Those Who Resist

The Waystations Trilogy #3

by N.C. Scrimgeour

We are all Idran-Var. We are those who resist.

A dark shadow has fallen across the galaxy. The curators—a hive mind made from the memories of countless past civilisations—have finally returned, ready to finish the experiment they started millions of years ago.

A splintered resistance with a desperate plan is all that stands in the way of utter annihilation. As Alvera Renata and her old crew join forces with former enemies and unlikely allies, all eyes turn to the Omega Gate—a twisted contraption formed of the mysterious waystations. Destroying it might give them a fighting chance against the curators—if they don’t destroy each other first.

To have any hope of succeeding, Alvera and her new alliance will have to overcome old wounds and fresh losses to gather the forces of the galaxy for a final stand. But even in the face of extinction, every disparate faction still has their own agenda, and bringing them together might be more trouble than it’s worth.

As star systems fall and the curators close in, trust hangs by a single thread. Only one truth binds them together now: if they don’t stand united, the galaxy will be lost to all of them.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

460 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2022

About the author

N. C. Scrimgeour is a science fiction and fantasy author whose books focus on character-driven stories in vibrant worlds, from folklore fantasy to space opera.

After completing her Masters in English Literature, she went on to work in journalism and communications while pursuing her passion in writing.

She lives in Scotland, where the weather often provides the perfect excuse to sit in front of a computer and work on her next book (while occasionally getting sidetracked by video games).

When she's not writing, she enjoys reading as much fantasy and science fiction as she can get her hands on and cheering on Edinburgh Rugby.

Reviews

[Andrei(Drusca) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the whole the series

[Dom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in the Waystations Trilogy. I listened to the first two books on audio, as I was doing a buddy read, but we didn't realize when we planned it that book three doesn't yet have an audiobook to accompany it. So I was a little bit unsure how it was going to work going from an audio that I really enjoyed to an ebook and not having the narrator’s voices in my head, but it was absolutely fine.

I really enjoyed this one. Book two had a really high-octane ending and that was the theme throughout pretty much the entirety of Those Who Resist. It started off quickly and pretty much ran straight through to the end. There was a lot of real, fast, intense action throughout most of the book and then interspersed between those chapters there was the occasional chance to let the pulse slow down a little bit and to gather your breath and prepare for the next upsurge in the action.

I really like the way that worked—I like a nice fast-paced book with a lot of action in it, and that's exactly what I got here, but you do need those slower periods as well to create a bit of a balance with the pacing and I thought it worked really, really well here. It was a really good story, I loved the characters, I loved that some sacrifices had to be made when things went wrong, and how that all worked out, and overall I thought it was just a really great ending to what has been a really great series for me.

[Athena (OneReadingNurse) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the hardest time finishing this for some reason, maybe I should have put it aside and came back to it instead of pushing through but I did. I'm also surprised at how close to each other these books came out - I thought this was a 2023 release for sure!

Thoughts to come

[Hank · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly satisfying if predictable end. Scrimgeour perhaps tugged on the heart strings a bit too much for my liking. I got the self doubt and learning about oneself in the first couple of iterations so did not really need the next 5.

Despite that small complaint, I thoroughly enjoyed the series and will probably try one of her other books. Those who like space opera will be happy to pick these up.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what a ride this final book was. action-packed, tense and full of emotions as well.
it follows at full speed but with some breathing breaks in between when the final fight comes to a conclusion. had me tear up a few times as well as holding my breath in others.
the tension was building and building and building until i couldn't hold it anymore .. wow just wow. thats what i call an ending.
just like a great movie in your mind. phenomenal!

[N.C. Scrimgeour]

It's been three years in the making and more than 350,000 words of writing, rewriting and editing, but I can now say that with the release of THOSE WHO RESIST today, the Waystations Trilogy is finally complete!

This final book has probably been the hardest thing I've had to write in my career so far, but also the most rewarding. THOSE WHO RESIST is packed with action and follows all your favourite characters from across the trilogy as they come face to face with everything they've done to get where they are.

For those of you who have followed Alvera, Ridley, Kojan, Rivus and Niole on their journeys so far, I hope you'll enjoy seeing their stories wrapped up as we say goodbye. I've tried my best to do them all justice, and I'm excited for people to discover what lies in store for them!

If you’ve made it this far, I'd like to say thank you for joining me on this amazing ride across the three books. The Waystations Trilogy is my love letter to my favourite sci-fi stories, and I sincerely hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it.

Read THOSE WHO RESIST for:

🚀 The final battle
🔥 Slow-burn romance coming to a conclusion
💀 A galaxy-ending threat
💪 Epic team-ups
💙 Found family
💔 Impossible choices

Plus, if it’s been a while since you read the previous books and you want a reminder of what happened, make sure to check out ‘The World of the Waystations’ at ncscrimgeour.com for book summaries, character art, glossaries and more!

[Craig Bookwyrm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great climax to a very enjoyable trilogy. Great characters, great action, great storytelling.

[Graff Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The WaystationsTrilogy 03 Those Who Resist by N.C. Scrimgeour

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense

Medium-paced

Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes

4.5 Stars

Well, she did it. She wrapped up the final book in the trilogy...with a wonderful ending. Thank you.

This is a sprawling Science Fiction Space Opera. There are multiple races, political parties, with diverse needs/desires. I've read ALL the books that the author has written in The Waystations Trilogy.

The following is what I'd say is the best way to read this "trilogy""

1) The Exodus Betrayal: Origin Story
2) To Flee a Starless Sky - Book 0.5
3) Those Left Behind - Book 1
4) Those Once Forgotten - Book 2
5) Those Who Resist - Book 3

I didn't read it in the above order, I read it 3, 2, 1, 4 and 5.

Thinking that I should read the first book of the trilogy, I didn't like/enjoy one of the main characters. It wasn't until I read 1, that I understood what I'd missed (and wish that I'd known BEFORE reading...3 - Those Left Behind.

My favourite character is/was Ridley. Her struggles and accomplishments were a LOT of fun to read and experience with her. She did not have an easy life (before we meet/met her), and also afterwards, but she rose to each task, taking us with her.

I was ambivelant to Kojan (sorry), but then learned to see his strength and goodness...as the story unvealed itself.

Alvera is supposed to be the main protagonist (from what I understand), but she wasn't for me (partly because of the order I read the books, but maybe also because of the person that I am). I did grow to understand her arc and what she had to do (and the choices that she made).

Niole went on an incredible journey through this series. At the beginning, I was just along for the ride, but as her POV progressed, I grew to root for her...though thinking it was just for this chapter, then the next time she showed up, then onward. It was always a step by step adventure with her.

My least favourite character was Rivis, though he started higher up, he just was a perspective that moved the plot along...for the overall story...in my opinion. Obviously, he was a central character, but I didn't grow attached to him, like I did with the others. I hope others enjoyed his arc, more than I did.

There are some interesting things to ponder within this story. The idea of the integration of cybernetics into the bodies of different races. 

Also, the idea what you are fighting for, and what you've  become...and if the reason you're fighting has outlived its purpose for why it was started. 

The idea of fulfilling your promises, even though most people have moved on (or have fully opposing your goals).

Overall, I really enjoyed this entire universe, and the intricate characters that resided in it.

I actually hope, that years later...the author will give us a second Trilogy...so that we can revisit this universe...down the line, and how it all shook out.

[AltLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

"As far as interplanetary warfare was concerned, this was up close and personal."

Holy hell this took me forever to get through. I'm not sure why, the series is actually pretty great, but somewhere after the first third I just stopped reading it for the longest time.

In any case, this book was the galactic conclusion to the trilogy, where everyone we've met along the way comes together to have a final showdown against the curators. Like the other two books, this one's split amongst the different POV characters we've been following the entire time, and we follow their perspectives as we ride the buildup and climax of the entire trilogy. There's some subverted deaths, some actual deaths, and plenty of character development and romance(!) along the way.

I actually felt like this final book had too much character development, as it sort of took away from any sort of final battle I was expecting. While I love the care and dedication to these characters, their personal stories basically took the spotlight and the actual curator fight/confrontation was just a footnote at the end of the whole thing. Kind of disappointing after the buildup to this point.

Still, this was a really entertaining series, with obvious parallels to Mass Effect (the waystations, the curators), Star Wars (the Idran Var and a number of other things), and a few other sci-fi tropes along the way. Highly recommend if you're interested in that sort of thing.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I really enjoyed this final installment to the Waystations trilogy! It was such a fitting ending, and definitely my favorite of the three books. It also ended in a way that could potentially leave room for at least one spin-off story, which I would love to read!

The pacing in this was superb, and a lot more consistent compared to the second book. There was a lot of action, of course, as the final battle built and built, but there was a good amount of slower, smaller scale issues that every POV character dealt with along the way. I love that so many various characters and factions came together to fight the Curators, while also still not totally resolving their own issues--it added an interesting additional layer of tension. I also liked the little amount of romance we got that slowly built over three books for two couples in particular in a very satisfying way. The way the Curators were finally destroyed felt a little too sudden and easy for me, but I liked that accomplishing that actually had serious consequences, which made it feel a little more earned.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

More book reviews, discussions and interviews on my blog! https://aprilsshelf.com/

This was a great conclusion to a trilogy I've just binged over 4 days (I was hooked!). Although there were pieces that didn't quite work for me, there was a lot I loved and I'm glad I stuck with these characters until the end.

"Resisting is violent, sometimes inevitably so. But it can be quiet, too. It can happen across a theatre of war or in the battlefields of your own head.”

Our characters are back
I have grown so attached to these characters and I have loved watch them come out of their shells and grow against the situation that's escalating. They are rising to the challenge and that is what humanity is all about.

Bonds have been forged between friends, lovers, family by choice and not that by blood. It was really wonderful and heart-breaking. Difficult choices are made and as the reader I can understand the characters perspective even if I don't agree with it. That is where Scrimgeour's writing flourishes because she can navigate difficult situations and is able to connect the reader with her characters.

“She doesn’t need the stomach for it,” she said softly. “She’s got me.”

Emotions were high and the sparks were more than just fight scenes
Our characters had to move at a very fast pace throughout this and despite the danger at hand, it's also very lovely to see them have their moments and the spark of something more.

"That’s why I came back. Because no matter how scared I am, no matter how much I really, really don’t want to die, I’d rather spend a few final days by your side than live out the rest of my life in that paradise without you.”

I was swooning over these small, precious moments, they just melted my heart and it was a piece of light in the dark.

Not all characters were my cup of tea, Rivus has annoyed and frustrated my through this entire series and that didn't change with this book. Rivus doesn't add much to this series, he could be swapped out for anybody else and nothing would change. It's his position and the power he has which is needed through this story.

We have some really great character development and Ridley and Niole were my favourites, including the friendship groups they had formed. They are different people from the start of book one and I just enjoyed watch them challenge and grow, despite the circumstances that they found themselves in.

Dynamic world building and scene setting
Scrimgeour does a really fantastic job of highlighting the emotions and pressure of a situation. She brings in the risks and danger and really draws on the stakes. My heart was in my mouth at times just wondering where things were going to go.

There was so many little surprises and twists through this which I thought were incredible touches to the overall storytelling.

My slight challenges with this conclusion
What I didn't enjoy so much came down to two things. The first was the amount of criticism and judgement Alvera faced. She was made out to be an evil person, and that this was all her fault and I just completely disagree. We've already determined that this has happened many times before and our characters are aware that there was nothing Alvera could have done to stop it happening, but they continue to pin the blame on her. Perhaps this is more of a reflection on desperate people and their way of functioning through a crisis by being able to put their fear and frustration onto another person. But I grew tired of reading the same thing so many times.

Let's not forget how much Alvera has done, and the difficult decisions she's made to ensure that they don't all die and actually give hope to some that they will be able to live. She was not thanked once for all her work, Kojan was a big instigator of this which put me off him quite a bit.

Heavy with dread, laden with a possibility neither of them wanted to consider. Alvera had taken the decision out of their hands. Just as she always did. Just as they’d always needed her to.

The other piece was related to the ending. No spoilers to that but I was really hoping for an epilogue of sorts. So much of this book is war and it would have been nice to have had a bit of a contrast.

We are all Idran-Var now, Rhendar had said. Rivus finally understood what he meant.

[Susan Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Those Who Resist' is the last book in the Waystations Trilogy. The premise is complex and well-developed: that of a hive-mind that is made up of the memories of all previous civilizations. Set against this 'big bad' is a rather tattered form of resistance. Former enemies band together with great reluctance, often resentful of having to treat as allies those against whom they have unresolved grudges, but recognizing that to failure to cooperate spells destruction.
It is a good, strong, well-paced action, on a big scale that is handled very confidently. The premise of the Curators (as the hive-mind is called) is a very attractive one, as is the uneasy and fractured resistance.
The story is told from a number of different points of view. This can be a very enhancing technique, because of the complexity it can add to the narrative, keeping the reader on their toes as to what is actually happening. In this case, though, it made the story a bit unwieldy. Everything seemed to be in the same register, everyone seemed to have the same kinds of problems and tensions, and the same sorts of ambitions and stances. On the other hand, this is the first of the trilogy that I read, so possibly greater familiarity with the characters would have counteracted this sort of blurring. Definitely worth reading, and bodes well (though backwards, in this instance) for the others in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens; it hasn't affected my comments, and I am leaving the review voluntarily.

[Michael C. Haymes · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the set up in THOSE LEFT BEHIND and the big reveal in THOSE ONCE FORGOTTEN, N. C. Scrimgeour wraps up her Waystations Trilogy in spectacular fashion with THOSE WHO RESIST. The suspense builds throughout as the characters endure the culminations of their own arcs, which are still connected to the main conflict.

Among the many aspects of Scrimgeour's writing that I've come to appreciate throughout this series is her ability to craft such character driven stories: they are flawed and misunderstood, gruff and confused, shocked and horrified -- but also determined and hopeful. Scrimgeour applies her considerable talent as much to their passions as she does to their intellect. It's a well done balance that would be difficult for a writer to do in any genre, but Scrimgeour pulls it off in such a way that keeps reading craving the next page.

Other well known, Big Five bestselling trilogies I've read -- and I would never mention names -- have had entire chapters that readers could easily and obviously skip because those sections had nothing to do with overall plot, conflict, or even the story. But in THOSE WHO RESIST, even the action-packed climax was absolutely fantastic, carefully connecting the entire series to such a crucial resolution. (And no, I do not use the cliched term "action-packed" lightly.)

Fans of this series will be pleased to know that Scrimgeour gave herself and her readers the option of returning the universe she has so adeptly created, if she chooses to do so.

And I, for one, hope she does.

[Bory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those who resist is a perfectly fine conclusion to the Waystations Trilogy that I would have enjoyed way more if I weren't in such a major reading slump.

As it is, I never really felt the urgency that a galaxy-level extinction warrants. I like the character moments focus of the story, but the tension of the Curator invasion would have benefited greatly from at least one major on-page large scale battle. I still like most of the characters - Alvera, Ridley, Rivus, and Niole - and they all get satisfactory story conclusions, but Kojan remains an insufferable twat with unresolved mommy issues.

Also, for all the time we spent looking for and finding Fyra in Those Once Forgotten, she was a major dud that didn't really do anything but give Ridley a MacGuffin.

I don't know. While Those Who Resist felt very underwhelming, I might give it one another chance once I'm out of my reading slump, because I genuinely liked the first two books in the trilogy.

I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another book by N.C. Scrimgeour in future.

[Simon Atkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great conclusion to an epic space opera

The battle for the survival of the galaxy comes to a head in Those Who Resist. The many characters have to put aside differences to face a common enemy. Will that be enough to prevent the threat of annihilation? Or will those differences be there undoing? Will personal and sexual relationships be resolved? Will some find love in the face of all-out galactic war? And will everyone survive?

These questions are all answered in the thrilling conclusion to the Waystations Trilogy. It’s a great read with the multi-pov chapters adding to tension. Just when you want to know what happens to one of the characters the focus shifts to another and you are left having to read two or three more chapters before finding out the answers. The space battle action is great too.

If you have read lots of sci-fi you may see the author’s influences, but she melds those together in a new and exciting way to create a rich tapestry of characters, worlds, and backstory that brings The Waystations Trilogy to life. I really enjoyed all three books and the possibility that characters may have more adventures beyond Those books. Whether that story is ever told remains to be seen.

[Adeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars
Third and final book in the space opera series The Waystations trilogy, the different characters, old enemies and new allies, brace themselves for the final confrontation with the horrific curators that threaten to take over the universe.

What an incredible finale this was !!!
As with the previous book, the author did an incredible job with constructing an intense and page turning story filled with compelling characters and interesting world building. This was a non stop action adventure, though I won’t delve into explaining more to avoid spoilers.

There were a couple of elements I thought were a bit too rushed or not explored enough so I knocked off a few points but overall the final chapter in this story had such a great ending, the characters arcs and their relationships were perfectly completed.

A great space opera trilogy that I sincerely enjoyed and recommend to anyone looking for a new series to read.

[Nichole Galle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an ARC of this book and WOW. What a great finish to the trilogy!! I think Scrimgeour ended all the arcs of the characters in such a perfect way, even if it hurt my feelings sometimes.

I know some people have mentioned the v subtle romance in the previous books and honestly? I love the relationships. They're not the main focus of the book by far but they add an extra lil layer that I really enjoyed, especially cause things aren't cut and dry or simple like a lot of romance in scifi.

This final installment has it all - interpersonal stress, high stakes, space battles, witty banter, emotional rollercoasters, everything! The author did amazing and I'm so excited what she does next!

[Mark Parnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those Who Resists ends the journey of our ragtag group of hero's as they race to save the galaxy from the Curators. NC continues to balance widescreen action with smaller intimate moments and as a result it packs more of a punch when certain characters stories end on a tragic note. I gave the first two novels 5 stars so why did I give this one 4 stars? For me it comes down to the ending. Defeating an enemy like the Curators (a hive mind) was predictable. There have been many movies and books in which a hive mind was ultimately defeated by a virus. Maybe that is ultimately the only way a hive mind can be defeated but I was hoping for a novel approach to ending the threat. That's not to say that this trilogy didn't rock (it kicks ass) and I always have time for authors that self punlish!

[Katherine Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting end to what has been an excellent trilogy. The characters continued to be their excellent selves, even if my sieve-like memory did keep me getting Rhendar and Rivus mixed up when reading. I obviously can't say much because of spoilers, but each character got their time to shine. Emotions and stakes ran high throughout.

The one thing I was a teeny bit miffed about was that Ojara never got was coming to her. I might have been somewhat sadistically looking forwards to her getting her comeuppance.

[Alina Leonova · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying ending of the trilogy with non-stop high-stakes action that provided a thrilling reading experience. The characters put their grievances and differences aside to work together and save the galaxy. The main characters' arcs reached fulfilling conclusions. It's worth your time if you've read the previous books.

You can read the full review on my website.

[Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling and satisfying ending to the trilogy!

I loved the creativity behind the final book of this trilogy, especially the way each character's identity becomes tied to the part they play in the unfolding war.

Like I've said with each book, if you love space operas, grab this trilogy! It has deep characterizations, amazing world-building, and excellent pacing.

If Scrimgeour comes out with more of these types of books, I'll be sure to read them!

[Laura Juntunen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great finish to a thrilling trilogy!

This trilogy drew me in from the start, and book three did not disappoint! The characters and intertwining stories were everything I hoped they'd be in this final battle. Relationships built up and tore down, but I was content with how each POV characters story wrapped up. I am sad this story is complete, but am eager to see what N.C. brings us next!

[K.C. Woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think there are enough words to describe how much of a banger the ending of this trilogy was. The world building, the beautiful character arcs, the unbelievable foreshadowing. Don't sleep on this trilogy, the quality is absolutely top tier

[Winston Woolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read

I don't go in for flowery or technical reviews with in-depth analysis of each volume! This series was very readable and most enjoyable. They are the sort of novels that I will happily return to and read again.

[Vans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a book hangover after this series.

[Thomas Van Dalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great series and what a tremendous ending this was! I loved the characters and the plot. The ending especially was tense and had me on the brink of tears. I need more from this universe!!

[Janet Renfrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this trilogy. Lots of fun, and great characters

[Gladys Olmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story line continues full of hard decisions, sacrifices and action. I liked the characters and the chaotic but hopeful way the trilogy ends.

[Shaun Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had a lovely time with this trilogy, a fast paced, entertaining read with a satisfying conclusion.

[David Boyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spacebats nonsence. But entertaining and a satisfying finish to the trilogy.