Rating: ★★★★.5
Audience: Fantasy
Length: 672 pages
Author: Kristen Britain
Publisher: DAW
Release Date: September 30th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

After Sacoridia’s victory over Second Empire, Karigan G’ladheon’s life as a Green Rider should have settled into an ordinary routine. But her father’s abrupt departure to rescue Laren Mapstone, leader of the Green Riders and the woman he loves, from the far distant land of Varos, has left Clan G’ladheon’s business in disarray and Karigan’s hands full.

Even as Karigan tries to sort out the clan’s mess, a darker, more perilous crisis casts its shadows over her: Mornhavon the Black has reawakened. Moreover, he has freed two undead wraiths from their imprisoning tombs to hunt Karigan down and bring her to him in Blackveil Forest.

In a deadly confrontation with one of the wraiths amid the frivolity of the Harvest Ball, Karigan is left vulnerable to the intrigues of another old adversary she thought destroyed long ago. Haunted by the unceasing rhythm of the dance, she falls endlessly through the frigid dark of the heavens, and even Westrion, god of death, cannot save her.

King Zachary, bereft and hopeless, keeps vigil for her safe return. If they are not reunited, her loss may destroy him – and any chance Sacoridia has of overcoming Mornhavon’s dark designs.

I NEED SOMEONE ELSE TO READ THESE BOOKS.

To this day, I am convinced I am the only person I am aware of who is up to date on this series and it HURTS me because there is way too much to discuss!!!!!

Another intense installment with politicking and twists and action and questions and so many moments. What I find amazing about the writing style is that it continually switches POV and I have no issues listening to the audio through all of the changes. The characters stand out and I could not put this book down. I love the story telling and I must know what happens next.

There’s one plot line that brings me a little frustration [maybe I finally clocked where it’s going??] but otherwise I am here for it all. While not a ROMANCE in the traditional sense the romantic plot lines are well woven in and I love them all.

I just can’t recommend this series enough y’all!!!

Overall audience notes:

• Fantasy
• Language: low
• Romance: 1 almost vague scene; closed door
• Violence: moderate

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