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Chronicles of Lorrek #3
I'm Still Alive
Some secrets have the potential to destroy the world.
Princess Mordora flees for her life, desperate to evade her pursuers. An alluring voice calls to her - promising her power unequaled.
A year after the Battle of Cuskelom, Lorrek returns home to find Mordora in the thralls of an ancient artifact. To free her and prevent the destruction of the world, Lorrek must seek the help of a woman he previously tried to kill.
Lorrek uncovers a conspiracy long hidden, revealing that the troubles surrounding him were arranged long ago. He must choose between two evils, but the one he passes might destroy the world.
Princess Mordora flees for her life, desperate to evade her pursuers. An alluring voice calls to her - promising her power unequaled.
A year after the Battle of Cuskelom, Lorrek returns home to find Mordora in the thralls of an ancient artifact. To free her and prevent the destruction of the world, Lorrek must seek the help of a woman he previously tried to kill.
Lorrek uncovers a conspiracy long hidden, revealing that the troubles surrounding him were arranged long ago. He must choose between two evils, but the one he passes might destroy the world.
- GenresFantasy
398 pages, Paperback
Published June 23, 2017
About the author
Kelly Blanchard
22 books131 followersKnown as The Muse within her writing circle, Kelly Blanchard first became serious about writing at age twelve and worked hard to learn and fully comprehend the numerous elements of writing. She tutored and assisted teaching in college while she studied for her degree in English. After graduation she continued tutoring children and even taught several classes. Now she’s established an online community to assist fellow writers in understanding their craft.
Outside of writing, Kelly enjoys baking her world famous chocolate chip cookies, and she takes great pleasure in the company of her two cats and her Doberman Pinscher. From a family of five sisters and four brothers, she uses her experience with the family dynamic in her writing. She also practices Martial Arts, fencing, and archery—all important knowledge to have in order to write more accurately.
Writing and stories are important to Kelly. They are a reflection of reality, and she tries to capture that reflection in a way that sparks the imagination even if it means bending a few rules and blending several genres.
Outside of writing, Kelly enjoys baking her world famous chocolate chip cookies, and she takes great pleasure in the company of her two cats and her Doberman Pinscher. From a family of five sisters and four brothers, she uses her experience with the family dynamic in her writing. She also practices Martial Arts, fencing, and archery—all important knowledge to have in order to write more accurately.
Writing and stories are important to Kelly. They are a reflection of reality, and she tries to capture that reflection in a way that sparks the imagination even if it means bending a few rules and blending several genres.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 23, 2017
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book.
After the way in which the previous book in the series ended, it was going to be interesting to see how the author continued those threads and used them to further the individual story arcs of the cast while having it feel genuine. They not only succeeded but took it as an opportunity to delve deep into the mythology and history of the world the series takes place in. The first thing to adjust to is that there is a one year time skip between the end of Book 2 and the start of this one. This is especially fitting as the author's skill has grown quite a bit as well, to the point of there being a noticeable difference. As such we also get a chance to look in on the extended cast and see how much has changed in that time. How are things different now, what fresh conflicts have arisen, what story so going to once more weave their lives together in a more central fashion than simply being family.
This is where the dive into the world's history and mythology come into play. A much older threat has been lurking in the background slowly affecting a principal cast member which leads to ways being explored of how to beat this older enemy. Things aren't always as they seem though and alliances will be made and changed a few times with more than one shocking death and some very heavy revelations made that will impact many lives.
The exploration of the past to combat a foe in the present allows for a greater exploration as well of a world that beautifully straddles the line between the advanced technology elements of science fiction with the kingdoms and magic that permeate the fantasy genre. As with the previous two books, the exploration of the bonds of families and relationships is very central to the theme.
After the way in which the previous book in the series ended, it was going to be interesting to see how the author continued those threads and used them to further the individual story arcs of the cast while having it feel genuine. They not only succeeded but took it as an opportunity to delve deep into the mythology and history of the world the series takes place in. The first thing to adjust to is that there is a one year time skip between the end of Book 2 and the start of this one. This is especially fitting as the author's skill has grown quite a bit as well, to the point of there being a noticeable difference. As such we also get a chance to look in on the extended cast and see how much has changed in that time. How are things different now, what fresh conflicts have arisen, what story so going to once more weave their lives together in a more central fashion than simply being family.
This is where the dive into the world's history and mythology come into play. A much older threat has been lurking in the background slowly affecting a principal cast member which leads to ways being explored of how to beat this older enemy. Things aren't always as they seem though and alliances will be made and changed a few times with more than one shocking death and some very heavy revelations made that will impact many lives.
The exploration of the past to combat a foe in the present allows for a greater exploration as well of a world that beautifully straddles the line between the advanced technology elements of science fiction with the kingdoms and magic that permeate the fantasy genre. As with the previous two books, the exploration of the bonds of families and relationships is very central to the theme.
July 10, 2017
Unflinchingly, whole-heartedly (heh-heh... heart puns... 😭😭😭😭) without the slightest hesitation...
Blanchard consistently gives readers more of what they absolutely love. The Realm in which the series is set is expanding, not just with new locations and characters, but also a deeper and far-reaching history and legacy. The title may be unorthodox, but it definitely forms the recurring theme for the novel. Readers can reasonably expect more from this one: more giggles at Vixen's sassy quips, more gut-wrenching at the effortless power of a mysterious new villain, more sympathy as Lorrek expends more and more of himself to try and keep all his friends (and family) from falling apart at the seams, more heart-stopping clashes between enemies, more lush, thrilling scenery as the characters actually travel to locations that before had only been mentioned in reference, more jaw-dropping reveals as characters you thought you knew turn out to have VERY intriguing secrets!
I loved it. It held me firmly to the last page and gave me a MASSIVE "book hangover." I cannot wait for the next book!!
Blanchard consistently gives readers more of what they absolutely love. The Realm in which the series is set is expanding, not just with new locations and characters, but also a deeper and far-reaching history and legacy. The title may be unorthodox, but it definitely forms the recurring theme for the novel. Readers can reasonably expect more from this one: more giggles at Vixen's sassy quips, more gut-wrenching at the effortless power of a mysterious new villain, more sympathy as Lorrek expends more and more of himself to try and keep all his friends (and family) from falling apart at the seams, more heart-stopping clashes between enemies, more lush, thrilling scenery as the characters actually travel to locations that before had only been mentioned in reference, more jaw-dropping reveals as characters you thought you knew turn out to have VERY intriguing secrets!
I loved it. It held me firmly to the last page and gave me a MASSIVE "book hangover." I cannot wait for the next book!!
June 24, 2017
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It's been a year since the battle at the end of I Still Have A Soul but Kelly wastes no time in pulling us right back into the world she created. Heldon is now ruling Cuskelom with Erita at his side, Theran is still stuck in his armor, and Lorrek is....well he is being Lorrek and acting like everything still rests on his shoulders.
New visitors, representatives from the thymords, arrive in Cukselom and demand back the World Orbs and handblades back. Instead, Heldon sends them to Lorrek and after Mordora who has come into contact with a strange bracelet housing an entity called Rykeldon. As we delve into the battle to find them, the world around us expands to include so much more than imagined in even the first book. And Kelly melds this all together perfectly, in a way that isn't overwhelming.
This book is filled with the same type of imagery and exceptional worldbuilding that we have become accustomed to in Kelly’s books. She bridged the gap from the first to second installments and continues on spectacularly and seamlessly in the third. I’m Still Alive will leave you turning the pages wanting to know more. New worlds, new races (dragons anyone?), and even a subtle underhand mention of something called “Joktan” in the neutral nation of Talhon. The Chronicles of Lorrek are (as I’ve said before), a spark of classic fantasy novels for the modern era. Like ISHAS though, don’t forget some tissues. You just might need them.
It's been a year since the battle at the end of I Still Have A Soul but Kelly wastes no time in pulling us right back into the world she created. Heldon is now ruling Cuskelom with Erita at his side, Theran is still stuck in his armor, and Lorrek is....well he is being Lorrek and acting like everything still rests on his shoulders.
New visitors, representatives from the thymords, arrive in Cukselom and demand back the World Orbs and handblades back. Instead, Heldon sends them to Lorrek and after Mordora who has come into contact with a strange bracelet housing an entity called Rykeldon. As we delve into the battle to find them, the world around us expands to include so much more than imagined in even the first book. And Kelly melds this all together perfectly, in a way that isn't overwhelming.
This book is filled with the same type of imagery and exceptional worldbuilding that we have become accustomed to in Kelly’s books. She bridged the gap from the first to second installments and continues on spectacularly and seamlessly in the third. I’m Still Alive will leave you turning the pages wanting to know more. New worlds, new races (dragons anyone?), and even a subtle underhand mention of something called “Joktan” in the neutral nation of Talhon. The Chronicles of Lorrek are (as I’ve said before), a spark of classic fantasy novels for the modern era. Like ISHAS though, don’t forget some tissues. You just might need them.
June 30, 2017
A Rollercoaster of Fun!
The third installment of The Chronicles of Lorrek was a great ride! In book three, we delve ever more deeply into the mire of troubles that plague Prince Lorrek of Cuskelom and his family and friends. The story is full of characters you will both love and despise, so there's no way not to find yourself deeply involved. No spoilers here, but there are twists and turns that not only surprised me, but also had me shouting at the characters, and even sniffling into my tissue. A great follow-up to the previous two books in the series, Ms. Blanchard does not disappoint with book #3. But given the complex plot and the large cast of characters, definitely read the first two before tucking into this one!
