The Emperor of Evening Stars

The Bargainer #3

By Laura Thalassa

TheStory

Over 200 years ago, the Bargainer was just Desmond Flynn, weak and powerless. Until the day he started his journey to become the Emperor of Evening Stars. And then, he met Callie…

TheReview

Was that a short short summary? Well, that’s because this “book” is a NOVELLA. I feel so cheated. This book is supposed to be the third book in the series? No. It’s a 2.5 at best, leaving the fourth book to actually be book three. I mean honestly, the whole book is only 200 pages. That’s not a novel, it’s a novella. Let’s be real. This series is a trilogy with this book serving as a prequel. 

Verbal vomiting aside, it was actually interesting to read about Des’ becoming who he is now. It showed his young years with his mom and how his father was killed. It gave us a look into his search for Callie. And it showed his POV after they met, which was a nice touch. 

It also served to clarify why he is the way he is with her (i.e. why she is special to him) and why he is so into her, even when she was young when they first met. 

I would have maybe liked this book better and getting Des’ POV if this book had been marketed honestly. It really pisses me off when authors/publishers/whomever aren’t clear and honest about what I’m reading. As it stands, I thought I would be continuing the story… not taking a break from the storyline for flashback funsies. You could read the entire series, forego this one, and not miss any events. It is simply providing ancillary background information. 

TheRating

Storyline: 2/5

Characters: 5/5

World Building: 5/5 

Writing: 3/5

Overall: 📘📘 (I don’t like being tricked!)

Spice: 🌶️

The Bargainer Series

Rhapsodic

The Bargainer #1

A Strange Hymn

The Bargainer #2

The Emperor of Evening Stars

The Bargainer #3

Dark Harmony

The Bargainer #4