Cover Image: The Madness of Gods (The Erland Saga Book 3)

The Madness of Gods (The Erland Saga Book 3)

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Member Reviews

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for this eCopy to review

I enjoyed the final book in the Erland Saga, The Madness of Gods it is an epic denouement tying together all the different plots into a massive battle for East and West Erland, ultimately culminating in a battle between the God Eryi and Goddess Vulgatypha, which if either god will prevail?

I particularly liked how each chapter was told from a different point of view, allowing us to get a real sense of the politics, battle tactics and magic of the world

A great series, Moule is definitely going on my must read list for the future

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The Madness of Gods is the thrilling and memorable conclusion to the Erland Saga, this epic fantasy trilogy written by R.S. Moule, and published by Second Sky Books. The gods are free from Eryispek, and they plan to use the current conflict to fuel their power filled mad dreams; only a few heroes can stop this.

Moule picks the story after the miraculous save at the end of The Hunger of Empires, with East Erland still under the siege of the Ulvatian Empire; the fights for East Erland's control are slowly breaking their defense. Meanwhile, Pherri has been sent to an alternative version of Erland, and only returning to her own reality will allow her to stop the madness Eryi and Vulgatypha plan to unleash.

In this final instalment, Moule puts the cherry on the top for this saga, still expanding a bit more of the world, but most importantly, finally putting together all the threads that lead us until this moment. While some subplots are created, such as the fight for Cliffark, all our characters will finally be reunited in one place; the sense of something ending is there.

With the excellent writing style that we have been accustomed, the epic battles are still happening, but with the sense that they are just pawns in the game of bigger players. Pherri's arc is especially interesting in that regard, as she's the only that can be in the level of the two deities that are fighting.

In The Madness of Gods we have the perfect ending for this epic saga, concluding that R.S. Moule is a voice at the level of George R. R. Martin or John Gwynne. I loved bingeing this saga, and I hope to read more books from this author in the future.

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Great conclusion to the trilogy. It's gritty and ;political with interesting and grey characters. I've seen it be compared to Gwynn and Martin, which initially had me intrigued and I don't believe Moule failed to live up to those comparisons.

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A totally addicting series. I had to go back and read the first two as I did not realize that this was the last book in a series. Not my usual genre and I couldnt put this down!

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The third book in the Erland Saga Trilogy, The Madness of Gods, continues from the end of the previous book. I was just hoping that this book would be as compelling and immersive as the rest. I should have known better than to doubt this authors writing. I was again propelled back into the fantasy world I was eager to return to.

Fast paced and, again, plenty of action and adventure. The quality of writing is just so good! The characters are created so they feel so real and well developed. The fact they are all as unique as possible with their own voices and parts to play.

Once I had started reading this chaper of the trilogy, I just couldn't stop. It was so good that I almost inhaled this one. The pages sped by as I got more and more invested. I was loathe to stop and leave this fantasy world for anything else. A very skilful ending to the events of book 2. R.S. Moule is on my radar now, and I shall definitely be looking out for his books in the future!
Thanks to Second Sky Books and NetGalley for my gifted ebook.

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The final book to the Erland saga. Orisan is trapped below the castle in the dungeons, his sister pherri in another world, his brother above in the castle against him, his father dead, his mother overtaken by a god, his once lover Tansa returned home after murdering the king (his uncle), his cousin a prisoner, the queen on the run with her newborn, the heir and another god on the loose and ready for battle. There’s a lot of characters in these books and each have depth and importance, each storyline overlaps and comes to a conclusion in this book. Lives and limbs will be lost in the name of destiny, kings and gods, no one is safe and no amount of plotting and war can defeat a god coming to your door, even worse when two come.

I thought this was a brilliant end to the story, my favourite characters were orisan, tansa and the queen, all losing so much but fighting for their people to the very end

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Thanks to @SecondSkyBooks and R.S Moule for my copy of The Madness of Gods.

This book is the third instalment in an exciting series that focuses on the epic battles between gods and humans. The story takes place in a world where the gods have broken free and are wreaking havoc on the land, leading to a final battle that promises to be an action-packed adventure.

One of the strongest aspects of this book is its well-developed, relatable main characters. They are all determined to save their land, and their bravery and determination are truly impressive. As a reader, I found myself fully invested in their journey, unable to put the book down from start to finish.

Another standout feature of this book is its use of multi-point perspectives. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different character, which makes for a really engaging and immersive reading experience. It allows the reader to feel for each character as an individual and become invested in their individual stories. At times, I found myself rooting for some characters more than others, which made for a really dynamic and engaging read.

Throughout the book, there is a perfect mix of magic, battles, and politics, which keeps the story interesting and unpredictable. The author, Moule, has done an excellent job of weaving together these different elements to create an immersive and captivating world.

Finally, the ending of the book was truly adored by me, which doesn't happen often. It tied up all the loose ends nicely and left me feeling satisfied with the story's outcome. Overall, this trilogy has been fantastic to read, and I will definitely be keeping an eye on Moule as an author in the future.

#FantasyReads #GodsAndMagic #IntriguingPlot #CharacterDevelopment #PoliticalIntrigue #MustReads #EpicFantasy #BookRecommendations #MagicAndMayhem #LiteraryMasterpiece

5/5 Stars

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The Erland saga comes to an end (for now) and it’s been one hell of a ride!

Readers who enjoyed The Fury of Kings and The Hunger of Empires will in my opinion find a satisfying conclusion and more of what they loved in those books, whilst also being quite distinct in comparison.

The series has been liked to A Song of Ice and Fire, though I think of the three, this book is the most dissimilar to Thrones in that magic and supernatural power come to the forefront much more prominently.

While as a reader I almost always prefer gods keeping out of the way and low fantasy worlds, these elements have been introduced so organically through the series and in such a way that I came to appreciate the extra layers of sparkle and grandeur the magic and gods add to the story overall. Because the warring gods were also once regular mortals, I found this more fitting than if they had just been dormant and then decided to interfere with the mortal world.

What didn’t quite work for me personally was the introduction of a parallel universe and the way the characters were sort of the same but with very slightly different names. Some readers will find it really cool though and although the idea of this didn’t appeal, I did enjoy Pherri’s journey in this alternate Erland and meeting Horned Grawl and the Sorrowmen! Ultimately it’s completely subjective; I’m not a fan of Ciri disappearing across portals in The Witcher either but I still love the series as a whole and enjoyed her story.

And boy were there enough political manoeuverings and low fantasy elements to satiate my hunger for these elements with some incredibly satisfying and enjoyable moments. There was one moment I’d been waiting for from quite early in this trilogy with the payoff unexpectedly coming at around 40% into the book. It didn’t let me down! Fantastically done, as are all R. S. Moule’s set pieces.

It’s something that really stands out to me in this series; everything feels carefully crafted, deliberate, considered. Every chapter is important to the whole, whether that’s character development, setting up a showpiece, providing depth to events, constructing the world, providing context, building immersion or tension.

Orsian’s story was probably my favourite but the cast of characters is amazing. Spending some more time with Errian and further exploring the relationship dynamic between the two brothers aswell as how their stories weave quite unexpectedly through the final book was enjoyable as I always felt on my toes, unsure what was going to happen next.

Out of all, although Pherri perhaps has the grandest story in some respects, Tansa comes to the fore here with a lot more presence and ambition. I like that Moule has made the women in this saga no less important than the men. In fact their stories are arguably the most important as a whole and the development and presentation of their characters has been really enjoyable to read. Pherri, Ciera, Tansa, Helana, Viratia, the awesome Breta Prindian (one of my faves of the series). These characters have been a joy to read.

The conclusion is a satisfying one, unlike so many stories! That was a huge relief. I also like how Moule leaves it open ended for the possibility of more adventures in this world. He apologises at the end of the book for leaving the epilogue open ended but I can only be thankful as it would have been a shame to close this world off completely without the possibility of revisiting.

This has been such an awesome trilogy I’ve enjoyed so much. It’s been especially satisfying to discover it on my own with a new author and series that isn’t yet on all the best fantasy lists or where you know so much about it before you read it. I’ve been free from outside influences or biases and discovering this from the very beginning gives this series a very personal and special place in my reading adventure. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and I really hope you give it a chance and love it as much as I have.

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This is an epic fantasy saga and this third installment starts with an epic bang and never stops keeping your attention alive even if the size is quite huge and there's plenty going on.
Actions, some sweet and poignant moments, great characters and well developed villains.
The very useful character list at the beginning is an excellent way to refresh the memory and keep track of who-is-who and if alive or dead.
Multiple POVs, action packed, an epilogue that makes me hope that there will be more stories (no spoiler).
This is not a book that is easy to read as a stand-alone due, it's better to read the series in order.
Take your time and be prepared for an entertaining and wild ride.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Second Sky for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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The Madness of Gods is the superb conclusion to the Erland Saga trilogy. It picked up where Book 2 left off and like Books 1 & 2, Book 3 is a compelling read. Unlike some trilogies, where Book 3 (and often Book 2) are almost like an afterthought to the first book, R.S. Moule has thought this through from beginning to end, so there's no let up in terms of pace and excitement. I was a bit anxious as to whether I'd like Book 3 as much as the first two books, but I absolutely loved it, devoured it, read it late into the night until I fell asleep, then picked it up again early morning,

I was very curious to see how a potential "battle of the Gods" that started at the very end of Book 2 would play out alongside mortal characters, but without spoilers, that was very cleverly played out in Book 3.

The imagination, writing skills and character development, for me, puts R.S. Moule right up there with George R.R. Martin and the likes, in terms of the intricate world building and how gradually different narratives and characters come together in the overall plot. I could easily see this trilogy being turned into a big screen movie. It is pleasantly complicated keeping who's who and where they are in your head too.

I'd thoroughly recommend this book (and indeed the trilogy), and indeed now I have all three books, I intend to go back and read them all together as one (long) book. Thanks to NetGalley and @secondskybooks for the ARC.

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We return to Erland and the Gods are free and creating havoc and war as they fight for domination. Pherri has been sent by magic to a version of Erland but can she get home again? Armies are marching and lives will be lost as we move towards the final battle.

This is a great novel, full of action, adventure and a sense of purpose for the future, which may be destroyed by warring gods. Strong, determined characters who will do all they can to survive and save the future of the land and the people.

No shortage of adventure, danger, magic, love and hope in times of turmoil.

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This was a great third entry in the Erland Saga series, it had that historical feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall concept of this. The characters felt like they were supposed to in this world and thought the overall feel worked with the story. It had a strong plot overall and thought the writing was perfectly done. R.S. Moule has a great style and always enjoy reading this type of book.

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The Erland Saga by R.S. Moule finally gets its conclusion. I've been invested in these characters from the beginning, and I was so eager for them get what they deserved.

I have really loved the layout of these books with so many POVs. Each character had a unique voice, so I never felt confused as to who was who/what was going on/etc., and I always felt like I was flying through the pages.

Also, there was finally FINALLY some justice around here, but not without more bloodshed and heartbreak, of course.

I will say I was a touch disappointed in the ending for three particular characters. I'm more of an HEA type of gal; however, Moule has left things open for a potential return to Erland, and I would not be opposed to coming back to these characters and this world. Not at all.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

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This is the final thrilling and highly satisfying instalment in the Erland Saga which is a truly brilliant fantasy trilogy.
This is a multi POV novel, but all of the characters are so well written with a unique voice that each one is a pleasure to read. Orsian is still my favourite by far, but I really loved seeing the journey the others took as the Gods prepare to battle each other and take over Erland. There was a perfect mix of magic, battles and politics. I actually adored the ending too, which doesn't often happen. This trilogy has been wonderful to read and Moule is an author I'll be keeping my eye on!
This trilogy is a real must for those who love gritty fantasy.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an arc in return for an honest review.

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The erland books were good, you have a gray world and it’s gray world. Do you have these characters that move the plot forward none more bloating in context all unique in approach. Some of the non-main characters lived up to my type of character so if you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, but a milder setting, you would like this I give this four stars

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Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC, in exchange for an honest review. This was a brilliant read.

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The finale in the Erland Saga does not disappoint. There is just as much action, magic and machinations as the previous books have provided. By turns gripping and poignant, this was a wild fantasy ride that doesn’t let you go until the last page. A great trilogy.

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This was a fantastic conclusion to The Erland Saga. Magic, villains, heros, and ordinary people all mixed together in a war poorer by the gods. Well done.

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The Erland Saga has reached its end. And I thought this trilogy was wrapped up nicely, yet also leaving open the door for more action in the world in future series (perhaps at the Empire?).

Moule's works have been compared to that of George R.R. Martin and John Gwynne by reviewers. Though he has only recently emerged to the genre, Moule has has created a gritty world full of scheming characters, shifting politics, realistic outcomes, and epic battles. Personally, to me, it is the characters that most stand out. With the POV characters (Pheri, Orsian, Tansa, Ciera, Rymond, and Helana), not a single one had a boring or deflating perspective- in fact, by the time I was curious on what such a character was currently doing, their perspective would follow up in the next chapter. All six of them are unique, from different backgrounds, fighting styles, motivations, etc., and they really brought the book alive. Plenty of the non-POV characters lived up to their hype with divine beings themselves (too spoilery to even say much more) and Strovac Sigac (I keep picturing him as The Mountain, from Game of Thrones).

I'd also like to bring up the ending, where the trilogy was wrapped up well enough- with a final conflict bring everyone together, such a resolution being reached, and then an epilogue giving a look at what is possibly to come. There were more loose ends than I would've preferred, but at least the main plotlines concluded just fine. I thought some of these character arcs ended well nicely, but conflict does not rest, and I eagerly anticipate more. I mentioned a focus on the neighboring Empire as a spinoff, but Moule designed the world here (inside and outside of Erland, no matter the distance) for plenty of other great ideas.

Great series- I give "The Madness of Gods" a 4/5 rating.

(Received an ARC from Second Sky Publishing and Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review)

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I didn't read this book, I devoured every word. Every steamy moment, every heartbreaking moments, every breathtaking ones too. Plot and characters sucks me in their world, I wanted to stay with them and never come back to my reality.

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