War of Shadows (The Ascendant Kingdoms Saga, 3)

One of the major problems I have with Gail Martin's writing is that she writes her male characters like what a woman thinks a man acts like or thinks like (I don't mean this to sound sexist; most male writers have the same issue trying to create believable female characters). And unfortunately, it is typically off. No spoiler alerts here as I am not really going into the story or plot at all here, which also have some flaws (like info dumps, repetition, etc). Since so much of these series revolves around fights and battles, you would think they are a great point in the book but unfortunately the fight scenes are annoying because I feel like she just "copy-paste" every fight scene in the book. And everyone in the book has the amazing ability to effortlessly cut people's heads off with one swipe. So many heads are rolling in this story that you'd think you're reading a book on the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland.There is not a whole lot of character development across this series; the person you are introduced in the first book of the series is the exact same in this book. The characters all have the same tired "banter" back and forth between each other, there is always an "adventure group" that (due to some half baked excuse) "HAS" to go off all on their own. And the male characters all exhibit the ability to "read" a lot of feelings and information from a person's eyes.I really want to like this series because the base of the story is good, but there are just way too many cliches to make it enjoyable. I think this would be better for a YA reader.

Got bit bogged down by Battle after Battle after Battle after Battle. also Both Conner & Blaine almost dying, healed almost near death healed almost near death healed. Gail is really capable of quality spell binding books, this one was not up to the quality of which she is capable. I have I believe almost every book she has written, and will continue to buy them. This one actually caused me to skip over battle scenes as I already knew how they would go. I am not a love story fanatic, and some of the parts with Kestel and Blaine were refreshing, not gooey I would like to have seen more interaction between Blaine & his family and friends after they left Edgeland and came home. But as I say I look forward to the next episode upcoming and hope for better. Love ya Gail, just don't stop writing as now you have ur fans Hooked!

Really enjoyed War of Shadows. Another great book from Gail Z. Martin. One of my favorite authors. This book and series has everything you'd want in a fantasy series. Great heroes and fast paced adventure. Never boring. Love the friendships the heroes have for each other. Good romance between Blaine and Kestel. Great magic system and very unique world. The hero's comrades are as interesting to read as he is. Hope for another book in this series. Great read for fantasy lovers. Highly recommend it.

Not as good as the Necromancer series but a good read .

The writing style is sometimes hard to follow. There are times where the character you are reading about seems to travel long distances or changed scenes confusing the reader. The author seemed to jump from one scene to the next, hoping you were able to follow along.

I have been reading this series for a while. This book was my least favorite. The author repeated her descriptions too often and the story moved slowly. That being said, I did enjoy the story and will read the next installment of the series.

I am looking forward to the next book.

Gail is a darned good story teller, this one kept my attention from page one. looking forward to reading her other books.

Thoroughly enjoyable, I read the first 2 books which were very good, I am so pleased that I was not disappointed in this third one. All the stands of the story came together. If you enjoy colourful characters, a bit of humour, and a well woven story, this is for you.

I really enjoyed books 1 &2, they were meaty and the story line was strong and full of twists and turns. In comparison I was disappointed by the third book, it was long winded and the story line predictable.

Have not finished it yet but it is of to a good start. I have really enoyd these books so far and am a great fan of the author.

Bought this trilogy for my wife she loves books all about fantasy, I bet it won't be long before she has read them.

Thoroughly enjoyable and worth waiting for. As this is a Saga rather than a trilogy - maybe we have lots more to come.