The Trials of Empire

A worthy end to the trilogy. I found myself tied to these characters, and the plot was a epic rollercoaster--the coming of the apocolypse and the saving of mankind....the magic of the world transforming into a horror. This book leans more into some horror elements than the other two, and more so than most fantasy I have read in a long time. But it works, and it works on a level that made this trilogy unique and epic.

I look forward to more works from Richard Swan, and he has secured a place on my must read author list.

4.5 STARS

I'm satisified with the ending and it creates potential for new stories within this world like flintlock fantasy or horror stories.

My only major gripe is it feels like there's too much lore for the final book of the trilogy where it should have been introduced in the previous books.

Lots of disturbing scenes and detailed description of violence. Definitely a page turner on the last 40% of the book. Final scenes will make you emotional if you're invested with the main and side characters.

Books 1>3>2 is my ranking and will definitely read future books of the author.