Trials of Conviction (The Firebird Chronicles, #5) (2024)

2.5 ☆

After the epicness of book 4 I need this book asap.

I knew I was going to struggle with this one and struggle I did.

I consider this to be a filler the first 50% was absolute torture because with multiple POVs it's hard to show if anything happens.

If the forty three got their heads our of you know what then this journey could have been done in no time.

I have adored this series but how many mord books are to come?

I'll admit, this one had me a bit on the edge of my seat. I knew it was possible we might lose one or two of these adored side characters I've come to love in this series, and I couldn't breathe for a few chapters. Sometimes the scenarios Kira gets herself into makes it hard to see how she is going to accomplish what she needs too. This is one of the many reasons I love this author. She can make the impossible, possible.

I'm in love with this series and it honestly just keeps getting better and better. This is one of those series that I hope goes on forever because I just can't ever see getting tired of Kira, Graydon, and the many side characters I adore. I know that won't happen, so I'm going to enjoy the ride while I can.

Oh, and did I mention the incredible thing that happened at the end of this book??? I'm so freaking excited!!

Ok, I finally got to read it! I still love the story, but… I found it a lot slower and less explosive than the others. Only towards the end of the book did it have the same impact as the ones before. Maybe it’s just me, because I built it up so much in my head… I’m not too sure how to feel yet.

_______________________________________________
I need this book already!! I’ve read the series twice since January, because everything else just bores me at this point. I need more Kira and Graydon. I want more Jin and Raider…and Finn and Devon and Joule…I don’t think I’ll be able to enjoy anything else until I know what happens next😭.

Love, love, love, love, loved it.

So much happened, with lots of little threads brought in, that I want another read to properly digest all the details. And I'm totally not ready to be done with this world, so I'm starting a re-read of the series from book 1. I'll write a better review after that, with the second read under my belt and properly digested.

This book is fabulous because some major questions got forward movement. We still don't have all the pieces, but we have enough to get a pretty clear picture. Rothchild ... is just utterly heartbreaking. The 43 annoy the living sh*t out of me. There are things I like about some of them - even Pallas - but their insistence on keeping Kira/Jin on the outside while also somehow believing they can boss Kira around is maddening. I want her to go primus on them and just beat some ass, honestly. Additionally, they feel f*cking delusional: Pallas's whole thing about Kira and Jin abandoning THEM makes me want to throat-punch him. The 43 knew that Kira and Jin were alive. Knew where they were, how to reach them. And just didn't f*cking bother. Meanwhile, they're going to be whiny babies that Kira and Jin never looked for them. Go f*ck yourselves, seriously. These were the two youngest children, whom the 43 abandoned the night of the escape ... the youngest who nearly died, Jin losing his body completely in the aftermath, stuck as a drone. They were reeling, but they did see the whole camp explode (Pallas said they did that to mask their escape), and were told by Himoto's team that there were bodies. Kira and Jin thought the 43 died attempting to escape. They had no reason to think otherwise. So no, jackasses, they didn't go looking for you. But you asswipes, who abandoned them, knew from the first moment that they didn't die and you never f*cking reached out to them ... probably because you were so emo about abandoning them in your escape. But you don't get to act all hurt that they didn't look for you when you abandoned them not once, but twice.

Also, I have to say that re: Rothchild ... I'm sure it is more complicated than Kira is currently thinking, and we're going to get the rest of the story there. I'm worried that Himoto was involved. Pallas seems to have been working with him, and not just him ... Himoto's files have notes about the 43, which could only have come from them, since Kira never spoke to him about them. Himoto is a damn complicated character, and not really a good guy. I'm worried that more terrible things are going to come out about him. Finding out he knew about the camps was horrible enough as it is. I get that he changed, that raising Kira changed him, but he has clearly done terrible things in the name of the greater good, and I'm worried the full list of those terrible things has yet to be revealed. What we know already is bad enough:

- Knew about the camp Kira and the others were in, even if he didn't know everything involved.
- Told the Curs that Kira abandoned them in the war, isolating her terribly when she was barely surviving.
- Was working in some sneaky way with the 43
- Manipulated Kira repeatedly to keep using her, both during the war until the use finally put her in a coma, and after the war to try and get in with the Tuann

I respect Himoto on some level, as a leader, an Admiral, a war commander ... but as a person, I feel a bubbling dislike.

