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Ennek Trilogy #3
Equipoise
Ennek, the son of the Chief, and Miner, a former slave, have escaped the totalitarian city-state of Praesidium and remain fugitives. Having defeated two mighty wizards, they begin to realize that complete freedom can be as dangerous as absolute power.
In this final book in the trilogy that began with Stasis and continued with Flux, Ennek and Miner face battles, corruption, and further journeys through lands both new and familiar. As they grow more secure in their relationship with one other, they're also learning that the greatest challenges sometimes come from very close to the heart and that everything of value has a price. With the help of a few allies, they seek equipoise—a balance for themselves and for their world.
In this final book in the trilogy that began with Stasis and continued with Flux, Ennek and Miner face battles, corruption, and further journeys through lands both new and familiar. As they grow more secure in their relationship with one other, they're also learning that the greatest challenges sometimes come from very close to the heart and that everything of value has a price. With the help of a few allies, they seek equipoise—a balance for themselves and for their world.
234 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2012
7 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Kim Fielding
175 books1,304 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 17, 2017
A nice conclusion to the series. If you're a fan of Kim Fielding's AU works this series is worth a read.
Ennek and Miner's relationship is tested yet again after they make their way back to Praesidium and things got a bit dicey there for a second. Be forewarned that there is a domestic violence scene if that's a trigger, you should exercise caution.
I don't want to regurgitate the whole story through a synopsis, so let me just say I really like these two characters. They are two men who have faced adversarial situations aplenty and through it all of they've primarily relied on each other to weather each and every one of those storms. They've met some amazing people along the way. I particularly liked Hils and Gory in this installment and hope each of them found their life partners. Individually Ennek and Miner are intelligent and capable but together they make a formidable pair, a well balanced pair which seemed unlikely given the disparity of their positions at the onset but their relationship has brought out the best in each of them.
As far as this installment goes, it did drag in places and there was maybe too much caring for Ennek after he'd, yet again, depleted himself using magic, but I liked them so much and Fielding writing so much that I can't rate it lower than 3 hearts. I'd wager that she loved these characters as much as I and letting go of them was difficult because the writing demonstrates that this was a labor of love.
If you're a reader that needs sex in your romance reads, you'll be disappointed as this series has none. But if you love strong characters, detailed worldbuilding and a timeless romance between two men who have been to hell and back to get to their HEA then give The Ennek Trilogy a shot.
A review copy was provided.
Ennek and Miner's relationship is tested yet again after they make their way back to Praesidium and things got a bit dicey there for a second. Be forewarned that there is a domestic violence scene if that's a trigger, you should exercise caution.
I don't want to regurgitate the whole story through a synopsis, so let me just say I really like these two characters. They are two men who have faced adversarial situations aplenty and through it all of they've primarily relied on each other to weather each and every one of those storms. They've met some amazing people along the way. I particularly liked Hils and Gory in this installment and hope each of them found their life partners. Individually Ennek and Miner are intelligent and capable but together they make a formidable pair, a well balanced pair which seemed unlikely given the disparity of their positions at the onset but their relationship has brought out the best in each of them.
Ennek was as necessary to Miner's being as air in his lungs, and even the thought of losing the man he loved made him feel as if he were suffocating.
As far as this installment goes, it did drag in places and there was maybe too much caring for Ennek after he'd, yet again, depleted himself using magic, but I liked them so much and Fielding writing so much that I can't rate it lower than 3 hearts. I'd wager that she loved these characters as much as I and letting go of them was difficult because the writing demonstrates that this was a labor of love.
If you're a reader that needs sex in your romance reads, you'll be disappointed as this series has none. But if you love strong characters, detailed worldbuilding and a timeless romance between two men who have been to hell and back to get to their HEA then give The Ennek Trilogy a shot.
A review copy was provided.
August 17, 2016
3.5 stars!
Equipoise is the final part in the Ennek series and I have to say that I really enjoyed Ennek and Miner’s adventures.
Ennek is the son of Praesidium’s chief and the day he decided to free Miner from Stasis, his life has changed a great deal. Together, they were forced to leave their homeland and since that moment on, they were facing a number of dangerous adventures. Together, they overcame every hurdle they had to take and they grew stronger and stronger in their relationship.
This final part of the series is challenging them and their love once again. Ennek desperately wants to go home to Praesidium and to make his homeland a better place. However, he isn’t expecting that – in order to fulfill his dream – he might have to kill his own brother. How far is Ennek willing to go? Will he be able to keep Miner safe?
