that of the writers i will admit, for her writing never deteriorated it was simply how certain scenes had me squirming in my seat in dismay. Which only attests to the Authors skill.
It's been a while since I've felt so divided on a book before.
This book is a roller coaster. I've never felt myself being swayed so much by the characters themselves or the situations they are placed in. I found myself enjoying characters i have previously disliked and intensely disliking characters i found interesting.
This book contains more action, adventure, betrayal, heartbreak and all around amazing moments than the last two combined, I will try to refrain from spoilers.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ean as usual. Watching him continue to find is place in the game and slowly seeing him evolve, making the hard choice between saving his brother Sebastian or his loyal men. Equally tasting defeat and victory...and betrayal along His Path.
Tanis simply flourished on his return to his place of birth, i don't think i've ever seen a character transform so fast. Alynari undergoes a similar if less intense transition from whiny piney love struck annoyance to a character i actually looked forward to reading. Trells battle of wills against the path to Mor'alir and his strength of character was staggering and highly emotional.
I will return for book four Kingdom Blades and highly recommend this series to all.
Another fantastic continuation from Cepreal's Hand & The Dagger of Adendigaeth. I gave the other books both a 5 star rating but i couldn't quite bring myself to reward Paths of Alir the same privilege. This feels more of a personal failing than that of the writers i will admit, for her writing never deteriorated it was simply how certain scenes had me squirming in my seat in dismay. Which only attests to the Authors skill.
It's been a while since I've felt so divided on a book before.
This book is a roller coaster. I've never felt myself being swayed so much by the characters themselves or the situations they are placed in. I found myself enjoying characters i have previously disliked and intensely disliking characters i found interesting.
This book contains more action, adventure, betrayal, heartbreak and all around amazing moments than the last two combined, I will try to refrain from spoilers.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ean as usual. Watching him continue to find is place in the game and slowly seeing him evolve, making the hard choice between saving his brother Sebastian or his loyal men. Equally tasting defeat and victory...and betrayal along His Path.
Tanis simply flourished on his return to his place of birth, i don't think i've ever seen a character transform so fast. Alynari undergoes a similar if less intense transition from whiny piney love struck annoyance to a character i actually looked forward to reading. Trells battle of wills against the path to Mor'alir and his strength of character was staggering and highly emotional.
I will return for book four Kingdom Blades and highly recommend this series to all.
June 1, 2015
I was a little disappointed by Paths of Alir, as McPhail admitted in the forward that the book suffers from the illness that often plagues epic fantasy: way too many POV characters and plot lines. She indicated that she felt that she had to include all of these characters to really tell the story, but I’m not sure I agree. Two of the main characters don’t even show up for the first 400 pages or so! Still, I really enjoyed immersing myself back in the world, and the plot was moved forward nicely.
February 21, 2018
Trigger warning: at this point we're up to 5 different (fairly graphically to very graphically portrayed) rapes in the series. I otherwise like this series; why is this necessary? What does this add thematically?
January 28, 2015
I'm in love
June 28, 2019
a-freaking-mazing!
May 9, 2019
Rape should never be used that often as a plot device for character development.
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August 3, 2022
The best of the series so far. I'm not certain if this is because Ms. McPhail has finally built her world sufficiently that she can tell the story a little more broadly, or if she just gained the appropriate experience as a writer through her earlier works, but this one had much broader page-turning appeal.
My earlier criticisms involved her getting her heroes into trouble, then getting them out within a chapter or two. No lasting danger, things like that. In "Paths of Alir," McPhail allowed the danger for most of the protagonists to extend for much longer, a couple of them for the length of the novel.
What still bugs me about the series at large, however, is that most of the protagonists are "perfect." Tanis, Trell, Alyneri, Isabel, Björn...they really have no flaws. They apologize a lot, they think themselves imperfect in this third-person-omniscient tale, but they are essentially harmonious with each other and with the First Lord's Game. Ean and Pelas are a little more nuanced, but with Ean, it's just his brashness (which he uncharacteristically allows ), but intentions are pretty pure throughout. Pelas...well, there really wasn't much doubt what was going to happen with him, even though the method of him getting there was not something I would have predicted.
There was also one storyline involving Trell and Taliah that almost seemed a carbon copy of a section of "Wizard's First Rule" between Richard and a Mord'Sith, including the table-turning toward the end. I definitely had a sense I'd read it before.
Another small criticism is that, if it weren't for the overall "Who is going to win this cosmic game?" storyline (which we all know the answer to), this book doesn't really set up much. Practically every character is safe (though some perhaps a bit traumatized...we'll see how that goes on) and practically all subplots are currently resolved. McPhail has set up a decent game board, but she has focused almost exclusively on her chosen characters, and not the overall plot.
Yes, I still give it 4 stars because I kept turning pages. I also enjoy how nicely her magic system works. At it's core, it's very much a Sondheim-esque "anything you want to do, do it," but at least there's an underlying system which makes sense to me.
I haven't figured out if I'll start the next one prior to finishing the other book I'm reading ("It Can't Happen Here"), but I will move on to "The Kingdom Blades" soon.
My earlier criticisms involved her getting her heroes into trouble, then getting them out within a chapter or two. No lasting danger, things like that. In "Paths of Alir," McPhail allowed the danger for most of the protagonists to extend for much longer, a couple of them for the length of the novel.
What still bugs me about the series at large, however, is that most of the protagonists are "perfect." Tanis, Trell, Alyneri, Isabel, Björn...they really have no flaws. They apologize a lot, they think themselves imperfect in this third-person-omniscient tale, but they are essentially harmonious with each other and with the First Lord's Game. Ean and Pelas are a little more nuanced, but with Ean, it's just his brashness (which he uncharacteristically allows ), but intentions are pretty pure throughout. Pelas...well, there really wasn't much doubt what was going to happen with him, even though the method of him getting there was not something I would have predicted.
There was also one storyline involving Trell and Taliah that almost seemed a carbon copy of a section of "Wizard's First Rule" between Richard and a Mord'Sith, including the table-turning toward the end. I definitely had a sense I'd read it before.
Another small criticism is that, if it weren't for the overall "Who is going to win this cosmic game?" storyline (which we all know the answer to), this book doesn't really set up much. Practically every character is safe (though some perhaps a bit traumatized...we'll see how that goes on) and practically all subplots are currently resolved. McPhail has set up a decent game board, but she has focused almost exclusively on her chosen characters, and not the overall plot.
Yes, I still give it 4 stars because I kept turning pages. I also enjoy how nicely her magic system works. At it's core, it's very much a Sondheim-esque "anything you want to do, do it," but at least there's an underlying system which makes sense to me.
I haven't figured out if I'll start the next one prior to finishing the other book I'm reading ("It Can't Happen Here"), but I will move on to "The Kingdom Blades" soon.
December 9, 2017
Definitely the best book in the series (so far at least), although I was worried in the first few hours of listening because suddenly a bunch of new characters were introduced that I didn't care about (yet) and their stories didn't seem to fit in with the rest. I wanted to get back to Ian, and Tannis, and and and...
But this book had many twists and turns, and not so predictable. Still had a lot of the same editing annoyances as the previous two, but I guess I'm getting used to it because it bothered me less (though I still noticed). And the characters from the beginning did eventually become useful and interesting, it just took a while. But once it got going, it really god going! I wish I had more time in the day to devote to continuing my progress through this book.
Even my two year old got addicted to this one. I listened to it in the car during our commute (yes, I know there are some not-appropriate-for-kids scenes in this one, but I promise that he doesn't understand yet). But any time it wasn't on he would yell at me "I want talking mommy!" until I turned the audiobook back on. One day my phone battery was dead and I tried to replace it with talk radio, but he would not have it. "no, other talking mommy! phone talking!" I fear what will happen when the series is over and I change narrators!
Ian (Ean?!) pisses me off though. He's really bad at thinking about things from other people's perspective, let's his own rash feelings get in the way of things. Doesn't let people explain their motivations. Drives me nuts. Actually I guess they are all kind of like that to some extent - it fuels a lot of the conflicts and misunderstandings that move the book forward. But it's annoying... if people just told their thoughts in the first place, or let others explain ... *sigh*
I immediately started book 4 upon finishing this one.
But this book had many twists and turns, and not so predictable. Still had a lot of the same editing annoyances as the previous two, but I guess I'm getting used to it because it bothered me less (though I still noticed). And the characters from the beginning did eventually become useful and interesting, it just took a while. But once it got going, it really god going! I wish I had more time in the day to devote to continuing my progress through this book.
Even my two year old got addicted to this one. I listened to it in the car during our commute (yes, I know there are some not-appropriate-for-kids scenes in this one, but I promise that he doesn't understand yet). But any time it wasn't on he would yell at me "I want talking mommy!" until I turned the audiobook back on. One day my phone battery was dead and I tried to replace it with talk radio, but he would not have it. "no, other talking mommy! phone talking!" I fear what will happen when the series is over and I change narrators!
Ian (Ean?!) pisses me off though. He's really bad at thinking about things from other people's perspective, let's his own rash feelings get in the way of things. Doesn't let people explain their motivations. Drives me nuts. Actually I guess they are all kind of like that to some extent - it fuels a lot of the conflicts and misunderstandings that move the book forward. But it's annoying... if people just told their thoughts in the first place, or let others explain ... *sigh*
I immediately started book 4 upon finishing this one.
February 24, 2020
This was here first book, where it felt like I was reading an epic fantasy novel. The scope of the characters and their progression finally felt like it was going somewhere, while the other two books felt like they were leading up to something but never hitting that stride. The other part was probably because they were far less grammatical errors in this book that took me out of the story. (That one is partially my fault, I'm working on it not bugging me as much).
I think the other part was that I felt like I got a feeling for each character this time around. Book 1 felt like Ean's book. While Book 2 felt like Tanis' book. Each book had other chapters with other people, but the main focus was mostly on one characters story. Or maybe it was just the movement, we are exposed to a lot more locations in this book and I think that may have helped the world feel more fleshed out, more 'real' then previously.
Whatever the change was, I appreciated it and appreciated the book. It still takes forever to read one because they are so honking big, but this time if felt worth it, rather than feeling like I was slogging through it just to complete the darn thing.
I think the other part was that I felt like I got a feeling for each character this time around. Book 1 felt like Ean's book. While Book 2 felt like Tanis' book. Each book had other chapters with other people, but the main focus was mostly on one characters story. Or maybe it was just the movement, we are exposed to a lot more locations in this book and I think that may have helped the world feel more fleshed out, more 'real' then previously.
Whatever the change was, I appreciated it and appreciated the book. It still takes forever to read one because they are so honking big, but this time if felt worth it, rather than feeling like I was slogging through it just to complete the darn thing.
December 19, 2024
I would have given this series 5 stars but as it looks as though it won’t be completed and there is too much unfinished to enjoy knowing there will be no closure.
The series is very good. Well performed audiobook. At times it is slow and feels unnecessarily drawn out.
Normally i would definitely recommend this series but tragically the author lost a battle with cancer and had left us.
There were to be two more books in the series. According to the author’s website permission was given for another book to be written by Ms McPhail’s friend and assistant. That was 4 years ago. There have been a few promises to complete the sixth and, I’m assuming, final book but after such a long time and a lack of recent updates I highly doubt that it will happen.
The fifth book, The Sixth Strand, leaves not a few storylines so far from complete that reading the series without a final book ruins the entire reading of the other five books.
Until and if a final book is released I do not recommend reading the series. Too much is left unfinished and there is nothing close to closure or fulfillment leaving off after the fifth book.
The series is very good. Well performed audiobook. At times it is slow and feels unnecessarily drawn out.
Normally i would definitely recommend this series but tragically the author lost a battle with cancer and had left us.
There were to be two more books in the series. According to the author’s website permission was given for another book to be written by Ms McPhail’s friend and assistant. That was 4 years ago. There have been a few promises to complete the sixth and, I’m assuming, final book but after such a long time and a lack of recent updates I highly doubt that it will happen.
The fifth book, The Sixth Strand, leaves not a few storylines so far from complete that reading the series without a final book ruins the entire reading of the other five books.
Until and if a final book is released I do not recommend reading the series. Too much is left unfinished and there is nothing close to closure or fulfillment leaving off after the fifth book.
November 5, 2019
Ean frees Sebastion.
Isabel gets captured to free Pelas by getting him to channel his desire into sex instead of killing. She feels bad about this, but it's not like she had any choice in it other than dying and being tortured more before that. I hope it's not a thing. Isabel summons Phaedor to fetch her, her and him and Njorn are all bond together. Not going to contact Ean or Bjorn?
Trell is rescued. Bjorn frees him from the pattern killing him. Aly keeps him alive until Bjorn gets there.
Pelas goes and saves Tanis after being freed from the compulsion. He then heals Nadia because he has a variant trait that makes him native to 4 strands. Only one other person has had that- Isabel, his mother. Arion aka Ean was his father. This makes no sense as that makes him ~300 years old so timeweaving or something is involved.
Tanis makes mental contact with Isabel (can also travel to her). Ean is going to be confuzzled.
Isabel gets captured to free Pelas by getting him to channel his desire into sex instead of killing. She feels bad about this, but it's not like she had any choice in it other than dying and being tortured more before that. I hope it's not a thing. Isabel summons Phaedor to fetch her, her and him and Njorn are all bond together. Not going to contact Ean or Bjorn?
Trell is rescued. Bjorn frees him from the pattern killing him. Aly keeps him alive until Bjorn gets there.
Pelas goes and saves Tanis after being freed from the compulsion. He then heals Nadia because he has a variant trait that makes him native to 4 strands. Only one other person has had that- Isabel, his mother. Arion aka Ean was his father. This makes no sense as that makes him ~300 years old so timeweaving or something is involved.
Tanis makes mental contact with Isabel (can also travel to her). Ean is going to be confuzzled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2018
I've really enjoyed this series in that the plot line is very interesting. Even though there are a whole bunch of characters, you finally get them straightened out and keep up with all their doings, both the good and bad.
However, in this third book, McPhail took a new tact which was unnecessary. While it's OK for the bad guys to be really bad, in this book some of the bad things were just over the top. It wasn't necessary, it did not add to the tale.
Also there were characters brought back and then just dropped. I kept waiting for them to reappear but it never happened. While I am sure they will pop up in the next installment, the fact they were never heard from again when it seemed there should have been just a little more was weird.
I'm getting ready to move on to the fourth book and hope McPhail has left this over-the-top dark side out.
However, in this third book, McPhail took a new tact which was unnecessary. While it's OK for the bad guys to be really bad, in this book some of the bad things were just over the top. It wasn't necessary, it did not add to the tale.
Also there were characters brought back and then just dropped. I kept waiting for them to reappear but it never happened. While I am sure they will pop up in the next installment, the fact they were never heard from again when it seemed there should have been just a little more was weird.
I'm getting ready to move on to the fourth book and hope McPhail has left this over-the-top dark side out.
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