It is interesting to me that the Tsavitee have managed to convince people to turn traitor in every faction. There are Tuann traitors, human traitors, likely Haldeel traitors (that attack in book 3 was too much of an inside job), and now even in the 43. How? What are they selling that has so many different people buying?

I feel like the ramifications of this book will hit the next book like a wrecking ball. Jace is in a tricky place, almost peeling away as a separate faction of humanity (given how corrupt people in charge are, I think that's a good choice... but still tricky). Tuann have people staging an assassination attempt on a major house (Asanth), and a second major house (Danai) seems to be responsible for the events in book 4 (the adva ka attack), given how quickly they peaced out after the trial (commented on early in this book). The 43 have a traitor, which means they probably have more than one ... and they were already breaking into factions. I think their group will likely fall apart entirely, given that their defining characteristics are PTSD and fear. Now that they can't trust each other, I can't see how they don't completely fragment. And last but surely not least: Jin. While I can't imagine the joy the Emperor feels, it also puts him in a very complicated situation. Where did this body come from? Did the Osiri tamper with it in some way we don't know about yet? Can Torvald just fully embrace his eldest son's return and install him in the Palace? I'm skeptical.

I am terrified for Jin, honestly, and curious about how this will play out. He's been a drone for more than 30 years. Does he even remember how to be a person? How does the soul of a battle-hardened survivor cope with being stuffed in the bottle of a fragile child? He has gained a more recognizable life, but he seems to be losing most of his identity - the Tin Man of the Curs, hacker extraordinaire, Kira's co-pilot, partner, navigator. Like, can he even go into battle with her? He's in a soft child body! How could he? I'm so worried for him!

And lastly, Elise. Man. Talk about complicated. She seems to be a sociopath, mostly. A broken mess of tortured, brainwashed pieces that has clung to the good memories of Kira and Raider to survive, but willing to compromise anything, do anything, if she feels it is needed. She has no lines. No boundaries. How can Kira reconcile that? Is there a way to move forward?

Before I go, just one quibble: I hope the chapters with Elena were a one-off because of the specific circ*mstances in this book, because I wasn't a fan. I don't read YA, don't want to read YA, and the TSTL sh*t with Elena - expected of a pre-teen like her, to be fair - bugged the crap out of me. I hope Wren stashes her somewhere safe from here on out, and we don't have to have her as a major character going forward.

All in all, I can't wait for the next. And I have to say, if Raider or Jin die, I'm going to riot.

3.5/5.0

After a year and four months (yes, I counted) wait, I finally got this treasured story from my most favorite in the whole wide world sci-fi series (okay, okay, it's still fighting E.G. Manetti's Twelve Systems series for first place) in my grubby little hands! And, I immediately curled up to relish the reunion (Christmas vacation and New Years? Who cares!). And, what a reunion it is! Every character that I adore is present and accounted for in this fifth installment and it was just as wonderful to revisit them as I dreamed.

Sadly, however, as the story progressed I realized there are a few things I hesitate at. The story-line is not quite as tightly written and solid as the previous four books. There are a few holes, threads brushed over and there isn't the emotional depth I've become accustomed to. SO... I'll give the amazing and the disappointing and let you, m'friends decide if you agree or not!

Amazing:
1. The bonds, loyalty and love between Kira and those she trusts is just as riveting and tender as any story or series I have ever read. I absolutely adore the relationship between her and Graydon, Elena, Jin and even Raider... well, absolutely everyone she cares about. It is enough to want to just read forever!
2. The first 65% of the book is mainly positioning, and working many smaller story-lines together so the series can continue to stay relevant. This allows for a whole ton of small revelations that the readers have been wondering about. We learn a bit more about Elise (although part of that is also included in the disappointing section below). We discover some of the secrets Jin has kept - along with lots of subtle stuff where one goes, "huh, that's interesting and makes more sense now."
3. We spend a large portion of the story with Elena, and her character grows tremendously in this installment. She has to grow up fast and rises to the occasion admirably. Yet, that growth is still shown through the eyes of a typical 14 year-old. Ms. White does a fabulous job of keeping her innocence while requiring her to see the "real" world.
4. Graydon. 'Nuff said.

