Welcome back to Fantasy Friday! (If you haven’t read book I (Shadowborn) and II (Shadowforged) and hate spoilers for the second one, please do not read the summary below).

At last, Catwin and Miriel have chosen their own path, escaping the Court and its machinations, and fleeing to the Norstrung Provinces, to aid the rebellion. As they shed the masks and deceptions of their former life, however, both must face the fact that the same dark forces they fled are at work even in the furthest reaches of Heddred.

But it is not only avarice and hatred that endanger them—the prophecy made at Catwin’s birth is slowly but surely coming true, and betrayal has followed her in her escape from the court. As the shadows of war and rebellion mass, Catwin must face the fact that if she wishes to be true to herself and her alliance with Miriel, it may be she who bears the cost of saving her kingdom…

Why I loved this book: Brilliant writing! This is the third in the Light and Shadow series which must be read in order. Another author calls her own writing “dawndark” and I think it fits this tale also. There is no victory that does not come at great cost. There is no dawn without the dark night one must travel through to get to it. There is no betrayal so deep when it comes through the hand and heart of one completely trusted. You are there with these people, absorbed in their story, hoping and grieving with them. (I don’t like to say characters, makes them less real and vivid and believe me, these people do live on the page with all their hopes and heartbreaks). What a powerful book and author!

Buy Shadow’s End now! (not to mention the whole series!)

Don’t forget the Noblebright fantasy giveaway, starting 2/28 through 3/28, and know the darkness can be defeated! My book, The Gathering Storm, is to be had, and another chance to pick up A. J. Park’s masterpieces too, if you haven’t already.

Follow me on BookBub for more recommendations.

Have you read this book or series? What did you think?