Fearful Symmetry (The Tyrant Sagas Book 1)

The only way the word "epic" could be used to describe this book is if the word "fail" came after it. I don't think Ren is really her boyfriend. I think he's a guy she hired to give her compliments. You think I'm joking? Kelsey, if you have to hear a guy tell you he loves you a million times in order to believe him, then maybe You're 19 years old. Possibly, there will be other men out there. You've already proven THAT. Possibly you should wait a few years before trying to get married right away?

And let me just remind everyone the one big pervert similarity between this and Twilight: They want to marry her that's disgusting, really. Almost as bad as what's coming up next So have you had time to go back to your book and remember Lokesh? You know who he is? He IS the hundreds of years old villain who wanted to kill Ren and Kishan's father and marry their mother. You remember that part? Because THAT's so original. I'm getting Dust Land flashbacks.

Oh, sorry thanks for the correction, Abby he doesn't want to marry her just to marry her, he wants a son. Because we certainly needed that there. This reminds me of yet another series that tanked. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then consider yourself lucky. Please, don't go looking for it.

You'll only hurt yourself. Another note to new authors: You'll notice I said please twice. I'm getting desperate here. So, in an attempt to maybe?? This thing tore my soul out all right. And stomped on it. And killed my laugh box. And by the end, I was wondering why stuff like this ever gets printed. A quote from my lovely cousin to describe these books: Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. And now another quote from a different source no, not me. What sort of ego-maniac do you think I AM?

Now kill it with fire. I wanted to absorb all that I read for a few days before reviewing this book. So here it is my official review. I loved the action packed adventures. The way Colleen describes the details makes it so easy to "see" the kraken and the dragons. The emotional writing makes me love, hate and envy the characters-- which is why it took me a week before I could write this review.

I know Colleen won't lead me astray, and I now long to know the next chapter in the story. I don't want to post an I wanted to absorb all that I read for a few days before reviewing this book. I don't want to post any spoilers so I'll simply say I am and will always be Team Ren. Kadam, Durga and Phet remain my favorite insightful writing by Mrs. I identify strongly with Kelsey's sense of self and dedication to the journey ahead and her extreme loyalty again -- still Team Ren.

Kadam is less apart of this book than the previous two, so I savored the times he was shared with us. I am so glad he got to go into Durga's temple this time. I feel like it was such an honor for him to be a part of that experience, I was so excited for him. And Phet- I love this crazy little old man. His wisdom how ever strangely delivered is fabulously on target and I loved his interactions with the brothers.

Oh the boys-- I personally married a Kishan, so I love him for his careful, watchful, thoughtful, trust in Kelsey, he is such a deeper character than we've seen in the last two installments. His support and unfailing love for our girl is breathtaking at times. Oh Ren- I loved you from your first hello, and at times in this book its a good thing your fictional because I wanted to shake you until you'd snap out of it, and stop with the standoffish behavior and the flaunting of the floozy??? Alas though when it came down to those final chapters and the tears were streaming down my face - the tears were for you dear Ren.

Everything I know will be fully explained in books to come and it's hard to understand right now the why's, but I have faith.

Super powered golden lightening has to mean something more right?? In closing I am such a huge fan of Mrs. Houck's books and her way with her characters that I couldn't not love it more thoroughly than I do. Being able to read it ahead of schedule was and honor and a privilege I can't thank you enough for Colleen. As promised, here's a review. I read this around the middle of last month, October. So forgive me if my memory is a little weak lol.

There are spoilers ahead! Let me begin by saying this book is the best out of the three books in the Tiger Saga so far. I've been a hardcore fan since the first book came out, and it just keeps getting better and better. It was that vivid. I could picture the scenery perfectly, especially when t As promised, here's a review. I could picture the scenery perfectly, especially when they went to the dragons lairs. That was a fun ride all by itself, even though that was the main thing lol. There were other little fun things in there as well that made it all the more better.

That was pure gold. Wesley just cracked me up each time he opened his Texan mouth. Not just the deal where it's like "Oh I've got my memories back, but I'm still the same as I was. Not the old me. I'm still the new me. If that happened, I couldn't take that. I would've definitely threw the book across the room, lol.

