Starman

I'm so on the fence about my feelings for this series. While I really enjoyed the first book, I was not thrilled by the second, and this one didn't bring much else to the table except for bittersweet closure.

Axis is terrible and only grew more so in my eyes as the story went on. Faraday is once again getting treated like crap and as a side character, when I'd rather read more about her, then is killed off at the very end. Azhure, while I want to hate her for taking Axis from Faraday (while simultaneously being glad she rid her of that asshole), is probably the most exciting character in this whole book. I found myself wishing we could just read about the two women and kill Axis off; everyone would be better off!

Uhg. You get 3 stars, show more because I love the writing and some of the story, but I'm keeping two stars because I hate Axis and all of the stupid names for everything (seriously, StarFinger?!?!?!?! UHGGG!). Oh well. show less

Of all the prophecy-based fiction I've read, Sara Douglass is very good at bringing in all the different plot thread in a way that doesn't feel forced, and wrapping up the story neatly and easily.

The moment that I most loved about this book was SpikeFeather's meeting with the Ferryman. His instant sacrifice of himself for the children was a truly good action, not forced or coerced. He immediately became my favourite character in that chapter. (Also, the fact that, even though the Ferryman wasn't asking for anyone to die, SpikeFeather didn't know what would happen to him highlights exactly how straight his moral compass compared to even StarDrifter from the first book. )

I'm not sure how I felt about Azhure stripping DragonStar of his show more Icarii heritage , but I suppose it was somewhat justified. I can already see how Caelum (sp?) is quickly becoming the spoiled favourite an I can see that leading to issues later if Axis and Azhure don't become better parents.

Overall, this was a great conclusion, and I can't wait to read the next trilogy of books. (Does anyone know a spoiler-free reason why these books are labeled as sci-fi? They seem to be straight-forward high fantasy to me.) show less

The story is still good, and you have to care about the characters, but if you can't get past sloppy writing (from extra exclamation points to too many he said-she saids), this book will drive you crazy. The sad truth is, though, that even while being driven crazy--the writing isn't so annoying as to keep me from finishing out the series.

There are surprises to savor. Some will make you want to cry, some will make you want to smack the character, and others will make you cheer. The worldbuilding in this book is also stronger then in previous ones. There is one thing for sure; the world being recreated will be much more beautiful than the one that Artor controlled. The conclusion was satisfying; all the "must know" loose ends are tied up, while leaving room to continue the series. The pacing is also good, and the story flows well from one POV to another, not an easy task when dealing with so many characters.

Full Review Here:
Dragons, Heroes and Wizards

This is the third in the Axis Trilogy by Sara Douglass. In this book the final battle between Axis and his half brother Gorgrael will take place; the identity of the Lover is revealed; and finally WolfStar shows his true colours. This book is absolutely packed with events, as the first two were, and positively glitters with the force of Douglass' very vivid imagination.

I don't dispute that Douglass has managed to churn out a fairly effective fantasy trilogy. The world building is top notch, and the character development has been vigorous - especially when thinking back to the first book. These characters have definitely come a long way! I was unable to resist finding out what happened to Axis, Azhure and Faraday, which I guess is most show more of what can be asked from a novel.

Read the rest of the review at: http://floor-to-ceiling-books.blogspot.com/2010/01/starman-sara-douglass.html show less

Wow. What a powerful ending to the first half of this series. The first three books have dealt with the Prophecy which brings the ancient land of Tencendor back to full glory. It has been torn apart and the three magical races have been seperated. This book brings it all back together. The ending is strong while leaving a clear opening for the rest of the series. I look forward to seeing what happens now that Tencendor has been revived.

Good conclusion. But Destiny prevails over free will. that is what bothered me so much.