Kim Fielding’s writing and world building was once again very impressive. I could imagine Praesidium very well and I really wanted Ennek to succeed. The dynamics between Ennek and Miner have been very emotional and while I would have liked to have some on-page-sex, the fade to black scenes weren’t an issue; they fitted nicely for this special couple.
Equipoise is the final part in the Ennek series and I have to say that I really enjoyed Ennek and Miner’s adventures.
Ennek is the son of Praesidium’s chief and the day he decided to free Miner from Stasis, his life has changed a great deal. Together, they were forced to leave their homeland and since that moment on, they were facing a number of dangerous adventures. Together, they overcame every hurdle they had to take and they grew stronger and stronger in their relationship.
This final part of the series is challenging them and their love once again. Ennek desperately wants to go home to Praesidium and to make his homeland a better place. However, he isn’t expecting that – in order to fulfill his dream – he might have to kill his own brother. How far is Ennek willing to go? Will he be able to keep Miner safe?
Kim Fielding’s writing and world building was once again very impressive. I could imagine Praesidium very well and I really wanted Ennek to succeed. The dynamics between Ennek and Miner have been very emotional and while I would have liked to have some on-page-sex, the fade to black scenes weren’t an issue; they fitted nicely for this special couple.
February 23, 2017
The third book in the series is also sweet, pleasant and not very intense. I don't know how I would've felt if I'd had to wait for the second and the third book for a year each, but since I read them all in one go, and the first book really touched me deeply, and the main characters were so loveable... I enjoyed the whole experience very much.
Ennek and Miner's love and loyalty and trust in each other was such a comforting thing. Really beautiful and touching. A very feel-good series all in all. Well, you probably won't want all your books to be like that (with even the most dangerous things resolved quickly and safely). But sometimes it's exactly what you need to read. And it was fast-paced, interesting and emotional - thoroughly good, in other words.
Oh, but I forgot - there's something I would have wanted to know about. Or was it told somewhere and I just missed it?
Ennek and Miner's love and loyalty and trust in each other was such a comforting thing. Really beautiful and touching. A very feel-good series all in all. Well, you probably won't want all your books to be like that (with even the most dangerous things resolved quickly and safely). But sometimes it's exactly what you need to read. And it was fast-paced, interesting and emotional - thoroughly good, in other words.
Oh, but I forgot - there's something I would have wanted to know about. Or was it told somewhere and I just missed it?
March 14, 2020
This book was a nice finale to the trilogy, but the ending seemed a little too rushed and easy? Maybe it’s just me, but I enjoyed myself quite a bit nonetheless.
April 10, 2012
The final book in the 'series with GRE words as titles.' (Eauipoise means 'distributed equally').
Ennek and Miner went home to find the old Chief had passed and Larkin had become the new one. They came to Hills, the Council man who had his eyes on Ennek, for help. They also met Gory, Ennek's childhood friend who had become chief in the neighbor polis. Now that Ennek is in contact with his old Noble friends, would the social-economic differences between the two become an issue?
A nice combo of romance, fantasy, adventure, and wizard story. The writing is fluid, the story line doesn't make you want to jump into the book and kill the MCs for their stupidity.
My only wish is that events toward the end are shown, not told.
Social changes, especially the ones that are introduced top down, don't happen easily. Ms. Fielding seems to understand this. She manages to avoid pushing a quasi-intellectual solution for a complex issue.
At the end, this is still an m/m romance. The love story always takes the driver seat.
Recommended.
Ennek and Miner went home to find the old Chief had passed and Larkin had become the new one. They came to Hills, the Council man who had his eyes on Ennek, for help. They also met Gory, Ennek's childhood friend who had become chief in the neighbor polis. Now that Ennek is in contact with his old Noble friends, would the social-economic differences between the two become an issue?
A nice combo of romance, fantasy, adventure, and wizard story. The writing is fluid, the story line doesn't make you want to jump into the book and kill the MCs for their stupidity.
My only wish is that events toward the end are shown, not told.
Social changes, especially the ones that are introduced top down, don't happen easily. Ms. Fielding seems to understand this. She manages to avoid pushing a quasi-intellectual solution for a complex issue.
At the end, this is still an m/m romance. The love story always takes the driver seat.
Recommended.
July 2, 2019
This was a satisfying conclusion to this series. There was less rushing into things blindly and expecting no opposition which made what happened more reasonable. Ennek has always wanted to save his home and bring them into being a leader in humane treatment of people. He sees a bright vision for their future, but convincing his family in power to make the changes he envisions won't be an easy task. Miner will always be there to support his love.
