The first two books in this series were excellent. The Testing Trilogy's third book is truly a ...
594241
The first two books in this series were excellent. The Testing Trilogy's third book is truly a lack luster finish to the two previous, high octane, entries. Most of the book revolves around Cia being baffled. You never get a clear picture of what is really happening. I've both listened and read this last book and couldn't quite figure out what Dr. Barnes' speech really meant. It was just confusing. So much more could have been done to enter into the camp of the rebels, develop Zane's character, etc. Instead, it covers about three days of Cia's life as she's walking around trying to figure out what's going on, who's doing what and still never quite coming to the truth of the matter. And the title, yeah, well, it's quite misleading (stop here if you don't want a sort-of spoiler) in the end. Would have liked to see them at least be given a diploma for their sacrifices or given a job in the government, anything other than what the ending was.
3722313
I devoured the first two books of this series and watched for this third book with anticipation. I wasn't to be disappointed.

The story launches into a high action flashback in the Prologue, reminding us of the characters we got to know in the earlier books and the dynamics among them. Then in the first chapter we're drawn right into the tension of a situation that is the result of events that finished book two. The werewolf clan, exposed now, have a whole new set of problems.

Like the previous books in the series, the werewolves are violent creatures and no one is immune; good guys, bad guys, children, anybody. To my relief, the victims tend to be human and no cats got munched. That would have upset me. But also like the previous books, it's natural to sympathise with the werewolves, at least the sensible ones. We get to know several characters and how they deal with living as werewolves, caught between justifiably hostile humans and a clan system that relies on military-like precision and hierarchy to keep the werewolves alive.

In this third story, all hell breaks loose. The humans know about the werewolves now and react accordingly. Some want to study them, most just want them contained, many want them exterminated. Considering the organisation the werewolves have in place, this can only mean war. But it's not that simple. Internal clan politics have split asunder and while one faction wants to put a lid on the breach, another is bent on demonstrating far too openly that werewolves are not to be messed with.

While we revisit characters from the first two books, I think the opening chapters have been artfully written in a way that would bring a new reader into the story, although I do recommend reading the previous books just because they're really good and events this far along would give spoilers for the earlier books.

Without giving spoilers, I found the end of the trilogy very satisfying. Graeme Reynolds has really earned his place on my favourite authors list. The Epilogue actually brought a tear to my eye, both as a beautiful resolution and because it touched on an issue I feel strongly about. Anyone who loves a good scary werewolf story is guaranteed to love this whole series.
4090448
Much better than the last two, this book has more believable characters that fall for each other. The end is drawn out unbelievably with the amount of things to "keep them apart". It was obvious from the beginning the entire plotline, but it was still enjoyable. The male main has little to no depth. Amazingly so since he's been in both of the previous books of this trilogy.
I will say that it was surprisingly pleasant to not have another stupid victim. This was a strong female.
2223665
Like the previous two books in this trilogy, "The Amber Spyglass" is a mesmerizing read. It draws you in and refuses to let go. The plot was wonderfully interwoven with symbolism and subtle humour, the characters are fresh and lifelike, and the overall writing is almost surreal.
So why did I not rate this book 5 stars? The ending. All right, yes, the ending was beautifully written - no question about that. It was, however, a rather weak ending to such a strong trilogy. It was so terribly sad it made me cry, and I was disappointed that Pullman chose to end his series with a whimper rather than a bang. In my opinion, this ending is the coward's way of finishing the trilogy (or maybe I just like happy endings). Nevertheless, it was meant to tug at the heartstrings and so it did. It was, really, unbearably sad, and made me think about what became of the characters for far too long afterwards.
The religious part I enjoyed, because it isn't a very popular opinion in the world today. The "killing God" angle really was very interesting. To everyone who objects to this book for religious reasons, remember: it's called freedom of speech. If you don't like it, don't read it. Be forewarned now that the book presents controversial views of the Church.
All in all, a book worth reading. Just be sure to have some Kleenex for the end.
303698
Copy gifted in return for an honest review.

Book two begins a month after book one, Awakening, ends.  Duncan  promised Rachel he would try, but has spent the last month avoiding her, leaving her in increasing distress from the effects of the mating.  When he realizes the torment his distance is causing her, Duncan goes to her, and simultaneously releases his powers.  A resulting vision sets their course toward Mexico City Three, and Yolanthe's prison.  But for them to succeed, the Black Ops Team will have to develop their level three powers, something that has consistently eluded them.

I am a fan of Caris Roane's books. This is a trilogy that is made up of books in a continuing storyline that is so good it kept me totally engaged.  I am looking forward to the next release and recommend the series.
2656750
After the first two books of this trilogy, I didn,t think that it could get aby better. But, this book is really just so good.
2216373
I was such a fan of the first two books in this series, at first I was skeptical, as this storyline varied significantly from that. The main characters are deep and developed enough that the story was still excellent even without the strong historical pull. In my opinion, start from book one in the series. The development of the characters makes this such an enjoyable ride.
2464848
This was a great trilogy. I wish the author would write more to this series. I loved the characters and the Oregon setting.

Some other reviewers complained about how the 2nd book and then the 3rd book repeated some of the contents from the previous book which dragged on and made the book boring in the beginning, I understand why the author did what she did, because a book takes time to be published. Knowing this, the author has to assume you may have forgotten what happened within the preceding book. So the author has written a prologue or intro into the events that had happened to set up the reader for the next book in case its been awhile since the reader has read the preceding book within the series.
1586163
This 3rd book completes the trilogy written by Ken Follet. It is an excellent historical fiction.  Although the main caracters are fictional, all the events actually hapenned and the author explains these events from different perspectives, always keeping the relations between all the players.  So it is a masterpiece from that perspective.  I much preferred book 1, perhaps because books 2 and 3 are dragging a bit and I ended up reading in diagonal some of the pages where personal relationships, and way too many sex scenes that do not add anything to the content, take place.  Regardless, I would recommend this entire series to anyone who would like to get a perspective on the XX century.
4213730
I looked forward to this book and was not disappointed.  This is the third book in an excellent military space trilogy that keeps moving at a good pace.  The hardware is very believable and the characters well developed although as it is written in first person present tense you only learn what the main character knows.  This takes some getting used to but after a while seems perfectly normal and places you in the centre of the action.  Please read all three in sequence though for maximum understanding.  Highly recommended.
2917974
These books are (or will be when the third is published) a true trilogy and should be read in order which should be clear from the way The titles are written.
The action moved along faster than in the previous book, perhaps a little to the detriment of character development. I would have liked to see characters with more internal conflict to allow me to know them better, but that's really just a preference, the book was still great.
A post apocalyptic adventure with fantasy and science fiction overtones, it kept me riveted from beginning to end. It's clear that a lot of thought went into wondering how different personalities would react to the end of civilization and which would succeed in a new culture, as well as how valuable different skill sets would be.
The author manages, through interior dialogue of various characters, to gently comment on social injustice and bigotry and the dangers of preconceived ideas, without straying from telling a heck of a good story.. Just enough to make me think.
I can't think who wouldn't enjoy this book unless they only read non-fiction. Well worth buying.
2395587
This was an excellent trilogy with a strong and satisfying conclusion. June and Day remained powerful characters throughout the series, characters that I cared for and rooted for. The other characters in the series were also well developed and important for the story. I enjoyed the relationship that the main characters have with each other and with the other characters in the story. I think Lu accurately portrayed how complicated relationships can become over time, when people change and their roles in each others lives change. Very interesting elements in the futuristic aspects of technology and government. I want to know more about the scoring system in Antarctica! Thank you Lu for a meaningful and satisfying ending, after being disappointed by the Divergent ending, I was worried that this book would end in a meaningless and depressing way. It did not! Spoilers:  There were wonderful lessons of self-sacrifice and the ten years later chapter quickly told how June had moved on before finally being able to come back together with Day. I really enjoyed this book and the series.
2859639
I actually enjoyed this third book in the trilogy more than the previous two!

While some other reviewers disliked the main characters hiding and running from some unseen enemy for a large portion in the middle of the story, I thought it added suspense and excitement. I enjoyed not knowing what was out there in the darkness and it felt more real for the main characters that way.

I think switching the perspective to the parents, specifically the fathers, at about 70% through the story, was a wise move as it stopped the reader from becoming bored or too bogged down with reading about basic survival needs with the two main characters.

The only thing I would change is I think a quick reference guide, either in each book or on the authors website for the Valdemar series, would be nice. One that describes each species and profession as it was a bit jarring to have to keep looking up the italicized words.

Rating: 3.5/5
700260
The third book appears to have list it's intrigue that made the first two so good. The characters appear to be more concerned with their feelings for each other than any type of actual plot. The main character appears to have been severally neutered either because of rank or his new found feelings.
1476592
I had no problem giving five stars to both of the first two books in this series. I am not sure that this one really deserves four. I am going to give book three the benefit of the doubt here.
When we finish book two we are on edge as to the outcome . Very quickly we find out what has happened. I was a bit disappointed as the author used the entire third book as a recap of the events and to catch up on the cast of characters. I thought he could have done so much quicker and started to let us know where he was going with the story itself.
So, giving him the benefit of the doubt I am diving into the next installment with the clear hope of seeing a whole lot more substance and a whole lot less review.
We will see as I am beginning to wonder whether even he knows where this whole thing is going.
283806
Actually, I would probably vary the number of stars I awarded to this trilogy if I had rated them separately. This is because I am very interested in the history of medicine and the final book deals with things in the present.  So I enjoyed the first two volumes more than the third.  However, all three books are very worth the read. Noah Gordon's style is very readable and I shall search out more of his works.
3651586
This is the final book in a trilogy composed of:  Hex and the City, Paths Not Taken and last Sharper Than a Serpents Tooth.  They really should be read in order and although the middle book is weak they are all good reads.  In spite of the apoplectic nature of the events there is some humor as Alex's reaction when he finds out Shotgun Susie and John are in love, then there's the high tech Doormouse (terrible pun), the attempt by the authorities to buy off Lilith and the reaction of the Gods to Lilith.  Nicely convoluted plot and the way they get rid of Lilith without destroying the nightside is cleaver.  This is obviously not the last book in the series but now maybe the series will go back on the track it started on.  There are lots of things unresolved like John's kingdom and many major players are no more.  If it wasn't for some plot inconsistencies I would have given this a five star rating.  E.g. Tommy Oblivion split with John back in Merlin's time in the previous book but he gets back before he leaves with John and obviously doesn't know what already happened, likewise the doorkeeper remembers John's visit in an earlier time before it happened. (No I'm not going into the logic and physics of time travel but see Julian Barbour's book The End of Time [it's a real theoretical physics book] and also the Scientific American special edition on time.)