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katyanaish's review
4.0
I enjoyed it, and I'm sure I'll re-read it, but I feel like there were a lot of loose ends. Like, with the little Eld slave girl and the kids. With the kids as a whole - what is happening with them? With the dal'reisen - how can she not be healing them all? With her sisters and Kieren/Kiel?
I think I was also a little disappointed with Ellie. It felt like ... with each book she became more of a damsel - more terrified of herself, less likely to do ... well, anything. She was also super stupid at the end. Like ... it was a bit contrived, how she ended up in that final encounter, it was so stupid.
That all said, I really liked the series. It was just a little bit of an iffy wrap-up. And I would have liked to see more of Ellysetta really embracing what she is - it feels like she just ... I don't know. Leveled up and handed her power to Rain. *shrug*
I think I was also a little disappointed with Ellie. It felt like ... with each book she became more of a damsel - more terrified of herself, less likely to do ... well, anything. She was also super stupid at the end. Like ... it was a bit contrived, how she ended up in that final encounter, it was so stupid.
That all said, I really liked the series. It was just a little bit of an iffy wrap-up. And I would have liked to see more of Ellysetta really embracing what she is - it feels like she just ... I don't know. Leveled up and handed her power to Rain. *shrug*
bebislarv's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
beckybmckinney's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I may never forgive Melliandra's ending. I want to know where she settled. Really I just want more of her story.
Overall, a satisfying conclusion.
My biggest gripe is that all the main characters make it out alive. They are the ones in the worst of the battle's and it's just highly unrealistic, even when it's also a bit of a relief I don't have to grieve anyone. The amount of times someone does die and then actually didn't happens way to often throughout this book as well.
I love Lillis's story and I adore Kieren throughout this book. I enjoyed Melliandra and Shan's relationship. Steli continues to be a favorite character.
Overall, a satisfying conclusion.
My biggest gripe is that all the main characters make it out alive. They are the ones in the worst of the battle's and it's just highly unrealistic, even when it's also a bit of a relief I don't have to grieve anyone. The amount of times someone does die and then actually didn't happens way to often throughout this book as well.
I love Lillis's story and I adore Kieren throughout this book. I enjoyed Melliandra and Shan's relationship. Steli continues to be a favorite character.
mayaharp's review
5.0
I adore this book! It is a great conclusion: it is action-packed and romance-filled, with so many twists and turns that never felt forced. I loved the new characters and how much the old ones have changed since the first book! I really liked that we kind of found out what everybody's fate was. I just wished we would have learned more about the girl from Eld
adelie_wants_books_and_snacks's review
5.0
Well yet again lol I’m just gonna say it: I FUCKING LOVED THIS BOOK EVEN MORE THAN THE LAST!
And also what a fabulous book series!
Like every time I finish a book series I feel a little sad and like mourning. I am really going to miss all these characters.
This book was insanely good!
There were so many heartbreaking moments that had me crying like a baby:
Rowan’s memories of his little brother, Rowan’s loss and pain after the death of Adrial in the previous book, Queen Annoura sleeping in Dorian’s bed and the pillows still smelling of him (I never liked her but I really felt sad for her in that moment), and that fucking letter Dorian wrote before he died had me absolutely bawling my eyes out.
But there were some seriously beautiful moments that made me cry of joy!
The utter happiness I felt when we find out that Kieran was alive is beyond anything I can describe. I could not stop smiling. Kieran is probably my favourite supporting character. I also fucking knew that when Lillie grows up her soul is very likely to call to him. And having Elfeya confirm it had me smiling and shouting YES haha
When all Ellie’s dead Lutan appeared to save her also made me cry haha.
But for me the most beautiful scene was between Shan and Ellie. When he tells his daughter that she was worth every moment of suffering he went through. I cried so many happy tears.
This book is even more emotional than the last.
I feel because by this point you’re so invested in the characters and also this author is an absolute boss bitch when it comes to character development and world building.
And I let out the biggest breath of relief that all my favourite supporting characters survived: Kieran, Gaelin, Bel, Stelli. And so glad Ellie’s parents survived too.
I loved the final scene when Ellie and Rain take flight together after her first change. I had goosebumps everywhere.
