The last book of this series doesn't hold back the stakes. The pacing matches that of the first two books - which is incredible, by the way - and it really puts you on edge as you read and wonder what happens next and if Theo will defeat the Kaiserin.

I have to say it again, Theo is one of the strongest female characters I've read in a fantasy series like this (not that I ready many, but still). With all that she's gone through in the first two books, you finally see her really learn to be a leader in this last novel as she gains control of her powers and leads her army to battle more than once. I liked her even more in this book than the first one because of her growth as a leader and Queen.

I loved the development of the relationships between Theo with Soren and Blaise, each ending with a different outcome. She didn't deny love for either of them, but each was a different kind of love that she learned to differentiate. It was no surprise who she would end up with, but I was amazed at the grace the other took the "rejection."

There's no shortage of action in this novel. Even in the "slower" parts where they're not battling, there's always something going on with strategizing or learning new aspects of their army's powers. There are a couple of shocking deaths - one isn't quite shocking in that it happened, but rather how it happened. And the other just threw me off my chair because I really wasn't expecting it (though I probably should've).

Overall, this was a great conclusion to the trilogy, which is highly underrated, and it is a crime against books that it is. So, if you're looking for a good fantasy series, I will recommend this one until I turn blue in the face!