-
Paths of Alir
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 3
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Series: A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 3
- Length: 34 hrs and 44 mins
- Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Audible Premium Plus
$14.95 a month
Buy for $41.99
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Kingdom Blades
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 4
- By: Melissa McPhail
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 42 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After the events the first three books in Melissa McPhail's award-winning epic fantasy series, A Pattern of Shadow and Light, the realm of Alorin remains unbalanced. The Fifth Vestal, Bjorn van Gelderan, has cast his Players on the field. Now they must hold their positions against Malorin'athgul as well as their immortal allies. In Kandori...Prince Ean val Lorian is bound to Bjorn van Gelderan's game and to his sister Isabel, but Ean would rather be free of both of them. Yet he fears the game won't let him.
-
-
Awesome
- By garrett on 03-25-17
By: Melissa McPhail
-
The Dagger of Adendigaeth
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 2
- By: Melissa McPhail
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 29 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At long last, the reason for the blessed Adept race's decline has been discovered: powerful beings known as Malorin'athgul are disrupting the Balance and preventing Alorin's Adepts from awakening to their gifts. Who are they? Where are they? And how can they be stopped when they wield a power meant to unmake the universe itself? In T'khendar, Prince Ean val Lorian has forsaken his companions in blood and battle to join the traitorous Fifth Vestal in T'khendar in the hopes of gaining some insight into the tragedies that plagued his return.
-
-
too much gay stuff, wth was up with that?
- By Amazon Customer on 04-23-17
By: Melissa McPhail
-
The Sixth Strand
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 5
- By: Melissa McPhail
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 36 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The First Lord's game has reached a critical apex. For the first time in millennia, the teams are equally matched. The field itself holds a kind of equilibrium. It is the task of Björn's Players to unbalance the field in their own favor in their great game to restore Balance to the Realms of Light. But with Malorin'athgul and now Warlocks returned to the realms, the game - and the stakes involved - has elevated to an entirely new order of magnitude, requiring Björn's Players to do the same.
-
-
Had to stop 10h in.
- By Alex on 01-21-20
By: Melissa McPhail
-
Cephrael's Hand
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 1
- By: Melissa McPhail
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 32 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Alorin...300 years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor's brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte's mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he'll have to find him....
-
-
Great Start to a new series
- By Michael on 09-08-16
By: Melissa McPhail
-
Arcanist
- Spellmonger, Book 12
- By: Terry Mancour
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 24 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After defending his fledgling realm against the undead lord Gaja Katar all winter long, Count Minalan of the Magelaw faces a new threat in the spring: the Nemovort Shakathet, favored of Korbal, leading the mighty hordes out of the Penumbra. This time, Minalan faces a real strategist; one who drives his armies with purpose and efficiency. The road to war leads through Megelin Castle and the vulnerable lands to the south of Vanado. Old enemies will become allies, and old friends will become valuable assets.
-
-
great but a few of the chapters are out of place
- By harlan pirrung on 12-05-20
By: Terry Mancour
-
Kingdoms and Chaos
- King's Dark Tidings, Book 4
- By: Kel Kade
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 16 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The future of the Ashaiian haven, the newly founded Kingdom of Cael, is anything but secured. Rezkin must seek recognition from the King of Gendishen if his people are to maintain possession of their island home and the enchanted secret it contains. In an unexpected twist, events overtake Rezkin, and he is thrust into a frustrating adventure to seek a worthless prize. He finds that his carefully constructed reputation as an indomitable foe has consequences as others seek to use his strengths for their own gain.
-
-
Great start poor finish
- By Vance Townsend on 02-16-19
By: Kel Kade
-
Kingdom Blades
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 4
- By: Melissa McPhail
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 42 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After the events the first three books in Melissa McPhail's award-winning epic fantasy series, A Pattern of Shadow and Light, the realm of Alorin remains unbalanced. The Fifth Vestal, Bjorn van Gelderan, has cast his Players on the field. Now they must hold their positions against Malorin'athgul as well as their immortal allies. In Kandori...Prince Ean val Lorian is bound to Bjorn van Gelderan's game and to his sister Isabel, but Ean would rather be free of both of them. Yet he fears the game won't let him.
