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The Secret World Chronicle #6
Revolution
From New York Times best-seller and science fiction and fantasy mistress of adventure Mercedes Lackey, Book #3 in a new pulse-pounding saga of modern-day humans with superpowers. The metaheroes deal with supervillain Verdegris, who seeks to destroy them from within, before turning their attention back to the Thulian conspiracy.
It’s go time once again for the meta-heroes including fire-bender John Murdock, hacker-witch Vikki Nagy, healer Belladona Blue, super-quick Mercurye–and most of all for their ghostly ally, Seraphym, the spirit of the world Verdegris knows he must trap and destroy her if he is to take down the metas.
From New York Times best-seller and science fiction and fantasy mistress of adventure Mercedes Lackey together with a team of topnotch collaborators, the third entry in the blockbuster saga of superpowers–and the very human men and women who must learn to wield them.
About World Divided:
"[C]omes together seamlessly…an awesome and lightning-paced story: read it on a day when you will not have to put it down."–San Francisco Book Review
About Mercedes Lackey:
"With [Mercedes Lackey], suspense never lags…" –Kliatt
It’s go time once again for the meta-heroes including fire-bender John Murdock, hacker-witch Vikki Nagy, healer Belladona Blue, super-quick Mercurye–and most of all for their ghostly ally, Seraphym, the spirit of the world Verdegris knows he must trap and destroy her if he is to take down the metas.
From New York Times best-seller and science fiction and fantasy mistress of adventure Mercedes Lackey together with a team of topnotch collaborators, the third entry in the blockbuster saga of superpowers–and the very human men and women who must learn to wield them.
About World Divided:
"[C]omes together seamlessly…an awesome and lightning-paced story: read it on a day when you will not have to put it down."–San Francisco Book Review
About Mercedes Lackey:
"With [Mercedes Lackey], suspense never lags…" –Kliatt
560 pages, Hardcover
First published December 15, 2013
19 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes Lackey
431 books9,569 followersMercedes entered this world on June 24, 1950, in Chicago, had a normal childhood and graduated from Purdue University in 1972. During the late 70's she worked as an artist's model and then went into the computer programming field, ending up with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to her fantasy writing, she has written lyrics for and recorded nearly fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music.
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 22, 2020
Excellent superhero prose. Very nice world building and characters. The audio podcasts include alot of extra material and are well worth the listen. Very recommended
December 9, 2013
This and my other reviews can be found at http://amethystbookwyrm.blogspot.co.uk/
Thanks to Netgalley and Baen Books for giving me this book to review.
Echo is still reeling after the assassination of Alex Tesla, and the usurpation of Echo control by Dominic Verdigris. Bull is still in a coma, and there is nothing Bella can do to bring him out of it. At the same time, Red Djinni has taken over training Vicki, the only person left of Bull’s team of misfits, as Scope and Acrobat are off chasing Harmony after her betrayal. Meanwhile, CCCP are still helping the community, stepping in where Echo cannot, and, with the help of John Murdock and Sera, gaining vital intelligence on the Thulians.
Revolutions is a rather disjointed read, which is to be expected as it is written by various different authors, however I really enjoyed reading it as there are several threads running through the story which tie it all together. Whilst Revolutions is not a quick read it is very engrossing and leaves you wanting more. It did feel as if the authors were concentrating on Dominic Verdigris rather than the Thulians; the alien invaders were rather a side line than the main story.
Red Djinni is one of my favourite characters, as even though he is a (mostly) reformed thief and a con artist, he shows throughout the books that he has incredible loyalty to his friends and the causes he believes are worth it. I love that every day he changes his visage to look like a different celebrity. I also enjoy the contradiction that is Vicki, as in her domain she is so confident yet outside in the big, wide world she is so scarred and vulnerable. There was not as much of Ramona and Mercurye as I would like, and I would love it if they could have a bigger part in the next book.
Anyone who enjoyed this would also enjoy the podcasts, available at the secret world chronicles website, which has other unpublished short tales, by the way, Bella’s voice is very annoying! I would recommend Revolution to anyone who likes the first two books, Invasion and World Divided, or who like watching Agents of Shield.
Thanks to Netgalley and Baen Books for giving me this book to review.
