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Blue Bells Chronicles #5
The Battle is O'er
In the gripping conclusion to The Blue Bells Chronicles, just as Shawn is steadily regaining all he feared he had lost forever—his career, his son, and even Amy’s heart—he learns of MacDougall’s vengeance against Niall, for the act Shawn himself committed. He wrestles with a prophecy and an ancient letter that never changes, a letter that details the fate of his own son, if he cannot stop it—and possibly the fate of the world itself, as he learns of Simon Beaumont’s plan to use his knowledge of the future to destroy it. Shawn’s selfishness once cost him everything. His newfound selflessness may do the same.
470 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2018
29 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Laura Vosika
26 books149 followersLaura Vosika is the author of the Blue Bells Trilogy. In addition to the Trilogy, she is working on several other novels and a non-fiction book on raising a large family.
Laura grew up in the military, visiting castles in England, pig fests in Germany, and the historic sites of America's east coast, and living in climates ranging from Mississippi's heat to Duluth, Minnesota.
She earned a bachelor's degree in music, and worked for many years as a freelance musician, playing trombone for pit orchestras, ballets, and symphonies, and flute and harp for other venues. She spent three years as a member of the Buz Whiteley Big Band and Farragut Brass Band in Bremerton, WA.
After earning a masters degree in education, she took a job as a music teacher and band director. She has also taught private lessons on wind instruments, piano, and harp, for twenty years.
In her spare time, Laura likes to play piano, harp, and flute, do sudokus, and learn Gaelic.
She currently lives in Minnesota with her husband, nine children, and assorted menagerie.
Laura grew up in the military, visiting castles in England, pig fests in Germany, and the historic sites of America's east coast, and living in climates ranging from Mississippi's heat to Duluth, Minnesota.
She earned a bachelor's degree in music, and worked for many years as a freelance musician, playing trombone for pit orchestras, ballets, and symphonies, and flute and harp for other venues. She spent three years as a member of the Buz Whiteley Big Band and Farragut Brass Band in Bremerton, WA.
After earning a masters degree in education, she took a job as a music teacher and band director. She has also taught private lessons on wind instruments, piano, and harp, for twenty years.
In her spare time, Laura likes to play piano, harp, and flute, do sudokus, and learn Gaelic.
She currently lives in Minnesota with her husband, nine children, and assorted menagerie.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 26, 2018
I wanted to read this slowly, make it last, savour it. But I couldn't. I galloped through it as though by doing so I could help Shawn and Niall. By the time I'd reached the end, I was almost breathless.
Never mind. I can go back and take my time with it later. I've read all the books in the series twice anyway, and it will be no hardship to read this one again, too.
It wraps the whole series up beautifully, leaving a sweet, sad sigh.
Never mind. I can go back and take my time with it later. I've read all the books in the series twice anyway, and it will be no hardship to read this one again, too.
It wraps the whole series up beautifully, leaving a sweet, sad sigh.
June 21, 2018
Since childhood, I've been in love with historical Scotland (no small part thanks to Braveheart). I have been drawn to historical fiction ever since. Author, Laura Vosika blends a unique view of romantic past, mixed with the brutality of medieval Scotland. "The Battle is O'er" is fifth in a historical time-travel series, about a thoroughly modern man who is pulled back to the time of Robert the Bruce. I'm a big fan of time-travel stories, where the author literally transports us through the main character, into a different world. But Vosika's "Blue Bells Chronicles" is unique in that she allows her characters to rewrite history.
"The Battle is O'er" concludes the adventures of Shawn and his friends in the distant past. Shawn may have returned to the present, but the danger is far from over. A prophecy leads Simon Beaumont to unspeakable acts, while Christine is desperate to escape her captors and return home. In the present, Shawn and Amy struggle to protect James, while discovering where they stand in their relationship. This is a carefully interwoven tale, with chapters written in both past and present. Each scene led seamlessly into the next, until I had to reach the satisfying conclusion.
"The Battle is O'er" blends the excitement of a modern thriller, with the immersive details of the best historical fiction. Vosika clearly shows her writing chops here, drawing her story forward with a cast of colorful and relatable characters living through extraordinary circumstances. I'd highly recommend this to fans of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series.
"The Battle is O'er" concludes the adventures of Shawn and his friends in the distant past. Shawn may have returned to the present, but the danger is far from over. A prophecy leads Simon Beaumont to unspeakable acts, while Christine is desperate to escape her captors and return home. In the present, Shawn and Amy struggle to protect James, while discovering where they stand in their relationship. This is a carefully interwoven tale, with chapters written in both past and present. Each scene led seamlessly into the next, until I had to reach the satisfying conclusion.
"The Battle is O'er" blends the excitement of a modern thriller, with the immersive details of the best historical fiction. Vosika clearly shows her writing chops here, drawing her story forward with a cast of colorful and relatable characters living through extraordinary circumstances. I'd highly recommend this to fans of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series.
April 30, 2018
Confusing
I've read the 4 previous books and was excited to see how it ended up. I was let down. I found it very confusing and disjointed.
