The Cruelest Curse is the third and final book in the Dark and Otherworldly series by Kristen Brand. The transition from Sting of Thorns is effortless, picking right up where we left off after stepping back through the portal to Otherworld. The Evensong sword has been retrieved and Dredarion, Leigh, and Salvador are on their way back to Dwencanti palace before the Rashrang invade. Unfortunately, things have changed in the kingdom and it is now under new management.

The world-building stays consistent in the newest offering, creating an exciting backdrop for our characters to navigate. Brand hasn't created an aseptic storyline; She has proven time and time again that she is willing to sacrifice and scar her characters. Pitiless and unmerciful, the hits just keep coming. The pace is brutal, a constant race against the clock. Enemies may be new allies and allies may not be as helpful as they first appeared. Brand keeps the reader guessing and isn't afraid to turn the whole thing on its head.

While there is romance in this series, it does mostly take a backseat to the action. You could argue that taking out the romance wouldn't change the plot much, therefore those readers who prefer less romance and more fantasy in their reads should still find something here to enjoy.

A fantastical world, rich and unyielding, genuine characters, and increasingly herculean tasks make this fantasy adventure finale a coup d'etat, both literally and figuratively. I have to wonder though if we have truly seen the end of this series. Perhaps there might be a spin-off of this world in the future?

3.5/5 stars


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