Echo is still reeling after the assassination of Alex Tesla, and the usurpation of Echo control by Dominic Verdigris. Bull is still in a coma, and there is nothing Bella can do to bring him out of it. At the same time, Red Djinni has taken over training Vicki, the only person left of Bull’s team of misfits, as Scope and Acrobat are off chasing Harmony after her betrayal. Meanwhile, CCCP are still helping the community, stepping in where Echo cannot, and, with the help of John Murdock and Sera, gaining vital intelligence on the Thulians.
Revolutions is a rather disjointed read, which is to be expected as it is written by various different authors, however I really enjoyed reading it as there are several threads running through the story which tie it all together. Whilst Revolutions is not a quick read it is very engrossing and leaves you wanting more. It did feel as if the authors were concentrating on Dominic Verdigris rather than the Thulians; the alien invaders were rather a side line than the main story.
Red Djinni is one of my favourite characters, as even though he is a (mostly) reformed thief and a con artist, he shows throughout the books that he has incredible loyalty to his friends and the causes he believes are worth it. I love that every day he changes his visage to look like a different celebrity. I also enjoy the contradiction that is Vicki, as in her domain she is so confident yet outside in the big, wide world she is so scarred and vulnerable. There was not as much of Ramona and Mercurye as I would like, and I would love it if they could have a bigger part in the next book.
Anyone who enjoyed this would also enjoy the podcasts, available at the secret world chronicles website, which has other unpublished short tales, by the way, Bella’s voice is very annoying! I would recommend Revolution to anyone who likes the first two books, Invasion and World Divided, or who like watching Agents of Shield.
January 16, 2014
This wasn't as good as the previous two novels in the series. At times it seemed a bit like a soap opera. There was too much romance. It's not that I never read or like romances. It's just that I didn't decide to read this for the romance. I wanted an action-packed sci-fi experience. There was plenty of action, but I felt like the romantic aspect brought the whole story down. Vickie pining for Red Djinni, Red Djinni lusting for Bella, Bella lusting for Bulwark, Bruno longing for Scope, along with the relationship between John and Seraphym... it was just too much. Also, I felt that an excessive amount of the story was devoted to John and Sera. I was extremely bored with the parts of it that revolved around these two characters. I wonder how many more books will be published in this series. Sometimes a series can drag on for too long, becoming staler with each passing entry. Hopefully, that won't be the case with the Secret World Chronicles.
December 13, 2013
I really like this super hero story. Too sporadic in their release dates (I actually don't know if this is done, but 6mo is long enough to wait I think), but well worth keeping the subscription up to see if there are any more.
May 2, 2021
This third book was even better than the previous two.
Not only were the characters more familiar, but I got to see deep into their lives, thoughts, and ideologies.
The plotlines were so busy, I was almost breathless reading them, and the ending to this particular chapter of the whole series, was totally different to what I'd expected - the battle scenes were so well written, I could practically see it in my mind!
As usual, it kept me reading through the night, as I just kept wanting to read 'just another page'! Lol
I'm very much looking forwards to reading book four now - and am very glad I have it on my shelves, so I can start reading it - once I've caught a few hours sleep, that is.
Not only were the characters more familiar, but I got to see deep into their lives, thoughts, and ideologies.
The plotlines were so busy, I was almost breathless reading them, and the ending to this particular chapter of the whole series, was totally different to what I'd expected - the battle scenes were so well written, I could practically see it in my mind!
As usual, it kept me reading through the night, as I just kept wanting to read 'just another page'! Lol
I'm very much looking forwards to reading book four now - and am very glad I have it on my shelves, so I can start reading it - once I've caught a few hours sleep, that is.
July 8, 2019
I love this series. Full stop. All the incredible talents that worked on this did an amazing job!
October 26, 2022
Interesting reading, but a lot of occult action which is not my favorite story line. Also very far fetched plus the first two volumes of this series are not available at my library.
October 9, 2024
The teams of ECHO and the CCCP are contnuing their fight against the Thulains.
August 28, 2025
The Secret World Chronicles is a "braided novel" with well over a hundred significant characters. I love every bit of it.
Recently I found out about the Secret World Chronicle wiki at Fandom, and wrote well over a hundred pages there. I needed to do it so that I could keep track of multiple lines of character development, such as the guy, John Murdock, who falls in love with an angel, the Seraphym, and marries her. They spend a lot of time saving each other's lives, and the world.
