The conclusion of any narrative brings a sense of anxiety with it. The audience experiences moments of excitement, paranoia, sadness, etc., because their experiences with the story is coming to an end. All the questions surrounding the characters, the villains, the plots and the subplots, etc., leaves us wondering whether or not we’ll learn what happens to EVERYONE and EVERYTHING involved in the narrative, even the smallest tidbits of certain minor characters. Jenn Lyons’ A Chorus of Dragons series consists of numerous characters, plots and conflicts across millennia of events that rivals George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. However, one huge difference between these two epic fantasy series is you have to keep track of EVERYTHING that happened in Lyons’ novel because the fifth and final book in her series, The Discord of Gods, links EVERYTHING you remember, and forgot, into this epic showdown!
All of the protagonists: Kihrin D’Mon, Janel Theranon, Thurvishar D’Lorus and Tereath, and the other main characters: Senera, Talon, Qown, Talea, Xivan, Galen and Sheloran D’Mon, Jarith and Kalindra Milligreest, and Emperor Tyentso, are ready to save the Quuros Empire, and the entire universe from hostile forces simultaneously. After disbanding from their “meeting” (in the previous book), all the characters know their “roles” regarding the “plan”. The plan separates the dramatis personae as they set off to get a head start on what they need to accomplish before the final showdown begins, and NONE of them can afford to fail or to bring any attention to themselves from their foes.
Meanwhile, the three antagonists are ready to begin with their plans. Vol Karoth is about to break free from his prison in order to challenge the Eight Immortals. Relos Var starts with his final plans to enslave Vol Karoth, control the remaining dragons, and transform himself into a god. And Xaltorath seeks to steal enough energy to unravel the universe. It should be mentioned these three antagonists are NOT working together. In fact, each of their plans interferes with the other two! Xaltorath is trying to gain control over the same universe Relos Var is trying to “save.” Relos Var needs to enslave Vol Karoth in order to stop Xaltorath. And Vol Karoth is struggling to control himself before he accidentally fulfills a prophecy. So, on top of the war about to breakout in Quur, three immortal adversaries are about to fight one another for dominance of the universe. Things are about to get very interesting.
One of the things fans and readers need to know about this book is ALL the events from ALL of the previous books in the series play a role in this one. In some series, certain characters, settings, items names, etc., are mentioned because they may or may not play a role in the narrative in the future. The fascinating thing about this book is just about everything and everyone was introduced in one of the previous instalments. This method of storytelling not only connects all the books in the series, but also makes it standout because it forces the reader to think back to (or re-read) the previous books in order to refresh their memories on what happened previously.
The style Lyons uses comes together in The Discord of Gods for two reasons. First, is the continuation of the chronicler narrative. ALL the characters are recounting what occurred at a certain time in a certain place. This means the chapters are in chronological order from the points-of-view of ALL the characters. There are chapters in which several characters from one or multiple locations can be experiencing the same moment due to the actions of another character.
Second, the final battle does NOT begin immediately. The protagonists, the main characters, and the antagonists must carry out and complete their plans while trying to stay ahead of their adversaries. Otherwise, when the time comes, all their efforts and their planning will place them on the losing side. Each side desires to be the victorious one, but there can only be one. The fact that this narrative builds up to the final battle demonstrates the reality within the fiction.
It is obvious the story being told in The Discord of Gods is the planning and the buildup of ALL the dramatis personae across millennia in ALL five books. There are reasons why certain items and certain names were brought up throughout the series. ALL the characters involved in the final conflicts feel a sense of “duty” to “resolve” them, whether or not it is for their personal gains or to protect those who are innocent. After all the meet ups and the trickery performed and experienced by these characters, everyone is left with the questions: Who will survive the Final Battle? What will each party do in order to win?
The Discord of Gods is part Marvel’s Cinematic Universe’s Infinity War Saga, part A Song of Ice and Fire, and part Legend of Zelda combined into a mind-blowing conclusion to this epic fantasy series. Readers who did not take notes or re-read the previous books have put themselves at a disadvantage because EVERYTHING comes together in this epic finale for the series’ resolution. Be prepared for A LOT of action in this book.
The Discord of Gods is the series finale readers and fans of A Chorus of Dragons have been waiting for. Lyons presents an end to her series complete with action, roles for all of the characters, and dragons. All the intricate planning of all the characters (and the author) from The Ruin of Kings connects to this book. The series moves through complex plots and subplots across several millennia and characters, but the ending is both brilliant and satisfying.
Julia Kitvaria Sarene
Jennie Ivins