Disappointing:
1. There is very little depth underneath the story or characters in this book. We see all the stuff but never really get the emotion that goes along with it. And there are some HUGE times we need to understand what's underneath. What are the characters feeling when they discover "this", or when they learn of "that"? There really isn't anything - we're just left to rush into the next problem.
2. The whole Elise plot-line is HORRIBLY brushed over! We learn a few things but nothing is explained enough to actually understand what those things mean. Exactly who are those children? Hers? Well, HOW? And the whole why she is working with the Tsavitee is mentioned but with no real depth or understanding the how and why behind it. This plot thread is also one of the main points in the book, so not getting anymore understanding behind the actions is SUPER frustrating!
3. AND... the biggest reason I had to hit that 3.5 star rather than a straight four (and probably would have left it at a three if it weren't for my love for the rest of the series), is that the author employed something I am seeing a LOT of recently in books with strong heroines - Once they find their true love - usually a fabulous alpha/strong/talented/provider/type - the author stuffs all that awesomeness of a man into the background to become no more than a cardboard side-character who only shows up for sex or to voice support for all the saving the world stuff the heroine attempts. Then, he leaves the page while she does it all.
Now, I'm all for strong heroines, love every single minute on-page with them. But to emasculate the man the minute he succumbs to love is just insulting to HIS character. And, this is exactly what happens with Graydon in this story. He really does very little more that what is mentioned above. In fact, Slightly spoilerish comment on the character side of things ahead: He doesn't even make an appearance for the big final battle until after Kira has done all the work! Then, he just waltzes in to help her clean up and show his love. GAH! Why can't we see him fight by her side?!?!? That doesn't make her less bad-a$#, it just shows that they are both strong, but together they are unbeatable and A.MAZ.ING. *sigh* Sadly that didn't happen and that is the most disappointing thing of all.

Even so, I would highly recommend reading this story, IF you have read the previous books in the series (and why wouldn't you? They are fabulous!) I would also really love to know if anyone agrees with my points or if I'm just out in left field by myself on this one (as the ratings so far may attest).

I NEED IT NOW!!! AHHH!!!

Update: New target date is 26.12.23

Firebird 5 is due very late fall of 2023, according to the author's website.

A LOT was going on in this fifth book of an amazing sci-fi romance series.

As always, I love, love, love the cast, especially Kira and Jin's relationship. They are something special, their connection and the way they feed off each other ist GOLD!

I'm also intrigued by Aaron and his story arc.

And of course, the twist at the end has me salivating for the next book.

If I die before this series ends, I hope I get to finish it in heaven 😭

3.5
I did love Trials of Conviction and its adrenaline filled plot.
What I really didn’t enjoy was Elena’s Pov (Trials of Conviction was told by three different POV). Unfortunately that’s at least a third of the book during which I was exasperated (kudos to Ms White, though, she perfectly sounded as stupid as any 13 yo is when she thinks/acts immortal).
As I said I didn’t enjoy reading about Elena, I didn’t like her before and definitely I did not like her here. Stupid doesn’t cover it.
Elena’s story highlighted (for me) the book’s problems, one of which is that magic is not science and this book is more and more fantasy rather than Sci-Fi. It’s not the humans that considers the Tuann wizards, many plot points make sense only in light of magic, not science. It’s not a problem in itself, but then if you want to write “Fantasy” you better be prepared to create a sturdy foundation. And I do believe in “luck” but at this point there’s simply too much of it.
(Above all if you consider that she may have suffered catastrophic losses in her past, but in these 5 books no one dies among her allies/friends.)

Maybe it’s a me problem, but so many super powers, appearing when needed, are “off”. And so is the uber villain that never dies and its god-like. Or the so convenient soul-less body…

As my rating states I liked the book (minus the exasperation that a 13 yo brings…) and I would recommend giving it a try, even with its faults. Just know what you’re going to read.

Trials of Conviction
5 Fantastic Stars

Trials of Conviction is the book I most wanted to read this year; hands down the most anticipated! With each book, T. A. White's writing and world-building keep getting better. She's mastering her craft. And wow, this book doesn't disappoint, and it lived up to my expectations.

This is my favorite ongoing series, and I'd recommend starting at the beginning with Rules of Redemption (if you are new to the game).

This space adventure starts on Ta Sa’Riel, after Threshold of Annihilation ends with Kira's niece and best friend in Tsavitee's hands. Kira is struggling to find balance in her disconnected bond. Time isn't on her side. Regardless of her body hurting or her soul's deep wound, she has one mission: find the Tsavitee home world and rescue her family.

This fifth installment has a more serious undertone than the previous books. Though not hard to read at all, Trials of Conviction is fast-paced and mission-focused. I found myself missing Jin and Kira's typical banter as comic relief. Instead, we are faced with a Kira's single-minded focus; she may have burned a few bridges with Taunn and the 43 in the process. Kira is forced to face her past, to bring the battle to the enemy's turf. She commands her gang of misfits, as danger and betrayal stalk her every step.

I absolutely love that Graydon steps up for Kira and becomes her sword and shield in truth. There's something so satisfying about Kira and Graydon working on the same team. He's pretty impressive with his new tricks. I may need a fan.

As multiple plotlines unfold at the same time, we are treated to several characters' perspectives that we typically don't see. Elena and Jin's POV on the Tsavitee home world is so intense and a little freaking scary to read, but we gain so much information. Graydon and others are knowledgeable and fill in the reader's knowledge gaps or offer a Taunn perspective. I'm very impressed with the amount of ground covered in this book. We get so much information from this book. We get to meet more of Kira's siblings, and we get to see the Tsavitee children through Elena's eyes. So many questions were answered, but I have a million new questions to ask. Lastly, we learn how Kira earned her call sign, The Phoenix.

Overall, Trials of Conviction is a great addition to this series. It's nice to see Kira isn't alone anymore. House Roake, Harlow, and Kira's allies have her back. I like how this book ended. At a perfect spot. All the chess pieces are on the board for Firebird #6. I love the endless possibilities this book brings, and it makes me very excited for future books. I definitely want to see more in this universe.

PS: I'm having a hard time seeing this series completed in one book. Two books seem more likely.

Thank you, T. A. White and Emily Alice, for providing me with a digital ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I adore this series, but I had major issues with this fifth book in the series.
- The first 60% (in particular the first 20%) was dull, and more than a little plodding.
- The story was disjointed. Leaping from POV to POV did it no favours. Particularly found Graydon's POV irrelevant when it came to adding any value or excitement.
- The sex scenes (Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a nice steamy sex scene) felt unwieldy, and lacked excitement... 0r even any real heat for that matter.
- Worse, I kept putting this book down, it just failed to keep me entertained or gripped. TBH, if the first four books has this dull pacing, and disjointed POV jumps I would never have gotten past book 1 in the series.

FINALLY, at the 60% mark the story & action went from 0 - 110%. Almost like I was reading a completely different book - one that felt a lot more connected and worthy of the series. Kira was front and centre, doing most of the POV'ing, and she was actively (finally) doing something.

Yes, I still love this world & these characters, but... BUT, I'm a little more wary of the author whilst the gloss has been a little tarnished when it comes to this series. Which is a pity.

The delulu has ended. I’m aware of time again

4.55 stars

Not a revolutionary part of the series, but a rather solidifying one. A lot of build up that we see in the previous books, finally comes to a climax. And I am here for it.

Review

When Elena is taken to the Tsavitee base and Jin decides to go with her, it leaves Kira and Raider no choice but to retrieve them. They soon come up with the plan and start executing it. But the Emperor's face is no stranger to his cheva'nier and has no intentions of being left behind. He will be her sword and shield, just like he vowed. With that, the Wanderer is back in space. And first stop—Rothchild. Or is it?

As always, the book is written beautifully. I can understand how White tried to include as much as she could, but still there is a lot of story left in our characters and the plot.

This book is where species and factions meet— the Tuann, the humans and the 43. There are traitors revealed, stories unfolded and revelations done.

My absolute Fav. Parts

1. Graydon's presence throughout the book, alongside Kira. The soulful moments between the two. And Kira healing because of Graydon even though Jin is not by her side for now. The way she learns to expect his presence and turn to him for strength and support.

2. Elena's point of view. Even though she is captured, we can see Kira's and Jin's influence on her upbringing. How very brave the child is, and yet impulsive.

3. Jin's arc and resolution.

What I wish the book had, but it didn't

1. Even though Devon was very much present, I wanted the climax to include him.

2. An epilogue of the 43 after everything happens—just a hint of it.

3. The continuous mention of Jin's eye being an inside joke.

As always, I can't wait for the next part. Though the ending isn't a cliffhanger of the epic kind, it is a beginning of a 'new chapter'. The Firebird chronicles just keeps getting better and better.

