Siege And Sacrifice is a stunning conclusion to Holmberg's latest exciting and original fantasy series.

Sandis has escaped Kazen but she has not defeated him.

Kazen has found a new vessel in which to summon the giant demon Kolosos - Anon, the brother that Sandis thought was long dead. Kazen also has Rone's amarinth, which Rone lost in his last battle, giving him temporary immortality. As Kolosos appears and is destroying the city at Kazen's demand, Sandis and Rone try to unravel the mysteries of the amarinth and find a way to stop Kolosos, save Anon, and save their city.

Victory, it appears, cannot come without great sacrifice. Sandis and Rone are suddenly separated and each is working to save the other as well as the world they live in. Trying to find a way to stop the seemingly unstoppable Kolosos.

The world building for this series was exemplary - you can always count on Holmberg to come up with a fresh and original fantasy story line, with a mood enhancing setting and unique and exciting magic. Holmberg's characters are very well written and easy to become invested in. Together these create a highly addictive series. After finishing each book I was hungry for the next.

Siege And Sacrifice was an epic conclusion for a series that captivated me from the start!


Happy Reading,
Christine

YES. I loved this book!! I have such a hard time with trilogies that either shouldn't have been full trilogies (the author drags it out), or that fizzle and falter by the last book and leave you sad and disappointed. NOT SO with this trilogy!! This book was full of so many surprises, both small and monumental. I loved every satisfying revelation and answer, and couldn't put it down. The ending was perfect. I see why Charlie enjoyed writing this so much, and became so attached to these characters. I miss them already.

A wonderful conclusion to the Numina trilogy! Charlie Holmberg is the best in her genre and this series is probably the best I've read in over a decade. Well crafted plot, developed characters and twists that will keep you guessing until the last possible moment.

This is a great continuation of this series. Followed the previous installment seamlessly. I really enjoyed and recommend. Strong plot and enjoyable easy read.

I’m having troubles wrapping my head around the enormous magnitude of awesomeness that was this book. Admittedly, it’s been a few months since I read the 2nd book in this trilogy, but it didn’t matter one bit. From the first page, I was immediately sucked right back into this amazing story, down into the proverbial rabbit hole, to the city of Dresberg and the world of Sandis and Rone and the Numina.

There is so much to love. The amazing characters. The vividly created scenes. The action and the magic that swirled as if they were real in front of my eyes. I loved all of it, each and every part.

I’m in awe, sitting here with my jaw hanging open after a whirlwind of these words swirling through my head for the past two days. I’ve loved this story from the beginning. It’s by far and away my favorite by Charlie Holmberg, and I dare say one of my top reads of 2019, and most definitely my favorite fantasy I’ve ever read.

This book deserves far, far more than 5 stars.

Articulating my feelings about this book has been a difficult endeavor. I was absolutely blown away by Siege and Sacrifice as a conclusion to the Numina Series. It is a very fulfilling conclusion to the story that is introduced in the first two books, but it is so much more than that. Siege and Sacrifice continues to add new dimensions and characters to the story, something which I have found to be unusual in the final volume of a series. This book isn’t just an easy conclusion to the world that has been created for these stories, instead it is a capstone that completely changes your view of the other two volumes.

For me this was the best of the three book. Fast, adventurous, and a perfect flow!

We know who is who and have this fantastic story set up and so ready for a perfect ending to the series. I really feel like we ended up with one! I didn’t want to stop reading and once again am impressed with the magical world created by the author.

A satisfying conclusion to a trilogy. I enjoyed the characters, the action, and the magic. She's a talented writer with a very good imagination. Recommended.

I really appreciate the advanced copy for review!!

Alrighty, where to begin. 

I think this is a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. One thing I really like about Charlie N Holmberg is that she always rounds off her books, she's not one to leave things hanging and this ending is no exception. Obviously, I won't go into the specifics, but I thought that this was a great conclusion for these characters and I felt fulfilled having finished the trilogy - which is pretty much my goal when reading third books!

I still like these characters and this book, more than any of the others (or so it felt) really brought in the side characters even more. I thought this was a good choice because it meant that the consequences of the book felt like they affected more people than just Rone and Sandis. Also, I don't know about other people but by the end of three books I get a little fed up of just hearing about two people and I need an injection of something more!

