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Instrument Of Omens #3
A Necessary Heresy
Prophesized heroes are reborn. The burden they bear is as terrible as it is necessary.
The dead city of Mahadev. In three thousand years, none who have entered those ageless walls have returned to bear word of what evil lurks within. And yet it is there that Cinder and Anya must journey. A hard road with mysteries and dangers abounding.
And the greatest of those perils is imprisoned within the ruined temple at the very center of the necropolis’ dark heart. There, Cinder and Anya are given insight into the terrifying truth the world faces. It is an evil so vast that even the dark god, Shet, must bow before its will. It is the bringer of apocalypse, the ender of civilizations. If ever freed, the world will be helpless before its horrific power.
Forging an alliance all would have rather avoided, Cinder and Anya have no choice but to work with Shet to take on this greater enemy. Worse, it is a pact that will see them give away that which they hold most precious...
The dead city of Mahadev. In three thousand years, none who have entered those ageless walls have returned to bear word of what evil lurks within. And yet it is there that Cinder and Anya must journey. A hard road with mysteries and dangers abounding.
And the greatest of those perils is imprisoned within the ruined temple at the very center of the necropolis’ dark heart. There, Cinder and Anya are given insight into the terrifying truth the world faces. It is an evil so vast that even the dark god, Shet, must bow before its will. It is the bringer of apocalypse, the ender of civilizations. If ever freed, the world will be helpless before its horrific power.
Forging an alliance all would have rather avoided, Cinder and Anya have no choice but to work with Shet to take on this greater enemy. Worse, it is a pact that will see them give away that which they hold most precious...
763 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2023
496 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Davis Ashura
22 books517 followersDavis Ashura is an author of such sublime depth and beauty that his works have been known to cause a tear to fall from the eyes of even the hardest of hearts.
Just kidding.
But he does write.
This humble writer, who refers to himself in the third person, resides in North Carolina, sharing a house with his magnificent wife who somehow overlooked Davis’ eccentricities and married him anyway. As proper recompense for her sacrifice, Davis then unwittingly turned his magnificent wife into a nerd-girl. To her sad and utter humiliation, she knows exactly what is meant by ‘Kronos’. Living with them are their two rambunctious boys, both of whom have at various times helped turn Davis’ once lustrous, raven-black hair prematurely white (it sure sounds prettier than the dirty gray it actually is). And of course, there is the obligatory strange, adopted cats (all authors have cats-it's in the by-laws). One eats everything placed before him and the other has the world's stinkiest breath.
When not working – nay laboring – in the creation of works of fiction so grand that hardly anyone has read a single word of them, Davis practices medicine, but only when the insurance companies tell him he can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
January 10, 2022
a little disappointed
Not a big fan of this book. I was so excited to read it that I re read the other books to make sure I was up to speed but this one had the tropes that I absolutely hate. The live story amnesia and the artificial drama of weakening the MC. Sorry bit for me the steps the characters take are so stupid it is not believable.
Not a big fan of this book. I was so excited to read it that I re read the other books to make sure I was up to speed but this one had the tropes that I absolutely hate. The live story amnesia and the artificial drama of weakening the MC. Sorry bit for me the steps the characters take are so stupid it is not believable.
January 14, 2022
Incomplete - Ignore the 5 star fanboys/girls
I can't believe so many literate people are fawning over this book. Do they realize they paid money for a book with no ending or climax?
I loved the first two books in this series. This book isn't on the same level in terms of planning and progression.
First of all, I don't think a single story arc was completed at the end. Not one. Stone 2 of 6 delivered. Does that sound like a climax? Not to me. Still foreplay in my mind. I enjoyed branching out with Brilliance and her crew and the plot moved along in other ways via other characters. These areas were done well enough I didn't feel the need to skip through them. So far Genka has added nothing to the story as far as I can tell... his threat was wiped out. ????
Second, Mr Ashura has started resorting to the kind of literary tricks that drive me nutty. A thing happens or is said and the only person unaware is the reader. Weak sauce. Characters make inexplicable decisions. They do or say things out of character. I had to say out loud "Really Davis?? Really?" on a few occasions while reading. (I'm not talking about Rabisu things)
I understand he had an issue with previous decisions made and writing himself into a corner. I think he should have given this one some more time to simmer and work out the issues with his solution. I didn't care for the Rabisu solution, but overall it isn't worst thing. It just drags on though, nothing is progressed on that front. And that is my main issue with this book, nothing is completed. There is no pay off for reading over 700 pages. Other than the characters you spent 2 books growing to love are gone for the most part. You read page after page waiting for the small glimpses of them. It feels cheap.
