What do you think?
Rate this book
The Grave Kingdom #3
The Immortal Words
To defeat an immortal evil, a young warrior must enter the land of the dead in the spellbinding conclusion to Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler’s epic Grave Kingdom trilogy.
As kingdoms fall, brave young warrior Bingmei fights to fulfill a prophecy and save what’s left of the world from the coming darkness. Should she fail, Echion, the diabolical Dragon of Night, and his queen will hold sway over the next thousand years. With Echion comes his unstoppable army of dragons—powerful, vengeful, and under his control.
Accompanied by her loyal friend Quion, Bingmei journeys toward her last hope. It lies among the savage beasts just beyond the ancient Death Wall—an uninhabited realm from which no one has ever returned alive. Bingmei’s mission is to find the phoenix shrine and learn the Immortal Words that will allow her to harness eternal magic. With Echion and his legions in pursuit, Bingmei must choose her words wisely to break Echion’s spell and accept her fate.
Bingmei knows what she must do. She must join the ranks of the dead as well. For a fearless and selfless warrior, it’s the ultimate sacrifice. But Bingmei is about to discover that even in death, the greatest sacrifices are yet to come.
As kingdoms fall, brave young warrior Bingmei fights to fulfill a prophecy and save what’s left of the world from the coming darkness. Should she fail, Echion, the diabolical Dragon of Night, and his queen will hold sway over the next thousand years. With Echion comes his unstoppable army of dragons—powerful, vengeful, and under his control.
Accompanied by her loyal friend Quion, Bingmei journeys toward her last hope. It lies among the savage beasts just beyond the ancient Death Wall—an uninhabited realm from which no one has ever returned alive. Bingmei’s mission is to find the phoenix shrine and learn the Immortal Words that will allow her to harness eternal magic. With Echion and his legions in pursuit, Bingmei must choose her words wisely to break Echion’s spell and accept her fate.
Bingmei knows what she must do. She must join the ranks of the dead as well. For a fearless and selfless warrior, it’s the ultimate sacrifice. But Bingmei is about to discover that even in death, the greatest sacrifices are yet to come.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2020
1331 people are currently reading
2046 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Wheeler
127 books5,237 followersWall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler took an early retirement from his career at Intel in 2014 to write full-time. He is a husband, father of five, and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff lives in the Rocky Mountains.
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
May 31, 2024
This final book in the trilogy of The Grave Kingdom had its moments as did the previous two books, but in the end it was mostly tedious. I mean how many times must Bingmei battle the dragon Eichon and be killed by him only to return to life through magic. Bingmei was a worthy heroine and there were some good supporting characters, especially Quion, the fisherman. Not Wheeler's best, but still entertaining. 3 stars
September 27, 2020
4 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a satisfying ending to an exciting fantasy series.
On the other side of the Death Wall with her steadfast friend Quion, Bingmei searches for the fabled Phoenix Shrine to learn the Immortal Words that will help her win the fight against the Dragon Night and his queen. She is prepared to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to save those that she loves.
This was a fitting ending to the series, although the ending seemed a bit sudden. This author tends to end series on a happy note, with most loose ends tied up with a bow. This book is no different, although I did like the tease that leaves the door open to exploring this world further. I would welcome more books set in this world.
Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a satisfying ending to an exciting fantasy series.
On the other side of the Death Wall with her steadfast friend Quion, Bingmei searches for the fabled Phoenix Shrine to learn the Immortal Words that will help her win the fight against the Dragon Night and his queen. She is prepared to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to save those that she loves.
This was a fitting ending to the series, although the ending seemed a bit sudden. This author tends to end series on a happy note, with most loose ends tied up with a bow. This book is no different, although I did like the tease that leaves the door open to exploring this world further. I would welcome more books set in this world.
Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2021
Destiny fulfilled
A very good Kung Fu series. I enjoyed all the book in this series. I have to say I do agree with Jeff wife (read the acknowledgments page).
The book started out a bit slow for me. I was actually if the story had lost it's way an if everything I liked about the story was not done. The next 2/3 of the book are a fast paced, cannot turn the pages fast enough story. With plenty of action that was missing earlier.
Jeff Wheeler mentioned all the Kung Fu movies he watched to research this. He mentioned Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and I can definitely see the influences of that movie her.
A great book about destiny, family and of course martial arts. A slow start but definitely worth pushing through. Not all questions are answered buy there might be s reason that. Here's hoping.
A very good Kung Fu series. I enjoyed all the book in this series. I have to say I do agree with Jeff wife (read the acknowledgments page).
The book started out a bit slow for me. I was actually if the story had lost it's way an if everything I liked about the story was not done. The next 2/3 of the book are a fast paced, cannot turn the pages fast enough story. With plenty of action that was missing earlier.
Jeff Wheeler mentioned all the Kung Fu movies he watched to research this. He mentioned Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and I can definitely see the influences of that movie her.
A great book about destiny, family and of course martial arts. A slow start but definitely worth pushing through. Not all questions are answered buy there might be s reason that. Here's hoping.
August 23, 2020
Thank you so much to 47North via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! I was so excited to be able to read The Grave Kingdom Series as ARCs and I am just mind blown by the end of the trilogy
So yeah… I knew this was going to be epic but I was not expecting half of the things that happened in this book. To keep things spoiler free, let me just say that this is another fantastic series conclusion by Wheeler and he didn’t at all take it in the direction I thought he would.
