Well… David Estes has surpassed himself. Again… If that’s even possible. His imagination has no limit and he never fails to amaze me.
Endfall is the fiWell… David Estes has surpassed himself. Again… If that’s even possible. His imagination has no limit and he never fails to amaze me.
Endfall is the finale of the epic high fantasy Kingfall tales. Peony, Dane, Danius, Aisling, Ando, King Jarrod, Sampson, Roman, Quill, and so many others are all back as this monster saga comes to an end.
I’ve never had as many goosebumps in one book as I did with Endfall as we learn the final fates of all of our favorites.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I’ve read all of David’s books, and I love love love his dystopian and sci-fi tales. But… high fantasy is where he absolutely excels!
In Endfall, the Godblades have woken up and come back into the world of Kingfall. Three Lightblades and three Shadowblades, each with unbelievable powers. But the greatest sword of all is now revealed; the Pureblade.
In the Kingfall books, you get dragons with their incredible bonds to their riders (my favorites!), and knights, and castles, and kings, and queens, and magic, and massive battles…. But mostly, you get swords. Magical swords! Swords that blow the reader away with the abilities they give to their wielders. Each different.
Endfall ends with quite a few epilogues which, for me, had me sighing with complete satisfaction. However will I be able to say goodbye to this world and these characters. Series hangover for sure!
I can’t wait for the audiobook to release in a few months so that I can do a reread of Endfall while listening to the amazing Tim Gerard Reynolds as narrator. (As I was reading, I noticed quite a few times that the voice in my head was TGR’s.)
*Thanks so much to David for the advance eGalley!*...more
Now THAT was a perfect ending to an amazing epic series!! David Estes has once again blown all of my expectations out of the water and delivered one oNow THAT was a perfect ending to an amazing epic series!! David Estes has once again blown all of my expectations out of the water and delivered one of the best series endings I've seen. I knew this last book in this epic story would be amazing, but he has surpassed "amazing" and delivered an astounding finale!
The entire Four Kingdoms finally meet to work together to fight the Horde led by the evil Painmarked Helmuth Garic. I've never seen an enemy quite like them and there were many times when I knew all had to be lost.
And as he's done time and time again, Estes once more delivers the twist of all twists that made me sit up and gasp in shock. As is typical with his books, I sure didn't see that coming.
So what are the fates of Roan, Annise, Tarin, Gareth, Gwen, Rhea, Grey, Raven, Falcon, Shanti, Siri, and all the rest? Will there be anything left of the Kingdoms after the Horde have destroyed everything in their path and massacred the people?
And then, just when you finally get your emotions back under control, you find that Estes has given us another gift of 5 epilogue stories of the Future of the Four Kingdoms, several of which left me with those dang goosebumps again.
The Fatemarked Epic is right up there for me with Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings as my favorite epic fantasies!!
*Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*...more
The Delphi Resistance takes place immediately after The Delphi Effect ends with Anna, Aaron, Taylor, and Deo on the run from the freaky government entThe Delphi Resistance takes place immediately after The Delphi Effect ends with Anna, Aaron, Taylor, and Deo on the run from the freaky government entity led by psychopath Graham Cregg. Anna has an extremely unique ability. She picks up hitchers; ghosts who hitchhike in her head rather than move on after death. And not only does she get the person, she also gets THEIR ability. Cregg won’t stop until he has Anna in his clutches so he can use her abilities for his own insane purpose.
Unknowingly to her companions, Anna has picked up an extra “hitcher” along with Jayden, and it turns out to be Aaron and Taylor’s brother, Daniel. Anna learns how to cope with more than one hitcher at a time, while the gang tries to learn as much as possible about the Delphi Project.
Once again Rysa Walker takes us on a mind boggling journey that was hard to put aside. I seriously could not turn the pages fast enough. As usual, Rysa gave us a brilliant story with many amazing twists and turns.
I absolutely can not wait to find out how this series ends and what Rysa has in store for Anna and Aaron, and Deo and Taylor! Well done!
Thank you to NetGalley and Skyscape for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
Hands down, best of The Fatemarked Epic series so far!! Estes has surpassed himself with his mad talent of giving us characters we care deeply about. Hands down, best of The Fatemarked Epic series so far!! Estes has surpassed himself with his mad talent of giving us characters we care deeply about. And the world he's created is so complex with so many different storylines, although they all seem to crash together at some point.... Just magnificent! He kind of blows my socks off!
