Review:
*I received a copy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
Gah, this is one of those difficult books to review because it had so much going on and was so tightly coiled with the rest of the series. I’m tempted to just say, “GOOD BOOK IS GOOD,” and then put a bunch of sassy Dorian quotes and all the fan art I made. I have so many thoughts though! So I’m gonna split this review into two parts: one completely spoiler-free for the series, and one for anyone who’s read the previous books.
Spoiler-Free for the Series
Every book in this series has had kind of its own plot, but they’ve all been very interconnected and building up a bigger plot, and this was the book where a lot of that really culminated (but there are still going to be more books, so everything is not over). There were a lot of intense battle scenes, but also moments with a quieter intensity and some moments of reflective downtime and fun. The plots and the character developments in this series have a lot of complexity, planning, and thought put into them, so it’s always nice to see how things progress more and more. (Side note: It makes the books especially enjoyable to reread!)
Another thing I love is that the scope has definitely gotten more epic—larger-scale events happening, world-ending stakes, a growing cast of characters, etc.—and yet, the author has continued to make the books feel relatively narrow in scope and keep me feeling connected by staying focused on Dorian and friends and by sticking to his POV (aside from a brief foray into another POV for a good reason).
Speaking of Dorian and friends, the characters continued to be layered and oh-so-lovable! I’ve started adopting characters I love, so I’m adding these to my family. They’re mine now. All of them. Well, maybe not all of them (manipulative, mind-controlling tyrants and human-eating flesh monsters need not apply), but definitely Dorian, Noah, Gianluca, Lyle, and Nathaniel. Especially those last three. They’re just big, hunky sweethearts. I also love how sassy Dorian is getting. And Noah is… well, he’s Noah, and I love him for it. I love his ridiculous, obnoxious side, his playful side, and his deeper, caring side. There were some adorable friend, found family, and romantic relationships too.
The supernatural stuff continued to be interesting as well. So many of these characters have seriously cool powers (e.g. creating things from and traveling through shadows), plus Dorian’s telekinesis powers grew even more.
*Spoilers for Books 1-4*
For anyone who’s read the previous books and wants to know more specifically what you can look forward to in this one…
– More Order! They had a bigger role as well, and some of the individuals stood out a bit more.
– Some new characters! Like a new, interesting god and his followers, including some cute little kids.
– An adorable friendship between Dorian and Nathaniel! They had some really nice moments, and I loved seeing Nathaniel form a real bond with someone after all he’s been through.
– An adorable relationship between Dorian and Noah! I was so excited to see them get together in the last book, so I just adored seeing all their touching, sweet, and intimate moments in this one.
– A different side to Noah! Much less of his obnoxious side and more of his playful and heartfelt side.
– Some fun Isis moments! I think I’ll add her to the list of characters I’m adopting, actually.
– Gianluca breaking your heart 🙁 I know I said this was things to look forward to, but I couldn’t not mention the poor guy. He was so sweet and lovelorn sometimes that it made me want to cry.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, this was an amazing addition to the series with heightened stakes, lots of supernatural powers, adorable friendships and relationships, and so many lovable characters!
*If you’re interested in learning more about the series, you can find an interview with the author here!*
Bonus: I Made Fan Art!
I was inspired! J. Armand sometimes refers to Dorian as a smol spooky boi, so I couldn’t resist trying to learn how to draw chibi art (seriously, I watched like five tutorial videos) so that I could attempt to draw smol Dorian.
I also ended up making a SPOILER-ific (for Books 1-4, not this one) stick figure comic. You can see some non-spoiler panels in this tweet, and the full one is hidden below.
Last but not least, I drew some smut! 😳 It’s not really explicit, but it’s still NSFW. It is also SPOILER-ific (mostly for Books 1-4, but it does spoil one funny moment in this book).
P.S. If you want to see actual, far better art of the characters (i.e. art that was not done by me), check out the author’s social media or website!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-4 in J. Armand's The Immortal Coil series. Anyone who likes intense action, complex plots, large casts of lovable and continually growing characters, sweet friendships/relationships, and lots of supernaturals.
More Books in the Series:
Book Review: The Immortal Coil (The Immortal Coil Book 1) by J. Armand
Book Review: Shadows of Humanity (The Immortal Coil Book 2) by J. Armand
Book Review: Gospel of the Forgotten (The Immortal Coil Book 3) by J. Armand
Book Review: The Alabaster Concordat (The Immortal Coil Book 4) by J. Armand
Book Review: Infernal Providence (The Immortal Coil Book 5) by J. Armand
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Your comic is <3 Just everything about this review was just infectious and drew me in — I love it when reviewers just can't contain their glee about their book and it just leaps out at you when you read their reviews.
Haha thank you <3 The comic was so much to make!
LOL at “GOOD BOOK IS GOOD,” I love when I feel that way about a book, and I also think it’s the sign of a great read when it inspires the reader to make art. Love everything you made!
Sometimes “GOOD BOOK IS GOOD” is just the best way to express your feelings, haha. And I feel like art is usually a sign of a great book too! Thanks! XD
I love all your artwork! Even the spoilery smutty one😁
Thanks! 😆
Okay I am loving the stick figure comic! Even if I don’t entirely know what’s going on lol. And smut too?!? You are definitely going above and beyond with these reviews haha. Seriously though the character relationships sound pretty well done! Glad this series keeps humming along.
Haha yeah it’s hard to understand without having read the books, but thanks! It was a lot of fun to draw lol. The smut too 😛 Just this review cuz these are such great characters!
Gah! I see book #5…NUMBER FIVE!! And I get a bit anxious and maybe a little down. I really, really have to read this series, Kristen. I know it’s going to be good. I know I’m going to love it because of how much you love it. I *must* meet Dorian and the gang! Sigh. I think I’ll put it on the docket for when I return from Europe in April. 🙂 I’m so happy you continue to adore this series. And, um, any chance you’ll share your new family once I’ve met them?!? 😉
I know, it’s daunting when there are already so many books out in a series! I feel like this is maybe not your usual kind of read? But it *is* a great series with some seriously lovable characters! For you, I will totally share my family 😛
aw I love love love you fan art. I swear to god you find the best titled series! 🙂
Sounds like the series got plotted very well with the individual and overarching plot. Love that! I think it’s so hard!
Thanks! XD It is such a great and well-plotted series!
“GOOD BOOK IS GOOD,” – How to write a book review in four words 😀 I love it.
I am so so glad you were able to really love this book though. That’s such a high rating from you and goes to how this series has really captivated you from beginning to end. Dorian sounds like an amazing character. I like that all the books are quite individual to each other but you can also see how they all relate and how the bigger picture has clearly been kept in mind too!
Lol right?
Thanks! I am really loving this series 🙂 All the characters are great and so lovable!
I bought the first book in this series a while ago, but still have to get around to reading it. Every time I see you post about this series I get more curious as you seem to love it so much. i hope I’ll enjoy it too when I get around to reading it.
I like the sound of how even tough the scope is more epic it still stays pretty narrow. The characters all sound very likable and the supernatural stuff sounds great too.
I hope you enjoy it too!
Yeah I don’t like it when the scope gets too big and drifts away from the characters, so I’m glad this one still has such good and close characterization. And the characters are so lovable!