Book Review – Ithani by J. Scott Coatsworth

The Oberon Cycle #3
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 288
Characters: Xander/Jameson, Robin/Quince and others
POV: 3rd
Genre: Science Fiction, Series

Blurb:
Time is running out.

After saving the world twice, Xander, Jameson and friends plunge headlong into a new crisis. The ithani–the aliens who broke the world–have reawakened from their hundred millennia-long slumber. When Xander and Jameson disappear in a flash, an already fractured world is thrown into chaos.

The ithani plans, laid a hundred thousand years before, are finally coming to pass, and they threaten all life on Erro. Venin and Alix go on a desperate search for their missing and find more than they bargained for. And Quince, Robin and Jessa discover a secret as old as the skythane themselves.

Will alien technology, unexpected help from the distant past, destiny and some good old-fashioned firepower be enough to defeat an enemy with the power to split a world? The final battle of the epic science fiction adventure that began in Skythane will decide the fate of lander and skythane alike. And in the north, the ithani rise…

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Review

I loved the first two books in this series, and this final instalment didn’t disappoint. As with everything I’ve read by this author, the world building is fabulous, detailed, and very visual. I always feel as though I’m stepping into another world with a rich history when I read one of his books. I love the VR and the PAs in particular although I’m not sure I’d want the latter as they feel very intrusive.

I liked how a group of Skythane and Landers work together in this story, yet a lot of both populations still carry old prejudices and will need to be won over. It felt very realistic.

I had begun to like Alix toward the end of book 2 in the series, but he comes into his own in this story, and is one of my favourite characters. It’s a huge sign of his maturity that he is able to step back and accept that his ex, whom he still loves, is with another man. I liked the new characters too. Venin caught my attention from the beginning and I liked his character arc.

Another strength of this book—and the series—are the strong women. Jessa comes into her own in this story, and I loved how she kicks arse, and manages to go with the flow when she’s thrown into a completely alien situation. No pun intended.

The villain of this story was a real piece of work. I loved the explanation of who the Ithani are, how their society works, and Morgan’s part in the story.

The easter eggs for the author’s other series added so much to my reading enjoyment. I love when series crossover like this! I want the last one in that series now so I can fill in the gaps. I spent a lot of those moments going wow, this is so cool. It was very satisfying for me as a reader too, although I don’t think anyone who hasn’t read The Liminal Sky series would be lost. If you haven’t read that series, however, I highly recommend it!

I found the ending of this series very satisfying, and loved the sense of everything coming full circle, especially with the revelation of how the planet was named.

I’d recommend Ithani to readers who enjoy science fiction with in depth world building, complex characters, and a plot that keeps you reading. I would however, recommend reading the series in order as this isn’t a stand alone. 5 out of 5 stars.