The Spirit War (The Legend of Eli Monpress Book 4) Kindle Edition

I recently realized that I somehow never reviewed Rachel Aaron's Eli Monpress series. What an oversight! This is a great series that I've read multiple times simply for the enjoyment.When I first started to read The Legend of Eli Monpress, I probably wasn't in the right mood, because I read a chapter or so, took it as a comedy, and set it aside. Months later, after having read Nice Dragons Finish Last and adoring it, I picked up The Legend of Eli Monpress again and was captured by its wit and hidden depths. Luckily by then, the series was complete and I devoured the omnibus and the remaining two books in the series as fast as I could. What a ride! I was so glad that I went back and tried this book again!Rachel Aaron is absolutely brilliant and from what I can see, her trademark is books that start out energetically, with humor, flowing into quirky action and humor. And then, as you read the books in the series, the true story is built in the background. Subtle cues and personalities grow into complex plots and heroes who stand in the breach in spite of themselves.Aaron writes of sacrificial service in pursuit of justice for others, doing right because its the right thing to do, unlikely heroes, and redeemable demons. And it's all woven in with wit and quirky humor. I wish I could think of a way to describe her books that would let you see how deep, complex, and satisfying they are. We have readers in our family from teens to twenties to fifties. We all have Rachel Aaron's fantasies on our must-preorder lists.

The Spirit Thief through The Spirit Eater are very funny and well written and full of twists and turns that you will love if you are a avid fantasy reader. The first three introduces you too the three main characters Eli Monpress, Josef Ligton and Niko as well as several supporting characters who learn and grow through out the series. (Reminder these are my personal opinions and I am in no way representing the author of the book, the publishing company or any franchises attached to the books I review.)Originality- I would say it is very original and in almost no way encompasses the typical fantasy. I didn’t see a bunch of clichés or predictable plot lines and the story itself didn’t center around any one persons struggles and feelings. My favorite thing here is that as the reader I was able to sympathize with everyones story and couldn’t pick a side, I wanted everyone to win and everyones dreams to come true because they all deserved it.Readability- This series doesn’t have a defined age recommendation so that right there tells you that it the subject matter within can be grasped by young readers and appreciated by adults. There is a lot of humor in all of the books as well as serious tones and life lessons that all age groups have experienced at some point. There were no real curse words or inappropriate scenes that would make your grandmother blush and while I usually find that to be annoyingly innocent in most books, here I found it didn’t distract from the story at all.Topic- The main topic in this series is hard to pinpoint because there is so much hidden literary messages and is open to reader interpretation. The series has everything including racism, gender role reversals, overpowering authority, rising above your social standing, independence despite social norms and so much more I am probably missing because I have only read the series one time.Wow Factor- This series really knocked me out of my chair with each chapter. I will admit that in comparison with the rest of the series the first two are more of an introduction to the real action. I couldn’t predict the ending at all and the one I got was perfect. I loved all of the characters and their stories and I wish Rachel would write more of what happens after because there are still a few questions left unanswered and who knows, maybe she will.Predictability- I found very little of this series to be predictable because the basic concept of a story is usually good vs. evil, right vs. wrong and so on- there were parts of this book that had be freaking out about how our heros were going to over come a challenge.Over all score: 10- 10As I said before, I love this series and everything about it. I have read some other books by Rachel Aaron and she is quickly rising to be one of my favorite authors. She is an amazing writer and her stories are full of passion and adventure and my favorite element of all: Magic! Read this series immediately, if you are looking for a fresh, fantasy full of excitement and fun.

Now THAT was a fun story!My motivation for reading is simple. I read books to be entertained, and when I've finished reading them I want to feel happy. That's it. Really.Reading the five books of Eli Monpress satisfied both requirements more simply than any other books I've read. Some books try to be so enlightening they ruin the entertaining part. Others are entertaining but have horrible endings. Or maybe they could be entertaining but have too much other baggage--emotional topics, bad language, or juvenile writing, for example--that gets in the way.There was nothing that stopped me from being simply and completely entertained while reading Eli Monpress, and now that I'm finished I can't wipe the satisfied smile from my face. The characters are strong, complex, and imperfect--which, ironically, makes them perfect. The writing is smooth--so smooth it's hard to believe Rachel Aaron doesn't have more stuff out there. The Eli books are it, but you'd think she's been writing for years as a best seller. I saw no signs of her being a first time author. What a joy! And her story . . . wow. So, so much fun to read.Eli Monpress is the world's greatest thief. He's also a wizard--someone who can communicate with the spirits that are the living parts of what everyone else sees as inanimate objects. He's so smooth he can talk his way in or out of anything, and he's got the bounty to prove it. Miranda Lyonette is the wizard Spiritualist--sworn to defend the spirits from those who would abuse them--who is tasked with catching Eli and bringing him to justice. Not that Eli abuses spirits as much as he gives the already-misunderstood wizards a bad name. But as hard as Miranda tries to catch Eli, for some reason they always end up working together in the end to save the day--and ultimately the world. Josef is the honorable Swordsman with the mysterious past. Nico is the girl who could end up saving them all . . .The book's themes center around the ambiguities in what is morally right and morally wrong, the unbreakable bonds of friendship, the imperative of having integrity, the importance of always keeping your promises, always doing the right thing--even (especially) when it's the hardest thing, and most powerfully, the lesson that YOU are in charge of YOU and we all have the power to become masters of ourselves. All this in a fast paced story set in a completely unique and imaginative world. No language. No Sex. A bit of violence that adds to the drama. I'll say appropriate for 12-years olds and up because the books are long--like 400+ pages each.I give Eli Monpress my full recommendation--with a smile on my face!

Eli is back! After what feels like a far too long a break, Eli, Josef and Nico are back, but before they can think up a new heist Josef's bounty is raised - to more than Eli's! Eli won't let this stand but first they have to return to Josef's home in order to confront his past. Meanwhile Miranda is learning some deep secrets at Shaper Mountain, and somewhere across the seas the Immortal Empress is stirring...I really enjoyed the slow way in which each of their pasts and motivations has been revealed over the course of this series - answering questions but also raising more. This time Josef is the focus as we discover why he wants to become the world's greatest swordsman and what drove to leave behind his family - and has called him home again. The Shepherdess is also more prominent as we learn a lot more about her and how the spirit world works. While Eli is as charming as usual there isn't as much as before for him to put his charm to good use, as this time he and his friends are not skulking in the shadows but have themselves embroiled in politics at a global scale. Some of the light-heartedness has gone in exchange for full on war with the stakes much higher than ever before.The writing is involving and drags you along - I really couldn't stop reading at times. I loved the action and the story. I loved Miranda's principals even as I rallied against them. I finally felt she caught up with the rest of us here as to what was going on with Eli and the spirit world. Plus Gin was a great protector as ever.This is very fast moving with many more characters than ever before - which really rounds out the world. Even the bad guys are given time to explore their motivations. There are a lot of shades of grey - which if your hero is the greatest thief in the world is expected! A truly exciting read, with so many elements adding to a breath-taking finale. And my, what an ending! Yes, it's a cliff-hanger! I want to read Spirit's End now! But I have to wait to until November...*sob*This is fantasy with a intriguing magic system, compelling characters, fast action and an element of fun. Just what I love!

If, like me, you have been awaiting the fourth Eli Monpress book and haven't purchased it yet, then do so right now because you are in for a treat. Rachel Aaron picks up right where The Spirit Eater left off with questions answered, questions raised, a gripping plot, fantastic action sequences and an ending that will have you going "NO" as you realize that you have to wait a few more months for the next book Spirit's End.If you haven't read any Eli Monpress before then you are in for a treat. Go and buy The Legend of Eli Monpress containing the first three books of the series if you love action, character development and a lovable lead. Rachel Aaron is an author who deserves a lot more recognition. I have bought these books as gifts for friends and family and will continue to do so to help spread the word.

I'm only saying I lost a days work staying up late reading this.So read that he damn thing for yourself.

Fabulous plot, amazing characters...what's not to like? Definite recommend.

Exciting story. I like characters who are so smart and brave and principled.