On to my main gripe...which perhaps is less of a gripe and more of a pondering? I think to talk about this I'm going to have to spoil something a little so skip to the next paragraph to avoid. Ok, so, the reason Rone and Sandis can't have sex is that she has to stay a virgin to be the vessel for the fire horse Ireth - which they've set up in previous books. I personally find anything that goes into the concept of virginity (in particular 'physical virginity' super sketchy. Let's all remember that you can break a hymen when exercising. So anyway spoiler it is revealed that this was all bollocks and actually it's only if a woman has given birth. Now for me, that's still weird metaphysically but obviously less bad. I don't know, I suppose my point is - why was this a feature? Can't she have had another reason for not wanting to sleep with him? Couldn't she have just slept with him? Did we need to reinforce those ideas about virginity until the end of book three? Ok, maybe I'm reading too much into this, but it's been bothering me since I finished the book. 

End Spoiler

Overall, I thought that the epic scale of this story was great, the way this built from what was established in book one all the way to the finale was powerful. Since this is a Kindle Unlimited series I can absolutely see people bingeing this series and being very satisfied by the end, they are short enough that you could read all three over a long weekend or something. 

Sidebar: if you want to sign up to Kindle Unlimited you can also support me and my work by signing up with this affiliate link: KINDLE UNLIMITED 

There were some parts of this story that sat less well with me, mostly parts where Rone got to participate in elements of the story that I would have preferred Sandis to do (but I won't spoil things). I think that's 99.9% my preference for female characters shining through! I think, if you're looking for a nice quick series to blast through this is a great example.

My rating: 3/5 stars

I received a free digital advanced review copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A dramatic and emotional conclusion to a creative and well crafted trilogy, Siege and Sacrifice grabs the reader and holds tight to the very last word. For those who have not already read the first two books "Smoke and Summons" and "Myths and Mortals" I urge you to go back to the beginning, not only will you be lost in this book without the considerable back story but you will have the pleasure of reading two very good fantasy books.
Darker and more mature than some of the other books I have enjoyed by this author, the Numia Trilogy which concludes with this book deals with slavery and demonic possession . The world building is very good, as are the characters, particularly Sandis and Rone, the two central characters who are the heart of the story. The book moves at a good pace to a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

A perfect ending to this series. All the questions are answered and an epic battle leaves you satisfied. A intricately woven world with monsters and mayhem where the words offer vivid imagery and the words a spectacular story.

I love losing myself in the mystical realms Charlie creates. Such great imagination goes into the world building and unique characters. A fabulous trip out of the real world and into the fantasy world of fiction.

Opening line:
"The eruption was like being submerged in a vat of boiling iron."

First off, I can honestly say I've enjoyed/loved every single one of Charlie's books. Seriously. This girl's got talent and she CAN WRITE! She writes adventure, magic, and KISSING.

Second, I think I enjoyed #3 book in the Numina series the most. The characters, the world, the magic system. I couldn't stop reading! The series was unique and intriguing and amazing. I came to love Rone and Sandis and wanted only the best for them. And, I wanted them to end up together. Without having to fight for their relationship. I wanted them to be able to rest and kiss. There were so many twists and turns and reveals, that I had to keep reading.

Third: I can't wait for the next book--whatever it is--Charlie writes. I'm ready.

Thanks to netgalley for the early read.

I am honestly having a difficult time writing a review for the conclusion to the "Numina" trilogy. I hope I make a coherent argument for the novel.

Again, we start exactly where the last book left off, which makes it feel like the series was written as one novel then divided up at strategic heart-wrenching points. This provides a cohesion in the story elements, but hurts it in one big way for me: it felt forced. While the action is amazing and the themes well conceived, the pacing feels absolutely dictated by a need for three novels where one or two would have done more justice to the creation.

I love reading Holmberg's writings because she underscores her fantasy with some seriously thought provoking themes. This series has a strong subtext around our instincts and whether we should listen to that still, small voice.

Her concept of an eternal plane connected to ours, the history of the numen, her depiction of betrayal and its aftermath, the pains of being mortal--all were beautifully developed. The ending is so beautiful, it actually highlights the flaws of making this a trilogy.

There is so much to be loved about this series, I just wish they wouldn't have forced the story. Holmberg remains my favorite author because she has pure talent, but this series is on the bottom of the pile to reread for me.

You can decide for yourself how you feel three weeks from now when Siege & Sacrifice releases on September 17.

This page turning conclusion to the Numia trilogy is a thrilling page turner and will keep you guessing right up until the last page. It was certainly a satisfying conclusion, but one that certainly can’t be read just once. Fans of The Paper Magician will enjoy the fascinating world the Charlie Holmberg has created with the magic of her words as Sandis and Rone must navigate the hidden world and rules of Numia.

Personally, I found this ending to the series very satisfying. There is almost nothing worse as a reader than investing so much time and emotion into a series of books only to have the ending just fall apart or feel like an author has opted to find the easy way out. Siege and Sacrifice did NOT disappoint. The ending felt like it had as many twists and turns as the very first book, yet they all resolved in a way that made sense from several points of view. The books in this series draw you in, make you fall in love with these characters, their mannerisms, their quirks and take you on a journey into a fully developed world with new rules and creatures that Charlie Holmberg has created so seamlessly that it feels like they were always there and you simply never noticed them before.

This honest review was provided complimentary by Hallie Caldwell. A complimentary copy was generously provided by the author vie NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Best of the trilogy! I loved this trilogy and this book was a great ending to an adventurous story. I love the suspense and the drama, and the love, and the... everything. Charlie is a great writer, and I see her improving with every book, I cant wait to read her next title!

*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free book.*

This is the last instalment of the Numina Trilogy. If you liked the first two books, you will like this one. As with the others, they are fast-paced and well written. I, however, have some issues with the third book again.

What I liked:
- the world building in connection to religion & numinas (the other world building remains a bit vague and could've fleshed out more)
- fast-paced story
- the ending

What I disliked:
- Sandis is too passive for me. She always faints, needs help, or cries. (Not all the time sure, but she's more of a victim than a person with agency. She's far too reliant on others.)
- This entire: I need to stay a virgin to be a numen thing that SPOILER was a farce in the end. Why is no consentual sex outside of wedlock allowed? How very boring.
- Weak world building with regard to places, politics etc outside of this specific city
- Sometimes very flat characters but that might be due to the pacing of the novel

Overall, okay-ish, entertaining, but a bit boring nevertheless. Love story feels forced, I wasn't emotionally attached so...yeah.

2.5 stars.

I can honestly say I have enjoyed all of Ms. Holmberg's work, but nothing so far has captured that same feel of the Paper Magician Series for me . . . That is until this series. The world-building is centered around a theology-based lore instead of a world of magic like in the prior series, but she has managed to capture that same fire of excitement, of intrigue in the plot. There is magic, but there is so much more. Rich and complex characters in an equally riveting world pull you in from that get-go. By this final book, you are so emotional invested in characters, this world starts to feel real, bigger in your mind. It's beautiful and so well written from her previous work. I won't spoil it, but if you have been waiting for a grand follow-up piece to the Paper Magician Series, this is it.

*** I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. ***

This is the third part of the Numina Trilogy and ties together everything you wanted to know, and some things you didn't even realize were going to happen... But you definitely wanted to know!
All the character development of the first two (especially the Cliffhanger in book two) culminate in this volume of the story.
There are a few threads that are left for a possible future return, but mostly the story is resolved.
I'd love a prequil for more about The Mighty and Kaj.... Or even more about the Origin of the Angelic line and the distruction of the temple.... but only as background and because I want to know more about the back story..... It's not needed for the conclusion of this story.

The story is well worth the wait and the revealing of the back story is great like in Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet.

I don't usually like to read ARCs so far in advance but volume 2 ended in such a huge cliffhanger that I had to know what happened with Sandis and her band of misfit vessels. Happily, the conclusion doesn't disappoint. The action doesn't let up and, now that we really know the characters and are invested in the outcome, the suspense is even higher. The action spreads the cast out so that the dynamics change. That part was interesting and kept me waiting for the final reunion - while fearing that it would never happen. As the last battle approaches, alliances change and shift as it becomes clear that, despite petty grievances, Kolosos is the real enemy. As always in Ms. Holmberg's novels, the world-building is flawless (even if, as I've said before, I would not like to visit this particular world). I'm sad that I won't get to spend more time with these characters but I'm satisfied with the ending.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/47North!

What an amazing ending to such a great trilogy. Charlie Holmberg once again did not disappoint! Siege and Sacrifice picks up where Myths and Mortals left off and grabs your attention from the start. With action and danger in every chapter, this thrilling conclusion ended perfectly. I was so excited to receive this book months before publication.

I was incredibly lucky to receive Smoke and Summons from Amazon First Reads, Myths and Mortals from Goodreads Giveaways, and finally to receive Siege and Sacrifice from Netgalley. I can't wait to purchase them all in hardcover and add them to my Charlie N. Holmberg collection.