This series was amazing. It’s very obvious with the questions left hanging regarding Gaelin and Shia, Meliandra, Kieran and Lillis, Kiel and Lorelle, that all those things seem to point to a potential new story arc. Also when you look at the map on the author’s website there’s this weird mysterious island off the coast of the Fading Lands. Not sure what’s up with that.
I would LOVE following Kieran. Kieran and Gaelin are definitely more my type of heroes: funny, witty, a little bit cocky, but ultimately fiercely loyal.
However it 2021 and I see this book was published in 2010. Sooooo it’s looking like it isn’t going to happen. Plus the author is probably busy with the Mystral series. And that’s ok. It is what it is. I’m just grateful that these even exist! It took me on such a journey! Omg loved it! CL Wilson is a bloody genius!
I would love for this to be a Netflix show. With a monster budget lol
That would be epic!
And also what a fabulous book series!
Like every time I finish a book series I feel a little sad and like mourning. I am really going to miss all these characters.
This book was insanely good!
There were so many heartbreaking moments that had me crying like a baby:
Rowan’s memories of his little brother, Rowan’s loss and pain after the death of Adrial in the previous book, Queen Annoura sleeping in Dorian’s bed and the pillows still smelling of him (I never liked her but I really felt sad for her in that moment), and that fucking letter Dorian wrote before he died had me absolutely bawling my eyes out.
But there were some seriously beautiful moments that made me cry of joy!
The utter happiness I felt when we find out that Kieran was alive is beyond anything I can describe. I could not stop smiling. Kieran is probably my favourite supporting character. I also fucking knew that when Lillie grows up her soul is very likely to call to him. And having Elfeya confirm it had me smiling and shouting YES haha
When all Ellie’s dead Lutan appeared to save her also made me cry haha.
But for me the most beautiful scene was between Shan and Ellie. When he tells his daughter that she was worth every moment of suffering he went through. I cried so many happy tears.
This book is even more emotional than the last.
I feel because by this point you’re so invested in the characters and also this author is an absolute boss bitch when it comes to character development and world building.
And I let out the biggest breath of relief that all my favourite supporting characters survived: Kieran, Gaelin, Bel, Stelli. And so glad Ellie’s parents survived too.
I loved the final scene when Ellie and Rain take flight together after her first change. I had goosebumps everywhere.
This series was amazing. It’s very obvious with the questions left hanging regarding Gaelin and Shia, Meliandra, Kieran and Lillis, Kiel and Lorelle, that all those things seem to point to a potential new story arc. Also when you look at the map on the author’s website there’s this weird mysterious island off the coast of the Fading Lands. Not sure what’s up with that.
I would LOVE following Kieran. Kieran and Gaelin are definitely more my type of heroes: funny, witty, a little bit cocky, but ultimately fiercely loyal.
However it 2021 and I see this book was published in 2010. Sooooo it’s looking like it isn’t going to happen. Plus the author is probably busy with the Mystral series. And that’s ok. It is what it is. I’m just grateful that these even exist! It took me on such a journey! Omg loved it! CL Wilson is a bloody genius!
I would love for this to be a Netflix show. With a monster budget lol
That would be epic!
akjohn90's review against another edition
4.25
This was okay. Felt like overall I enjoyed this. But this was way too long.
lee25's review
3.0
[b:Crown of Crystal Flame|7724257|Crown of Crystal Flame (Tairen Soul, #5)|C.L. Wilson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1273784371s/7724257.jpg|14393769] is the final book in the Tairen Soul series, so this is basically a review of the series rather than just the final book.
There were things that I loved in the series: the world was well described and different enough to be interesting; the characters (the main and the secondary characters) were all well fleshed out with virtues, faults and personalities; the action and fighting was dramatic; and the realities of war had me in tears at times.
But there were things I didn't love so much: there were times the story line dragged (I think the series could have been one book shorter), but then the final few chapters seemed rushed; and there are characters who felt like they might have been major characters that just disappeared; and the first book was a bit too "romance novel" for me.
Ultimately, while I do have a couple of gripes with the series, I would definitely recommend it, and it will be a series that I will read again.
There were things that I loved in the series: the world was well described and different enough to be interesting; the characters (the main and the secondary characters) were all well fleshed out with virtues, faults and personalities; the action and fighting was dramatic; and the realities of war had me in tears at times.
