Flamebringer

The final book in White's historical fantasy series picks up where Dragonshadow (2018) left off, with Aliza and her husband, Alastair Daired, first Rider of the realm, racing on dragonback to find answers to several troublesome puzzles. The couple is mourning a recent personal loss and Alastair is not only weaponless, he is recovering from a serious wound. Making their trip even more dangerous is Alastair's weakened dragon, who has stretched herself to the limit over the long, arduous flight. An impending threat to the kingdom is looming, monstrous creatures are on the move, old enemies have returned from the dead, and war is coming the only questions are when and which debts must be paid in death and injury. Another unsettling revelation will come to light before all hell breaks loose, one the proud Lord Daired may be unable to accept. Though the plot is far removed from the original ""Pride and Prejudice with dragons,"" the lovers' internal struggles mirror those of their Austen-inspired counterparts as the Heartstone trilogy reaches a resounding and affecting conclusion.--Lucy Lockley Copyright 2010 Booklist

The battle against an ancient evil comes to a fiery end in the lively final chapter of White's Heartstone trilogy (following Dragonshadow). Aliza Daired and her dashing dragonrider husband Alastair pursue their returned enemy Wydrick through the Old Wilds of Arle, determined to learn the truth behind Wydrick's vague warning of war against the Daired line and the land of Arle itself. Wydrick escapes, and with no evidence of his threats neither the dragons nor the King of Arle will take Alastair's warning seriously. Meanwhile, someone is stealing heartstones, magical gems created from the last drop of blood from a dying dragon, and evildoers are descending upon Arle. While Aliza and Alastair try to help the kingdom prepare for attack, the enemy is gaining strength. The romance that drove earlier installments still burns hot, but it takes a backseat to battles, betrayals, and political intrigue. Series fans will enjoy the suspenseful wrap-up, replete with White's signature balance of courtly manners and epic magical fights. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra Literary (Nov.)