Children of anguish and anarchy

The war to overthrow the Orïshan monarchy was all but won by Zélie and the maji clans. But when the nation of Baldeírik, led by the power-hungry King Baldyr, lands a surprise attack on Lagos, taking Zélie and numerous maji captive, the qualms that divide Orïsha fall away as they collectively fight for mere survival. Driven to ascend to godlike status, King Baldyr hunts the hearts and magic of Zélie and Mae'e, the soon-to-be hierophant of the hidden, floating kingdom of New Gaia. No longer bound by previous titles, clans, or national identity, Zélie, Inan, Tzain, Amari, the whole of Orïsha and New Gaia unify, leading a fight of persistence for legacy, for country, for the future they've so long awaited. Brutal and unrelenting in its battle scenes, Anguish and Anarchy isn't for the faint of heart, but with a closer look at the story behind every weapon, ritual and type of magic wielded, readers will find there is more than meets the eye when it comes to how and with what tools we choose to fight our battles. Adeyemi takes great care to lovingly explore the depth of the characters' relationships, tying each back to core memories of past installments, invoking the connection and legacy of people and events past. Above all else, this closing installment forgoes the flashiness of Orïsha's physical might, instead opting to focus on the long game--perseverance, humility, and collaboration being the key to winning it all. For some, this may mean a less than satisfying end, while others will revel in the gratifying feeling of rest, safety, and a clear path for future-building. Overall, a marvel of a final installment, Anguish and Anarchy begs readers to start again--just to cherish all that Orïsha has accomplished.

In this much-anticipated trilogy closer following 2019's Children of Virtue and Vengeance, an enemy from a land across the sea carries out conquests to fulfill a prophecy that threatens the entire world. The war between the maji and the crown of Orïsha ends when the Skulls, a tribe of masked, pale-skinned invaders, interrupt the pivotal battle, abducting Zélie, Tzain, Amari, Inan, and dozens of maji from their homeland. Caged on a ship and cut off from their magic, they have no choice but to set aside their bitterness and distrust to fight for their freedom. Ruthless and empowered by the volatile magic of bloodmetal weapons, the Skulls hunt for Zélie, "a girl with the blood of the sun," at the command of their king, Baldyr, who prepares for his ascension to godhood during the Blood Moon. As much as she longs to return home, visions and an intertwined fate pull Zélie, along with her companions, to the land of New Gaīa in search of a girl with russet-brown skin and eyes that glitter like diamonds. United goals, fresh conflict, and impending doom provide invigorating gusts of momentum that push the story out of the doldrums of the previous book. On its own, this installment is a suspenseful and compelling expansion of the world, but as a series finale, the conflict seems disconnected from the first two books, and the resolution feels rushed. A thrilling, climactic storm with an abrupt conclusion. (guide to clans) (Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.