I think my most favorite though would have to be when they visited the green dragon's lair. Anyone who has read it would probably be like, " Wtf is wrong with you?! I think it's because that Ren and Kishan basically had to battle their way through the green dragon's obstacles just to prove that they both love Kelsey. As if they needed to do that in the first place. Or it might be just because that Ren and Kishan were dressed as fairy-tale princes. That is a hard thing to answer. I love Ren, I've loved him since book one. I mean, who wouldn't? But Kishan has my heart. Not only do I feel incredibly sorry for the guy, but I do love him.

He's sweet as can be, and he's just plain adorable. He also needs a happy ending, and it doesn't look like he's going to get one. But what do I know?

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I could be totally wrong. I hope I am! So I hope she keeps her word! The ending wasn't as bad as the second book. I know some people might disagree with me. But I was okay with the ending for this one. I'm definitely going to read book four, and cry my eyes out. Lokesh just needs to go. Like to another planet and stay there. I'm trying not to go to drastic measures on that one. Also, I did read the exclusive content they had put in the back of the book. Wasn't that some crap? I would say it was cruel, to make Kelsey fall in love with Kishan, then I guess you gotta do what you gotta do with your story to make it 'better.

I loved every minute of it and everything about it! View all 10 comments. All kelsy complained of was 'hmm which brother should I choose next?.. View all 3 comments. I was so excited to receive my copy and start reading. I really enjoyed the setting; the whole crew sets off on a mega yacht. I enjoyed how all of them were crammed together and we get a lot of Kishan-Kelsey-Ren time.

They once again have a lot of challenges and new obstacles to over come. There are a few new characters as well that added a lot to the story. I would like to know more about Nilima. She seems like she could be an awesome character, if we could just get to know her. Since her and Kelsey are the only girls around I would have liked to see them doing more together.

I did feel that this book suffered a little from Middle Book Syndrom, kind of dragged a little.

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It just makes her look bad, in my opinion. If you want to hear my ratings, read below, but I caution it does contain spoilers. I have no idea where Houck is going to take these characters. This section contains spoilers, and lots of venting. For the most part I really like Kelsey. This silly love-triangle really weakens her character in my opinion. I have lost a LOT of respect for her because of it.

For where we are in the story I can understand why Kelsey is hesitant and even angry with Ren. There are a lot better ways for her to deal with that without involving Kishan. It was fine for the first couple books, but she knows she is not in love with Kishan so she should not lead him on. But, she is not IN love with him. Instead of feeling sorry for Kelsey, it makes me dislike her. One more thing that makes me irritated with Kelsey is the double standard she has for Ren. She is mad at Ren for leaving her, purposefully forgetting her and for flaunting other women in front of her.

Which I totally understand, I would be mad, hurt, and scared also. But come on, she left Ren and broke his heart in the first book. And, she is constantly flaunting her relationship with Kishan in front of him. Kishan lost himself in this book. Where was the snarky, flirty Kishan that I fell for in the first two books?

He becomes a total doormat in this installment. But, to me it came across as boring and kind of pathetic. Dude, you know she is completely in love with your brother and will NEVER feel the same way about you…move on! Stop letting her use you to make herself feel better. Personally, I think he should have gone for Nilima. Ren is just awesome. I really like his character. He understands her and really knows her. He knows her fears and knows that together they can overcome them.

View all 12 comments. View all 15 comments. I want Kishan back Kishan, what happened to you? Where did all that charisma and bad-boy charm go? That sizzle and electric connection and chemistry vanished, leaving love triangle drama in its wake. I think even killing off one of the vertices of your love trian I want Kishan back I think even killing off one of the vertices of your love triangle which I also dislike is better than morphing a beloved character into something so unrecognizable that you can barely remember why you wanted the girl to end up with him anyway.

Kishan oozed with charm and temptation and allure in Tiger's Quest. He was Damon to Ren's Stefan. And you know, I never really thought Kelsey would end up with Kishan anyway I've been predicting Kishan's death for two books now--hello! I once called this love triangle one of the best in YA, but I fully take it back. It has descended into absolute drama and chaos in this book, with Kelsey being the definition of fickle and toying with both boys' emotions with her indecisiveness. And then there's Ren getting his Edward on, becoming all possessive and jealous in a way that I think is supposed to be hot but just isn't.

