504 pages
"When Jason and Rachel first arrived in Lyrian, all they wanted was to find their way home. Now they know that the roles they must play are essential to the final effort in the crusade against the evil emperor, Maldor--though the cost could be their lives.
In her final prophecy the Oracle of Mianamon saw many possible futures for the people of Lyrian. But among all of those futures, she glimpsed only one unlikely course that might allow Jason, Rachel, and the heroes at their sides to defeat Maldor and restore peace to Lyrian. Her vision calls for Jason's and Rachel's paths to diverge as they embark on their most perilous adventures yet. Will their journeys lead them home at last, or somewhere neither could have ever imagined?" -Dust Jacket
This is among the best books of good versus evil in my opinion. I'm so glad that I re-read the first two books right before reading this one. It would not have been the same otherwise. There are so many characters that I would have forgotten the little details about each one and spent a portion of the book trying to remember them instead of enjoying them.
I love that Brandon Mull wasn't afraid to sacrifice characters that you really love and care about. This book left me emotionally exhausted but totally satisfied. It's gut wrenching but realistic of an epic battle. The Oracle warned that victory would require great sacrifice. I was sobbing at the end and parts along the way. I love when a story does that to me. These are characters that you've loved for over 1,500 pages plus a few years as I've waited for the sequels. These are characters who are forced to make difficult decisions and who do so selflessly for the greater good and for their friends. Overall this is a story of friendship. I love that the Oracle's prophecy is just specific enough to give them an idea as to what they need to do, but vague enough that it requires faith to act. Galloran and Ferrin both have wonderful conversations with Rachel when she doubts the authenticity of the prophecy. Jason and Rachel are teenagers from another world, yet their courage and commitment inspire other heroes and together they accomplish the nearly impossible. Everyone has a part to play and I loved how everything came together.
{MILD SPOILERS}
Rachel winds up being a gifted Edomic, possibly the best in years, and she experiences the lure and exhilaration of her power. That gift makes the end of the story bitter sweet yet also leaves you feeling like it really couldn't have been any other way. That kind of power can often corrupt the wielder.
I love that Galloran is the type of man that good men and women love and are loyal to. I have so many favorite characters in this book. Ferrin is right up near the top. He is torn throughout the whole series between who he was created to be--a servant/spy of Maldor--and who he wants to be--a true friend. I love his development throughout the story and his ultimate decision even though those close to him still doubt his intentions. When he's arrested after all he's done you want to shout at the Amar Kabal but you also understand exactly why they're doing what they do. I think his decisions more than any others held the most power to forever change the course of events. Drake, Jasher, Tark and Nedwin are also amazing. They are reminiscent of great literary characters like Aragorn and Faramir of Lord of the Rings, good men who do brave and valiant things for those they love. This book is full of non-stop action. Brandon Mull has done a great job visually creating the world of Lyrian and its beauty and dangers. The Maumet and Groddic chapters were awesome battles as were the duels with the torivors. Mull does a great job tying everything together. There are a few unexpected twists in this book which are like icing on an already delicious cake. Just don't forget your box of tissues.
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