-
-
Awesome
- By garrett on 03-25-17
By: Melissa McPhail
-
The Dagger of Adendigaeth
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 2
- By: Melissa McPhail
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 29 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At long last, the reason for the blessed Adept race's decline has been discovered: powerful beings known as Malorin'athgul are disrupting the Balance and preventing Alorin's Adepts from awakening to their gifts. Who are they? Where are they? And how can they be stopped when they wield a power meant to unmake the universe itself? In T'khendar, Prince Ean val Lorian has forsaken his companions in blood and battle to join the traitorous Fifth Vestal in T'khendar in the hopes of gaining some insight into the tragedies that plagued his return.
-
-
too much gay stuff, wth was up with that?
- By Amazon Customer on 04-23-17
By: Melissa McPhail
-
The Sixth Strand
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 5
- By: Melissa McPhail
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 36 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The First Lord's game has reached a critical apex. For the first time in millennia, the teams are equally matched. The field itself holds a kind of equilibrium. It is the task of Björn's Players to unbalance the field in their own favor in their great game to restore Balance to the Realms of Light. But with Malorin'athgul and now Warlocks returned to the realms, the game - and the stakes involved - has elevated to an entirely new order of magnitude, requiring Björn's Players to do the same.
-
-
Had to stop 10h in.
- By Alex on 01-21-20
By: Melissa McPhail
-
Cephrael's Hand
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 1
- By: Melissa McPhail
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 32 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Alorin...300 years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor's brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte's mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he'll have to find him....
-
-
Great Start to a new series
- By Michael on 09-08-16
By: Melissa McPhail
-
Arcanist
- Spellmonger, Book 12
- By: Terry Mancour
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 24 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After defending his fledgling realm against the undead lord Gaja Katar all winter long, Count Minalan of the Magelaw faces a new threat in the spring: the Nemovort Shakathet, favored of Korbal, leading the mighty hordes out of the Penumbra. This time, Minalan faces a real strategist; one who drives his armies with purpose and efficiency. The road to war leads through Megelin Castle and the vulnerable lands to the south of Vanado. Old enemies will become allies, and old friends will become valuable assets.
-
-
great but a few of the chapters are out of place
- By harlan pirrung on 12-05-20
By: Terry Mancour
-
Kingdoms and Chaos
- King's Dark Tidings, Book 4
- By: Kel Kade
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 16 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The future of the Ashaiian haven, the newly founded Kingdom of Cael, is anything but secured. Rezkin must seek recognition from the King of Gendishen if his people are to maintain possession of their island home and the enchanted secret it contains. In an unexpected twist, events overtake Rezkin, and he is thrust into a frustrating adventure to seek a worthless prize. He finds that his carefully constructed reputation as an indomitable foe has consequences as others seek to use his strengths for their own gain.
-
-
Great start poor finish
- By Vance Townsend on 02-16-19
By: Kel Kade
-
Legends of Ahn
- King's Dark Tidings, Book 3
- By: Kel Kade
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 16 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rezkin is an elite warrior who aims to restore order in Ashai after Caydean's attack on the King's Tournament transformed former allies and trading partners into enemies. With no army and only a ragtag group of refugees, Rezkin must wrest control of the kingdom from the mad and powerful usurper, who seems bent on destruction, and this may not be the biggest challenge. If he fails, the kingdom will be ripped apart, and Rezkin will have violated Rule 1 - to protect and honor his friends.
-
-
Are you kidding me?
- By Kimberly C. on 12-13-17
By: Kel Kade
-
Reign of Madness
- King's Dark Tidings, Book 2
- By: Kel Kade
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 19 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Equipped with skills far beyond those of the outworlders, Rezkin has been suddenly thrust into a foreign world. The young warrior clings to his only known purpose as he continues his search for any information about his identity and the reason for his existence. While the hardened warrior scorns both dueling and tournaments, he believes some of the answers he seeks may be found at the King's Tournament, the greatest dueling championship in all of the kingdoms.
-
-
Oh, very WELL DONE!
- By LD on 10-05-16
By: Kel Kade
-
Mage's Blood
- The Moontide Quartet, Book 1
- By: David Hair
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 26 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Most of the time the Moontide Bridge lies deep below the sea, but every 12 years the tides sink and the bridge is revealed, its gates open for trade. The Magi are hell-bent on ruling this new world, and for the last two Moontides they have led armies across the bridge on "crusades of conquest". Now, the third Moontide is almost here, and this time the people of the East are ready for a fight... but it is three seemingly ordinary people that will decide the fate of the world.
