Ravaging enemies. Desperate alliances. Time is running out.
The race is on. Lekore and his unlikely allies prepare to travel into the depths of Kiisuld Space to save a soul from falling into darkness—and perhaps much more. But first Lekore must convince the Sun Emperor to trust in those he loathes.
Torn between his loyalty and his heart, Tahomin chose to turn his back on Princess Sajaray to fulfill his oaths to his prince. But when the Imperial Moon of Ahvora is attacked by fanatics bent on freeing their delusional leader, can Tahomin ignore a cry for help from his mortal enemy?
On a battlefield of hearts and souls, the path to victory may lie in mercy, but a fate worse than death awaits those who fail.
This is going to be a difficult one to review since there were some things I just really couldn't connect with, but also some things I loved like I enjoyed the rest of the series. I really missed a bit more screen time for two of my favourite characters. On the other hand I appreciated seeing a bit more of other characters and their arcs, and fair is fair, there was a LOT of ground to cover in this story so I can understand why the author didn't delve deeper into the arcs of some others. In any case, it's a good conclusion to the series, and the heartwarming and hopeful resolution at the end was👌
This is clean, adult epic sci-fantasy. As to content: there's a single curse in here, and I'd say moderate violence and gore. Sexual content: none
*I received a free digital copy. This does not affect my review, which I leave voluntarily
There are no words to properly describe how great this story, world, and whole series is! This last installment is the absolute perfect ending to this series and I truly cannot imagine a more fitting finale! From the very first pages, this book is nonstop intensity with the stakes being the highest thus far in the series as time runs out for our heroes.
The characters are now splitting up to fight battles on different fronts. Lekore, Toranskay, Vay-Dinn, and Tahomin travel to the capital planet of the Kiisuld in a desperate attempt to prevent darkness from taking over. Meanwhile, the heart of the Ahvenian Empire is under direct attack. Emperor Majentay has to overcome internal and external terror if the delicate balance of peace is to be achieved.
I am so glad that we got to visit the Kissuld Empire to the extent that we did in this book! I have absolutely loved the worldbuilding throughout this series and how everything tied together in such a genius manner. The fact that so much that was introduced early in the series comes back to intertwine in a really cool and satisfying way is what makes this such fun book and series to read. I definitely feel like Woodscourt has exponentially rewarded her readers by having absolutely fantastic payoffs in the buildup that has all led to HOTS!
This book and series as a whole has truly been a refreshing tale with extremely memorable characters. Readers cannot help but being drawn to this vast cast of characters, from Lekore Adenye Getaal all the way to Dakeer Vasar. What is so impressive is that not one single character comes to mind that was stagnant in their journey in each of the five books individually, nor when looking at the series as whole. I absolutely loved following and going on adventures with the whole gang, yes even the baddies, due to how dynamic these characters are. Woodscourt not only depicts how these characters have developed and changed in dealing with new and ongoing scenarios they faced, but she masterfully explores inner psychological and mental battles. This makes every character truly become multi-dimensional and jump off the page in how real they feel. Now that this particular series has concluded with HOTS, I can say without a doubt, that this has been such a consistent strength of this series. The author did not shy away from tackling intense topics and themes, which made the characters and the situations they found themselves in that much more authentic.
If someone is on the fence of reading this series and needs just one reason to enter into this incredible world, that one reason is Lekore! Lekore is now one of my all-time favorite characters I have ever read and it is impossible for him to not stick with a reader long, long after you finish this series. He is the undisputed definition of good and his story will grip you, and is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. If you want a science-fantasy series that has it all and is an incredibly fun journey with memorable characters, then I cannot recommend The Record of the Sentinel Seer series enough!
When one reads a series as spectacular as this one, it's a bitter sweet feeling knowing the series is over. I could carry on reading anything in this ultra magnificent world, well, forever! But I know that all good things have to come to an end....sigh... although, now I get to anticipate what's next from this amazing author! A major problem I have is trying to do justice with my review of this book and series and I must confess, whatever I do write, pales in comparison to the actual story. The world building takes us to new heights, literally, as we traverse the skies and new worlds, each one so deliciously different, each one unique. As are the inhabitants, I take my hat of to the author, her imagination knows no bounds! But the best part is that these worlds and it's people are so engaging and fun to read about, especially the world of Kiisuld, where Lekore tries to persuade the Sun Emperor that trust is vital. My absolute favourite character is Lekore, what a mensch!!! One couldn't describe a more compationate, caring, giving person and hold a candle to him. With each book, I find myself wishing I could spend hours in his company, just talking. The fact that he's a powerful Elemental is a bonus, who wouldn't like the elements to be at ones beck and call? I loved that this book centred on the inner turmoil of the characters, very refreshing and very poignant. These characters are all flawed, yet each one has tugs of conscience, even when bias is difficult to overcome, there is scope and hope for redemption. And that's just it, the hope that permeates throughout this series, even in the darkest hour, is befitting of every accolade, so masterfully crafted. Against my better judgement, I started "liking" the villains, Vay-Dinn and Tahomin. Vay-Dinn, well, I started to feel sorry for him, irrespective of his vile behaviour. Tahomin on the other hand, has a true battle within, I loved it! He's fiercely loyal to his Prince, buuuut....I cannot express the magnitude of this fantastic series, the complexities, the brilliance of the plot, the majestic characters, the descriptive prose, the immersive writing. So many facets are exposed, so many truths come out and it all finally ends in a spectacular fashion! What a wonderful conclusion to a very impressive wonderful series!
M.H. Woodscourt has done yet again! She is a master tale-weaver, with beautiful descriptions, amazing world building, grand complex, yet not complicated plots, deep, real characters and heart and soul that leaves you with something profound to take away, always.
And, there are always tears. Without fail. At least from me.
A beautiful conclusion to a fascinating series, with twists (some I saw coming, some not so much), and characters that you either start out loathing and end up loving, or ones that break your hearts and still leave you smiling as they find themselves through endless darkness, torture, indecision, and all the foes and powers stacked against them.
But what I love most is always the threads of hope and faith that are there to make things feel better. And boy, I highlighted a LOT of lines in this particular book! Humorous ones and ones that just struck me as inspiring.
This is an unusual story, in the sense that is is sci-fi without the overload of science and fantasy without the usual threads of magic. That's not to say that there aren't familiar tropes and characters that people usually love in fantasy settings. It's just done differently. It's advanced yet ancient. Medieval, yet modern. It's a breath of the cozy familiarity and new strangeness, yet it all works.
Also, the "dog" Lios, is adorable! Good enough reason to read it!
I won't give away how it goes. You'll have to pick it up for yourself and allow yourself the experience of such a rich series.
But, for myself, I'm so glad I got to go on this journey with Lekore and all his companions (friend and foe alike). As always, M.H. Woodscourt will always be a recommendation Author from me, toward anyone who wants an incredible story to fall into the pages of and get sucked into the marvelous universes that she creates.
The final installment of the Record of the Sentinel series follows Lekore as he journeys into Kiisuld Space and tries to convince the Sun Emperor to trust the people he has come to hate. Tahomin must choose between duty and love, and chose to fulfill is obligations to his prince. However, an uprising by the people seeking to stop their leader from his crazed ideas means Tahomin must do the one thing he never thought he would have to: trust his enemies.
I have greatly enjoyed this series and loved the world building the author has done. Everything has been exciting to read about and the story and characters have all been very well developed. Lekore is one of those characters that is completely incorruptible and is just a pure soul. You can't help but love him. And you can't help but love the bad guys too! Tahomin and Vay-Dinn are two of the supposed villains, but I see them as more morally grey, because they do have redeeming qualities.
I wish there was more action in this book. This being the last book in the series, I would expect there to be more action and that part fell flat in this book for me.
Record of the Sentinel Seer is one of those series that'll stick with you. As I reached the final pages of book five, Heart of the Sentinel, I knew that these characters and their journeys would linger. Woven into the narrative of my life. This series has heart and soul; it's practically alive.
If you think back on the series so far, you know there's a lot that's been going on, and Woodscourt does a fantastic job of weaving all the threads together in a satisfying way. All of the characters have grown so much as people, and it's been wonderful to see.
To take a look at our main character, Lekore started out as a sheltered, lonely young man, practically by himself in the wild. He's grown so much over these pages, travelling across worlds and facing evils unlike anything he knew existed. His gentle soul has taken beatings, and he's made so many friendships along the way. I won't spoil the ending, but Lekore from book one and Lekore from book five are incredibly different people, but still fantastic in every way.
And, while I can't speak for everyone who's read this series, I don't think I'm the same either.
The hardest thing about reading a Woodscourt book is trying to come up with a review that does it justice. Her writing is impeccable. Within just a few words, she transports her readers to worlds that they never knew existed with stunning vistas, fantastic creatures, and amazing people.
Never in my life have I loved a bad guy like I do hers. Tahomin and Vay-Dinn are two of my favorite villains of all-time. (Maybe it's because deep down they have redeeming qualities.) Lekore is goodness personified. He is incorruptible and what all of us should strive to be. Nerenoth, Ademas, Keo ... well let's just go with the whole cast is so well-written and so real that I feel like I know them.
As in every book in this series, the Spirits Elemental were one of my favorite parts. I loved the way they changed forms and played with Lekore.
If you haven't picked up a book by Woodscourt, do it today. She is a truly gifted storyteller.
The most engrossing tale I've read so far in 2023. I've read the whole series except for the prequel book which I will begin as soon as I post this review. I'm actually sad to come to the end of this series. I'm in love with some characters. I'm considering whether some characters might be redeemable and frankly I'm just not ready to go! 😆. As I've said since book one, the world building is Phenomenal! Multiple worlds that completely work! I've read a lot and sometimes context clues tell me what is coming up in a story but this series has kept surprising me. But not forced at all. Matter of fact the story flowed. I'm hoping some of the characters from this series will show up in other books. But even if they don't I know that I will read this series again. It's that good.
M.H. Woodscourt must have magic of her own. This final installment to Record of the Sentinel Seer is definite proof. It is pure magic! The entire series is pure magic! Nothing like I have ever read before! Action, adventure, surprising twists, deceit, tested loyalties, the rise and fall of reigns, intense emotion, and so much more all wrapped into a science-fiction, medieval, fantasy universe filled with unique fae creatures. I couldn't ask for more. Really! I can't wait for the next series and the others to come. I am desperate to see how the universe of Mithrin connects as a whole.
A wonderful ending to a beautifully written high fantasy series that’s blended seamlessly with science fiction. I recommend this book if you like plots about good versus evil that are so large that they require more than one world to fit it all in.