Scan barcode
a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition
4.0
4 Series Stars!
This 3rd and final installment returns the reader back to orc JT and elf Austin, and they’re more determined than ever to save the Blue Unicorn from an evil mage hell bent on using it for selfish reasons.
Half this book revolves around the complicated planning and preparation as to how this team of misfits will breach said mage’s fortress as it’s magically and technologically fortified, guarded by a dragon, and situated within the infamous Alcatraz island. Toss in several hundred devoted wizards who are gathering on the island to celebrate the Summer Solstice, and it’s going to take a miracle to pull this off. The other half of the book is the actual burglary, which brings complication after complication, keeping the reader on edge as to how a win will be wrought.
Since we’re back with the original couple that started this trilogy, again as a warning, this isn’t traditional second chance romance when it comes to JT and Austin. Don’t fret though. There’s reasons, and we slowly discover why they are the way they are. They’re still not communicating, they’re still avoiding their feelings so they don’t look vulnerable, but this last book shows more of their complex history and what happened during that fateful day where they lost half their team and why they ultimately went their separate ways. JT and Austin’s love is special and different, and it works perfectly for them.
In keeping with the frenetic pace of the first two books, it will come as no surprise that this never falters on the action suspense as these two fight to retrieve a priceless part of their past and hopefully, find some redemption and closure in order to move on and heal. Overall, an original intense cyberpunk, magical, crazy heist peppered with smexy explicitness as par for the course that includes exhibitionism, voyeurism, and a dalliance with a bunch of tentacles (eeeep!).
If you want something a bit off the beaten path, then come on over and buckle in for an unconventional MM romance!
This 3rd and final installment returns the reader back to orc JT and elf Austin, and they’re more determined than ever to save the Blue Unicorn from an evil mage hell bent on using it for selfish reasons.
Half this book revolves around the complicated planning and preparation as to how this team of misfits will breach said mage’s fortress as it’s magically and technologically fortified, guarded by a dragon, and situated within the infamous Alcatraz island. Toss in several hundred devoted wizards who are gathering on the island to celebrate the Summer Solstice, and it’s going to take a miracle to pull this off. The other half of the book is the actual burglary, which brings complication after complication, keeping the reader on edge as to how a win will be wrought.
Since we’re back with the original couple that started this trilogy, again as a warning, this isn’t traditional second chance romance when it comes to JT and Austin. Don’t fret though. There’s reasons, and we slowly discover why they are the way they are. They’re still not communicating, they’re still avoiding their feelings so they don’t look vulnerable, but this last book shows more of their complex history and what happened during that fateful day where they lost half their team and why they ultimately went their separate ways. JT and Austin’s love is special and different, and it works perfectly for them.
In keeping with the frenetic pace of the first two books, it will come as no surprise that this never falters on the action suspense as these two fight to retrieve a priceless part of their past and hopefully, find some redemption and closure in order to move on and heal. Overall, an original intense cyberpunk, magical, crazy heist peppered with smexy explicitness as par for the course that includes exhibitionism, voyeurism, and a dalliance with a bunch of tentacles (eeeep!).
If you want something a bit off the beaten path, then come on over and buckle in for an unconventional MM romance!
teresab78's review against another edition
3.0
a little slow at times
While I ultimately enjoyed the conclusion to this trilogy, the beginning was a little confusing with the flashbacks, and it dragged a bit. There were also some weird sex scenes - not between the MC’s - that just didn’t do it for me (Voyeurism and tentacles). But I enjoyed the retrieval of RoanAI and the epilogue was great.
While I ultimately enjoyed the conclusion to this trilogy, the beginning was a little confusing with the flashbacks, and it dragged a bit. There were also some weird sex scenes - not between the MC’s - that just didn’t do it for me (Voyeurism and tentacles). But I enjoyed the retrieval of RoanAI and the epilogue was great.
scrow1022's review against another edition
4.0
Very satisfying end to the series, nicely intellectual, perfect emotionally. And could follow the science/math just well enough to not feel lost.
see_sadie_read's review against another edition
3.0
I was disappointed in this book. It's not that it's bad, but rather that I loved the first one, liked the second one and found this one uninspired. It felt much more rushed. I thought it had too many characters, too much pointless sex and too little pay off.
