Review: The Talisman Trilogy Box Set #'s 1-3
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 22, 2013
Since this is for a review for the entire trilogy its going to be a bit long. I'll also give warning that their could be mild spoilers but nothing big. The overall ratings and stars will be indicated before each books title. For the entire rating for the books will be given by how many stars they all seem to be around. I figured that would do justice for the entire series. After I read every book I did write out a review for each one and gave it stars to separate them and give them all their own feel.Also before I get into it, I just now noticed that there is a Talisman short #1 out, I'm guessing its a novella and from the description its told from Phill's POV. I don't know how many more "short #?'s" there will be, if any. I'm going to go ahead and purchase the short story after I write this! It also states for the series another book will be present in 2014 called Blood Wars. I've no clue who's this story will belong to or were it will lead. But if your interested in these just click on Brenda Pandos authors page to check when they will be out (Out for Blood, A Talisman Short #1 is currently available for purchase) or follow her in any of the online resources she gives at the end of the series, if you are interested in following this series or any of her other works.3 stars for The Emerald Talisman- BOOK #1It was a good book. I liked it but sometimes I felt like it jumped from one thing to the next without properly ending the previous thought/conclusion.Julia was extremely naive at times but then would show wisdom. This was frustrating but, you also had to factor her age into the mix and it all added up. For a 16yr old girl the emotions/dialogue were on point. I wish that she would have grew up more. She remained the naive young heroine until the end. Better luck with book two, here's to hoping!Nicholas was enduring, sometimes he would appear younger only to reappear all the wiser. With him being 18yrs plus, I figured he would have at least a better monotone throughout the book. He was sweet and his connection to Julia made everything click. Though it was a bit morbid to me. I'm still unsure how I feel about that whole situation.It was a love/hate thing with these two characters and their back and forth personalities. I am happy with how it ended. The cat who is deemed to be an enigma deserves a shout out. She was awesome so, cheers to her!4 stars for The Sapphire Talisman- BOOK #2This one was better than the first. Julia grew up some along with Nick. It also seemed to have more emotions floating around. We got to witness some of the predictions come to fruition. While our beloved cat gave away her name along with, a secret of what she really is... shocking!Unmasking truths and myths,  Nick struggles between good verses evil. A battle that much to my dismay- never ends. The angst with Nicks dark side is unnerving, relentless even.At a loss after running through dead ends. Julia decides to accept her fortune with fate and go up against the vampires solo. All too soon she has to face that, sometimes you fight a loosing battle...even with love.Julia really shines as the heroine in this one. I'm SO glad she did. I was at wits end with her naive-ness during the first book. I can only think that the next book will come full circle, tying up any loose ends.4 stars for The Onyx Talisman- Book #3Wow, I'm in shock of the ending. I REALLY didn't see that one coming. Not even close! Its blowing my freaking mind.Everything comes together but there are still unanswered questions. I guess we will never truly know unless the author plans on writing out a new series with a slightly older certain hero and heroine.Though it left me wanting, I'm happy with the turn of events. I won't say much more than this because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone. Especially, those who are truly interested in reading this series.I do want to touch a bit on the authors writing. She has done a great job since the first book, but as the stories continue to grow, her writing skills begin to bloom as well. I'm happy to notice this.Julia finally grows up a little bit too. Not no where near I wanted her to but at least its progress.There is so much I want to say about Nicholas. He wasn't in this one very much, much to my dismay. Though the reasons are legit. I'd have loved to see more of him. He is such a huge factor playing out until the end.One more thing that I liked about the book(s) is- at the beginning of each you get a phrase. Each phrase is something that you could take reference to, with what the books will include. Okay, maybe two things- The books also play on the good verses evil themes which ultimately ties them to 'above and below'. So religion is in the mix. Its not overly played out but necessary due to the creatures featured. Oh crap, I guess add another thing.... Each book tells the story of the previous one in "short terms" at the beginning. You could read anyone of them and be able to get the gist of it all without having to read them all. For more accurate understanding you will need to read ALL of them. I wouldn't suggest in just reading one. To get the "overall experience" you'd have to read them all.This one was by far my favorite. That ending sealed the deal!Please note: I did read each book THEN, wrote a separate review, with its own star ratings to get the overall ratings in stars.