The Dark Remains (The Last Rune, Book 3)

It has been a while since I read this book.I've read the whole Rune series except for thelast one. I quite enjoyed the plot and the senseof action in DRs. Maybe I haven't read enough fantasybooks but I didn't find the magic trite.As for the reviewer complaining about the boy getsboy scenario she may be right "the majority of readerswould be more likely to relate to a hero who's after the princess instead of the knight."So considering that there are zounds of otherfantasy books with boy gets *girl* scenarios- thatthose *are* the majority, than sci fi fan should readthose instead and leave great books such as these tothose who wish to read them as they are a special rarity.

I guess I'm one of the few people who is enjoying this series more with each book. I liked this book just as much as the first two. I like the fact that the author is able to juggle a number of subplots and keep them all interesting, whether they're occurring on Earth involving the Seekers and Duratek, or on the alternate world named Eldh involving gods, myths and magic. I have no problem with the increasing number of characters in the book, in fact I think it adds to the story since each character brings something unique into the mix. Mr. Anthony has managed to give us some essential scenes with each of the characters, revealing some of their motivations and secrets, making them that much more real. All are essential to the plot. It's interesting to see how the friendships are growing and the romantic interests are weaving together. In each book, the characters have been evolving and deepening. Some reviewers seem to have a problem with the way some of the relationships appear to be developing, but to me, the characters have become so familiar and so real that their yearnings and growing awareness are all the more poignant. How can you not wish them well?In this third book of the series, Travis and Grace return to Earth to seek medical care for the gravely wounded knight, Beltan. However, while there, the evil Duratek Corporation (who are planning to rape the ecological resources of the world Eldh) have managed to locate them due to the betrayal of a friend, have captured Beltan, and plan to conduct medical experiments on him. Travis and Grace are forced to turn to the Seekers for assistance. Meanwhile, back on Eldh, Melia, Falken and the others travel to the fabled city of Tarras to find out who is killing the New Gods. Grace and Travis are finally forced to come to terms with the shadows of their pasts that have haunted them all of their lives. This, of course, is a great simplification of the plot, which has many more twists and turns, trials and tribulations. It is a fast-moving, interesting, and enjoyable story, and I for one am looking forward to Book Four.

Once again Anthony had me spellbound with story-telling ability! This is the third in his soon to be classic Last Rune series.He takes us right where he left off with the last one. Grace and Travis take the severely wounded knight,Beltan to Earth.There they must stop a sinister corporation that with help of dark magic seeks to kidnap Beltan in their quest to get to Eldh and exploit it! Meanwhile on Eldh Baroness Aryn and her witch friend Lirith aid the goddess Melia and immortal bard Falken stop a powerful evil that is killing gods!Anthony's world-building skills get better in each installment of his series.He is able to bring more focus to his world of Eldh and it's history and mythology.He also knows how add more interesting characters such as Marji, a kind-hearted transvetite and lethal lady assasin,Vani a woman so tough she could give Xena a run for her money!Anthony also knows how combines chills with his thrills with descriptions of unrelenting evil as deadly golden spiders who bite kills in seconds and some terrifying ape-like monsters terrorizing our heroes on both worlds! Anthony also puts a little X-file type conspiracy with this one with it's sinister corporation,Duratek and the mysterious group called Seekers.But a word of warning to everyone: this novel does end with a cliffhanger other than that your hands will be glued to the pages of gripping fantasy novel with it's memorable cast of characters, chilling scenes of evil and nearly nonstop action and suspense!

Mark Anthony continues to meld the world of Eldh (and for that matter, the world of Earth) into a more elaborate and rich place. Symbols, myths, science, rituals, strong characters, rich detail, consistency, and even noble drag queens all are woven into a rich pattern without a tangle in sight! "Blood of Mystery" cannot come out soon enough to please me. Bravo.