What do you think?
Rate this book
Studies in Demonology #3
Blood for the Spilling
Sheets of ice are spreading across the human world, ushering in an ice age as the magic drained from Demonside turns that world into a desert. Angus and reluctant warlock Terrance have defected from Vinland to the Mayan Empire—a land of dark and potent magic. But the Mayans aren’t offering sanctuary for free.
Nor is the world willing to stand back as Vinland attacks, and the backlash will affect all magic users.
Mage Saka has no tribe. He is now just another refugee fleeing the dying Demonside. He knows the conflict brewing now will be worse than the first demon war. Countries are banding together—not just against Vinland, but against all magic. Where will the powerful Mayan Empire stand?
Angus might have the power to fight Vinland and the Warlock College, but the cost will be terrible. Saka is torn between helping Angus and stopping him. And Terrance would do anything for Angus, but he’s terrified of the man Angus is becoming, even as Saka is warming to the idea of a relationship between the three of them.
No matter what choice they make, victory will be bittersweet, and when the ash settles and the snow melts, nothing will be the same.
Nor is the world willing to stand back as Vinland attacks, and the backlash will affect all magic users.
Mage Saka has no tribe. He is now just another refugee fleeing the dying Demonside. He knows the conflict brewing now will be worse than the first demon war. Countries are banding together—not just against Vinland, but against all magic. Where will the powerful Mayan Empire stand?
Angus might have the power to fight Vinland and the Warlock College, but the cost will be terrible. Saka is torn between helping Angus and stopping him. And Terrance would do anything for Angus, but he’s terrified of the man Angus is becoming, even as Saka is warming to the idea of a relationship between the three of them.
No matter what choice they make, victory will be bittersweet, and when the ash settles and the snow melts, nothing will be the same.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2018
38 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Nichols
89 books342 followersTJ Nichols (they/them) is the author of the Studies in Demonology and Familiar Mates series. They write mostly gay fantasy and paranormal romance, but sometimes gay action/horror as Toby J. Nichols.
After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: http://tjnichols-author.com/lp/
You can find TJ on
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TJNichols
Ream: https://reamstories.com/tjnichols
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJNichols.au...
follow me on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/tjnichols or Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tj-ni...
After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: http://tjnichols-author.com/lp/
You can find TJ on
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TJNichols
Ream: https://reamstories.com/tjnichols
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJNichols.au...
follow me on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/tjnichols or Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tj-ni...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 26, 2022
"Studies in Demonology" is a trilogie that had be between chairs from start to end. On one side it had lots of good points in its favour. Like a very new and original world building with an interesting magic system. Like lots of sex AND lots of plot. (actually the plot got more and more the further the story progressed). The characters were at the very least not overly annoying. I liked Saka, I mostly liked Angus, Terence remained a bit bland, but ok.
Still there were also factors that just didn't work. There were many typos and grammar mistakes and the book clearly needed an experienced editor. I'm not a native speaker and if I moan about mistakes, it means it's REALLY bad. The editor should have shortened the somewhat boring bits between the the action somewhat. The ratio between book length and story was not ideal, there were plenty of unnecessary scenes, boring parts that dragged on and on before the action took over again. Also when I started this series I was not aware that it would turn into a bit of a mmm ménage - that's not really a plot I enjoy normally and I didn't enjoy it here either.
Overall I do not regret reading this trilogy, as is already clear from the fact I read all 3 books and finished it all. On the other side I needed ages to read this - not a good sign. I do suspect that the author has talent but needs more experience or someone experienced to help straighten everything up - then this could have been so much more.
Still there were also factors that just didn't work. There were many typos and grammar mistakes and the book clearly needed an experienced editor. I'm not a native speaker and if I moan about mistakes, it means it's REALLY bad. The editor should have shortened the somewhat boring bits between the the action somewhat. The ratio between book length and story was not ideal, there were plenty of unnecessary scenes, boring parts that dragged on and on before the action took over again. Also when I started this series I was not aware that it would turn into a bit of a mmm ménage - that's not really a plot I enjoy normally and I didn't enjoy it here either.
Overall I do not regret reading this trilogy, as is already clear from the fact I read all 3 books and finished it all. On the other side I needed ages to read this - not a good sign. I do suspect that the author has talent but needs more experience or someone experienced to help straighten everything up - then this could have been so much more.
November 18, 2024
3.5 stars
This book is so hard to rate. The world-building continues to be top-notch, we get a whole new culture here that's just as detailed and fascinating as the others and the magical war storyline gets a well-earned, satisfying conclusion. So that's why I'm rounding this up even though, ultimately, I found it disappointing :(
The biggest cause of the disappointment is the romantic relationship sub-plot just ... fades away. The relationships don't fade away. Just at some point we stop being told what's happening there. There's some sort of arrangement reached between the three of them, but I really can't say for sure what that is, and that's after re-reading the epilogue several times trying to figure it out. Specifically, what's the relationship between Terrance and Saka????? No freaking idea, and it's driving me crazy even several days later!!!
There's a pacing problem at the beginning that took me actual *months* to get through that is not helped by having the three MCs mostly separated, but we get a lot of internal dialog from all three of them on their relationships. Then by the time they're able to be together again, we're full on in the action plot, so it makes sense that no one is focusing on romance, but I absolutely expected that to be the focus of the final few chapters.
The unusual situation Angus found himself in with Saka and Terrance was the thing that set this series apart for me. It combined excellent world-building, magic and action with a non-traditional poly relationship that really made me think and had me fully on board with a relationship I never would have expected to feel comfortable with.
S and T live in two different worlds, literally, and can never change that, but Angus straddles both worlds. He and Saka unintentionally develop a serious bond that seems to be unique among demons-humans, but Saka's ultimate commitment is to his people and his world. But the more Angus learns about this world, the more entrenched he becomes in it, to a degree no human has before, and the more Saka falls for Angus, the harder he finds it to put his people first no matter what. It opens up all kinds of questions and makes Angus' need for Terrance to keep him grounded in the human world more and more important.
Then, after the final battle , ... nothing. We just get no more details on that. WTF?!? This is what the whole series has been building towards. It feels like we ran a whole marathon just to give up a couple hundred yards from the finish line.
No idea how this changes Angus' connection to Demonside or his need to return to Humanside. Terrance's decision to never, ever, ever return to Demonside isn't fully explained and is all the more confusing since it comes right on the heels of his "why did we wait so long?" reaction to the three of them finally being together... IN Demonside. We know there's a sexual relationship between the three of them (I think), and Angus is still romantically involved with both of them (I think), but you kind of have to read between the lines there, and I just don't understand.
This series was never shy about spelling out Angus' non-traditional relationship status. Yes, it was always a sub-plot to the magic war, but it was the secret ingredient that made this series so special.
Angus never even tells Terrance he loves him, after full-on panicking about missing his opportunity to do this in an earlier scene, and he has many, many, many chances after that. Terrance says it to Angus, but Angus continues not to say it back -- and I don't even think this is intentional. And yet Terrance and Angus are the only clear relationship in the epilogue, even though Angus and Saka have an intense ILY scene before the action climax.
Why on earth didn't we get a chapter or two to resolve the relationships?? It makes no sense and will keep me eternally dissatisfied with what should be an all-time favorite series.
This book is so hard to rate. The world-building continues to be top-notch, we get a whole new culture here that's just as detailed and fascinating as the others and the magical war storyline gets a well-earned, satisfying conclusion. So that's why I'm rounding this up even though, ultimately, I found it disappointing :(
The biggest cause of the disappointment is the romantic relationship sub-plot just ... fades away. The relationships don't fade away. Just at some point we stop being told what's happening there. There's some sort of arrangement reached between the three of them, but I really can't say for sure what that is, and that's after re-reading the epilogue several times trying to figure it out. Specifically, what's the relationship between Terrance and Saka????? No freaking idea, and it's driving me crazy even several days later!!!
There's a pacing problem at the beginning that took me actual *months* to get through that is not helped by having the three MCs mostly separated, but we get a lot of internal dialog from all three of them on their relationships. Then by the time they're able to be together again, we're full on in the action plot, so it makes sense that no one is focusing on romance, but I absolutely expected that to be the focus of the final few chapters.
The unusual situation Angus found himself in with Saka and Terrance was the thing that set this series apart for me. It combined excellent world-building, magic and action with a non-traditional poly relationship that really made me think and had me fully on board with a relationship I never would have expected to feel comfortable with.
S and T live in two different worlds, literally, and can never change that, but Angus straddles both worlds. He and Saka unintentionally develop a serious bond that seems to be unique among demons-humans, but Saka's ultimate commitment is to his people and his world. But the more Angus learns about this world, the more entrenched he becomes in it, to a degree no human has before, and the more Saka falls for Angus, the harder he finds it to put his people first no matter what. It opens up all kinds of questions and makes Angus' need for Terrance to keep him grounded in the human world more and more important.
Then, after the final battle , ... nothing. We just get no more details on that. WTF?!? This is what the whole series has been building towards. It feels like we ran a whole marathon just to give up a couple hundred yards from the finish line.
No idea how this changes Angus' connection to Demonside or his need to return to Humanside. Terrance's decision to never, ever, ever return to Demonside isn't fully explained and is all the more confusing since it comes right on the heels of his "why did we wait so long?" reaction to the three of them finally being together... IN Demonside. We know there's a sexual relationship between the three of them (I think), and Angus is still romantically involved with both of them (I think), but you kind of have to read between the lines there, and I just don't understand.
