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A Fire Beneath the Skin #3
A Painted Goddess
When the gods go to war, who will stand against their divine fury?
In the thrilling conclusion to the A Fire Beneath the Skin trilogy, the enchanted kingdom of Helva faces a nightmarish future of endless bloodshed, and Rina Veraiin—a young warrior-duchess armed with mysterious, magical tattoos—must use her fantastic powers to save her home from eternal war.
As her far-flung friends scour Helva for additional tattoos to increase her formidable abilities, Rina reckons with an enigmatic death priest…the one whose contract grants her extraordinary magic but demands an awful price. When her debt comes due, can Rina make the ultimate sacrifice?
Deities clash and allies succumb as Rina strives to fulfill her obligation and confront her strange and shocking destiny. Becoming an ink mage taxed Rina’s resources to their very limits; now she must become something else, something more, something awesome and terrible.
If she fails, her world will fall.
In the thrilling conclusion to the A Fire Beneath the Skin trilogy, the enchanted kingdom of Helva faces a nightmarish future of endless bloodshed, and Rina Veraiin—a young warrior-duchess armed with mysterious, magical tattoos—must use her fantastic powers to save her home from eternal war.
As her far-flung friends scour Helva for additional tattoos to increase her formidable abilities, Rina reckons with an enigmatic death priest…the one whose contract grants her extraordinary magic but demands an awful price. When her debt comes due, can Rina make the ultimate sacrifice?
Deities clash and allies succumb as Rina strives to fulfill her obligation and confront her strange and shocking destiny. Becoming an ink mage taxed Rina’s resources to their very limits; now she must become something else, something more, something awesome and terrible.
If she fails, her world will fall.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2016
618 people are currently reading
1014 people want to read
About the author
Victor Gischler
369 books413 followersVictor Gischler is an American author of humorous crime fiction.
Gischler's debut novel Gun Monkeys was nominated for the Edgar Award, and his novel Shotgun Opera was an Anthony Award finalist. His work has been translated into Italian, French, Spanish and Japanese. He earned a Ph.D. in English at the University of Southern Mississippi. His fifth novel Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse was published in 2008 by the Touchstone/Fireside imprint of Simon & Schuster.
He has also writes American comic books like The Punisher: Frank Castle, Wolverine and Deadpool for Marvel Comics. Gischler worked on X-Men "Curse of the Mutants" starting in the Death of Dracula one-shot and continued in X-Men #1.
Gun Monkeys has been optioned for a film adaptation, with Lee Goldberg writing the script and Ryuhei Kitamura penciled in to direct.
Gischler's debut novel Gun Monkeys was nominated for the Edgar Award, and his novel Shotgun Opera was an Anthony Award finalist. His work has been translated into Italian, French, Spanish and Japanese. He earned a Ph.D. in English at the University of Southern Mississippi. His fifth novel Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse was published in 2008 by the Touchstone/Fireside imprint of Simon & Schuster.
He has also writes American comic books like The Punisher: Frank Castle, Wolverine and Deadpool for Marvel Comics. Gischler worked on X-Men "Curse of the Mutants" starting in the Death of Dracula one-shot and continued in X-Men #1.
Gun Monkeys has been optioned for a film adaptation, with Lee Goldberg writing the script and Ryuhei Kitamura penciled in to direct.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
April 4, 2016
Rina Veraiin's friends are scattered searching for more ink magic tattoos to protect Helva. The threats Helva is facing are more dire than initially believed and ink magic may be Helva's only chance at survival.
A Painted Goddess was a strong story. The entire A Fire Beneath the Skin trilogy caught me by surprise. The story picks up directly after the cliffhangers in The Tattooed Duchess. The author Victor Gischler spent a lot of time setting the enormity of the events the protagonists faced. I had come to care about a lot of the characters and it was hard reading at times because not everyone survives their ordeals.
I'm still loving the idea of ink magic bestowed through tattoos. It presents one of my favorite story aspects of incredible powers in a way I've never witnessed before. Unlike The Tattooed Duchess, new tattoos emerge of incredible power. I'm floored by the creativity needed to envision such powers and how they'd be utilized.
My complaints, which in truth are minor, are that the booked wrapped up too quickly and chose not to explain what everything meant at the end. Perhaps it was simply left open for the potential of sequels and that's easier to swallow if that's the case. I hope there wasn't any other reason to leave the reader guessing.
A Painted Goddess and it's predecessors were truly a pleasant surprise. I hope the author Victor Gischler chooses to revisit the world in the form of prequels or sequels because I really enjoyed the A Fire Beneath the Skin series.
5 out of 5 stars
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Painted Goddess was a strong story. The entire A Fire Beneath the Skin trilogy caught me by surprise. The story picks up directly after the cliffhangers in The Tattooed Duchess. The author Victor Gischler spent a lot of time setting the enormity of the events the protagonists faced. I had come to care about a lot of the characters and it was hard reading at times because not everyone survives their ordeals.
I'm still loving the idea of ink magic bestowed through tattoos. It presents one of my favorite story aspects of incredible powers in a way I've never witnessed before. Unlike The Tattooed Duchess, new tattoos emerge of incredible power. I'm floored by the creativity needed to envision such powers and how they'd be utilized.
My complaints, which in truth are minor, are that the booked wrapped up too quickly and chose not to explain what everything meant at the end. Perhaps it was simply left open for the potential of sequels and that's easier to swallow if that's the case. I hope there wasn't any other reason to leave the reader guessing.
A Painted Goddess and it's predecessors were truly a pleasant surprise. I hope the author Victor Gischler chooses to revisit the world in the form of prequels or sequels because I really enjoyed the A Fire Beneath the Skin series.
5 out of 5 stars
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2016
Spoiler free, I just want to say that I totally devoured this series, loved every second of it... until this book. I hated this book. It was so hard to read. I know every reader has their own path planned for the characters, things they hope will and will not happen, and I must say, Mr. Gischler managed to pinpoint nearly every single one of my hopes and do the EXACT OPPOSITE. Honestly, the only ending I enjoyed was Brasley's.
I try to keep my personal hopes for the characters and conclusions out of my overall opinion of the book, but I came to absolutely loathe Maurizan. Really, that's an understatement, but I can't think of any nice words that would accurately describe my bitter abhorrence for that particular character. Perhaps my distaste for the book spawns from the overload of Maurizan scenes. We seemed to focus more on her than Rina (or maybe it just felt that way?) and I just.... It's not for me. The ending was disappointing and I could hardly get through it. Sorry.
I can at least note that it was well written.
I try to keep my personal hopes for the characters and conclusions out of my overall opinion of the book, but I came to absolutely loathe Maurizan. Really, that's an understatement, but I can't think of any nice words that would accurately describe my bitter abhorrence for that particular character. Perhaps my distaste for the book spawns from the overload of Maurizan scenes. We seemed to focus more on her than Rina (or maybe it just felt that way?) and I just.... It's not for me. The ending was disappointing and I could hardly get through it. Sorry.
I can at least note that it was well written.
February 2, 2017
I really am not sure what to say about this one. I'm still reeling from the ending, which was not at all as I expected. The ending was...too clean? It was sudden, for sure. I'm going to have to come back to this later, perhaps when my head is no longer buzzing....
Update 1/23/17: After letting this sit with me for about a week, I feel only slightly more confident about what I could possibly say about it. This one was a bit more fast paced in places, and a little sluggish in others, but overall the flow of the story was relatively smooth. I'm still mad at Alem; both for my original reason and an entirely new one that cropped up at the end of this book. I still stand by what I said about the ending being too clean. There's a giant battle, which is cool. A good fight sequence, kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. And then the end happened and I mentally fell out of my seat. I didn't anticipate it at all. I am glad it didn't end how I was expecting, however, this particular ending was cut with a very sharp knife. The minor loose ends were burned until they did not exist. I wish it would have been a little more complicated than it was.
I would recommend this series for anyone who enjoys high fantasy. The premise of the series is very interesting, and I actually really enjoy the way Victor Gischler writes. If you have Kindle Unlimited, the series is available with the Audible narration. The narrator (forgive me, I don't know her name) is very pleasant to listen to and does a pretty good job with different voices for the characters.
Go forth and read, my children.
Update 1/23/17: After letting this sit with me for about a week, I feel only slightly more confident about what I could possibly say about it. This one was a bit more fast paced in places, and a little sluggish in others, but overall the flow of the story was relatively smooth. I'm still mad at Alem; both for my original reason and an entirely new one that cropped up at the end of this book. I still stand by what I said about the ending being too clean. There's a giant battle, which is cool. A good fight sequence, kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. And then the end happened and I mentally fell out of my seat. I didn't anticipate it at all. I am glad it didn't end how I was expecting, however, this particular ending was cut with a very sharp knife. The minor loose ends were burned until they did not exist. I wish it would have been a little more complicated than it was.
I would recommend this series for anyone who enjoys high fantasy. The premise of the series is very interesting, and I actually really enjoy the way Victor Gischler writes. If you have Kindle Unlimited, the series is available with the Audible narration. The narrator (forgive me, I don't know her name) is very pleasant to listen to and does a pretty good job with different voices for the characters.
Go forth and read, my children.
May 5, 2016
Disappointing final entry in the "A Fire Beneath the Skin" trilogy. I'm a big fan of Gischler and this seemed like a very slap-dash novel intended to wrap up the story. The ending was flat and lifeless and the final treatment of Rina was cliched and abrupt.
February 4, 2016
I received an advance e-book copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Painted Goddess is the final book in the trilogy.
I preferred this book compared to all the others. There was a lot happening, with the various characters in different places for various reasons, but most of all, to help Rina and save everyone. I actually hated Maurizan since book 1 and really couldn't stand her. Also, the ending was okay but I think it is possible for there to be a fourth book.
A Painted Goddess is the final book in the trilogy.
I preferred this book compared to all the others. There was a lot happening, with the various characters in different places for various reasons, but most of all, to help Rina and save everyone. I actually hated Maurizan since book 1 and really couldn't stand her. Also, the ending was okay but I think it is possible for there to be a fourth book.
April 17, 2016
well. some very exciting action in several areas, great battles, great magics, even at times, in doses, great characters. very abrupt ending that fell far too neatly into place in far too short a span with some dubious transitions and character actions and then simply ending with a huge event that was long heralded but with little fanfare and really quite ugly in delivery. as if Gischler suddenly grew bored, realized he had no more ideas and the trilogy was already long enough, and simply decided to wrap everything up. rather disappointing conclusion to a book that was worth spending my Saturday reading. I liked 4/5ths of this, but the final 5th really dry rots the brain and is quite the poor closure to a series, rather forcing me to recommend skipping the trilogy as not worth the time investment.
March 26, 2016
Really bad ending to the series, so much was left hanging and serious characters were just sort of left by the wayside
July 11, 2021
Firstly, I devoured the first two books. For the first one, I actually thought I forget it was a male writer because the female voice felt real.
Secondly, it’s a fun series. The whole tongue tattoo in the first book. I still think about its reveal. Very cool.
Thirdly, expect lots of late night rambling.
Also slight spoilers but if you’re here then you’ve read the first two books.
Now. Onto this book. Oh boy.
There were a lot of things happening, some popping out of the left field without any warning. There are gods (sure) but it’s not really explored. There’s a journey. There’s a big battle (which, admittedly is cool)
But here’s the thing.
I don’t know if the author wanted to do a Rian Johnson and subvert expectations but what. The. Flying. Fox?
I get it. You don’t want to write a satisfying ending that every other fantasy reader might’ve read already
(Despite the fact that there are tropes, archetypes already in existing fantasy literatures so what’s one more on top of it?)
(What. Is. Wrong. With. Giving. The. Reader. What. They want??)
(Maurizain or however the fuck you spell the name is not what the bloody reader bloody wants)
Let’s touch on Maurizain. She has no redeemable qualities. When we first meet Rina, immediately we know that she’s high born but she’s never nasty. Maurizain, on the other hand, is a nasty piece of shit.
But here’s the disadvantage.
