The conclusion to the series wrapped things up neatly and those that deserved it got their HEA for the most part. There were a few to many 'fight scenes' for me, but that's just not my thing.

I now wish that I had re-read the first two books prior to this one because my memory of some events was fuzzy and non-existent for others. For the most part, though it was a satisfying ending if sometimes a bit predictable. I will definately go back at some point to re-read and give it a solic c ( )

Hey look, it managed to wrap-up all the plot-threads by the end! JUST! It was a little rushed at the end, but was still very enjoyable.
Yay! ( )

Very good but slightly disappointing third part to the trilogy: it all seems stretched a bit too long, unnecessarily so. However I still enjoyed it and found it engaging. Good stuff! ( )

I am afraid that this review is going to be a bit unbalanced. The reason for this is relatively simple. The book itself was a bit unbalanced.

The weird thing that happened here, is that this book actually felt like a middle book, and not a conclusion. I honestly can not remember experiencing anything like it before. I mean I have read alot of series that felt like
lead ins to a bigger story, but I can not remember a second book being so much faster than the third. Book one was a very interesting setup for the series with lots of worldbuilding and character development. Typical of a first book which pretty much has to hook you into the story. Book two continued in the same vein but added an all out war, making that volume fast paced and exciting. Wow! What is next!

And so we come to book three which starts out with most of the main characters all traveling from here to there and back again. Nothing wrong with traveling mind you. Immersion in the worldbuilding is alot easier to achieve when you explore new (and old) landscapes through the eyes of the characters. However, the amount of traveling in this book was unexpected. I am used to this type of story building in a middle book, not in the first half of the series conclusion.

This leaves me to my second problem, a rushed ending that did not even begin to answer all my questions. I closed this book feeling like I had just watched the ending of season one with no guarantee that season two would be picked up by the network. I hate it when that happens.

Now I promised you an unbalanced review and I am going to deliver on that promise. I like this series. I like the magic, I love the characters, and I enjoyed the varied landscapes. The whole premise of no natural rainfall and the difficulties that would create simply fascinated me. I thought Glenda Larke's portrayal of the types of societies that might develop under those conditions to be masterful. Even better, she creates great characters to both love and despise, even as you understand exactly what makes them the hero or villain that they are. And that could very well be my problem. I wanted to experience more. Much more.

Read More Here:
Dragons, Heroes and Wizards ( )

Reduner nomads have massacred the Quartern's Rainlords, leaving its cities vulnerable to the relentless desert. Now Stormlord Shale must stretch his powers to bring rain, or his people will die - if they don't meet a Reduner knife first. However, Shale can't hold out alone for much longer, and those who seek to exploit him are closing in. Rainlord Kaneth has spurned these politics for war, and plans to defeat the Reduner leader from his desert stronghold. But there are spies in Kaneth's camp. Terelle has been Shale's secret weapon until now, covertly boosting his powers. But her Uncle's magic compels her to travel to distant Khromatis - and if she disobeys him it will destroy her. Yet Khromatis gave the desert its first Stormlord, so Terelle may find hope there as well as great danger ...
This is the final book in this trilogy; and I am sorry to leave this world and its people. The resolution of so many intricate plots, intrigues and relationships was handled skilfully and Larke managed to introduce some extra twists and surprises in this volume. We finally get to see beyond the Quartern to the mysterious Khromatis, which shatters not a few preconceptions of a number of characters.
Shale and Terelle have grown and matured; and the Quatern is changing. The scene is set for a return visit at some time in the future.