And it's sad it had to be this way because this book has one of the most unique premises in YA. It's bursting with potential--that setting! I've said it before, but this series needs an editor to toss about pages from every book, especially Curse and Destiny. This book is H. I'm cursing the golden fruit right now for how it's opened the way for Colleen to write even more description about every. Really, pages should be the max or this series is really going to get bloated. Could she please have a job to do besides getting Kelsey lemon water and picking out pretty dresses for her?

This series has immense potential, but the love triangle drama needs to be resolved stat. And Kishan, I'm hoping you get to be more than Kelsey's second choice. Could you please find your true character from wherever Colleen buried it? View all 9 comments. When I stop crying I'll try to make a proper review. It was really really good.

I can't say enough about how much I love these books. The Tiger's Curse series has captured my heart never to let go. It's been about a month now and I thought I should write a little more about what I think. By far of all the Tiger's Curse books this one has the most adventure, the most sadness, most love between the character, pretty much the most of everything. Colleen Houck, the author, definitely brought t OMG!!! Colleen Houck, the author, definitely brought this one up a notch.

I love the way the characters have been developing in these books. They have all had to make a lot of hard choices, which I hate to say I like, but I do. Life is not made up of easy decisions. So its refreshing to read a book that's more realistic in the way that people actually think, feel, and live. Apart from the magic and some of the strange creatures I can actually imagine the world Colleen has made and most definitely would love to live in it, without hesitation.

While reading Tiger's Voyage I had that never-ending-story feeling. Like the little boy in the movie I felt like I literally got sucked into the book and was actually a part of the story line. It made me happy and sad at the same time. I really wished I could have been apart of it, so I could have been there for the characters I love. This is one of the best stories I have ever read. To say I'm obsessed would be an understatement. I recommend these books to everyone that loves adventure, magic, mystical creatures, love, and to everyone that doesn't mind getting totally mushy, literally crying, obsessively in love with a book series that it almost hurts, then these are the books for you.

This book was emotionally exhausting! Just like the first two. The ending didnt make me cry though, which is a first. The first ended with view spoiler [Kelsey refusing Ren and returning to Oregon, which was a very moving scene hide spoiler ]. Then the second ended with view spoiler [Ren losing his memory and Kelsey overhears him telling Kishan that he doesnt love her anymore. That was heart wrenching and I cried more at the ending of the second hide spoiler ]. But the third ended with view This book was emotionally exhausting!

But the third ended with view spoiler [Kelsey being kidnapped by Lokesh hide spoiler ] , which is quite a cliffhanger, but an action one not an emotional one. I am quite excited to find out what happens next. The setup of this book was a bit different from the previous two. The first two start out with Kelsey in Oregon, until she returns to India, then the bulk of the book takes place on their adventure in another realm. This one started out in India and Kelsey does not return home between her second and third adventures. Which is good because I dont really enjoy the parts in Oregon as much.

The first half of this book is set on a yacht, before they start their adventure. Kelsey, Ren, Kishan, Mr. The usual group, while they prepare for their next adventure. It is during this time that the love-triangle is taken to a whole new level. So much back and forth and fighting between the three of them. I think it may have been taken a little too far and shifted the focus of the book a bit too much away from the curse. I was impressed that she so strongly resisted such a hot, flirty guy when Ren wasnt around. I had new found respect for her. But Kishan is unlike most back-up guys and I knew it would be possible to turn the triangle around, and that Colleen Houck would likely do it.

Although I couldnt figure out how it could be done without Kelsey betraying Ren. Well, it was done very well. Not on Ren's part of course, I am still mad at him, but on Colleen's part. She convincingly took Kelsey away from Ren and gave her to Kishan, in my opinion. She did it without me having to lose respect for Kelsey. Although I did lose a little respect for Ren, which is unfortunate. But I have a new found, immense love for Kishan which I am very happy about. I love him so much I could cry! Haha, maybe not literally but when you read so much teenage romance your emotions can get a little confused.

Even after she listed all the reasons why she chose Kishan Chapter 24 , which were all good reasons imo, she could barely stay focused on him. She kept making horrible analogies like how Kishan was the steady player who would last the game but couldnt score the three-pointers. I found it extremely unfair to Kishan and I think he deserves more. He loves Kelsey a lot so I would want him to be with her so he could be happy, but at the same time I think he deserves someone who could love him more thoroughly.

Although I would never want Colleen to do that thing where you throw in a new girl at the end so everyone can be happy. I hate it when that happens. But the girl always ends up with the main guy. Colleen will find a way to get Kelsey back with Ren, and she will most likely find a way to do it smoothly and naturally like everything else. But will she find a way to do it without breaking Kishans's heart? But this book still excelled where the first two did. The amazing adventure and mythology!

This one may even be my favourite in that respect. They travel the ocean of another realm and face five dragons inspired by Chinese mythology. Each dragon gives them a different task to complete before they reach the end to claim their prize. My favourite was definitely the green dragon, although it was probably the characters' least favourite.

It was very exciting. P I really look forward to what happens next. It says Tiger's Destiny doesnt come out till September, but the first three all came out in , so that seems a little unfair.

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Although these books like to torment me emotionally, Colleen has somehow managed to make me agree with all the changes that have happened to Kelsey. I am taking the ups and downs with her. I love Ren when she loves Ren. I love Kishan when she loves Kishan. So I hope whatever happens in the next book, I will agree with it.

I dont know how she does it! View all 8 comments. Jul 15, Duchess Nicole rated it really liked it Shelves: I'm in love with this series, and this book was no different. It's one of the most adventurous YA series I've ever read that's set in modern times. Though I'd almost classify this as a fantasy series due to the fact that most of the books take place within these magical places in old legends. In this installment, I listen to the audio of the series, so forgive any spelling errors please!

Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan go on another quest a voyage, even! On this quest, they meet five Dragons and basically either have to outwit or outrun the dragons and their beasties. A few of the beasties: Why not five stars from me? I feel like this love triangle is so ridiculously lopsided, it's not even funny. And I feel like Kelsey I used to like the bit of added angst, but in this installment, it was an obvious plot device and to be honest, a bit insulting.

Does anyone in the world actually think she'll end up with Kishan? View all 4 comments. Jul 08, Jenna Bookiemoji rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Tiger fans, Twilight fans, Adventurers, Adults and Teens. Dealing with the conflicts already at hand at the start of the book, Colleen works past those slowly but thoroughly like a flower bud slowly coming into bloom one petal at a time see this book even makes me poetic now This is not a knock on the pacing, since in this volume Colleen is at her very best! She masterfully balances the romance with the action, often times blending the two in order to move the story along.

I couldn't put the book down and read it in just under three days. All pages of it! Not bad for a busy mommy. I can safely say that Colleen may very well have created the most astute, yet ignorantly hardheaded female lead in the history of the written word. It's been seen in previous volumes, but is never more obvious than in this installment. The girl knows what we know, but she is very set in her ways. All that aside, I can't help but love the girl.

I know I certainly haven't felt so emotionally involved in a character's fate as I do Kelsey's Also, if you thought that the kappas from book one were creepy, or the metal birds from book two were just plain terrifying, trust me, you ain't seen NOTHING yet! Thanks, Colleen, for making many of my already existing fears even worse! More than Shangri-la and Kishkinda combined. I can't wait for Destiny to be released now, and see how you could possibly top the most outstanding Tiger's Voyage.

I'll write a proper review when I'm back from my trip in Tassie. All I can say at this point is that this book is pretty much the worst I've read, and Ren is a psychotic, emotionally abusive person, and I'm bewildered as to why Kellsey would want to be with him. A quick example of what he does: When her hair suddenly grows a few feet, and she gets it cut, the person who cuts her hair is terrified to cut it any shorter than he allows. A few fights later, and Ren threatens Kellsey if she cuts her hair shorter than he allows.

Like I said, I'll write more when I get back from vacation. But yeah, this is hardcore abuse right there. He makes Eddy the sparkly vamp look like a feminist. Dec 25, Alex rated it really liked it. This series gets better with each book. I don't even know when I've read these pages. I hope that 4th book in series won't let me down. Jul 22, JeanBookNerd rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Recommended to JeanBookNerd by: Colleen starts Tiger's Voyage from Lokesh's penthouse office. I thought it was brilliant to know what rage and disappointment our antagonist was feeling.

After reading the prologue, I immediately knew what an incredible journey I am about to embark. Every page was an absolute pleasure to read. I can assure you, Colleen is at her best with this installment. This is a love triangle written well in the most remarkable way. I enjoyed being introduced to new characters.

Captain Diondre Dixon tells an interesting story about a beautiful maiden named Jingwei. Wesley Alexander is a great addition to the love triangle. He truly did put a smile on my face and during my interview with Colleen, she had mentioned plotting a book all about Wes. Oh, I almost forgot about Randi. I desperately wanted to throw her off the yacht and when she is introduced on page , you will understand what I am talking about. I did not think it was possible to love them even more. There are a few heartbreaking moments and you will learn to handle them like I did.

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Although I had forgotten to mention Mr. I adore and love him. Without his research, I doubt the mission would be absolute. How was the journey you may ask? It was absolutely incredible! Put your suit on and prepare to explore the water. This is a story that is surely not to be missed and just wait until you meet the dragons--I would elaborate more but that just leads to spoilers. The story grabs you by the wrist and leads you to a front row seat of all the nonstop action, romance, and adventure.

Aug 23, Amanda rated it did not like it Shelves: I'm not going to focus on the fact that this book well this series completely screws up various cultures mythology, religions, practices etc. I'm no expert on these cultures, but it's pretty clear to me Houck isn't either. The Soviet Union ends 9 year military occupation in Afganistan.

Time Warner formed through a merger. Pakistan readmitted to the Commonwealth of Nations. First asteroid is imaged through radar. Voyager 2 makes its closest approach to Neptune. First commercial dial-up Internet connection in North America. Bette Davis, Samuel Beckett, etc. Deadly spores threaten the human colony of Pern unless the colonists, with help from geneticist Kitti Ping, can develop fire-breathing dragons to combat the menace.

The first work of the Infinity Hold trilogy. The story begins in seventeenth-century London and spans three hundred years—moving from England to the heart of Africa, to Malta, and finally to the New World. Edmund Cordery, Mechanician to the court of Richard Coeur-de-Lion, believes that vampire beings must have a natural explanation. But when his discoveries make him dangerous in the eyes of his masters, Edmund entrusts his learned secrets to his son, Noell, who in turn becomes a fugitive.

When he returns to Europe he faces the awesome might of Coeur-de-Lion and the infamous Vlad the Impaler.



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Now betrayed by the Emperor he once protected, master swordsman Saukendar leaves the way of the sword behind him forever—so he thinks. When a headstrong peasant girl burning to avenge her murdered family demands that he train her, Saukendar is faced with a momentous choice.

Send Taizu away, never see her again—or join her and destroy the tyrant who has nearly destroyed them both. Jalian, a silver-eyed huntress from years in the future, travels back to the 20th century in an attempt to save her world from the ravages of nuclear destruction.

A stunning tour-de-force of love and adventure sweeping along a timeline of infinitely possible worlds.

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In a world of ever-worsening crisis, Angelo Osic is an anomaly: One day he aids a stranger. Fleeing the assassins who seek him as well as Tamara, Angelo seizes the only escape route available: In a world of death, he dreams only of life—and the freedom to love once more. In their party travel the immortal Belgarath the Sorcerer, his daughter Polgara the Sorceress, and the little Drasnian, Silk.

Garion knows that it is the mysterious figure Zandramas who is responsible for the abduction of his infant son, and he and his companions journey many miles and encounter many strange beings in their search for him. This haunting retelling of the tale of Tristan and Iseult here called Drustan and Esseilte in accordance with Celtic legend and language goes back to early versions, before Mallory and Wagner, to explore the nature of love, duty and loyalty.

And so her adventure begins—the adventure that transforms her into a hero remembered in songs, chosen by the gods to restore a lost ruler to his throne. We return to the world of Severian, now the Autarch of Urth, as he leaves the planet on one of the huge spaceships of the alien Hierodules to travel across time and space to face his greatest test, to become the legendary New Sun or die. The strange, rich, original spaceship scenes give way to travels in time, wherein Severian revisits times and places which fill in parts of the background of the four-volume work, that will thrill and intrigue particularly all readers of the earlier books.

But The Urth of the New Sun is an independent structure all of a piece, an integral masterpiece to shelve beside the classics, one itself. There Are Doors is the story of a man who falls in love with a goddess from an alternate universe. She flees him, but he pursues her through doorways-interdimensional gateways-to the other place, determined to sacrifice his life, if necessary, for her love. For in her world, to be her mate. And what is London to do with a unique woman who, resistant to the viruses, might be able to provided the cure for the cure for cancer?

In a future, tropical London, humans photosynthesize, organics have replaced electronics, viruses educate people, and very few live past forty. Milena is resistant to the viruses and unable to be Read. She has Bad Grammar. In the year , young Francis Conway learns about an impending water disaster that has been spawned by government corruption and is threatening life on the overcrowded planet, and he desperately seeks a way to escape. The streets of London: Japanese tourists in smog-masks and Work Force youths in their tagged orange overalls. Alex Winter and Deborah Tate arrive by hovercraft at the city of Babylon, lying on the river Euphrates in the Arizona desert.

He is a sociology drop-out from the University of Oregon at Eugene who wants to become a Babylonian. She has a much stranger ambition. Their minds are babbling in the Greek that has been pumped into them via computer interface at the University of Heuristics. To them, English has yet to be invented and the young king Alexander lies dying in his palace. The city is dominated by the tower of Babel, its spiral roadway curling up towards the heavens and wide enough for several donkey carts. And women sit outside the Temple of Ishtar, waiting for some stranger to drop a coin in their laps.

The prospect seems to fascinate Deborah. The Darren Shan is approaching his final showdown with the Vampaneze Lord. The book takes action, mystery, story, even brings back some old locations in the books. Nearly everything about this book seems well made to me. There are some minor flaws, though. I would give this book 5 stars.

Nov 07, Samantha wickedshizuku Tolleson rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: When I finished this book I was biting my nails to get the next one. I was constantly devouring Darren Shan's words every waking moment when I bought this series. Not only is he a brilliant writer; he is a master of terror. The book starts off a little slow compared to the Lake of Souls, Book 10, did.

I'm honestly living some of the situation Darren does. Coming back When I finished this book I was biting my nails to get the next one. Coming back to the town you grew up in. It's somewhat odd to read about. What I would like to see in future works would be a book of short stories by: Shan, Brom, and Neil Gaiman.

Oh what a great book it would be. Jan 17, Eileen H rated it it was amazing. Do you trust your friends? Well Darren docent after Steve his best friend try's to kill him! Evanna is a witch that can see the future and is warning him that he is to become an evil monster that will destroy the earth! Darren is set of to find a loop hole. Sometimes I feel like a monster ready to destroy the earth, but that's just me. Darren has come across Steve and is trying to rule the world and once again Darren is stuck in the middle.

May 30, Raven rated it it was amazing. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Feb 01, Krizz Dragneel rated it it was amazing. Crepsley and now Mr. Oh my dear Shancus. Dec 21, Tute rated it liked it. Ini yang diharapkan dari dulu, kejadian di masa lalu masih akan terus di amsa datang View all 3 comments. Sin duda, este libro es uno de mis favoritos de la saga. Oct 28, Cosmo Polke rated it it was amazing. Mar 24, Nidah SleepDreamWrite rated it really liked it. Series getting crazier it seems but you can't help but what to know what happens. Guess we have one more book left then?

Sad to see it end. Apr 12, Molly rated it it was amazing Shelves: This was a pretty explosive book. Steve, being the villain of course, is a murderous lunatic who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, and to torment Darren. One of the Cirque memb This was a pretty explosive book. It sounds like this is mostly a depressing book, but there are still some good things in it.

One thing I loved was that Alice and Debbie started recruiting homeless humans to join their ranks and help them fight back against the vampaneze. Because vampaneze are the types of vampires that like to prey on and kill humans. Logic says, which types of humans are they going to go after first? So they have just as much motivation to fight back as our characters do. And, there is a great big twist ending at the end of this one too.

Enjoy it while it lasts, because the next book is the last: I'm on the verge of self-destruction. But I won't go down alone Lord of the Shadows doesn't quite match up to its predecessors, but it's still a damn fine instalment. The mini-trilogies within the series so far have been cohesive, but this set feels a little off. The things it gets right: The things it doesn't: Leaves the reader a little conflicted.

Overall, though, it adequately sets up what's to be a fitting finale. The cliffhange I'm on the verge of self-destruction. The cliffhanger we're left with has me absolutely rabid with anticipation. So, let's get on with it! There's a rising darkness coming. Darren Shan, half-vampire, can feel it. So it's only fitting that his journey is taking him home. Back to the place it all started. While enemies surround Darren and the ones he loves, those that are against him aren't his biggest concern.

The greatest danger, not only to his family and friends, but to the world, could be Darren himself Reading the blurb, I could only smile and get giddy. Not only is it a fantastic full-circle thing and a plot thread that promises to be fantastic, but another perfect opportunity to compare and contrast Darren's ever-changing life, especially with what's rising inside him.

The added element of danger ramps up suspense - like we needed any more - and the anticipation of a family reunion almost had me in tears. We also see a welcome return to the main plot which we took a break from in The Lake of Souls. And we're ready, willing and able to reach the conclusion. The hints and nudges toward the explanation of the place Darren and Harkat visited is exciting, but not completely surprising.

The future wasteland is what waits if Darren fails, but the shocking and mind-numbing thing is, it awaits even if he succeeds! This works for me immensely.

Lord of the Shadows (Cirque Du Freak, #11) by Darren Shan

So far, a dark prophecy has always had a dash of hope to stop it. But now we're told this future is inevitable, and the way it changes the story's and the characters' perspectives is intricately engrossing. Another positive, is the way the War of the Scars is becoming increasingly more widespread and epic. It began as a war between creatures of the night, and has leaked into the day, bringing a helpless and oblivious humanity with it. I love the addition of the vampirites to combat the vampets. It brings a much needed balance. Not much happens in the beginning but a heap of foreshadowing, and from then events are a little disjointed.

The end and cliffhanger though bring everything back into focus. I gasped, my eyes shot wide, I almost couldn't breath for the monstrosity and evil that perfectly sets up the final book in the series. While I have no real qualms over the story as a whole, I do feel conflicted over how one of the staple characters meets his end. The surprise that Darren will be returning to where his life took a deadly turn manages to keep things exciting, but there's still no real action until later on. I love the previous book, The Lake of Souls , but Lord of the Shadows takes a hit due to the latter's break from the main plot.

It can sometimes feel like this entry is trying to catch up with lost time. Once in the swing of things, everything picks up to the series' normal action-packed, adrenaline-pumping speed. There's just one that throws me, and I'll start with that first. It surprises me, and not in a positive way, well, apart from feeling positively pointless. The twist with his parentage is crucial, and helps build the lore, but it isn't something I hadn't already guessed, and my surprise deepened at the fact that, apparently, the cast actually hadn't guessed.

Mr Tall's end is valiant, and the reasons behind it are heartwarming, but it isn't fitting. There's no real need, especially with what comes after. Moving backwards, Darren's character just keeps going from strength to strength. His hero status is being threatened by the change occurring within him, and that change has my complete attention, especially with the ramifications it poses to the world. I read a couple reviews where the reviewers felt that this change is too sudden for our main character, and I have a feeling that's due in part to The Lake of Souls break. It isn't too far fetched that Larten's death inherently altered Darren.

The reason we haven't seen it thus far is mainly because Lord of the Shadows is the first time Darren's faced with Mr Crepsley's murderer. All in all, it's an exciting element. Alice and Debbie also make a return as leaders of the vampirites. They're the two strong females of the series, but different in their own rights. Where Debbie is more nurturing, protective and emotional, Alice is steely, determined and clinical.

I'm glad they are in the mix, representing humanity's investment in the war. The cast has never stumbled - aside from my conflicting emotions concerning Mr Tall - and they're something that can be relied on. But it's Evra's son, Shancus, who impacts the entry the most. His murder at Steve's hands is horrific! He's only a child! It finally drives home just how evil and inhuman Steve is. Much like the rest of the series. The shift in tone is noticeable now that Darren's in the early stages of adulthood. Despite how crappy I'll feel once the series is done Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Mar 06, Ty The Guy rated it it was amazing.