Summoner's Bond

The Endless War, Book 4

By: D. K. Holmberg

Narrated by: James Foster

Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Those who fight the darkness have scattered as the ancient power grows stronger.

When Ciara is abducted by summoners of dark power, they seduce her with lessons on how to summon the elementals, an education she never received in the barracks. Only a distant part of her knows that she must find a way to escape before they manage to turn her to their side.

Alena has gone to the Seat of the Order to help stop the threat uncovered there, but she discovers the threat goes deeper than any realize, and for her to succeed and free the order, she may have to destroy it first.

In Hyaln, Jasn finds an old friend, but she is not the person he remembers. Hyaln offers to teach, and he discovers strength that he never believed he possessed, but it still might not be enough, as they discover they fight not only the threat of darkness, but those who seek to control it.

©2016 D. K. Holmberg (P)2017 Podium Publishing

adds a lot of drama and action to the series

Book 4 continues right where book 3 leaves off, with the abduction of Ciara by the dark forces. Though they are not what she imagined, rather more like her own people, using their staffs like her own g’na to focus their summoning powers. She is being taught by one man, Shade, who has blocked her summoning powers and clouded her memories. Her doubts continue to haunt her as she learns and slowly accepts the dark into her life.

Jasn is brought to Hyaln, where he hopes to learn more about his own powers and his deep connection to the elemental force of water. They too are not what they seem, secretive and ancient they have learned great skills with the all the elements. Their hunger for controlling the raw forces of nature opens up the possibility that they may be dabbling with the very forces Jasn is trying to fight.

The story picks up its pace nicely and new characters are introduced, including the mysterious Shade. The listener begins to question the very nature of the war. Meanwhile, Alena has been released from the pull of the now hatched young draasin. The seat of the order in Ter is under attack from mysterious forces on the council. She must increase her abilities and knowledge to combat them. Unexpected allies and foes emerge as the battle turns fully to dark vs. light.

The story moves at a fuller and more satisfying pace in this installment of the Endless War series. Though questions still remain unanswered, much more is learned about the dark forces, some who are with and some not with the powerful Tenebeth. While Ciara comes into her strength, it is not clear whose side she will accept, likely to become a pivotal force in the war.

The story continues to be performed by James Foster. His delivery is excellent and adds great drama to the unfolding narrative. His voice as described in previous reviews is wonderful to listen to and the characters are easily discerned. Again, he is the voice of the Endless War series and does an excellent job.

Book 4 adds a lot of drama and action to the series. While it continues to add questions and mysteries to the saga, more and more is revealed, giving the listener a greater understanding of the forces working in the shadows. It is a good sequel to an inventive and interesting world of magic and war. The story is far from over and you’ll end the novel looking forward to its sequel. You’re four volumes in, you can’t stop now.

Audiobook was purchased for review by ABR

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