We as readers get to sympathise with Rina since
When we first met Maurizain, you can tell the author wants to pit two women against each other. But to do that, there has to be a delicate balance. Both sides have to have a good reason, show enough strength and vulnerability because why would I root for A if B didn’t seem like a good match?
Maurizain blames Rina for ‘stealing’ her reason to live, her family’s tattoo thing. Girl. Sit your privilege ass down. Rina’s fam died. She didn’t steal anything. There was no malicious intent. Or at least none towards you. Stop expecting everything to be handed to you.
But you’re putting fictional women against each other
BECAUSE THEY’RE RIDICULOUS! Most of Maurizain’s chapters (and there’s a lot more in this book) has her making dagger eyes if Rina sees her ex boo, Allen, or snaking her tongue down his throat to prove a point, or being a spoilt jelly beans against everything that is Rina (who, by the way, has bigger problems to deal with)
It just felt so unnecessary. Honestly. There was no sympathetic moment with Maurizain so it was painful to slog through her chapters.
#ImwithRina
Allen. I’m not going to discuss the downfall of this character. Who, at the start, had a lot potential. Think Finn in Star Wars Force Awakens then in this book think Finn in Star Wars: the last Jedi
Cast aside! Allen. The man who could ride but cannot fight. The man who reacts. Reacts. Reacts. Instead of being proactive.
The whole ‘breakup’ (there was never an official break up chat) infuriated me. This trope of “Oh I HeARd a MisInfOrMaTiOn” needs to go. Seriously. Authors please take note. Let’s have characters actually fucking discussing shit, show us humans how to (and say it with me) COMMUNICATE
A short scene where Rina explains and Allen listens. That’s all I ask. You wanna subvert?? Do that instead!
Because this fuckface didn’t and then Maurizain wins (boooo)
There were a lot of threads that were touched for two seconds but never delved deeper than that. I dunno why you’d put the thread there in the first place but there ya go!
And now. The ending.
Just. No.
Why? OF ALL THE THINGS YOU COULDVE DONE WHY THAT
Side note. Brasley grew on me. Became my fav character. Half the reason I continued reading.
Secondly, it’s a fun series. The whole tongue tattoo in the first book. I still think about its reveal. Very cool.
Thirdly, expect lots of late night rambling.
Also slight spoilers but if you’re here then you’ve read the first two books.
Now. Onto this book. Oh boy.
There were a lot of things happening, some popping out of the left field without any warning. There are gods (sure) but it’s not really explored. There’s a journey. There’s a big battle (which, admittedly is cool)
But here’s the thing.
I don’t know if the author wanted to do a Rian Johnson and subvert expectations but what. The. Flying. Fox?
I get it. You don’t want to write a satisfying ending that every other fantasy reader might’ve read already
(Despite the fact that there are tropes, archetypes already in existing fantasy literatures so what’s one more on top of it?)
(What. Is. Wrong. With. Giving. The. Reader. What. They want??)
(Maurizain or however the fuck you spell the name is not what the bloody reader bloody wants)
Let’s touch on Maurizain. She has no redeemable qualities. When we first meet Rina, immediately we know that she’s high born but she’s never nasty. Maurizain, on the other hand, is a nasty piece of shit.
But here’s the disadvantage.
We as readers get to sympathise with Rina since
When we first met Maurizain, you can tell the author wants to pit two women against each other. But to do that, there has to be a delicate balance. Both sides have to have a good reason, show enough strength and vulnerability because why would I root for A if B didn’t seem like a good match?
Maurizain blames Rina for ‘stealing’ her reason to live, her family’s tattoo thing. Girl. Sit your privilege ass down. Rina’s fam died. She didn’t steal anything. There was no malicious intent. Or at least none towards you. Stop expecting everything to be handed to you.
But you’re putting fictional women against each other
BECAUSE THEY’RE RIDICULOUS! Most of Maurizain’s chapters (and there’s a lot more in this book) has her making dagger eyes if Rina sees her ex boo, Allen, or snaking her tongue down his throat to prove a point, or being a spoilt jelly beans against everything that is Rina (who, by the way, has bigger problems to deal with)
It just felt so unnecessary. Honestly. There was no sympathetic moment with Maurizain so it was painful to slog through her chapters.
#ImwithRina
Allen. I’m not going to discuss the downfall of this character. Who, at the start, had a lot potential. Think Finn in Star Wars Force Awakens then in this book think Finn in Star Wars: the last Jedi
Cast aside! Allen. The man who could ride but cannot fight. The man who reacts. Reacts. Reacts. Instead of being proactive.
The whole ‘breakup’ (there was never an official break up chat) infuriated me. This trope of “Oh I HeARd a MisInfOrMaTiOn” needs to go. Seriously. Authors please take note. Let’s have characters actually fucking discussing shit, show us humans how to (and say it with me) COMMUNICATE
A short scene where Rina explains and Allen listens. That’s all I ask. You wanna subvert?? Do that instead!
Because this fuckface didn’t and then Maurizain wins (boooo)
There were a lot of threads that were touched for two seconds but never delved deeper than that. I dunno why you’d put the thread there in the first place but there ya go!
And now. The ending.
Just. No.
Why? OF ALL THE THINGS YOU COULDVE DONE WHY THAT
Side note. Brasley grew on me. Became my fav character. Half the reason I continued reading.
November 20, 2019
It took me months to get through this story and I knew early on I wouldn't be thrilled. I kept picking it back up because I didn't enjoy the first 2 and I at least needed an ending. Now I wish I hadn't wasted my time. I hated Maurizan, she was petty and childish and I skimmed most of the chapters from her pov. Alem was wishy-washy and a coward. Rina is what a goddess now but they gave us no actual explanation for this, no idea where she went, or why. This story kinda started about her and we get no real conclusion to her. We don't know what happened with Gant. I don't need an HEA but I do expect an author to give me answers and conclusions and in this there is none. I am giving it 2 stars because of the concept the idea behind this story and what it could have been was amazing but it fell flat for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2018
Lackluster. That's how I saw this conclusion.
Many of the conclusions to character arcs were intensely disappointing and a few were baffling.
Maurizan is an infuriating character, Alem like the lead in a harem anime and just as seemingly unremarkable.
