The Consumption of Magic (Tales From Verania Book 3)

So, what was my first response when I finished reading The Consumption of Magic? ...and the love/hate relationship with TJ Klune continues.... Yep, that about covers it.

Okay, so I'm not really mad at TJ Klune. Readers knew going in that there would be loss, it was all part of the prophecy after all. That doesn't mean that it still wasn't heart breaking, even though it was expected, I just never expected... Just in case you're wondering - there were tears... pretty much a chapter and a half worth. You've been warned...

I'm not sure what I can say about this book that I haven't already said in my previous reviews of The Lightning Struck Heart and A Destiny of Dragons. These books are so much more than stories of a young wizard and his Merry Band of Misfits would suggest. They're about love, loyalty, trust, challenge, fear, heartbreak and choice... there's always a choice.

There's just enough lightheartedness woven within the pages of The Tales from Verania to balance every thing these characters endure while battling forces of both good and evil. Just one of the many things I love about this series.

At the time of writing this review I had just finished the last book in the series, A Wish Upon the Stars. I don't usually do that, but when I finished The Consumption of Magic, I had to know how things turned out. Stay tuned... ;)

Spoilers ahead if you want absolutely nothing spoiled about the book. I won't say what any BIG spoilers are, but just a word of caution if you haven't read The Lightning-Struck Heart and A Destiny of Dragons and don't want anything from The Consumption of Magic spoiled.

I feel like this book has successfully broken me. Starting this book, I had a feeling of what was to come, and sadly, I was correct. I've read many a fantasy book, and this was to be expected. But why couldn't this be the one time I was NOT correct? Why couldn't I be wrong? Emotionally, I was doing okay reading this book. I teared up in a few places, but the last few chapters destroyed me. About halfway through the book, I was already gearing up for something bad to happen and had to put the book down and walk away from it because I both wanted to know what happens and at the same time, I DIDN'T. There was a lot of ugly crying involved.

But, Klune does make it a (tiny) bit better on the readers who need to wait until March of next year for the final book. There is a chapter titled, "Coda" and a blurb for the final book. So, the readers aren't left completely hanging on what's to come. It's definitely spoilery, so don't read the blurb for book four until you've read this book.

Seriously.

This is the first book in the series I've had to physically read. Such a hardship, I know. I've already obsessively listened to TLSH and then listened to ADOD once, so Michael Lesley's voices for all the characters were pretty much in my head the entire time I was reading this book. Honestly, some of these scenes are going to be so entertaining in audiobook format, I can't wait for the release!

We were left in a kinda-sorta cliffhanger fashion at the end of ADOD and the main part of this story picks up almost immediately following those events. It's pretty non-stop action, or explanations that propel the story forward. The story is divided into several parts and I feel like that's really the only good stopping points in this book if you need to remind yourself to eat something, keep hydrated, go to the bathroom, or something. Because it would be real easy to just power through the story, and there's a LOT to take in. Most importantly, pay attention to the plot and all the foreshadowing (there is SO much foreshadowing).

Sam and Ryan? Cute as can be. There's a lot of flirting and it makes everyone around them very uncomfortable. Then there's of course, chapter 7. Let's just say the chapter is aptly named. Gary, Tiggy, and Kevin are still as hilarious and awesome as ever. I've loved Justin from the first book and dearly missed him in the second book, but we get a lot more Justin in this one. And he's endearing and kind, even if he doesn't want to admit it to Sam just yet. Sam's wearing him down, I think.

Lady Tina DeSilva. Also, one of my favorites. A 16-year-old girl (or is she 17 now?), who has created essentially an anti-Sam club and gaining thousands of members to join her cause for a Sam-free Verania. Despite everything, and I mean everything, I still like her. I think she's young and foolish and for so many years, Rystin had been her ship and Sam was a roadblock in the way of Rystin. So, I don't blame her for what she chose to do, and I'm really interested to see what happens to her in the final book. We get some favorite returning characters from TLSH (yay!) and an introduction to some new ones, namely, the mated dragon pair in the north. That was a lot of fun to read. Morgan, and Randall, and Myrin. Just...woah. We get to see so much more of their backstory and it just breaks my heart.

There are still a lot of hilarious parts in this book (I feel more than ADOD even), but this story still manages to have a serious tone that carries throughout. This book is, at the core, about family, and love, and loss. It is wonderful, it is beautiful, it is emotionally devastating. A Wish Upon the Stars, the finale, will be out March 2018.

“You must do what is necessary, even if your heart is breaking.”

F everyone and everything!!

My eyes!!
My heart!!!!!

*sobs*

I cried so godsdamned hard YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW.
Then laughed while crying.
Then cried harder.

I'm surprised my Kindle is in one piece.

I don't think I can adequately explain how this series has crawled right into my soul.
Man, I feel so lucky to be able to connect with books like that. To feel them. For them to feel so real, for them to be SO REAL. For them to freaking latch onto my very being.

Kevin would totally make that a thing right now. Pervert.

I'm hurting now and so damn mad and feeling all the things but feeling numb too but damn, I'm so lucky to be able to experience books like that. I've said it before but these books will be my favorites forever and ever. Always.

“Dude,” I said. “You being all protective like that with a beard is my new sexuality. Just so you know.”

Feeling all the sadness now but these books are my happy place.
But Also, F YOU IN YOUR FACE TJ KLUNE.

I had Sooo many notes taken down to expand on but I can't even do that right now.
Sooo many highlights, seriously, close to 600 highlights. I love that sh..
But I'm going to try with some of it.

Ryan and Sam's love is everything. Talk about being swoony, mothercrackers. Also, they are adorably kinky. They're ridiculous but in the best way possible. But filthyyy too. THAT scene though. Daaaang. But being real, their love has matured beautifully and it cannot be denied, even when they mess up, the love and the respect, fierceness and loyalty to the bone they have for one another gives me life.
Sacrifices and love letters. Flirting and shameless filth in front of others. A love so damn romantic and beyond the stars.

“My heart has only ever belonged to one person, and it will stay that way for the rest of my days.”

This book is hilarious like the others before. So much funny. But so smart too. I dig that. Won't be for everyone but I'm all over it. I laughed so freaking hard. New characters bring new humor but it feels like home.

I really loved seeing relationships and characters maturing and us readers just getting to know them more.
Justin is one of those, I don't love him yet but I'm on my way there, I'm looking forward to his role in the next book.

“We’re best friends.”
“Are you.”
“5eva. And before you ask, yes, he knows this, because I tell him all the time.”
“Is that right.”
“And as such, I assume he told you how awesome I was and that everything that happened went exactly as I planned and I looked amazing while doing said plans.”
“That… isn’t quite how it came out.”
I sighed. “He gushed and used more superlatives? Gosh, that’s so like him when he talks about me. I’m not a god, King. I’m just a man, no matter what Justin says.”

Every single character surprised me in all ways. This book is not just one thing. It's so many things.

Not sure it's been said before and I'm surprised I'm labelling these books this; but they are edgy and kind of dark. There's so many layers and yes this series over all is light hearted, funny and good things but TJ Klune is a really talented, smart, incredible writer. The closer you look, the more you pay attention to the things these characters have been through, the things that are coming to the surface, there really is an edge and darkness to them. It's not front and center. Not obvious. But it's there.

IMO, two big things happened at the end (a lot happens but these two specifically), for me, and I genuinely don't know which hurts more. I'm just gonna be crying randomly throughout the day, weeks, months.
Forever.

Fyou very much, Mr. Klune.

But thank you so much for bringing this world into mine with these crazy characters with their love and loyalty for one another that will be in my heart forever.

I will never be ready to let go of this series.

March is too far away but not far enough.

P.S. After getting to around 30%, I had a theory, something I was SO sure was going to happen. It didn't. Still hurt as much though.

This is the the second (third?) book of the Destiny F***Yeah! trilogy, and I have been dying to get my hands on it. I have also been pretty nervous, about the hints TJ kept dropping.

He told us there were going to be some big changes in this book....He told us we would get to know Justin a bit better, and he warned us about the emotions we would be feeling while reading this one. He wasn't wrong....So many emotions and a Wookie Cry Face !!

This books opens right where "A Destiny of Dragons" left us. Now I am going to keep this review as spoiler free as possible, because I don't want to ruin things for all the readers, who are anxiously waiting to read this baby.
All you really need to know is, that even though there will be times you want to reach for a drink, there are also plenty of funny moments...

There will be some new and awesome characters introduced, and Sam's "best friend 5eva" Justin, plays a much bigger part in this one (I can't help but love that broody little prince!!)

There is an amazingly sexy and (dare I say) "kinky" sexscene, that I did not expect (though it made me very very happy) I don't even care that TJ wrote it just because he was annoyed :P

This book will make you laugh (ugly) cry and even scream, but in the end......it was all neccesary.

I have very high expectations for the final book in this series, and thankfully TJ is not making us wait too long !!

I highly recommend this one, but don't forget...this is not a stand alone and you will need to start with the most awesome book of all books "The Lightning Struck Heart" !!!

My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession

These books are so fun and sarcastic and sassy and then also so heartfelt and deep and it just gets to me. It was harder for me to get into this book, because I feel like the second one was too much plot and not enough sass but once i really sat down and gave it my time, it sucked me back in.
I do feel a little disappointed with the ending. I feel like Morgan let Myrin consume him because he didn’t want to keep trying. He could have easily combined his and Sam’s powers and overpowered him. It just didn’t feel well-done. Morgan could have died another way. And I find it interesting that they let Sam leave the castle with no one else. That Gary and Tiggy didn’t demand to come.

Running thoughts:

Sometimes i feel like this is such a Harry Potter spoof. Is it? Does everyone know this but me?

I hope this books picks up a little more because it’s starting to become more serious and less funny.

OMG COME ON.
*sobs*

This book is amaaaaazing. I laughed my butt off, I was shocked, and I cried. Dang it, I cried. The twists and turns this story takes you on is amazing.
There are two things that came to my mind the most after finishing...
The first is when Sam loves you, you know it. He loves his family and you see that, even with all the sass. He loves Ryan with all his heart and mygods do you feel that. And it’s not a one street. Nope. There were many times that Ryan had me swooning with his words to Sam. <3
The other thing is Tj’s brain is one of wonders. Seriously. How does he even comes up with such a fantasy? Then to put it together to where you’re so vested, in the characters, the plot, and the feels of it all. What will happen next? Where is it going? Ahhhhhhhhh!!! Those were things going through my head while reading. Lol

Seriously, March cannot get here fast enough!

This book is about secrets and sacrifice.

While this addition has the sass and snark we all love, it is much darker and serious. This is the book that happens in all epic fantasies where hard choices have to happen in order for the hero to make the decisions that should ultimately lead him to winning the final battle. They are never easy and usually come at a price.

If Tolkien, Martin and Rowling have taught us nothing else, it's that the hero has to suffer to be able to take on the big bad. This is the set up for the war that is to come in the final book, told with Klune's irreverent humor and loyalty.

The Consumption of Magic is the perfect set up for the final book and I for one can't wait for March

This is third novel in the Tales of Verania series and who boy! This story definitely takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. Hands down, this has to be one of the best fantasy novels I've read. The entire series is full of snark and sass and so much heart!!! The characters are so over the top, but still have so much realness to them that you can't help but love them. Trust me, if you've never read a TJ Klune novel before you are truly missing out. Each time I read something written by him I'm simply enthralled. He has really become one of my favorite authors. You simply have to read this series. I can not wait until the next book is released.

I just binge read this book. What an epic journey for Sam, Ryan, Justin, Gary and the whole crew. My heart swelled with love and at times hurt so much. This book really shows the development of Sam and how he deserves to be a wizard. I can't wait for the final novel. TJ you really hit this out of the ballpark. To say the story will follow me is an understatement. Thank you for this gift and I know Sam will prevail. Blowing a glitter kiss your way.

I am in shock. I knew something devastating was going to happen. Everyone said it. I knew it was going to be there. I was still blindsided. I expected one thing. It was the wrong thing.

TJ Klune is an amazing writer. This book is wonderful. How someone can write so many strong emotions in one book is beyond me, let alone in the same scene.

I’m so glad I have the next boom already because I would probably go crazy waiting. On to the next book!

*I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review.*

I don't know what to say about this book that I haven't already said about the others in the series, so I'll just say it all again.

This book has the same silly, fun, modern, sex-filled, Tumblr-esque humor of the other books. If anyone in real life ever talked about sex and their sex lives as much as these characters, it would be awkward and we'd probably want to tape their mouth shut, but with these characters, it's just hilarious.

And speaking of sex, I love how healthy the sex is in this series. Sam and Ryan have their kinks, and they actually TALK and communicate and discuss what they like, what they're not ok with, etc., even if it's awkward or difficult. In one of the scenes in this book even, Sam could tell there was something Ryan wanted to ask for, so he got Ryan to say it, and then he gladly obliged and thanked Ryan for telling him, told him he likes when he asks for things. Sam would also keep checking in with Ryan, asked before they started if he remembered their safeword, etc. Their acceptance and communication and willingness to be open and put in the effort to please each other makes everything between them so much better. (But I want to point out that despite all the talk about sex, there aren't that many actual sex scenes in this series.)

Then there's all the relationships---romantic, friendship, family, like family. They're all so sweet and supportive. I think this book had more heart-to-heart conversations than any of the others, most notably between Sam and Randall and between Sam and Justin. Yes, even Justin got in on the feels this time. Honestly though, I think I had the most feels when [hidden spoiler can be found in my review on my blog or Goodreads.]

These books have also been getting heavier though, so it wasn't all laughs. But the heaviness was balanced with the touchingness of the relationships, and that kept it from getting too dark.

But why did that ending have to be so intense and leave me hanging like that?! The ending was tough, but TJ Klune managed to find a way to make that less tough too. [Hidden spoiler can be found in my review on my blog or Goodreads.]

So overall, this was another funny yet touching book in a great series that keeps getting more intense, and I am eagerly anticipating the next one!

Rating: 4 Stars

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight (link in profile)

Simply AMAZING! You will laugh your ass off, you will get so mad, you will be excited and you'll also have your heart broken. But this 3rd installment in the "Tales from Verania" series is a must read if you are a fan of the most awesome gang in the world! #Haveheart for life!

Roller coaster of emotions for this one. Cried, laughed so hard, was angry, sad, happy and then crying again by the end. I'm still thinking about the whole thing and heart is still heavy with what happened. I can't believe it won't be until next year till we see more of Verania! So lonnggggg!

This was just amazing and sweet and funny. It was also friggin sad man. I kind of guessed at what the loss would be, but I hoped I was wrong. I wasn't ;-; I love this series and man I'm about to rush and buy the next volume, because seriously man I can't. I can't wait for how this will turn out, and I'm glad I found this series. I live the characters so much ❤. Except Ruv and Tina cause yeah.

I just binge read this book. What an epic journey for Sam, Ryan, Justin, Gary and the whole crew. My heart swelled with love and at times hurt so much. This book really shows the development of Sam and how he deserves to be a wizard. I can't wait for the final novel. TJ you really hit this out of the ballpark. To say the story will follow me is an understatement. Thank you for this gift and I know Sam will prevail. Blowing a glitter kiss your way.

Outstanding, I have waited until recovering from the Wookie Cry Face, OMG so much WCF, I am not one for writing reviews usually, I am no wordsmith, but I wholeheartedly recommend this book, you will laugh your ass off, cry ugly, curse certain characters and in the end think why isn't it March yet (when the next one comes out)