P.s. White's books are among my top favorites of all times. The imaginative genius of her is my choice of drug.

BOOK WORLD IMAGINED- My Take on the world through images, to help along with your reading.

ALT. LINK :-
https://in.pinterest.com/aziaroyal/bo...

4.55 stars

Not a revolutionary part of the series, but a rather solidifying one. A lot of build up that we see in the previous books, finally comes to a climax. And I am here for it.

Review

When Elena is taken to the Tsavitee base and Jin decides to go with her, it leaves Kira and Raider no choice but to retrieve them. They soon come up with the plan and start executing it. But the Emperor's face is no stranger to his cheva'nier and has no intentions of being left behind. He will be her sword and shield, just like he vowed. With that, the Wanderer is back in space. And first stop—Rothchild. Or is it?

As always, the book is written beautifully. I can understand how White tried to include as much as she could, but still there is a lot of story left in our characters and the plot.

This book is where species and factions meet— the Tuann, the humans and the 43. There are traitors revealed, stories unfolded and revelations done.

My absolute Fav. Parts

1. Graydon's presence throughout the book, alongside Kira. The soulful moments between the two. And Kira healing because of Graydon even though Jin is not by her side for now. The way she learns to expect his presence and turn to him for strength and support.

2. Elena's point of view. Even though she is captured, we can see Kira's and Jin's influence on her upbringing. How very brave the child is, and yet impulsive.

3. Jin's arc and resolution.

What I wish the book had, but it didn't

1. Even though Devon was very much present, I wanted the climax to include him.

2. An epilogue of the 43 after everything happens—just a hint of it.

3. The continuous mention of Jin's eye being an inside joke.

As always, I can't wait for the next part. Though the ending isn't a cliffhanger of the epic kind, it is a beginning of a 'new chapter'. The Firebird chronicles just keeps getting better and better.

P.s. White's books are among my top favorites of all times. The imaginative genius of her is my choice of drug.

BOOK WORLD IMAGINED- My Take on the world through images, to help along with your reading.

ALT. LINK :-
https://in.pinterest.com/aziaroyal/bo...

screaming, crying, throwing up in my hands

5 stars

★★★★★

�� Trigger warnings:*contains spoilers* mentions of child abuse, drugging, torture, physical and emotional abuse, murder & attempted murder, death, dead bodies, war themes and military violence, mentions of death of parent, blood and gore depictions, confinement, knife violence, mental illness, suicidal ideation, grief and loss depictions, loss of autonomy, PTSD. .

First read: January 2024

The The Firebird Chronicles series reviews:
#1 Rules of Redemption43954881: ★★★★★
#2 Age of Deception: ★★★★★
#3 Threshold of Annihilation: ★★★★★
#4 Facets of Revolution: ★★★★★
#5 Trials of Conviction: ★★★★★
#6 Firebird #6: release date: end of 2024

Would I recommend this book?
YES

Will I continue reading this series?
Of course. This is my ride or die series. I will be buried with it.

Will I re-read this book?
I re-read this series all the time.

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I needed this yesterday!

for some reason I thought this was the last in the series so glad it isn't

That last 100 pages were... f*cking INTENSE. I think my blood pressure was shooting through the roof. My god. How can anyone read this book quietly? I was screaming and pulling my hair out from the stress.

Anyhow. It was a magnificent read as always. f*ck. Why does this series didn't get the attention it deserves? Because I could totally watch this series being adapted and I would literally die if that day ever comes.

4-4.5 Stars

If you have made it to book 5 in this series then you know how amazing these characters are. The previous book left off with a big cliffhanger with Elena being taken and Kira being despondent on her own without Jin. I was on the edge of my seat for some resolution to Elena being taken, we knew there was no way Kira would leave her and I knew that it wouldn't be simple to resolve this one but this book surpassed my expectations.

I really enjoyed the pacing of this book as it wrapped up some ongoing storylines and brought some closure while simultaneously giving new information onto events that we previously thought we knew about and bringing them into a new light. Kira was as great as ever and I really enjoyed some more insight into the 43 and would love just a prequel or short story all about them and what they did post escape from the camp. I can never quite get a read on their motives with Kira and I don't think Kira can either at this point.