Some of the set piece action sequences were utterly lacking. Two characters have an entire veranda of abilities supposedly at their fingertips and we see scant few of them over the entire series. I am unimpressed by how little of Encar's repertoire is shown.
Ugh. There's a bit of value in just the idea of this series but I'm left feeling like it was executed at only 60% of it's potential.
Many of the conclusions to character arcs were intensely disappointing and a few were baffling.
Maurizan is an infuriating character, Alem like the lead in a harem anime and just as seemingly unremarkable.
Some of the set piece action sequences were utterly lacking. Two characters have an entire veranda of abilities supposedly at their fingertips and we see scant few of them over the entire series. I am unimpressed by how little of Encar's repertoire is shown.
Ugh. There's a bit of value in just the idea of this series but I'm left feeling like it was executed at only 60% of it's potential.
November 2, 2020
There were lots of things to like and some things not to like about this book. To like -- lots of characters get filled out, with interesting personalities. Lots of grand adventures going on! Not to like -- the "ink magic" just seems unbounded, at some point there are just too many threads happening at once (six, I believe).
I was wondering how one could conclude such a situation, but I think the author comes up with a well-thought-out conclusion.
The series as a whole was definitely worth reading for me. I did feel like the idea of ink mages was pretty much exhausted after this book. But I did give "Warrior Prime" a chance -- I'm glad I did.
I was wondering how one could conclude such a situation, but I think the author comes up with a well-thought-out conclusion.
The series as a whole was definitely worth reading for me. I did feel like the idea of ink mages was pretty much exhausted after this book. But I did give "Warrior Prime" a chance -- I'm glad I did.
February 14, 2023
Rushed ending
If I could give this 4 and 1\2 stars I would. The book itself carried the story so well. The weaving of the various scenarios was as excellent as the first two books. The ending, though, felt so rushed and too open, even with the addition of an epilogue. I feel there could easily have been a fourth book to give it a more full ending.
If I could give this 4 and 1\2 stars I would. The book itself carried the story so well. The weaving of the various scenarios was as excellent as the first two books. The ending, though, felt so rushed and too open, even with the addition of an epilogue. I feel there could easily have been a fourth book to give it a more full ending.
January 11, 2018
A
Excellent series. Excellent finale. Loved and hated the ending. I should have seen it coming, but I didn't, not until it was happening. I hated seeing it come to an end. I'd become totally invested. Upon reflection, it's apparent how everything fits at the end. Everything. Superbly done.
Excellent series. Excellent finale. Loved and hated the ending. I should have seen it coming, but I didn't, not until it was happening. I hated seeing it come to an end. I'd become totally invested. Upon reflection, it's apparent how everything fits at the end. Everything. Superbly done.
January 29, 2016
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2016/01/2...
Publisher: Amazon/47 North
Publishing Date: January 2016
ISBN: 9781503954762
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.6/5
Publishers Description: When the gods go to war, who will stand against their divine fury? In the thrilling conclusion to the A Fire Beneath the Skin trilogy, the enchanted kingdom of Helva faces a nightmarish future of endless bloodshed, and Rina Veraiin—a young warrior-duchess armed with mysterious, magical tattoos—must use her fantastic powers to save her home from eternal war.
Review: I had a good time reading this novel. Great characters and scene development. The world building continues with mini-quests by the Lady Wizard, Brasley, Tosh and more cool tattoos. Alem, as usual, is banging all the hot chicks in a sordid love triangle. Why they are drawn to a stable boy is never revealed and will constantly leave you confused.
This was definitely not as good as the first but better than the second. Each mini-adventure the characters undertook was rather abrupt and not as epic as the first novel. The revelations come too quick to be believable yet were riveting all the same. There was a death of an important character that left a vacuum when they departed. Too bad really, as this character could have enhanced this series if it were revisited. The ending is a bit “meh” yet it leaves room for another novel (I hope). Overall a fun read that kept me awake every night.
Publisher: Amazon/47 North
Publishing Date: January 2016
ISBN: 9781503954762
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.6/5
Publishers Description: When the gods go to war, who will stand against their divine fury? In the thrilling conclusion to the A Fire Beneath the Skin trilogy, the enchanted kingdom of Helva faces a nightmarish future of endless bloodshed, and Rina Veraiin—a young warrior-duchess armed with mysterious, magical tattoos—must use her fantastic powers to save her home from eternal war.
Review: I had a good time reading this novel. Great characters and scene development. The world building continues with mini-quests by the Lady Wizard, Brasley, Tosh and more cool tattoos. Alem, as usual, is banging all the hot chicks in a sordid love triangle. Why they are drawn to a stable boy is never revealed and will constantly leave you confused.
This was definitely not as good as the first but better than the second. Each mini-adventure the characters undertook was rather abrupt and not as epic as the first novel. The revelations come too quick to be believable yet were riveting all the same. There was a death of an important character that left a vacuum when they departed. Too bad really, as this character could have enhanced this series if it were revisited. The ending is a bit “meh” yet it leaves room for another novel (I hope). Overall a fun read that kept me awake every night.
March 21, 2019
I'm still reeling. What a terrible ending! I was doing ok until the second half and then the writer seemed to stop caring. There were way too many strings and stories happening that we're suddenly just cut short. Honestly, with so much going on, this needed to be a 4 book series to properly wrap up everything that Gischler started. There was so.much.potential. in this series... A lot of people died in this book, which happens; but it was like the author suddenly tried to go Game of Thrones without good enough writing to support the action. There were a number of surprising and very disappointing deaths in this book. And Rina.....
She didn't even want to be a queen much less a goddess. She suddenly becomes a Goddess, loses all her humanity in an instant and there goes your main character just like that. It was so disappointing.... unsatisfying.... That she never got to go home and see the good work her Steward had done....that she never got to go home again at all was incredibly sad. The 20 years later epilogue was awful. It was a joke of an ending that really told you nothing, for an otherwise serious story. I'm honestly still reeling from this strange, clean cut of an ending.....I can't help but be extremely disappointed that a story I was enjoying so much ended as it did.