This series was never shy about spelling out Angus' non-traditional relationship status. Yes, it was always a sub-plot to the magic war, but it was the secret ingredient that made this series so special.
Angus never even tells Terrance he loves him, after full-on panicking about missing his opportunity to do this in an earlier scene, and he has many, many, many chances after that. Terrance says it to Angus, but Angus continues not to say it back -- and I don't even think this is intentional. And yet Terrance and Angus are the only clear relationship in the epilogue, even though Angus and Saka have an intense ILY scene before the action climax.
Why on earth didn't we get a chapter or two to resolve the relationships?? It makes no sense and will keep me eternally dissatisfied with what should be an all-time favorite series.
November 27, 2018
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Blood for the Spilling
Studies in Demonology, Book 3
★★★★★
280 Pages
POV: 3rd person, triple character POV
Would I read it again?: YES!
Genre: LGBT, MM, Romance, Fantasy, Demon, Supernatural, Magic
Pairings: MM, MMM
Heat Level: ★★★☆☆
Content Warning: pain play, cutting for blood sacrifice and pleasure, instances of violence, Aztec/Mayan inspired sacrifice, and menage scenes.
Holy Cow! This was incredible!
Somehow, T.J. Nichols manages to put a whole heap of world building, characterisation, emotion, and talent into a single <300 page book, that some authors can't even manage in 800 pages. Each book in this series has blown me away, time and again warning me not to underestimate the author's skill in wielding the weapon they've made of storytelling. Each book has somehow both met and exceeded my expectations, every single time.
Blood for the Spilling is a thrilling, engaging, unsettling novel about what a single human is willing to endure, sacrifice, and commit to, for love and because it's the right thing. Angus takes on the entire war-torn world in this novel, and manages to still be real, relatable, logical and break the bonds of the Angus Donohue the world has tried to make him.
The story picks up almost exactly where we left off in book 2. And, yes, I binge-read books 1 and 2 again, before delving into this book, because I wanted to be fully submerged in the world when I picked it up, knowing that all the little nuances were important. And while it wasn't strictly necessary – because there's a great, natural recap throughout the first chapter – this is definitely a series that should be read over and over again, in order, so that you really feel encased inside the world.
A few days/weeks after the events of book 2, we find Angus in the Mayan Empire, trying to fix the world that broke itself. Though we continue to have both Angus and Saka's POV's, we are also treated to Terrance's for the first time. This is totally appropriate, since he's more a part of their lives than he ever was before, and he sees events that we need to be aware of, to understand the entire story.
Yet, while getting to see Terrance's POV, I love that we're also still a little unsure about his commitment, still harbouring the same deep-seated doubts and hesitations that Saka and Angus have, despite knowing that they can trust him. Like Jim before him, Terrance has proven himself to be less about the cause and more about Angus; meaning he's easily bought and has no set loyalty. Something that is really well covered throughout the story, and is challenged by the Mayan's.
I love that the Mayan Empire is so closely based on the real Aztec/Mayan culture that we know, and that it maintains that authentic flavour throughout its culture. From the sacrificial games, to the way they work with demons and use magic, it all felt real to me. Especially since I've studied the Aztec and Mayan empires, so know what to look out for. It made it really easy for me to sink into the culture and see both their acceptance of their own practices and the resistance that Angus and Terrance show towards then.
There was a slow but steady stream of information about what was happening to the outside world, what was happening to the other tribes in Demonside, and about the clean sweep weapon, and how it had made Vinland the enemy of the world. I love that the explanation of what it was and what it could do came long after Angus and his small tribe were already mistrusted by the Mayan's – it only showed just what the world had been dealing with, while they trekked through Demonside and just why no one would trust them, no matter who they turned to for refuge.
I also appreciated the way that Angus slowly proved himself to the Mayan's, and they, in turn, proved themselves reliable allies in return. It's the genius of Nichol's writing that the smallest incidents or words can have a bigger impact when looked at with a new POV. Over time, just as Angus and Saka slowly built a relationship with each other, they too built a relationship with the Mayan Empire and were able to garner the trust, and offer their own in return, to make their plan viable.
Honestly, I can't say too much about the plot without giving it away. And I don't want to do that. But I will say that I cried for basically 50% of the book, or was close to it. I cried when Saka used the telestones and found death; at 64% when I worried that the story might not finish in this book and I'd have to wait for another installment; and for most of the last 30% of the book, as it all came together to the stunning conclusion that was reached. And, in the last 10% I cried mostly because it was over; the end was in sight, and I knew there wouldn't be another book; and because the ending that had been reached was just so friggin' perfect that I couldn't have asked for more.
Overall, Blood for the Spilling is the epitome of a perfect conclusion to a pretty perfect series. Every book in the trilogy, and each page in each book, offered a new adventure, a new insight, a new emotional tug that refused to let me put it down. I hungered, I thirsted, I reached bladder-bursting ache, and I went numb, sitting reading each book until there were no more pages left. Because once you start a journey like this, you become Angus. You can't stop until you've rebalanced the two worlds. Until Demonside is safe. Until Saka is back with his tribe. Now I have to ground myself with sustenance, after giving everything I have to Demonside. Then I'll come back again in a month or two and start the journey all over again from page 1 of book 1, until the final page of book 3.
Let me just end by saying, I've already pre-ordered my paperback. And this is - without a doubt - one of the best MM series I've read in a long time. One of my all time favourites, from book 1 to book 3, there was never a moment of disappointment or boredom.
Congrats, T.J. Nichols, on an EPIC series. And thank you, for an incredible adventure in a brilliant, beautiful new world that I can come back to revisit any time I like.
~
Favourite Quotes
“The magic had brought him home.”
“If he'd known what summoning a demon would mean that first day, he liked to think he'd have still done it, but no one was that brave.”
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Blood for the Spilling
Studies in Demonology, Book 3
★★★★★
280 Pages
POV: 3rd person, triple character POV
Would I read it again?: YES!
Genre: LGBT, MM, Romance, Fantasy, Demon, Supernatural, Magic
Pairings: MM, MMM
Heat Level: ★★★☆☆
Content Warning: pain play, cutting for blood sacrifice and pleasure, instances of violence, Aztec/Mayan inspired sacrifice, and menage scenes.
Holy Cow! This was incredible!
Somehow, T.J. Nichols manages to put a whole heap of world building, characterisation, emotion, and talent into a single <300 page book, that some authors can't even manage in 800 pages. Each book in this series has blown me away, time and again warning me not to underestimate the author's skill in wielding the weapon they've made of storytelling. Each book has somehow both met and exceeded my expectations, every single time.
Blood for the Spilling is a thrilling, engaging, unsettling novel about what a single human is willing to endure, sacrifice, and commit to, for love and because it's the right thing. Angus takes on the entire war-torn world in this novel, and manages to still be real, relatable, logical and break the bonds of the Angus Donohue the world has tried to make him.
The story picks up almost exactly where we left off in book 2. And, yes, I binge-read books 1 and 2 again, before delving into this book, because I wanted to be fully submerged in the world when I picked it up, knowing that all the little nuances were important. And while it wasn't strictly necessary – because there's a great, natural recap throughout the first chapter – this is definitely a series that should be read over and over again, in order, so that you really feel encased inside the world.
A few days/weeks after the events of book 2, we find Angus in the Mayan Empire, trying to fix the world that broke itself. Though we continue to have both Angus and Saka's POV's, we are also treated to Terrance's for the first time. This is totally appropriate, since he's more a part of their lives than he ever was before, and he sees events that we need to be aware of, to understand the entire story.
Yet, while getting to see Terrance's POV, I love that we're also still a little unsure about his commitment, still harbouring the same deep-seated doubts and hesitations that Saka and Angus have, despite knowing that they can trust him. Like Jim before him, Terrance has proven himself to be less about the cause and more about Angus; meaning he's easily bought and has no set loyalty. Something that is really well covered throughout the story, and is challenged by the Mayan's.
I love that the Mayan Empire is so closely based on the real Aztec/Mayan culture that we know, and that it maintains that authentic flavour throughout its culture. From the sacrificial games, to the way they work with demons and use magic, it all felt real to me. Especially since I've studied the Aztec and Mayan empires, so know what to look out for. It made it really easy for me to sink into the culture and see both their acceptance of their own practices and the resistance that Angus and Terrance show towards then.
There was a slow but steady stream of information about what was happening to the outside world, what was happening to the other tribes in Demonside, and about the clean sweep weapon, and how it had made Vinland the enemy of the world. I love that the explanation of what it was and what it could do came long after Angus and his small tribe were already mistrusted by the Mayan's – it only showed just what the world had been dealing with, while they trekked through Demonside and just why no one would trust them, no matter who they turned to for refuge.
I also appreciated the way that Angus slowly proved himself to the Mayan's, and they, in turn, proved themselves reliable allies in return. It's the genius of Nichol's writing that the smallest incidents or words can have a bigger impact when looked at with a new POV. Over time, just as Angus and Saka slowly built a relationship with each other, they too built a relationship with the Mayan Empire and were able to garner the trust, and offer their own in return, to make their plan viable.
Honestly, I can't say too much about the plot without giving it away. And I don't want to do that. But I will say that I cried for basically 50% of the book, or was close to it. I cried when Saka used the telestones and found death; at 64% when I worried that the story might not finish in this book and I'd have to wait for another installment; and for most of the last 30% of the book, as it all came together to the stunning conclusion that was reached. And, in the last 10% I cried mostly because it was over; the end was in sight, and I knew there wouldn't be another book; and because the ending that had been reached was just so friggin' perfect that I couldn't have asked for more.
Overall, Blood for the Spilling is the epitome of a perfect conclusion to a pretty perfect series. Every book in the trilogy, and each page in each book, offered a new adventure, a new insight, a new emotional tug that refused to let me put it down. I hungered, I thirsted, I reached bladder-bursting ache, and I went numb, sitting reading each book until there were no more pages left. Because once you start a journey like this, you become Angus. You can't stop until you've rebalanced the two worlds. Until Demonside is safe. Until Saka is back with his tribe. Now I have to ground myself with sustenance, after giving everything I have to Demonside. Then I'll come back again in a month or two and start the journey all over again from page 1 of book 1, until the final page of book 3.
Let me just end by saying, I've already pre-ordered my paperback. And this is - without a doubt - one of the best MM series I've read in a long time. One of my all time favourites, from book 1 to book 3, there was never a moment of disappointment or boredom.
Congrats, T.J. Nichols, on an EPIC series. And thank you, for an incredible adventure in a brilliant, beautiful new world that I can come back to revisit any time I like.
~
Favourite Quotes
“The magic had brought him home.”
“If he'd known what summoning a demon would mean that first day, he liked to think he'd have still done it, but no one was that brave.”
November 27, 2018
This has been another series that has been…amazing, intense, etc. The characters pull you through every emotion known to man. The writing is incredible. It pulls you in a world that you don't want to leave. I have loved every second and encourage you to engross yourself in it.
I love just about any paranormal character there is, so it was fun to see a whole book and series intertwined in both demon and human worlds. For Angus not every wanting to be a part of the warlock world or the demon world, he got more than he bargained for the first time he met Saka. If you've been keeping up with this series, you'll know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, go back to book 1 to start. These definitely cannot be read out of order. And for Saka, he didn't want to deal with having a human he was connected to for life. They both got more than they bargained for. But the way they made their relationship work was good for both sides. Angus knew he had to help make both worlds a better place, since both sides were dying out from greed. And Saka knew he could never leave Angus’s side and not help him. Even when Angus’s ideas were ones he didn't like. But then love makes you want to keep people close to you and not see them harmed.
But there was another character that made this duo a trio. Whether they really knew how they wanted that or not. Terrance was sent to spy on Angus from the beginning. But a bond formed with Angus instead. I felt sorry for Terrance a lot in this book and series because he was put through and into things he never really wanted to be a part of because of his love for Angus. To the point of almost dying. But seeing what Angus was trying to do, trying to make everything right, he knew he had to help in some way. Despite everything telling him not to. And he said many times, he wanted no part of the magical world. He was often called a coward and a traitor, but he did what he thought was best in any case and did what he could to stay alive. That to me takes a hell of a lot of guts.
The same with Angus. Angus was called every derogatory name in the book for the way he interacted with Saka. And even the other demons. It hurt. It was hard being hunted in your own country and called a traitor. But then again, doing what's right isn't often looked upon with favor. Especially when the greed is so vast.
And it was hard to watch from Saka’s point of view. He was stuck on his side of the world trying to make things right for Demonside. Knowing Angus was being hurt and tortured and knowing there wasn't a damn thing he could do. That's hard as hell.
There are more characters in this book that make it so intense and add so much more. But these three alone make an impact that is unforgettable. This is a powerful book and series. But worth it. Every single page.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
I love just about any paranormal character there is, so it was fun to see a whole book and series intertwined in both demon and human worlds. For Angus not every wanting to be a part of the warlock world or the demon world, he got more than he bargained for the first time he met Saka. If you've been keeping up with this series, you'll know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, go back to book 1 to start. These definitely cannot be read out of order. And for Saka, he didn't want to deal with having a human he was connected to for life. They both got more than they bargained for. But the way they made their relationship work was good for both sides. Angus knew he had to help make both worlds a better place, since both sides were dying out from greed. And Saka knew he could never leave Angus’s side and not help him. Even when Angus’s ideas were ones he didn't like. But then love makes you want to keep people close to you and not see them harmed.
But there was another character that made this duo a trio. Whether they really knew how they wanted that or not. Terrance was sent to spy on Angus from the beginning. But a bond formed with Angus instead. I felt sorry for Terrance a lot in this book and series because he was put through and into things he never really wanted to be a part of because of his love for Angus. To the point of almost dying. But seeing what Angus was trying to do, trying to make everything right, he knew he had to help in some way. Despite everything telling him not to. And he said many times, he wanted no part of the magical world. He was often called a coward and a traitor, but he did what he thought was best in any case and did what he could to stay alive. That to me takes a hell of a lot of guts.
The same with Angus. Angus was called every derogatory name in the book for the way he interacted with Saka. And even the other demons. It hurt. It was hard being hunted in your own country and called a traitor. But then again, doing what's right isn't often looked upon with favor. Especially when the greed is so vast.
And it was hard to watch from Saka’s point of view. He was stuck on his side of the world trying to make things right for Demonside. Knowing Angus was being hurt and tortured and knowing there wasn't a damn thing he could do. That's hard as hell.
There are more characters in this book that make it so intense and add so much more. But these three alone make an impact that is unforgettable. This is a powerful book and series. But worth it. Every single page.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
June 28, 2019
This one is a hard one for me to rate as well as I would have liked. Ultimately I really enjoyed the story elements in this one but felt like the romance elements suffered a lot compared to previous books. This book felt like it dropped the ball a bit with Saka, Terrance, and Angus's relationship. Even by the end of the book I didn't feel like I got a lot of clarity there.
On the other hand the story aspects and what was going on with magic in both worlds was really interesting. I enjoyed how things changed when they got to the Mayan Empire and the new things they were learning about magic even as the world was still quite dangerous for them all. The culmination of everything magical felt a lot stronger than the relationship in my opinion.
I didn't walk away from this story feeling fully satisfied. I really loved the world building, felt like I got the majority of an answer as it came to magic, but only about 50% of the relationship stuff felt fully explained and fleshed out by the end of this story. This book clearly wraps up (maybe a little too quickly) the storyline threads and I'm not sure whether there's supposed to be the potential for another book or not. Overall I might give the series more of a 3.5 Stars than 4 even though that's how I rated all the individual books. I liked the whole thing but I didn't love it.
On the other hand the story aspects and what was going on with magic in both worlds was really interesting. I enjoyed how things changed when they got to the Mayan Empire and the new things they were learning about magic even as the world was still quite dangerous for them all. The culmination of everything magical felt a lot stronger than the relationship in my opinion.
I didn't walk away from this story feeling fully satisfied. I really loved the world building, felt like I got the majority of an answer as it came to magic, but only about 50% of the relationship stuff felt fully explained and fleshed out by the end of this story. This book clearly wraps up (maybe a little too quickly) the storyline threads and I'm not sure whether there's supposed to be the potential for another book or not. Overall I might give the series more of a 3.5 Stars than 4 even though that's how I rated all the individual books. I liked the whole thing but I didn't love it.
Read
May 14, 2019review to follow
January 25, 2022
Great world building with complex magic / user settings and fast paced action. I appreciated how the author wrought a satisfying resolution to the human world domination plotted by the Vinland warlocks as well as the collaborative (positive) efforts between the denizens of the demon realm and their human/mage counterparts on repairing (and saving) that realm. There's a lot of death and killing, a lot of 'blood-letting magic' ... so those who are 'squeamish' be warned. The on-page M-M action scenes are sizzling and are inserted strategically in advancement of the main plot arc (rather than awkwardly interposed to warrant this series as M-M fantasy/romance). Overall, 3.5 stars for a great conclusion to this series.
Read
November 28, 2018A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
T.J. Nichols has created such an amazing and richly developed world in the Studies in Demonology series. And with every book, the details get deeper and more thought out. I love spending time here, and I devoured this book just like I did the first two. They need to be read in order, but trust me when I say it’s worth it.
This book is the culmination of everything that’s been building from the very first word. Angus never wanted to be a warlock, but he got a Mage demon in Saka. From there everything cascaded, and he found what magic is truly about. And he is the only one that can save the world. Not from any innate ability he has—though his heart definitely matters here—but because of his experiences and his education. He’s learned the truth, and feels it deeply. And he knows that no matter what, even if it means his death, he needs to do what he can to save the world.
This series is really his journey, but he could not do it without Saka and Terrance. Both play a huge role in his development, and both anchor him in different ways. The relationship between them all in integral to everything Angus has become. This isn’t exactly a triad, but more of a poly group. Though there is a scene where the three of them are intimately together, it’s much more about what they all bring to each other, how they need each other in different ways. And how both Saka and Terrance need Angus. By this book, the relationship and magic are all tied up in each other. Angus loves both Saka and Terrance, and they him.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
T.J. Nichols has created such an amazing and richly developed world in the Studies in Demonology series. And with every book, the details get deeper and more thought out. I love spending time here, and I devoured this book just like I did the first two. They need to be read in order, but trust me when I say it’s worth it.
This book is the culmination of everything that’s been building from the very first word. Angus never wanted to be a warlock, but he got a Mage demon in Saka. From there everything cascaded, and he found what magic is truly about. And he is the only one that can save the world. Not from any innate ability he has—though his heart definitely matters here—but because of his experiences and his education. He’s learned the truth, and feels it deeply. And he knows that no matter what, even if it means his death, he needs to do what he can to save the world.
This series is really his journey, but he could not do it without Saka and Terrance. Both play a huge role in his development, and both anchor him in different ways. The relationship between them all in integral to everything Angus has become. This isn’t exactly a triad, but more of a poly group. Though there is a scene where the three of them are intimately together, it’s much more about what they all bring to each other, how they need each other in different ways. And how both Saka and Terrance need Angus. By this book, the relationship and magic are all tied up in each other. Angus loves both Saka and Terrance, and they him.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
March 8, 2022
I really liked this series.
It's just different enough from the current real world that I couldn't mark it "Urban Fantasy". Yet it's still familiar.
I love the concept of the parallel demon realm.
And I love books with demons who aren't "the bad guys" Just because they are demons.
This book picks up where the last book ended, but I wasn't expecting it to be so grim. (Situationally, for the MCs). But I should have... LOL.. I mean it is billed as a DARK fantasy. 🤦♀️
But, T.J. Nichols promises a HEA, so you know, there's that. 🙂
This is the 4th novel by T.J. that I've read and I plan to read a whole lot more.
It's just different enough from the current real world that I couldn't mark it "Urban Fantasy". Yet it's still familiar.
I love the concept of the parallel demon realm.
And I love books with demons who aren't "the bad guys" Just because they are demons.
This book picks up where the last book ended, but I wasn't expecting it to be so grim. (Situationally, for the MCs). But I should have... LOL.. I mean it is billed as a DARK fantasy. 🤦♀️
But, T.J. Nichols promises a HEA, so you know, there's that. 🙂
This is the 4th novel by T.J. that I've read and I plan to read a whole lot more.
June 29, 2019
this was a very good ending.. im guessing there are nomore coming even though i do kinda hope. it was well written and interesting. fast paced.. action.. mystery and magic..haha it is very good and i loved this series
October 12, 2020
Thats how to write a trilogy
Although I could read 100 more books with the trials and adventures of Angus and his friends. I need some sleep though, since I read all 3 straight through. I'm not a fast reader
Being human and all. I'm sure if I dream tonight, oh come on of corse I will. It will be of Saka and his two humans in bed together. GREAT JOB
Although I could read 100 more books with the trials and adventures of Angus and his friends. I need some sleep though, since I read all 3 straight through. I'm not a fast reader
Being human and all. I'm sure if I dream tonight, oh come on of corse I will. It will be of Saka and his two humans in bed together. GREAT JOB
March 1, 2023
Ich muss sagen die Trilogie war nicht das was ich erwartet habe, aber es hat mich gefesselt und ich hätte gerne noch mehr. Nur vielleicht nicht jetzt gleich.
July 24, 2019
Angus jumped out of the frying pan into the fire. Although he managed to survive the trek through Demonside and escape from the sticky, toxic grip of power-hungry warlocks, he and his friends are now in the Mayan Empire's captivity. The Mayans can be their crucial allies in the fight against Vinland, but to even think about any kind of partnership, Angus needs to win them over. However, it turns out to be very difficult, as nobody trusts foreigners whose people bring the ice age to the world. So if Angus wants to stop the Warlock College, first he needs to survive.
"Blood for the Spilling" is the third volume of the "Studies in Demonology" series, and at the same time the end of an amazing, dangerous journey to save the world, learn about and understand magic, find one's destiny and, most importantly, to live. The novel is filled to the brim with a thrilling action, which in my opinion exceeds that of the other volumes. The reader simply devours this novel and doesn't lose appetite even for a moment. If it is even possible, their hunger grows with every page they read. Thus, when they get to the last page, they feel wonderfully content, and at the same time they want more. The fast-paced action is therefore an undeniable advantage of "Blood for the Spilling". However, it is worth noting that despite the fast pace, TJ Nichols doesn't lose sight of the goal and perfectly controls the presented story. Each new action thread has its task to fulfill, is well and interestingly developed and, if required, has a proper ending. Thanks to all this, reading this novel is pure pleasure.
As I've mentioned, "Blood for the Spilling" is the third installment of the series and it so happens that for the third time I need to comment on the subject I've already discussed, namely, the world building. Reading the two previous volumes, I was delighted as this universe turned out to be truly interesting, vast and rich, but what we see in this part is even more colorful and even more fascinating. TJ Nichols shows us a completely new face of this world, new culture, traditions, new approach to magic. The Mayan Empire really conquered my heart in the blink of an eye, I fell deeply in love with it and I was drinking in every word concerning it, as a thirsty person drinks water to the last drop. However, I undoubtedly should mention that there's much more to the "Studies in Demonology" universe than what we saw in these three volumes, because even our protagonists haven't fully explored it yet. It is more vast than it may have seemed and truly diverse. In fact, when we finish reading this part of the series, we still don't know all the secrets of the world created by TJ Nichols, which I consider an advantage.
Think whatever you want, but I have to write a few words about the entertainment plaza that our protagonists visit in "Blood for the Spilling". Wow! To say that I liked this idea is not enough. I just loved it right away. I like it when literature breaks taboos and when it raises the more sensitive themes. That's why, while reading the first volume I was really impressed by the fact that Angus is so open to sexual relation with the demon, in this installment of the series the presentation of the red light district, where people and demons can satisfy their curiosity and sexual needs, was like a revelation. I love this motif, and the way it was presented was simply amazing. TJ Nichols doesn't focus on it, but by showing it, the author presents the Mayan Empire in even more vivid colors. I also think that thanks to this subtlety Angus and Saka's relationship may be a little differently perceived by some readers.
I would also like to write a few words about "Blood for the Spilling" as the end of the story that we followed through these three volumes. Don't worry, I won't reveal any important details, as I don't want to deprive you of the pleasure of discovering this novel. But let's go back to the topic. Well, as the final volume, "Blood for the Spilling" really deserves our attention, because it perfectly and neatly closes many open threads, that require the closure. However, as I've mentioned, the world of the series is huge and still unexplored. Thus, although TJ Nichols undoubtedly dots the i's and crosses the t's, the readers also have quite a lot of space to let their imagination run wild, and believe me, it can go in many directions. I really like it because it's one of the reasons we can be more attached to this series, we are in love with it for a long time and there's also a chance for fangirling, which I love so much.
To sum up, "Blood for the Spilling" is a wonderful ending of an incredible adventure, full of danger and desperate fight for survival, which we enjoy from the first volume and which keeps us in the never-ending suspense until the very end. We can find here an even more colorful and fascinating world, more interesting characters and a lot of action. "Studies in Demonology" is undoubtedly one of the better series I have ever read, and "Blood for the Spilling" is its great crowning achievement.
___________________________
Angus wpadł z deszczu pod rynnę. Wprawdzie udało mu się przetrwać przeprawę przez Demonside i fizycznie umknąć przed lepkimi, toksycznymi mackami spragnionych władzy czarowników, jednak on i jego przyjaciele znajdują się teraz w niewoli Imperium Majów. Majowie mogą okazać się niezastąpionymi sprzymierzeńcami w walce z Vinlandią, ale aby w ogóle móc mówić o jakiejkolwiek współpracy, Angus musi ich sobie zjednać. To okazuje się jednak bardzo trudne, ponieważ nikt nie darzy zaufaniem ludzi, których ziomkowie swoją zachłannością ciągną świat ku epoce lodowcowej. Jeśli więc Angus pragnie powstrzymać Akademię Czarowników, najpierw sam musi przeżyć.
„Blood for the Spilling” jest trzecim tomem serii „Studies in Demonology”, a zarazem zakończeniem niesamowitej, niebezpiecznej podróży ku naprawie świata, poznaniu i zrozumieniu magii, odnalezieniu swojego przeznaczenia, a co najważniejsze, ku życiu. Powieść jest po brzegi wypełniona trzymającą w napięciu akcją, której ilość moim zdaniem przewyższa tę z poprzednich tomów. Czytelnik po prostu pożera tę powieść nie tracąc apetytu ani na chwilę. Jeśli to w ogóle możliwe, to z każdą przeczytaną stroną jego głód wzrasta coraz bardziej. Tym samym, kiedy dociera do ostatniej strony, czuje się cudownie nasycony, a jednocześnie ma ochotę na więcej. Wartka akcja jest więc niezaprzeczalnym atutem „Blood for the Spilling”. Warto jednak zauważyć, że mimo szybkiego tempa, TJ Nichols nie traci z oczu celu i doskonale panuje nad przedstawianą historią. Każdy nowy wątek akcji ma do spełnienia jakieś zadanie, jest dobrze i interesująco rozwinięty oraz zakończony, jeśli tego właśnie wymaga. Dzięki temu czytanie tej powieści jest czystą przyjemnością.
