The conclusion of the Remnant Chronicles finds Lia, safe from the Kozimer of Venda's clutches and on the move with her jilted prince, Rafe, as well as Kaden, the handsome assassin who now wants to protect her rather than kill her. But while some fear and loathing has been left behind, there are more battles to be fought. Many more, which is the difficulty with this book. Though the two previous volumes had plenty of ferocity, the focus was on its characters and their individual narration of events. At almost 700 pages, this could easily have eliminated a fight or two. Still, when it comes to description, Pearson again does a masterful job. The grisly sights and sounds of combat touch all the senses, as do the passionate, romantic scenes between Lia and her love. The conclusion is full and rich, with hints about the identity of the Ancients, who settled the continent, now clearer. The series' many fans will be sorry to see Lia go, but they will be satisfied with the way the loose ends have been woven together.

Gr 9 Up-fter the cliff-hanger ending in The Heart of Betrayal , Lia wakes to find Rafe, the prince of Dalbreck, stitching up the wounds she suffered in their escape from the Komizar. Fighting for their lives each step of the way, the small group of survivors finally return to Dalbreck only to learn that the king is dead. Pushed by duty, Rafe assumes the crown, but he loses Lia, who is determined to return home to her own kingdom, Morrighan, where she hopes to rally her father's soldiers and repel the Komizar's invasion. Unfortunately, her father is gravely ill, poisoned by his trusted doctor, and she takes on the role of regent. With only a few thousand troops, though, she knows Morrighan has little hope of surviving the upcoming assault. Still, Pearson has created such a dynamic and inspiring heroine that readers will be convinced that she can save her kingdom. This action-filled novel, set in a high fantasy world, has it all: romance, adventure, mysticism, and heroism. Hand this to readers of "The Hunger Games" and John Flanagan's "Ranger's Apprentice" series. VERDICT Fantasy fans will love this marvelous, high-action conclusion to the trilogy. Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK