The Forgotten Mountain (The Collectors' Society)

How do I even begin describing this book? I'll start by saying as with the previous books in this series, I couldn't put it down. I love the pace, how the main journey of this book takes them to places I would never have imagined-- the way Heather has tied all these stories together feels so flawless and brilliant. Alice's bravery and determination drove this story, pushing me to the suspenseful brink. I must have the last book! The ending was delightfully torturous, and lead me to literally the worst (best) book hangover of my life. I couldn't read anything else for weeks, just re-read the whole series back to back three times. And have several more times since.

This series keeps getting darker and better with each new book. As Alice and Finn dive deeper into the mystery of who is behind the destruction of time lines, their lives and the lives of those they love most are put in increasing danger. Alice and Finn's romance grows stronger and yet somehow I still found myself yearning for a HEA for Jace! I don't know how Heather always manages to make me so throughly confused as to whom to root for, but she has managed it once again. This book ends in a MAJOR cliffhanger, so be careful if you're not a fan of those. I've been slowly dying waiting to read what happens next. Well done Mrs. Lyons!

~~~~4.5 Stars~~~~

MORE... I MUST have more immediately!!! Where to begin with this book? This will take you for one hell of a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Some of the plot is easily foreseeable but I promise you that the gut wrenching, e-reader flinging cliffhanger will blindside even the best plot guesser. As always Ms. Lyons has a magical way of not only infusing each character with attributes, hangups, quirks and such depth that it is impossible to not find yourself falling in love with and/or rooting for the demise of the people who populate these amazingly intricate and detailed worlds. This book finds us wading through the ever shifting, not fully tangible, sometimes downright improbable, magical realms of Fairytales.

"This woman, this queen who battles giants for me, saves me from fairy tale villains, granted me a title. She is my fairy tale, come to life."

I love her writing style and of course I adore her characters. The premise and plot twists are unique as well as attention grabbing and keep you firmly in the book's gravitational pull until the very last word. I won't go into too much detail for fear of revealing too much of the plot but it is extremely difficult to not root for the romantic unions in this book (as is a pattern with all of Ms. Lyons books). She can write one hell of a love story (and don't get me started with the love triangles which normally I shy away from)!They are fierce, poignant, beautifully humanly flawed, and unbelievably swoon worthy.

"True love is exactly what she warned us it would be: strength and fragility all at once. True love can fortify a person or it can shatter them mindlessly. We who experience it, truly feel it in the depths of our bones and the strands of each hair, often allow it to color our field of vision."

I love her writing style and of course I adore her characters. The premise and plot twists are unique and demand your full attention while keeping you firmly in their gravitational pull until the very last word. It will undoubtedly have you second guessing all you believed to be true.

"Despite its connotations, sure is a relative, fluid term at best. One can be sure at any given moment and then riddled with doubt seconds later. One can be sure that the leap into the unknown is the best course of action, only to rue it the moment hard, rocky bottom is struck."

Enjoy!

After that awful cliffhanger ending in The Hidden Library, I was more than ready to read the third book in The Collectors' Society series. Heather Lyons has once again amazed me, and she has once again caused me great pain (both good and bad) after finishing The Forgotten Mountain. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and continues to amaze me with her storytelling abilities. I can easily say that this is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE SERIES and I don't say that lightly. This series is just that good. I can't even begin to describe how much you need to check out this series....but to put it simply, read this series now. You won't regret it.

From the very beginning, I have loved this series with all of my heart, and this installment is certainly no exception. This novel picks up right where we left off, and never slows down. Heather Lyons takes the reader on another whirlwind adventure, but this time through Grimm's Fairy Tales. Her writing is gorgeous and I love how artfully she weaves different characters and elements from a variety of stories into one cohesive plot. I don't know where she gets this ability from, but she better keep drawing from that magic because it is something that leaves you amazed. Even the littlest things that you think might not be important come into play later on. It takes a truly gifted author to be able to create such a story, one that transports you to another world (or in this case worlds), and makes you feel as if you are right there experiencing everything right alongside the characters. Her writing is the perfect mix of excitement and emotion.