I can’t honestly say that The Grave Kingdom series was my favorite by Wheeler, but it’s truly a work of art. I can always count on Wheeler for wholesome fantasy reads, strong women with incredible character arcs, and all sorts of lore, myths, and found families. Even in an Asian based fantasy he twines in an underlying Christian message. It was nice that he wasn’t preachy in these books, and I felt like the Phoenix and the Dragon could have carried a few different allegories. I would love to ask him if he was thinking about any specific reference regarding the interactions of the Phoenix.
Wheeler is an exquisite world builder as well, from setting to food to weather and the smells of conscience, I truly enjoyed the world of The Grave Kingdom. Each region had it’s own character, each city it’s own personality and feel, customs, traditional food, and animal guardians, and I think truly that this is Wheeler’s best developed world yet.
Plus I got my OTP wish. Oh I was so happy I almost cried a little bit for these characters at the end. The books contain a wonderful cast of characters including a snow leopard and a blind king. Bingmei went from a little girl to a fledgling leader to a strong, thoughtful, powerful woman who was able to decide that humanity was worth saving. There was a wonderful open ending that echoes the book’s message of good balancing evil in the cycles of the world. It makes me think maybe there may be another trilogy in the world at some point and I would be totally on board with that.
My only issue was a bit of confusion involving Rowen and the Phoenix, I think Wheeler got lost in the mythology a bit and didn’t quite explain Rowen’s role in the grand scheme of things adequately. Specifically when, why, and how was he chosen, plus when did he become the Phoenix? Couldn’t he have just busted out of the prison long before he did? It was slightly incongruous. Also the fighting scenes were getting pretty repetitive by the end of book 3.
If you are looking for a truly epic fantasy series set in an Asian based world, with dragons, phoenixes, lore, love, loyalty, and found family, this is the book for you. I was so happy and proud of the entire quonsuun and thought that the ending just was priceless.
The Immortal Words, the epic conclusion of The Grave Kingdom series, releases 9/22.
So yeah… I knew this was going to be epic but I was not expecting half of the things that happened in this book. To keep things spoiler free, let me just say that this is another fantastic series conclusion by Wheeler and he didn’t at all take it in the direction I thought he would.
I can’t honestly say that The Grave Kingdom series was my favorite by Wheeler, but it’s truly a work of art. I can always count on Wheeler for wholesome fantasy reads, strong women with incredible character arcs, and all sorts of lore, myths, and found families. Even in an Asian based fantasy he twines in an underlying Christian message. It was nice that he wasn’t preachy in these books, and I felt like the Phoenix and the Dragon could have carried a few different allegories. I would love to ask him if he was thinking about any specific reference regarding the interactions of the Phoenix.
Wheeler is an exquisite world builder as well, from setting to food to weather and the smells of conscience, I truly enjoyed the world of The Grave Kingdom. Each region had it’s own character, each city it’s own personality and feel, customs, traditional food, and animal guardians, and I think truly that this is Wheeler’s best developed world yet.
Plus I got my OTP wish. Oh I was so happy I almost cried a little bit for these characters at the end. The books contain a wonderful cast of characters including a snow leopard and a blind king. Bingmei went from a little girl to a fledgling leader to a strong, thoughtful, powerful woman who was able to decide that humanity was worth saving. There was a wonderful open ending that echoes the book’s message of good balancing evil in the cycles of the world. It makes me think maybe there may be another trilogy in the world at some point and I would be totally on board with that.
My only issue was a bit of confusion involving Rowen and the Phoenix, I think Wheeler got lost in the mythology a bit and didn’t quite explain Rowen’s role in the grand scheme of things adequately. Specifically when, why, and how was he chosen, plus when did he become the Phoenix? Couldn’t he have just busted out of the prison long before he did? It was slightly incongruous. Also the fighting scenes were getting pretty repetitive by the end of book 3.
If you are looking for a truly epic fantasy series set in an Asian based world, with dragons, phoenixes, lore, love, loyalty, and found family, this is the book for you. I was so happy and proud of the entire quonsuun and thought that the ending just was priceless.
The Immortal Words, the epic conclusion of The Grave Kingdom series, releases 9/22.
July 21, 2020
In the third book of the Grave Kingdom Series, The Immortal Words, Bingmei finally decides that humanity is worth saving and that she must fulfill the prophecy in order to stop Echion and Xisi. She travels with her good friend Quion across the Death Wall both in the real world and in the spirit realm. They seek a shrine where the Phoenix will protect them. While there, Bingmei uses her spirit to float and travel from bird to bird to spy on Echion and Xisi, as well as check up on their allies and friends. Bingmei soon realizes that General Tzu is about the march into a trap and so, she uses the Immortal Words to delay him. But in doing so, Bingmei has caused an event that brings suffering and death of its own. They winter at the shrine, using the powers of the Phoenix and the Immortal Words to help them survive. But, soon it is time to return and defeat Echion and Xisi once and for all.
The author Jeff Wheeler, did leave the ending a little open, perhaps to show the endless cycles of life and kingship, but also to show that evil is never truly gone. For as long as there are greedy and selfish people in the world, humanity will never be at peace.
But there is the potential that Someone Evil will claim what is theirs! Will this evil force come back? Will the child grow to fight for Fusang and Bingmei? Or will the child become like Echion and Xisi?
In a way, I feel like the series is complete, but the stories are so good that I wouldn't mind reading a fourth book.
