And then I sighed with happiness upon reading the conclusion and was just SO happy. I didn't know how the main character Jaron was going to get out of the mess he was in this time and I can tell you I was more than pleasantly surprised. I was thrilled!
War has come to Carthya on many fronts: some nations have turned their backs on their former good relations, while other countries are cruelly lustful for power. There's no hope that King Jaron and his friends can possibly win when the odds are so decidedly against them. But they will try anyway. Thus, there are rescue attempts, imprisonments, and a princess on the run. There is death and the hope for something beyond this life. There is loyalty found only in love and friendship. And there is a whole lot of wit. I LOVE wit, especially in a young man who has every reason to be angry or give up, but chooses to live and be happy instead. Not only is it such a powerful message for readers of all ages, but it makes a story about war more meaningful. I often dread war stories. I feel like authors will use battles to make a story lengthy and dramatic and I am pushing to get through the novel. There was none of that here, though. Everything had a purpose. There is so much at stake for the characters, so much to live for, even when everything is falling apart around them.
And the ending! Did I mention the ending? There is so much to talk about, so much to love. So much to read! So, off you go! To the bookstores and libraries, everyone!
Appropriate for ages 14+