But there were things I didn't love so much: there were times the story line dragged (I think the series could have been one book shorter), but then the final few chapters seemed rushed; and there are characters who felt like they might have been major characters that just disappeared
Spoiler
(yes, I am talking about Melliandra especially)Ultimately, while I do have a couple of gripes with the series, I would definitely recommend it, and it will be a series that I will read again.
amym84's review
5.0
I am finally able to say that I've finished this series. I've been waiting to get this book from the library forever and it finally became available. I wish that I was able to read this book more closely to the others because CL Wilson doesn't really go back and recap the previous books. The entire series reads as one long story. There are a few offshoot story lines that are started and finished per book, but overall the story starts with Lord of the Fading Lands and ends here.
The battle has been long and difficult and I'll admit part of me was just happy that it would finally be over. But CL Wilson writes so well that by the time I got to the end I couldn't believe that was it. Her words flow very well from the page.
The end was what I expected it would be, without giving too much away, Elysetta finally embraces her destiny and the battle of Light over Dark is a great one with many casualties.
CL Wilson did fully end this story, but she left it open enough that if she chose to go back and write other stories set in this world, I wouldn't complain.
I look forward to reading more books by CL Wilson now that she's finished with this series. She definitely has a way with storytelling that pulls the reader in.
The battle has been long and difficult and I'll admit part of me was just happy that it would finally be over. But CL Wilson writes so well that by the time I got to the end I couldn't believe that was it. Her words flow very well from the page.
The end was what I expected it would be, without giving too much away, Elysetta finally embraces her destiny and the battle of Light over Dark is a great one with many casualties.
CL Wilson did fully end this story, but she left it open enough that if she chose to go back and write other stories set in this world, I wouldn't complain.
I look forward to reading more books by CL Wilson now that she's finished with this series. She definitely has a way with storytelling that pulls the reader in.
chelsie337's review
5.0
Wow! I could not put these books down! Now I understand why C.L. Wilson is one of Sarah J. Mass’ favorite authors! If you loved ACOTAR or TOG, read this. If you loved Manacled, read this. If you love strong female characters and romantasy, read this!
kelsey3's review
2.0
Overall: 2.5
Book Breakdown —
Characters: practically hated Elly (FMC) but I kept reading for the supporting characters.
Pacing/ length: The entirety of the final installment was action packed. This was a double edged sword; exciting because of the action, but annoying because I wanted more well paced answers. The pacing felt off because of this.
Interesting Plot?: sort of. It was interesting overall but ultimately I think the series should’ve been condensed into a trilogy which would’ve led to a more enthralling read.
Reading Medium: audio.
Spice (?/5): 2 - there wasn’t a lot. It’s not the focus of the story, or even a main aspect of it, but what was there was good.
Detailed Review—
Lately I’ve been extremely busy & haven’t had time to write a detailed review like I normally would. Even when I had time, I didn’t have the energy, nor the motivation, to write a detailed review so I decided to change my review style. Instead of writing a detailed essay of all my opinions, I’m going to write a short, simple bullet point type of review. It’s not going to be a cohesive structure or follow a transitional flow. It’s going to contain all of my thoughts as I read, but they’ll be condensed, non-chronological paragraphs that gives my opinions in quick & concise points. Without further ado, let’s begin.
We finally got a detailed explanation as to why Seaborne has been so hateful towards the fey. We’ve learned that every Seaborn for hundreds of years has been mage claimed. The mage even use the Seaborn estate as a homebase. Hundreds of years ago one Seaborn member sold his soul in order to gain power and wealth; in order to keep it, each generation sells their soul over again including infants born to and people married into the family. It took so long to get to this revelation but at least we got some sort of explanation after the entire series.
The book starts off full of action when Dorian is assassinated and war is breaking out everywhere. The entirety of the final installment was action packed. This was a double edged sword; exciting because of action but annoying because I wanted more well paced answers.
Now that we are on book 5, I can no longer stand Elly’s never ending doubts and failures. There’s been so little character growth that it’s maddening and made me roll my eyes countless times. I continued reading because of the other characters, in spite of how annoying Elly was. It’s similar to how in the beginning of the series we were constantly told that she was the woodcarvers daughter. It’s so repetitive that it becomes excruciatingly irritating as opposed to a helpful insight.
Elly does nothing but screw up. She never gets to be a badass who comes into her power. It’s annoying. Every time she threatens to get revenge or vows to learn from her mistakes, she repeats the mistakes or goes back on her word. She never learns and it makes her vows and threats hollow.