The author Jeff Wheeler, did leave the ending a little open, perhaps to show the endless cycles of life and kingship, but also to show that evil is never truly gone. For as long as there are greedy and selfish people in the world, humanity will never be at peace.
But there is the potential that Someone Evil will claim what is theirs! Will this evil force come back? Will the child grow to fight for Fusang and Bingmei? Or will the child become like Echion and Xisi?
In a way, I feel like the series is complete, but the stories are so good that I wouldn't mind reading a fourth book.
September 14, 2020
I wanted to like how this series ended. I truly truly did. I haven't read any other Jeff Wheeler series, so this one felt incredibly ambitious, which I admire. As the trilogy carried on, the stakes were raised and the world was expanded appropriately. As always, the action sequences were spot on and thoroughly engrossing.
July 29, 2020
A very captivating reading, a beautiful continuation of the previous works.
Language: atmospheric and captivating choice of words, really keeping the reader on the edge from start to finish.
Idea/plot: not too unique, unfortunately, however, keeps the reader interested till the end and more. I have some unanswered questions, however, I'd strongly suggest back to back reading with other books in the series for sure.
Evolution: masterfully done, we see a clear character and relationships evolution
Interest keeping: more than needed to be, now in desperate need of continuation, will definitely be interested in the sequel if the author ever decides to do so.
Conclusion/Climax: masterfully done.
Overall a very successful read and from research seems like fans would appreciate a separate sequel or even prequel.
Language: atmospheric and captivating choice of words, really keeping the reader on the edge from start to finish.
Idea/plot: not too unique, unfortunately, however, keeps the reader interested till the end and more. I have some unanswered questions, however, I'd strongly suggest back to back reading with other books in the series for sure.
Evolution: masterfully done, we see a clear character and relationships evolution
Interest keeping: more than needed to be, now in desperate need of continuation, will definitely be interested in the sequel if the author ever decides to do so.
Conclusion/Climax: masterfully done.
Overall a very successful read and from research seems like fans would appreciate a separate sequel or even prequel.
October 1, 2020
I've enjoyed reading this series and have bought all of them as they've released. Jeff Wheeler is a great author. But my oh my did I feel let down with this finale to the trilogy. Very early on the whole point of the series was accomplished and then....well, I didn't like it at all.
October 15, 2020
A really enjoyable series, I could not put these books down. Well written, smartly paced, excellent world building, intense scenes and conflicts, all which kept me involved in the story. The question now becomes will there be more? I certainly hope so, an intriguing and beguiling end? or is it?
Jeff Wheeler has my attention and I look forward to reading more of his work, well done sir, well done.
Jeff Wheeler has my attention and I look forward to reading more of his work, well done sir, well done.
September 24, 2020
Check out the full review on my website. CLICK HERE
Check out the full review for The Killing Fog (The Grave Kingdom #1) on my website. CLICK HERE
Check out the full review for The Buried World (The Grave Kingdom #2) on my website. CLICK HERE
SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL : YOUTUBE
FOLLOW ME ON : TWITTER INSTAGRAM
FR REVIEW :
DISCLAIMER : Thank you, Netgalley and 47North Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Immortal Words picks up right from where the story left off in The Buried World. Bingmei is set out to accomplish her task of fulfilling the prophecy while having to escape both Echion and Xisi. The challenges that are in front of her keep on getting tougher with each step. She has to deal with her fear of death and also do something that will put an end to the era of cruelty and destruction brought forward by the reign of the dragons.
The story was interesting and had raised the stakes higher with lots of fight sequences and near-death moments. The story and history are slowly unraveled and we get to see how things happened in the past. Although all the details are not given we get a brief idea of how Echion took over the Kingdom through treachery and betrayal.
The themes of sacrificing oneself for the betterment and prosperity of the people was prevalent throughout the book. The greater good takes precedence over one's own needs and this story reflects this philosophy so well. The act of selflessness and having to live with one's actions is also stressed in the book. Greed for power through any means is shown to be dangerous and anything acquired through treachery will come to fail in the end. We see that in the story. The ultimate victory of good over evil is also a good message to send across to readers. It also stresses about the importance of hope, love, compassion, and forgiveness when dealing with challenges.
The book leaves us with quite an interesting ending and it hints at the possibility of a book 4. I just hope we get and explosive and entertaining conclusion to this series in book 4. Overall the book was good. If you love Asian inspired, YA light-fantasy check this series out. It's unique and the setting is also quite interesting. The world and magic is not something I have seen before. I had a good time reading the series and I gave this book 4 stars. This would be a good start into fantasy as a genre if you are a younger reader.
Check out the full review for The Killing Fog (The Grave Kingdom #1) on my website. CLICK HERE
Check out the full review for The Buried World (The Grave Kingdom #2) on my website. CLICK HERE
SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL : YOUTUBE
FOLLOW ME ON : TWITTER INSTAGRAM
FR REVIEW :
DISCLAIMER : Thank you, Netgalley and 47North Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Immortal Words picks up right from where the story left off in The Buried World. Bingmei is set out to accomplish her task of fulfilling the prophecy while having to escape both Echion and Xisi. The challenges that are in front of her keep on getting tougher with each step. She has to deal with her fear of death and also do something that will put an end to the era of cruelty and destruction brought forward by the reign of the dragons.
The story was interesting and had raised the stakes higher with lots of fight sequences and near-death moments. The story and history are slowly unraveled and we get to see how things happened in the past. Although all the details are not given we get a brief idea of how Echion took over the Kingdom through treachery and betrayal.
