Magic is awakening in the north and the Grand Protectorate retreats after its bloody defeat at Srun. Sviska stands with the Island Nation against the evils of The Order and the Itsu Priest as the allies of magic make plans for their push against the capital city of their enemy. But all is not as it seems.
The Itsu Priest is tightening his grip on the legions of the north changing them from men to unholy beasts. The Saints of Wura must move quickly to save Garoa's daughter from his evil clutches but some fear she could already be dead. Furthermore, hundreds have been kidnapped as sacrifices for a dark ritual and the time for the incantation draws near.
Sviska is moving closer to unlocking the powers of his Dwemhar ancestry but as the blood curse ensnares his mind, he can only pray he is powerful enough to resist the will of The Order.
He made a stand against a dark evil in the icy mountains of Elinathrond but now his life, and that of those he has grown to call friends, may be forfeit.
I still can’t believe how different Brethor is in this series than he was in the Half-Elf series. He’s older I know as well as Kealin. This was fast paced at times and a little slower other times but a really good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the final tale. I am biased rating wise so I will leave that blank but I know this book has everything I personally love in a good fantasy story. From massive battles with explosive magic and strange creatures, to shadowy dealings, betrayals and redemptions.
As I read the tale, not as the author but as a reader, I loved the moment where the Falacar horsemen thundered across the highlands to rally the Island Nation surrounded by their enemy. The duel of Sviska and Kasis with the Dark Ones, even the final moments of the Saints of Wura against the Itsu Priest. I enjoyed reading it as much as I liked writing it... maybe a bit more!
It is a story that finishes an arc within 'The North'. The ending of an era in my timeline. But by no means is it the last book in this world...
I read this after the Half elf Chronicles and loved it. I already knew of a few characters and the world in general and it picked up a bit after it was left off previously. The overall pace and story was immersive and I was glued to it.
Only thing I didn't like was that there was no mention of what Kealin did after the end of the half elf Chronicles. Also, I felt Sviska was made to look pretty powerless though that might be to continue his journey.
This story kept me engaged and involved. It was well written and never depended on vulgarity or profanity to get a message across. This book needed none of that. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
The war to return magic is coming to be fulfilled and lots of blood will be shed. They will be many creatures that will be good and bad. All the different clans will have to come together in order to defeat the Cursed Legions and the Istu Priest. Friends will be lost in the battle, but peace will be found. Lots of intense and adventurous moments. A great ending to the trilogy.