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catherine_t's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The final book of "The Collegium Chronicles" finds Mags trying to come to terms with what happened to him at the hands of his kidnappers. But he has many allies in Haven, and they come up with a plan to protect him: send him and his friends to a remote stronghold called the Bastion, where they should be safe from the assassins. Once there, the story that Mags has died would be spread throughout the kingdom, hopefully reaching the ears of the people after him and sending them back to wherever they came from.
The Bastion is the place where Mags' parents were murdered by bandits. Mags hopes that he'll be able to find something that will help him discover who his parents were, and thus learn who he really is.
I enjoy all of Lackey's books, and this is no different. My only quibble is that Mags' rescue from Cole Pieters' mine, which happened in the very first book, is entirely recapped in this book. Readers don't really need that. I'm pretty forgetful these days, and I remembered everything about those scenes. Aside from that, it's a satisfying read that brings readers to a conclusion, but leaves the door open for future adventures.
The Bastion is the place where Mags' parents were murdered by bandits. Mags hopes that he'll be able to find something that will help him discover who his parents were, and thus learn who he really is.
I enjoy all of Lackey's books, and this is no different. My only quibble is that Mags' rescue from Cole Pieters' mine, which happened in the very first book, is entirely recapped in this book. Readers don't really need that. I'm pretty forgetful these days, and I remembered everything about those scenes. Aside from that, it's a satisfying read that brings readers to a conclusion, but leaves the door open for future adventures.
riley_97ri's review against another edition
3.0
I’ve loved these series of books very much, it’s been great seeing a more in-depth look at the training of herald and their relationships with bards and healers and the people.
As for this book, I warn you it’s had a slower start then the others, the real conflict on happing till the last third of the book.
It dose well to strengthen character relationships and character arks, but it light on actual evens outside the last part of the books.
All in all a solid end to this series. I’m looking forward to the Trilogy that comes after this one.
3.5/5 stars
As for this book, I warn you it’s had a slower start then the others, the real conflict on happing till the last third of the book.
It dose well to strengthen character relationships and character arks, but it light on actual evens outside the last part of the books.
All in all a solid end to this series. I’m looking forward to the Trilogy that comes after this one.
3.5/5 stars
loquitacass's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kivt's review against another edition
3.0
really weird how much better these are than the more recent mags books. still not great. did lackey fire her editor or something?
kayteeem's review against another edition
3.0
Just about exactly what you would expect from the fifth book in this series. If you like the world and the characters from the first books, you've probably already read this one too.
I was a little disappointed that everything that happened while Mags was kidnapped was only ever told as memory/flashback; the escape and return could have made an interesting story.
I was a little disappointed that everything that happened while Mags was kidnapped was only ever told as memory/flashback; the escape and return could have made an interesting story.
fyrekatz's review against another edition
5.0
Wow this book blew me away. I love Mercedes Lackey book but
this one flew right by and left me with a smile on my face.
Full Review on Blog soon! :)
this one flew right by and left me with a smile on my face.
Full Review on Blog soon! :)
alboyer6's review against another edition
4.0
While I didn't get into #4 as much in the series, this wrap up to the Collegium Chronicles left me wanting the first book in the next series. Reading a Valdemar book for the first time in a while was just really nice.
jmoses's review against another edition
3.0
While I love most things Lackey writes (read her in my formative years, don't judge) I'm just....getting tired of this series. Individually the books are decent and quick reads. But they make the story drag on and on and on. I'd rather read a 900 page book that takes the whole 'Mags' storyline from start to finish than have it drag on in these tiny episodic chunks for years.
So, I read it. There's more coming. *sigh*
So, I read it. There's more coming. *sigh*
gypsydawn's review against another edition
4.0
good ending
I enjoyed this installment, though the series does pale when compared to the first one in this saga. Mag’s introduction is everything you silently hope for a downtrodden kid - the kind of rescue I rather wish was real.
I enjoyed this installment, though the series does pale when compared to the first one in this saga. Mag’s introduction is everything you silently hope for a downtrodden kid - the kind of rescue I rather wish was real.
silverhawk3799's review against another edition
3.0
I think the fact that Mags doesn't speak in his slave speak in this book made it better for me. The past books in this series were, at times, difficult to read due to his speech. That being said, the story was slow until the last 75 pages or so. Not a lot of character development. All that being said, I still enjoyed the story and don't regret the short time I spent reading it.