The Samsara Crucible: The Menocht Loop, Book 4

I'm not sure how she's done it, but Lorne Ryburn has outclassed herself yet again. The Menocht Loop book 1 was a refreshing take on the time loop fantasy genre, with subsequent sequels adding complexity and wonder to the point that I would be hard pressed to think of a single novel I've ever read that reads as fluidly as this series. Book 4 is no exception - with the incredible characterization of not just Ian (the MC), but all of the secondary and tertiary characters that make up the well put together cast. Not to mention such detailed worldbuilding that I can see myself in Ian's shoes as he explores Eternity.I always find it a bit silly to review any but the first in a series, as if you've already read up to this point, I highly doubt you'll suddenly decide to go no further. Especially given how Lorne only seems to put out better and better writing with each release.This is easily a 10/10 novel, and I am impatiently waiting for the next one to release. My only regret is that this series has to eventually end.

I'm a fan of the story. I'm not a fan of the switching between 1st and 3rd person perspectives. It's a bit jarring. I'm cool with either, but consistency is key.Additionally, present tense should never be used IMO. It doesn't read as well.

Amazing book. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it . The best part when Ian talked to Eury again . Very emotional . Again, great book!!

If you've made it to book 4 you probably already enjoy these novels and would only check the reviews to see if it falls off or the author does something dumb. I think all I need to say is that they don't and it's still great! 👍

I have a hard time writing books reviews that don't spoil, but needless to say this book was an easy 5 stars for me just like the others in this series. Just great world building in a very unique setting. Absolutely love it!

40% of the way through this book and it’s just a collection of odd interactions Ian has after his ascent into Eternity. While I appreciate the sentiment of gaining some familiar faces in this new place, I simply find many of the characters to be less interesting and fleshed out than in prior arcs. I don’t care for Maria, Jimmy the fish, or the Suh the dragon, as they are hardly ever displayed with any sort of depth but constantly mentioned as if they’re a classic companion. At times it feels like the bone wyrm constructs are more fleshed out, pun intended.Not to mention a good amount of time in that first 40% is spent being lectured about what Eternity theoretically is ( in the vaguest terms ) and how Ian is expected to progress through it. Only to immediately abandon that premise and have him set off on some unorthodox time-dilating power trip with his two most apparent enemies in order for them to implicate Ian in further subplots that he originally had nothing to do with.Ian of course, is just along for the ride because ever since exiting the Infinity loop he has become a husk of a person who finds it easier to follow orders and expectations from other people than to think for himself for any amount of time. At this point in his development Ian requires at least one constant companion to give him insights and opinions he otherwise wouldn’t form, it’s becomes surprising when he manages to think entirely for himself at all.I think I’m gonna go look for a more self-motivated character arc somewhere else, where the plot doesn’t feel like a series of random loosely associated events that try to parallel the themes present in the first book.

Is good and evil really just a matter of perspective? Can any action really be justified if it is done for the greater good? Who can really say?

The author does a great job in continuing Ian's story, without it feeling like a typical filler book. A lot of fourth books in different series has the author kind of forgetting where they're going and the book turns out kinda, meh. Not in this case.Spoilers:This book shows Ian as he explores the world after ascending with his passenger. I was a little worried at first in the beginning when the book started out with Eury and not Ian. But it turns out it was setting the stage for later in the book.Eternity is immense and there's a lot of explaining going on. It's interesting and I read the book in one sitting. New characters blend into the story very well and I look forward to the next book.

God, I can't wait for the next book. Ian did some strong Soul searching and went out of his way to at least address his fears. I liked how the new characters were introduced and I personally like Crystal.Void Seeker is a greatly complex dude. It was so easy to dislike him until you get context.

The book isba very good continuation of the series. Some Questions geht answered more arise 😊 can't wait for the next one

Overall I think this book was done fairly well, the main reason I put 4 not 5 stars was because of a bit of a lull around the middle. That being said everything else in this book is done rather well. It also is exploring some interesting topics in a better way than most , such as what if you and everyone else lived forever. I'll be continuing the series to see where it goes from here

I honestly did not like the first part of the book. It progresses fairly slowly and is honestly a bit boring. But it is all worth it for the ending. The character development of Ian is extremely interesting and I like the personality of the Eldemari.I definitely recommend this book to anyone who liked the previous ones.