Often times, a series starts out promising with t he first book but then fizzles out in book 2. The goodwill that the first book is quickly lost when the sequel comes out that and often times the series is left unread. Or if I do finish the series, I find it unenjoyable and only finish it to see how the story ends and nothing more. I don’t feel invested in the characters. I have had this problem many times in a series and am always wary when it comes to series.
Laura Sebastian’s Ash Princess trilogy was one of those series that had a good start and a good premise, but it was also one of those series that had the potential to crash and burn very easily. The first book, Ash Princess was enjoyable and provided a solid platform for a series. A solid heroine in Theodosia, good supporting characters, a solid story and a solid world. The next two books, Lady Smoke and Ember Queen, are very good books in their own right and build on the promise of the first book. I am going to issue a SPOILER WARNING because I will be recapping some events in Ash Princess.
Lady Smoke picks up right where Ash Princess left off. Theo, on the run after killing the Kaiser, is now in desperate need of an army to fight back against the Kalovaxians and regain her home. But, as she did in the previous book, Theo faces plenty of obstacles. And her journey in this second installment is quite a fascinating one and sets up the third and final act quite nicely.
The story revolves heavily around the fact that Theo is needing an army. Her aunt, the pirate Dragonsbane, advocates that Theo take a husband in order to secure a military alliance. The problem for Theo is that no Astrean has ever taken a husband and it’s something that Theo isn’t willing to do. And that is one of the most interesting parts of this book. Theo doesn’t want a relationship thrust upon her and yet, she is willing to do whatever it takes for her people’s sake. Theo is very headstrong in this second act, but also quite conflicted. She is torn between what is best for her people and what is best for her in her own personal life.
That brings us to one of the focal points of this book, the continued development of the romance between Theo and Prinz Soren. The romance was hinted at in book one, but it continues to develop here. But, it is a slow moving relationship. Theo is unwilling to let the relationship go far because of the potential commitment to a husband for a military alliance. Soren for his part is patient and is willing to wait, while also being determined to help Theo.
New characters also emerge as the story progresses. More allies for Theo and her growing band of rebels. There is Erik, a relative of Soren and whose mother was once in service to the Kaiser. A ruler in exile himself, Erik lends yet another voice to the rebels and is a good foil to the prim and proper Soren.
There are many more characters that are introduced here, almost too many to remember. But Sebastian does an excellent job of weaving the tale of all of the characters and the story as well. And speaking of the story, Cress’s rise as the villain of this story is a good one. Her motivations aren’t really well known, but her rage and the lengths she is willing to go to is extraordinary. I enjoy this shift in the character that was hinted in book one.
Overall, this was a book, that while slow throughout the majority, is a worthy successor to Ash Princess. The book does carry emotion, tension and heap of story building. The book takes what was good in Ash Princess and makes it better. A truly worthwhile read.
Verdict- 4 out of 5 stars. A worthy successor and continuing the themes set in the first book.
The final entry in the series, Ember Queen brings the the story of Theo and her band of rebels full circle. After devastating events at the end of Lady Smoke, Theo emerges from the mine ready to fully secure her throne and take back her land. This is my opinion, the best of the three books. It emotional, tense, has plenty of charm and character building, even if the ending leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
In this book, Theo clearly becomes the Queen she was meant to be. no longer is she the scared prisoner she was in Ash Princess. She is confident, assertive and most of all, ready to lead. While she does heed the advice of those around her, Soren, Erik and Artemisia among them, she is more than willing to take things into her own hands.
The other big character that has changed is Cress. Gone is the wide eyed girl who was looking for love, a sister and a future. In her place is a girl who is tired of having men run her world. She now seeks the destruction of Theo and her group and securing a future for women just like her. And she is willing to whatever it takes to achieve her goal. Her rage, sense of betrayal and disdain for the rebels is clear and obvious.
The other big character development is between Soren and Theo. The relationship that has been buiding for two books finally comes to fruition in this final installment. But what makes this relationship different is that they part at the end of the book. They agree to see each other, but don’t remain together. It fits with Theo’s character of wanting to carve her own path forward. But that is the one thing that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. This open ended finale is not to my liking, not one bit.
The story itself is a fast paced ride from one gem mine to the next. Guided by desire to free more people and get more Guardians on their side, Theo and her army never wastes time, which lends to the books fast pace. The interesting part with this story is the dreams that guide Theo and link her to Cress. These dreams are a fascinating side story that continue to emphasize the link that Cress and Theo once shared.
The book does not play it safe with its cast of characters. There are surprises, tears, deaths, everything you want in a finale. Although I will say when the inevitable character death does occur, it isn’t surprising who dies.
Overall, this book is a fitting finale for Theo and her story. There is charm, laughs, tears, heartache, everything you want to wrap up a book. Sebastian does a wonderful job in wrapping up the trilogy. Easily the best of the three.
Verdict: 5 stars. A worthy read and a good outcome for those who stuck with the series.
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