Really enjoyed the final bill in the trilogy. However, some rigorous editing could have come in handy to remove some of the distracting epic-length meandering paragraphs on how Fallon is The One, yadda yadda ( )

The Rise of Magicks
3.5 Stars

Series note: This is book 3 and continues the ongoing storyline begun in book 1. It cannot be read as a standalone.

In this installment, Fallon Swift, the One, has come into her power and is consolidating her army to spread the light and remove the forces of darkness in the form of the Purity Warriors, Raiders and corrupt government and military.

While this trilogy has been entertaining overall, the 2nd and 3rd books do not live up to the expectations set by the 1st book. Year One is a spellbinding read as the scope of the deadly Doom makes its mark on the world and the characters. Unfortunately, the tension and suspense that characterize that book decrease in books 2 and 3, which focus more on Fallon as she fulfills her destiny. This inevitably results in the rest of the cast taking a back seat. This is unfortunate, as they are the reason book 1 is so engaging.

The romance between Fallon and Duncan, which has such potential in Of Blood and Bone fizzles out as the two simply accept that they are destined for each other and conveniently fall in love.

Finally, there are simply too many redundant descriptions of the conflict between the forces of light and dark as well as repetitious prophecies and speeches to motivate the combatants. It is just too much of the same.

Despite these issues, the trilogy is enjoyable and fans of Nora Roberts will have a good time with it.

( )

3.5, fairly predictable. ( )

Good conclusion

All in all, this was a good book. I thought there was a bit too much battling and not quite enough character time, but it was what the whole series had led up to. The final battle was just a little anticlimactic, too. Still, good book over all. ( )

hb