A Stunning, Beautiful Conclusion to a Wonderful Trilogy
353387
I had waited anxiously for this book to come out, worrying all the time that it wouldn't live up to what I hoped it would be.  Thankfully, I was wrong.  Pullman masterfully pulls together the many threads he prepared in the first two books (which were no less wonderful) to weave a beautiful yet saddening tapestry of literary genius.  I understand why many people were bothered by the sad ending, having myself cried after finishing it, but I am at the same time glad that Mr. Pullman resisted the temptation to keep it going on and on.  It could easily have turned into another Harry Potter, spawning more and more movies and books and toys (and do we really want Pantalaimon plush dolls, with little microchips that make them talk? or a video game that features Will and Lyra in an all-out battle against another renagade angel? i certainly don't).  I am glad that this trilogy at least has not sold its soul to the big publishing houses as Harry Potter did.  I also believe that to read these books you must have an open mind.  I am disturbed by the fact that many of the reviewers that didn't like the book (which, might I add, is entirely your own choice) attacked the portrayal of the love between Lyra and Will.  What is life without love?  And when I say love, I mean love in all of its forms, not just love of God, if you believe in a God.  It is important that you have an open mind when reading this trilogy.  All in all, I feel that this trilogy is comparable to the Lord of The Rings (though I still feel that the Lord of the Rings is more enduring so far), and I think that this will go down in history.  Eat your heart out, J.K. Rowling.
4530222
I don't even know where to start with this book. What can I say? I loved the first two books of the Sweet Trilogy, and I was expecting a lot from the third and final book. And, hell yes, it delivered! Sweet Reckoning was a brilliant conclusion to an amazing series. It was everything I hoped for and more. I can't overemphasize how much I loved this book. Fans of the series, you will definitely not be disappointed.

Anna was wonderful. Over the course of the first two books, she slowly became stronger and, in this book, she proved that she was a force to be reckoned with. She faced down demons, determined to save who she could and usher in a new age for the Nephs. All the while, she stayed a genuinely kind person who is impossible not to like. I loved her in the previous books, and I loved her even more in this one.

Kaiden...how I adore him. He was so sweet and determined to stand by Anna, no matter what. He showed just how much he was willing to risk for a chance at redemption and a chance to be with the girl he loved and proved that he was a hero worthy of the title. Ugh, he's just so perfect. I adored him so much and I'm so sad that I don't get to see more of him after this. Oh, well. That's what rereading is for :)

The romance was lovely. Anna and Kaiden are just so sweet together, with some serious chemistry that got surprisingly hot. Their relationship took a turn that I wasn't expecting and that might be a little controversial with some readers, but I really liked it. It might not work for every couple, but it worked for them. They were a perfect couple.

All the other characters were wonderful as well. Kope, Blake, Jay, Marna, Ginger, Zania. They all proved themselves as strong and willing to fight for the chance of freedom from the Dukes. Some of their stories had surprising twists that were both amazing and broke my heart. I loved them all and I'm so happy with how things ended for (most of) them.

My only two problems with the book were: 1) it toed the line becoming preachy, with its slight emphasis on prayers and Christianity, which might make some people uncomfortable, and I didn't love it either. 2) After the final battle, we get a couple of chapters of aftermath and an epilogue (which I LOVED!), but I wish I could have seen more on how the Nephs  as a whole found a way to move on and make a new life for themselves. Of course, both of these were very minor issues and didn't have much of an effect on how much I adored the book.

The plot was fast paced and I was utterly riveted the entire way through. This book took so many twists and turns and surprises that I never saw coming. I was totally on the edge of my seat. Woe to the person who tried to interrupt me while I was frantically reading this. The story was thrilling, romantic, and everything I could want in the conclusion of one of my favorite series. The ending was amazing, and I loved how the epilogue showed how things turned out for our characters. I'm so sad to see this series end, but I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion.

Sweet Reckoning was just brilliant. I loved this book so much! It was a perfect conclusion to a fantastic series. From beginning to end, it was thrilling, romantic, and a wonderful read. Fans of the series, you won't be disappointed. And, YA romance lovers, the Sweet Trilogy is a must read.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
428605
What a magnificent end to this series! I could NOT put it down! Tye is by far my favorite of the three worlds in this trilogy. This third and final installment not only continues Caz's perilous journey, revealing the third (and delightfully unexpected) gift, but introduces fascinating and thought-provoking new cultures. There is gentle wisdom along with tender moments and heart-stopping drama (or in Caz's case, paralyzing adrenaline spikes). This trilogy is a keeper to be re-read more than once, and this reader hopes Ms. London might decide this well-crafted universe has yet more stories to tell among the three worlds of the Granbo System.
1469544
"There is no power stronger than love, and the greatest sign of love is giving."
Everlife is an explosion of action and an epic conclusion to this unique trilogy. This is a spoiler-free review, since this is the final book in the trilogy, my review will be more thought based and less plot based. I hope you decide to take the Everlife journey and experience this series for yourself!