This wrapped up all the loose threads fairly well and left things to move into a brighter future for everyone involved. I could see reading the further adventures of Miner and Ennek, but am also satisfied with where things concluded as well.
This wrapped up all the loose threads fairly well and left things to move into a brighter future for everyone involved. I could see reading the further adventures of Miner and Ennek, but am also satisfied with where things concluded as well.
April 9, 2012
Praesidium.... after a hard struggle to get away from that city, in book 1 (Stasis)... after more fights and sacrifices to keep away from that city, in book 2 Flux)... in book 3 what we will have? The end... the end of this amazing fantasy trilogy... the end, in which Ennek and Miner know very well, that life is always unfair, and sooner or later, fate would made both be face to face to their own fears.
What Ennek fear most?
His immense power
Water... Air... Earth... all three elements respond to his command. It's too much power, to someone so conscientious.
He fears himself... and what he can is becoming.
And dear Miner... his fears..
are more "mundane". He want to be there... always there... by Ennek's side. But he know more and more his love for Ennek seems not enough to control his wild nature.
In the last book Ennek and Miner will reach a point of non return. They will succeed in their quest to liberty and democracy? They will find peace, to love each other? Well, it's a good question, because it's what they will do or they will die trying to...
3 books... 3 times 5 stars!
I love it, just... read, give a try and you will see why. With all the elements of classic fantasy (adventure, fights, magic creatures, trickery...) it's also surprising romantic love story.
So yes, Another 5 stars... and my applause
What Ennek fear most?
His immense power
Water... Air... Earth... all three elements respond to his command. It's too much power, to someone so conscientious.
He fears himself... and what he can is becoming.
And dear Miner... his fears..
are more "mundane". He want to be there... always there... by Ennek's side. But he know more and more his love for Ennek seems not enough to control his wild nature.
In the last book Ennek and Miner will reach a point of non return. They will succeed in their quest to liberty and democracy? They will find peace, to love each other? Well, it's a good question, because it's what they will do or they will die trying to...
3 books... 3 times 5 stars!
I love it, just... read, give a try and you will see why. With all the elements of classic fantasy (adventure, fights, magic creatures, trickery...) it's also surprising romantic love story.
So yes, Another 5 stars... and my applause
November 30, 2016
The final story in the trilogy about Ennek’s and Miner’s journey is an adventure that is as suspenseful and exciting as anything happening in the first two books, but it is also the tale of Ennek’s maturation into a more balanced individual. Miner plays a significant role in this process - in fact I don’t think Ennek could have gotten half as far as he did were it not for his lover’s unwavering support. Set in a fantasy world of city-states, strict laws that can result in magic-induced stasis for the worst criminals, and slavery as punishment for any infraction the leader deems serious, the moral of this story is still as applicable to our world as it is to Ennek’s. He struggles to find a better way to rule than by hereditary chiefs, he figures out how to find friends and allies to help him, and he deals with his own magical abilities with a strength born from experience that he didn’t have before.
Different from the previous books - where Ennek told the story in the first volume, and Miner continued the tale in the second – both main characters get a voice in this third installment. As much as what they go through and how they deal with the obstacles still in their way, the fact that I heard from both of them equally made it clear that balance was what they were ultimately looking for. It also reassured me that they might eventually achieve it, since much of what happened in this epic series externally has been reflected in the way Ennek and Miner’s relationship developed. Very well done!
The descriptions of events, people, and the areas Ennek and Miner travel through were as lively and fascinating as ever. I felt as though I was walking next to them as they traveled, got hungry when some of the food and drink they consumed sounded particularly appetizing, and enjoyed the sounds and smells they encountered as much as the visual descriptions of the sights they appreciated. Miner’s progress in the artistic field, as well as his growing reading abilities turned out to be as interesting as Ennek’s varied uses of magic – both his own and the ones he “collected” along the way.
But what I liked best of all was the ending. In a slight twist of what I expected, and in a total stroke of genius, Ennek changes his plan and manages to pull victory straight out of the maws of certain defeat. It all happens at the very last second and so fast that I had to go back to reread the scene to fully understand the beauty of it. Absolutely amazing, and yet so very fitting with what Ennek and Miner are all about, and with what they set out to achieve.
If you like fantasy worlds with lots of magic, a seemingly impossible quest for a solution to ancient problems, and suspense, and if you’re looking for a read about young men who are building a relationship while facing multiple external and internal obstacles and some tough choices, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. I think it is the perfect third book in this outstanding trilogy.
NOTE: This book was provided by DSP Publications for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Different from the previous books - where Ennek told the story in the first volume, and Miner continued the tale in the second – both main characters get a voice in this third installment. As much as what they go through and how they deal with the obstacles still in their way, the fact that I heard from both of them equally made it clear that balance was what they were ultimately looking for. It also reassured me that they might eventually achieve it, since much of what happened in this epic series externally has been reflected in the way Ennek and Miner’s relationship developed. Very well done!
The descriptions of events, people, and the areas Ennek and Miner travel through were as lively and fascinating as ever. I felt as though I was walking next to them as they traveled, got hungry when some of the food and drink they consumed sounded particularly appetizing, and enjoyed the sounds and smells they encountered as much as the visual descriptions of the sights they appreciated. Miner’s progress in the artistic field, as well as his growing reading abilities turned out to be as interesting as Ennek’s varied uses of magic – both his own and the ones he “collected” along the way.
But what I liked best of all was the ending. In a slight twist of what I expected, and in a total stroke of genius, Ennek changes his plan and manages to pull victory straight out of the maws of certain defeat. It all happens at the very last second and so fast that I had to go back to reread the scene to fully understand the beauty of it. Absolutely amazing, and yet so very fitting with what Ennek and Miner are all about, and with what they set out to achieve.
If you like fantasy worlds with lots of magic, a seemingly impossible quest for a solution to ancient problems, and suspense, and if you’re looking for a read about young men who are building a relationship while facing multiple external and internal obstacles and some tough choices, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. I think it is the perfect third book in this outstanding trilogy.
NOTE: This book was provided by DSP Publications for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
November 15, 2017
Note: This audiobook was provided to me through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
First and foremost, this book is book three of a trilogy and should not be read as a standalone—mostly because a reader would be lost—but honestly? Why miss out on the heartwarming and gut-wrenching saga that is the story of Ennek’s and Miner’s journey to happiness? Read all three! Or better yet—listen to all three audiobooks.
The second most important point in this review is that this is an audiobook review and if you haven’t already read one of my audio reviews you likely are among the minority who don’t know that Joel Leslie is the epitome of a professional voice actor, in my opinion. This man of a thousand voices provided another outstanding and enjoyable saga here that I found easy to follow since he portrayed the characters in individual and unique voices at a good listening and comprehension pace. I’ve said this before but it bears repeating—the only thing that makes Kim Fielding’s work as a storyteller and writer extraordinaire even more outstanding is listening to the voice of Joel Leslie as he brings her story to life.
In the conclusion of their journey, Ennek, brother of the current chief of Praesidium, and his lover, Miner, a former bond slave, realize they need to return to Praesidium if there is any hope of bringing a measure of peace to his former land. With help from Hills, his childhood friend, and the magic that remains after several struggles that take place early in the story, he at least gets to see his homeland. More detail would spoil the adventure.
Let’s just say that there’s plenty of exciting action throughout this book and, most important, there is love—lots of love—both between Ennek and Miner and for friends and family members. Ennek’s heart is so big that his love for his fellow man guides him in his decisions and frequently gets him in trouble, but it is also his most endearing quality and shines throughout this story.
I love the way the author took a measure of history and a measure of fantasy and wove the two together. The love Ennek and Miner share is the core of the story, but the balance is a very clever tale spawned from the author’s vivid imagination. The conclusion was unexpected but very satisfying. I can’t recommend this audiobook highly enough. Fantastic is too mild a word.
First and foremost, this book is book three of a trilogy and should not be read as a standalone—mostly because a reader would be lost—but honestly? Why miss out on the heartwarming and gut-wrenching saga that is the story of Ennek’s and Miner’s journey to happiness? Read all three! Or better yet—listen to all three audiobooks.
The second most important point in this review is that this is an audiobook review and if you haven’t already read one of my audio reviews you likely are among the minority who don’t know that Joel Leslie is the epitome of a professional voice actor, in my opinion. This man of a thousand voices provided another outstanding and enjoyable saga here that I found easy to follow since he portrayed the characters in individual and unique voices at a good listening and comprehension pace. I’ve said this before but it bears repeating—the only thing that makes Kim Fielding’s work as a storyteller and writer extraordinaire even more outstanding is listening to the voice of Joel Leslie as he brings her story to life.
In the conclusion of their journey, Ennek, brother of the current chief of Praesidium, and his lover, Miner, a former bond slave, realize they need to return to Praesidium if there is any hope of bringing a measure of peace to his former land. With help from Hills, his childhood friend, and the magic that remains after several struggles that take place early in the story, he at least gets to see his homeland. More detail would spoil the adventure.
Let’s just say that there’s plenty of exciting action throughout this book and, most important, there is love—lots of love—both between Ennek and Miner and for friends and family members. Ennek’s heart is so big that his love for his fellow man guides him in his decisions and frequently gets him in trouble, but it is also his most endearing quality and shines throughout this story.
I love the way the author took a measure of history and a measure of fantasy and wove the two together. The love Ennek and Miner share is the core of the story, but the balance is a very clever tale spawned from the author’s vivid imagination. The conclusion was unexpected but very satisfying. I can’t recommend this audiobook highly enough. Fantastic is too mild a word.
November 17, 2014
Ugh.... that dragged forever! The book is written well enough, but it's slower than death. The ending with Ennek's brother is - sorry - not believable at all and very anticlimactic, tho I am happy for everyone involved.
I hope there is no book four. And if there is, I am not reading it.
I hope there is no book four. And if there is, I am not reading it.
June 8, 2013
Kindle freebie 3 dec 2012.
Now I'll be forced to buy 1 and 2
Now I'll be forced to buy 1 and 2
April 20, 2024
I'm not terribly satisfied with the way this all turned out. Not that I know of a better way to sort out all the issues these two faced, but by the end I was just underwhelmed.
Great writing, as usual, from this author. It's what kept me going. I just think maybe there were too many moving parts, too many themes, too large of a scope to handle in series with only 700-ish pages.
Great writing, as usual, from this author. It's what kept me going. I just think maybe there were too many moving parts, too many themes, too large of a scope to handle in series with only 700-ish pages.
February 13, 2025
3.5 stars
I was so uninterested in Ennek and Miner's adventures by the end that I didn't even much care about the important messages hidden in the trilogy (like banning slavery and giving out power instead of accumulating it).
Sadly, the Ennek trilogy was a miss for me.
But I do love Kim Fielding's writing style, so it won't deter me from reaching for her other, beautiful stories ;)
I was so uninterested in Ennek and Miner's adventures by the end that I didn't even much care about the important messages hidden in the trilogy (like banning slavery and giving out power instead of accumulating it).
Sadly, the Ennek trilogy was a miss for me.
But I do love Kim Fielding's writing style, so it won't deter me from reaching for her other, beautiful stories ;)
June 9, 2015
3.5 (3.0) Stars
This book was the best book of the trilogy but the trilogy was, frankly, a bit of a struggle for me. KF created a dark world and the stories contained a fair amount of graphic violence. (Blech!)
Bottom line: Overall, I'd give the series 3.0 stars but it's a rough ride getting to happy and I doubt I'll read it again.
This book was the best book of the trilogy but the trilogy was, frankly, a bit of a struggle for me. KF created a dark world and the stories contained a fair amount of graphic violence. (Blech!)
Bottom line: Overall, I'd give the series 3.0 stars but it's a rough ride getting to happy and I doubt I'll read it again.
October 26, 2013
Amazing, could not put this down, one of the best books/series that are around.
February 15, 2013
4.5 stars. This was a great trilogy!! I definitely recommend it!!
Want to read
November 13, 2013Tweet from Kim today :
To celebrate today's release of Housekeeping, my novel Equipoise is FREE for Kindle through November 16th! http://t.co/8tvcfqJIkU
To celebrate today's release of Housekeeping, my novel Equipoise is FREE for Kindle through November 16th! http://t.co/8tvcfqJIkU
Want to read
November 14, 2013Kindle freebie until 11/16/13! Now I just have to get to reading the first two... which I own...
April 15, 2018
This is a review of the whole trilogy. I give it between three and four stars. I enjoy this author's work but I've mostly only read her shorter books, so I was interested to read something different from her.
I listened to the audiobooks, and the first one is not very well done. The reader rushed and didn't convey the right emotions. Fortunately, the second two books were narrated by Joel Leslie, who did a great job. I recommend reading the first book rather than listening to the audio.
Ennek and Miner are appealing characters and I enjoyed accompanying them on their journey. It's an epic fantasy story, and a lot of the plot elements are what you'd expect in this kind of tale: a magically gifted young man travels widely, faces danger, and eventually So the plot was often predictable, although I found a few things surprising. My favorite moments were those Ennek and Miner spent with the family who healed them; domestic fluff is really my thing.
There's no explicit sex in this series. Some of my favorite romance novels don't have sex scenes at all, or only have closed-door sex, but somehow, I think this series would've been better with sex scenes. At different points, I had trouble believing in the connection between Ennek and Miner. There aren't even a lot of explicit kissing or cuddling scenes. Maybe it's meant to be for YA readers, but the main characters are in their mid or late twenties.
Actually, things do get very slightly explicit exactly once, and I really disliked that plotline in book 3.
Overall, this series is pretty good. The magic system and worldbuilding are both interesting, and the characters are memorable.
I listened to the audiobooks, and the first one is not very well done. The reader rushed and didn't convey the right emotions. Fortunately, the second two books were narrated by Joel Leslie, who did a great job. I recommend reading the first book rather than listening to the audio.
Ennek and Miner are appealing characters and I enjoyed accompanying them on their journey. It's an epic fantasy story, and a lot of the plot elements are what you'd expect in this kind of tale: a magically gifted young man travels widely, faces danger, and eventually So the plot was often predictable, although I found a few things surprising. My favorite moments were those Ennek and Miner spent with the family who healed them; domestic fluff is really my thing.
There's no explicit sex in this series. Some of my favorite romance novels don't have sex scenes at all, or only have closed-door sex, but somehow, I think this series would've been better with sex scenes. At different points, I had trouble believing in the connection between Ennek and Miner. There aren't even a lot of explicit kissing or cuddling scenes. Maybe it's meant to be for YA readers, but the main characters are in their mid or late twenties.
Actually, things do get very slightly explicit exactly once, and I really disliked that plotline in book 3.
Overall, this series is pretty good. The magic system and worldbuilding are both interesting, and the characters are memorable.
November 30, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
Equipoise is the third in the Ennek trilogy and a direct sequel to Stasis and Flux. This series must be read in order to make sense, so be aware. Equipoise picks up after Ennek and Miner have defeated a terrifying wizard, but their elation is short lived as they are confronted by the reality that every action has a consequence.
Much of Equipoise is about Miner and Ennek confronting the choices they have made, good and bad, and reckoning with the outcome. Their journey has been far from easy and it seems as though this final step will be the hardest. Except that it isn’t. When conflict is promised, it fails to materialize in a meaningful way and the final confrontation lacks much oomph. Equipoise ends up being the weakest of its trilogy and while it promises a lot, it never really goes anywhere. The pacing is slow and much of the book is a collection of the mundane – walking here, sailing there, working, and so on. There is some action, but much of it is described as happening off page. And the very real challenges of facing off against the Praesidium and the return of Ennek’s cruel master Thelius are resolved with almost painful easiness. So much of the book felt like filler. Now it’s still well written and for fans of the series it provides much needed resolution. But Equipoise feels almost apathetic about its characters and the tangled loose ends that must be wrapped up. As a result I found myself struggling to remain engaged.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
Equipoise is the third in the Ennek trilogy and a direct sequel to Stasis and Flux. This series must be read in order to make sense, so be aware. Equipoise picks up after Ennek and Miner have defeated a terrifying wizard, but their elation is short lived as they are confronted by the reality that every action has a consequence.
Much of Equipoise is about Miner and Ennek confronting the choices they have made, good and bad, and reckoning with the outcome. Their journey has been far from easy and it seems as though this final step will be the hardest. Except that it isn’t. When conflict is promised, it fails to materialize in a meaningful way and the final confrontation lacks much oomph. Equipoise ends up being the weakest of its trilogy and while it promises a lot, it never really goes anywhere. The pacing is slow and much of the book is a collection of the mundane – walking here, sailing there, working, and so on. There is some action, but much of it is described as happening off page. And the very real challenges of facing off against the Praesidium and the return of Ennek’s cruel master Thelius are resolved with almost painful easiness. So much of the book felt like filler. Now it’s still well written and for fans of the series it provides much needed resolution. But Equipoise feels almost apathetic about its characters and the tangled loose ends that must be wrapped up. As a result I found myself struggling to remain engaged.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
February 15, 2018
First, let me say that the Ennek Trilogy exemplifies the magnitude of Kim Fielding’s immense world-building abilities as well as her gift with writing. She’s created compelling characters in a complex world and given them arduous and evocative hurdles to overcome. I really enjoyed books one and two and this is a lovely third installment that wraps up their journey beautifully.
I love that Miner and Ennek’s relationship is solid and in fact strengthens throughout this book. I love all the magic and usage of powers that we get as well. There were times when things did drag out a bit and there might have been some repetitive moments here and there, but all in all the story moved along at a lovely pace and came to nice ending for our MCs.
Joel Leslie, as he did in book 2, did a fantastic job with giving all these wide and varied characters in the story and I think he brings her world to life in a way that helps to support any of the lagging areas in the story with his own dramatic influence. I think listening to this is the absolute best way to enjoy this series and my only sadness is that he didn’t narrate book one as well.
Highly recommended!
3.5 of 5 stars for the story
5 of 5 stars for the audio
overall 4.5 of 5 stars
I love that Miner and Ennek’s relationship is solid and in fact strengthens throughout this book. I love all the magic and usage of powers that we get as well. There were times when things did drag out a bit and there might have been some repetitive moments here and there, but all in all the story moved along at a lovely pace and came to nice ending for our MCs.
Joel Leslie, as he did in book 2, did a fantastic job with giving all these wide and varied characters in the story and I think he brings her world to life in a way that helps to support any of the lagging areas in the story with his own dramatic influence. I think listening to this is the absolute best way to enjoy this series and my only sadness is that he didn’t narrate book one as well.
Highly recommended!
3.5 of 5 stars for the story
5 of 5 stars for the audio
overall 4.5 of 5 stars
February 11, 2019
This is a review of the 3 book series. I loved that this story was so visual. Many times a book contains so many words that it seems like it is just filler, but when Kim Fielding writes anything, like The Tin Box or Brute, your mind sees clearly the pictures that the words create.
In this world you can imagine the different lands and find comparable countries or villages that we actually life in today minus the magic and wizards. The common thread in all of Ms Fielding's books is "love is love" no matter who we love , it is valuable and to be cherished and recognized as such. The only wish I had held for Ennek and Miner that was not written was the idea of Ennek noticing the guard who looked similar to Miner. I kept hoping that Ennek would surprise Miner with introducing him to his great great great great great grandson or grand daughter and their child, alive and able to love him. Miner would have been a wonderful grandfather. But maybe that's another story. Great book, you will want this one in your "go to pile" as are many of this author's books.
In this world you can imagine the different lands and find comparable countries or villages that we actually life in today minus the magic and wizards. The common thread in all of Ms Fielding's books is "love is love" no matter who we love , it is valuable and to be cherished and recognized as such. The only wish I had held for Ennek and Miner that was not written was the idea of Ennek noticing the guard who looked similar to Miner. I kept hoping that Ennek would surprise Miner with introducing him to his great great great great great grandson or grand daughter and their child, alive and able to love him. Miner would have been a wonderful grandfather. But maybe that's another story. Great book, you will want this one in your "go to pile" as are many of this author's books.
December 3, 2017
A nice end to the trilogy, but it did feel a little like one story sandwiched into the middle of another (the pair head back to Presidium to get things going, go elsewhere to have a separate adventure, then come back and finish sorting out Presidium). There wasn't anything wrong with that per se, but felt a bit odd.
There is a section in the middle that some readers might find difficult to read, especially if you are here because the romance is pretty sweet and tender. At first I thought it was a slightly darker take for the trilogy, but then the books do deal with some fairly heavy issues like slavery and homophobia. I just forget that because of how cute Ennek and Miner are with each other.
Again, I really like the world building which is more like Chinese caligraphy than an oil painting - suggests the shape of the world. I would love to hear more from the setting, but perhaps from a side character, as I think that the series does finish up Ennek and Miner's tale nicely.
There is a section in the middle that some readers might find difficult to read, especially if you are here because the romance is pretty sweet and tender. At first I thought it was a slightly darker take for the trilogy, but then the books do deal with some fairly heavy issues like slavery and homophobia. I just forget that because of how cute Ennek and Miner are with each other.
Again, I really like the world building which is more like Chinese caligraphy than an oil painting - suggests the shape of the world. I would love to hear more from the setting, but perhaps from a side character, as I think that the series does finish up Ennek and Miner's tale nicely.
January 5, 2018
Wow!
This is such a great series. Miner and En are a couple you fall in love with, but this is more than an amazing love story. It speaks to human nature. It shows the dangers that arise when a person possesses too much power, be it magical or political. And it highlights how change is necessary, when that power is used to exploit others. I am sad to see the series end. I would love to read about the adventures the couple face as they work to bring change where it's needed most.
This is such a great series. Miner and En are a couple you fall in love with, but this is more than an amazing love story. It speaks to human nature. It shows the dangers that arise when a person possesses too much power, be it magical or political. And it highlights how change is necessary, when that power is used to exploit others. I am sad to see the series end. I would love to read about the adventures the couple face as they work to bring change where it's needed most.
October 10, 2017
I enjoyed this whole series...
