This has been a really intricate and action packed trilogy, but while I enjoyed this third and final book, I do feel that the ending was very anti-climactic and that overall, the author was trying to do too much within the trilogy. I thought that some of the characters here, our key players predominantly, had satisfying story arcs, but there were others that were written out very quickly or died off page, which I found incredibly frustrating. I think that this is a fascinating world and one that definitely bears more exploration, which I don't think the author was quite able to accomplish within the trilogy. I think the scope of the story would have worked better as a four book series because for me, there was too much left unexplained which left me feeling ultimately disappointed. I would still recommend the trilogy, but I do wish the author had been given another book to tie things up more.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I started this series earlier this year hoping it would become a new favourite of mine, given all the popularity and comparisons with one of my favourite authors. What I got in return was a mildly entertaining first book which then followed by a disappointing sequel and an even more disappointing final instalment. This series had so much potentials, but by the end I was just annoyed at myself for not stopping at the first book. Here's a few reasons I'd give to my younger self to quit early:

<b> Character development, where are thou? </b>
In the first book I liked Wirr so much because he reminded me of Elend, and he wasn't a special snow flake like his bestie so I thought his point of view would be better. But in this book I ended up hating him. So remember how in book 2 he couldn't bring himself to use his magic stone? because moral and stuff? early in this book we see that he has no problem doing that. Why the change in moral? who knows, who cares? We should just take author's word for it that somehow between book 2 and book 3 he changed. Somehow between all the praise this series was getting, people forgot to mention the contradictory characterisation in this book would put SJM to shame!

<b> Mary Sues, Mary Sues everywhere. </b>
So, remember how in the first book Kavian and Caeden were the only Mary Sues in the story? Personally, I think even one Mary Sue per story is way too much. But this series is essentially filled with them. Somehow between book 2 and book 3 Asha and Wirr joined the Mary Sue gang, with each one of them getting some upgrade and becoming super special snowflakes. Good stories, rely on well-written characters to carry them out, not a gazillion magical powers.

So that's it. I can't stand this book, because I can't stand badly written characters. And I can't stand authors who think magical powers make up for the lack of character development.

Sorry, I thought it was a new book by this author and re-requested it :(
This was my review:
"Even if I didn't read the previous instalment in this series I was attracted by the blurb and Robert Jordan name.
It was an engrossing and entertaining read, well written and I was hooked till the end.
I loved the great world building, the amazing cast of characters and the well crafted plot.
I already got the other books in this series because I want to read them.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine."

Hello Everyone and welcome back to The Book in Hand for another review!

Here are a few things you can expect from this book:

Mmmm, so it is pretty complex;
An epic and utterly satisfying conclusion;
Still 10/10 for its characters; and
A masterfully complex series but one you can follow and enjoy.

On to the full review…

“Faithful people suffer and evil people prosper all the time, Davian—you must know that is true. Besides, if our actions are driven only by reward or punishment—eternal or otherwise—then they are motivated by greed and selfishness, not faith or love.”

Ok, so I am going to start this review with one of its easier points! There is a lot to love about this book, and the trilogy as a whole but it can be so hard to get your words out, especially ones that truly do justice for the book in hand (see what I did there)…

Ok, I know that was bad. Back to the review…

Something I always appreciate in a book, and what this trilogy has continually impressed me with is the writing. It is no unknown thing that this is a fairly complex trilogy, and this book goes even further than the others but Islington’s writing made it that much more manageable. And good lawddd!! The authenticity of the dialogue in this book is so on point. This trilogy has so much going for it but one of the strengths for me is the humour, in a book that is complex, heartfelt and thoughtful the insertion of humour is much needed and so well done. It is just the humour I love too.

Wirr glowered. “Easy for you lot to say,” he grumbled.
Caeden glanced across at him. “We’ll make sure you’re safe. We’re all painfully aware that you’re the weakest one here.”
“It’s a little awkward,” concurred Asha.
“Lucky you’re a prince, really,” continued Davian absently, peering over the edge into the raging white water. “You wouldn’t have a whole lot going for you if you didn’t have—”
“All right,” growled Wirr.

This book and the books before it are actually quite emotional books, they have such strong themes that are so beautifully written and brought to life with the incredible characters we have come to know and love.