The third installment of The Chronicles of Lorrek was a great ride! In book three, we delve ever more deeply into the mire of troubles that plague Prince Lorrek of Cuskelom and his family and friends. The story is full of characters you will both love and despise, so there's no way not to find yourself deeply involved. No spoilers here, but there are twists and turns that not only surprised me, but also had me shouting at the characters, and even sniffling into my tissue. A great follow-up to the previous two books in the series, Ms. Blanchard does not disappoint with book #3. But given the complex plot and the large cast of characters, definitely read the first two before tucking into this one!
February 25, 2022
One of the benefits of diving into a series, especially an epic fantasy (and sci-fi) series, is that I get to see all the character and story arcs and connect all the dots into the larger picture. The third book in Kelly Blanchard’s Chronicles of Lorrek, I’m Still Alive, ends one story arc and dives into another, with all the usual magic and mayhem that you expect from these books.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book takes place one year after the end of the last book, following Lorrek and Vixen as they try to stop Princess Mordora, who has unwittingly been targeted by an ancient artefact. They are trying to undo the damage that she has done, while also uncovering secrets of an ancient past, and dealing with everyone else who gets pulled into the situation.
This plot starts pulling in a lot of threads from the distant past, which undergirds the rest of the series. The threads become more intricate, drawing on things from the previous books as well as introducing world lore in such a way that familiar characters reveal a great deal more than we knew. As always with these books, the plot is very detailed and pulls the reader in a lot of different directions, all of which end with one of those dramatic gasps as we get to the finale.
2. Thoughts on the characters
Most of the characters in this book are familiar, so much of the development is merely to do with learning more about them and how they interact with the world. Included in this development is the introduction of events that happened some many generations ago, which set of a series of chain reactions that won’t be fully realised until much later in the series. Which was quite clever, but also frustrating for the reader—at least for me, as I am one of those, “I want to know all the stuff now!” types. Ah, c’est la vie.
3. Favourite part
That snarky bit at the end, where Lorrek is thumbing his nose at….sorry, spoilers. ;)
4. Critique
My only real critique for this book is one of those annoying, nitpicky things that us reviewers pull upon when we can’t find anything else to critique; I would have liked a little evidence of some of these dramatic past events to appear in the first two books, if only to hint at what was to come. It’s really not necessary, since we learn all that we need as the series progresses, but it’s possible that I’ve read too many mysteries in my life and like books to have clues as to future events. Only really a problem if you grew up with a mystery book in hand before you leaped into the fantasy genre. So…not really relevant to the book at all.
Overall, I would say that I’m Still Alive is a great third book to a great series, starting off on more story arcs and bringing in a lot of details that really make these books worth reading.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book takes place one year after the end of the last book, following Lorrek and Vixen as they try to stop Princess Mordora, who has unwittingly been targeted by an ancient artefact. They are trying to undo the damage that she has done, while also uncovering secrets of an ancient past, and dealing with everyone else who gets pulled into the situation.
This plot starts pulling in a lot of threads from the distant past, which undergirds the rest of the series. The threads become more intricate, drawing on things from the previous books as well as introducing world lore in such a way that familiar characters reveal a great deal more than we knew. As always with these books, the plot is very detailed and pulls the reader in a lot of different directions, all of which end with one of those dramatic gasps as we get to the finale.
2. Thoughts on the characters
Most of the characters in this book are familiar, so much of the development is merely to do with learning more about them and how they interact with the world. Included in this development is the introduction of events that happened some many generations ago, which set of a series of chain reactions that won’t be fully realised until much later in the series. Which was quite clever, but also frustrating for the reader—at least for me, as I am one of those, “I want to know all the stuff now!” types. Ah, c’est la vie.
3. Favourite part
That snarky bit at the end, where Lorrek is thumbing his nose at….sorry, spoilers. ;)
4. Critique
My only real critique for this book is one of those annoying, nitpicky things that us reviewers pull upon when we can’t find anything else to critique; I would have liked a little evidence of some of these dramatic past events to appear in the first two books, if only to hint at what was to come. It’s really not necessary, since we learn all that we need as the series progresses, but it’s possible that I’ve read too many mysteries in my life and like books to have clues as to future events. Only really a problem if you grew up with a mystery book in hand before you leaped into the fantasy genre. So…not really relevant to the book at all.
Overall, I would say that I’m Still Alive is a great third book to a great series, starting off on more story arcs and bringing in a lot of details that really make these books worth reading.
