'Tongue Eater' in the 'Mage Errant' series by John Bierce is a continuation of the adventures of the main crew of characters, led by Hugh, as they travel through different labyrinths to other worlds, building new affinities and powers. The story focuses on their personal growth, relationships, and preparations for the final showdown with their former teacher. explores self-evolution, new worlds, magic systems, and character development, with a mix of serious moments and light-hearted writing style that keeps the readers engaged.

Characters:

The characters exhibit significant personal growth and rich relational dynamics, with some new introductions enhancing the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and blends humor with serious themes, providing vivid descriptions and a well-narrated experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot continues from previous books, focusing on character development and preparations for battles while building tension for future events.

Setting:

The setting is expansive, exploring new worlds through multiverse travel while maintaining a focus on a specific continent.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow with a focus on buildup and character development rather than immediate action, setting the stage for upcoming payoffs.

Notes:

Readers who enjoyed the first five books are likely to appreciate this one too.

The audiobook of Tongue Eater, narrated by Ralph Lister, is enjoyable and helps with character name pronunciations.

The story concludes with a short story about Talia's family, which disappointed some readers expecting more of the main plot.

The tension is high throughout the book, but there's less action compared to previous installments, focusing more on preparations for future battles.

Hugh, Talia, Godrick, and Sabae's journey through the multiverse allows for character growth and new magical experiences.

This book ends without a clear conclusion, setting up a dramatic finale in the next volume.

Character development remains a key focus, continuing from earlier books in the series.

The world-building has expanded significantly, although the conflict is contained to one continent.

The novella at the end is highly praised, providing engaging setup for future stories.

Readers describe feeling obsessive about the series, with some making notes and theories about potential plot developments.

Has Romance?

There is a moderate amount of romance present, contributing to character dynamics without being the main focus of the plot.

From The Publisher:

Kanderon Crux has fallen.

The traitors who brought the powerful sphinx down have fled with plagues and other magical weapons stolen from Skyhold's Vault, intending to use them against the Havath Dominion, no matter the cost to the rest of the Ithonian continent. Havath teeters on the edge of collapse after their failed invasion of Skyhold, and the nations and monsters of Ithos circle like vultures. The Dominion has no interest in going down without a fight, however, and there are few depths they're unwilling to sink to for survival.

Kanderon's surviving allies are working desperately to stop both the traitors and the Dominion, but the situation is worse than they know. The traitors didn't steal plagues at all. They stole the Tongue Eater, a weapon capable of devouring entire languages, and unless they're stopped, it threatens the fate of the entire continent. Hugh Stormward and his friends are the only ones who know the truth, and there's no one they can trust with the knowledge. Even with the fate of the continent on his shoulders, however, Hugh doesn't care about any of that.

He's convinced that Kanderon is still alive, even if no one else believes him, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to help her.

(Includes the bonus novella Gram of Clan Castis.)

Ratings (8)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (5)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (12):

Read It (9)
Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (1)

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Tongue Eater?

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Tongue Eater

John Bierce

Book 6 in the series:Mage Errant