I am delighted that I can count two of the authors, Mercedes Lackey and Veronica Giguere, as personal friends.
Recently I found out about the Secret World Chronicle wiki at Fandom, and wrote well over a hundred pages there. I needed to do it so that I could keep track of multiple lines of character development, such as the guy, John Murdock, who falls in love with an angel, the Seraphym, and marries her. They spend a lot of time saving each other's lives, and the world.
I am delighted that I can count two of the authors, Mercedes Lackey and Veronica Giguere, as personal friends.
April 3, 2014
Better than book 2 by quite a bit. Still a little disjointed due to the nature of the beast (shared world/mosaic novel/whatever they call these things today) but less so than Divided World, plus the heroes get to make some real progress, although not without cost and also not without at least one eye rollingly bad case of villain stupidity. When a small army shows up on your doorstep, you don't send out a tenth of your forces to give them some sort of fair fight, you sortie everything that's ready and crush them utterly. If there's some sort of kink to Thulian psychology that makes this make sense, we're given no clues about it.
Also, the ending was a bit annoying and seemed not to fit with the way things worked up to that point. But since it's a sorta cliffhanger, it could be cleared up satisfactorily in book 4, whenever that comes out.
There's some neat characters here, although I have to admit, I'm more than a little tired of most of the CCCP, the biggest collection of one note cliches since the last time I read an X-Men parody. They certainly aren't interesting enough to be worth the screen time they get. How's about some more Echo ops? Or maybe a viewpoint inside Blacksnake? That would be cool. Which, BTW, leads into another problem with this series, the biggest strength of shared worlds is the ability to use a wide variety of viewpoints to explore the world, here we get a small handful that actually matter and all but two are tightly connected via Overwatch if not in other ways.
Still, warts and all, this is a solid, enjoyable read for those that like superhero prose.
Also, it's occasionally amusing to figure out the original CoH archtype and powersets of certain characters. Well, at least it was for me.
Also, the ending was a bit annoying and seemed not to fit with the way things worked up to that point. But since it's a sorta cliffhanger, it could be cleared up satisfactorily in book 4, whenever that comes out.
There's some neat characters here, although I have to admit, I'm more than a little tired of most of the CCCP, the biggest collection of one note cliches since the last time I read an X-Men parody. They certainly aren't interesting enough to be worth the screen time they get. How's about some more Echo ops? Or maybe a viewpoint inside Blacksnake? That would be cool. Which, BTW, leads into another problem with this series, the biggest strength of shared worlds is the ability to use a wide variety of viewpoints to explore the world, here we get a small handful that actually matter and all but two are tightly connected via Overwatch if not in other ways.
Still, warts and all, this is a solid, enjoyable read for those that like superhero prose.
Also, it's occasionally amusing to figure out the original CoH archtype and powersets of certain characters. Well, at least it was for me.
May 3, 2014
This is the third book dealing with the Thulian invasion of Earth, being fought off by superheroes, superscientists, and apparently an angel. Like the previous books in the series, it's shared world, with many authors contributing chapters that are then merged into one. This felt more coherent than the second book, but not as good as the first book.
(As a side note: As each chapter is labelled by the authors, there was a chance to recognize the different focuses of each; I think I was starting to recognize various writing differences by the end).
To a certain extent, this book was running in place, rather than doing what I expected and wrapping up the Thulian arc. Focused on 'domestic' issues, this gave the opportunity to flesh out a lot of individual characters' backstories, but the exposition often felt unearned. Infodumps fell a bit flat, robbing the novel of momentum.
There was also much more focus on interpersonal relationships, but these also usually were flat and forced. Some characters were described over and over as super-intelligent or super-wise, but as the novel spent time with them, it didn't live up to the promises. And, of course, the various Soviet characters who were assisting in the US were -- as they were in the past -- fun but as caricatured (including conveniently faux russian-flavored english) as ever.
I hope that even if they continue the shared world, the authors progress to new arcs; the Wild Cards world had many small series and arcs, after all. This one needs to be wrapped up soon.
(As a side note: As each chapter is labelled by the authors, there was a chance to recognize the different focuses of each; I think I was starting to recognize various writing differences by the end).