July 25, 2017
I’m Still Alive. Never have those three words held so much weight. In Kelly Blanchard’s third Chronicles of Lorrek book that phrase holds sway in ways that, I as reader, would have never expected. This book is full of twists and turns and unseen consequences. About the time we all think we know what is happening and what the rest of the story may hold, Ms. Blanchard throws us on a yet another roller coaster of conflicting emotions and thoughts. It is writers like this make me love reading. I rarely read this style of high fantasy and cross genre, but with every new tale Ms. Blanchard weaves I find myself bouncing with anticipation for the next piece of the journey to come to light. With in depth characters, intense story arches, plot twists that leave the reader dizzy, and emotional roller coasters the likes of which are seldom seen, this book takes you by the hand and does not leave one wanting for anything. And in her last words on the very last page she leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat, practically gasping in shock and awe… I have said it before and I will say it again, this amazing Indie author is one of a kind and worth the read every single time! I can’t wait for the next installment in Lorrek’s tale.
October 5, 2018
IT'S OVER THE FENCE AND THE CROWD'S GOING WILD!!!
OMG! Wow! This is one exciting adventure and I don't see it slowing down. Man, if you want action, drama, fear, excitement, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, thrilling rollercoaster ride into the unknown at a fast pace, grab your copy now my friends cause this little jewel with definitely keep you on your toes. Kelly keeps building the suspense and danger throughout as tension spirals out of control. Mainly mine! LOL! What can I say, if you can't sink deep into your read it isn't worth the trouble to pick it up. Kelly doesn't pull her punches, nor take any prisoners. Nope, she forged full speed ahead. She did a remarkable job bringing this read together beautifully. Fantastic job Kelly, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
OMG! Wow! This is one exciting adventure and I don't see it slowing down. Man, if you want action, drama, fear, excitement, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, thrilling rollercoaster ride into the unknown at a fast pace, grab your copy now my friends cause this little jewel with definitely keep you on your toes. Kelly keeps building the suspense and danger throughout as tension spirals out of control. Mainly mine! LOL! What can I say, if you can't sink deep into your read it isn't worth the trouble to pick it up. Kelly doesn't pull her punches, nor take any prisoners. Nope, she forged full speed ahead. She did a remarkable job bringing this read together beautifully. Fantastic job Kelly, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
August 22, 2017
Book Three in the Chronicles of Lorrek series had a tough act to follow, and managed to gleefully surpass the previous two books of the series. There is a masterful blend of surprise, action, and lore that is both captivating and holds up to its promises of great things to come. The universe this is set in is continually developing and it is wonderful to see the characters continue to grow as things are changing around them.
There are many great things that could be said about the book. From chapter to chapter you want to know what comes next, you need to know more, and finally those last few sections when things are reaching towards a conclusion… There is not a more perfect ending for this book. This series has easily made my top three, which had been unchanged for several years. I am highly looking forward to book four.
There are many great things that could be said about the book. From chapter to chapter you want to know what comes next, you need to know more, and finally those last few sections when things are reaching towards a conclusion… There is not a more perfect ending for this book. This series has easily made my top three, which had been unchanged for several years. I am highly looking forward to book four.
September 24, 2019
This had me on the edge of my seat from page one.
From the very start, I had no particular idea what to expect I'm this story, and that's in an absolutely good way! If you have already read the first two books in the series, I'd suggest getting your life together and starting this one right now.
There are extensively more detailed backgrounds on the main characters, a lot of plot twists, further races and worlds being revealed, as well as Kelly showing off her impressive world building capabilities.
Several main plot points within the series are explained, but even more additional characters and ideas are left open for what I'm sure will be even further stressful situations to enjoy!
From the very start, I had no particular idea what to expect I'm this story, and that's in an absolutely good way! If you have already read the first two books in the series, I'd suggest getting your life together and starting this one right now.
There are extensively more detailed backgrounds on the main characters, a lot of plot twists, further races and worlds being revealed, as well as Kelly showing off her impressive world building capabilities.
Several main plot points within the series are explained, but even more additional characters and ideas are left open for what I'm sure will be even further stressful situations to enjoy!
September 27, 2019
This, like many indie books, could have done with another round of edits. There are some parts that could have flowed a little better and there is a word or two missing from sentences here and there. That being said, I really enjoy the world building in this series. It's so rich and all the areas are so interesting. Also, interestingly enough I found that I really started to like King Roskelem as I got towards the end. Oh and I'm totally ship team Lorrixen. Just saying.
December 30, 2020
What a corker
The description in this book is amazing. I'm the battle field you get everyone's point of view and it's not at all confusing . I literally cried when one of the main characters got killed off . Luckily the book didn't end there what a shocker of a story line and a fab read. You need to read books in order the grasp the relationships between them all.
The description in this book is amazing. I'm the battle field you get everyone's point of view and it's not at all confusing . I literally cried when one of the main characters got killed off . Luckily the book didn't end there what a shocker of a story line and a fab read. You need to read books in order the grasp the relationships between them all.
November 3, 2018
Finally Prince Lorrek gets to come home. Unfortunately everything is in chaos. Another fantastic book in this series.
September 17, 2019
Awesome. Just AWESOME
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews