The time for peace is over—now he demands vengeance
They followed him back. Against his will, against his intention. Now enemies threaten from every direction. Amidst it all Marco Dusan struggles to lead his people, to help them survive, even mayhap win the war. He will take any advantage to even the odds. But only after tragedy strikes does he learn just how much he’s willing to sacrifice.
He's not alone. Droserans fight as one, united against the offworlders—Symmachians who covet their planet. With the aid of unexpected allies, the Droserans battle on longer than anyone could have anticipated. Yet they cannot win. And the Faa’Cris, those supernatural warriors, fair of face and fierce of mien, do nothing.
But not all have turned their backs. After a bitter year of pain and loss, Kersei Dragoumis navigates a new heritage, ever intent on defending her people. Like her, light-years away from the Quadrants and even farther from the girl she thought she was, Eija Zacdari must come to terms with a new role. Or, rather, with an ancient one. And her success or failure may determine back in the Quadrants who lives and who dies.
In the end, Marco will have vengeance for the torment brought by this war. No matter the price. Not even if the price is his soul.
Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over forty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint on the East Coast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share--sometimes--with Benning the Stealth Golden and AAndromeda the #mwdwashout. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.
Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, Realm Award, Alliance Award, back-to-back RT Reviewers' Choice Awards, the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
What an end to an absolutely spectacular must read series!! This story is epic and it completely exceeded all of my very high expectations! When I read the last word of War of Torment, I literally just sat there for a while thinking about the incredible journey these characters have been on. I felt sad knowing that their stories are over. I’m seriously going to miss Marco.
I don't even know what to say without going into spoiler territory, especially if you haven't read the first three stories in this series, so I will just say this story has it ALL! There's action, romance, an amazingly creative world, main and secondary characters that I could read about for a long long time, character growth in spades, heartbreak (don't worry, Ms. kendig puts the pieces back together - mostly!), and jaw dropping surprises that will make you squeal out loud. Every time I thought I couldn't be surprised, I was. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I didn't.
Ronie Kendig is a brilliant, creative writer who draws you into her stories and keeps you sucked in until the very last word where you are always left wanting more! This series is epic. It’s not to be missed. Not only does it have a permanent place on my keeper shelf, but it is one of my all time favorite series. Do not miss it. All the stars!
Have I emotionally recovered from this book? No. Will I ever fully recover? Probably not. 😅
That being said, I have SO MANY THOUGHTS but I will attempt to keep them spoiler-free.
I was absolutely terrified going into this fourth and final installment of the Droseran Saga. Because I needed my favorites to all be okay. My terror was justified. But I adored every second of the turmoil anyway. I giggled, I screamed into my pillow, I sobbed, I felt ALL THE THINGS. I thought I knew what was coming. But I didn’t. And at the end, I still wanted more. (Please, GIVE US MORE, RONIE. I WILL GROVEL IF NECESSARY)
But in all seriousness, this is one of the my favorite series of all time, and one of the best finales I’ve ever read. Full stop. 10/10. 100 million stars. Worth all the tears. (Even though there was one thing I’ll be salty about for literally forever, YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID, RONIE).
Read this series. And, as Ronie always says, Seek Peace. ❤️
I received an advance copy from the publisher, a review was not required, and all opinions are my own.
This. Story. Was. Epic! This series will live in my heart forever. I will warn you right now, my review won't do this ANY justice. And I'll say, I'm tearing up just thinking about it all over again. I supposed I could stop there and you'd know exactly how I felt about it.
Drosero is under attack and everything is sheer insanity. There are so many lives and storylines entwined together it takes a moment (several chapters) to remember what's going on - if you haven't read the books one right after the other. Kudos to the author because how she kept everything straight is beyond me.
I knew going into this that I was going to be gutted with emotion and all I'd want to do is race to the end. But in that same vein, I wanted to take as much time as possible to savor my first read. As I passed the halfway mark, there was no turning back. Putting down the book went against everything in me. When I did put it down, all I could think of was, "WHAT is happening while I'm gone?"
Marco... where do I even start with him? My emotions towards him were all over the place. I was sad for all he'd endured through the first three stories. I was overwhelmed by his love and devotion for Isaura. I was furious - FURIOUS - of his treatment of not only Kersei, but also those around him. You ever want to reach into a story and shake a character? That was me with Marco!
With Isaura and Kersei, I know in my previous reviews I've been fully in camp Team Kersei, but I truly ended up loving Isaura. The author has raked my heart over the coals with these two. Isaura's grace and gentleness shines through once again. And poor Kersei, she's always been so strong-willed, but has been "trying" to do better - make more adult choices and it's not easy for her. Same, Kersei, same.
Of course, Tigo and Jez are fully present. Their banter is some of my favorite throughout. I just love them together. They have a LOT to go through and I was clinging to them tightly. Same with Reef and Eija. Initially I forgot what was going on in their storyline, but it came back rather quickly after I got my bearings. Their "relationship" was so difficult because you can tell there's something there, but because of Eija's touch, Reef struggles with his feelings and thoughts.
There are layers upon layers to WoT. If you want a book that takes you on an emotional roller coaster, this is the one & the series for you! No way to be prepared for how all of it unfolds. The author had me second guessing everything I thought I "knew" was going to happen. On top of that, I can guarantee you that you'll want to join a support group specifically for this book.
With the end of this series, I finally understand why people's lives are changed by a book or a series. This one has done it for me. I will talk about it forever and ever. Was I surprised that a space opera, fantasy series is what got me? Yes, but anyone who reads it will completely understand.
Oof, that was intense. Since this is the last book in the series, I truly can't give many details without spoiling many, many things. But suffice it to say that Ronie Kendig must have a freakishly large brain to keep all of that story, multiple planets, characters, and all their individual machinations stored in there.😆 There was a lot to love and I really think the whole series deserves an award for sheer complexity handled with incredible skill. I smiled, I wept, I squealed with glee, and wept some more. It was a wild ride!
My few complaints about this final book in the series are that (no spoilers) there was a character I honestly wished hadn't had to die. It was predicted, but I kinda hoped for a twist that might make it unnecessary. Nope. No twist. That storyline was ultimately redemptive, but... yeah. I would have been just as happy with a twist on the prophecy or something. Even though the ending that we got was ultimately satisfying.
There were also two other characters where I genuinely didn't understand certain things about their deaths. The first one I... I didn't even understand what she was saying to her companion when she died. Genuine confusion on my part about the meaning of her words, and the reason she didn't go get in the healing tank, not to mention why she had to die at all.
And then a certain guy... the way his death was handled was another big ??? First of all, it was kind of depressing the way it was handled since his last moments are ones of grief. And it was another one where I didn't understand the meaning behind what was happening, much less the thoughts the character was thinking when he died. At the same time... did he actually die? I think he did since he was impaled. But then we just kind of leave him? I didn't like that it was never fully confirmed, and the character was never referenced again even though Marco knew him. It was a large-scale war, so I guess we didn't need to name all the fallen, but... It would have been nice to, at minimum, have a brief mention that the survivors put forth an effort to find and bury the dead and at least have a brief list of those characters we knew who didn't make it so that we aren't left wondering. Just, something to allow the reader to feel like the death was real. Otherwise, it almost makes me feel like one of those situations where, if we don't see the dead body, it's possible he survived somehow and might come back in a later story. Which would be fine, since I liked the character and I feel like there were many seeds for future stories at the end of the book. But this character's final scene just struck me as a little odd the way it was handled.
But anyway. Those gripes were pretty minor in a gigantic story that overall worked very well and had a satisfying and sweet ending. I truly loved how much redemption there was, and how much these characters grew over the course of this series. Kendig allowed them to be complex, flawed, and truly human. Overall, it's a story of hope in the darkest times, and enduring extreme hardship to see how God works it all out for the ultimate good in the long term.
I'm giving it it 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Content Advisory: This series, while clean, is very adult in tone, themes, complexity, and violence, so I would say that it's best for ages 18 and up unless a teen reader is particularly mature and interested in dense, complex space opera.
Language: Made up swear words only, like "Voids," "djell" "slag" etc.
Violence:
The War has officially started, so the vast majority of this book features near-constant violent events that are at Lord of the Rings level of intensity. Blood is mentioned frequently in relation to non-fatal injuries and deadly blows. The descriptions are generally not lingered upon, nor are they gratuitous. Occasionally, there's mention of the feeling or sight of blood on people or blood droplets floating in zero gravity.
One death scene of a major character is emotionally intense. While the cause of the individual's wounds are not described in detail, there is mention of pools of blood on the ground and clothes, and the character choking on it. Kendig has another character report what happened after the fact, without any gross detail. However, the concept of what happened could still be disturbing because we're told that the character If anyone would prefer to skip this part where dies, then skip the last 4 pages of chapter However, be aware that this death is referenced multiple times during the rest of the book due to the grief it causes.
Mention of a bullet hole in someone's head, but no description of it.
Someone loses an arm. The occurrence is abrupt, with minimal description. There's mention of lots of blood but the injury isn't described in extreme detail. There is, however, a fairly descriptive scene in which the wound is cauterized and there's mention of screaming and the smell of burning flesh.
Many mentions of enemies (many of whom are monstrous in appearance, but many humans as well) losing limbs and heads thanks to the heroes fighting with swords. But again, there is minimal description other than statements that it happened and sometimes the mention of the thud of falling bodies and parts.
Sometimes, there are mentions of the sound of breaking bone.
Sexual: Married couples flirt, share kisses, and loving touches. Some unmarried couples also flirt and share a kiss or two. The kisses are described, some briefly and some a bit longer, and there is a sensual tinge to many of them. However, the scenes don't cross the line into sexual.
It's implied a couple of times that a married couple is laying in bed together, but they're only talking in these scenes.
Someone calls someone else "sexy."
There's a scene where a woman is bathing in the river (not described) and some lecherous men head her direction, but another man stops them and makes them leave.
Spiritual/Religious: There has been Christian spirituality throughout this series, thouough it's only in the last two books where the reader finally gets enough information to learn about the true nature of certain entities in the story.
"The Ladies," and "Do'st" are female and male angel-like beings, respectively. Angel-like because, while they have wings, armor, and abilities beyond what humans can do (like great strength and traveling great distances in the blink of an eye) they aren't biblical representations of angels. They are fantasy beings that bear a resemblance to angels. They're capable of making mistakes, but also learning from them, and the good ones are servants of "The Ancient," which is God. They can also have children who gain the same supernatural powers.
There are also evil fallen-angel-like beings that turned away from the Ancient and no longer look like angels. Instead, they look like corrupted monsters of shadow, with tentacles and claws.
Other: I flip-flopped about whether to include this because it's perfectly natural and realistic. But some readers, especially male readers, or young readers with no knowledge or experience with such things, may be uncomfortable with a brief scene from a woman's perspective in which she is experiencing breast discomfort and leakage due to not being able to breast-feed her babies for an extended period of time. She leaks on her shirt and awkwardly covers the stains. There's also an awkward (but brief) conversation between her and a man later where he reveals that he was aware of the issue and just didn't say anything so she wasn't embarrassed.
"Alas, despite our every effort, even if we survive it, I fear this war is designed to be one of torment." He [Marco] sniffed. Nodded. "Perfectly but painfully true: it is a war of torment."
I've got two alternate titles to this book to propose: "Marco Dusan And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Month" or "Tigo Deken: Love of My Life"
or "Ronie Has No Compassion On My Poor Nerves", that one would work too.
What an absolute ROLLERCOASTER of a novel. I wasn't sure how much more momentum we could gain after Shadow of Honor, but if life's taught me anything, it's that Ronie Kendig can handle an epic. That's exactly what War of Torment is: epic.
This final chapter in the Droseran Saga brings together all the threads Kendig wove through the first three books; almost every character we've spent time with is present (or at least mentioned) as the titular war we've been building to breaks loose. My Kindle notes are just... chaos in the best way (and they're not ALL about how in love with Tigo I am but a significant amount are centered on him 🤣) I want good things for these characters always and honestly, one of my first thoughts on finishing was that I'm ready to go on this journey again from the beginning.
This is truly a fantastic series, and this conclusion sealed that for me. Five stars (and too many tears and screams and happy dances to count)
alexa, play "The Great War" by Taylor Swift 😭
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
Wowzers!! What a grand finale! This was such a bittersweet read for me! I wanted to read a conclusion, just so I would FINALLY know what happens next... but I also didn't want to leave these characters and their world behind.
It was with much fear and trembling that I finally began to read this book.
You see, I've enjoyed this series so much that...well, I was scared to find out how it ended!
Do rest assured, however, Ronie Kendig is a master at this, and this last Droseran book absolutely reflects that.
I probably should have gone back and re-read the first three, because I did find myself floundering about a bit, in the beginning, trying to remember who the characters were, and what was going on.
The story is other-worldly. Completely out of my normal reading zone. And as such, I do find it a bit challenging. But...the characters! They are amazing!
This story is action packed. And the action keeps jumping around. First involving Marco and the struggles he is facing. His fears regarding Isaura and their unborn babe. Kersei. His brand, and his weapon arm. Marco seems to be a different person than he was earlier, and he's not sure how to reconcile everything that is happening.
Then, we see it from Eija's and Reef's viewpoints, their fight.
And Tigo and Jez. And many others.
It is very difficult to try and write a review without giving any spoilers. You absolutely must have read all the other books before you try and read this one.
This story is mostly about the war that is happening on the Droseran planet. (I think I'm saying it right...) So there is lots of warring going on.
There is also...romance, at least a little bit.
There are many deep and thought provoking themes running through the story.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys clean sci-fi or fantasy.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This story world is BRILLIANT! I feel like every review I post of this series has more hyperbole, but I just can't express how much I love this ensemble cast and this epic storyline that explores such dynamic themes of redemption, purpose, faith, and good vs evil with supernatural elements. On top of this, there are threads of friendship, romance, loyalty, and twists -- especially some big reveals in this final book.
If you are remotely interested in reading a space opera saga or a sci-fi story with almost medieval elements, I highly recommend you give this series a shot!
I'm sure there will be more gushing to come over this book.
This was an amazing conclusion to this series! I don't know how Ronie Kendig does it, but she created such an amazing story world that came alive and captures the reader to keep them spellbound for the entirety of the book! While reading, I felt all of the emotions. I was so excited to read it, but also scared because of some things that I could guess would be coming. This series (and this book) was unforgettable! I can't recommend it enough!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Ronie Kendig pulls out all the stops in this thrilling conclusion to the Droseran Saga. The emotions, action, and stakes are high from page one, and this book doesn't let you rest until you've finished every last sentence. I love this series, and would highly recommend finding yourself a set and binge reading. ;)
~~I received an early copy of this book for launch purposes and was not required to leave a positive review.~~
I could not put this book down. Adult responsibilities be cursed! I was completely invested in every character’s outcome and gutted by a few of them. Jadon Reef may have usurped my affection for Tigo Dekken in this book. It felt like there could be a spin off to this series and I. Am. Here. For. That!! This book was worth the wait. An emotional & epic rollercoaster with a satisfying ending.
A satisfying conclusion to the series. The only disappointment for me personally was the lack of an audiobook. I listened to the first three books of the series and loved the narrator. Why is there no audiobook available nearly a year after initial publication? My audiobook library is incomplete as is my enjoyment of this otherwise stunning series.
Okay, fine. I have got words, but none of them are quite enough to convey the amazingness that is War of Torment.
If you’ve been following me for a while, then you already know how excited I’ve been to read the final instalment of the Droseran Saga. I (along with a whole lot of other fans) have been waiting years to find out how it all ends, and I can now say that the wait was worth it!
War of Torment was everything I was hoping for and so much more. Although it was substantially longer than the others in the series, the pacing and action were balanced so perfectly that it really didn’t feel that long at all. There weren’t any moments where the plot dragged or something felt unnecessary, which is so unusual and highly impressive in a book of this size!
My favourite thing about this book (and the whole series really) is its characters. Though still the same cast we all fell in love with in Brand of Light, these characters have been pushed to their limits and beyond. Every character’s arc and development have been so well written, reflecting their individual journeys while keeping them very much still in true to who they were at the beginning.
Packed full of action, feeling, and depth, War of Torment certainly delivers on its title. A beautiful, heart-stopping conclusion to a truly magnificent series, it is sure to keep you in its grip until long after you’ve turned the last page.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
2024-2025 reread (with my husband) I love this story so much! So happy to share this saga with my hubby! ♥️
My original review:
War of Torment is book 4 in the Droseran Saga. This is a series you MUST read in order, so if you haven’t already started it, you’ll want to get Brand of Light (book 1) and begin at the beginning.
My thoughts:
This book has literally All. The. Feels. Be forewarned—you will likely want to have tissues nearby while reading this book.
To avoid any potential spoilers all I’m gonna say about War of Torment is it’s amazing and wonderful and such a good conclusion to an epic story!
If you enjoy a well-written, complex story that grabs onto your heartstrings, tugging them so hard it feels like your heart might be ripped right out of your chest (but not really), then this is the book (and series) for you.
War of Torment has already made my list of top ten reads for 2023!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
Note: This series is written for an adult audience. There are some made-up replacement words for cusses, fade to black intimate scenes between a married couple, and some war-related death descriptions. I recommend The Droseran Saga to adult readers who enjoy fantasy scifi and are looking for stories that don’t have descriptive scenes of intimacy or real-world cuss words.
I received an ebook ARC of War of Torment from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
I have a confession to make: I didn't like this book as much as I was hoping I would 🙈
Now, that confession doesn't mean there's anything wrong with this book, it just means I was expecting things to go certain ways and the way(s) they ended up going weren't what I was hoping for. I did feel like certain aspects dragged on longer than they needed to because there were so many moving parts/threads that needed to be wrapped up. Overall, this was a good way to end this series and I did like the epilogue bringing the vision full circle (although I have some thoughts on that...read below).
I'm going to put the rest of this review in spoilers just because I may rant a little, so you've been warned!
Okay, done with that! Like I said previously, this did a good job of wrapping things up although I do wonder if Ronie Kendig may decide to revisit this world later...there were a few storylines that weren't wrapped as neatly as they maybe could have been. So maybe there's a thread to follow sometime down the road?
Well, as soon as I found out that the Droseran Saga trilogy was going to have a fourth book I knew the ending was going to have to be a humdinger. I was not wrong. War Of Torment takes all of the myriad threads and draws them together in one final explosive (literally) showdown. Ronie Kendig's conclusion to her sci-fi series is intense and is best read at light-years – forget miles – per minute.
I've been anticipating this final Droseran Saga novel just as much as I have been dreading it. I've known all along that there would be some sad farewells to characters that I have come to like – turns out it was even more bittersweet than even I expected.
War Of Torment finally answered the questions that I have had all through this epic series – and trust me, clocking in at an impressive 1,700+ total pages according to one book site, epic is the correct word – and with it came some surprises along with even more betrayal and unexpected sacrifice. One thing I would like to note for readers of this series from Ronie Kendig, whether you read them together or at intervals, they MUST be read in order.
I've been reading the Droseran Saga since the first book released in 2019, I've invested many hours of reading into the characters and it hardly seems real that War Of Torment really is the end. How can my time in Ronie Kendig's vivid space world be over? Well, I guess the old saying holds true that all good things, and this series certainly has been, must come to an end...
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
War of Torment by Ronie Kendig is her thesis to the Space opera genre. This edition is over 500 pages long. With plenty of downtime, it takes quite a while for the story to take off. I believe it was about seventy percent into the novel before the actual war started. But trust me, once the war does start, Kendig’s writing for action and reaction shines across the pages. Even though the setting is taking place in a different world, it was relatable for the readers. Kendig does a fabulous job at crafting a world that is unfamiliar and making it familiar. As for the characters, many familiar faces. Some bad endings. Some good endings. Since readers, if they have read the whole series, have hung out with all the characters for about 2000 pages, they have been pretty well-developed and three-dimensional. While I will own all four of these novels, I would personally like to see more of her military men and their actions either to uncover more Biblical artifacts or some damsel in distress. Those were what attracted me to Kendig’s writing. Overall, War of Torment by Ronie Kendig is a long story with fully developed and aching characters with a familiar landscape, but it took a little bit of time to get to the war part of the series. If fans love science fiction, then this might be just the book for them.
I received a complimentary copy of War of Torment by Ronie Kendig from Enclave Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
This long-awaited finale of the Droseran Saga does not disappoint! Kendig draws this sweeping intergalactic fantasy to an epic, heartrending, and exhilarating conclusion that kept me up all night. As always, the writing is vividly immersive, with a break-neck pace that tumbles on like an avalanche–once you start reading, you can’t hardly stop! And the intense battle of, what? 5? armies was a mirror to the emotional gauntlet (rollercoaster is too tame a word) of what this endearing cast of characters experienced—and put me through! It explores loss, grief, and the things it can do to a person, offering compassion on the one hand and a depthless pit of anger and darkness on the other. Marco and Kersei’s journeys of hurt and healing throughout this entire series are incredible, hard, and, in the end, acutely rewarding with one of the sweetest, full-circle endings I’ve ever seen, made more beautiful and satisfying by the trials and painful growth they endured—and them only two of the heroes who fought, bled, sacrificed, and snarked their way into my heart. A truly amazing story!
This is my first space opera and these four books are DEFINITELY WORTH OF YOUR TIME! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ War of Torment is suspenseful, unputdownable, and you will surely devour every page. A highly satisfying book! I am so excited to hold my copy. 😭
If this is your first time seeing this series, you must first read Brand of Light, next is Dawn of Vengeance, then Shadow of Honor. Last will be War of Torment.
Note: I recommend this book for 18+ readers because of some heavy topics and scenes.
Everything I thought it would be. I knew Ronie was going to rip me to shreds in this book and I was write. But she put me back together again for that incredible ending. Marco, my love, you are always on my mind!
Heart in throat, can’t catch my breath, nonstop action…the “I don’t want it to end, but I can’t wait to find out what happens” finale of the Droseran Saga. Be prepared for tears, cheers, and late night hours because you can’t put it down!
Marco has returned, but the war has followed him. How will the prophecies be fulfilled when all looks lost? Kersei’s son and Isaura’s soon-to-be-born daughter are the heirs, the future of Kalonica, but will there be a Kalonica to rule?
Surprises await as true identities of key players are revealed, yet the war to end all wars (or start them?) seems hopeless. Master Story Crafter Ronie Kendig wraps up all story lines as they come together in one huge finale that leaves you in a breathless daze. You will want to read this series again and again!
Vanko Marco! Vanko Kalonica! Vanko Drosero!
*I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
OMG!!!! I can’t believe this series is over! 😭😭😭 From the 1st chapter of book 1, I was hooked & I’ve been all in on this wild, wild journey ever since. All the ups & downs, the CLIFFHANGERS, the joy & sadness—I’ve felt like I’ve been in the story alongside Marco, Isaura, Kersei, Tigo, etc, etc the whole time. Now that it’s over, I’m a bundle of emotions! 🥺😭❤️ • I knew War of Torment would be just as epic as the rest of the series, & boy did it deliver. Think Avenger’s Endgame level of epic-ness! The scope and scale, the high-octane action, all the high-stakes conflict faced by every one of these beloved characters—I felt like I had to read through the shield of my fingers, terrified to see what would happen LOL! As expected, there were some gut wrenching moments… 😭😭😭 But so many amazing moments too! I literally raised my fist in a cheer at one point 😂 • Marco’s journey, in particular, takes a dark turn. The horror of the war he instigated on Drosero takes a toll in more ways than one, & seeing his struggle was painful to read at times. I wanted to shake him & say, “NO!!! STOP IT!!” so many times, but I had to trust that our beloved Medora Marco Dusan would find his way through the dark eventually… Does he find his way, though????? You’ll have to read & see! 🤫 • If you thought the previous books were intense… Oh boy, you ain’t seen nothing yet! This one takes it to another level & is quite violent & bloody, due to the severity of the war. If that’s a trigger point for you, just be forewarned! • I’ve been sincerely afraid to see how this series would end, unsure whether it would leave me happy or devastated 😣 Through the last few chapters, there were lots of tears shed 😭, but there was plenty of happiness to go around as well. My heart is hurting, and yet satisfied with the conclusion to this epic story of galactic proportions. ❤️ • I’m so happy to have read this series, & thankful to the genius creative mind that is Ronie Kendig or writing it! A part of my heart will always be on Drosero ❤️ “Vanko Marco! Vanko Kalonica!” • **I received a copy of this book for review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.**
This is literally one of my favourite ever series, so expectations going into the fourth, and final, book were absolutely SKY HIGH!!!
Needless to say, it was an ABSOLUTE rollercoaster ride!! I gasped, I cried, I was stunned, I was shocked, I squealed with joy… basically, I felt all the things!!!!
And that ending!!! Oh my word, that ending! It could not have been any more perfect!! And there’s nothing better than when a book and/or series that has absolutely torn your heart out leaves you grinning like an idiot in pure joy at it’s ending!!
This book was absolutely everything I wanted it to be - and more!!! I could not have wished for a better conclusion to the series & as usual, there was action, twists and drama galore! In trademark Ronie-style this was definitely rapid-fire fiction. It starts in the middle of the action & the action doesn’t stop until the end!
And those character journeys! Oh my!! I’m not going to say too much here, because I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but what I will say is that the character arcs were PHENOMENAL! Especially Marco’s. Honestly, it’s Marco. Need I say more? But truly, I have no words for how well his arc was written in this book. No words. Especially as regards a certain scene that involves Marco, Kersei & a certain weapon (IYKYK, if not, my lips are sealed!).
I could honestly keep raving about this book all day, but I’ll leave it at this - if you’ve already read the first 3 books, I promise this book is going to make you very happy (although it might rip your heart out on the way there!! 😂)!!! And if you haven’t read the series yet - what are you waiting for?!??
Do. Not. Miss. This. Series.
Seriously.
And thank you SO, SO, SO much Ronie & Enclave Publishing for gifting me an ARC!
This was an epic conclusion! I personally was heartbroken through much of it due to my love of a certain character. The cover art made it obvious. Yes, it was hard to get through some parts, I was very sad through others 😭, major surprises, 😱🤯 heavy heart at other times, great banter between characters. I have read the other 3 books 2 times fully through. I loved them❣️❣️❣️
It is fantastic, a roller coaster of a ride. There are so many surprises. Loss, love, hurt, forgiveness, snarkiest, arrogance, traitors, sadness, refusals, rallying cries, sacrifice, self denial, ego, jealousy, battles, wings. There were some amazing character arcs I loved! There were a couple of arcs I wished had more. Marco, Isaura, Ixion, Tigo, Jez, Eija, Reef, & Admiral Deken are my favorites. Yep, Kersei never was. So I will forever be saddened by a certain character arc. 💔
I hope to reread it later in a different mindset in the future. I’ll give this book 4 stars and I give the series 7 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I have recommended the series to many family members I love it so much!! This saga is in my top 3 book series to re-read. 📚❤️🤩 Marco is one of the very best fictional characters ever!!!
Anyway, these are my musings. All my own opinions from a reader who loves this saga. I will need to re-read it in a couple of years.
So I finished the book, and it took my way longer than should have. I must be the only one on the planet who wanted Isaura survive.
A highly anticipated final chapter that did not disappoint. Did it have me bawling on two separate occasions? Yes. Did it fill me with immense satisfaction to see this story completed? Yes. Was it worth all the agony of the three previous books (and this one)? Yes.
There is one particular part in this book that hit me so hard that it gave me the courage to get up and do a very important thing. One I was afraid to do. I know this is personal and not actually a *review* but that was a big deal to me in that moment, so this book will always have a special place in my heart.