I would say the only part I didn't love about this book was Elise, I just can't tell how I feel about her or how I am suppose to feel. I feel like the first book it was victim, then she moved into a more villainous role and now it's a bit ambiguous. I feel like even the characters don't quite know where they stand with her which could absolutely be the point but I'm not loving the gray area I feel like we're in with her. I do look forward to getting all the information on Elise on why she took this solitary path and when it started and why the 43 are so staunchly convinced she's a traitor. If she gets a redemption arc I hope Kira doesn't give into her too quickly as she's been pretty brutal to her even if she has excuses and reasons for it. Besides Elise though I really enjoyed this book and devoured it.

I can't wait for more adventures and am eagerly anticipating what comes next!

4.5 stars. Pretty slow start but the book got better as it progressed. The author spends a bit too much time on internal monologue and there’s quite a bit of repetition of things that were explained previously. I think, realistically, this book doesn’t actually deserve such a high rating, but I really enjoyed it by the time I got to the ending. Can’t wait for the next in this series!

Safe

I didn't think it could get any better, but it did

Wow what a ride. This book was a little bit more serious then the first 4 but that's ok. I think we needed to see the Phoenix as a war commander instead of the lost child. I tried so very hard to read slowly and savor the book but instead ended up staying up late into the night (cough cough early morning ) reading. Meeting the rest of the 43 was not how I expected it to go. Mrs. T is one of the few authors who managed to make me constantly change my opinion on characters. This book finished up an (I hope) opening arc all the while leaving a few tantalizing dangling threads that are screaming more stories to come. And I can't wait.

I seriously cannot get enough of this series, and Trials of Conviction is the current cherry on top of an amazing storyline.

The plot is moving forward at a pace that keeps me engaged but also manages to hit important growth moments for the characters. Add in some of the best side characters who have their own character arch… I really can’t deal with how obsessed I am.

Trails of Conviction feels like a peek I’ve been anticipating in this series since the first book. I know it’s a “false summit” but there is no disappointment from me that we get more of these characters and their world. But so many important milestones were hit in this book that I’ve wanted to read (or devour), it truly made me so happy reading this addition to the series. Even when I was biting my nails at the tension points.

This series is literally top tier and always one I recommend to friends and family. Trials of Conviction does not disappoint (AT ALL) and its release was the best Christmas present I received 💕. I can’t wait to see where Kira and Jin’s story goes next, especially after that ending 👀.

O M G THE ENDING!!! *insert screaming inside here*

Book 5 is the best one yet. This book is all about the Tsavitee, Rothchild, and the masters from the past + the 43. Without spoiling anything a lot of major threads are wrapped up in this book, but there are enough crumbs in this for the future books to go off of.

I really want to learn more about 43 and also about Jin and Devon's mom.

Highly recommend, you won't be able to put it down.
This book can't be read without the previous books.

I need this book now!!!

4.5 Stars

This was a great installment! I can't wait to read more about the new plot developments.

This is a great series!
I love the characters and world building.

❤️This was my absolute favorite for Kira and Graydon! I love that they are a team in this one. Love the support and growth. I also live that we see more of them together❤️

Little romance in the first 2 books but it’s there and I LOVE GRAYDON! ESP the further the series goes.
From book3 and on the romance builds quite nicely.

The story also builds the more the series goes on. I’ve enjoyed the whole series. I felt a little lull in book 2 but that was it.
Also I would have liked a hit more romance in book 1 & 2.

But overall highly enjoyable with lots of action and a great storyline.

‼️Safety for the whole series…
No OWD
No OMD
No sex till book 3
No real talks about their pasts.
We know Grayson NEVER pursued woman before they chased him and even then he was very picky. BUT HE IS THE MAIN PURSUER HERE.
No Manwhor*
Kira had ONS when she wanted them.
No OP after meeting

For this fifth book in one of the most beautiful and compelling series I have read lately, a number of stories come to a conclusion but slip effortlessly into a new arc that, I hope, will take us far because I am not at all ready to stop reading the adventures of Kira, Graydon and especially J1N.

Per questo quinto libro in una delle serie piú belle ed avvincenti che mi sia capitato di leggere ultimamente, una serie di storie arrivano alla conclusione ma scivolano senza sforzo in una nuova arc che, spero, ci porterá lontano perché non sono affatto pronta a smettere di leggere le avventure di Kira, Graydon e soprattutto J1N.

Spoiler warning! I’m recapping how this book ended so I’ll remember when the next one comes out.