When I read Firstlife, I wasn't sure what was happening, what I was reading, because I had never read anything like it before. It was so different, but at the same time, dealt with the concepts of love, family, and life values. What do you want to live for, and what are you willing to risk for peace. This story will fill your heart with light, right after it breaks it into a thousands pieces, all set within a world like you've never read before.

The war between realms has intensified and Ten is coming into her power as the conduit. Ten wants peace, she wants the realms to stop fighting, and she must sacrifice so much to prove herself. She needs to bring Troika and Myriad together in order to save them all. Ten has so much love for Killian, for her family, for her friends, for the innocent people who should never have to make these choices. Ten has so much character growth, but she also experiences so much more sorrow. This poor girl really gets put through her paces.

We finally learn so much more about Killian, which has been my only complaint throughout the series, he was such a mystery and I never knew what his endgame was going to be. I was scared and I knew that Ten needed him, even though they were from different realms and technically mortal enemies. Ten and Killian must be the bridge to bringing the worlds together and well they themselves must get together for that to happen *snicker* - so yes there is some mature content, but hell there was serious torture and loads of violence throughout all the books, so this shouldn't be a surprise.

I was a little disappointed in some of the flip-flopping and back and forths within the book, and at times once again, it was hard to determine where the loyalties lie. It dragged it on a little too much, but I was still completely engrossed in the story and just had to know what and how it would end. These books are very unique and I am sure they aren't for everyone. But I love the numbers obsessed Ten, the bad boy Killian, the poem loving Archer, and all in all the overall theme of right and wrong and that love is powerful.

There is so much action, the pages turn fast, and the most difficult choices must be made. Ten has seen so much, has experienced epic loss, torture, and betrayal. This book is a journey and the series ending is worth every bit of pain and joy it took to get there. It is definitely one of those series you just have to experience for yourself, pick up the Everlife series and find yourself immersed in a wholly unique, engaging, and fascinating world. I hope that now that the trilogy is finished more people will read this series, because it is truly worth reading!
383223
Well, this is an interesting conclusion to a thoroughly enjoyable historical fantasy novel.
Dark Triumph had a very different flavor than Grave Mercy, and similarly the tone in Mortal Heart almost makes this feel like a separate work from the earlier two books, for all that the characters, setting, and mythology all carry through. Speaking of the mythology, the world-building throughout this trilogy truly sets it apart, not only because it is different but because it is so well thought-out and coherent. Characterization also remains strong, although I must say one of my few complaints is that in each book we get an in-depth treatment of one character, get attached to her, and then see only a few brief glimpses of her in the following installments. Throw in ongoing action and intrigue, much of which I couldn't predict from page one (a rarity these days), and everything is still present that was great about Grave Mercy, with a real ending that brings the series to a satisfying close.
In summary, I recommend the entire His Fair Assassin Trilogy, and Mortal Heart is the perfect way to wrap it up.
3923275
MOMENTOS: MICK'S JOURNEY is book three of Ms. Ashling's Basque Trilogy; a thought-provoking and often times gut-wrenching conclusion to a story that began in LOVING EDITS.  In Part I of MOMENTOS, we meet Mick and Paul as young men.  They share a passion for the written word and an undeniable case of raging hormones.  We get to tag along for the ride, experiencing the joys and the heartaches of a budding romance until life and Paul's father intrude.  The falling-out almost destroys Mick.  It's this heartbreak that leads him to Spain in Part II,  where he meets the alluring and sexy Tono, a closeted Jai alai player.  Their  powerful sexual attraction evolves into a loving and warm relationship, which ultimately heals Mick's broken heart.  Part III of the novel brings us back to the present, where LOVING EDITS ended.

Ms. Ashling's entertaining dialogue, rich descriptions, and full range of emotions are in abundance throughout this m/m/m book.  Extraordinary secondary characters help to move the story to its beautiful ending with a poignancy that cannot be denied or forgotten.  A definite five star read for anyone who believes in the power of love and the human spirit.
1088521
Whew! This was an exhilarating conclusion to the trilogy "His Dark Materials"! Talk about action-packed. Let me preface this review by saying I liked "The Golden Compass" and "The Subtle Knife" very much (and the second book a bit more so than the first actually). In this third and final book in the "His Dark Materials" trilogy, Pullman has impressed me yet again with his ability to deftly weave together so many moving parts--storylines, characters, themes/motifs (yes, including the theological ones, which are very prominent by the way)--and create a thrilling and cohesive fantasy novel. I very much enjoyed his development of all the central characters, especially Will and Lyra. The reason I cannot give this one five stars is two-fold. First, I thought the pacing or the first third or so of the book was 'off-kilter' somehow, and I didn't really get 'grabbed' by the story until about page 200 (and from then on, I could hardly put the book down!). Second (and warning: slight spoiler alert ahead if you read into it), I am just enough of a romantic that the end of the book really did bother me! But overall, I really did enjoy this novel. I would recommend it to young adults and adults who have already read and liked the first two books in the series and are yearning for more of Lyra and Will's adventures and discoveries!
3356017
Wow! What a finish! This is the final third of the trilogy (don't even think of trying to read them out of order), and it's almost cinematic in the degree of slam-bang action the author includes to balance the sometimes lengthy psycho-sociological ruminations -- which are fascinating nonetheless. Kutath is the planet of the mri's origins before they went out into space as mercenaries, more than 100,000 years ago. Now, the last two survivors of that part that left have returned home and they're determined this time to have "a place to stand," the fears of humans and regul notwithstanding. And Duncan, fortunately for them, is a very large part of that. As in the first two sections, Cherryh shows us what each of the three species involved in this struggle look like from the viewpoint of each of the others, and this time the regul come up short in thinking they understand both humans and mri better than they actually do. A first-rate epic.
527904
I hate to see the trilogy come to an end. I literally slowed my reading to prolong the inevitable. And, I didn't think I could go on after the second book, Blood of Eve, left me devastated. But what a wonderfully perfect conclusion.

I loved how Dawn is seemingly human and desperately trying to figure out her role in life; fulfilling the prophesy. Even after she meets the dangerous, enigmatic Salem, there are still more questions than answers. I was drawn in to story. I wanted to help Dawn find her answers but they eluded me as well.
I also enjoyed that this was Dawn's story to tell. Her fathers are there for her but they have already told their stories.
I cannot even begin to describe how amazing this trilogy is. So very unexpected... Yet, I've come to expect that from Pam Godwin. Masterfully written, The Trilogy of Eve has a little of everything... Dystopian, Sci-fi, Romance, Suspense and Erotica.
A must read trilogy!
914160
A complex, beautifully written tale that wraps up the trilogy in a very satisfying way.
3635283
I loved this trilogy: The Tower, The Delta, and The Magician...am awaiting delivery of the final book, The Shadowland.  Picking up where The Tower ended (and with sufficient recap in case you didn't read it), The Delta is a brilliant journey.  In addition to heightened evolution of the insect kingdom, we are introduced to the heightened evolution to the plant kingdom in the region known as the Delta.  Think of the movie, Little Shop of Horrors, and you are in the Delta, only multiply by a factor of 100.

We are introduced to a more evolved plant like intelligence, the consequences of which are simply stunning!  Our hero, Niall, continues to develop as he is faced with a series of situations, the resolution of which, evoke some of the highest and purest teachings/wisdom which are at the heart of what we call religion/spirituality in our own culture, and in other cultures as well.

One of the themes running throughout this trilogy is the potential and development of our "higher" minds, a much more expanded version than that which passes for conventional or traditional thinking today.  It is as if the author is teaching and demonstrating what the "inner" potentials are for human beings. Thus, there is an experiential quality or energy to this trilogy, a depth and/or dimensionality, if you will, of which The Delta is a brilliant example.

The Delta also provides an "escape."  The reality of the book is more than sufficient to take just about anyone away from whatever is going on in the reader's world.  This, in and of itself, provides an enjoyable respite; and, the book's impact will alter, to some degree, what you see when you return to your own reality.

Thank you Mr. Wilson!
223763
A satisfying conclusion to a touching - and sometimes difficult and challenging - trilogy dealing with the emotional, even controversial, issues of family planning, infertility, and adoption. While a bit heavy at times, the three books succeed in developing rich characters and an engaging plot. The novels follow the trials and travails of twins June and July (Julie) and their husbands and succeed in keeping the reader engaged in following their respective story lines. The couples' journeys intertwine, of course, but ultimately follow different paths as they each seek God's guidance for their lives. A heart-felt and very personal series by women's fiction and Christian romance author Elizabeth Maddrey. Four and a half stars. Recommended for those interested in stories that touch important issues for people of faith
4362978
The Golden Transcendence is the exciting conclusion to what has to be one of the most satisfying trilogies in SF/F I have ever read. This space opera, set so far in the future that its technology is downright magical, blissfully blurs the lines between the two genres. The writing is lush and engrossing. The novels world-building is delivered expertly through layers that spare the reader the painful plodding through info-dumps that plagues much fiction today. Artificial Intelligence, Transhumanism, epistemology, politics, cyber warfare and philosophical fisticuffs; this trilogys seamless interlacing of big battles and big ideas makes The Golden Age the Gold Standard of its field.
4887355
To say that this series puts the reader onto a rollercoaster ride wouldn't be giving the author well deserved justice. This is the end of the trilogy, a closing of a series which I did not want to end. I am still in a state of shock regarding Nankai - the visual I have in my head. This is contrasted with breathtakingly beautiful and sometimes soul ripping tragedies both in the written word and in that which is quietly left unspoken. Many of the characters will remain with me for quite some time and this will be one of the series' which I will come back to and read over and over again. A true masterpiece. I would give this book six stars if amazon let me do so.
358370
Each book in this series has been progressively better than the last, which means Topia, the end of this fine trilogy, is by far the best of the series. This is the chapter wherein questions just under the surface are answered and the author's Secondary World is fully realized.

With the outcome of the two previous books being bleak and then bleaker, the level of humanity's loss is staggering from the very beginning of the book. More so than in any situation in the two previous entries the tension has bubbled far beyond the boiling point. A theme of hope in the face of total defeat pervades the book, and a communication about what it means to live in a world of constant inexorable threat permeates the climax of the novel. The nobility of the protagonists, and in some cases the antagonists, is most clearly demonstrated via events of this final book. Everything is more dire, and no less than the fate of humanity, or better yet the soul and freedom of humanity, is at stake.

I burned through this book, the pages disappearing in mere hours, pushing towards the resolution and my faint sliver of a hope that all the suffering and death would finally lead us to eucatastrophe. All of the elements and narrative strings pull together in the last stand of mankind, and ending is consequently a resounding success. The promises implied in the structure of the author's mythology and the themes trailed throughout the narrative culminate in Topia, and in its conclusion I see the beginning for even greater things to come.

I patiently await the continuation of this Secondary World's impressive saga. It's rare to find a book with as much implicit depth, surrounded by fun loving quirkiness. Joy, the goal of the proper Fairy-Story (in this case told with Wolves, Men, and the things of Nightmare) sings out from the accomplishment of this Trilogy.

The author should pat himself on the back.......and then get back to writing more jewels like this--for our sake.
4376902
This, the third installment of the "Invisible Chains" trilogy, was in my opinion the best, with the first a close second. Mr. Ashling masterfully laid out the climax of the series: the battle for the Northern Marches and the resolution of the troubled relationship between the two princes, Anaxantis and Ehandar. In spite of my lingering frustration with the lack of "cleanup" editing (typos abound), by the end I didn't care all that much. This is a testament to Mr. Ashling's unique voice and his knack for creating characters that are wonderfully flawed and irresistible.

MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW:

This installment of the trilogy focuses in large part upon preparations for war, and a seemingly unwinnable one, at that. In the background, the relationship between Anaxantis and his half-brother Ehandar has reached the breaking point, with the focus on Anaxantis' obsessive need to control the darker side of Ehandar which he believes still lurks behind the kind and attentive submissive/slave, "Tarno," and Ehandar's own growth.

As always, what drew me in and held me spellbound was not the action itself, although the battle preparations were remarkably well thought out and described. No, what captured me were the narratives through which I was able to peer inside the minds of Anaxantis and Ehandar and, in this installment, Ehandar especially. I despaired that the brothers would survive the end of the book (sorry, no spoilers here!), and my heart broke for them both. And here, the resolution was really quite lovely and poignant.

The secondary characters that populate this book were also a joy to follow. From sexy rogue Rullio, who is determined to find out what has happened to his friend, Ehandar, to the goofy and sweet Ryhunzo and his alter-ego, and Lorcko, whose perfection stands in the way of his finding happiness. I loved the Mukthar prince and his henchmen, as well.

I do hope that Mr. Ashling will consider a re-edit of these books, if only to do justice to the intelligence and strength of the writing. The same is true for another point that has been discussed in some of the reviews: use of modern language in the stories. I realize now that the modern language only bothered me when it crept into the narrative itself. Since most of the narrative is in a more formal voice, this "ragged edge" could also be taken care of in a re-edit. With these two caveats, I'd have given the entire series a 5-star.

In spite of the minor blemishes, Mr. Ashling delivers a brilliantly executed story that I will probably reread at some point. Five stars for the outstanding story-telling and character development, as well as the intricate and intelligent plotting throughout.
2227419
I am a HUGE fan of good ending and this trilogy did not disappoint.  To the amazing author, I want to say; Thank you for sharing Rebecca's journey with me.  I was a bit worried, as beloved characters were sacrificed that I may be disappointed at the end.  HOWEVER,  I AM THRILLED.  You left me with questions, and a desire to imagine a great future for your characters.  It is a beautiful story and one I am glad I finally took the time to read.