It took Elly five freakin books to learn to trust and love herself. It was ridiculous. As I read the previous books, I had a pretty good idea of what Elly needed to do to accept her true mate bond with Rain and control her unruly powers: all she had to do was trust herself and lean into love instead of fear. But by this book, I began to think I was wrong, and that there was more to her claim to power and the true mate bond, but nope. That was it. Given the simplicity of the message/ lesson, it took way too long for her to figure it out.
Also at the climax of the book, as she finally learns to trust herself and lean into love, many of the thoughts she has during her “revelation” were the exact same as what Rain had been telling her for several of the previous books; because of this, her big revelation and character arc wasn’t as powerful as intended. It was something along the lines of “everyone had some bad in them. Rain had done bad things but that didn’t make him unworthy of love.” Ummm yea. Thats what everyone has been telling you. That’s also what you’ve been telling Rain since day 1, yet you couldn’t apply your own words to yourself
Book Breakdown —
Characters: practically hated Elly (FMC) but I kept reading for the supporting characters.
Pacing/ length: The entirety of the final installment was action packed. This was a double edged sword; exciting because of the action, but annoying because I wanted more well paced answers. The pacing felt off because of this.
Interesting Plot?: sort of. It was interesting overall but ultimately I think the series should’ve been condensed into a trilogy which would’ve led to a more enthralling read.
Reading Medium: audio.
Spice (?/5): 2 - there wasn’t a lot. It’s not the focus of the story, or even a main aspect of it, but what was there was good.
Detailed Review—
Lately I’ve been extremely busy & haven’t had time to write a detailed review like I normally would. Even when I had time, I didn’t have the energy, nor the motivation, to write a detailed review so I decided to change my review style. Instead of writing a detailed essay of all my opinions, I’m going to write a short, simple bullet point type of review. It’s not going to be a cohesive structure or follow a transitional flow. It’s going to contain all of my thoughts as I read, but they’ll be condensed, non-chronological paragraphs that gives my opinions in quick & concise points. Without further ado, let’s begin.
We finally got a detailed explanation as to why Seaborne has been so hateful towards the fey. We’ve learned that every Seaborn for hundreds of years has been mage claimed. The mage even use the Seaborn estate as a homebase. Hundreds of years ago one Seaborn member sold his soul in order to gain power and wealth; in order to keep it, each generation sells their soul over again including infants born to and people married into the family. It took so long to get to this revelation but at least we got some sort of explanation after the entire series.
The book starts off full of action when Dorian is assassinated and war is breaking out everywhere. The entirety of the final installment was action packed. This was a double edged sword; exciting because of action but annoying because I wanted more well paced answers.
Now that we are on book 5, I can no longer stand Elly’s never ending doubts and failures. There’s been so little character growth that it’s maddening and made me roll my eyes countless times. I continued reading because of the other characters, in spite of how annoying Elly was. It’s similar to how in the beginning of the series we were constantly told that she was the woodcarvers daughter. It’s so repetitive that it becomes excruciatingly irritating as opposed to a helpful insight.
Elly does nothing but screw up. She never gets to be a badass who comes into her power. It’s annoying. Every time she threatens to get revenge or vows to learn from her mistakes, she repeats the mistakes or goes back on her word. She never learns and it makes her vows and threats hollow.
It took Elly five freakin books to learn to trust and love herself. It was ridiculous. As I read the previous books, I had a pretty good idea of what Elly needed to do to accept her true mate bond with Rain and control her unruly powers: all she had to do was trust herself and lean into love instead of fear. But by this book, I began to think I was wrong, and that there was more to her claim to power and the true mate bond, but nope. That was it. Given the simplicity of the message/ lesson, it took way too long for her to figure it out.
Also at the climax of the book, as she finally learns to trust herself and lean into love, many of the thoughts she has during her “revelation” were the exact same as what Rain had been telling her for several of the previous books; because of this, her big revelation and character arc wasn’t as powerful as intended. It was something along the lines of “everyone had some bad in them. Rain had done bad things but that didn’t make him unworthy of love.” Ummm yea. Thats what everyone has been telling you. That’s also what you’ve been telling Rain since day 1, yet you couldn’t apply your own words to yourself