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Jin has a body again!! Holy hell! I can’t wait to see his reunion with his father (the Tuann emperor) and his brother (Devon).

Kira and her friends (both Tuann and human) rallied to go rescue Elena (Kira’s niece) and Elise (the supposed traitor under Tvastee control). Turns out the Tvastee had several children/clones (unknown which one they are just yet) of the original 43. Elise was pretending to be under Tvastee control to find a way to save those kids. And she became aware that the Tvastee are just slaves of the Osiri, so she’s also been hoping to liberate them. I’m not sure how good of a woman Elise is still after all this time, but at least she’s not the traitor they all thought her to be.

There are now two Tvastee generals aligned to the good guys—Aeron (sp?) who was captured two books ago and a younger one who was in the crèche with Elena and escaped with them after witnessing them kill an “unkillable” Osiri. The two appear to be related and had a touching reunion. Not sure where they ended up. Maybe they went with Jace and the humans.

Jace, as commander of a human battleship, along with two or three other commanders joined Kira on her raid of a Tvastee homeworld. The Consortium had ordered them to join a defense line, but they all decided they’re tired of playing defense and elected to go rogue and join Kira. They might all have died in the battle if it weren’t for a fleet of Tuann coming to the rescue at the end. Apparently Kira’s uncle (lord of a Tuann house) wasn’t gonna let her go without backing her up. At the end of the battle, her uncle and Jace made an alliance. It seems the Tuann don’t like alliances with whole species or militaries, but they will with a person, if they prove worthy. And Jace’s actions in the battle and in support of Kira, proved him worthy in their eyes.

Kira discovered that her brother (Pallas? P-something) was responsible for killing some of her team of currs back in the war. Supposedly he did it to save her but Kira swore to kill him if she saw him again. When they did reunite, it was with the Osiri to fight, so they put that aside for the moment. P was shot repeatedly by Thea, another of the 43 who turned out to be a real traitor. She wanted the power that came from serving the Osiri and has been betraying them all along. She’s who Elise gave Elena to with instructions to get Elena to Kira if Elise doesn’t return. It’s Thea’s fault that Elise grew up abandoned on the streets until Kira and Jin found her. She’s also been the Osiri/Tvastee’s inside man all these years. Pretty sure she’s dead now. Once the bad guys were all defeated, P took Thea’s body and did his teleportation thing; assuming he’s gonna go report the betrayal to the 43.

Kira drained herself near the point of death to use her ki to burn the Osiri’s essence out of existence after Finn (her oshoto, sworn defender) beheaded the Osiri’s body and they all discovers that they really are undying since they can exist without a body. Kira almost didn’t succeed in killing it’s incorporeal form, but at the last minute, the wanderer (Tuann who was guardian of a lecha (sp? mini sacred dragon with immense ki) dropped his dragon into the pool next to Kira that housed a bigger, older, captive dragon. The little guy somehow freed the bigger guy (who flew up into the sky) and this gave Kira a huge boost in ki which she flooded into the Osiri to burn it out.

Kira had enough energy left to stumble over to Jim’s broken sphere and try to hold his soul together. She remembered that one of the bodies in a tank nearby was Jim’s original body or a clone of it, so, with Graydon’s help, she managed to bind Jin’s soul to that body. Then Kira passed out into Graydon’s arms.

Now everyone is safe and back on Tuann (not sure where Jace and the Consortium folks ended up, but the media is siting them as heroes, so the Consortium probably won’t court marshal them for going rogue). Wren (Kira’s mentor) has his daughter back (Elise) and his granddaughter has been rescued (Elena). Raider has his daughter back (Elena) and we’ll wait to see if it’s a happy reunion with Elise or not once she wakes up from whatever coma the Osiri put her into. Kira has a second oshoto (sworn defender) now that whatshisname (Finn’s friend, ex bartender, and oshoto to Kira’s father I think) pledged to her. And Jin is mad that Kira put him into a child’s body. But I think Kira will happily take his anger if it means he’s alive. It’ll be an interesting adjustment for Jin to get used to having an organic body again. I can’t wait for that to play out!

4.5 stars

T.A. White once again has shown why she’s one of my favorite authors.

While the first half of the book was good but not great, the latter part was so fantastic I’d like to read it again right away. A lot happens in this story, with some big revelations and developments, and I can’t wait until the next book comes out.