Raisa takes the throne as Queen, but there is still much work to be done as well as the threat of invasion. Someone is murdering wizards, political machinations abound, and pressure for Raisa to marry. Raisa and Han are struggling both with the fact that almost everyone seems to be against Han in general and their relationship isn’t officially allowed. Plus between each of their duties, they don’t see each other much and are not sharing all of their plans with each other. As the dangers pile up, it becomes unclear if the Queendom will survive.
The final book in this quartet does not pull its punches. All of the things that have been simmering in the earlier books are starting to boil over. Both friends and enemies are showing their true faces for better or worse, and Raisa has to confront the fact that people she cares about and trusts have their own agenda for her that doesn’t line up with her own plans. Raisa very much wants to bring all of her citizens together: valefolk, clan, and wizards, but it’s clearly an uphill battle. Plus there is everyone’s constant disapproval of Han. Raisa trusts him, but it seems like almost everyone else is keen to blame whatever they can on him. Han’s struggling to both trust others with his plans as well as figure out how to get what he wants: namely him and Raisa being able to have an official relationship. Unfortunately, that makes him an easier target at times and makes it harder for Raisa to defend him.
We also get to finally find out what really happened in the past with Hanalea and the Demon King. There have been hints dropped throughout the books, but it’s nice to hear the full story, especially since it very much mirrors Han and Raisa’s situation. One of the things that I really appreciate about this series is both how the arcs flow from one to another as well as how many of the themes from the earlier books are brought to bear in the final one. I’ve tried not to give any spoilers because the payoff of this series is worth it, and it’s a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys high fantasy. This was an extremely satisfying conclusion to the series. Four out of five stars.
Bingo – Citizen