In this final installment En and Mine fight for what they believe in once again.. I really like these characters and their romance.. but I also liked the secondary characters as well.. Hils and Gory were the best...I hope they finally find love as well... this was a very well written series... there is no sex in this book.. but I didn't really notice because it was so well written and you felt the love of these characters ... I recommend..,
In this final installment En and Mine fight for what they believe in once again.. I really like these characters and their romance.. but I also liked the secondary characters as well.. Hils and Gory were the best...I hope they finally find love as well... this was a very well written series... there is no sex in this book.. but I didn't really notice because it was so well written and you felt the love of these characters ... I recommend..,
April 7, 2021
So we come to the end of Ennek and Miner's journey. It was lovely. Slow, and plodding in places but still beautiful. I didn't enjoy this leg of the trip quite as much as the preceding books but it was necessary to know what happens to them. They deserved a happy ending.
July 10, 2023
POV : Ennek and Miner (dual)
March 7, 2025
Enjoyable story that is well written with likeable characters and good world building. The narration is very good as well.
March 23, 2025
3.5 stars
March 6, 2015
4.5 STARS
REVIEWED BY DAN
This installment begins immediately after the completion of Flux. Ennek and Miner are on their way back to the coast and Miner is still regaining his strength from the wounds he took from the air wizard. Along the way back to the coast they discover that it didn’t take long for opportunists to arrive after the air wizard was out of the picture. Unfortunately, those opportunists have already burned one village, killing many of the residents and capturing the others. Of course our heroes, being who they are, jumped in and battled for the release of the captives. What do you do though when you free captives and they are still hostile to you…because they blame you for getting rid of the air wizard in the first place and causing the whole mess? Even though things were bad, they are now worse!
Thus begins a journey back to their friends on the coast. Will they find that village also plundered? What will happen when they journey further to the neighboring land to find a ship back to Praesidium?
After some adventures along the way, they do make it back and once in Praesidium they are safely ensconced in the home of Hils, Ennek’s dearest friend, and the one who got away….since homosexuality is still considered an abomination in the land, and punishable by death. Even though they’ve always known the other was a homosexual, they’ve never acted on it for fear of reprisals. All is good, and Ennek and Miner are getting some much needed rest, but Ennek can’t wait to confront his brother Larkin who is now the Chief and demand the release of the bond slaves. Of course that doesn’t go any better for Ennek than anything else, and our heroes are soon on the run again.
This time, Ennek and Miner escape to the neighboring city-state of Nodosus. Nodosus is where Ennek’s childhood friend, Gory, is now the Chief. Gory, if you remember, is the guy who was with Ennek when he first saw Miner in the “Under”, inprisoned in stasis. He was also the first one that screamed and ran when the supposedly inanimate Miner moved! Now it is years later, Gory is Chief of the city-state and there to help Ennek and Miner.
Can Ennek and Miner hold out? Can change be brought to the world? They both dream of a world free from stasis and bond slaves. A world where anyone is free to choose to love anyone. Can they make it happen?
This was a great conclusion to the series!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
REVIEWED BY DAN
This installment begins immediately after the completion of Flux. Ennek and Miner are on their way back to the coast and Miner is still regaining his strength from the wounds he took from the air wizard. Along the way back to the coast they discover that it didn’t take long for opportunists to arrive after the air wizard was out of the picture. Unfortunately, those opportunists have already burned one village, killing many of the residents and capturing the others. Of course our heroes, being who they are, jumped in and battled for the release of the captives. What do you do though when you free captives and they are still hostile to you…because they blame you for getting rid of the air wizard in the first place and causing the whole mess? Even though things were bad, they are now worse!
Thus begins a journey back to their friends on the coast. Will they find that village also plundered? What will happen when they journey further to the neighboring land to find a ship back to Praesidium?
After some adventures along the way, they do make it back and once in Praesidium they are safely ensconced in the home of Hils, Ennek’s dearest friend, and the one who got away….since homosexuality is still considered an abomination in the land, and punishable by death. Even though they’ve always known the other was a homosexual, they’ve never acted on it for fear of reprisals. All is good, and Ennek and Miner are getting some much needed rest, but Ennek can’t wait to confront his brother Larkin who is now the Chief and demand the release of the bond slaves. Of course that doesn’t go any better for Ennek than anything else, and our heroes are soon on the run again.
This time, Ennek and Miner escape to the neighboring city-state of Nodosus. Nodosus is where Ennek’s childhood friend, Gory, is now the Chief. Gory, if you remember, is the guy who was with Ennek when he first saw Miner in the “Under”, inprisoned in stasis. He was also the first one that screamed and ran when the supposedly inanimate Miner moved! Now it is years later, Gory is Chief of the city-state and there to help Ennek and Miner.
Can Ennek and Miner hold out? Can change be brought to the world? They both dream of a world free from stasis and bond slaves. A world where anyone is free to choose to love anyone. Can they make it happen?
This was a great conclusion to the series!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
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