She didn't even want to be a queen much less a goddess. She suddenly becomes a Goddess, loses all her humanity in an instant and there goes your main character just like that. It was so disappointing.... unsatisfying.... That she never got to go home and see the good work her Steward had done....that she never got to go home again at all was incredibly sad. The 20 years later epilogue was awful. It was a joke of an ending that really told you nothing, for an otherwise serious story. I'm honestly still reeling from this strange, clean cut of an ending.....I can't help but be extremely disappointed that a story I was enjoying so much ended as it did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2019
Really?!
This was such an amazing book and an amazing series, but with all the fine detail you put into the story, why on earth would you end it that way?! No real explanation for Rina and what exactly happened to her or Alum and everybody else we followed along with throughout the whole story line, just a rather abrupt ending set two decades later. What?! It was sucha great book but also sucha confusing let down in the end. I just think it woulda been really helpful and nice for the reader to have gotten just one more chapter to fully wrap it all up in the end and tie up all the loose ends of the story line, and not just wee hints here and there in the final conversation in the epilogue. Still... I'm really happy I read all 3 of the ink mage books and would gladly read many more books from Gischler in the future, I just hope they all atleast end just a lil bit better than this one did. 💙
This was such an amazing book and an amazing series, but with all the fine detail you put into the story, why on earth would you end it that way?! No real explanation for Rina and what exactly happened to her or Alum and everybody else we followed along with throughout the whole story line, just a rather abrupt ending set two decades later. What?! It was sucha great book but also sucha confusing let down in the end. I just think it woulda been really helpful and nice for the reader to have gotten just one more chapter to fully wrap it all up in the end and tie up all the loose ends of the story line, and not just wee hints here and there in the final conversation in the epilogue. Still... I'm really happy I read all 3 of the ink mage books and would gladly read many more books from Gischler in the future, I just hope they all atleast end just a lil bit better than this one did. 💙
May 5, 2016
A Painted Goddess by Victor Gischler is the third book in the Fire Beneath the Skin series but it can be read without reading the others first -but you will want to! Rina and her friends are now clashing with more than magic, gods are now in the game. Rina has more magic tattoos. There are more surprises, fights, action, excitement, twists, turns, and magic then ever, this book is fast paced and never boring! This is a wonderful series! It has wonderful characters that have stayed true throughout the series, well developed, complex, and very interesting. The plot is complex but makes sense in the end when the reader puts all the pieces together. A joy of a fantasy. A romance, a battle, and a magic ride. When is the next book? I received this book for a honest review from NetGalley and it in no way effected my review or rating.
April 28, 2018
It was good. I go into more detail in my reviews of the other two books. But the ending of this one was incredibly dissatisfying. (if that's even a word)... It felt as if the author had to suddenly wrap it up. There was no sense of completion, and we only find out what happened to three of the side characters. Their relationship also confused me. As far as I'd known, Bradley and Maurizio barely knew each ithet, and I don't think they even spoke to each other in the last two books. Yet they acted like old buddies at the end. The book was fine, but the ending fell way flat.
May 23, 2018
It took me almost a year to finish this book I would listen to it and would not be able to continue it at times. My need to finish books I start whether I like them or not won out and I finally finished it. The ending was disappointing and quick.... overall I’m bummed about this series I really wanted to like it as I liked how it started out. I have absolutely no idea why Rina and Maurizan want Alem so much as he is not a strong character at all. Maurizan I didn’t care for at all through the books. Brasley was by far the most entertaining character for me.
March 2, 2022
Waste of Time
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books of this trilogy and had high expectations for the last book. I was extremely disappointed. If you’re looking for a series that has a happy ending, don’t bother reading this book. I honestly felt betrayed with the way this author ended this book, stringing me along and giving me hope for a good outcome only to be horribly disappointed. This author also seems to have a very low opinion of women. I understand how much work authors put into their books and this is my first bad review EVER.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books of this trilogy and had high expectations for the last book. I was extremely disappointed. If you’re looking for a series that has a happy ending, don’t bother reading this book. I honestly felt betrayed with the way this author ended this book, stringing me along and giving me hope for a good outcome only to be horribly disappointed. This author also seems to have a very low opinion of women. I understand how much work authors put into their books and this is my first bad review EVER.
February 29, 2016
A fitting conclusion, however I can't help but feel disappointed in it too, tbh I feel a little broken. Again the book went in numerous directions leading up to the big showdown. Thankfully the epilogue cleared up a few things and left an opening for book 4. All in all it was an action packed trilogy where the reader gets a chance to be part of the story (if their imagination allows it).
I was given the book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I was given the book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
February 27, 2019
***BEWARE, SOME SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW!
When I picked up book 1 of this series, I was looking for a quick, mindless read to pass the time on my commute. I very soon realized there was much more depth to this series than I had previously thought, and I was hooked pretty quickly. It was clever and creative and I found myself caring about who I was reading about, and I especially loved the idea of the ink magic via tattoo system. By book 3, which I started reading as if it was the next chapter in book 2, I was really invested in the story and the characters and was looking forward to an exciting conclusion to the tale.
I think "A Painted Goddess" was definitely the strongest of the series - the gorey action and fight scenes, adventure, and sex doesn't disappoint. The story itself and even the writing style seemed to mature and take itself more seriously... with one exception: the ending. The ending was very rushed, cliche, a little unsatisfying, and disappointing. I remember looking down at my kindle at 89% and asking, "how is this thing going to wrap up with only 10% left?" I knew at that point it was going to be sudden - and it didn't need to be. Gischler seemed like he just wanted it done, though he could have very easily have written another 100-150 pages, and just done away with the silly "20 years later" epilogue. Also, there were certain situations that were built up, and I wanted to play out differently, like the situation with Rina and that slimy bastard Giffen. His demise had no satisfying payoff at all. Hence my 4 stars instead of 5.
That being said, I really liked this book and was sad when it was coming to an end. I loved the new characters, especially Bishop Hark who surprisingly stepped in and turned out to be a very interesting character, and a smart and enjoyable one at that, who also happens to kick some serious ass with a mace! (Gischler can make a whole series based on him!) Rina evolved tremendously, her priorities changing for better or for worse, and the constant internal battle of who she was and who she has become/is becoming was palpable. The rivalry between Rina and Maurizan may have seemed a little forced, but in truth, the two of them are essentially adolescents who are being forced to grow up too quickly and before their time. This is definitely true of Alem, who as a young man searching for his purpose in life and dealing with his budding sexuality and emotions, would believably be constantly bouncing back and forth with his feelings about Rina and Maurizan, the way he does.
