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Publisher's Summary

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
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful
4 out of 5 stars
By prettypenny on 05-26-17

Could have been great

the story itself is fantastic. Epic world building, awesome magic concept. I am often annoyed with the authors over use of archaic words ex, if I hear the word troth again I may puke. she goes off on philosophical tangents much much too often. and for Petes sake stop arching eyebrows and biting lips (where are those editors?) I also am not fond of the overly explicit scenes of sexual torture. that's where she lost me as a major fan. while I would still rate Mcphail in my top 10 of great epic fantasy writers, I think this kind of graphic content goes overboard. There is an art called subtle innuendo. Not everyone wants their ears/minds raped over and over.

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5 of 5 people found this review helpful

1 out of 5 stars
By Anonymous User on 01-22-18

Gratuitous rape, violence, and betray.

There might be some spoilers here.
So if you think the sex/rape scenes in the previous book were disconcerting, you haven’t seen anything yet. The author basically whores out Isabel, Trell is turned into some weird sex slave, and Ean is turned into a cuck. Chapter 60. Completely ruined the book and the series for me. Nick Podehl’s narration was marvelous, but the writing of the book....I need a series of showers to get the filth off of me.

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3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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Customer Reviews

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5 out of 5 stars
By Chris on 02-03-17

An exceptional book

Paths of Alir has become one of my favourite audiobooks. The series "A pattern of shadow and light" lures you in with Cephrael's hand, and once you are familiar with the characters it becomes addictive to find out how each character's path interacts with others.

The imagination that Melissa conveys is magnificent. The descriptions are full and vivid but easy to envisage. For me this was the best of the series so far, primarily because the adepts explore their powers a little more.

I can't write a review that gives this book and Melissa's world enough credit.

Nick Podehl's performance was yet again flawless. Can't wait for the next one to be released in February!

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1 of 1 people found this review helpful

5 out of 5 stars
By Elizabeth on 10-31-16

Fab book

Loved this book and find that the series is really gathering pace. Can't wait to find out what happens next.

If you love the Wheel of Time books you'll probably love this series too.

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1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful
5 out of 5 stars
By SONNY WOOTTON on 01-23-18

Great listen

Found this audio book a great continuation from the previous as it brought out more information about the characters and the overall plot. The final chapters tie everything up and set the stage for another enthralling sequel. Nick Podehl does a great job reading. Recommend to anyone who enjoys big scope fantasy novels.

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4 out of 5 stars
By Jenifer on 06-17-17

Still ploughing on....

Far too many side stories, and too many characters to remember. Unfortunately, with audio, one cannot go back easily to check who's who again. Also, there are probably maps for reference in the hard copy. This fantasy has heaps of Lands and places.
I like the story tho. About to begin book 4 which is 45 hours. 🤣

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