Annise and Tarin head north to rescue Lady Zelda (love her). Lisbeth heads south with the Sleeping Knights army along with a surprising companion. Rhea makes some soul-changing decisions and surprisingly, becomes one of my favorites (I've had a love/hate relationship with her throughout this entire series). King Gareth becomes the King he needs to be and I love him for it. And Raven meets an unexpected ally and I can't get enough of this new duo! We also have Roan, Grey and Jai and we can't forget another favorite... Gwen! Oh my! So many characters and so many amazing storylines.
And did I mention dragons? I have never loved dragons more than in this story!
But... David does throw in some heartbreak as well. Of course! I'm not sure I've ever read any of his books without tears. Some happy tears, some very sad tears! He always seems to give me an emotional rollercoaster of feels. Deathmarked is no exception. That ending!!
I was truly blown away at the depth of this remarkable epic fantasy. If you like fantasy, you will love this entire Fatemarked series. I'm on pins and needles waiting for the final book, Lifemarked!...more
I read this as a beta read and will give a full review when I've read the final copy! Loved these stories!I read this as a beta read and will give a full review when I've read the final copy! Loved these stories!...more
I read this as a beta read and it was epic! I'll do a full review once I read the final copy.I read this as a beta read and it was epic! I'll do a full review once I read the final copy....more
In Fatemarked Origins, we get several stories of the background of some of the characters we meet in Fatemarked. We also get a few backgrounds of a coIn Fatemarked Origins, we get several stories of the background of some of the characters we meet in Fatemarked. We also get a few backgrounds of a couple of the characters who we just hear about but don't meet, yet have major impacts to our beloved characters in Fatemarked.
1: Tarin Sheary - How did Tarin become the Armored Knight?? Now we find out!
2: Cecilia (Thorne) Loren - This tale of Rhea's mother and how she died when Rhea was young was a favorite.
3: Markin Swansea - Who was Roan's guardian and why was he so cruel? Or was he?
4: Sabria Loren - This story was another one of my favorites as we find out exactly who Annise's mother was and how she came to be Queen.
5: Sir Jonius - Who was this enigmatic Knight and what were his reasons for serving the dread King?
6: Gwendolyn Storm- We get Gwen's story of her love of the poet and the day of the fateful Dragon Massacre.
Each and every one of these stories give us huge insights into the overall story and world of Fatemarked and although some were heartbreaking, they are all well worth reading!
*Thanks to the author for providing a copy!*...more
When I heard that David Estes was writing a new high fantasy series, I was thrilled because I knew he was a huge Lord of the Rings fan, as am I! I lovWhen I heard that David Estes was writing a new high fantasy series, I was thrilled because I knew he was a huge Lord of the Rings fan, as am I! I loved his sci-fi series, Slip, and his dystopian series, the Dwellers and Country saga so I knew a fantasy from him would be nothing short of amazing!
And wow!! Yes! Fatemarked is his best work to date!! In Fatemarked, we are introduced to the land of the Four Kingdoms and the Kings and Queens and princesses and princes. We also meet several of the Fatemarked, those with marks on their skin who have special powers, for good or bad, light or dark...
And yes, there be dragons!! There is ancient prophecy, and knights, and sword fights, and jousting. And so much action!!
We meet Roan, one of the Fatemarked, along with one of my favorite heroines, Annise! These two are my favorites, but the cast of Fatemarked is huge and I had so many other characters that I was rooting for, like the snarky Prince Gareth, Gwendolyn, Rhea, Arch, the Armored Knight, Grease, and so many others!!! Even Bane! David has a way of making his characters flawed but very human, and very relatable. No one is perfect in the Four Kingdoms.
The world building is incredible and definitely epic! I loved going back and forth to the map to track each character's journey.
And the writing!! The writing is astounding and David has completely surpassed himself with this series! I can't wait to continue this journey of the Fatemarked!!...more
I beta read this book a few months ago. Really great premise! Full review to come after I read the final copy.
9/28/16 Update: I finished the ARC toniI beta read this book a few months ago. Really great premise! Full review to come after I read the final copy.
9/28/16 Update: I finished the ARC tonight so my review is below.
I am a huge Rysa Walker fan and I was extremely excited when I learned she was working on a brand new sci-fi paranormal series. I loved her Chronos Files books, novellas, and short stories and have read them all at least twice!
So when I picked up The Delphi Effect, for me, the bar was set pretty high because of Timebound and I wasn't sure how Rysa would meet my expectations. Well, Rysa exceeded those for sure! When I met Anna, a 17 year old teenager who's had a rough life having grown up in the foster system after her mother dumped her at 3 years old for being possessed, I knew I was hooked. Anna has a gift, or a curse, of picking up ghost hitchhikers. When we meet Anna, we also meet Molly, a ghost who has hitchhiked into Anna's head.
This storyline is brilliant! It was The Sixth Sense meets Firestarter meets the X-Men. I loved all of those stories, so TDE was perfect for me!
Rysa's amazing gift is to give us strong yet flawed characters who I can't help but fall in love with. Anna, Molly, Deo, Kelsey, Aaron, Taylor, etc.,...
I don't want to give away any spoilers, but trust me when I say that the twists and turns were deliciously breathtaking! I will definately be standing in line to get my grabby hands on book 2 in this series!
Thank you so much to Skyscape and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
I am incredibly impressed with this completely unique and original sci-fi fairy tale retelling of Pinocchio! My mind was blown with Estes's take on thI am incredibly impressed with this completely unique and original sci-fi fairy tale retelling of Pinocchio! My mind was blown with Estes's take on this world of Strings and completely enthralled with Pia as a female "Pinnochio", her Papa, and Pia's "Jiminy Cricket", Fig!
Pia, who is attached to "strings" which control her movements whenever "they" want, seeks the truth of the strings and tries to gain her freedom from them. In the process, she has to protect her Papa at all costs and determine whether or not she's real.
I have no idea where Estes's ideas come from, but this concept is amazingly mind blowing. This fairy tale comes complete with a beautiful "moral of the story".
And I am planning to reread this as soon as I can on audio as the magnificent Kate Rudd performs the audiobook! I MUST experience this!!
Whatever Estes has up his sleeves next, count me in. I'm there!!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more
I have been completely obsessed with all things Chronos Files ever since I first read Timebound right after Skyscape released it. I have devoured eachI have been completely obsessed with all things Chronos Files ever since I first read Timebound right after Skyscape released it. I have devoured each novella and book as soon as I could and have lost many hours of sleep staying up until the wee hours with the old "just one more chapter" scenario.
Time's Divide starts off exactly where Time's Edge ends with a surprise visit from a 5th Column member in an altered timeline, thanks to Kate's tireless efforts to save Julia Morelle Waters' parents in the past.
The book started off with a bang and never slowed down to let me catch my breath. Kate is probably one of my favorite heroines as she goes all in, no questions asked, to do everything possible to save the world from Saul's Culling.
As for being Team Kiernan, I have to say I was extremely satisfied with who Kate chose in the end! In fact, although a little saddened by a couple of the events, I am happy overall with this amazing conclusion of the series.
Walker is a timey wimey genius with the twists and crazy antics of time travel, and although my head spun more than a few times, I still managed to keep up. Genius!!
I highly recommend that everyone read both novellas (Time's Echo and Time's Mirror), which are POVs of Kiernan and Prudence, as there is so much insight into those characters which makes Time's Divide an even better experience.
I am experiencing major series hangover now and know that I'll be binge rereading the entire series within a few months. I know that Walker is planning at least one more Chronos Files story and with many authors venturing into her Kindle Worlds to write more Chronos Files stories, I hope to keep my addiction going for a long time!
I can't wait to see what Rysa Walker comes up with next!
Rysa nailed it again, this time with an amazing novella from Pru's point of view! We get Pru's back story starting from when she was a spoiled snarky Rysa nailed it again, this time with an amazing novella from Pru's point of view! We get Pru's back story starting from when she was a spoiled snarky teen.
I loved all the insight into Pru's development into the Sister Pru we all came to know and hate. And this novella almost (almost) makes me feel sorry for her. The timey wimey parts that can make your head spin is Rysa's GENIUS as she seriously pulls it off to where it actually begins to make sense!
I especially loved seeing the future and all its incredible technology!
I was so happy to delve back into the Chronos world and this novella was perfect to keep me going until Time's Divide releases!!
Excuse me as I finish wiping the emotional tears from my eyes after reading one of the best endings ever!
This is by far David Estes's best series yet!Excuse me as I finish wiping the emotional tears from my eyes after reading one of the best endings ever!