"A Fire Beneath the Skin" books were truly a pleasant surprise, which i enjoyed thoroughly. I was thrilled to see that author Victor Gischler is writing (or has written) "Warrior Prime (Ink Mage Legacy)" which I have already pre-ordered. I am hopeful there will be more future books taking place in the land of Helva.
When I picked up book 1 of this series, I was looking for a quick, mindless read to pass the time on my commute. I very soon realized there was much more depth to this series than I had previously thought, and I was hooked pretty quickly. It was clever and creative and I found myself caring about who I was reading about, and I especially loved the idea of the ink magic via tattoo system. By book 3, which I started reading as if it was the next chapter in book 2, I was really invested in the story and the characters and was looking forward to an exciting conclusion to the tale.
I think "A Painted Goddess" was definitely the strongest of the series - the gorey action and fight scenes, adventure, and sex doesn't disappoint. The story itself and even the writing style seemed to mature and take itself more seriously... with one exception: the ending. The ending was very rushed, cliche, a little unsatisfying, and disappointing. I remember looking down at my kindle at 89% and asking, "how is this thing going to wrap up with only 10% left?" I knew at that point it was going to be sudden - and it didn't need to be. Gischler seemed like he just wanted it done, though he could have very easily have written another 100-150 pages, and just done away with the silly "20 years later" epilogue. Also, there were certain situations that were built up, and I wanted to play out differently, like the situation with Rina and that slimy bastard Giffen. His demise had no satisfying payoff at all. Hence my 4 stars instead of 5.
That being said, I really liked this book and was sad when it was coming to an end. I loved the new characters, especially Bishop Hark who surprisingly stepped in and turned out to be a very interesting character, and a smart and enjoyable one at that, who also happens to kick some serious ass with a mace! (Gischler can make a whole series based on him!) Rina evolved tremendously, her priorities changing for better or for worse, and the constant internal battle of who she was and who she has become/is becoming was palpable. The rivalry between Rina and Maurizan may have seemed a little forced, but in truth, the two of them are essentially adolescents who are being forced to grow up too quickly and before their time. This is definitely true of Alem, who as a young man searching for his purpose in life and dealing with his budding sexuality and emotions, would believably be constantly bouncing back and forth with his feelings about Rina and Maurizan, the way he does.
"A Fire Beneath the Skin" books were truly a pleasant surprise, which i enjoyed thoroughly. I was thrilled to see that author Victor Gischler is writing (or has written) "Warrior Prime (Ink Mage Legacy)" which I have already pre-ordered. I am hopeful there will be more future books taking place in the land of Helva.
July 28, 2017
**3.5 stars**
I'm gonna actually write a little review for a change, but it's gonna be a review for the series as a whole :)
Very brief synopsis: when her hometown of Klaar is attacked by invading Perranese forces and her parents (the duke and duchess of Klaar) are killed, Rina escapes and is taken to a wizard and given tattoos that give her different kinds of powers. With these new powers, she vows to take back her town of Klaar from the invaders.
That's just a summary of the first book in the trilogy which was honestly my favourite of the three books. If you were planning on reading these books, just know they contain a lot of sex and bloody battles and bad language. Doesn't bother me but just be warned.
One of my main negatives was my disconnect from the characters. There are multiple POVs in the series, however there were only like 2 characters that I cared about in the first one, and one of them just kind of faded out throughout the series. The other surprised me because he was a womanizer and I'm not usually a fan of people like that (both fictional and real) but he was just too funny and he changed by the end of this book so much. The other weren't terrible but I just didn't care about them as much.
I liked the idea of the magic tattoos giving powers. I feel like there could've been far more tattoos explained, or more ink mages with different kinds of powers, as I like seeing people learn how to master their new abilities. I think she does get like 4 tattoos in the first one, but it kind of slows down after that.
The story itself was good, more so in the first book for me. In book 2 and 3, the plot just sometimes got too frantic and a bit farfetched but it was still enjoyable. I also think the end was resolved VERY quickly, with only about a page and a half long epilogue which didn't resolve too much and just showed the surviving characters 20 years later.
The writing was very easy to get into and the chapters were generally short and action packed which helped keep the story really moving and it never felt a chore to read. The fight scenes were bloody, and rarely seemed hard to follow like big battle scenes can sometimes be in books - so that's always a plus.
On the whole, I really liked the series. I don't think it's become an all time favourite or anything but it was fun to read and had a interesting premise with a couple of good characters.
I'm gonna actually write a little review for a change, but it's gonna be a review for the series as a whole :)
Very brief synopsis: when her hometown of Klaar is attacked by invading Perranese forces and her parents (the duke and duchess of Klaar) are killed, Rina escapes and is taken to a wizard and given tattoos that give her different kinds of powers. With these new powers, she vows to take back her town of Klaar from the invaders.
That's just a summary of the first book in the trilogy which was honestly my favourite of the three books. If you were planning on reading these books, just know they contain a lot of sex and bloody battles and bad language. Doesn't bother me but just be warned.
One of my main negatives was my disconnect from the characters. There are multiple POVs in the series, however there were only like 2 characters that I cared about in the first one, and one of them just kind of faded out throughout the series. The other surprised me because he was a womanizer and I'm not usually a fan of people like that (both fictional and real) but he was just too funny and he changed by the end of this book so much. The other weren't terrible but I just didn't care about them as much.
I liked the idea of the magic tattoos giving powers. I feel like there could've been far more tattoos explained, or more ink mages with different kinds of powers, as I like seeing people learn how to master their new abilities. I think she does get like 4 tattoos in the first one, but it kind of slows down after that.
The story itself was good, more so in the first book for me. In book 2 and 3, the plot just sometimes got too frantic and a bit farfetched but it was still enjoyable. I also think the end was resolved VERY quickly, with only about a page and a half long epilogue which didn't resolve too much and just showed the surviving characters 20 years later.
