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The Unbound Empire by Melissa Caruso (Swords and Fire #3)
Following The Defiant Heir’s end, Lady Amalia is now living in Raverra. She wants to write the Falcon Reform Act in addition to the other political responsibilities that the Cornaro heir would have to carry out. The “mage-marked” would be granted some rights and freedoms under this bill. They are currently perceived by all as little more than The Serene Empire’s property and means of control in the event of war, which are weapons of magical destruction. Ruven, the Witchlord and Skinwitch who dominates Kazerath, has been somewhat quiet lately because of the winter snows, but the break is only short and he continues to pose a continual threat in his campaign to invade and subjugate everyone. We also have to wonder what the other Witchlords are plotting in their own domains of Vaskandar too…
As I don’t want to reiterate what I’ve already written about the universe, themes, particular relationships, past plot elements, etc., my review might be shorter than my analysis of the previous volumes. Simply said, this trilogy of political fantasy books is one of my favourites from recent years. When I go back to two years ago, I only began reading Caruso’s debut because I liked the cover and couldn’t decide what to read next. However, as soon as I received the two follow-ups, I immediately moved them to the top of my list of books to read, and I finished them ahead of schedule. I have a massive reading list with hundreds of books on it that I’ll probably never finish, but I believe this demonstrates how much I value Caruso’s work.
Caruso has in fact surpassed all of my expectations with The Unbound Empire. It’s a beautiful story that weaves together betrayal, political intrigue, love, war, and more. The book’s pages are filled with highs and lows that occasionally had me in tears and tugged at my heartstrings. There are so many wonderful people in this story who I have really cared about and spent a lot of time with. The Fire Warlock Zaira, the Mysterious Witchlord and mind game enthusiast Kathe, the always trustworthy and honourable Marcello, and even new characters like the aide Lucia and the joking Heartguards were among my favourites. It also has one of the most dreadful, cruel, and powerful individuals I’ve read about.
Although there are some YA elements in this series, this instalment is more darker. While there is still romance, companionship, and fun, these qualities are coupled with utter devastation, torment, both physical and mental, and other vileness. There are many great set-pieces in The Unbound Empire, but three in particular caught my attention. One of these is a breathtaking, captivating fight near the climax of the story. This has a huge payout. It all comes together wonderfully (for some more than others), and I would love to see Caruso return to this world because often it seemed to be a character all on its own. I’ll be keeping a careful eye on this author’s career because I think she is incredibly brilliant. A superbly written, compelling political fantasy series with excellent dialogue. Many more people ought to add the Swords and Fire series to their reading collection.
The Review
The Unbound Empire
9 Score
Great ending to what I think is a fabulous YA series. I wish there was more love for it. The MC is a strong young women trying to make the right decisions in the face of crazy magical villains. There is the right balance of fantastical magic, complicated politics, coming of age maturity and romance. I read these on my kindle but can’t wait to buy a set to keep in my library. I really enjoyed the well developed characters and the depth of the magical world!
PROS
- The Unbound Empire.
- Just Fantastic.
- Couldn't put it down!
- What a finish to a great trilogy!
CONS
- Characters are boneheaded beyond belief.
- Very disappointing.
- The Tethered Mage.
- Dull and dreary.
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