The usual back and forth with Cinder and Anya is still there, it isn't a terrible book by any means. But I think he may have rushed this one and it isn't up to what his standards normally are.
Hopefully we get some arcs wrapping up in the 4th book or I am out. I left Peter V Brett to die in the desert. I'll do it again.
I can't believe so many literate people are fawning over this book. Do they realize they paid money for a book with no ending or climax?
I loved the first two books in this series. This book isn't on the same level in terms of planning and progression.
First of all, I don't think a single story arc was completed at the end. Not one. Stone 2 of 6 delivered. Does that sound like a climax? Not to me. Still foreplay in my mind. I enjoyed branching out with Brilliance and her crew and the plot moved along in other ways via other characters. These areas were done well enough I didn't feel the need to skip through them. So far Genka has added nothing to the story as far as I can tell... his threat was wiped out. ????
Second, Mr Ashura has started resorting to the kind of literary tricks that drive me nutty. A thing happens or is said and the only person unaware is the reader. Weak sauce. Characters make inexplicable decisions. They do or say things out of character. I had to say out loud "Really Davis?? Really?" on a few occasions while reading. (I'm not talking about Rabisu things)
I understand he had an issue with previous decisions made and writing himself into a corner. I think he should have given this one some more time to simmer and work out the issues with his solution. I didn't care for the Rabisu solution, but overall it isn't worst thing. It just drags on though, nothing is progressed on that front. And that is my main issue with this book, nothing is completed. There is no pay off for reading over 700 pages. Other than the characters you spent 2 books growing to love are gone for the most part. You read page after page waiting for the small glimpses of them. It feels cheap.
The usual back and forth with Cinder and Anya is still there, it isn't a terrible book by any means. But I think he may have rushed this one and it isn't up to what his standards normally are.
Hopefully we get some arcs wrapping up in the 4th book or I am out. I left Peter V Brett to die in the desert. I'll do it again.
July 31, 2024
Not my favorite in the series but still super entertaining. I can understand why some people didn’t like some aspects of this but I wasn’t bothered. Can’t wait for book 4
January 16, 2022
Warning: Spoilers ahead. Another miss on the third book of a David Ashura series. 2 stars because the first 2/3rds of the book were decent but the last 1/3 were almost unbearable and such a slog to get through. The later chapters (fight scenes, travelling, dialogue) were so boring, nothing new ever really develops. As soon as the MCs solve one problem another mysteriously appears, and the same rote process begins. And don't even get me started on Rukh/Cinder and Jessira/Anya gaining their memories and then voluntarily give them up and hate each other not even a week later. There are so many illogical conclusions the two main characters draw to come to this decision. This is the second (third if you count the castes and outcasts) time Ashura has used the same trope of Rukh and Jessira hating each other to falling in love to becoming soul mates. It seems like Ashura can't write without this crutch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2022
Rating 3.0 stars
I was not happy with this book. My first problem is that it isn't the last book in the series. The Caste and the outcast was a trilogy. Since this followed the same pattern till now I assumed that it also was going to be a trilogy. It started off fairly well but around 15 hours into the book I realized that nothing was really going to be resolved in this one and it annoyed me. My second problem is all the storylines that were introduced and went nowhere. They might go somewhere in the next book(s) but that means this was just a setup book which I really don't like. The last thing that annoyed me There were a bunch of other little things that annoyed me as well but those are the big ones. I feel duped by the author and am not sure if I will continue the series, especially since I have no idea how long it is going to last.
I was not happy with this book. My first problem is that it isn't the last book in the series. The Caste and the outcast was a trilogy. Since this followed the same pattern till now I assumed that it also was going to be a trilogy. It started off fairly well but around 15 hours into the book I realized that nothing was really going to be resolved in this one and it annoyed me. My second problem is all the storylines that were introduced and went nowhere. They might go somewhere in the next book(s) but that means this was just a setup book which I really don't like. The last thing that annoyed me There were a bunch of other little things that annoyed me as well but those are the big ones. I feel duped by the author and am not sure if I will continue the series, especially since I have no idea how long it is going to last.