The writing was very easy to get into and the chapters were generally short and action packed which helped keep the story really moving and it never felt a chore to read. The fight scenes were bloody, and rarely seemed hard to follow like big battle scenes can sometimes be in books - so that's always a plus.
On the whole, I really liked the series. I don't think it's become an all time favourite or anything but it was fun to read and had a interesting premise with a couple of good characters.
July 23, 2017
At first I didn’t really want to read the last part of this trilogy… I did not like the ending of the second part or where the story might develop to. So I waited.. And waited and finally startet reading it.
Duchess Rina is more or less imprisoned with evil ink mages.
Talbun and Brasley are on a library hunt, where another evil ink mage Ankar (the one who already tried to kill Rina ) searches for answers.
Tosh and some of the former whores went to another land for… I don’t remember why.
Alem and Maurizan traveled with the group and went overboard. They might be starting their previous relationship anew because he thinks Rina wants to marry another man.
After I started to read this I regretted waiting this long to continue the story.
You can see how the characters develop (for better or worse) but I think the magic is getting out of hand as we near the end of the story. Maurizan get's her long awaited Prime tattooed on her back just to start petty fighting with Rina about new tattoos. I think Maurizan is the one person I absolutely can not connect with. She seems petty and selfish to an extend that somewhat ruins her as a good person. Sure she does things you have to admit are for the greater good, but often for the wrong reasons. Her relationship with Alem is a nice change, but it always seems to be forced in regards of his feelings for Rina.
Rina seems more distant and you always have the feeling she is somewhat tired of all this shit going on. She seems more like a martyrer than a hero, which I didn't like. She was always the main part of the story until the third book. I felt a little like losing her in favor of all the other characters.
The end of the story was a little confusing and did not really make sense at some point. For example Ankar -previously wanting all of them dead- now wants to fight alongside Rina. I didn't quiet get the end with all the stuff about the Gods and what really happened to Rina, but maybe I was just to focused elsewhere to understand.
Duchess Rina is more or less imprisoned with evil ink mages.
Talbun and Brasley are on a library hunt, where another evil ink mage Ankar (the one who already tried to kill Rina ) searches for answers.
Tosh and some of the former whores went to another land for… I don’t remember why.
Alem and Maurizan traveled with the group and went overboard. They might be starting their previous relationship anew because he thinks Rina wants to marry another man.
After I started to read this I regretted waiting this long to continue the story.
You can see how the characters develop (for better or worse) but I think the magic is getting out of hand as we near the end of the story. Maurizan get's her long awaited Prime tattooed on her back just to start petty fighting with Rina about new tattoos. I think Maurizan is the one person I absolutely can not connect with. She seems petty and selfish to an extend that somewhat ruins her as a good person. Sure she does things you have to admit are for the greater good, but often for the wrong reasons. Her relationship with Alem is a nice change, but it always seems to be forced in regards of his feelings for Rina.
Rina seems more distant and you always have the feeling she is somewhat tired of all this shit going on. She seems more like a martyrer than a hero, which I didn't like. She was always the main part of the story until the third book. I felt a little like losing her in favor of all the other characters.
The end of the story was a little confusing and did not really make sense at some point. For example Ankar -previously wanting all of them dead- now wants to fight alongside Rina. I didn't quiet get the end with all the stuff about the Gods and what really happened to Rina, but maybe I was just to focused elsewhere to understand.
October 11, 2021
I am not sure how I feel about this book. I enjoyed the trilogy but the ending felt pieced together and contrived. Especially with the alliances at the end. I don't mind bittersweet or sad endings but the final battle was confusing and it some of it did not need to be this way. Some deaths didn't serve a useful purpose for the storyline.
The battles were long and drawn out which is ok for those who like those things. Once the undead were marching and could not be stopped, the solution to set the town on fire is fine but then everyone decide they were suddenly done and it was time to go home even though they didn't fully believe the undead were stopped. I get it everyone is tired but really?
The third ink mage joining forces with them was incredibly contrived. This was not a rational creature and he stayed true to his personality until the end where he decided to join forces to battle gods. The battle with the god of war was confusing. The building collapsed and he fought the bishop who was Dumo. I was not quite clear on what happened then to the god of war. Rina got the bad end of the deal. She never got any real resolution or understanding of why Alem left. That didn't matter once she transformed but that was still pretty crummy. And was was the purpose of the magical bracelet artifact. It didn't help Alem in the end. While the ending didn't need to be happy, that was a perfect way to have saved him that fit with the story.
The portal idea was good but they went from fumbling to figure it out to the guy providing the ruby knowing how to use it and where to go and surprise, he is a mage. Anyhow, I still enjoyed the story but the conclusion didn't flow organically. Facets were set up well in advance to get to the ending but then they were sort of shoved together to make things fit.
The battles were long and drawn out which is ok for those who like those things. Once the undead were marching and could not be stopped, the solution to set the town on fire is fine but then everyone decide they were suddenly done and it was time to go home even though they didn't fully believe the undead were stopped. I get it everyone is tired but really?
The third ink mage joining forces with them was incredibly contrived. This was not a rational creature and he stayed true to his personality until the end where he decided to join forces to battle gods. The battle with the god of war was confusing. The building collapsed and he fought the bishop who was Dumo. I was not quite clear on what happened then to the god of war. Rina got the bad end of the deal. She never got any real resolution or understanding of why Alem left. That didn't matter once she transformed but that was still pretty crummy. And was was the purpose of the magical bracelet artifact. It didn't help Alem in the end. While the ending didn't need to be happy, that was a perfect way to have saved him that fit with the story.
The portal idea was good but they went from fumbling to figure it out to the guy providing the ruby knowing how to use it and where to go and surprise, he is a mage. Anyhow, I still enjoyed the story but the conclusion didn't flow organically. Facets were set up well in advance to get to the ending but then they were sort of shoved together to make things fit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2019
A Fire Beneath the Skin was entertaining in a way, quick paced and interesting but it also had a lot of issues.
