Review by Booklist Review
Feist concludes his Firemane saga (which started with King of Ashes, 2018) by following several adventurers across war-torn Marquensa. Declan Smith, in service to Baron Daylon Dumarch, transforms from a skilled blacksmith seeking a special sand and revenge for the death of his family to a talented leader of a ragtag bunch of survivors. Donte, a reckless troublemaker, is recruited by the Baron's brother, Balven, helping to discover the truth about the Azhante. In doing so, he provides the details that Hava, now a renowned pirate queen, needs to defeat the Pride Lords, rulers of the distant nation responsible for the attacks. Hava also fumbles through her marriage with Hatushaly, the last remaining member of the legendary Firemanes. The men of the Firemane line have the rare ability to practice magic, a talent usually restricted to women, and Hatushaly's ability is so powerful that his mysterious teacher, Nathan, seeks additional help off-world to train him. This is a delightful wrap-up to the epic saga, leaving potential future storylines for each of the characters.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Feist brings all his hallmarks--medieval-esque warfare, magical instruction, and strong family bonds--to bear in the satisfying conclusion to his Firemane Saga series. Following Queen of Storms, the forces of the Pride Lords from the continent of Nytanny have wiped out most settlers on the western edge of North Tembria, including the wives of Baron Daylon Dumarch and ironworker Declan Smith. Both men seek revenge, with Declan setting sail for a secret island where he can collect a special sand to forge an invincible blade and Daylon and his half brother, Balven, building up their army. Meanwhile, Hatushaly, last scion of the Firemane kings and heir to vast power, takes instruction from a mysterious visitor, as his wife, Hava, sails the seas, ferrying survivors to Sanctuary, news to Marquensas, and spies to Nytanny, all in preparation for an invasion. Feist does a fine job balancing skirmishes and battles with quieter moments of tutelage, espionage, and basic survival, and takes time as he wraps things up to tie the world of this series to others he's created--a connection that won't surprise fans. A late reveal points to further adventures for his characters, which readers will welcome. It's a fittingly rip-roaring finale. Agent: Ben Camardi, Harold Matson and Co. (July)
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Review by Library Journal Review
In this wrap-up to the "Firemane Saga," Declan Smith and Baron Daylon Dumarch seek vengeance after raiders devastate Marquensas, massacring multitudes. Meanwhile, Hava, now known as the Sea Demon, seeks out the source of this violence even as her husband, last of the Firemanes, the ruling family of Ithrace, struggles to master his magic. With a 100,000-copy first printing.
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