One of the best things about this novel (and series in general) is the characters. As Finn is incapacitated at the beginning (and for quite a bit of the story), we read mostly from Alice's POV. I can't emphasize enough just how much I love Alice. She is strong, loyal, and one of the best female leads I have ever read. Alice sticks to her guns, and is quick-witted and sharp. She has this ability to see through everyone and get a great read on people, as well as every situation. Obviously, this is quite useful. Alice will go through anything and everything to fight for the ones she loves and cares about the most. The Collectors' Society and it's inhabitants have become her family, and no one will get in her way once Alice has made up her mind and decided to fight. However, I loved that Heather Lyons gave us more of the A.D. (aka the Artful Dodger). I absolutely loved him in this book, and he is a much more important character than we realized previously. We definitely see a different side to him, but have no fear, the A.D. is still the thief we know and love.

I don't want to give away any spoilers, but that ending... DEAR LORD THAT ENDING ...will leave you begging for more and basically rocking in a corner because you will be desperately checking your book to make sure there aren't missing pages. I definitely can't wait to see where this story goes, and all I'm going to say is that everything better be fixed.

The intricacies of the timelines, and the plot itself is something to step back and take a minute to admire because it is something that leaves you breathless. From beginning to end, this novel is fantastic, and you will be reading on the edge of your seat. This series doesn't have a specific audience because quite honestly it should be read by all book lovers. If you are looking for a read that will take you on an adventure of a lifetime, this is that book and series. Do yourself a favor and check this one out as soon as possible!

10 stars!!

Happy reading :)

When the Forgotten Mountain was released I was in the middle of finals for two of my college classes. As much as I wanted to open the pages of what I was sure to be another perfect and escape worthy read in The Collectors' Society series, I had to wait. I didn't even buy it on kindle or purchase a hard copy because I knew that if I had it that easily accessible I would have cheated and spent an entire day reading it rather than do school. So instead, I used it as motivation to get my finals done as quickly as possible. I busted ass knowing that I would be able to finally read more of Alice, Finn and the entire Collectors' Society gang. There was of course the pride in getting a good grade but lets be honest here, I was totally busting ass for The Forgotten Mountain.

When the day of submitting my last final came I was finally free! I headed straight to Amazon and ordered the paperback of The Forgotten Mountain. Yes, I totally could have order the kindle version and read it instantly, but there are some books that must be purchased in paperback. If there is ever an apocalypse, my kindle is going to turn into a hunk of crap. If I am left with no power and an unlimited amount of time to huddle up and hope to not die, I plan on having the entire Collectors' Society series with me in my pack. Just saying, one needs to be prepared for things such as this. Plus, I have Amazon Prime, and live in LA so I get next day delivery.

Alright, on to what I thought of The Forgotten Mountain. It kicked ass. It was awesome, dangerous, unpredictable and romantic. Alice and Finn are always fighting to save one another, never really getting to be a normal couple. But lets be honest, they are in no way a normal couple; if they were, this series wouldn't be nearly as addictive as it is. Normal couples don't travel between realities, chase down bad guys or make blood promises. Alice and Finn live in a world where spiders are loyal allies, giants are slayed, and true love really does save lives. A world where realities are twisted and one must rely on what is in their heart to guide them.

Heather Lyons has created yet another book within The Collectors' Society that had me turning the pages as fast as I could. This series is written to perfection, giving just enough to keep me in the middle of all the action but never giving it all away. I keep reading not only because I have become loyal to these characters, but because there is actually a reason to keep reading. It feels as though I am right there with Alice, discovering and participating in the adventure with her.

One of the most magical side effects of reading a book is getting completely lost in a world of fantasy. The entire Collectors' Society series is a perfect example of a world that you can become completely, beautifully and magically lost in. The words on these pages are beautiful and poetic and while they take place in a completely fantastical world, the morals can be applied to real life.

The Forgotten Mountain ends with yet another challenge to overcome and I think this next one might be the most difficult one for Alice yet! I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Heather Lyons has this way of writing that makes you feel like she has managed to reach into Wonderland and really pulled Alice out. When I read other retellings sometimes my mind has trouble reconciling them with the Alice from the The Collector’s Society series. To me she is the Alice. The Forgotten Mountain keeps both Alice and the reader on their toes.