-
-
Nick Podehl is great as usual, but only read this if you've read everything else in the genre...
- By Chance on 07-24-17
By: David Hair
-
A Warrior's Knowledge, Book 2
- The Castes and the OutCastes
- By: Davis Ashura
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 18 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rukh Shektan and Jessira Grey struggle to reach the OutCaste city of Stronghold before winter's snow bars all passages. Their travels test Rukh's will and hope as Chimeras hound their footsteps, but the most difficult challenge proves to be Stronghold itself. The city is not as Jessira described.
-
-
drama drama drama
- By CaptCarey on 12-20-16
By: Davis Ashura
-
A Warrior's Penance
- By: Davis Ashura
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 19 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Following Stronghold's destruction, Rukh and Jessira lead the ragged remnants of the OutCastes on the long march to Ashoka. There they seek sanctuary for her people, but in order to do so they must overcome unyielding law that demands exile for all ghrinas. Meanwhile, Hal'El Wrestiva - exposed and reviled as the Withering Knife murderer - escapes from Ashoka and hatches one final scheme to resuscitate his soiled reputation.
-
-
Great book, wonderful narration
- By Cory on 08-04-16
By: Davis Ashura
-
Free the Darkness
- King's Dark Tidings, Book 1
- By: Kel Kade
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 16 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.
-
-
An unusual but delightful premise
- By Courtney on 03-07-18
By: Kel Kade
-
Defying Destiny
- The War of Broken Mirrors, Book 3
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Lydia gets a lead on the whereabouts of Jonathan Sterling, she concludes her training with a legendary immortal sorcerer and puts a plan in motion for his capture. Near Selyr, Taelien reunites with an old friend - Wrynn Jaden, the legendary Witch of a Thousand Shadows - and meets with Jonan to make a deal. Jonan, of course, has other concerns. His master, the legendary Lady of Thieves herself, has given him a new assignment - one that hints at world-shaping events, if he can survive the mission. He’ll partner with Velas, but she has her own problems to deal with.
-
-
This is a must read for the universe
- By ethan on 04-08-20
By: Andrew Rowe
-
Rhythm of War
- Book Four of The Stormlight Archive
- By: Brandon Sanderson
- Narrated by: Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
- Length: 57 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After forming a coalition of human resistance against the enemy invasion, Dalinar Kholin and his Knights Radiant have spent a year fighting a protracted, brutal war. Neither side has gained an advantage, and the threat of a betrayal by Dalinar’s crafty ally Taravangian looms over every strategic move. Now, as new technological discoveries by Navani Kholin’s scholars begin to change the face of the war, the enemy prepares a bold and dangerous operation. The arms race that follows will challenge the very core of the Radiant ideals.
-
-
Meh - boring
- By Louis on 11-22-20
-
A Warrior's Path
- The Castes and the OutCastes Book 1
- By: Davis Ashura
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 17 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sweeping from the majestic city of Ashoka to the perilous Wildness beyond her borders, enter a world where Caste determines mystical Talents, the purity of Jivatma expresses worth, and dharma may be based on a lie.Rukh Shektan has always understood duty. As a member of Caste Kumma, the warrior Caste, nothing else is acceptable. He is expected to take part in the deadly Trials, to journey the Wildness and protect the caravans linking Humanity's far-flung cities. Though the mission is dangerous, Rukh's hope and optimism are undaunted. Karma, however, is a fickle fiend.
-
-
Confounded and Confused
- By Gael Dalton on 12-20-16
By: Davis Ashura
-
Stealing Sorcery
- The War of Broken Mirrors, Book 2
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 16 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The immortal sorcerers - three legendary figures that toppled the empire of Xixis. Each has lived for over a hundred years, leaving a powerful legacy in their wake. But their children do not share their renowned immortality, and when the firstborn son of Edrick Theas is killed, sorceress Lydia Hastings is called to investigate the murder. When she discovers a sorcerous trail left by a creature of unfathomable power, she quickly realizes she needs outside help.
-
-
Wonderful Improvement
- By Jonathan on 09-04-16
By: Andrew Rowe
-
Diamantine
- Weapons and Wielders, Book 2
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 15 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After bonding with Dawnbringer, the Sacred Sword of Light, Keras Selyrian travels to the nation of Edria to compete in the Tournament of the Sacred Sword. The winner of the tournament will be given a chance to fight for the Sacred Sword of Stone if they can defeat the current wielder, the impossibly powerful Emperor of Edria, in single combat.