To elaborate, all the previous characters are here in this one, so the book felt unfocused. And though I have no problem with sex in my books, like and expect it even, the sex here is largely voyeuristic and too frequently not between the established couples. (So, it adds nothing to strengthen the bond we're supposed to believe exists.) What's more, some of it felt very much like the author went, "Oh, this is SO in right now. I better add it, even if it feels like an after-the-fact add and isn't well stitched into the plot."
As to pay-off, (this is hard to address without spoilers) questions are presented and not answered, and I didn't feel Allmon made any effort to lead the reader to decide on their own. Instead, the whole thing feels forgotten. A whole important character is introduced and not given any significant page-time (and it really was needed). And bad guys are defeated easily (even ones that took whole books to beat in the past) and simply fade away without fuss.
All in all, I still like Allmon's writing style. And I like this series. But, when compared with the previous books, The Burning Magus fell extremely flat for me.
To elaborate, all the previous characters are here in this one, so the book felt unfocused. And though I have no problem with sex in my books, like and expect it even, the sex here is largely voyeuristic and too frequently not between the established couples. (So, it adds nothing to strengthen the bond we're supposed to believe exists.) What's more, some of it felt very much like the author went, "Oh, this is SO in right now. I better add it, even if it feels like an after-the-fact add and isn't well stitched into the plot."
As to pay-off, (this is hard to address without spoilers) questions are presented and not answered, and I didn't feel Allmon made any effort to lead the reader to decide on their own. Instead, the whole thing feels forgotten. A whole important character is introduced and not given any significant page-time (and it really was needed). And bad guys are defeated easily (even ones that took whole books to beat in the past) and simply fade away without fuss.
All in all, I still like Allmon's writing style. And I like this series. But, when compared with the previous books, The Burning Magus fell extremely flat for me.
writeandraven's review against another edition
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
see_sadie_read's review
3.0
I was disappointed in this book. It's not that it's bad, but rather that I loved the first one, liked the second one and found this one uninspired. It felt much more rushed. I thought it had too many characters, too much pointless sex and too little pay off.
To elaborate, all the previous characters are here in this one, so the book felt unfocused. And though I have no problem with sex in my books, like and expect it even, the sex here is largely voyeuristic and too frequently not between the established couples. (So, it adds nothing to strengthen the bond we're supposed to believe exists.) What's more, some of it felt very much like the author went, "Oh, this is SO in right now. I better add it, even if it feels like an after-the-fact add and isn't well stitched into the plot."
As to pay-off, (this is hard to address without spoilers) questions are presented and not answered, and I didn't feel Allmon made any effort to lead the reader to decide on their own. Instead, the whole thing feels forgotten. A whole important character is introduced and not given any significant page-time (and it really was needed). And bad guys are defeated easily (even ones that took whole books to beat in the past) and simply fade away without fuss.
All in all, I still like Allmon's writing style. And I like this series. But, when compared with the previous books, The Burning Magus fell extremely flat for me.
To elaborate, all the previous characters are here in this one, so the book felt unfocused. And though I have no problem with sex in my books, like and expect it even, the sex here is largely voyeuristic and too frequently not between the established couples. (So, it adds nothing to strengthen the bond we're supposed to believe exists.) What's more, some of it felt very much like the author went, "Oh, this is SO in right now. I better add it, even if it feels like an after-the-fact add and isn't well stitched into the plot."
As to pay-off, (this is hard to address without spoilers) questions are presented and not answered, and I didn't feel Allmon made any effort to lead the reader to decide on their own. Instead, the whole thing feels forgotten. A whole important character is introduced and not given any significant page-time (and it really was needed). And bad guys are defeated easily (even ones that took whole books to beat in the past) and simply fade away without fuss.
All in all, I still like Allmon's writing style. And I like this series. But, when compared with the previous books, The Burning Magus fell extremely flat for me.
marinakruk's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
terriaminute's review
4.0
So, I read #1, and now I've read this one, and while some of the back and forth in time was a little confusing, it wasn't like I missed any major plot points that I could tell. I skipped #2 to read #3 because it was available via NetGalley, and free fits my current budget. I have to say, finally seeing these two sort out their Happily Ever After, despite piles of trouble only Austen and JT could generate, was awesome. If you enjoy weird, funny, touching and wild fantasy, this is your series. (Those words also apply to the nookie, this one including a dose of tentacle, just fyi.)
More...