Official Review: Circle's End by Lisanne Norman

[HannahsReads]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Circle's End" by Lisanne Norman.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Circle’s End continues the saga of Lisanne Norman’s Sholan Alliance series. The novel explores conflict between multiple worlds and features a number of plotlines: Kusac seeks revenge for the harm done to his family; his son Shaiden develops an ability to contact a mysterious AI; K’hedduck attempts to seize control of his court from a manipulative inquisitor; and the Cabbarans continue to meddle with the future.

There is a lot to like in this complex novel featuring multiple plotlines and science-fiction elements such as telepathy, alien species, multiple worlds, cloning, space ships, and AI. I appreciated the skilled way the author advances the plot through dialogue and descriptive scenes; there are few lengthy passages of exposition to bog down the action. I was also impressed by the complexity of communication between various people and species who have telepathic abilities. These interactions are very well thought-out and integral to the plot of the novel. The politics at play in the various courts and governments are also fascinating. My favorite plotline follows the charming and realistic relationships between the characters Jerenn, M’Nar, and the six cubs they are charged to look after.

I disliked a couple of the author’s stylistic choices for this book. One very minor quibble I had is that I find such a liberal application of apostrophes in place and character names to be an outdated convention. I also didn’t enjoy the extent to which this book is plot-driven and lacking deep characterization. However, those are both stylistic matters. My only real problem with the book is that it does not provide any explanatory material the first time each plotline is introduced in the book. This is the final book in a lengthy series; however, many sequels include some explanatory or “reminder” material as each main character is reintroduced. I believe simple additions such as weaving in how one character is connected to another would add to the cohesiveness of this book as a whole.

I would recommend Circle’s End to readers who enjoy books like Acorna: The Unicorn Girl by Anne McCaffrey and Origins of Hope by Anastasia Drapievsky. This is the ninth book in this series, and it is very much not a stand-alone novel. I recommend that readers who would like to enjoy Circle’s End start at the beginning and read the Sholan Alliance series in order. I would also add that this is a long and complex book best suited to dedicated readers of science fiction. This book contains limited profanity and some violence that might concern sensitive readers.

This book is remarkably well edited throughout; my only issues with the writing are stylistic choices. I give Circle’s End a rating of 4 out of 4 stars because of its intricate plot and excellent proofreading.

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Circle's End
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[Joan642]

Nice job on the review. But I don't think I would enjoy reading a book like this.

[Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala]

I wonder how the book flows with so many storylines. Nice review!

[NetMassimo]

I confess I didn't know about this series despite being so long and, it looks, so engaging. I'll look into it. Thank you for your great review!

[Kate Park]

This book sounds like it would be a great ending to a book series. As a person who can sometimes forget the names of characters or aspects of a plot, having those reminders woven into a book would certainly help me, and it's sad that this book does not include those features. However, you wrote a great review.

[Lilyflower-x2]

I enjoyed reading your review but I will have to pass on this book.

[Drianie]

I love discovering new science fiction recommendations. This seems like a complex and well-written series worth investing my time. I enjoyed reading your review and found it very helpful!

[Raluca_Mihaila]

I love to read a good plot, the more complicated the better! Thank you for the review, I might start reading the series.

[Justine Ocsebio]

The plot sounds really intricate. I would love to read this novel. Thanks for this very comprehensive review.

[HannahsReads]

Nice job on the review. But I don't think I would enjoy reading a book like this.

Thanks for reading my review! I agree that this level of science fiction is not for everyone.

[HannahsReads]

I wonder how the book flows with so many storylines. Nice review!

I did have to keep track of all the plot lines while reading. Thanks for reading my review!

[HannahsReads]

I confess I didn't know about this series despite being so long and, it looks, so engaging. I'll look into it. Thank you for your great review!

It's a complex series, but worth checking out if you are a fan of scifi. Thanks for reading my review!

[HannahsReads]

This book sounds like it would be a great ending to a book series. As a person who can sometimes forget the names of characters or aspects of a plot, having those reminders woven into a book would certainly help me, and it's sad that this book does not include those features. However, you wrote a great review.

Thanks! It is definitely a complex series. I appreciate your kind remark!

[HannahsReads]

I enjoyed reading your review but I will have to pass on this book.

Thanks for reading my review! I agree that this series is not for everyone, but it does have some cool scifi elements for readers who like that style.

[HannahsReads]

I love discovering new science fiction recommendations. This seems like a complex and well-written series worth investing my time. I enjoyed reading your review and found it very helpful!

I would definitely recommend this series to readers who enjoy detailed science fiction, so it might be perfect for you! Thanks for reading my review!