Stevie‘s review of Rowankind (Rowankind, Book 3) by Jacey Bedford
Historical Fantasy published by DAW 27 Nov 18

I love the world-building in the Rowankind trilogy, drawing so strongly on real history and actual historical figures, especially since that’s backed up by excellent characterisation, believable character relationships, and strong plotting. In this, the third of the trilogy, Ross and Corwyn are ready to settle down in married bliss, but first they have any number of magical problems to deal with, many of which are a consequence of their previous actions in trying to save the world.

For starters, Corwyn’s brother is on trial in the magical world for killings carried out while in wolf form. Seriously troubled both because of his unwanted shape-changing abilities and because of his relationship – now estranged – with another man, Freddie is unable to control his wolf and is unwilling to take on his human responsibilities to his family, to their estate, and to the other families dependent on them. Meanwhile, their arch-enemy, the arch-enemy of all magical folk, has reappeared, not dead as everyone had assumed, and is now out for revenge, possibly armed with a book of particularly nasty spells. And if he doesn’t have the spell book, then there’s a high probability that it’s fallen into the hands of another of Ross’ enemies: a man at least as cruel, if less focused on doing harm to Ross and her loved ones.

Tasked with both recovering the spell book and with carrying a message – an ultimatum – from the council of the Fae to the King of England – stop the persecution of magical beings or face the consequences – Ross and Corwyn find themselves rushing around the countryside and overseas. It’s very fortunate they have the help of both magical horses and Ross’ old crew to transport them.

I was very happy to see how the crew of the Heart of Oak had been faring since Ross left them, and delighted to learn more about the characters of individual crew members. There were also welcome reappearances from past allies and interesting developments in terms of how magic works in the world of Ross and the Rowankind. I particularly liked the explanation of George III’s apparent madness and all the ways details of his life were slotted into Ross and Corwyn’s attempts to make contact with him.

This book probably works best as the culmination to the trilogy, rather than as a story by itself, but I absolutely adored how the various overarching plot threads were wrapped up. Now the series is over, I need to track down the author’s previous works.

Grade: A

Jacey Bedford has written a superb fantasy in Rowankind. Shapeshifters, fae, magical beings and witches share England with normal people but they are hunted. The sovereign fae who inhabit a parallel world have commanded that magical rowankind be protected or they will harm England. The king does not want to hear it. Our hero and heroine are charged to see that he does and meanwhile they pursue and are pursued by a black mage. Never a dull moment.

An admirable addition to an imaginative and original fantasy series set in the England of "Mad" King George III. Rowankind reunites readers with many (maybe too many) characters and ties up a lot of loose ends, not the least of which is former-pirate/witch Ross Tremayne's ghostly first husband, Will. Everyone gets their happy ending here, although not necessarily of the formulaic sort.

Jacey Bedford writes great young female heroes. I liked the characters and the urgency of the story, and I felt Bedfordl built up her writing style a lot in this book. I think I'd recommend to teens who like love, romance, self-sufficiency, and great writing.