Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780062013293 |
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| Publisher: | HarperCollins Publishers |
| Publication date: | 10/26/2010 |
| Series: | Tairen Soul Series , #5 |
| Sold by: | HARPERCOLLINS |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Pages: | 480 |
| Sales rank: | 37,666 |
| File size: | 1 MB |
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Crown of Crystal Flame
4.5 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
182 reviews.
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At a time when the adversary, the malevolent Eld Mages, seems not just ready to attack, but overwhelmingly poised to win, the alliance between the Fey and Celieran splinters. At the same they fear their side will break apart the alliance, Rain Tairen Soul and Ellysetta Baristani struggle on a personal issue as they have failed to finish their mating bond, which if not done soon will lead to their deaths.
Meanwhile the Malevolent High Mage Vadim Maur knows his scheme is working as everything is coming together. The conquest has begun as his evil horde marches across the fading lands killing anything in their way and leaving wanton destruction behind. Ellysetta refuses to give up on love, on her people, on the alliance and on herself as she plans to write her destiny in order to save those she cherishes.
The finale to the great Tairen Song saga is a superb climax to the strong quartet. Somehow C.L. Wilson ties up the overarching fantasy on a larger than life plane yet this brilliant author also provides a deep personal look at the key players in a desperate quest to save their world risking their lives. Only the love between Rain Tairen Soul and Ellysetta Baristani keeps this pair going against the hopelessness of the overwhelming darkness that engulfs their world.
Harriet Klausner
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I learned about the Tairen series from an Amazon thread. The first book 'Lord of the Fading Land' pulled me in, and the story really picked up the steam with the second book that I almost ended up devouring the whole series in a sitting. I don't think it does the author justice to call the five books 'paranormal romance'. The stories were reminiscent of Tolkien but much darker and grimmer. Whereas Tolkien alluded to the dark descent of some of the elves and the torture inflicted on his heroes and heroines, C.L. Wilson actually goes one layer deeper, without being graphic, to lay bare the suffering of the captives and the fall into descent of previously 'light' beings. When I finished reading 'Crown of Crystal Flame', I could only sit back in admiration at how she managed to create this completely new world and bring all the disparate pieces together into a satisfying finale. A most satisfying journey.
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This is an amazing series. Rain and Ellysetta and the supporting characters made this series unique and wonderous. I would encourage anyone to read this series, it has something for everyone. Truly a STELLAR series.
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This was absolutely one of the best series i have read. The characters are believable and full of depth. You come to love them. This series grabs you from the start and never has a dull momment. Read it, I promise you won't regret it!
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Absolutely amazing!!!! I bought the 2nd book at a tag sale, not realizing it was a series. So I bought the first book and got hooked! I read them all right in a row--what a great story! I couldn't put them down!
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Finished the series perfectly!!! Wish there could be more!
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Ive been waiting or his book it seems as if forever! but it was pretty amazing and a good ending to Rain and Elysettas story.
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Crown of crystal flame was extremely fast paced and battle/adventure packed. It provides a lovely ending to Rain and Ellysetta's Romance along with the fate of the fading lands. However, the book leaves you hanging about Bel, Galen, Kierran, Kiel, and other characters. I would love to see a sequel or something that tells the story of these characters. Maybe something like 10 years later in the fading lands and Celeria. The book met my expectations and I couldn't put it down.
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Finally, the last of the Tairen Soul series. This was good, and I was glad to see some loose ends wrapped up, but there was way too much fighting and blood and guts in this one. The constant torture/healing cycle got a bit tiresome after awhile. There were also some questions left unanswered, at least to me, like what happened to Melliandra and the babies and Nicolene? I don't think another book is planned because all is well, but perhaps the opening is there, just in case. If you like high fantasy, I think you'll like this series.
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***Spoiler Warning*** This is book 5 in a 5 book series, therefore even the synopsis will have some spoilers if you haven't read the previous books.Pros: great wrap up for the series, satisfying battle scenes, down time between fight scenes allowed for continued character developmentCons: while Wilson was willing to kill off a few characters, there were too many last minute saves, which reduced overall tensionThe Eld have begun their attack on Celaria. King Dorian and his wife are more at odds than ever and Rain, banished from the Fading Lands, is nearing bond madness.This book starts directly after the events of Queen of Song and Souls. There is a brief recap of that book's conclusion, but you might want to skim it again before starting this book.With war imminent, there's less time for romance. Wilson manages to squeeze in a few love scenes, but they're not as detailed as the ones in previous books. Crown is more focused on battles and Wilson does a great job of narrating battlefields.In this book we learn more of the Elves and see some creepy creatures of evil that Vadim Maur has prepared for this war.There's a long denouement after the climax which clears up a lot of things. Rather than feeling overlong, it makes for a satisfying conclusion.While it seemed like she was willing to kill characters, too many named supporting characters are saved in the nick of time. Similarly, Rain and Ellysetta are almost captured and/or killed so often some of the tension was lost (as you know they'll be saved). Having said that, Wilson definitely puts her protagonists through the wringer.If you've enjoyed the series thus far, you'll find this a satisfying conclusion.
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Posted first on The Romance ReviewsIn this fifth and final book C. L. Wilson's Tairen Soul series, an "epic tale of magic, passion and destiny", she has not held anything back. It is exciting and passionate, full of danger and amazing magic, with passion that is both tender and yet scalding. It is heartfelt and bold and extremely beautiful, keeping you on a razor's edge, with baited breath awaiting the answer: Will light win over darkness? You will find that final answer in this exciting ending.In this final saga, Ellysetta Baristani finally understands the darkness that she carries, deep inside and hard to find, but there all the same. Having already won the love of Rain, the Fey King and having saved the tairen, she has been marked by the evil mage; he is close to owning her soul. As the final battle of Eld begins, will evil win or will Ellysetta overcome the darkness and embrace the light? Will evil finally be defeated and Ellysetta be set free, to live and love, free of the demons of darkness, that pursue her?I began this story at a disadvantage as I had not read any of the other books leading up to this final chapter. What I truly enjoyed about this was that while it took me a short time to decipher the characters and the background, once I got through the first chapter, I was enthralled. C. L. Wilson took this final story and weaved it around and about all the previous stories, making it one to stand on its own. While I will seek out the other books because the story is ingenious, it is not necessary in order to read and enjoy the final outcome, including the romance and interplay in THE CROWN OF CRYSTAL FLAME.The interaction between Ellysetta and Rain, her love and lover, is magnetic and hot. It is tender and heart whelming, making you yearn for the same type of relationship. There is honesty and trust, with an electrical charge that heats up the pages. With all the flames between them, the edges of the pages should be burnt. The story is also fun and full of excitement, as well as danger and death. It has all the drama of an epic fantasy, with both the beauty and the depravity of the times it is set in. If you have not read this book or any of this series by C.L Wilson, you are in for a surprise. It is fast paced and smooth, but adds that jangle to your nerves, holding you in suspense. You will not put it down once you get caught up with the characters and story, it will hold you till the very last page.
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I was transported into a new wonderful world. I dreamed of the world where Ellysetta and rain lived and loved.
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Loved this series! Loved the storyline. Loved the characters. When you start reading this series you are transported to another world.
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It is rare you find an author that can have you picturing the scenes with full detail. She did. From the first page to the last, you are on edge! This was a great read.
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An EPIC conclusion to my all-time favorite fantasy romance. I read this book at work, holding it under my desk, and still could not repress the *GASP* and *SQUEE* as Rain and Ellysetta battle against INSANE odds in a series finale that rivals Return of the King for its desperate nobility, but which will also leave you with a dreamy smile from ALL THE FEELS.
I've bought two copies of this series, and recommend them to everyone I know who likes fantasy, romance, or both. The world-building, the characters, the peril, the humor, and the romance are magnificent. I will read anything and everything C. L. Wilson writes!
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Love love love the story line. Did not want it to end
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Lots of action, the Winter King pulls you right in, and you don't want to leave!
I really enjoyed this story!
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Love, love, love CL Wilson. This is probably the tenth time I've read this series and I enjoy it every single time. Wonderful characters and world building. You will sit on the edge of your seat; excited to read what comes next! You will love this series and this author! Can't recommend it enough!
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A Passionate, Action-Packed Conclusion To The Author's Tairen Soul Series
“Let love, not fear, be your guide...
CROWN OF CRYSTAL FLAME by C. L. Wilson was a passionate, action-packed conclusion to this magically awesome series. There was not one dull moment. It had me on the edge of my seat a lot and made me appreciate the phrase: 'My heart was in my throat.' Some books rob me of the proper words to adequately describe them; This whole series set in a complex magical world merits that description. If you've been following my reviews of this series, you already know that I love this series to distraction.
I discovered this author when I happened to read her THE WINTER KING, which was another awesome read. I am so glad I found it and her! As I was waiting on the sequel to THE WINTER KING, I spotted that she'd also written The Tairen Soul series and it quickly became my obsession.
This is a series that you absolutely must read in order. The hero and heroine are the same for all five books in the series. The series is phenomenally complicated in a fantastic way and relationships with the colorful array of characters have been developing with each book. Honestly, you would be hopelessly lost without the background from the previous stories. Each book picks up where the former book left off. Do yourself a huge favor and read the series in order. You won't be sorry.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from this fantastic closure to the series:
"You are a force rarely born to a world, something we Elves call leinah thaniel, the Song that sings all Songs, the Mirror that shows all Mirrors, the Change that changes everything."
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"There are no fates I cannot change, but this fate is one I cannot change without you. You are my strength, Rain. You are the courage I've always lacked."
He gave a choked laugh, and tears glittered in his eyes. "If I am your courage, then why does this idea of yours leave me so frightened?"
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“But the Dark cannot claim what Light does not surrender.”
I cannot say enough good things about this series. There is absolutely nothing that falls short in the series. Period. As with every book in this series, CROWN OF CRYSTAL FLAME is a beautifully woven story that is compelling, intense and overflowing with raw passion. C.L. Wilson's writing blows me away with its depth and scope This series is a masterpiece encompassing five books. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys epic romantic fantasies. I can see myself reading it again and enjoying it just as much as the first time.
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there.
5 Wine Glasses
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I loved this series. Now that it is over all I want to know is what happened to all the characters I love. Do lillis and lorelle mate with kieran and keil? What about galad does he ever forgive himself and actually live again? Does bel and the other quintet find love? I hope that she comes out with a new book that answers some of these questions.
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I love this series. It's full of romance, action, adventures, and a mystery that almost comes together in the last book. The author, or her editor, left several threads dangling _
- what happened to Mellisandra, Lenore, and the five children for one. I hope there is another book coming. This story isn't finished. I'm giving the whole series five stars. It's earned them. I'll also read anything else C.L Wilson writes. D.E.I.
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I loved this series and I usually don't read fantasy, but these books were full of win. I do hope that she gives us a future book though featuring Mellisandra and Gaelan. That was one thing that wasn't tied up and I hate loose ends. Otherwise awesomesauce!
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