Host: Rogue Mage, Book 3

Note: This review covers all three books in the Rogue Mage series.World/universe:I've read many thousands of books and I'll tell you it's been a long, long, time since I read a truly new take on anything. Faith Hunter has done a fantastic job blending post-apocalypse, urban fantasy, romance, science fiction, a bit of the Spanish Inquisition, a dose of theology, and a dash of "something" I can't quite put my finger on, into a what is truly a unique universe.Some authors go so deep into trying to present how their universe works that the details drown the characters and story line. Others just throw a bunch of things together in such a way that nothing really seems to fit, there isn't any logic, and 'willing suspension of disbelief' become impossible. Ms. Hunter has mastered a superb balance between the two.As the story and characters develop, enough is revealed about the universe that the reader is able to grasp a good sense of the underlying logic and reality, enough that it all carries a certain kind of sense. This makes some of the more imaginative scenes actually work well, because you have this feeling that if you (or if Thorn) just knew a little more, it would all become understandable. It's actually very tantalizing without ever being so revealing that the mystery is lost. An excellent job!Characters:Ms. Hunter has done a good job here as well. While not perfect, she did a good job of fleshing out side and supporting characters enough that you become invested in more than just the fate of the prime protagonist. She also manages to keep pulling you in a constant love/hate relationship with several characters, where some times you really wish Thorn could do a little slice-n-dice on them, and other times you are really rooting for them to pull it together!While there is a clear antagonist in this series, the focus is dispersed somewhat across multiple characters, some whom turn out to not be quite what they appear - both good and bad.Plot Devices:I don't have a lot to say because I don't want to give a lot away. Ms. Hunter did an excellent job working various plot twists in subtle and unexpected ways, with twists you see coming -- just like the movies you find yourself yelling "NO, DON'T GO IN TH.... oh you IDIOT!". And then as you continue to read and suddenly you're thinking, "wait...WHAT JUST HAPPENED?" (Much like Thorn).Overall:All in all, while not 100% perfect, I was left sincerely hoping Ms. Hunter will continue the series for at least another trilogy. There is a lot of novel thought here left to explore.

I really enjoyed this series, so I hate to give the final book such a poor mark -- but Faith Hunter really dropped the ball on this one. There is nonstop action and excitement going on until just a few pages from the end . . . and then a cryptic, unexplained, abrupt ending, with numerous plot threads left hanging.I don't mind leaving a central mystery unsolved (it suits the nature of the series, that some things are beyond human comprehension), but there is no excuse for not *clearly* explaining the main character's sudden change of heart in the last few pages of the final chapter. The Afterword is similarly cryptic -- the readers are left unsure why characters are taking certain actions, other conspiracies and unknowns are left without a satisfying conclusion (or even a mention, for some of them!), and we have no idea *why* our narrator is feeling some of the things that she gives voice to.It's a damn shame, because the rest of the series is absolutely riveting, with intricate worldbuilding and a unique setting . . . but there's no good reason for leaving the final book of a trilogy without a decent ending.(You will note that a number of reviewers are excitedly clamoring for Book Four -- that's how unfinished it feels. Note that since it's now 2015, this volume was published in 2007, and the author has not given any indication that she will extend the series, the idea that a Book Four will be produced is likely a hope in vain. This book really could have used another couple of chapters to actually explain what happened in the final scenes, and the author could have trimmed some battle description in order to pull in some of the many loose plot threads.)I really enjoy Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock books, and I highly recommend them over the Rogue Mage series.

A new world after the apocalypse. Two new species of humans. 6 billion people dead technology remains but people to maintain the technology and raw materials are difficult to getThorn St Croix is a mage who at puberty became aware of all mages in her vicinity. Drugged and removed from her home she was sent to foster in the mountains far from her home. The problem being mages are not allowed out of their enclaves unless given permission by the most high. People are afraid of mages and if she is found out she will be tortured and killed.At the birth of Thorn and her twin it was prophecies that she and her twin would be the weapon in the last battle of light and darkness. This is an awesome series that I have read four times. I would really like more of this story. I want to know what happens to mankind after the last battle and what happens to Thorn and her Champards.

After reading all the books so far in this series, I still find that I missed something or a lot of somethings!!! Whilst I really enjoyed the Yellowrock series, this one just confused me. Too many religious quotes and I am not against religion as I do believe but wow!! There is a lot to take in in this series but little explanation in the story, which just lost me. A couple of things that were similar in both series, is there was a cheater and an all important message of unselfishness. Both main characters Jane and Thorn are made of the same stuff, unselfish love for people in need. Taking guilt upon their shoulders when it wasn't their guilt to bear, doing the right thing without expecting anything in return are just a couple of examples. Both of these messages are lacking in our society today I believe.