Chains of the Heretic

Bloodsounder's Arc, Book 3

By: Jeff Salyards

Narrated by: Kris Chung

Men are more easily broken than myths.

Emperor Cynead has usurped command of the Memoridons - Tower-controlled memory witches - and consolidated his reign over the Syldoonian Empire. After escaping the capital city of Sunwrack, Captain Braylar Killcoin and his Jackal company evade pursuit across Urglovia, tasked with reaching deposed emperor Thumarr and helping him recapture the throne. Braylar's sister, Soffjian, rejoins the Jackals and reveals that Commander Darzaak promised her freedom if she agreed to aid them in breaking Cynead's grip on the other Memoridons and ousting him.

Imperial forces attempt to intercept Braylar's company before they can reach Thumarr. The Jackals fight through Cynead's battalions but find themselves trapped along the Godveil. Outmaneuvered and outnumbered, Braylar gambles on some obscure passages that Arki has translated and uses his cursed flail, Bloodsounder, to part the Godveil, leading the Jackals to the other side. There, they encounter the ruins of human civilization, but they also learn that the Deserters who abandoned humanity a millennium ago and created the Veil in their wake are still very much alive. But are they gods? Demons? Monsters? What Braylar, Soffjian, Arki, and the Jackals discover beyond the Godveil will shake an empire, reshape a map, and irrevocably alter the course of history.

©2016 Jeff Salyards (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Gritty, grounded and still fantasy.

a story that doesn't make the fantasy adventure part sound glamorous. Even better is that the main character doesn't become some bullshit chosen one. Everything feels earned and palatably bitter.

A solid last book for the trilogy

I enjoyed this book more than I did the second, it felt more balanced in regards to exposition, character moments and bloody battles. In regards to character development the payoff is worth it, you really get to see how much Arky has grown from book one to here as well as how his relationship to his travel companions has changed.

One slight sour thing is the ending, which without spoiling things I feel could’ve been drawn out more to give it more Oomph. The ending does not ruin the book however, overall satisfied with this trilogy.

Now this is how you finish a Trilogy!

I was so excited when this book came out on Audible, I bought it immediately. The first two books were so good, and I had high hopes for this one. I was not disappointed. In fact, I was blown away by how good this book was! The author had some loose ends to tie off from the last book, and he did an exceptional job tying them all together, taking the story in directions I didn't expect, and giving an epic finish that will have your heart pounding the whole time. The story starts off wwith the Jackals and their archivist Arki on the run from the whole Syldoon Empire is hot on their heels. Forced closer and closer to the Godveil, Arki finally translated the ancient documents and finds that Braylar Killcoin and Bloodsounder can part the veil. Passing across the veil, they encounter the Deserters, and it all goes crazy from there. Needless to say, there are lots of epic battles, excellent dialogue, and character growth for all the characters. Relationships are made and tested, limits are crossed, and characters show their true colors. Will the Syldoon empire survive? Well, you have to listen and see. The dialogue is such a strength of this book, with the interactions between characters flowing so naturally and believably, and you can't help but root for a lot of the characters, and despise the ones you should. Is it Grimdark? Sure, but with enough humor that it doesnt overload you with dark despair. As far as the narration, Kris Chung did such a great job bringing these characters to life! I will not be able to read the book without hearing his voices in my head. He really moves the pace along, never letting it get monotonous. Any fan of Mark Lawrence, Glen CookTim Marquitz or Mark Barnes should love this epic fantasy finsher. There is even room for sequels if the author so chooses, in my opinion, and I know I'd sure like that.

Disappointed in the ending

I loved this series and loved this book right up until the end. I really thought the ending was anticlimactic. I expected much more drama during the final battle and a much longer wrap up. I feel a little cheated. Still a great read. Highly recommend.

Awesome End To The Series

Each book in the Bloodsounder's Arc has been enjoyable and an improvement on the one before it. Chains of the Heretic is a perfect close to the series.

The book picks up right after the second, and quickly dives right into the action. Plenty of twists and unexpected problems land in our heroes' laps and they keep the pace going strong throughout. The story arc for our narrator feels natural and he's come a long long way since the first novel. Salyards ties up all his loose ends and finished the book beautifully.

Kris Chung has done another fine job performing the story. The voices and pacing were very well done and only enhanced the novel itself.

Loved it.