Disaster is everywhere now that the wicked Taristan's army of the dead is loose. Everything is burning, and the carnage won't stop anytime soon. The Companions who banded together in Realm Breaker (2021) have split apart; each is fighting Taristan as best they can, save traitorous Queen Erida, who now rules over four countries. Pirate Corayne, who wrested the last Spindleblade in existence from Taristan's hands, is alone and grieving, seeking aid from more immortal Elders, like her fallen and imprisoned friend, Domacridhan. Other Companions, like the exiled Sorasa, will attempt to mount a rescue to save Dom from the truly evil Erida. One thing is sure as this trilogy closes out: the Companions are stronger together than alone. Aveyard's series finisher is as epic as it should be, even with minor moments of humor. Bonds and fates are tested, broken, and reforged, much like the Spindleblade. Be sure to have this as soon as it's released; die-hard fans will clamor for it.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Aveyard's series live at number one on the New York Times best-sellers list, and this no-holds-barred conclusion practically has its spot reserved. Grab a few copies.

Following Blade Breaker (2022), Corayne has her final showdown against the servants of What Waits. Aveyard drops readers right into the devastating aftermath of the events of the previous book. Corayne's Companions have been scattered and are uncertain of each other's survival. While the escaped heroes attempt to regroup, only one destination comes to mind--the Elder enclave of Iona. Romantically, two couples within the core Companions have sweet, slow-burn storylines (that fortunately don't get in the way of more imminent threats to the world). Charlie's treated to an early reunion with his longtime love Garion, and villainous Erida and Taristan bring the passion in a manner that makes them hard to root against, even as they commit heartless acts for their all-consuming evil god. The sprawling cast and multiple points of view sometimes lead to a sagging plot and backtracking timeline in ways that slow the momentum as the heroes ever so slowly inch their way back together. Luckily, well-blocked action scenes pep up the prose. Some plot elements may give readers déjà vu (again, the heroes are assembling an alliance to stop the villains, and right on cue, there's a third-act plot twist). After the lengthy buildup and extended final battle, the epilogue feels abrupt and too short. The fantasy world is casually diverse. Pacing issues aside, a satisfying conclusion for fans of the trilogy. (Fantasy. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 8 Up--Opening moments before the end of Blade Breaker, the previous book in this trilogy, a new perspective watches as the Companions are torn from each other and spread across the Realm. If they are to make it back together, they will each have to stand on their own and confront their respective pasts and present. Readers watch as each Companion fights physical, mental, and political battles alike as they attempt to unite the Ward against Erida and Taristan's dark legions. Will they be enough to defeat What Waits and save a Realm determined to ignore their pleas? The buildup is steady and palpable as Aveyard peppers in plenty of powerful, cinema-ready speeches sure to get readers pumped for battles to come. While certain story lines could have benefited from more fleshing out, it does not detract from the final, fist-pump inducing battle. Even the most righteous of readers will not be disappointed with the redemption arc granted to our villains. Tolkien fans, get ready for an ending not to be missed. VERDICT Pasts come crashing into the present, dragons are fought, and armies converge in this spine-tingling epic conclusion to the "Realm Breaker" series. Heads up, this one knows how to stick the landing.--Elisha Sheffer