The themes of sacrificing oneself for the betterment and prosperity of the people was prevalent throughout the book. The greater good takes precedence over one's own needs and this story reflects this philosophy so well. The act of selflessness and having to live with one's actions is also stressed in the book. Greed for power through any means is shown to be dangerous and anything acquired through treachery will come to fail in the end. We see that in the story. The ultimate victory of good over evil is also a good message to send across to readers. It also stresses about the importance of hope, love, compassion, and forgiveness when dealing with challenges.
The book leaves us with quite an interesting ending and it hints at the possibility of a book 4. I just hope we get and explosive and entertaining conclusion to this series in book 4. Overall the book was good. If you love Asian inspired, YA light-fantasy check this series out. It's unique and the setting is also quite interesting. The world and magic is not something I have seen before. I had a good time reading the series and I gave this book 4 stars. This would be a good start into fantasy as a genre if you are a younger reader.
July 30, 2021
This book drags on and on towards an unfulfilling non-conclusion. I endured the slow pace of the first book because it picked up for the second half. The second book did well to drive the story along for most of it. And this book doesn't resolve anything. Some of the "big bad" is temporarily resolved, but is also acknowledged as not fully resolved. And the book ends that way. Well, actually, it ends on the indication that there is more to come (probably because "big bad" isn't completely destroyed...). It was completely unfulfilling as a read and not an engaging read. This trilogy would be better served if it was edited down to a single book about 650-700 pages, instead of the 900+ page trilogy it is.
October 17, 2020
Jeff Wheeler is a very talented fantasy writer. He builds beautifully detailed worlds, creates exciting quests and fight scenes, and develops characters that you care about. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series. However, this book used so much Christian imagery that it made me feel very uncomfortable and a little sick. I did read the entire book to give it a proper chance. I just can't feel comfortable with the story of Jesus being reimagined and used in this way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2020
Forget everything you learnt in the last two books, those rules don't apply any more! Strange pacing, inconstant and disappointing. Where was the end of this trilogy? In a possible book 4.... Not impressed, certainly not worth reading.
September 18, 2020
I recieved this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Every book I read from this author is amazing! Maybe only 1 I didn't like it, but this third part I am in love and I need to know more of this world.
Bingmei is one of my favorite characters and obviously this is not a trilogy! I'll be witing for the next part.
Jeff Wheeler is an author who has powerful femenine characters and I am very gratefull for that.
I don't know how to write a review about this book because all is a spoiler, but I am want to say this is a wonderful world with increible characters, full of magic and people you are going to fall in love.
Please, read this series.
Every book I read from this author is amazing! Maybe only 1 I didn't like it, but this third part I am in love and I need to know more of this world.
Bingmei is one of my favorite characters and obviously this is not a trilogy! I'll be witing for the next part.
Jeff Wheeler is an author who has powerful femenine characters and I am very gratefull for that.
I don't know how to write a review about this book because all is a spoiler, but I am want to say this is a wonderful world with increible characters, full of magic and people you are going to fall in love.
Please, read this series.
October 2, 2020
Conclusion?
I usually rate Wheelers books as five star, but it's tough when you're competing with yourself. This was a compelling and very enjoyable read, but there was something in the flow and pacing that wasn't quite up to par for me. There also seemed to be some pretty convenient new skills that showed up just when needed. I really liked the series though, and characters and would recommend it...Even if it doesn't feel complete. He said he left a door open for book four, but to me it feels more like a need if the story is to be complete. If he writes it, I'll read it!
I usually rate Wheelers books as five star, but it's tough when you're competing with yourself. This was a compelling and very enjoyable read, but there was something in the flow and pacing that wasn't quite up to par for me. There also seemed to be some pretty convenient new skills that showed up just when needed. I really liked the series though, and characters and would recommend it...Even if it doesn't feel complete. He said he left a door open for book four, but to me it feels more like a need if the story is to be complete. If he writes it, I'll read it!
September 25, 2020
If the first two books meandered their way along, this one was straight to the point. It felt like the story was disproportionately shared across the books the most interesting important bits were crammed into this last book.
I’m glad I got to the end (although annoyed that the end is clearly not the end. How mean to leave us hanging like that).
Still, I’m glad we got to the end. I didn’t have any particular love for these characters (bar Quion, whose loyalty and humbleness and clear devotion was endearing. And he made friends with leopards, so clearly he’s amazing). I felt that Bingmei was distant and Rowen was too righteous to really like.
It was an easy read, quick to get through, but this wasn’t my favourite series of all that JW has written.
I’m glad I got to the end (although annoyed that the end is clearly not the end. How mean to leave us hanging like that).
Still, I’m glad we got to the end. I didn’t have any particular love for these characters (bar Quion, whose loyalty and humbleness and clear devotion was endearing. And he made friends with leopards, so clearly he’s amazing). I felt that Bingmei was distant and Rowen was too righteous to really like.
It was an easy read, quick to get through, but this wasn’t my favourite series of all that JW has written.
September 25, 2020
Can't believe this is the end of this series. Moved much quicker than the other two books, with a few jumps in time, a good conclusion. Really want to return to this universe though, it feels like there is a lot more to tell.
