“An Alliance of Fire and Steel” by Laura Maybrooke

A satisfying conclusion to the main plotlines and a promise of new exciting adventures – all against the backdrop of immersive world-building. This is what the readers will get from “An Alliance of Fire and Steel”, book three of the Dulcea’s Rebellion trilogy by Laura Maybrooke.

This high fantasy romance series is a real treat for everyone who, like me, enjoys being swept off their feet by a story that could never happen but feels piercingly real like a chapter from a history book.

Dulcea treads on dangerous ice while the prospects of a battle with the most terrible evil creature in the world become more real. The ice gets thinner, people’s faith in her dwindles, and with every misfortune that befalls her, the rebellion she started to liberate the land from the aggressor’s oppression seems more and more doomed to failure.

Dulcea finds hope where it should have been only bitterness and the proof of the inevitability of her impending failure. Lord Krath, a vampire and the nemesis of the demon who threatens to destroy Dulcea’s dream of her homeland’s liberation, gives her his journals to read. On their pages, he has documented the history of the lands now fighting for their freedom from evil as well as his personal confrontation with Grom. This confrontation had lasted for centuries and was futile for both sides, not bringing either the satisfaction of full victory. Will Krath’s unexpected alliance with Dulcea’s rebels be the missing piece of the puzzle that prevented Krath from winning?

I thoroughly enjoyed saving Caeryn together with Dulcea, Krath, the dragons – I especially liked black Errai clan dragons, although I’m sure I would be no match for Saranis should we happen to play a game of Dominion – snobbish elves who stick to traditions even amidst the war and other folk with or without magical abilities. I’m looking forward to reading the new series the author recently introduced so I can return to the fascinating world she has created.