-
-
I am In shock!
- By Joshua on 07-08-20
By: Andrew Rowe
-
Scarlet Tides
- Moontide Quartet, Book 2
- By: David Hair
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 24 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A scarlet tide of Rondian legions is flooding into the East, led by the Inquisition’s windships flying the Sacred Heart, the bright banner of the Church's darkest sons. They are slaughtering and pillaging their way across Antiopia in the name of Emperor Constant. But the emperor's greatest treasure, the Scytale of Corineus, has slipped through his fingers and his ruthless Inquisitors must scour two continents for the artefact, the source of all magical power.
-
-
Such a good time
- By claire on 01-29-15
By: David Hair
Publisher's Summary
Powerful beings from the fringes of Chaos have come to the realm of Alorin. Fate bends to their will, and their will is set upon Alorin's destruction. Alone in understanding the threat they pose, Alorin's Fifth Vestal, Björn val Gelderan, has launched a desperate plan to stop them: a "great game" played upon the tapestry of mortal life. Now, in Paths of Alir, Björn's Players have taken the field.
Along the lush Caladrian coast of Agasan, the truthreader Tanis d'Giverny returns to the place of his birth and finds mysterious and wonderful workings waiting for him. But the zanthyr Phaedor warns Tanis that ominous events lie ahead, and the lad soon wonders if even his mother's magical lessons will be enough to keep him alive.
In the dungeons of Tal'Shira, held prisoner by the Adept Inquisitor Taliah hal'Jaitar, Prince Trell val Lorian is facing a life of enslavement. Only two paths lie open before him: one means an eternity of torture fighting Taliah's attempts to break him; the other requires surrendering to her will. But can he really sacrifice everything he is to walk Taliah's path of twisted magic known as mor'alir?
In the snow-bound Castle of Tyr'kharta, Prince Ean val Lorian must choose to save his brother Sebastian or his loyal men. But to choose his men means leaving Sebastian to an eternity of enslavement; while rescuing Sebastian means abandoning his friends, and his honor along with them. Either decision will test Ean's newfound skills, as well as his conviction, for as the prince soon learns, once a man becomes a Player in the First Lord's game, not even death can give reprieve.
More from the same
What listeners say about Paths of Alir
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Shelby Clark
- 08-30-17
Upsetting Story Plot
I loved the series until this book. The sheer amount of rape in the story made me sick to read. I couldn't finish it.
14 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Shaun Krogulski
- 02-09-17
had higher hopes for this book
I really enjoyed book 1, book 2 was a bit of a let down so this one really had to knock it out of the park. unfortunately it didn't. Many of the concepts and rules established in the previous books were either reverse or just ignored. Many plot points took to long to get to where you knew they were heading. Overall I wasn't happy with most of the book.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 11-11-16
Just getting better
This series (with the exception of the crazy love scenes in book 2) has been amazing. The magic system and world building is tremendous!
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- D. Kuhn
- 10-31-16
Starting to drag... starting to get repetitive...
Would you listen to Paths of Alir again? Why?
Doubtful... while there were some quite good parts to the book, where it should have been a 'penultimate' it was instead a 'middle book'. Why can't authors just stick to Trilogies... they all seem to be able to keep things tight that long but middle books tend to fall apart when they decide to go for more.
Would you recommend Paths of Alir to your friends? Why or why not?
If you're reading the series then yes... but I'd wait for book four (which hopefully will be the last).
What about Nick Podehl’s performance did you like?
Nick is great... nuff said.
Any additional comments?
Great in spots but suffering from middle book malaise. And whats the deal with men getting raped and borderline pedophilia against boys... I suspect the author was afraid to include that sort of violence against women - but it's OK if its a man or boy?
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 01-22-18
Gratuitous rape, violence, and betray.
There might be some spoilers here.
So if you think the sex/rape scenes in the previous book were disconcerting, you haven’t seen anything yet. The author basically whores out Isabel, Trell is turned into some weird sex slave, and Ean is turned into a cuck. Chapter 60. Completely ruined the book and the series for me. Nick Podehl’s narration was marvelous, but the writing of the book....I need a series of showers to get the filth off of me.