July 6, 2021
I enjoyed this trilogy. I thought he could have expanded on some things, but, for the most part, it was an interesting and somewhat unique world. As I was reading I thought, "Boy, this sure sounds like some of the doctrine my church teaches." I did a bit of research and found out the author is a member of my church.
April 11, 2023
Epic tale! Reminds me of Lord of the Rings!!
September 28, 2020
Great read...
As always a great read! I loved the characters and all of their interactions and relationships with each other and the storyline!
As always a great read! I loved the characters and all of their interactions and relationships with each other and the storyline!
August 15, 2020
Dear Jeff Wheeler, I need another book immediately because I have so many unanswered questions and I am not ready to leave Bingmei.
The Immortal Words is listed as the third of the Grave Kingdom trilogy and it does not disappoint. The book is full of so much action and adventure, mythology, and some answers to what is happening. It was a difficult book to read at times because it does have a bit more triggering situations regarding children in peril, so heads up on that.
The ending was both satisfying in frustrating, in that you get a resolution but also so many ways the story can go. I really hope there is more to this.
I highly recommend the series and anything by Jeff Wheeler. He continues to be one of my favorite authors.
The Immortal Words is listed as the third of the Grave Kingdom trilogy and it does not disappoint. The book is full of so much action and adventure, mythology, and some answers to what is happening. It was a difficult book to read at times because it does have a bit more triggering situations regarding children in peril, so heads up on that.
The ending was both satisfying in frustrating, in that you get a resolution but also so many ways the story can go. I really hope there is more to this.
I highly recommend the series and anything by Jeff Wheeler. He continues to be one of my favorite authors.
September 22, 2020
We have reached the end of another epic fantasy saga from Jeff Wheeler. His books are consistently entertaining, thrilling and fantastical and The Immortal Words is no different.
We always knew it would come to this. Bingmei spent much of her life running from the fate that she knew she would have to face in order to save her world. She finally has come to grips with her fate and decided to do whatever was needed to ensure the happiness of her friends and countrymen.
How wonderful that in essence what saves this world is self sacrifice, mercy and love. I have to confess I love a book that I can feel proud of. One that espouses emotions and virtues that I can look up to. I read another series recently, that while it is well regarded, and super hyped, didn’t have anything good to say. It didn’t inspire. I don’t mean everything needs a happy ending, and that there is no point to depictions of suffering, but I find it harder to relate to books that don’t aspire to something more. Maybe it’s because of these times we are living in right now. I feel like what we need is more kindness, love and selflessness, not less.
Anyway, back to the book. While I enjoyed it I did get a little confused in the middle. I’m not sure if that is entirely the books fault. I was thrown for a loop with a plot twist that I couldn’t quite wrap my head around. That might totally change on a re-read. Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for the continuation of the next Wheeler series.
Song for this book: Princess of China – Coldplay (featuring Rihanna)
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Netgalley
We always knew it would come to this. Bingmei spent much of her life running from the fate that she knew she would have to face in order to save her world. She finally has come to grips with her fate and decided to do whatever was needed to ensure the happiness of her friends and countrymen.
How wonderful that in essence what saves this world is self sacrifice, mercy and love. I have to confess I love a book that I can feel proud of. One that espouses emotions and virtues that I can look up to. I read another series recently, that while it is well regarded, and super hyped, didn’t have anything good to say. It didn’t inspire. I don’t mean everything needs a happy ending, and that there is no point to depictions of suffering, but I find it harder to relate to books that don’t aspire to something more. Maybe it’s because of these times we are living in right now. I feel like what we need is more kindness, love and selflessness, not less.
Anyway, back to the book. While I enjoyed it I did get a little confused in the middle. I’m not sure if that is entirely the books fault. I was thrown for a loop with a plot twist that I couldn’t quite wrap my head around. That might totally change on a re-read. Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for the continuation of the next Wheeler series.
Song for this book: Princess of China – Coldplay (featuring Rihanna)
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Netgalley
December 27, 2020
What an underwhelming ending. First I have to suffer through the woman whose primary importance is as a baby vessel trope (but don’t worry THEY WERE MARRIED IN THE FUTURE WHEN SHE GOT KNOCKED UP AS WE ARE REMINDED NUMEROUS TIMES BECAUSE OF MORALITY OR SOMETHING) and then there are no real resolutions to the main issue that I thought the whole trilogy was supposed to be building towards. I really hate filler series. His recent Harbinger series had this same problem except it was even worse because he tried to combine his two most famous worlds and it was just a convoluted mess that he keeps throwing his favorite deux ex machinas at to solve with some heavy handed biblical allegories.
I remember really enjoying is Muirwood, Mirrowen, and Kingfountain series but I haven’t enjoyed much of his newer work. This series at least felt more original and free of all the burdensome backstory of the other series but it was still really underwhelming and you had to be blind to miss all the allusions to Jesus, at least until the main character was downgraded to Mary in the middle of the third book. Bingmei sacrificed herself so she could bring a baby into the world to bring the sinners into heaven and then was resurrected on the third day. Yikes.
I remember really enjoying is Muirwood, Mirrowen, and Kingfountain series but I haven’t enjoyed much of his newer work. This series at least felt more original and free of all the burdensome backstory of the other series but it was still really underwhelming and you had to be blind to miss all the allusions to Jesus, at least until the main character was downgraded to Mary in the middle of the third book. Bingmei sacrificed herself so she could bring a baby into the world to bring the sinners into heaven and then was resurrected on the third day. Yikes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2021
I’m a fan of Wheeler’s books, but this trilogy just was not up to his usual standards. This was a novel turn for him, though. It was quite different from Muirwood, which I think is my favorite of his series.
