War Of Torment By Ronie Kendig

War of Torment

by Ronie Kendig

Publisher: Enclave

Series: The Droseran Saga

ISBN: 979-8886050387

I was incredibly excited to be on Ronie's launch team once again for this series. While I received an ARC ebook, I purchased the hardcover for my personal library. This series is one of the most amazing ones I've ever read!

Summary:

The time for peace is over—now he demands vengeance

They followed him back. Against his will, against his intention. Now enemies threaten from every direction. Amidst it all Marco Dusan struggles to lead his people, to help them survive, even mayhap win the war. He will take any advantage to even the odds. But only after tragedy strikes does he learn just how much he’s willing to sacrifice.

He’s not alone. Droserans fight as one, united against the offworlders—Symmachians who covet their planet. With the aid of unexpected allies, the Droserans battle on longer than anyone could have anticipated. Yet they cannot win. And the Faa’Cris, those supernatural warriors, fair of face and fierce of mien, do nothing.

But not all have turned their backs. After a bitter year of pain and loss, Kersei Dragoumis navigates a new heritage, ever intent on defending her people. Like her, light-years away from the Quadrants and even farther from the girl she thought she was, Eija Zacdari must come to terms with a new role. Or, rather, with an ancient one. And her success or failure may determine back in the Quadrants who lives and who dies.

In the end, Marco will have vengeance for the torment brought by this war. No matter the price. Not even if the price is his soul.

My Review:

War of Torment. Was. Epic! This series will live in my heart forever. I will warn you right now, my review won't do this ANY justice. And I'll say, I'm tearing up just thinking about it all over again. I supposed I could stop there and you'd know exactly how I felt about it.

Drosero is under attack and everything is sheer insanity. There are so many lives and storylines entwined together it takes a moment (several chapters) to remember what's going on - if you haven't read the books one right after the other. Kudos to the author because how she kept everything straight is beyond me.

I knew going into this that I was going to be gutted with emotion and all I'd want to do is race to the end. But in that same vein, I wanted to take as much time as possible to savor my first read. As I passed the halfway mark, there was no turning back. Putting down the book went against everything in me. When I did put it down, all I could think of was, "WHAT is happening while I'm gone?"

Marco... where do I even start with him? My emotions towards him were all over the place. I was sad for all he'd endured through the first three stories. I was overwhelmed by his love and devotion for Isaura. I was furious - FURIOUS - of his treatment of not only Kersei, but also those around him. You ever want to reach into a story and shake a character? That was me with Marco!

With Isaura and Kersei, I know in my previous reviews I've been fully in camp Team Kersei, but I truly ended up loving Isaura. The author has raked my heart over the coals with these two. Isaura's grace and gentleness shines through once again. And poor Kersei, she's always been so strong-willed, but has been "trying" to do better - make more adult choices and it's not easy for her. Same, Kersei, same.

Of course, Tigo and Jez are fully present. Their banter is some of my favorite throughout. I just love them together. They have a LOT to go through and I was clinging to them tightly. Same with Reef and Eija. Initially I forgot what was going on in their storyline, but it came back rather quickly after I got my bearings. Their "relationship" was so difficult because you can tell there's something there, but because of Eija's touch, Reef struggles with his feelings and thoughts.

There are layers upon layers to WoT. If you want a book that takes you on an emotional roller coaster, this is the one & the series for you! No way to be prepared for how all of it unfolds. The author had me second guessing everything I thought I "knew" was going to happen. On top of that, I can guarantee you that you'll want to join a support group specifically for this book.

With the end of this series, I finally understand why people's lives are changed by a book or a series. This one has done it for me. I will talk about it forever and ever. Was I surprised that a space opera, fantasy series is what got me? Yes, but anyone who reads it will completely understand.

About the Author:

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic & Starbucks runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share—sometimes—with Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.