Alice is as always kick butt. Sometimes I think she is arrogant, which is okay. I like her because she isn’t this completely perfect heroine. She is most certainly driven and when she sets her mind to something, that something is going to happen and forget it if you think you can stop her.

Finn of course is as always courageous and kind. I think it’s hard to choose between Jace and him simply because they are similar. Alice knows how to pick them.

So many great supporting characters, both on the side of good and evil. There are things that some of them do that make you cringe and some that make you rejoice. Some you just continue to love (Jace) and some you just want to punch.

I have to say Grymsdyke and the A.D. really stood out to me in this installment. I loved that their characters seemed to get a chance to shine and develop more. They are dedicated but still true to their nature.

I really liked the ending. Yes it’s a cliffhanger but it made sense for what I thought was going to happen in my head. I’m glad that the series is four books instead of three because you could tell how on cue the flow is from that ending.

The Forgotten Mountain continues on with the Series great pacing and addicting action. I continue to love everything about The Collector’s Society and wish they would recruit me. It’s real right? I definitely think it’s real. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book and see what awaits Alice, Finn and the rest of the gang.

This is a book three of a series...meaning you MUST read the previous books. That being said, Lyons' world building is unmatched and her plot details are perfectly placed and have a purpose...no matter how small! I love the continued storyline and new characters I met along the way. The funny quips kept me giggling and the emotional feels kept me eager to turn the page (figuratively since I eread!) I'm still not sure I loved the last chapter because, truth be told, it had me wanting more and well now I gotta exhibit some patience. Another great read!

The Forgotten Mountain is Heather Lyons' ninth published book - and I've read all nine of her books and each and every one is an epic win. I'm actually getting to a point where I can't formulate words to describe how amazing Heather and her books are - or I repeat the same things I've said in every single review of her books, but they're all still 100% true - Heather is an amazing writer and storyteller. She creates amazing worlds that feel real and multi-dimensional characters that feel like real people. I'm always anxious for her to publish a new book and when I do find out she has a new one coming out, I freak out!!

The second I picked up The Forgotten Mountain, I fell right back into this amazing world. It was like no time had passed since I finished The Hidden Library (which I read in February). I know it's probably cheesy, but it felt like coming home after a long vacation.

Alice has always been a fierce, epic character - and one of my all-time favorite MC's. But in The Forgotten Mountain, she was especially so - and sometimes a bit scary, too! So you have an idea what I mean, here are some epic/scary quotes from Alice:

"Madness - that old, dear friend of mine - has come home for a visit. And I welcome its return with open arms."

"I do not play by his rules. I play by mine and mine alone."

But she was scary because she was determined and loyal - to Finn, to the other members of the Collectors' Society, to Wonderland and, most importantly, to herself. With every book, she keeps growing, maturing and coming into herself. And I love that about her.

As always, I adored Finn! His... predicament in this book... Was terrifying and upsetting and heartbreaking. The cliffhanger from the last book was RIDICULOUS and I'm still upset we had to wait so long to learn his fate! But I loved where his character went in this book. Alice and Finn are one of my top favorite ships and I absolutely adore them together! They make each other stronger and bring out the best in each other! And then the way the book ended...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But I'll get more into that in a bit.

I still love Mary and still want more of her story. I'd love a novella from her POV or a spin-off with her. I'd love to see her back in her world, especially. I think that would be epic and hilarious! *Stares at Heather... Makes puppy eyes...* She's just an amazing character - smart, determined, loyal. She's not the best fighter, but she holds her own in a fight and pulls her weight in other ways. I adore her and Victor and the way their relationship always thrives, despite the things they've been through. Although that ending...!!!!!!!!!!!

Of all the characters, the Artful Dodger (A.D.) had the most character growth in The Forgotten Mountain. His character always felt a bit one-sided in the previous books, but we saw a LOT of different sides to him and learned a lot more about him this time. He's a fierce fighter, smart, sly and a ladies man - or so he thinks! I'm definitely excited to see more of him in the next book!

I really like Wendy and Sarah and I'm hoping they get happy endings. Marianne is still a great character, as well. I like the way she fits in with the group, despite their uncertainty about her in The Hidden Library. I still like the Librarian, but I don't really trust her anymore.. And I'm DYING to know her real identity! And Brom, as usual, was a great character.

The pacing in this book was excellent. There was always enough action to keep the plot moving forward, but not so much that it felt exhausting. Heather's writing gets better with every book she does - and that's saying a lot because her writing has always been exceptional! Her writing - coupled with the plot and where the characters all were in their journey(s) - made this book the best one in the series (so far) - and again, that's saying a lot because I've loved every book in this series! All the characters are at the height of their character development; they're all fierce and strong and loyal. The plot is intriguing and the story really hit a major turning point. No one is holding back now! It was epic and amazing!

And then that ending!!!!!!!!! I thought the cliffhanger at the end of The Hidden Library was evil but this... this.. this... GAH!!!! HEATHER, WHY?!?!?!?!?!?! These status updates from Goodreads basically sum up my feelings at the end of the book:

87.0% "Ooohhhh...... *Gulps*"
88.0% "OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!"
91.0% "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????!!!!!!!!!!!?????"
97.0% "Omfg!!!!!!!!!!!! No no no no!!!!!!!!!"
97.0% "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Seriously, I have no idea how I'm going to survive the next few months, waiting for book four to come out!

So, obviously, I adored this book! I adore all of Heather's book! And - as usual - I HIGHLY recommend this book (plus the first two, if you haven’t read them). Plus all her other books. All of them!

With every new book that comes out in this series I find myself more and more confident about the fact that this is one of the most innovative and creative collections I have every read.

The series follows famous literary characters as they fight to stop the destruction of classic works and the worlds associated with them. All of our favorite characters are back and reeling from where The Hidden Library left off. Alice is out for revenge and she will do whatever it takes to save her love and stop the systematic extermination of countless innocents. With the support of the entire Collector’s Society at her disposal, Alice and her friends will embark on a wild journey that has never been done before.

This chapter of the story solidifies how truly bad-ass Alice is. While Finn is desperately fighting for his life, Alice takes charge and runs countless missions to find a solution. When shutting down for most people would be the only option, Alice not only steps up to the plate but knocks it right out the park. She shows how strong of a character she truly is, while never losing her genuine kindness and love for others. She truly proves how much she deserves the title of Queen.

It’s so hard to do this book justice without dealing out some major spoilers. But trust me when I say that this book does not disappoint. As with the other books in the series you have adventure, intrigue and some mystery as well. But in this story the characters take it to the next level, they are strong and independent and most of all they undoubtedly have each other’s backs. And we all know a great book leaves you wanting more, I can say without a doubt you will be on pins and needles until the next installment comes out.

As one of my most anticipated reads for 2015, The Forgotten Mountain (TFM) had a lot of live up. After all, the first two books in The Collector's Society series are two of my all time favorites.

Luckily, Heather takes us on another emotional and suspense filled roller coaster ride! I actually had to set my Kindle down a few times and wring my hands with worry over what would happen next. Reading this book in one sitting was the only option for me.

There were just too many questions... Who is the piper? Why are Finn's eyes black? Is Sara a spy? If you've read the series to this point, I'm sure you were wondering some of these things as well. TFM answers many questions but also opens the door to several more as is Heather's style in this fantastic series.

Alice continues to kick major butt, Finn in just... perfect, and we meet several more fun characters as well. And who knew a spider would wind up being one of my favorite characters in this series? I'm not going to rehash the plot or give spoilers but please know there will be one more book in this series. I am hoping and praying it may be out by the end of the year but I do not know.

What I do know is this: Heather Lyons can do no wrong. Her stories make you think, her characters make you fall in love (or hate!). She will make you laugh, cry, shake your fist and sigh. I truly can't think of another author whose books I enjoy more than hers. So here's to hoping her brain works fast on the conclusion to this amazing series.