The first book was so slow. Just dreadful. Finally after back and forth and back and forth we got to the action and interesting part- just before the end. Book one: 2 stars.
Book 2 was much better. I really felt the story picked up steam, things started to make sense, there was some depth to the characters. And then it ended. 4 stars.
Book 3: yikes. It was strange. Not a fan of the ending, which was a lack of an ending. I didn’t care for the strange time traveling that left out how and when Bing Mei was marries, had a baby, did Rowen regain sight? I don’t know. So odd and jerky. It wasn’t great: 1.5 stars.
If there is a 4th book someday, which really there should be because this wasn’t resolved at all- I mean the dragon lady is still alive? Hello?- well, if there’s a 4th, I’ll read if. But this is far from what I expect and hope for from a Wheeler series.
The first book was so slow. Just dreadful. Finally after back and forth and back and forth we got to the action and interesting part- just before the end. Book one: 2 stars.
Book 2 was much better. I really felt the story picked up steam, things started to make sense, there was some depth to the characters. And then it ended. 4 stars.
Book 3: yikes. It was strange. Not a fan of the ending, which was a lack of an ending. I didn’t care for the strange time traveling that left out how and when Bing Mei was marries, had a baby, did Rowen regain sight? I don’t know. So odd and jerky. It wasn’t great: 1.5 stars.
If there is a 4th book someday, which really there should be because this wasn’t resolved at all- I mean the dragon lady is still alive? Hello?- well, if there’s a 4th, I’ll read if. But this is far from what I expect and hope for from a Wheeler series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2021
This is probably just a personal issue and not a real problem with the story but about a third of the way in it took a turn that just irked me.
With the three books set up establishing Bingmei as the independent leader and chosen of the Phoenix and putting her through all the adversity etc, she makes it to her meeting with the divine being and finds out her ultimate destiny is...to marry Rowen and birth a child, and then the child will be the one that sets everything straight.
It just seemed like a waste. I don't like when children/pregnancies are thrown into stories most of the time anyway, and suddenly centering the rest of the story on it just rubbed me the wrong way. Bingmei's drastic personality shift to suddenly accepting all of this and deciding it was right after fighting against most of those ideals for the rest of the series also put me off. It's possible the story turned around or shifted its focus but the twist jarred me badly enough I don't want to bother finding out.
With the three books set up establishing Bingmei as the independent leader and chosen of the Phoenix and putting her through all the adversity etc, she makes it to her meeting with the divine being and finds out her ultimate destiny is...to marry Rowen and birth a child, and then the child will be the one that sets everything straight.
It just seemed like a waste. I don't like when children/pregnancies are thrown into stories most of the time anyway, and suddenly centering the rest of the story on it just rubbed me the wrong way. Bingmei's drastic personality shift to suddenly accepting all of this and deciding it was right after fighting against most of those ideals for the rest of the series also put me off. It's possible the story turned around or shifted its focus but the twist jarred me badly enough I don't want to bother finding out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2021
The two stars is not for this book in particular, but for the series.
I have really enjoyed this series, but the author says it’s over? No way! He set it up with the villains getting together to plan their revenge in the epilogue. But what frustrates me the most is that their was no mention of things improving in the Grave Kingdom.
Not cool billing the series as a trilogy and then deciding you want to start in another project and you “might continue” this one. Not the way to make me want to read more of your series. Even if you need a break, assure me you will come back and resolve the series eventually. ☹️
Not a series I can recommend to friends unless it is finished.
I have really enjoyed this series, but the author says it’s over? No way! He set it up with the villains getting together to plan their revenge in the epilogue. But what frustrates me the most is that their was no mention of things improving in the Grave Kingdom.
Not cool billing the series as a trilogy and then deciding you want to start in another project and you “might continue” this one. Not the way to make me want to read more of your series. Even if you need a break, assure me you will come back and resolve the series eventually. ☹️
Not a series I can recommend to friends unless it is finished.
September 13, 2020
The Immortal Words is the conclusion to The Grave Kingdom trilogy. Or is it? Wheeler left an opening at the end to revisit this world, and I, for one, would be incredibly happy if he did decide to do just that.
What I Loved
I loved that I got to know Bingmei on a much deeper level in this part of the story. The whole first half of the novel focuses on her and the ever-loyal Quion, as they battle their way to the Phoenix temple on the Graveyard side of the wall. I learned more about her hopes and fears, determination, and thoughts on what the future holds. She is a fantastic character with such layers of complexity; you can't help but admire for the hero she truly is. She is a character that makes mistakes, but you never doubt her even for even a second. She has a compassionate heart that is loyal to a fault, and that quickly learns from mistakes that she makes. She will go out fighting even if she believes that fate has decreed she will not win. This is just who she is, and I love that she does not give in to self-pity, even when she would like to do nothing more than just that.
I loved that the story plucked at all the right heartstrings in this conclusion. There are unexpected losses, and there are incredible victories, and your heart rises and breaks as the story plays out. The sacrifices that had to be made as the story wound its way to the conclusion touched me profoundly, and I ended the book with an overall satisfying feeling -though, in some cases, in a bittersweet way. I love it when a story is not afraid to make the hard choices, and this one delivers.
