Dragon Coast satisfyingly concludes the Daniel Blackland trilogy by Greg van Eekhout. Reviews for the first two books in the series are here for book 1 and here for book 2. This entire trilogy was a joy from start to finish and as a result I look forward to what Greg has to write in the future. With each book he added depth to his magic systems, detail to the world and gave his characters room to grow. While I certainly hope Daniel get’s a much deserved rest after all these adventures, there is so much more world that could potentially be explored.
After being on the run for 10 years guarding the treasure of the Southern Kingdom of California, Daniel Blackland has a new goal and purpose, rescuing his adopted son Sam. Daniel, Cassandra and Moth have been working together pulling off jobs for a long time but this time the stakes are especially high as they have to infiltrate the Northern Kingdom of California and the court of the Northern Heirarch. To accomplish their goal they must also rely on the help of Gabriel Argent, who is the most powerful water mage in the Southern California Kingdom and not exactly an ally, along with his magical companion Max.
Going from a life on the run to living in the manor house of a Northern high Lord is a change Daniel and Moth could get used to, were it not for the murder attempts and the ticking clock as the window for their job closes. Lacking the cover identity that Daniel and Moth can use, Cassandra, Gabriel and Max must sneak across the border between the California Kingdoms to do their half of the mission. Complications arise as they realize the job isn’t as cut and dry as they would like it to be.
Between the excellent pacing and each book lasting only about 300ish pages each, this entire trilogy was a quick and very fun read. I highly recommend all three books and will be looking for more Greg van Eekhout in the future.