Review

This story is full of tragedy and triumph. The “hook” is wanting to discover exactly how each person fits into the prophecy and of course the final battle between Axis and Gorgrael. The need for answers will keep you turning the pages. By this point, you have a lot invested in this story and simply must see it through to the end.

You will probably need that impetus, or at least I did. This is sadly my least favorite of the three. I think that part of the reason was the ease in which some tasks were performed compared to the difficulty inherent in others. In addition, I felt like there were too many clues. I knew most of the time what was going to happen, all I needed to know was when. I cannot site examples without giving away vital plot information; I will just leave you with my opinion that some parts were too predictable resulting in certain events coming across as anticlimactic.

That is the bad, now for the good. The characters are strongly drawn; to say that they have developed since book one would be an understatement. My complaint about predictability aside, there are surprises to savor. Some will make you want to cry, some will make you want to smack the character, and others will make you cheer. The worldbuilding in this book is also stronger then in previous ones. There is one thing for sure; the world being recreated will be much more beautiful than the one that Artor controlled. The conclusion was satisfying; all the “must know” loose ends are tied up, while leaving room to continue the series. The pacing is also good, and the story flows well from one POV to another, not an easy task when dealing with so many characters.

Content is a bit harsher, there are some unsettling scenes of violence and tragedy but only when necessary to advance the plot. After all, no war of good verses evil is without elements of violence and death. There are also some very touching moments. I love it when an author can make me care about her characters and Sara Douglass has definitely succeeded in that regard. Overall, this is epic fantasy at its best.