I loved that even though the first half was a journey story focused on two characters and outside the primary battle, the action still never once let up. I experienced new creatures and landscapes and learned new historical facts about how Echion and Xisi became immortal. I was happy to get all of this back story, and in a way, that felt like the plot was still moving forward. I love the whole Phoenix and dragon battle symbolism and the beauty of the reality. Because, though they are fierce beasts, they both are quite beautiful, very deadly, and have incredible strength.
What I Wish
One of my pet peeves is when a book ends on a cliff hanger, and though the trilogy tale has concluded this novel did end with a cliffhanger, which leaves me asking, as Jeff Wheeler's wife did, is there another book? I would love more books with the surviving characters, but I'm not sure how I felt about the book being left with a cliffhanger.
To Read or Not to Read
DEFINITELY read this trilogy! I can't say it any stronger or plainer than that.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
What I Loved
I loved that I got to know Bingmei on a much deeper level in this part of the story. The whole first half of the novel focuses on her and the ever-loyal Quion, as they battle their way to the Phoenix temple on the Graveyard side of the wall. I learned more about her hopes and fears, determination, and thoughts on what the future holds. She is a fantastic character with such layers of complexity; you can't help but admire for the hero she truly is. She is a character that makes mistakes, but you never doubt her even for even a second. She has a compassionate heart that is loyal to a fault, and that quickly learns from mistakes that she makes. She will go out fighting even if she believes that fate has decreed she will not win. This is just who she is, and I love that she does not give in to self-pity, even when she would like to do nothing more than just that.
I loved that the story plucked at all the right heartstrings in this conclusion. There are unexpected losses, and there are incredible victories, and your heart rises and breaks as the story plays out. The sacrifices that had to be made as the story wound its way to the conclusion touched me profoundly, and I ended the book with an overall satisfying feeling -though, in some cases, in a bittersweet way. I love it when a story is not afraid to make the hard choices, and this one delivers.
I loved that even though the first half was a journey story focused on two characters and outside the primary battle, the action still never once let up. I experienced new creatures and landscapes and learned new historical facts about how Echion and Xisi became immortal. I was happy to get all of this back story, and in a way, that felt like the plot was still moving forward. I love the whole Phoenix and dragon battle symbolism and the beauty of the reality. Because, though they are fierce beasts, they both are quite beautiful, very deadly, and have incredible strength.
What I Wish
One of my pet peeves is when a book ends on a cliff hanger, and though the trilogy tale has concluded this novel did end with a cliffhanger, which leaves me asking, as Jeff Wheeler's wife did, is there another book? I would love more books with the surviving characters, but I'm not sure how I felt about the book being left with a cliffhanger.
To Read or Not to Read
DEFINITELY read this trilogy! I can't say it any stronger or plainer than that.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2020
Thanks so much to 47North and NetGalley for letting me read and review this wonderful book. Jeff Wheeler has been one of my favorite authors for quite a while now. I love his books so much yet this one still surprised me when I felt like part of the story was speaking to me and he got me right there crying again - I don't cry when I read stories that often, but his books seem to always get me and they're always an emotional rollercoaster ride for me.
This book is the conclusion to the Grave Kingdom trilogy and it wraps most of the story up nicely, but leaves some of it open with a hint that he might be going back to this world to write more in the future. I would love if he returned to this world and wrote more especially after how he ended this story.
In this final installment in this series about Bingmei and her story, she has to fight to fulfill a prophecy to defeat an immortal evil and save the world from the darkness that's coming. If she fails, then Echion, the dragon of night and his Queen will be in power for the next thousand years. With Echion, comes his army of dragons that they have to watch out for and avoid as she and Quion travel behind the ancient death wall where she has to find the phoenix shrine and learn the words that will allow her to learn how to harness eternal magic. She also has to ultimately join the ranks of the dead as well.
As Bingmei and Quion travel to find the Phoenix shrine, they have challenges and conflicts with figuring out the best way to get there and to do what they can and are meant to do to save the world. There's so much in this book that it's hard to know how to best explain it, there's a lot woven and put into this that all comes together from the previous two books to complete the story. It has some interesting and different parts to the story with life and death and what it really means to join the ranks of the dead and go into the Grave Kingdom. It has a lot of symbolism and things that have had me thinking and lost in thought over this for a little while now.
Toward the end of this story is where there's the most emotional and heart-wrenching parts and I can't say much of anything for fear of giving things away. It really needs to be on your list, go pre-order it, get ready and read it for yourself!
This book is the conclusion to the Grave Kingdom trilogy and it wraps most of the story up nicely, but leaves some of it open with a hint that he might be going back to this world to write more in the future. I would love if he returned to this world and wrote more especially after how he ended this story.
In this final installment in this series about Bingmei and her story, she has to fight to fulfill a prophecy to defeat an immortal evil and save the world from the darkness that's coming. If she fails, then Echion, the dragon of night and his Queen will be in power for the next thousand years. With Echion, comes his army of dragons that they have to watch out for and avoid as she and Quion travel behind the ancient death wall where she has to find the phoenix shrine and learn the words that will allow her to learn how to harness eternal magic. She also has to ultimately join the ranks of the dead as well.
As Bingmei and Quion travel to find the Phoenix shrine, they have challenges and conflicts with figuring out the best way to get there and to do what they can and are meant to do to save the world. There's so much in this book that it's hard to know how to best explain it, there's a lot woven and put into this that all comes together from the previous two books to complete the story. It has some interesting and different parts to the story with life and death and what it really means to join the ranks of the dead and go into the Grave Kingdom. It has a lot of symbolism and things that have had me thinking and lost in thought over this for a little while now.