When starting this trilogy the third book was already out and there was a lot of hype for its conclusion. That hype is not over-exaggerated. All I will say on the matter is that it is utterly satisfying and the ending the series needed. You know that feeling, when you are at a concert and everyone is singing the final song, chanting loud and full of life, the music stops and it is just the crowd carrying on the song. You’re both elated from the experience and sad it is going to end…that is what this book is.

I have said it before, but I will say it again…This series has a cast of characters that are simply outstanding and their development and growth both individually and as a group of friends never once failed to surprise and impress me. This book will give you ALL the feels, some good and some bad but all worth it. The level of emotion this books pulls from you as a reader is exceptions to say the least.

There isn’t really much I can say that I haven’t said already in my two past reviews of this series. I totally get why people review a series as a whole after an initial review of the first book, might be the way forward.

This is a series I binged and it is one I will definitely reread, and I suspect a trilogy that I will read again and spot all sorts of little subtle reveals and just be an excited dope! The fact that I am able to have just finished this series and already be excited about any potential rereads just shows you how great this series is!

“It’s not enough to fight for the right side. You have to figure out how to fight the right way, too. If winning is truly all that matters, then we’ve lost sight of what’s actually right and wrong in the first place.”

THE RANKS:

BUY THE HARDBACK | BUY THE PAPERBACK | BUY THE EBOOK | LIBRARY RENTAL OR SALE PURCHASE

While I don’t actually own the Hardbacks for this, if I could get my hands on them I SO would. These books are incredibly fun, have some of the best characters I’ve read and are books I have no doubt I will reread!

A truly epic finale to a great epic fantasy trilogy. The author has borrowed ideas from here and there but woven them into a story uniquely his own. A very accomplished and perfectly crafted ending for an individual, complex and exciting fantasy story.

It is really the end, isn't it? I am not ready to leave this world and I have still so many questions!
But I loved the journey, and the end, and the twists, and Davian and Caeden and Wirr and Asha and Taeris... and all of them!
So... to get back to where I started... I am not ready to leave this book.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed in this are my own.
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I was excited for the last book in the series and this did not disappoint!

An absolutely riveting ride, I just had to read this in one go.
The plot was really well-paced in this one and the ending was fantastic and answered many of my questions. What I most enjoyed about it, however, was that it did not give away everything and left just enough of a cliffhanger to perhaps continue the series (hopefully!).

This is definitely one of my most favourite fantasy series now and Islington's unique writing style is something I really wish to see more of. Also, I did not mention this in my previous reviews but the cover art is absolutely stunning for all three books!

Overall rating: 5/5 stars

Whilst I received a free copy of the book to review, I realised I had already pre-ordered this book two years ago and received a copy a year ago. Due to some authors seeming never to finish their series (Patrick Rothfuss etc.) I have got into the habit of only reading series after they finish. Luckily the free review copy reminded me I already own the series, so I settled down to read it.

I usually would spend some time writing an in-depth review, however I paid for this book already. So here are my thoughts. Book 1 was amazing. Book 2 was not up to the standard set in book 1, though it was still a good book. Book 3 continues to grow and evolve the characters. It provides a greater depth to the plot, which becomes increasingly more complex. If you've read the first 2 books you're going to read this one, and enjoy it. If you have not, then you should start on book 1.

This book successfully accomplished something that many other series failed in. It ends well, plot threads are tied up satisfyingly, and you are left content in the ending. A great book and a great series recommended.

With thanks to Little, Brown Book Group and James Islington for an Advanced Copy

5 Stars!

What a fabulous conclusion to a great series!

I love this world. I spent what felt like a life time after reading An Echo of Things To Come to return to the world of Davian, Caeden, Asha and Wirr.

This is modern epic fantasy at it's finest. there really isn't anything else that needs to be said.

While I found the first half quite slow, the second half was amazing and I loved it! Almost all of my questions were answered and omg I loved it so much, especially the ending which was bittersweet in a way. Technically this rating should be about 4.25 stars bc the first half was 3.5 stars and the second is 4.5 but I give it 0.75 for enjoyment because omg I loved it so so much and I will definitely reread this trilogy at some point.

I absolutely loved the end and it answered a lot of the questions and theories I had at the end of book 2.