Jak wspomniałam, „Blood for the Spilling” to trzecia odsłona serii i tak się składa, że po raz trzeci muszę powrócić do tego samego tematu, a mianowicie do budowy świata. Poprzednie dwa tomy zachwycił mnie prawdziwie interesującym, rozległym i bogatym uniwersum, jednak to, co otrzymujemy w tej części jest jeszcze barwniejsze i jeszcze bardziej fascynujące. TJ Nichols pokazuje nam zupełnie nowe oblicze swojego świata, nową kulturę, tradycje, nowej podejście do magii. Imperium Majów naprawdę podbiło moje serce w mgnieniu oka, zakochałam się w nim bez pamięci i chłonęłam każde słowo na jego temat, niczym spragniony każdą kroplę wody. Bez wątpienia powinnam jednak nadmienić, że uniwersum „Studies in Demonology” nie kończy się na tym, co widzieliśmy w tych trzech tomach, gdyż nawet nasi bohaterowie nie poznali go jeszcze do końca. Jest ono o wiele rozleglejsze niż mogło nam się wydawać i naprawdę bardzo różnorodne. Tak naprawdę kończąc lekturę tej części serii nadal nie zgłębiamy do końca tajemnic świata stworzonego przez TJ Nichols, co uważam za zaletę.
Myślcie sobie, co tylko chcecie, ale muszę napisać kilka słów o dzielnicy rozrywki, którą w „Blood for the Spilling” odwiedzają nasi protagoniści. Wow! Powiedzieć, że ten pomysł mi się spodobał to stanowczo zbyt mało. Ja po prostu od razu go pokochałam. Uwielbiam łamanie tematów tabu oraz kiedy poruszane są w literaturze te bardziej delikatne, toteż o ile już w pierwszym tomie duże wrażenie wywarła na mnie otwartość Angusa na związek seksualny z demonem, o tyle przedstawienie w tej odsłonie serii dzielnicy czerwonych latarni, gdzie ludzie i demony mogą zaspokoić swoją ciekawość i potrzeby seksualne było niczym objawienie. Kocham ten wątek, zaś sposób, w jaki został on przedstawiony również bardzo mi się spodobał. TJ Nichols nie skupia się bowiem na nim, ale nakreślając go nadaje Imperium Majów jeszcze żywszych kolorów. Uważam też, że dzięki temu w subtelny sposób wypływa na odbiór związku Angusa i Saki przez niektórych czytelników.
Pozwolę sobie napisać także kilka słów o „Blood for the Spilling” pod kątem zakończenia historii, którą śledziliśmy przez te trzy tomy. Nie martwcie się jednak, nie zdradzę przy tym żadnych konkretnych szczegółów. Nie mogę przecież pozbawić Was przyjemności samodzielnego odkrywania tej powieści. Wróćmy jednak do tematu. Otóż, jako tom finalny, „Blood for the Spilling” naprawdę zasługuje na uwagę, ponieważ w doskonały i zgrabny sposób zamyka wiele otwartych dotąd wątków, które tego zamknięcia wymagają. Jak jednak wspomniałam, świat serii jest ogromny i niezbadany do końca. Tym samym, chociaż TJ Nichols niewątpliwie stawia kropkę nad i, to jednocześnie pozostawia czytelnikom całkiem sporo miejsca, aby puścili wodze fantazji, która może powędrować w naprawdę wielu kierunkach. Naprawdę mi się to podoba, ponieważ pozwala nam na przywiązanie się do tej serii, pozostanie z nią na dłużej oraz na tak ukochany przeze mnie fangirling.
Podsumowując, „Blood for the Spilling” to cudowne zakończenie niesamowitej, pełnej niebezpieczeństw i desperackiej walki o przetrwanie przygody, która porwała nas od pierwszego tomu i trzymała w niegasnącym napięciu do samego końca. Znajdziemy tu jeszcze barwniejszy i fascynujący świat, jeszcze większą liczbę interesujących bohaterów oraz masę wartkiej akcji. „Studies in Demonology” to niewątpliwie jedna z lepszych serii, jakie czytałam, zaś „Blood for the Spilling” jest jej znakomitym ukoronowaniem.
"Blood for the Spilling" is the third volume of the "Studies in Demonology" series, and at the same time the end of an amazing, dangerous journey to save the world, learn about and understand magic, find one's destiny and, most importantly, to live. The novel is filled to the brim with a thrilling action, which in my opinion exceeds that of the other volumes. The reader simply devours this novel and doesn't lose appetite even for a moment. If it is even possible, their hunger grows with every page they read. Thus, when they get to the last page, they feel wonderfully content, and at the same time they want more. The fast-paced action is therefore an undeniable advantage of "Blood for the Spilling". However, it is worth noting that despite the fast pace, TJ Nichols doesn't lose sight of the goal and perfectly controls the presented story. Each new action thread has its task to fulfill, is well and interestingly developed and, if required, has a proper ending. Thanks to all this, reading this novel is pure pleasure.
As I've mentioned, "Blood for the Spilling" is the third installment of the series and it so happens that for the third time I need to comment on the subject I've already discussed, namely, the world building. Reading the two previous volumes, I was delighted as this universe turned out to be truly interesting, vast and rich, but what we see in this part is even more colorful and even more fascinating. TJ Nichols shows us a completely new face of this world, new culture, traditions, new approach to magic. The Mayan Empire really conquered my heart in the blink of an eye, I fell deeply in love with it and I was drinking in every word concerning it, as a thirsty person drinks water to the last drop. However, I undoubtedly should mention that there's much more to the "Studies in Demonology" universe than what we saw in these three volumes, because even our protagonists haven't fully explored it yet. It is more vast than it may have seemed and truly diverse. In fact, when we finish reading this part of the series, we still don't know all the secrets of the world created by TJ Nichols, which I consider an advantage.
Think whatever you want, but I have to write a few words about the entertainment plaza that our protagonists visit in "Blood for the Spilling". Wow! To say that I liked this idea is not enough. I just loved it right away. I like it when literature breaks taboos and when it raises the more sensitive themes. That's why, while reading the first volume I was really impressed by the fact that Angus is so open to sexual relation with the demon, in this installment of the series the presentation of the red light district, where people and demons can satisfy their curiosity and sexual needs, was like a revelation. I love this motif, and the way it was presented was simply amazing. TJ Nichols doesn't focus on it, but by showing it, the author presents the Mayan Empire in even more vivid colors. I also think that thanks to this subtlety Angus and Saka's relationship may be a little differently perceived by some readers.
I would also like to write a few words about "Blood for the Spilling" as the end of the story that we followed through these three volumes. Don't worry, I won't reveal any important details, as I don't want to deprive you of the pleasure of discovering this novel. But let's go back to the topic. Well, as the final volume, "Blood for the Spilling" really deserves our attention, because it perfectly and neatly closes many open threads, that require the closure. However, as I've mentioned, the world of the series is huge and still unexplored. Thus, although TJ Nichols undoubtedly dots the i's and crosses the t's, the readers also have quite a lot of space to let their imagination run wild, and believe me, it can go in many directions. I really like it because it's one of the reasons we can be more attached to this series, we are in love with it for a long time and there's also a chance for fangirling, which I love so much.
To sum up, "Blood for the Spilling" is a wonderful ending of an incredible adventure, full of danger and desperate fight for survival, which we enjoy from the first volume and which keeps us in the never-ending suspense until the very end. We can find here an even more colorful and fascinating world, more interesting characters and a lot of action. "Studies in Demonology" is undoubtedly one of the better series I have ever read, and "Blood for the Spilling" is its great crowning achievement.
___________________________
Angus wpadł z deszczu pod rynnę. Wprawdzie udało mu się przetrwać przeprawę przez Demonside i fizycznie umknąć przed lepkimi, toksycznymi mackami spragnionych władzy czarowników, jednak on i jego przyjaciele znajdują się teraz w niewoli Imperium Majów. Majowie mogą okazać się niezastąpionymi sprzymierzeńcami w walce z Vinlandią, ale aby w ogóle móc mówić o jakiejkolwiek współpracy, Angus musi ich sobie zjednać. To okazuje się jednak bardzo trudne, ponieważ nikt nie darzy zaufaniem ludzi, których ziomkowie swoją zachłannością ciągną świat ku epoce lodowcowej. Jeśli więc Angus pragnie powstrzymać Akademię Czarowników, najpierw sam musi przeżyć.
„Blood for the Spilling” jest trzecim tomem serii „Studies in Demonology”, a zarazem zakończeniem niesamowitej, niebezpiecznej podróży ku naprawie świata, poznaniu i zrozumieniu magii, odnalezieniu swojego przeznaczenia, a co najważniejsze, ku życiu. Powieść jest po brzegi wypełniona trzymającą w napięciu akcją, której ilość moim zdaniem przewyższa tę z poprzednich tomów. Czytelnik po prostu pożera tę powieść nie tracąc apetytu ani na chwilę. Jeśli to w ogóle możliwe, to z każdą przeczytaną stroną jego głód wzrasta coraz bardziej. Tym samym, kiedy dociera do ostatniej strony, czuje się cudownie nasycony, a jednocześnie ma ochotę na więcej. Wartka akcja jest więc niezaprzeczalnym atutem „Blood for the Spilling”. Warto jednak zauważyć, że mimo szybkiego tempa, TJ Nichols nie traci z oczu celu i doskonale panuje nad przedstawianą historią. Każdy nowy wątek akcji ma do spełnienia jakieś zadanie, jest dobrze i interesująco rozwinięty oraz zakończony, jeśli tego właśnie wymaga. Dzięki temu czytanie tej powieści jest czystą przyjemnością.