This is by far David Estes's best series yet!! I am almost upset that the Kelly family saga is over.
I've been a huge fan of Benson's since the first chapter of Slip. The roller coaster life of having to live in hiding for his entire life and the grief he's suffered never changed who his true self was; just a really good guy!
I love how Estes always find the best in his characters! This is true for Harrison, Destiny, Geoffrey, and especially Janice and Michael. No matter how they started out, they all had amazing character arcs and I loved seeing how they turned out! I will sleep better now knowing this wonderful cast of characters are also sleeping better.
And then there's the wonderful Lola, the botdog. I think she needs her own twitter account and a place where she can receive fan mail. ;)
I can't wait to read Estes's next book because he seriously just keeps getting better and better. I'm not sure how he'll be able to top this one, but you know he will!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review....more
I have been completely obsessed with all things Chronos Files ever since I first read Timebound right after Skyscape released it. I have devoured eachI have been completely obsessed with all things Chronos Files ever since I first read Timebound right after Skyscape released it. I have devoured each novella and book as soon as I could and have lost many hours of sleep staying up until the wee hours with the old "just one more chapter" scenario.
Time's Divide starts off exactly where Time's Edge ends with a surprise visit from a 5th Column member in an altered timeline, thanks to Kate's tireless efforts to save Julia Morelle Waters' parents in the past.
The book started off with a bang and never slowed down to let me catch my breath. Kate is probably one of my favorite heroines as she goes all in, no questions asked, to do everything possible to save the world from Saul's Culling.
As for being Team Kiernan, I have to say I was extremely satisfied with who Kate chose in the end! In fact, although a little saddened by a couple of the events, I am happy overall with this amazing conclusion of the series.
Walker is a timey wimey genius with the twists and crazy antics of time travel, and although my head spun more than a few times, I still managed to keep up. Genius!!
I highly recommend that everyone read both novellas (Time's Echo and Time's Mirror), which are POVs of Kiernan and Prudence, as there is so much insight into those characters which makes Time's Divide an even better experience.
I am experiencing major series hangover now and know that I'll be binge rereading the entire series within a few months. I know that Walker is planning at least one more Chronos Files story and with many authors venturing into her Kindle Worlds to write more Chronos Files stories, I hope to keep my addiction going for a long time!
I can't wait to see what Rysa Walker comes up with next! ...more
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review but read this first as a beta read.
When I found out that David Estes was writing a I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review but read this first as a beta read.
When I found out that David Estes was writing a new book series, this time a futuristic sci-fi dystopian, I was thrilled as the genre is my favorite and Estes is a superb story teller.
Estes, as usual, has written another amazing tale! This new series is set in a future St. Louis. Because of global catastrophy, the land masses have shrunk and there is only enough room in the Reorganized United States of America for a limited population. Births are regulated and unauthorized humans over the age of two are called Slips. The penalty of illegal Slips and their parents is death.
This chilling future is told from the point of view of a family torn apart. Estes has masterfully weaved together another exciting story full of twists and turns that I never saw coming, as usual for this author. There is happiness, sorrow, pain, laughter, love and evil all interwoven together to give the reader one heck of a ride!
I can't wait to continue on this journey with Estes and see where his imagination takes us next. This is my favorite of all of Estes' books to date!!...more
Excuse me as I finish wiping the emotional tears from my eyes after reading one of the best endings ever!
This is by far David Estes's best series yet!Excuse me as I finish wiping the emotional tears from my eyes after reading one of the best endings ever!
This is by far David Estes's best series yet!! I am almost upset that the Kelly family saga is over.
I've been a huge fan of Benson's since the first chapter of Slip. The roller coaster life of having to live in hiding for his entire life and the grief he's suffered never changed who his true self was; just a really good guy!
I love how Estes always find the best in his characters! This is true for Harrison, Destiny, Geoffrey, and especially Janice and Michael. No matter how they started out, they all had amazing character arcs and I loved seeing how they turned out! I will sleep better now knowing this wonderful cast of characters are also sleeping better.
And then there's the wonderful Lola, the botdog. I think she needs her own twitter account and a place where she can receive fan mail. ;)
I can't wait to read Estes's next book because he seriously just keeps getting better and better. I'm not sure how he'll be able to top this one, but you know he will!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review....more
Sorry, that person's shelf is private.
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