The characters were all the same and very one dimensional. Most were sex crazed, swore too much and were uncouth. Rina spent most of the series swearing and smoking. How did someone growing up in nobility end up being more likely to fit in with the ladies of the brothel than anyone groomed to lead a Duchy? Also the relationships in the book were not believable, they all seemed shallow and fickle. They didn’t have anything in common, just that they were good looking and good in bed. But who knows, maybe that is how many relationships are and more people relate.
It was nice that the author had a female as the mc, and it was the males that needed saving. Progressive idea yes, believable characters no. Maybe the females were more like men, I don’t know but I didn’t like the characters and I wasn’t invest in any of them. They didn’t grow through the series, instead it was just luck and circumstances that made the series progress. And to a too quick and anticlimactic end. Like did they even need Alem???? What was the point of him being there apart from making the females act stupid.
This book is good to pass the time and an easy read, but unlikely to be memorable nor to inspire a second read.
The characters were all the same and very one dimensional. Most were sex crazed, swore too much and were uncouth. Rina spent most of the series swearing and smoking. How did someone growing up in nobility end up being more likely to fit in with the ladies of the brothel than anyone groomed to lead a Duchy? Also the relationships in the book were not believable, they all seemed shallow and fickle. They didn’t have anything in common, just that they were good looking and good in bed. But who knows, maybe that is how many relationships are and more people relate.
It was nice that the author had a female as the mc, and it was the males that needed saving. Progressive idea yes, believable characters no. Maybe the females were more like men, I don’t know but I didn’t like the characters and I wasn’t invest in any of them. They didn’t grow through the series, instead it was just luck and circumstances that made the series progress. And to a too quick and anticlimactic end. Like did they even need Alem???? What was the point of him being there apart from making the females act stupid.
This book is good to pass the time and an easy read, but unlikely to be memorable nor to inspire a second read.
January 21, 2020
(More so a review for the entire trilogy not just this book) I absolutely loved the concept and characters; however the Alem/Rina/Maurizan love triangle throughout the trilogy got old REAL quick. I feel the Maurizan/Rina feud was unnecessary, and I definitely felt there wasn't nearly enough buildup to Alem/Rina or Alem/Maurizan. I wasn't a huge fan of Maurizan in this trilogy, but I really enjoyed her character in Warrior Prime.
The only ending I was really happy with was Brasley, I really liked his development with his marriage to Frigga and wish that was a little more fleshed out on page.
I LOVED Stasha and the Birds of Prey. I really loved their journey from the first book to the third, honestly I would have read an entire series about just those ladies.
I wish we got to read more about Tosh and Emmon. I would have liked to see more of him being a father to her.
Overall I think I would have liked to see Maurizan get the Prime earlier in the series. I wish I could have read about her, Rina, and the gang traveling traveling together in search of tattoos as friends rather than rivals. (Lets be honest, meaningful female friendships will always be more interesting than women being rivals over a man.)
TL;DR I enjoyed some parts of the book and would have drastically changed others.
The only ending I was really happy with was Brasley, I really liked his development with his marriage to Frigga and wish that was a little more fleshed out on page.
I LOVED Stasha and the Birds of Prey. I really loved their journey from the first book to the third, honestly I would have read an entire series about just those ladies.
I wish we got to read more about Tosh and Emmon. I would have liked to see more of him being a father to her.
Overall I think I would have liked to see Maurizan get the Prime earlier in the series. I wish I could have read about her, Rina, and the gang traveling traveling together in search of tattoos as friends rather than rivals. (Lets be honest, meaningful female friendships will always be more interesting than women being rivals over a man.)
TL;DR I enjoyed some parts of the book and would have drastically changed others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2017
This was a pretty entertaining series. I enjoyed the plot, but I thought there could have been a bit more development in some areas. I would have liked to know more about the Gods and what was going on with them. I feel it was a bit of a cop-out to just say "we can't understand" but then a bunch of stuff happened that didn't have much back story or development. I was also a bit bothered by the liberal use of the F word. I'm not against profanity, it's more that it kind of jarred me out of the mood of the story because it seemed tossed in places it didn't belong. Like Rina is supposed to be this highborn noble and she has the posh accent but she swears a lot? Not that she couldn't, but it didn't seem to really match her personality or the rest of her character. A bit inconsistent. It makes sense for there to be some more crass language in more of the lowborn characters or the guard, etc., but it seemed like everything was pretty clean EXCEPT for the bunch of F bombs showing up randomly. Not enough to ruin the story or anything, but I noticed it and then it kept bugging me enough to pull me out of the story every time it happened.
I really liked the way that the women (besides just the heroine) in the series were portrayed as powerful and capable!
I really liked the way that the women (besides just the heroine) in the series were portrayed as powerful and capable!
June 6, 2019
When the gods go to war, who will stand against their divine fury?
In the thrilling conclusion to the A Fire Beneath the Skin trilogy, the enchanted kingdom of Helva faces a nightmarish future of endless bloodshed, and Rina Veraiin—a young warrior-duchess armed with mysterious, magical tattoos—must use her fantastic powers to save her home from eternal war.
As her far-flung friends scour Helva for additional tattoos to increase her formidable abilities, Rina reckons with an enigmatic death priest…the one whose contract grants her extraordinary magic but demands an awful price. When her debt comes due, can Rina make the ultimate sacrifice?
Deities clash and allies succumb as Rina strives to fulfill her obligation and confront her strange and shocking destiny. Becoming an ink mage taxed Rina’s resources to their very limits; now she must become something else, something more, something awesome and terrible.
If she fails, her world will fall.
May 6, 2017
Gischler is a talented writer with a vivid imagination. I liked how he interweaves the different characters into the story so the reader could see how their motivations fueled their choices. Also, the book was funny. The wit and sarcasm was dead on. I both read and listened to all three books and the narration was superb. Fiona Hardingham has an envious voice. I could command men to give me the world with a voice like that! I loved her accents for the characters and each one was distinct and full of personality. And there were a lot of voices considering characters went on separate quests to unknown lands and such. I only gave the book 4 stars because I only give 5 stars to books that I plan to read again when I need to re read certain stories. But the books were excellent and exciting. (Goodreads really needs a half star feature. Just saying.)
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