| Title | : | Chain of Bargains (Delver Magic, #5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 352 |
| Publication | : | First published May 6, 2012 |
While exploring the eastern valleys, the delver and the elf uncover bizarre circumstances that contradict their understanding of rational behavior. Each mysterious revelation adds to an ever expanding puzzle. Goblins have infested the cities and the farmlands, but not by force. With the consent of local authorities, dark creatures inundate the eastern lands, taking ownership of farms and claiming residence within human towns without outward conflict or apparent treachery.
As humans and goblins are forced to coexist throughout the region, order is enforced by half-demons, but a tense apprehension grips the citizens of nearly every village and city. Many decide to escape the valleys. Farmers abandon their fields and merchants leave their shops. The flow of refugees grows, putting a greater strain on the western towns of Connel and Burbon.
Ryson and Holli continue their search for answers only to meet with opposition from local councils, town guards, and a powerful regional steward. They struggle against goblins and half-demons and even attempt to enlist the aid of dwarves from the underground city of Sterling. Throughout their efforts, goblins continue to pour into the valleys just as more humans abandon their homes. A twisted plan of deceit gradually takes shape as Ryson and Holli follow a chain of bargains meant not only to remove all the people from the valleys, but to destroy the entire human race.
Chain of Bargains (Delver Magic, #5) Reviews
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This is book 5 in the Delver Magic Series by Jeff Inlo. There has been a massive influx of refugees from the Great Valleys. The increased population in Burbon and to a lesser degree, Connel, is creating a huge security risk. Goblins have already started to raid the refugee tents outside the town walls. However, the refugees either can’t or won’t explain why they have left their farms and homes to live in the refugee camps.
Ryson and Holli have therefore been despatched to the Great Valleys to investigate the reasons behind the exodus. What they find instead, are more puzzles and mysteries. It is clear that there is corruption amongst the humans in power but more disturbing are the goblins walking freely in the towns, associating in human premises. The strange wave of magic that seems everywhere but appears to have no purpose. Bloat spiders and Inferns loiter around all but one exit from the Great Valleys. The deadly Inferns are also guarding the human towns, despite the fact that they are half demon dark creatures. The fact that humans would give them power mystifies the Delver and the Elf. They gradually uncover a twisted plot, so deliberately convoluted that not even the people in it are aware of everything that is involved … finding more evidence that evil, dark forces are at work in the land.
Meanwhile Enin and Jure continue to work with the ever expanding towns, spending the little free time they have with Heteera, who remains in a coma-like existence. She hates the fact that she has a practically limitless ability to draw magic into herself and yet cannot control it. She has therefore drawn into her own mind, isolating herself from everything around her.
When Holli is fighting in the tunnel (to save Ryson) I did wonder why she didn’t use the light from the sword to blind the dwarfs, as the passage did mention that light (that the sword could have used) reflected strategically.
My favourite passage from the book ~
"It's not easy to have faith. I have to accept things I can't see or touch. I have to live in a land that seems to test that faith everyday. The book I'm supposed to rely on often seems to be one big puzzle. I try to fit all the pieces together but I can't. I have to realise that it was never meant for me to grasp every little detail. That there care certain things that are just beyond me"
I also liked the way that Rachael explains how she believes that prophecies do not nullify free will.
I think that like Lewis Caroll, Austen and other great authors, Jeff Inlo has the talent to not only spin a story that will capture and entrance but also uses that text to explore other themes and issues faced by people today.
This, like the other books in the series, was another great read. Any fan of The Lord of The Rings would love this series. Jeff Inlo has a skill with language that enables him to paint written picture of the world and creatures that he has created, without over-burdening the text with adjectives. The stories always flow nicely, are action-packed and keep the reader trying to solve the very puzzles that the Delver struggles with. A lovey series of books that would make great movies.
I would heartily recommend this series and I eagerly await book 6. -
In this part of the Delver series, we see a new kind of danger, a new kind of enemy that is trying to destroy all civilisation....fear!
We see the usual suspects; Ryson, Holli, Enin and Jure; do battle with the destruction of hope and life. We also see the return of a long forgotten enemy that forms but a small part in the plans of evil.
This book carries on the great writings of the author - amazing scenery descriptions, great battles and character descriptions.
Highly recommended, the Delver Magic series just keeps getting better and better!! -
This is the fifth book in the series and you are introduced to new enemies with different powers and different ways of attacks. You are also reminded of the fragile bond people have with life and are subjected to some twist plots. This is a very very very good series, but if we as a reader, aren't careful; the author just might teach us something about life in general. BEAUTIFUL SERIES.
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Another great story in the series.
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I cannot rave enough about this series, and the Author responds to comments on his facebook page!
This is a great book, and guess what he is working on a 6th! I am so excited and just can't wait! -
Another great book in a great series. Hope there are more to come.