I've read the 4 previous books and was excited to see how it ended up. I was let down. I found it very confusing and disjointed.
April 22, 2018
Beautiful conclusion to a story first intended to be a trilogy and instead is a five book series. Scotland, Time Travel, History...LOVE this story! Right up there with my all time favorite series of Outlander and The All Souls Trilogy. Although all have Time Travel and two are Scotland, they are all unique.
I am not going to go into detail about what happens in this final book as those reading it probably have read the others. I will say although I could not see how it was going to end as the story is so complex. The author did a wonderful job of bringing it to a conclusion leaving me only with the thought, I will read these books over and over again. The "can not put it down" conclusion had me picturing the beautifully described scene of the characters I loved from present time together with those of the 1300's. Together in a few desperate minutes between time where a life and death struggle takes place while time slips away.....
For those who have read the previous books, there are a few things in this one that added greatly to the story. One is we saw more of Brother Eamonn who is a very old monk who is in and out of the series leading me once or twice to wonder if he could be Merlin. The other is the appearance of Clarence who is mentioned in the other books, but is a large part of this one. Clarence is the man who, as a boy of 17, murdered Shawn's father in a drug induced desperate rage. He has been in prison and only an underlying part of the story previously. We will see Shawn as he has evolved throughout the books from a character I very much disliked to one who is the product of so many influences in two far different centuries. I can't recommend this series enough and especially if you love all things Scottish, if you love history (this is the era of Robert The Bruce in the 1300's), if you enjoy love stories without the graphic sex (or with but I did not miss it), the mystery of time travel, a bit of supernatural, and if you are into music (I am not but it is part of the story).
I was looking for a bit to quote here, and got bogged down in reading the last few chapters again. It's all too revealing of what will happen or would not make sense as a paragraph quote. Just read it and enjoy!
I am not going to go into detail about what happens in this final book as those reading it probably have read the others. I will say although I could not see how it was going to end as the story is so complex. The author did a wonderful job of bringing it to a conclusion leaving me only with the thought, I will read these books over and over again. The "can not put it down" conclusion had me picturing the beautifully described scene of the characters I loved from present time together with those of the 1300's. Together in a few desperate minutes between time where a life and death struggle takes place while time slips away.....
For those who have read the previous books, there are a few things in this one that added greatly to the story. One is we saw more of Brother Eamonn who is a very old monk who is in and out of the series leading me once or twice to wonder if he could be Merlin. The other is the appearance of Clarence who is mentioned in the other books, but is a large part of this one. Clarence is the man who, as a boy of 17, murdered Shawn's father in a drug induced desperate rage. He has been in prison and only an underlying part of the story previously. We will see Shawn as he has evolved throughout the books from a character I very much disliked to one who is the product of so many influences in two far different centuries. I can't recommend this series enough and especially if you love all things Scottish, if you love history (this is the era of Robert The Bruce in the 1300's), if you enjoy love stories without the graphic sex (or with but I did not miss it), the mystery of time travel, a bit of supernatural, and if you are into music (I am not but it is part of the story).
I was looking for a bit to quote here, and got bogged down in reading the last few chapters again. It's all too revealing of what will happen or would not make sense as a paragraph quote. Just read it and enjoy!
August 24, 2019
First, I waited what seemed like forever for this book to be written—so long even that I forgot a lot of the details of the series. I started the book last year and scrambled to recall details. Then, a few months later (still 2018) I took a long trip and read this on the flight to and from—well, read 3/4ths of it before I was back to real life. Wanting to finish this, it hung over me for the next year until this past summer when I decided I would start at the beginning and read it. I did that sporadically and finally finished it today. I doubt it has ever taken me so long to finish a book.
I so enjoy time travel and as a second fact, I get so caught up in the characters that I really feel a loss when the series ends as this seems to have done with this installment. There is more that could be written but the little blurb of the next book seems to be about anything but these characters. I will have to research this but fear it is true.
A lovely series that I can heartily recommend.
I so enjoy time travel and as a second fact, I get so caught up in the characters that I really feel a loss when the series ends as this seems to have done with this installment. There is more that could be written but the little blurb of the next book seems to be about anything but these characters. I will have to research this but fear it is true.
A lovely series that I can heartily recommend.
April 15, 2018
Like an intricate musical arrangement, this work ties together the threads of The Blue Bells Chronicles in such a way that every note, every switch from century to century, from character to character, leaves the reader breathless and craving more. The author masterfully raises the tension, keeps the reader guessing, and with hook after hook, draws the reader on the most exciting and satisfying conclusion to one of the best series I have had the pleasure of reading. Ever. If ten stars were an option, Laura Vosika would have earned it, and I would gladly have awarded it.
If you love a long, intricate time-travel romance of the highest quality; one that will keep your emotions riding on a roller coaster between loving the characters and wishing they’d come to their senses, finally understanding why they did what they did and loving them even more; then read The Blue Bell’s Chronicles. I’m stunned at the power and sheer beauty of this work. I will read anything this author writes.
If you love a long, intricate time-travel romance of the highest quality; one that will keep your emotions riding on a roller coaster between loving the characters and wishing they’d come to their senses, finally understanding why they did what they did and loving them even more; then read The Blue Bell’s Chronicles. I’m stunned at the power and sheer beauty of this work. I will read anything this author writes.
June 2, 2022
I cannot give this more than three stars, first these were ridiculously long for no reason (I mean all the books, too long). I was glad it ended. I enjoyed the ending, if it had come quicker I would have enjoyed it more. So Shawn is reading those pesky scrolls and some how (I would have to reread and that is NOT going to happen) a letter tells about his own son coming to save the day. Someone can email the details because these books were so full of nonsense and unneeded repetitive comments and explainations and then who appears but Clarence!!!! Wow, I loved that Shawn went back with Clarence and found his 21 year old son. Amy can stay in the future, cause she is such a ........ I was totally unaware that these were christian fiction?????? Never would have guessed. Any way, this story, only worth 3 books at best, is a good story, if you can speed read and skip all the crap, read them. If not, don't, you will be bored silly.
April 20, 2022
Whew! This book is so intense I was reading at 3 a.m. to try to finish so I could find out what happened. Did Amy choose Angus? Did she choose Shawn? Did Shawn return to 1314 and all the medieval events that he had been involved in during his early travel back in time? Great book. The history of Scotland's battles is fascinating. I recommend this 5 book series but you need to start with the first book to fully grasp the story line. It is fascinating. The author did her research and she breaks the book into periods back then with today's happenings. Shawn is worried that his double, Niall, is going to be killed and he wants to go back and save him. But, that means leaving his baby and Amy. So, he is torn. This is an exciting story.
April 20, 2018
I gave it 5 stars because she is such a great writer and keeps you no the edge of your seat - all the way to the end. And speaking of that, starting this book was hard because I knew it was the last in the series. And surprise, surprise there is a little peak at a new book coming out. I'm relieved.
I love the way the author switches between time right at the moment something is at the crest of excitement. Keeps you turning the pages and wanting more. I loved the characters and how it all unfolded. Thoroughly enjoyed this series and looking forward to the next.
I love the way the author switches between time right at the moment something is at the crest of excitement. Keeps you turning the pages and wanting more. I loved the characters and how it all unfolded. Thoroughly enjoyed this series and looking forward to the next.
April 9, 2018
Oh my!!!
Five books spanning seven hundred years, two continents and intertwining many lives in an amazing historical fictional tale.... Faith, and the lack thereof, hope that defies reason, forgiveness verses retribution and love, love of all kinds make this series spellbinding!!!
You know you have read a wonderful book when you do not want to part with the characters!!! In this case, it is an incredible series!
Bravo!!!
Five books spanning seven hundred years, two continents and intertwining many lives in an amazing historical fictional tale.... Faith, and the lack thereof, hope that defies reason, forgiveness verses retribution and love, love of all kinds make this series spellbinding!!!
You know you have read a wonderful book when you do not want to part with the characters!!! In this case, it is an incredible series!
Bravo!!!
January 22, 2021
Interesting read - this was the last book in the series. I would question some of the things that happen but this "is" fiction and as far as I know time travel doesn't exist. There was a bit too much jumping back and forth but that is just the author's style I guess. If you like time travel, then read it. It most definitely needed better editing and research into Scottish history. But I like to take a story as it is and not criticize too much because it's pure entertainment.
April 27, 2020
I’m not crying, you’re crying!
Oh what a wonderful tale, I love all the books in the Chronicles but I think this one was the best. I was so invested in what was going on and loving how the story unfolded. I am just really sad it’s over but hoping some of the characters might live again in another Laura Vosika novel!
Oh what a wonderful tale, I love all the books in the Chronicles but I think this one was the best. I was so invested in what was going on and loving how the story unfolded. I am just really sad it’s over but hoping some of the characters might live again in another Laura Vosika novel!
April 30, 2018
There were parts of this that really flew by and then there were other parts that felt like they dragged. Over all it wrapped up the story nicely and left no loose ends. People ended up where they were supposed to be and it felt satisfying.
June 3, 2018
A good time travel series
I like this series . It's another installment of Shawn , Amy , Angus and Niall. The only problem is the way the chapters are divided. They are short constantly jumping from past , present , future .
I like this series . It's another installment of Shawn , Amy , Angus and Niall. The only problem is the way the chapters are divided. They are short constantly jumping from past , present , future .
March 28, 2018
Loved the series and this last book was fantastic.
April 19, 2018
Thanks
Am so sorry to have this series end loved the characters. Cant wait for your next series guess I will have to reread this one. Thanks for the great story
Am so sorry to have this series end loved the characters. Cant wait for your next series guess I will have to reread this one. Thanks for the great story
May 12, 2018
Fabulous read!
I love stories of Scotland. I love the Medieval way of life! This was a fairly complex plot - which I love. I highly recommend!
I love stories of Scotland. I love the Medieval way of life! This was a fairly complex plot - which I love. I highly recommend!
May 27, 2019
It had its good moments, but I wish the author had made this series into the trilogy she originally planned. It dragged on too long for me.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews