Crownbreaker by Sebastien de Castell

A failed mage learns that just because he's not the chosen one it doesn't mean he can't be a hero in final book of the Spellslinger series. Once an outlaw spellslinger, Kellen Argos has made a life for himself as the Daroman Queen's protector. A little magic and a handful of tricks are all it takes to deal with the constant threats to her reign. But when rumors of an empire-shattering war begin to stir, Kellen is asked to commit an unimaginable act to protect his queen. Inside enemy territory, he quickly realizes something is amiss. Someone is playing a dangerous game. And to discover their secrets, Kellen will have to challenge the greatest spellcaster who's ever lived. Kellen's misadventures concludes in Crownbreaker, the riveting finale to the adventure fantasy series that began with Spellslinger. Spellslinger SeriesSpellslingerShadowblackCharmcasterSoulbinderQueenslayerCrownbreaker For more from Sebastien de Castell, check out: The Greatcoats QuartetTraitor's BladeSaint's BloodKnight's ShadowTyrant's Throne

Always rough to come to the end of a journey. I wasn't certain what to expect after de Castell finished the Greatcoats series and this series started, but after six books, I'm glad I went along for the ride. The series, which deviates from traditional fantasy by taking on an almost steampunky, Old West vibe, works through de Castell's brilliant characters and their relationships.

In this final go-round, the spellslinger Kellen finally has to step up and face down his father, a battle that has been coming for years. Gone is the boy who wanted to be a mage to please his parents, and instead we see the full Argosi, the Path of Endless Stars. There is no going back to the Jan'Tep oasis. Kellen's path no longer goes there. Thus, he's left with only one choice: victory or his life. ‘

I love de Castell's writing, and I love his view on heroics from guys who don't see themselves as heroes. I will miss Kellen and Ferius Parfax, but this was a fun ride. Maybe we'll see them all again down the line. Maybe we won't. Wherever they are, let's hope Kellen has enough tricks to get them out of whatever trouble they'll inevitably be in.

So we finally reach the end of the the journey and Sebastien does not disappoint. There is always another trick till there is none. All in all superb world building, fairly intricate plots and sub plots and some really memorable side roles. The reunion we have been waiting for arrives and it ticks all the boxes. Sebastien sets the standard and I expect a lot more to come in the future.