February 3, 2022
It was strong but...
I really wanted to enjoy this. The other committed a cardinal sin though.
He dripped clues via dialogue halfway through the book that the story didnt end there . The damn characters remembered something that hadnt happened yet.
Also building an entite trilogy for two characters, only to basically get rid of them in the third book. The last half of the last book ramps up the power to ungodly levels and assassinates any character development for inconsistent googly eyes between characters
Things started wrapping up with broad strokes and the plan to deal with the big Evil was just.. ugh.
I really wanted to enjoy this. The other committed a cardinal sin though.
He dripped clues via dialogue halfway through the book that the story didnt end there . The damn characters remembered something that hadnt happened yet.
Also building an entite trilogy for two characters, only to basically get rid of them in the third book. The last half of the last book ramps up the power to ungodly levels and assassinates any character development for inconsistent googly eyes between characters
Things started wrapping up with broad strokes and the plan to deal with the big Evil was just.. ugh.
February 6, 2022
It was hard finishing this one.
December 30, 2023
Addictive characters!
Memories of the past. Or are they? A complicated relationship intertwined with prophecy. A confrontation of an immortal enemy & a dangerous alliance await.
Evil is now upon them.
Action packed & perilous! Protagonists struggle as stakes are raised.
Memories of the past. Or are they? A complicated relationship intertwined with prophecy. A confrontation of an immortal enemy & a dangerous alliance await.
Evil is now upon them.
Action packed & perilous! Protagonists struggle as stakes are raised.
April 22, 2023
Epic adventure!
I love this series! The world, the characters, and plot twists are unexpected and witty. You love the character, then you hate them, and then you love them again. Same love story, but it is always somehow fresh and exciting. The Temple of Doom - my palms were sweating, and my heart was racing reading those chapters. The end of this book just crept up on me, and I am so very glad I have the next book already in the series. I recommend this juicy action-packed read to all of the fantasy lovers! Love, hardship, friendships, suffering, and epic quests await you!
I love this series! The world, the characters, and plot twists are unexpected and witty. You love the character, then you hate them, and then you love them again. Same love story, but it is always somehow fresh and exciting. The Temple of Doom - my palms were sweating, and my heart was racing reading those chapters. The end of this book just crept up on me, and I am so very glad I have the next book already in the series. I recommend this juicy action-packed read to all of the fantasy lovers! Love, hardship, friendships, suffering, and epic quests await you!
January 21, 2022
Fantastic
When I read the author note at the beginning of the book., I wondered what changes would occur and would the book be as good as the past two. Well no fear this third book was fantastic. Forget all the enhanced abilities, wraiths, cursed animals and fights. The characters and their continued story kept me wanting more. The main characters of Cinder and Anna have expanded as well as others and I hope the 4th book is out soon.
Great Read!!!!
When I read the author note at the beginning of the book., I wondered what changes would occur and would the book be as good as the past two. Well no fear this third book was fantastic. Forget all the enhanced abilities, wraiths, cursed animals and fights. The characters and their continued story kept me wanting more. The main characters of Cinder and Anna have expanded as well as others and I hope the 4th book is out soon.
Great Read!!!!
January 13, 2025
Annoying
Anya and Cinder make a stupid decision.
The consequences of that stupid decision are then woven through the rest of the book.
No threads were resolved, so a Progressive Fantasy book makes no progress, the opposite in fact.
It’s hard not to be cynical. This book seems like a book pushed through by an enthusiastic publisher, getting their pound of flesh from readers already invested in the series.
And although Mr Ashura says things get resolved in book 4, I’m questioning whether I will even get to book 4.
Disappointing.
Anya and Cinder make a stupid decision.
The consequences of that stupid decision are then woven through the rest of the book.
No threads were resolved, so a Progressive Fantasy book makes no progress, the opposite in fact.
It’s hard not to be cynical. This book seems like a book pushed through by an enthusiastic publisher, getting their pound of flesh from readers already invested in the series.
And although Mr Ashura says things get resolved in book 4, I’m questioning whether I will even get to book 4.