Jak wspomniałam, „Blood for the Spilling” to trzecia odsłona serii i tak się składa, że po raz trzeci muszę powrócić do tego samego tematu, a mianowicie do budowy świata. Poprzednie dwa tomy zachwycił mnie prawdziwie interesującym, rozległym i bogatym uniwersum, jednak to, co otrzymujemy w tej części jest jeszcze barwniejsze i jeszcze bardziej fascynujące. TJ Nichols pokazuje nam zupełnie nowe oblicze swojego świata, nową kulturę, tradycje, nowej podejście do magii. Imperium Majów naprawdę podbiło moje serce w mgnieniu oka, zakochałam się w nim bez pamięci i chłonęłam każde słowo na jego temat, niczym spragniony każdą kroplę wody. Bez wątpienia powinnam jednak nadmienić, że uniwersum „Studies in Demonology” nie kończy się na tym, co widzieliśmy w tych trzech tomach, gdyż nawet nasi bohaterowie nie poznali go jeszcze do końca. Jest ono o wiele rozleglejsze niż mogło nam się wydawać i naprawdę bardzo różnorodne. Tak naprawdę kończąc lekturę tej części serii nadal nie zgłębiamy do końca tajemnic świata stworzonego przez TJ Nichols, co uważam za zaletę.
Myślcie sobie, co tylko chcecie, ale muszę napisać kilka słów o dzielnicy rozrywki, którą w „Blood for the Spilling” odwiedzają nasi protagoniści. Wow! Powiedzieć, że ten pomysł mi się spodobał to stanowczo zbyt mało. Ja po prostu od razu go pokochałam. Uwielbiam łamanie tematów tabu oraz kiedy poruszane są w literaturze te bardziej delikatne, toteż o ile już w pierwszym tomie duże wrażenie wywarła na mnie otwartość Angusa na związek seksualny z demonem, o tyle przedstawienie w tej odsłonie serii dzielnicy czerwonych latarni, gdzie ludzie i demony mogą zaspokoić swoją ciekawość i potrzeby seksualne było niczym objawienie. Kocham ten wątek, zaś sposób, w jaki został on przedstawiony również bardzo mi się spodobał. TJ Nichols nie skupia się bowiem na nim, ale nakreślając go nadaje Imperium Majów jeszcze żywszych kolorów. Uważam też, że dzięki temu w subtelny sposób wypływa na odbiór związku Angusa i Saki przez niektórych czytelników.
Pozwolę sobie napisać także kilka słów o „Blood for the Spilling” pod kątem zakończenia historii, którą śledziliśmy przez te trzy tomy. Nie martwcie się jednak, nie zdradzę przy tym żadnych konkretnych szczegółów. Nie mogę przecież pozbawić Was przyjemności samodzielnego odkrywania tej powieści. Wróćmy jednak do tematu. Otóż, jako tom finalny, „Blood for the Spilling” naprawdę zasługuje na uwagę, ponieważ w doskonały i zgrabny sposób zamyka wiele otwartych dotąd wątków, które tego zamknięcia wymagają. Jak jednak wspomniałam, świat serii jest ogromny i niezbadany do końca. Tym samym, chociaż TJ Nichols niewątpliwie stawia kropkę nad i, to jednocześnie pozostawia czytelnikom całkiem sporo miejsca, aby puścili wodze fantazji, która może powędrować w naprawdę wielu kierunkach. Naprawdę mi się to podoba, ponieważ pozwala nam na przywiązanie się do tej serii, pozostanie z nią na dłużej oraz na tak ukochany przeze mnie fangirling.
Podsumowując, „Blood for the Spilling” to cudowne zakończenie niesamowitej, pełnej niebezpieczeństw i desperackiej walki o przetrwanie przygody, która porwała nas od pierwszego tomu i trzymała w niegasnącym napięciu do samego końca. Znajdziemy tu jeszcze barwniejszy i fascynujący świat, jeszcze większą liczbę interesujących bohaterów oraz masę wartkiej akcji. „Studies in Demonology” to niewątpliwie jedna z lepszych serii, jakie czytałam, zaś „Blood for the Spilling” jest jej znakomitym ukoronowaniem.
November 1, 2020
Praying the series continues one day
I can’t imagine a world without My favorite trio. Plus I want to know more. I hope you consider keep the series growing
I can’t imagine a world without My favorite trio. Plus I want to know more. I hope you consider keep the series growing
April 29, 2020
I have a love-hate relationship with this series and I would like to share. I started reading this series because many comments say it has a great finale in this last book of the trilogy, so I gave it a chance. I loved the first two books for their worlds building, no-cliffhanger endings, and their fast-paced plot. So much was told through these few hundred pages which made me invested in the story and characters more than I could ever feel when I read the slow-paced Harry Potter series. So, even though the plot was kind of too heavy for my liking, it still intrigued me so much that I had to read every page until the very end.
However, I feel the IMBALANCE between the character's relationship/development pretty unsatisfying....even unnerving.
Terrance::: I feel unfaired for this character. The character development for Terrance is also very lacking and inconsistent. I wish the book was longer, or there were more spaces for him to grow without being thrown back and forth, forward and then backward, so much that he could as well become a more minor character like Lizzie. While Angus grows unbelievably quickly, Terrance shrinks rapidly like the Terrance in the first book could as well be another man.
What do you make of this Terrance? The one who gives Angus inner strength?
Saka : "He could make a good priest." "He has a quiet strength."
Angus : "You have a good heart."
==============================
Angus::: is the opposite of Terrance. Well, because he is the main protagonist right? So he shoulders everything? In this book, Angus becomes UNREAL to me. What is Saka there for anyway? Can't you share the weight between the three men you have? Or, at least two (when you don't seriously count Terrance into magic). Even Frodo cannot go to Mount Doom without Sam. But I feel like Angus could have done everything without Saka and Terrance.
==============================
Saka::: With more Terrance's POVs, his POVs are few and far between in this book, thus his character falls flat in this last book which is pretty anti-climatic. His feeling towards Angus doesn't hold meaning and his feelings towards Terrance don't even get explored. His role is also overshadowed by Angus So, much so for the mage who starts the series. I feel sorry for him.
In conclusion, the book ends quite well, but I wish there was more to it...more to the characters that I grew to love. I wanted to buy paperbacks as keepsakes and re-reading in the future, but this book changes my mind. One reading time is enough...
Hope my review adds more depth to the next series. Thank you for your writing.
However, I feel the IMBALANCE between the character's relationship/development pretty unsatisfying....even unnerving.
Terrance::: I feel unfaired for this character. The character development for Terrance is also very lacking and inconsistent. I wish the book was longer, or there were more spaces for him to grow without being thrown back and forth, forward and then backward, so much that he could as well become a more minor character like Lizzie. While Angus grows unbelievably quickly, Terrance shrinks rapidly like the Terrance in the first book could as well be another man.
What do you make of this Terrance? The one who gives Angus inner strength?
Saka : "He could make a good priest." "He has a quiet strength."
Angus : "You have a good heart."
==============================
Angus::: is the opposite of Terrance. Well, because he is the main protagonist right? So he shoulders everything? In this book, Angus becomes UNREAL to me. What is Saka there for anyway? Can't you share the weight between the three men you have? Or, at least two (when you don't seriously count Terrance into magic). Even Frodo cannot go to Mount Doom without Sam. But I feel like Angus could have done everything without Saka and Terrance.
==============================
Saka::: With more Terrance's POVs, his POVs are few and far between in this book, thus his character falls flat in this last book which is pretty anti-climatic. His feeling towards Angus doesn't hold meaning and his feelings towards Terrance don't even get explored. His role is also overshadowed by Angus So, much so for the mage who starts the series. I feel sorry for him.
In conclusion, the book ends quite well, but I wish there was more to it...more to the characters that I grew to love. I wanted to buy paperbacks as keepsakes and re-reading in the future, but this book changes my mind. One reading time is enough...
Hope my review adds more depth to the next series. Thank you for your writing.
November 27, 2018
https://optimumm.blog/2018/11/27/revi...
Angus, Saka and Terrance finally arrived at the Mayans Empire, but they don’t find the shelter and help they were hoping for.
The whole “human” world is at the edge of a war, while demonside is at the edge of extinction.
Saka tries to convince other demon mages to close the doors between these two worlds to gain time while Angus tries to find a way to save both worlds. He might have a way, but it will cost blood, love, and life.
Can they take the risks? Can they choose to lose everything to save their world? No matter the end, blood will be spilled.
Blood for the Spilling by TJ Nichols is the third and last book of the Studies in Demonology trilogy.
I was thrilled to read the last chapter of Angus, Saka and Terrance’s journey, and TJ Nichols didn’t disappoint me. This final was fabulous, and I was completely hooked in the book.
Angus wants to save his world and demonside. He’s ready to do everything in his power for that, but the Mayans Empire isn’t as welcoming as he’d hoped, and after everything he endured in Vinland, after almost dying in the demonside’s desert, Angus has to prove himself again while finding a way to save them all.
Saka is as desperate as Angus to save the world, his world. He keeps trying to reach other tribes and find a way to united them to save their world, meanwhile, he wants to protect Angus, to save him too. Saka is torn between his duty for his people and his love for his Mage.
Terrance hopes to finally find a home, to finally be able to be with the man he loves even if he has to share him with Saka. But Terrance’s past with Vinland—what they forced him to do to Angus—comes back to bit him, and the Mayans see him as a traitor, as someone who can’t be trusted, and they threaten his life and his future with Angus.
Throughout the book, we follow Terrance, Saka, and Angus on their last journey. The point of view alternates between the three of them. The sacrifices they are forced to do, their fears, their doubts and most of all their love. This book is the final chapter, and it’s the darkest of the trilogy in my opinion. The atmosphere is dark and heavy, I felt the fears and the angst, I felt their despair, I felt their love. I was completely hooked in the book and couldn’t put it down until the end.
This final episode is my favorite in the series, and the end was epic.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series. if you haven’t read it yet…Angus, Saka, and Terrance worth it.
It’s 5 OptimuMM for The Mages and their anchor.
Angus, Saka and Terrance finally arrived at the Mayans Empire, but they don’t find the shelter and help they were hoping for.
The whole “human” world is at the edge of a war, while demonside is at the edge of extinction.
Saka tries to convince other demon mages to close the doors between these two worlds to gain time while Angus tries to find a way to save both worlds. He might have a way, but it will cost blood, love, and life.
Can they take the risks? Can they choose to lose everything to save their world? No matter the end, blood will be spilled.
Blood for the Spilling by TJ Nichols is the third and last book of the Studies in Demonology trilogy.
I was thrilled to read the last chapter of Angus, Saka and Terrance’s journey, and TJ Nichols didn’t disappoint me. This final was fabulous, and I was completely hooked in the book.
Angus wants to save his world and demonside. He’s ready to do everything in his power for that, but the Mayans Empire isn’t as welcoming as he’d hoped, and after everything he endured in Vinland, after almost dying in the demonside’s desert, Angus has to prove himself again while finding a way to save them all.
Saka is as desperate as Angus to save the world, his world. He keeps trying to reach other tribes and find a way to united them to save their world, meanwhile, he wants to protect Angus, to save him too. Saka is torn between his duty for his people and his love for his Mage.
Terrance hopes to finally find a home, to finally be able to be with the man he loves even if he has to share him with Saka. But Terrance’s past with Vinland—what they forced him to do to Angus—comes back to bit him, and the Mayans see him as a traitor, as someone who can’t be trusted, and they threaten his life and his future with Angus.
Throughout the book, we follow Terrance, Saka, and Angus on their last journey. The point of view alternates between the three of them. The sacrifices they are forced to do, their fears, their doubts and most of all their love. This book is the final chapter, and it’s the darkest of the trilogy in my opinion. The atmosphere is dark and heavy, I felt the fears and the angst, I felt their despair, I felt their love. I was completely hooked in the book and couldn’t put it down until the end.
This final episode is my favorite in the series, and the end was epic.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series. if you haven’t read it yet…Angus, Saka, and Terrance worth it.
It’s 5 OptimuMM for The Mages and their anchor.
November 7, 2019
Wow, this was the third book in this series and it concluded with a satisfying action packed ending. I really admired Angus and Saka and a bit of Terrance. There was so much going on and the whole plot and world building was done brilliantly. I loved it and was sorry to see it end.
Merged review:
Wow, this was the third book in this series and it concluded with a satisfying action packed ending. I really admired Angus and Saka and a bit of Terrance. There was so much going on and the whole plot and world building was done brilliantly. I loved it and was sorry to see it end.
Merged review:
Wow, this was the third book in this series and it concluded with a satisfying action packed ending. I really admired Angus and Saka and a bit of Terrance. There was so much going on and the whole plot and world building was done brilliantly. I loved it and was sorry to see it end.
July 21, 2019
At the end of the last book, Angus, Saka, Terrance and the other defectors from the Lifeblood demon tribe and Vinland finally reach the Mayan Empire and the demon tribes that work with them. They were looking for refuge from the power hungry warlocks in Vinland. But after being separated from Terrance and Saka, Angus has to wonder if the evil he knew was better. The magic users (priests) in the Mayan Empire all work with demons but they are much more balanced. They have a big distrust for Vinland and anyone who comes from there, unfortunately.
The action in elevated in this book by a lot. Terrance must play a game for his life in order to prove his loyalty to Angus and to the balance of magic. Saka stretches his magic out further than he has before to see how the rest of the demons are faring during the imbalance crisis. Angus learns how to use magic in a way no one else has before. Now this isn’t the first story where the the underestimated main character shows gifts or talent beyond what they have done before, and proves to be the hero that everyone needed. But it’s a trope that I’m still a big fan of. There is a lot of this book where the characters try to make small actions of rebalancing, but as the warm rainforests start to feel the chill, it did seem like the situation was hopeless. The plan to fix things doesn’t come to Angus until there are only days to fix the situation and everything moves very fast, but I’ll leave out whether everything is successful or not and whether Angus, Terrance, and Saka are able to find some sort of happy relationship when it’s all over.
The action in elevated in this book by a lot. Terrance must play a game for his life in order to prove his loyalty to Angus and to the balance of magic. Saka stretches his magic out further than he has before to see how the rest of the demons are faring during the imbalance crisis. Angus learns how to use magic in a way no one else has before. Now this isn’t the first story where the the underestimated main character shows gifts or talent beyond what they have done before, and proves to be the hero that everyone needed. But it’s a trope that I’m still a big fan of. There is a lot of this book where the characters try to make small actions of rebalancing, but as the warm rainforests start to feel the chill, it did seem like the situation was hopeless. The plan to fix things doesn’t come to Angus until there are only days to fix the situation and everything moves very fast, but I’ll leave out whether everything is successful or not and whether Angus, Terrance, and Saka are able to find some sort of happy relationship when it’s all over.
July 9, 2022
Enfin arrivés à Uxmal, ville où vivent les démons qui collaborent avec les mayas, après la traversée du désert en Démonie qui leur a couté très cher, Angus, Saka et Terrance sont séparés. Terrance est envoyé par le vide vers la ville Maya "humaine", Saka est on ne sait ou et Angus est interrogé par Cadmaël, le prêtre maya et confronté à un niveau de magie qu'il ne pensait pas possible.
S'il arrive à convaincre ce peuple que son seul but est le rééquilibrage de la magie, peut-être y a t'il un espoir ?
Un troisième tome où tous les enjeux des deux premiers volumes trouvent enfin leur conclusion. Mais pour en arriver là, la bataille va être rude, douloureuse, âpre, beaucoup de sang, de sacrifices, de peur, d'espoir et d'alliances à nouer.
Une trilogie plaisante, parfois un peu ardue à suivre, l'alternance des passages entre les différents mondes, la temporalité et les points de vues (ce troisième tome nous proposant les points de vues d'Angus, de Saka et de Terrance) nous oblige à être vraiment attentif. L'auteur nous propose une relation plutôt originale entre les 3 hommes, une pratique maya permettant de donner un rôle plutôt décisif à Terrance, qui n'avait jusque là que l'image de "l'amant du monde humain". Et même si j'ai un peu regretté une fin vraiment rapide et abrupte, j'ai passé un bon moment avec cette trilogie et découvert un nouvel auteur, dont je ne manquerais pas de lire d'autres opus s'ils sont traduits un jour. Petit plus à noter pour la qualité de la traduction et de la relecture, de plus en plus rare.
S'il arrive à convaincre ce peuple que son seul but est le rééquilibrage de la magie, peut-être y a t'il un espoir ?
Un troisième tome où tous les enjeux des deux premiers volumes trouvent enfin leur conclusion. Mais pour en arriver là, la bataille va être rude, douloureuse, âpre, beaucoup de sang, de sacrifices, de peur, d'espoir et d'alliances à nouer.
Une trilogie plaisante, parfois un peu ardue à suivre, l'alternance des passages entre les différents mondes, la temporalité et les points de vues (ce troisième tome nous proposant les points de vues d'Angus, de Saka et de Terrance) nous oblige à être vraiment attentif. L'auteur nous propose une relation plutôt originale entre les 3 hommes, une pratique maya permettant de donner un rôle plutôt décisif à Terrance, qui n'avait jusque là que l'image de "l'amant du monde humain". Et même si j'ai un peu regretté une fin vraiment rapide et abrupte, j'ai passé un bon moment avec cette trilogie et découvert un nouvel auteur, dont je ne manquerais pas de lire d'autres opus s'ils sont traduits un jour. Petit plus à noter pour la qualité de la traduction et de la relecture, de plus en plus rare.
November 30, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
I have been waiting for this book ever since I finished the last one, it ended with such a cliff hanger. Angus, Saka and Terrance are trying to navigate their new normal while dealing with the suspicions of the Mayans.
The story continues to focus on rebalancing the magic in Demonside and how to fight Vinland. Angus accidently finds out that he can survive a “clean sweep” which no one with any magical powers has been able to do. He finds a way to end the problems in Vinland but it’s going to take the support of Saka and Terrance along with many other mages and priests.
We get to see all three of the main characters’ points of view which doesn’t leave me guessing as to how they feel. Terrance does a lot to redeem his actions from the previous books and it actually gives us a chance to get to know him. I loved watching Angus and Saka continue to push against the status quo for what others think magic should be. I could feel for them as they pushed back and tried to find the right solution. Angus’s sacrifice was huge and changed him forever, I would love to see how this will change things in the world.
Cover art by Catt Ford is great and I love how it connects with the story.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
I have been waiting for this book ever since I finished the last one, it ended with such a cliff hanger. Angus, Saka and Terrance are trying to navigate their new normal while dealing with the suspicions of the Mayans.
The story continues to focus on rebalancing the magic in Demonside and how to fight Vinland. Angus accidently finds out that he can survive a “clean sweep” which no one with any magical powers has been able to do. He finds a way to end the problems in Vinland but it’s going to take the support of Saka and Terrance along with many other mages and priests.
We get to see all three of the main characters’ points of view which doesn’t leave me guessing as to how they feel. Terrance does a lot to redeem his actions from the previous books and it actually gives us a chance to get to know him. I loved watching Angus and Saka continue to push against the status quo for what others think magic should be. I could feel for them as they pushed back and tried to find the right solution. Angus’s sacrifice was huge and changed him forever, I would love to see how this will change things in the world.
Cover art by Catt Ford is great and I love how it connects with the story.
July 17, 2019
I think it's brilliant what TJ Nichols created as a setting for the last book of this series: a magical Mayan Empire. And it's amazingly depicted and detailed: the people, the colors, the rituals and its dark magic.
Angus,Saka,Terrence and the other runaways have barely made it out of the desert, hoping to find refuge and assistance on the other side of it...and I was hoping alongside them. But what they found was more trials and tests,both psychological and physical, more danger and treachery.
I actually held my breath all through this story and loved every minute of it. There are so many twists and turns and absolutely no guarantee of the outcome. I feared for the characters' lives and rejoiced in each of their small or big victories. And the ending...wow!
So,if you want a mind-boggling combination of magic,suspense and love,look no further and pick the Studies In Demonology series. I really recommend it!
Angus,Saka,Terrence and the other runaways have barely made it out of the desert, hoping to find refuge and assistance on the other side of it...and I was hoping alongside them. But what they found was more trials and tests,both psychological and physical, more danger and treachery.
I actually held my breath all through this story and loved every minute of it. There are so many twists and turns and absolutely no guarantee of the outcome. I feared for the characters' lives and rejoiced in each of their small or big victories. And the ending...wow!
So,if you want a mind-boggling combination of magic,suspense and love,look no further and pick the Studies In Demonology series. I really recommend it!
May 19, 2025
M/M/M paranormal series. Book 3/3.
I am conflicted about this book/series.
Ultimately it failed me because of the world building was weak and also the forced triad arc.
This time we get 3 POVs as Terrance’s is added to Angus, the young college student (19 years old) and the mage demon, Saka.
Again the plot is full of holes and manufactured drama.
Although the book is not about homophobia, it treats sleeping with Demons on equal terms.
And more critically, the Mayan civilization turns into a predictable nightmare of barbaric proportions cloaked as a righteous solution.
Saka was more of a supporting character in this book and he hardly had any time with Angus.
And then at the end Angus had to be at the center of it all, doing what no body can apparently do. And we had to enjoy yet again his endless remunerations and insecurities.
The prologue wasn’t particularly satisfying as I am not completely sold on the triad yet there wasn’t enough of Saka and Angus.
I am conflicted about this book/series.
Ultimately it failed me because of the world building was weak and also the forced triad arc.
This time we get 3 POVs as Terrance’s is added to Angus, the young college student (19 years old) and the mage demon, Saka.
Again the plot is full of holes and manufactured drama.
Although the book is not about homophobia, it treats sleeping with Demons on equal terms.
And more critically, the Mayan civilization turns into a predictable nightmare of barbaric proportions cloaked as a righteous solution.
Saka was more of a supporting character in this book and he hardly had any time with Angus.
And then at the end Angus had to be at the center of it all, doing what no body can apparently do. And we had to enjoy yet again his endless remunerations and insecurities.
The prologue wasn’t particularly satisfying as I am not completely sold on the triad yet there wasn’t enough of Saka and Angus.
July 20, 2020
Fascinating, but I still have so many questions
I think that the Angus from the first book would be both horrified and supportive of the solution that they found for the imbalance between the worlds. I liked that, despite all of the life-altering events that Angus experienced, he ultimately was the same person who started in this quest.
***SPOILERS***
I want to know more about how and why Angus was changed in the ways that he was by the rebalancing. Can he rebalance any longer? Is he a humanside demon? A hybrid? Does he generate magic independently? Can he survive humanside, or does he have to return demonside? How did demonside handle that huge influx of magic coming back? Were parts of demonside changed forever?
I think that the Angus from the first book would be both horrified and supportive of the solution that they found for the imbalance between the worlds. I liked that, despite all of the life-altering events that Angus experienced, he ultimately was the same person who started in this quest.
***SPOILERS***
I want to know more about how and why Angus was changed in the ways that he was by the rebalancing. Can he rebalance any longer? Is he a humanside demon? A hybrid? Does he generate magic independently? Can he survive humanside, or does he have to return demonside? How did demonside handle that huge influx of magic coming back? Were parts of demonside changed forever?
June 12, 2019
Blood for the Spilling is the third book in the Studies in Demonology series by TJ Nichols. What a way to wrap up the trilogy! This book has aspects of violence, rituals, sacrifices, and menage scenes. Well written and wonderfully descriptive scenes, interesting story and characters you can care about.... I was drawn into this world created in the series and it's hard to say goodbye. But this third book does a fantastic job of pulling everything together and delivering a satisfying conclusion. Absolutely loved this.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
April 1, 2019
LOVED this series - this is the 3rd book and all 3 should be read in order and together tell the complete story. The first 2 aren't really cliffhangers, they end that part of the book but the overall story doesn't end until the 3rd. I found the world to be intricate and well-crafted enough that it really enhanced the story without detracting or distracting too much. The MC's (there are 3 by the end of the series) were so different - perfectly imperfect for each other and not your typical MC's.
November 22, 2020
Brilliant
I really enjoyed this series. The characters and the world building were interesting. There needed to be a bit more detail particularly about mindset of Vinland and what they ultimately wanted achieve for their society. Power to achieve what?
The end was a bit rushed and it would have been nice to have a bit more detail of the changes in Demonside and the Lifeblood tribe and similarly more about New London and Angus’s mother.
Despite these omissions I really loved these books and read them one after another. Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed this series. The characters and the world building were interesting. There needed to be a bit more detail particularly about mindset of Vinland and what they ultimately wanted achieve for their society. Power to achieve what?
The end was a bit rushed and it would have been nice to have a bit more detail of the changes in Demonside and the Lifeblood tribe and similarly more about New London and Angus’s mother.
Despite these omissions I really loved these books and read them one after another. Highly recommended.
July 25, 2022
Very much a continuation of the hopelessness of the second book. The refugees have made it across the desert to the jungles that link to the Maya Empire, but they are treated as little better than spies. Vinland wants them all back however and there's a price on everyone's head. Will loyalties withstand the constant pressures of a world at war? When Angus is the only magic user to have ever survived the Vinnish magic weapon, it become apparent that only he can stop them, and he'll need to be betrayed in order for that to happen.
August 27, 2022
4.5 stars for the series as a whole. The romance(s) were far more secondary to the plot than I usually like, but it was great worldbuilding and the story was a lot of fun 😊 The author has it listed as a "dark" romance, and while most definitions of dark are too much for my taste, this one wasn't really dark IMHO. Yes, the storyline contained pain, betrayal, etc etc at times, but none that really qualified it as what I think of as dark. For which I'm glad! But of course that kind of thing is pretty subjective, so YMMV.
June 10, 2024
Ein absolut gelungener Abschluss dieser Reihe! Man wird ein letztes Mal die die fantastische Welt des Autors entführt und darf mit den liebgewonnenen Charakteren zum finalen Schlag ausholen.
Die Spannung der Geschichte, lässt das Herz schneller schlagen und das Buch nur schwer aus der Hand legen. Wer die beiden vorherigen Bände bereits kennt wird in diesem letzten Teil der Reihe nicht enttäuscht, sondern kann noch einmal die Charaktere begleiten und mit ihnen bangen, ob sie es tatsächlich schaffen beide Welten zu retten.
Ein absolut gelungener Band, der Spannung und große Gefühle aulöst!
Die Spannung der Geschichte, lässt das Herz schneller schlagen und das Buch nur schwer aus der Hand legen. Wer die beiden vorherigen Bände bereits kennt wird in diesem letzten Teil der Reihe nicht enttäuscht, sondern kann noch einmal die Charaktere begleiten und mit ihnen bangen, ob sie es tatsächlich schaffen beide Welten zu retten.
Ein absolut gelungener Band, der Spannung und große Gefühle aulöst!
July 19, 2019
This is final book of this wonderful series Studies in Demonology.
Demon are close to their end and humans like usually have to go to war to prove who is the better one. Our 3 wandering characters thought that they arrive at place that they could be wanted and happy and that is taking a drastic turn. We see a lot of up and down in the relationship of Terrance, Saka and Angus. This was a beautiful journey and ending to this series. you don't want to miss out read it today
Demon are close to their end and humans like usually have to go to war to prove who is the better one. Our 3 wandering characters thought that they arrive at place that they could be wanted and happy and that is taking a drastic turn. We see a lot of up and down in the relationship of Terrance, Saka and Angus. This was a beautiful journey and ending to this series. you don't want to miss out read it today
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews