Review by Booklist Review
Trilogies can be hard to wrap up , but Stewart does it well in the final volume of her Bone Shard trilogy (after The Bone Shard Emperor, 2021). The book opens on an Empire in chaos: Lin is barely holding onto power as the islands' trade collapses under the weight of worry about massive earthquakes and the multiple factions trying to destroy the Empire. Jovis is a ghost, still alive but under the control of the vicious Kaphra, forced to kill for him. And the Shardless Few are in turmoil, still set on replacing the Empire with a democratic Council, but split down the middle with power struggles from the inside. In this epic conclusion to the rich, complex, magical world she's crafted, Stewart plays with the reader's emotions and brings big questions--Why are islands collapsing? What are Dione's true motives? Will construct Nisong find a happy end?--to satisfying, neat conclusions. Her characters' relationships and their complex motivations power the action as the fate of Imperial is brought to a head. Fans of the series thus far will be more than satisfied by this thick tome that moves quickly and that does justice to the characters and story lines that Bone Shard Daughter (2020) first established.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The impressive final installment of Stewart's engrossing Drowning Empire trilogy (after The Bone Shard Emperor) puts Emperor Lin Sukai at her most head-spinning crossroads yet. Two years after the battle at Gaelung, Lin is doing everything she can to hold together a crumbling empire. A continued freeze on the mining of witstone means the supply's nearly gone, a disease called bog cough rapidly spreads among the populace, and the cure runs scarce. As revolutionary sentiment spreads and the Shardless Few renew their assault on Lin's reign, the power-hungry Ragan joins forces with Nisong to conspire for the throne. Against this tumultuous backdrop, Lin must put her future ambitions aside to focus on maintaining power in the present. Stewart does a masterful job juggling conflict and intrigue on multiple fronts, and she makes the fight scenes especially riveting with subtle character work interspersed throughout the action. This un-put-downable epic sends the series out with a bang. Agent: Juliet Mushens, Mushens Entertainment (Apr.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
The Phoenix Empire is on the precipice of falling, and Lin Sukai knows that her decisions as Emperor will make or break the Sukai dynasty. She is taxed on several fronts: the Shardless Few continue their attacks, while her governors have their own treasonous agendas. Ragan, the Alanga who seeks revenge for Lin's father's choices, has paired with the construct Nisong, and Lin's death is their only acceptable end. When the legend of seven swords is found to be real, all move to gather the mythical weapons, for the one who holds them also holds the power to rule. Lin must learn much more about the history of the Alanga, the islands, and her father--and then decide if legacy is more important than peace. The multiple points of view give readers a deep understanding of the different characters as they are given their moments to reflect and grow, and the action is dramatic and impactful. VERDICT Stewart's final book in "The Drowning Empire" trilogy (following The Bone Shard Emperor) is an epic and emotional end to the series.--Kristi Chadwick
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