14 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- prettypenny
- 05-26-17
Could have been great
the story itself is fantastic. Epic world building, awesome magic concept. I am often annoyed with the authors over use of archaic words ex, if I hear the word troth again I may puke. she goes off on philosophical tangents much much too often. and for Petes sake stop arching eyebrows and biting lips (where are those editors?) I also am not fond of the overly explicit scenes of sexual torture. that's where she lost me as a major fan. while I would still rate Mcphail in my top 10 of great epic fantasy writers, I think this kind of graphic content goes overboard. There is an art called subtle innuendo. Not everyone wants their ears/minds raped over and over.
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- James
- 06-02-17
Dropped off in the ending
The story has some forgivable holes in it, but it really drops off toward the end. It becomes very predictable and makes light of talents unimaginable in earlier books. I'll give the next book a shot, but I feel like the strength has left this series.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Isaac
- 10-31-17
Definitely took a turn in the series
Rape. Abuse. Situational morality where the end is justified by the horrific means of whoring out. I guess the author thinks self-worth and sex are cheap. Would not recommend starting the series after getting to this book. Definitely not my taste.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Levis
- 12-02-20
very engaging
this book has a lot of twists and turns the writing style was very engaging.
I enjoy the magic system very well it brings a new pattern to my life that I haven't seen before.
I just got to look at those little threads sticking out just waggling around to really appreciate life in general and to save...
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- danny lane
- 11-06-20
amazing story telling.
Loved this story all the way through can't wait for the next book. Great story.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- bdg
- 09-26-18
Melodramatic, whiny and poorly executed
I made the silly mistake of buying this whole series of books based on reviews and the length of each book represented pretty good value for money.
It’s only that investment and a rather dogged stubbornness that has gotten me this far but now, 2.5 books in, I have to admit defeat. It’s rare that I’ll stop reading a book series having gotten this far in but the adolescent writing style and cartoonish narration have finally beaten me into submission.
It takes a truly amazing writing talent to take every strong, heroic character who is introduced in the book and turn them into a snivelling, whiny caricatures of themselves. And Nick Podehl’s nasal, clumsy narration only exacerbates the situation.
It’s a shame as the fundamental plot is rather fun and a few good characters do provide some light relief from this maelstrom of pathetic shadows of heroism but I give up, I can’t listen to another word and I’m off to find something to listen to that doesn’t make we want to strangle the author!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Chris
- 02-03-17
An exceptional book
Paths of Alir has become one of my favourite audiobooks. The series "A pattern of shadow and light" lures you in with Cephrael's hand, and once you are familiar with the characters it becomes addictive to find out how each character's path interacts with others.
The imagination that Melissa conveys is magnificent. The descriptions are full and vivid but easy to envisage. For me this was the best of the series so far, primarily because the adepts explore their powers a little more.
I can't write a review that gives this book and Melissa's world enough credit.
Nick Podehl's performance was yet again flawless. Can't wait for the next one to be released in February!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Elizabeth
- 10-31-16
Fab book
Loved this book and find that the series is really gathering pace. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
If you love the Wheel of Time books you'll probably love this series too.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Lulu
- 10-25-16
Serves as a Long but Necessary Interlude
Firstly this series is fantastic and mesmerising- you'll want to see it through not only because you'll have invested so many hours reading it, but also and mainly because the story just keeps building up with intrigue, mystery and complexity, leaving you desperate to see the culmination of the plans and plots and, especially what seems will be the most epic battle in the history of sci-fi!! It's like Game of Thrones but thankfully and hopefully, unlike GOT, we will be rewarded with an end!
This, Book 3, unfortunately contains very graphic details of rape and torture (something for which I'd liked to have been forewarned). It'd would have been nice if the voluntary acts of lovemaking were given equal and more erotic description but alas, the author obviously has a greater appreciation of the perverse.
Also, this Book, though containing a lot of action, is really that part of the series where we really get to know the key players in the game, their history and see their key moments of character development. It therefore becomes very obvious from the start as you oscillate between boredom and ordinary interest, that this is not the final book, and that given the pace and building complexity of the story, neither will the next book bring forth the end that we so anxiously seek.
Another disappointing aspect of this particular book is that at many points the story becomes predictable.
But I've been too harsh in my analysis, compelled by the much better quality of story in the previous books 1 and 2. I have no doubt that Book 3 is integral to the understanding of the story as a whole; this book forms that necessary interlude one needs to gain understanding and preparation for rest of the story as it builds towards its conclusion.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jonathan
- 10-21-16
This series is a masterpiece
It's been a while since I enjoyed a series of books like these. I cannot recommend them enough absolutely fantastic on all counts. I challenge any fantasy fan to disagree Mellissa Mcphail is one hell of a writer. Thank you so much for your work Melissa.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Rickie
- 11-06-20
just awsome
Awesome story. Going to have to get next book as soon as possible. I managed to get my wife into this series too. Highly recommended
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Poppey
- 05-21-20
The Last Fortress
My only surprise was that everyone made it to the end of the book without being killed, although most of them didn’t make it unscathed. Sexual content was quite hardcore.
Phaedor takes Tanis back to his place of his birth, where he learns more about his talents from the patterns his mother has left for him in the hope he can follow the strands. We also get a hint of who his parents are. He is then taken to the Sormitage, where he is to gain his ring(s), though some things are not to be. However, there he meets Nadia, Heir of the Agasan Throne, and his life is to become even more complicated.
Ean has a choice to make: Save his men or save his Brother Sebastian at Tyr’kharta.
Isobel decides to follow her own path and leaves Ean. However, her decision will have long terms effects and will cost her dearly.
Trell has been spirited away to the dungeons in the Fortress of Darroyhan by the Mor’alir Adept Taliah hal’Jaitar, whose sole purpose is to break him and bend him to her will. But Trell has a strong sense of honour which will endure.
The Malorin’athgul continue to upset the cosmic balance and Bjorn val Gelderan has an uphill struggle. But, the balance is about to shift. Peles finally choses his path and it is one his brothers will not like.
Ean is still on his mission of moaning and groaning and is proving there is no limit to his immaturity.
Thank goodness I purchased the series and did not have to wait for the next book.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- S. Putwain
- 07-06-19
Magnificent to the end
What a journey, I can't stop listening it has me bound to it. One of the best I've listened too, bought extra credits so I can carry straight on with book 4
Brillant storyline what a marvellous mind this author has... Thank you for an amazing journey please don't stop lol.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 06-03-19
yo yo
This series is a roller coaster of emotions .I love it and became deeply addicted to the authors imagination and in depth philosophy. A beautiful and magical experience .
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 05-18-19
Brilliant but triggering
This really is a great book, and the author has done a brilliant job creating every aspect of it. But I think it's worth noting that if you have experiences of abuse it can be hard to listen to at times. It doesn't take away from the joy of the story, but it's something to prepare for.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Samantha
- 01-02-21
Gets very dark
Book 3 follows the complicated storyline of many great characters. The story remains complex with many unpredictable turns, and some of the questions nagging at you from the series get answered.
I found this book to be noticeably dark with lots of detailed rape scenes, witchcraft, enslavement, torture and dominion. I found these took away from the great storyline underpinning the overall narrative.
I'm too invested in the story to not finish the series, but if you don't like dark scenes, I warn you this gets gross.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Christopher
- 08-31-20
enjoyable, if uneven.
the performance was fantastic, Nick Podehl is quickly becoming a favourite.
the book was enjoyable but I struggled through some very questionable sexual encounters I'm the book which I feel were meant to be impactful but ended up being just plain weird and uncomfortable. slight spoilers ahead: the rape masked as the greater good was just fucked and handled poorly. I expected better from Melissa and hope I'm the following books she improves.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- SONNY WOOTTON
- 01-23-18
Great listen
Found this audio book a great continuation from the previous as it brought out more information about the characters and the overall plot. The final chapters tie everything up and set the stage for another enthralling sequel. Nick Podehl does a great job reading. Recommend to anyone who enjoys big scope fantasy novels.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jenifer
- 06-17-17
Still ploughing on....
Far too many side stories, and too many characters to remember. Unfortunately, with audio, one cannot go back easily to check who's who again. Also, there are probably maps for reference in the hard copy. This fantasy has heaps of Lands and places.
I like the story tho. About to begin book 4 which is 45 hours. 🤣
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Caitlin
- 12-07-16
Hang in there
It took a while to get a hold of the story line as there was so much going on and so many interchanging characters but worth sticking it out as once the plot hit a groove it was pretty good. I really enjoy the narration of Nick Podehl his voice for teenage girl characters is spot on.