Paths of Alir

A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 3

By: Melissa McPhail

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Powerful beings from the fringes of Chaos have come to the realm of Alorin. Fate bends to their will, and their will is set upon Alorin's destruction. Alone in understanding the threat they pose, Alorin's Fifth Vestal, Björn val Gelderan, has launched a desperate plan to stop them: a "great game" played upon the tapestry of mortal life. Now, in Paths of Alir, Björn's Players have taken the field.

Along the lush Caladrian coast of Agasan, the truthreader Tanis d'Giverny returns to the place of his birth and finds mysterious and wonderful workings waiting for him. But the zanthyr Phaedor warns Tanis that ominous events lie ahead, and the lad soon wonders if even his mother's magical lessons will be enough to keep him alive.

In the dungeons of Tal'Shira, held prisoner by the Adept Inquisitor Taliah hal'Jaitar, Prince Trell val Lorian is facing a life of enslavement. Only two paths lie open before him: one means an eternity of torture fighting Taliah's attempts to break him; the other requires surrendering to her will. But can he really sacrifice everything he is to walk Taliah's path of twisted magic known as mor'alir?

In the snow-bound Castle of Tyr'kharta, Prince Ean val Lorian must choose to save his brother Sebastian or his loyal men. But to choose his men means leaving Sebastian to an eternity of enslavement; while rescuing Sebastian means abandoning his friends, and his honor along with them. Either decision will test Ean's newfound skills, as well as his conviction, for as the prince soon learns, once a man becomes a Player in the First Lord's game, not even death can give reprieve.

©2014 Melissa McPhail (P)2016 Podium Publishing

okay. when will book four be out?

okay. when will book four be out? the only issue with audible is they don't complete series.

Emotional rollercoaster

Such a great ending, but goodness gracious... McPhail sure can be sedistic in the way she treats the characters you grow to love. It was gut wrenching, and, at times, very hard for me to push through the story, because of the vile things enacted against certain protagonists -coupled with the consistent sense of foreboding and dread that said individuals might actually experience even MORE gruesome and tragic circomstances. But what an ending! My heart is still recovering from the traumatizing ups and downs of this book, but here I sit, excitedly awaiting the next instalment in the series; and, also, intrigued to see where exactly the author plans to lead us next on her Pattern of Shadow and Light.

As a side note... Way too much sex. I mean, seriously. There was a point, it was crossed, then crossed again (and again) for what seemed like merely good measure -especially in regard to all the rape. But I digress..

the mind that can create such stories.

great books. mabey not for kids. the descriptions of seems is amazing. great to listen to

awesome

I didn't want to stop listening. I look forward to the next book. And the narrator made the book even better.

Perfect narration of an outstanding book

The book is well crafted, and the narration is one of the best I have heard. The series was tough when I started with the first book of the series, but I was totally absorbed in this book.

I can't say enough about Nick Podehl's narration. His voicing of characters was perfect and added much to the magic of the book.

Awesome

After finishing, I need to know what will happen next. Slightly predictable with somethings but still loved it.

Amazing book and series

Filled with complex stories and character development reminiscent of Robert Jordan and the wheel of time.

each new installment gets better and better

this is one of the better books. I've had the pleasure of listening to.

epicfantasy at its finest!


such amazing characters

Gaze

How many times can an author use the word gaze in a book? Listen to these books and take a drink each time you hear gaze or gazed. You won't last long before you're drunk. Good book though.

Not bad

he good Power was so overwhelmed by the evil power would have been better if more evenly matched but worth the.
although this book did demand Focus while listening