Book Review: Flamebringer by Elle Katharine White

Flamebringer
Author: Elle Katharine White
Series: Heartstone (Book 3)
Publication: Harper Voyager (November 12, 2019)

Description: Monsters, manners, and magic combine in this exciting final volume in the Heartstone Trilogy—an exhilarating blend of epic fantasy and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice—in which a fearless healer and her dragon-riding husband must stop a reawakened evil from destroying their world.

“The summons comes for the House of Edan Daired. Debts must be paid.”

Tristan Wydrick, sworn enemy of House Daired, is back from the dead. Possessed by a ghast and sharing its shadowy unlife, he commands not only the soul-sucked ghastradi but also the monstrous Tekari forces bent on Arle’s destruction. As their enemies begin amassing, desperate Arleans look to their greatest defenders. But Aliza and Alastair Daired, along with their dragon Akarra, are far from home, trapped in the icy northern wastes by Wydrick’s treachery.

Fighting their way through blizzards, haunted forests, and their own growing fears, the Daireds find a new battle awaiting them in the capital, for the Tekari and ghastradi are not the only forces converging on the heart of the kingdom. Another moves toward Arle, riding the winds from the south: an ambassador from the Silent King of Els.

Unknown enemy? Or unexpected ally? Plunged into the dangerous world of royal intrigue and ancient grudges, Aliza and Alastair soon realize it will take more than steel and dragonfire to save their kingdom, for the silence of Els hides a secret that could shake House Daired to its foundations.

And silence, it seems, is about to be broken.

My Thoughts: The finale of the Heartstone trilogy was packed with action, adventure, secrets revealed, and emotional anguish. 

The Daireds have fought their way from the blizzard-battered North to the capitol in order to share what they have learned with the king. And they have learned a lot about the various forces who want to destroy the kingdom. However, they can't get in to see the king who is busy with the influx of trade delegations from other kingdoms and the impending visit of the Shadow King of Els. 

When the Daireds are captured at a banquet honoring the Shadow King, it is up to Aliza to find a way to free them and take back the kingdom. This was a classic "underestimated heroine gathering allies" plot line. 

The worldbuilding was complex and interesting and richly detailed. I especially enjoyed the role Tobble played in the rescue of the Daireds. The descriptions of their underground journey to enter the capture was enough to almost trigger my claustrophobia. 

This was an entertaining fantasy series. 

Favorite Quote:

The weight of his words filled me like lead, and I felt again as I had when I'd slipped out of Akarra's saddle: the warm solidity of certainty torn from underneath me, leaving only the terror of the fall. If war was coming and our friends were no longer out friends, what chance did we have?

I bought this one September 7, 2022. You can buy your copy here.