Three axes to fall

Sykes sticks the landing in the conclusion to his Grave of Empires epic fantasy trilogy (following Ten Arrows of Iron), which takes readers on a final adventure through the ravaged realm known as the Scar. The truly memorable series protagonist, Sal the Cacophony, was once known as the Red Cloud, whose "magic was like nothing the world had ever seen." That changed when her powers were stolen by wizards she once trusted, sparking a quest for revenge--and war. The bloody events that followed have shaken the usually self-assured warrior to her core. This book picks up from the devastating reveal of the prior volume: that Sal's lover, Liette, has been possessed by a Scrath, "unbelievably powerful" demonic beings who "wear people like suits." Sykes piles on the challenges for this series climax--Sal must save Liette, redeem herself for her role in killing civilians, and get closure for the loss of her powers--and manages to bring all to a truly satisfying ending. Admirers of Mark Lawrence's Book of the Ancestor series will be especially enthralled. Agent: Danny Baror, Baror International. (Dec.)