There’s only one word for this series and this book in particular: EPIC. And I mean that in every sense of the word. First of all, it’s epic in geographic scale. Not only are Reaper fighting a global battle, they’re travelling the world in order to do so—Afghanistan, China, Taiwan, Germany, and The Netherlands to name just a few of the countries visited. Secondly, it’s epic in its quest: to locate both the Book of the Wars and the unknown soldiers who are part of a super-army described as “the enemies of kings.” Thirdly, it’s epic in terms of its cast of characters, several of whom offer their POV throughout the book. Fourthly, it’s epic in the way it is unfolding the story of Leif Metcalfe, a subject on which it will be best to say very little! And finally, it’s epic in the urban sense of the word: Guys (and gals), this was totally EPIC!!!

Again and again I find myself riveted not just by the plots Kendig creates but by the characters she populates her stories with. She does team comradery so well from banter right through to brothers-in-arms (a term I use inclusively, however un-PC that may be), and she draws every last drop from the interplay between the different personalities on her teams. And despite plots that never let up, she fits in such fantastic character arcs—which inevitably brings me back to Leif and Iskra, whom I really shouldn’t say much about for fear of spoilers. All I will allow myself to say is that I absolutely love the complex dynamics between these two, and I am SO keen to see where she goes with their story, and Leif’s in particular, in the final book in the series. Aaarrgghh! There’s so much I want to say that I can’t say!!!

Seriously, Ronie Kendig just seems to get better with each series. And when you consider how many she’s written, that’s saying something! Do yourself a favour and start with Storm Rising, then simply hold on for the ride.