Lin Sukai has won her first victory as Emperor, but the future of the Phoenix Empire hangs in the balance – and Lin is dangerously short of allies.
As her own governors plot treason, the Shardless Few renew hostilities. Worse still, Lin discovers her old nemesis Nisong has joined forces with the rogue Alanga, Ragan. Both seek her death.
Yet hopes lies in history. Legend tells of seven mythic swords, forged in centuries past. If Lin can find them before her enemies, she may yet be able to turn the tide.
If she fails, the Sukai dynasty – and the entire empire – will fall.
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Hi and welcome to my review of The Bone Shard War!
The Bone Shard War is the third and final instalment in the Drowning Empire trilogy, and I’ve been waiting for it with bated breath ever since finishing book two, The Bone Shard Emperor. It was well worth the wait, this finale is nothing short of riveting!
I can honestly say this is one of my favourite fantasy series ever. I was in awe of the magic system and the world-building in book one, The Bone Shard Daughter, I was amazed at how this was further built upon in the sequel, and honestly, I thought we pretty much knew everything we needed to know by now. Except we didn’t! Boy oh boy, we didn’t know the half of it!
Like in the previous books, there are alternating points of view, which keep the momentum going, and once again I was completely absorbed in each and every one of them. Although this is not a short book by any standards, I flew through it like I would a book half its size. Reading The Bone Shard War was just effortless, just like its predecessors. No matter how much is going on and however many characters there are, it’s incredibly easy to keep everything and everyone straight (even with my foggy brain), and with its flawless writing and pacing this was just an absolute treat to read.
The Bone Shard War, and by extension the entire trilogy, has everything you could want or need in a fantasy novel, it’s positively epic in scope, and still extremely readable. I had a ball with it, I can’t wait to read it again and I cannot recommend it enough! Whether you’re already a fantasy fan or you’re a newbie wanting to dip a toe in the genre, don’t hesitate and add the Drowning Empire trilogy to your TBR!
The Bone Shard War is available now in digital and audio formats and in hardcover, with the paperback to follow in November.
Massive thanks to Orbit for the gorgeous finished copy for review. All opinions are my own.
Fantastic review! I’m glad you loved The Bone Shard War as well… I don’t read a lot of fantasy anymore, but I loved my time with this series. The high fantasy world is absolutely fascinating, and I loved what new information this final book brought to the table! I think I loved it even more listening to it on audio… The format works really well.
Thank you! I know, I expected some kind of wrap-up but the world-building just continues, it’s amazing. Orbit already bought a new series by Andrea Stewart, I can’t wait!