To a certain extent, this book was running in place, rather than doing what I expected and wrapping up the Thulian arc. Focused on 'domestic' issues, this gave the opportunity to flesh out a lot of individual characters' backstories, but the exposition often felt unearned. Infodumps fell a bit flat, robbing the novel of momentum.
There was also much more focus on interpersonal relationships, but these also usually were flat and forced. Some characters were described over and over as super-intelligent or super-wise, but as the novel spent time with them, it didn't live up to the promises. And, of course, the various Soviet characters who were assisting in the US were -- as they were in the past -- fun but as caricatured (including conveniently faux russian-flavored english) as ever.
I hope that even if they continue the shared world, the authors progress to new arcs; the Wild Cards world had many small series and arcs, after all. This one needs to be wrapped up soon.
May 26, 2015
In this season, this book, I feel the characters are coming together for more than just a common foe. Their paths cross and the need is there, but they are becoming closer to each other. Like a family. I like this feel with the characters. With this closeness comes the opening of feelings and the history we want to know.
In fighting together and working so closely the hearts start to grow fonder. We see characters starting to draw closer to others. Love and hearts start to get in the way of actions, and even when love isn't returned in kind but given to another.
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
In fighting together and working so closely the hearts start to grow fonder. We see characters starting to draw closer to others. Love and hearts start to get in the way of actions, and even when love isn't returned in kind but given to another.
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
September 10, 2016
Excellent continuation of the series. As usual with this team, great action and adventure in the post apocalyptic Atlanta. For fans of the podcast, the book has additional details that fill the story out well. If you are unfamiliar with the series, the basic framework is a universe with meta humans - humans with enhanced powers, where equally enhanced Nazis have sprung a surprise attack, destroying much of the worlds civilized infrastructure. These are the tales of the good guys fixing things.
Magic, science, meta powers - greedy billionaires - Nazis- aliens - what could POSSIBLY go wrong? Enjoy the read!
Magic, science, meta powers - greedy billionaires - Nazis- aliens - what could POSSIBLY go wrong? Enjoy the read!
January 30, 2013
Revolutions is the latest installment in this clever podcast rooted series that combines quasi-superheroes, magic, angles, aliens and technobsession to a new level in creating an imaginary reality. This collection is a little loose when compared with earlier releases, with characters becoming somewhat stale and superficial (as their deep dark secrets are gradually revealed) and their psychological scars being to feel less profound. It is nevertheless entertaining and keeps persistent readers engaged in this world waiting for some grand evolution in the war with the Thulians.
March 26, 2014
I really liked the first two, but this one dragged a bit, and what should have been an exciting action packed climax scene was instead very draggy and felt padded out. Also, if the next book is not the last one in this series, then they are officially milking this story for way too many pages. Still, I liked it, but not as much as the preceding books at all.
January 24, 2014
Though the third book of the trilogy it does not end the story.
It flows very well and reaches a good break point to the next series of books.
Highly recommended if you enjoyed the first 2 and if you are looking for well done "Supers" books please give it a look
It flows very well and reaches a good break point to the next series of books.
Highly recommended if you enjoyed the first 2 and if you are looking for well done "Supers" books please give it a look
October 7, 2014
A great read with a multilayered, action packed storyline although the personal relationship dynamics began to get a bit angsty and mellow dramatic at times. Still I look forward to reading more in the series.
March 11, 2014
Pure pulpy, trashy goodness and exactly what I needed to read. Now I cannot wait for the next installment!
January 18, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Teared up at the dedication. As a City of Heroes player was fun to match the characters with the in game abilities.
July 9, 2020
This time Mercedes Lackey and crew focus on a character called Seraphym. The result: the weakest book in the Secret World Chronicle series.
May 9, 2014
Pretty Good.
July 21, 2014
"Red Djinni, I can See you."
That line may justify the entire series.
That line may justify the entire series.
December 31, 2014
What do mean the next one isn't out yet????
August 28, 2023
Must read to complete the cycle
Filled in the gaps for the series. Anyone who enjoys fantasy. Up to Mercedes Lackey 's standards for action and interest
Filled in the gaps for the series. Anyone who enjoys fantasy. Up to Mercedes Lackey 's standards for action and interest
November 22, 2014
Justice League Meets Avengers.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews