LORD OF BLADE AND BONE

Charlotte Sand and the Order of Guardians are openly rebelling against the tyrant Lorraine the Pure, challenging Luc de Montaigne to trust his feelings and help them.

In this follow-up to Lady of Steel and Straw (2024), Cardinal Lorraine continues drugging rightful heir Artus, exerting her own power. She rules with fear, but eight weeks ago, Captain Luc de Montaigne refused her orders for the first time and was imprisoned. Now, Charlotte and the Order are leading scattered rebellions as they await Artus’ coming of age in six weeks, when he can ascend the throne. Lorraine frees Luc, who pretends he’ll cooperate with her, only to murder his most loyal lieutenant when Luc won’t help her control the wraiths—souls taken from the dead, which she plans to forge into an army. Luc escapes her control and seeks out Charlotte and the Order, whom he betrayed. Still, he knows they offer the only hope of defeating Lorraine and saving Niveaux. This is a complex, nuanced story of politics, power, and how a person’s environment can twist them beyond recognition. The pacing occasionally drags due to the six different viewpoints and the large, racially diverse, and well-developed cast of characters, each requiring attention both as individuals and for their roles in the larger story. Luc and Charlotte’s dynamic continues to exhibit a push-pull tension that may test readers’ patience. Still, the rich relationships among minor characters are captivating.

A heartfelt farewell to a dazzling world.