The Divine Talisman: Book Three of the Legend of Asahiel (Hardcover)

by Eldon Thompson (Author)
Key Phrases: divine talisman, siege rovers, warder general, Eldon Thompson, Dragon God, Crimson Sword (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
The gory final Legend of Asahiel novel (after 2006's The Obsidian Key) brings this grim fantasy epic to conclusion with plenty of violence and magical mayhem. The dreaded Illysp pressure the forces of good in Pentania with their Illychar, monsters created from the bodies and memories of the dead. Krynwall, capital of Alson, reels from the death of Torin, last bearer of the Crimson Sword, and a power struggle erupts among the city's leaders. Matters worsen when Torin's body is inhabited by the Illychar called Itz lar Thrakkon, the Boundless One. Only half-elven Annleia, daughter of the last Vandari elf, can battle Thrakkon and petition the ancient Dragon God Ravar to learn how to destroy the Illysp once and for all. The final chapter of this dense trilogy is not for new readers, but those familiar with previous events will be satisfied with its sneering villains, bloody battles and decisive climax. (Aug.)
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Review
"Written in a cinematic style, here is a novel both intimate in detail, yet breathaking in scope. It's a brilliant odyssey that stays with you long after you turn the last page. I envy those who haven't discovered this world yet." (--James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of The Judas Strain )

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 544 pages
• Publisher: Eos (July 22, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060741546
• ISBN-13: 978-0060741549
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #632,369 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 3rd in the Legend of Asahie, August 14, 2008

By	SciFiChick "www.SciFiChick.com" (Fishers, IN USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

After sacrificing himself for his friends, Torin has now become possessed by the evil Illysp. And with the Crimson Sword in their control, the Illysp become nearly invincible. The only hope for the land lies in the hands of the half-elf Annleia, who appeals to a higher power in order to discover how to defeat the Illysp.

This third novel is the most exciting and action-packed yet. With the events culminating, the odds seem insurmountable. As even the most trusted of friends could be hosts to the enemy, it becomes harder for the characters to know who has or has not been possessed. Over the course of the three novels, Torin gains friends, a fiancé, a magical sword, becomes king; and then, looses it all. Even his own body, when the Boundless One possesses him. More enemies, means more battles; and Thompson doesn't skimp on the violent details. A fantasy story of epic proportions, The Divine Talisman is a wonderful conclusion to a tale of destiny, friendship, love, and sacrifice. Fans of the fantasy genre will definitely enjoy this trilogy.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great story, November 2, 2008

By	Julio C. Miranda (Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was an exelent culmination of the triology. Like the previous ones, Divine Talisman was full of battles, blood and gore, magic, and enless suffering for the main characters. Overall the story was creative, entertaining, powerful, and kept me glued to the pages the whole time. However, I was disappointed that one important character from the first book did not appear and also at the book's bittersweet ending. These three books connect us so intensely with the main character's emotions and dreams that it felt wrong that the author left his life unresolved and purposeless. Anyways, it was still one of the best fantasy series I've read and I highly recommend it!

5.0 out of 5 stars exhilarating good vs. evil fantasy , September 3, 2008

By	Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

On the island continent of Pentania, to save his people, former mushroom farmer, King Torin of Alson, the bearer of the legendary Crimson Sword, sacrificed himself. However his death bought time for his people to unite the country against the horde of the evil Illysp, but the capital is divided into warring factions grasping for power; civil war is imminent at a time when the Illysp send their even more malevolent once dead Illychar to destroy and recruit all in their path. Adding to the certainty of defeat, death, and reincarnation as a mindless evil Illychar, is the only symbol of hope, the Crimson Sword which is lost.

No one is aware that Itz lar Thrakkon "the Boundless One" Illychar has possessed Torin's body; obtaining his memories. The final hope resides with the half-breed daughter of the last Vandari elf; this half-elven Annleia must defeat Thrakkon and beg the all knowledgeable Dragon God Ravar to reveal how to vanquish the Illysp if there is a way; three impossible tasks.

The final tale in The Legend of Asahiel saga (see THE CRIMSON SWORD and THE OBSIDIAN KEY) is an exhilarating good vs. evil fantasy with a marvelous twist, the fate of Torin that provides freshness to the typical quest saga that is much of the makeup of this thriller. The story line is fast-paced as Annleia becomes the last resort hero with no chance of success at achieving any of her BHAGs let alone all three. Fans of the series will appreciate this fine entry but new readers would be better suited to read the previous books, especially THE OBSIDIAN KEY, to better understand how things got so desperate on Pentania.

Harriet Klausner