Disappointing.
January 28, 2022
A bit of a disappointment
I really enjoyed the previous two books, this one however is pretty boring. The dialogue is flat the story meandered. Unlike the other books it felt like a chore to read.
I really enjoyed the previous two books, this one however is pretty boring. The dialogue is flat the story meandered. Unlike the other books it felt like a chore to read.
January 10, 2022
Memories
Does it make a difference if someone tells you memories or that you remember living them? This book is filled with love, loss, manipulation and above all betrayal.
Does it make a difference if someone tells you memories or that you remember living them? This book is filled with love, loss, manipulation and above all betrayal.
September 10, 2024
What an adventure! Following Cinder from the insecure, bullied, club footed boy, to the formidable warrior he turns out to be, has been pure heaven. Cinder and Anya have lodged themselves firmly in my heart, I'm rooting for them every step of the way. And their path is littered with every obstacle imaginable! The awesome part for me was reading how they faced these challenges and how they have and will overcome them. Davis has a gift in how he brings his characters to life, how he manages to portray each character so wonderfully, their strengths and weaknesses with such aplomb. Brilliance is one of my all time favourite characters, as is Fastness, as their purpose and who they are slowly unravels. I lived through every event, every thought, every action with Cinder and Anya, my heart rate elevated with them, my dispair matched theirs, my every emotion matched theirs. The world building is absolutely spectacular! It was really awesome to see how people who had previously discarded Cinder as inferior, have slowly come to support him. The unexpected happens constantly, keeping me gaping and completely enthralled. When Cinder and Anya relinquish their memories to the Rabisu, who does more than he should, they are left in a quandary, both loathing one another yet conflicted by logic, not knowing what is true or not. That is honestly quite awesome! I loved seeing their inner struggles and how, dispute their irrational thoughts, they still pull together to do what must be done. The turns in this book kept me riveted throughout, as did the fight scenes with the most incredible creatures! The fate of the world relies almost solely on them and the allies they've made, and their scheme to erase their memories to work with Shet to eradicate the orbs, is fraught with danger. Their journey to find the orbs is well under way, yet they face many obstacles from all sides. This entire series is just breathtakingly arresting. Love, betrayal, hidden agendas, court intrigue, evil deities, this book has it all! Grab your copy now, you won't be sorry.
April 15, 2024
This book began to lose me at ~65% ( I still finished) and continued to do so, I am enticed by Ashura's magic system and world but this book really lacked anything substantial (except for a few things i.e Shaidar Logath /s). This book also had a number of action scenes/fights that felt unneeded. Fight scenes in this book began to lose all importance due to their regularity and pretty much-guaranteed result (the MC's winning)
There were some, no doubt contentious and divisive choices made in this book regarding the plot, which I do understand (for some atleast) why they had to occur, it's just sort of irritating to put three books worth of time into a series for it to feel like that developing and budding relationship/beginning of restoration to be figuratively chucked down the sink and started over again. (I reiterate that I understand the reason behind the choice but I do dislike it.)
This book didn't have that special sauce that the past books from Ashura (that I've read) have had, that camaraderie, sense of brotherhood, greater consequence and the need to overcome odds. I thoroughly enjoyed those parts of the books but man this book didn't have that. The antagonists in the last two books were interesting but they lost my interest in this book, it just didn't have any of that.
This book is tough for me to rate, as prior to ~60% I would have said maybe a 4* but that last half has made me drop it to 2.75*. I think I'm going to take a hefty break from this world and come back when it is finished; it's possible if I had read the Rook Shekten series I might have been more invested but that is not the case. I do not think this is a bad book, just not for me right now.
2.75*
There were some, no doubt contentious and divisive choices made in this book regarding the plot, which I do understand (for some atleast) why they had to occur, it's just sort of irritating to put three books worth of time into a series for it to feel like that developing and budding relationship/beginning of restoration to be figuratively chucked down the sink and started over again. (I reiterate that I understand the reason behind the choice but I do dislike it.)
This book didn't have that special sauce that the past books from Ashura (that I've read) have had, that camaraderie, sense of brotherhood, greater consequence and the need to overcome odds. I thoroughly enjoyed those parts of the books but man this book didn't have that. The antagonists in the last two books were interesting but they lost my interest in this book, it just didn't have any of that.
This book is tough for me to rate, as prior to ~60% I would have said maybe a 4* but that last half has made me drop it to 2.75*. I think I'm going to take a hefty break from this world and come back when it is finished; it's possible if I had read the Rook Shekten series I might have been more invested but that is not the case. I do not think this is a bad book, just not for me right now.
2.75*
Read
December 31, 2023Hard to follow, need notebook
First, just noticed details notes at the very end of book. Might have helped.
Also, read author’s note at the beginning and I got the impression that there is possibly another series before this one, and they’re related.
Frustrating read because there’s little background on the magic…just a lot of strange words to me. I guess if I read this intently, I might of got most of it. If there was explanation, there wasn’t any cryptic sustainment to help readers like me.
Same goes for all the characters and various species. Skimming is about the worst thing you should do but I did. There were some plot points that I wanted to explore. And I did enjoy the first book.
Below is an example, and if you can figure out what is doing what to accomplish something…then this book, series is for you. Same pattern throughout series with very little background, explanation. I can also comment on the inconsistencies and then all the POV’s author threw in of minor characters with this book that added nothing to storyline. Or not. Wrong series and genre for me I guess.
****************
Anya sent Jivatma into Anahata and Manipura. Lorethasra was automatically sourced as well, and the Charkas purified it all, sending it as prana into her nadis.
****************
The above is the setup for a simple bit of a magic spell. Anya is a person n rest is whatever you need to do some magical thing. I'll pass.
First, just noticed details notes at the very end of book. Might have helped.
Also, read author’s note at the beginning and I got the impression that there is possibly another series before this one, and they’re related.
Frustrating read because there’s little background on the magic…just a lot of strange words to me. I guess if I read this intently, I might of got most of it. If there was explanation, there wasn’t any cryptic sustainment to help readers like me.
Same goes for all the characters and various species. Skimming is about the worst thing you should do but I did. There were some plot points that I wanted to explore. And I did enjoy the first book.
Below is an example, and if you can figure out what is doing what to accomplish something…then this book, series is for you. Same pattern throughout series with very little background, explanation. I can also comment on the inconsistencies and then all the POV’s author threw in of minor characters with this book that added nothing to storyline. Or not. Wrong series and genre for me I guess.
****************
Anya sent Jivatma into Anahata and Manipura. Lorethasra was automatically sourced as well, and the Charkas purified it all, sending it as prana into her nadis.
****************
The above is the setup for a simple bit of a magic spell. Anya is a person n rest is whatever you need to do some magical thing. I'll pass.
April 20, 2023
I don't always write reviews of the books I read and I am going to spoil this for those that continue to read and I feel it is warranted. Like most other reviews I have read I feel the same. This book started great with a continuation of the first 2 books. The story was at a steady pace but moved along in a logical manner. Sure there were a few new characters introduced but it was still building up to a finale I had just invested 50 or so hours into. And I was looking forward to it. But then... that all changed. I'm not sure if the author picked up a new deal where he needed to produce a certain number of books for the series or what, but the end result is that this book basically restarts the whole thing over by including an arbitrary shift and fails to finish anything. For no good reason the protagonists decide to work with the antagonists after reaching their true potential and then we waste the second half of this book on a new plot line that will now spill into a new book or books and I am left wondering...why? You might as well just start with this book and make a new series because this just infuriated me to no end. You're telling me all that I have learned means nothing now? The book doesn't even have a logical ending... it just stops. It's not so much a cliff hanger as it is unfinished.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2022
The third book of the series Instrument of Omens was just too short. I loved the growth of Cinder as a warrior and the blossoming relationship between him and Anya. And the way his power continued to grow. Then Rabisu. Oh I knew things were going to good for our intrepid pair, but really to loose each other while still being together. And I fear for what Rabisu has planned for Anya. But the quest continues. I for one look forward to it. This series is so much better than the William Wilde series and I like it better than Caste and Outcaste. So as long as Davis Ashura writes about Rukh, Shokan, Cinder and Jessira, Sira, Anya I’ll keep buy and reading.
June 21, 2022
a timeless entry and story of two heroes
Love this series and the deep narrative and world building. Rich history and characters. Great action with a blend of character growth that drives both the world and the MCs stories forward. Riveting. I will say there is a portion where an extreme action takes place that still makes no sense. I do not feel it added to the story and only served a plot armor to create a secondary storyline and a thinly veiled attempt at additional hardship. Minor point, but glaring in the lack of logic compared to the rest of the brilliantly written series.
Love this series and the deep narrative and world building. Rich history and characters. Great action with a blend of character growth that drives both the world and the MCs stories forward. Riveting. I will say there is a portion where an extreme action takes place that still makes no sense. I do not feel it added to the story and only served a plot armor to create a secondary storyline and a thinly veiled attempt at additional hardship. Minor point, but glaring in the lack of logic compared to the rest of the brilliantly written series.
March 16, 2024
Twists and plots! Who is an ally? Who is a true enemy? No one knows, but they keep going anyways.
Another GREAT addition to this series!! I’m falling more and more for both Cinder and Anya as they learn truths and lies about themselves and each other. Great action and great storytelling throughout! I was not bored for one second.
Nick Podehl has retained his spot as my number 1 FAVORITE NARRATOR! Each character is distinct with their voice and there are no wacky voices that don’t make sense. His performance brought me to tears and had me laughing out loud so many times! I’m excited to start Book 4, right now!!
Another GREAT addition to this series!! I’m falling more and more for both Cinder and Anya as they learn truths and lies about themselves and each other. Great action and great storytelling throughout! I was not bored for one second.
Nick Podehl has retained his spot as my number 1 FAVORITE NARRATOR! Each character is distinct with their voice and there are no wacky voices that don’t make sense. His performance brought me to tears and had me laughing out loud so many times! I’m excited to start Book 4, right now!!
January 19, 2022
Excellent
I started reading the first books and was excited to read a book that touched on the caste system. He portrayed in a way that was interesting to me. He told a story of the love that trandsends space and time. Eternal hero’s eternal lovers and forever battling the Evil that spans worlds and timeless eons. It is one the best things I have read in some time. Plus lots neat little quotes that you have read it to find them. A must read for anyone loves amazing stories. And David please hurry I can’t wait to see how it all ends.
I started reading the first books and was excited to read a book that touched on the caste system. He portrayed in a way that was interesting to me. He told a story of the love that trandsends space and time. Eternal hero’s eternal lovers and forever battling the Evil that spans worlds and timeless eons. It is one the best things I have read in some time. Plus lots neat little quotes that you have read it to find them. A must read for anyone loves amazing stories. And David please hurry I can’t wait to see how it all ends.
May 18, 2022
Spoilers:
I absolutely hated the plot point that involved the loss / corruption of memory for the main characters.
The author should have found a different plot mechanism to achieve his goals because the way it worked basically resulted in a complete loss of character progression. Instead we lose all character development from books 1 and 2 and regress to the beginning. Anya and Cinder’s relationship was ruined and it was very annoying to read all of their later scenes.
Hopefully the next book is better because this was the worst of the series so far. Completely ruined it for me.
I absolutely hated the plot point that involved the loss / corruption of memory for the main characters.
The author should have found a different plot mechanism to achieve his goals because the way it worked basically resulted in a complete loss of character progression. Instead we lose all character development from books 1 and 2 and regress to the beginning. Anya and Cinder’s relationship was ruined and it was very annoying to read all of their later scenes.
Hopefully the next book is better because this was the worst of the series so far. Completely ruined it for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
I dropped the booked in the section where they regained their memory, just to decide to lose them again. (such an idiotic plot-twist, when the entire plot up until now have been about them relearning who they are).
The characters feel like what they have to do is such a chore and not exciting at all, and that really rubbed off on me.
Unlike them though, i can just put down the book, and read something fun and engaging.
Untop of that, the author have started to add POVs in order for us to keep track of a story thats rapidly growing in scope. Another pet-peeve of mine.
The characters feel like what they have to do is such a chore and not exciting at all, and that really rubbed off on me.
Unlike them though, i can just put down the book, and read something fun and engaging.
Untop of that, the author have started to add POVs in order for us to keep track of a story thats rapidly growing in scope. Another pet-peeve of mine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2023
A disappointing sequel
I love the first 2 books and really thought the series has so much promise. This 3rd book however shattered that illusion. It does not serve as a proper sequel. The plot was all over the place. All the character development laid out in the first 2 books was rendered futile due to a lazy plot mechanism of MCs losing their memories again. The reader is subjected to endure a tedious unnecessary banter among the MCs like chaperoning pubescent angsty teenagers at a prom. Couldn’t wait for it to end.
I love the first 2 books and really thought the series has so much promise. This 3rd book however shattered that illusion. It does not serve as a proper sequel. The plot was all over the place. All the character development laid out in the first 2 books was rendered futile due to a lazy plot mechanism of MCs losing their memories again. The reader is subjected to endure a tedious unnecessary banter among the MCs like chaperoning pubescent angsty teenagers at a prom. Couldn’t wait for it to end.
February 9, 2024
So much potential but what a mess
I can’t believe this author took such a great piece of work and turned it into a giant mess. This reminds me of the 8th season of TGOT…. great work ruined with bad ideas. How do you get to the point where you allow a demon to alter your mind and memories on purpose?! How do intelligent characters allow this kind of stupidity to happen? This was a huge “fail” for me. I’m disappointed in the characters and the author for this turn of events in the story. And it ruined the rest of the book for me.
I can’t believe this author took such a great piece of work and turned it into a giant mess. This reminds me of the 8th season of TGOT…. great work ruined with bad ideas. How do you get to the point where you allow a demon to alter your mind and memories on purpose?! How do intelligent characters allow this kind of stupidity to happen? This was a huge “fail” for me. I’m disappointed in the characters and the author for this turn of events in the story. And it ruined the rest of the book for me.
December 5, 2024
My feelings on this book were, that it introduced a completely artificial and unnecessary conflict into the mix, that made me disappointed with the storyline, the character development (or regression?) and the series as a whole. Mind-fu**ing characters needs to be a delicate surgery to not mess the whole book and I feel that it was done with a butchers knife here in the worst way possible. Otherwise, the book is similar to the previous installments - if you liked them, you might like this one too. If it wasn't for this one issue that spoiled it for me, I would have liked it too :/
January 20, 2022
Fantastic
It was a fantastic read. For some reason I thought this was the final book so I was disappointed that I have to wait a while for the next book. I’m sure it will be worth the wait. Love the characters and the deep meaning written into the stories in the book. Bravo. The only other book that had made me connect with the characters was The Passage trilogy. Hard to believe Davis is not a full time writer. Look forward to reading this book again.
It was a fantastic read. For some reason I thought this was the final book so I was disappointed that I have to wait a while for the next book. I’m sure it will be worth the wait. Love the characters and the deep meaning written into the stories in the book. Bravo. The only other book that had made me connect with the characters was The Passage trilogy. Hard to believe Davis is not a full time writer. Look forward to reading this book again.
February 1, 2022
okay
The book was okay. So many things to follow, and reading the convolution of so many threads was a bit wearying. I knew something like that had to happen, based on what we saw of them in the William Wylde series. I hate how long it’s taking though, and now a wait for next book. I am still invested in this series. I very much want the best for the main characters and looking forward to seeing how that happens. Thanks for the story.
The book was okay. So many things to follow, and reading the convolution of so many threads was a bit wearying. I knew something like that had to happen, based on what we saw of them in the William Wylde series. I hate how long it’s taking though, and now a wait for next book. I am still invested in this series. I very much want the best for the main characters and looking forward to seeing how that happens. Thanks for the story.
May 2, 2022
I wasn’t a huge fan of the cinder/Anya stuff in mahadev on in this book. I get that he somewhat wrote himself into a corner with William Wilde so I’m hopeful that it can recover when we get past that point but I haven’t enjoyed their scenes since they reached mahadev. Also the way their relationship is written just feels kinda weird this whole book. I do really like discovering more of the world through the side characters though, that was definitely the highlight of this book for me
April 11, 2024
Yet another stupid as hell writing choice, I can't seem to read a book these days without finding one. Completely wiping the memories of the two main characters in Book 3 and altering them so they think they hate each other, AND then mind altering their overarching motivations to be completed opposites of what they canonically are??
The fuck was this author thinking. DNF, and from the other reviews, looks like I'm not the only one.
The fuck was this author thinking. DNF, and from the other reviews, looks like I'm not the only one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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