Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Julie M. Prince

All the magic of the realms rests at the fingertips of Gemma Doyle.

Between the strange, scary new visions urging her to take action and the warnings of the forest folk that war will come if she doesnt fulfill her promise to share the magic, Gemma is terrified of the high expectations everyone seems to have. And that doesnt even include those piled on by her own world, courtesy of her family and of the Spence Academy for Young Ladies.

By day, Gemma is being bred into a lady of good standing and reputation. By night, shes desperately trying to understand the world shes expected to govern. Added to the mix is her turbulent relationship with the exotic and forbidden Kartic.

Brays world of wonders is brought to a head in this final sequel in the realms trilogy. The consistency of the authors beautiful writing never falters, nor does the sarcastic wit and humor of her main character.

Gemma is by turns, frustrating in her naivety and amazingly bold in her convictions and actions. Her desire to help friends, Felicity and Ann, gain control of their futures with the use of the magic she holds is admirable. This desire, however, conflicts with Gemmas duty to the realms and the peace of an entire world. The result is a powerful story filled with conflict and no obvious resolution, as Gemma races to find the truth about both worlds and the truth about her own desires.

Readers will be sorry to see the trilogy end but this book will ease those bitter sweet feelings as it ties up story threads and weaves a tale worthy of Libba Bray fans worldwide.

For those who have just discovered the series, be sure to check out A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY and REBEL ANGELS.