Title:The Bitter Kingdom
Series: Fire & Thorns #3
Publication: August 27, 2013
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
The epic conclusion to Rae Carson's Fire and Thorns trilogy. The seventeen-year-old sorcerer-queen will travel into the unknown realm of the enemy to win back her true love, save her country, and uncover the final secrets of her destiny.
Elisa is a fugitive in her own country. Her enemies have stolen the man she loves in order to lure her to the gate of darkness. As she and her daring companions take one last quest into unknown enemy territory to save Hector, Elisa will face hardships she's never imagined. And she will discover secrets about herself and her world that could change the course of history. She must rise up as champion-a champion to those who have hated her most.
Elisa has grown so much into a capable, strong woman and Queen in this book. She begins to show everyone what type of leader, she will become. Her journey continues in this book with her and a few of her companions attempting to rescue Hector before her enemies do irreparable harm to him. Hector realizes he is a ploy to lure Elisa but he's not exactly sure to what end. The Invierne need her, she believes to get her godstone but what she uncovers is much more horrifying and harmful to everyone if they get there hands on her. War looms in the shadows if Elisa can't find a way to peace and be the "champion" they all need.
I really love this trilogy. Elisa is a great female lead to root for because her emotions and actions are so realistic to how someone with her character would behave. She's not physically tough but considering everything she's endured, she's stronger than most. Hector is protective of Elisa but still stands aside to let her grow as a Queen. The romance between these two oozes a gentle sensuality, I could feel their need for each other without it having to overly steamy but sweet.
Overall, the characters developed nicely into this ending to a great story. The details and the writing flows throughout the plot. I felt the urgency of the characters plight through the pace of the work. I think that those that love the books will enjoy the conclusion to this trilogy.
I'm so glad you enjoyed this book! I wasn't too crazy about the first book in the series, to be honest, but I picked up the second on a whim and ended up LOVING it! I felt like it far surpassed the first book, and I've been dying to read the final book for what feels like forever--can't wait to get my hands on a copy and start reading now :D
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