SPARKING FIRE OUT OF FATE

Amid rumors of impending war between Emberfall and Syhl Shallow, a radical faction of the Truthbringers forges a shocking alliance in this high-stakes series finale.

Following a deadly attack targeting human magic-users, or magesmiths, King Grey returned to Emberfall in hopes that leaving Syhl Shallow would protect his wife, young daughter, and subjects from harm. But physical separation creates new dangers for the sovereigns and their allies. The Truthbringers, who fear and hate magic, and a militant band of scravers, who are determined to reclaim and protect it, have found a common purpose—to destroy all magesmiths. Magic successfully functions as both a literal and figurative representation of power, physical ability, and otherness, drawing profound parallels to nationalist rhetoric that scapegoats vulnerable groups, as well as to themes of bodily autonomy and consent. Meanwhile, the four white-presenting primary narrators—Tycho and Jax (who has a prosthetic foot) in Emberfall and Callyn and Alek in Syhl Shallow—embark on reconnaissance missions for the king and queen. Each couple must also confront the individual histories, perspectives, and traumas that influence their relationships and choose whether to repeat or release old patterns. Kemmerer expertly weaves each narrator’s voice and vulnerable emotional progress into organic dialogue that promotes compassion, understanding, trust, and unity across differences, all while inexorably pulling her protagonists and plot threads toward a final standoff. Themes of sacrifice and courage in the face of terrible odds underpin a well-earned and gratifyingly thorough conclusion.

Electrifying.