Toward the end of this story is where there's the most emotional and heart-wrenching parts and I can't say much of anything for fear of giving things away. It really needs to be on your list, go pre-order it, get ready and read it for yourself!
July 22, 2024
Not as good as the first Kingsfountain
Wheeler has a VERY childish way of writing.
The first Kingsfountain series had a much better writing style, or maybe it's because I heard it read in an audiobook first and the reader added much to it. It had occasional childish moments (usually a 'we need to keep this secret, so let's tell everyone we know, and whisper it loudly in a place we know is filled with spies everwhere' kind of thing) that was driving me crazy, but it doesn't seem as bad as the other books he's written.
In this series, the villains are often the Mary Sues. They are always 10 steps ahead. They always seem to know where the protagonist is even if they are in the middle of the forest hiding, even though he tried to magically explain it away, etc. His characters are usually making ridiculous decisions, or have ridiculous things suddenly happen to them to make it easier for the bad guys who already are the baddest baddy that ever badded.
His writing style makes it seem like events are happening rapidly, but you get to the epilog and it says it's been years and you're like WTF?
I'm getting a little tired of "words of power". This is just another incarnation. It was okay and neat in one series, but it gets more than a little old when he rehashed the same idea over and over and over again. If he's selling books, I guess it works for him, but it definitely no longer works for me as a reader. I won't be buying any continuation of this series, or other future series unless he can come up with something original and his characters are super simplistic.
See Bingmei with white hair. See Bingmei with red hair. See Bingmei with white hair again. See Bingmei get help. See Bingmei get no help for no reason other than now there is no help because reasons. See certain people appear at places and accomplish feats randomly and make you wonder how that person could get there without help at all, but the people with powers would have died and come back 12 times to get to the same place.
This is just a poorly executed story, imo.
Wheeler has a VERY childish way of writing.
The first Kingsfountain series had a much better writing style, or maybe it's because I heard it read in an audiobook first and the reader added much to it. It had occasional childish moments (usually a 'we need to keep this secret, so let's tell everyone we know, and whisper it loudly in a place we know is filled with spies everwhere' kind of thing) that was driving me crazy, but it doesn't seem as bad as the other books he's written.
In this series, the villains are often the Mary Sues. They are always 10 steps ahead. They always seem to know where the protagonist is even if they are in the middle of the forest hiding, even though he tried to magically explain it away, etc. His characters are usually making ridiculous decisions, or have ridiculous things suddenly happen to them to make it easier for the bad guys who already are the baddest baddy that ever badded.
His writing style makes it seem like events are happening rapidly, but you get to the epilog and it says it's been years and you're like WTF?
I'm getting a little tired of "words of power". This is just another incarnation. It was okay and neat in one series, but it gets more than a little old when he rehashed the same idea over and over and over again. If he's selling books, I guess it works for him, but it definitely no longer works for me as a reader. I won't be buying any continuation of this series, or other future series unless he can come up with something original and his characters are super simplistic.
See Bingmei with white hair. See Bingmei with red hair. See Bingmei with white hair again. See Bingmei get help. See Bingmei get no help for no reason other than now there is no help because reasons. See certain people appear at places and accomplish feats randomly and make you wonder how that person could get there without help at all, but the people with powers would have died and come back 12 times to get to the same place.
This is just a poorly executed story, imo.
September 8, 2020
The Immortal Words is the third in the Grave Kingdom trilogy, and what an ending! In this book, Bingmei has accepted that she is the phoenix-bound and that she must act to stop Echion and Xisi from inflicting a reign of terror on the world. She is ready to sacrifice herself as the prophecy says she must, and she is aided in her quest only by her friend Quion.
But sacrifice has many meanings, and Bingmei does not die. She sees the suffering Echion has wrought, not only in the physical world, but beyond the Death Wall. Loved ones cannot find each other in the afterlife. She knows she has to press on, to stop Echion, and she determines that she will do whatever it takes to kill him.
Jeff Wheeler does a masterful job at setting up some twists and turns here. There were were a couple of times I had to pick my jaw up off the floor, thinking, oh, wait, he did NOT just do that with that character! But he did, and it was a glorious read. Action aplenty, good versus evil, and an ending that doesn't neatly tie up everything with a bow. Because really, in this life, can evil ever be completely defeated? No, it survives, with the potential to come roaring back in another form and with another face.
This is a worthwhile read, and I hope Mr. Wheeler revisits this world in another series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an advance review copy. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't actually like.
But sacrifice has many meanings, and Bingmei does not die. She sees the suffering Echion has wrought, not only in the physical world, but beyond the Death Wall. Loved ones cannot find each other in the afterlife. She knows she has to press on, to stop Echion, and she determines that she will do whatever it takes to kill him.
Jeff Wheeler does a masterful job at setting up some twists and turns here. There were were a couple of times I had to pick my jaw up off the floor, thinking, oh, wait, he did NOT just do that with that character! But he did, and it was a glorious read. Action aplenty, good versus evil, and an ending that doesn't neatly tie up everything with a bow. Because really, in this life, can evil ever be completely defeated? No, it survives, with the potential to come roaring back in another form and with another face.
This is a worthwhile read, and I hope Mr. Wheeler revisits this world in another series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an advance review copy. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't actually like.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews