I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed The Branding, the first book in this duology, and very happy to have received an ARC for this final installment! Once again I was drawn into the world of Nara and Osha; two sisters caught up in world-shaking events as they hunt for not only the truth of their birth but together dream of a changed world. After the tumultuous events of their time in the Wastelands, we follow the story south to the hot desert sands and capital city of Reis, home of Nara's Wrangler. As it was in the north, not all is as it seems and they have to step carefully making friends and new alliances. Not everyone is who they say they are and some are plotting to bring about a united world of north and south in which the Pure (unbranded, uninfected) are elevated above those with the mysterious Brand.

Once again Nara shone as our main character, I just loved how stubborn and fierce she is. Her struggles to explore and control her power made her more vulnerable and new character Azza was the perfect foil for her grumpiness. I also really love Osha's storyline, her subplot showing us she was just as strong as her twin but in a different way was amazing. I think the decision to make this a two-book rather than a three-book series was correct, as the story didn't suffer from that Book II malaise and instead the reader is kept on their toes with the plot always pushing forward.

As the pace picked up in the second half of the story and began frankly barrelling towards a conclusion, I couldn't put the damn book down. Daring escapes, breathless near-death magical battles, twists and turns and harmful, hurtful betrayals - I could hardly catch my breath. The stakes were high and as the story culminated in a thrilling finale with the ultimate confrontation with Nara's true enemy, I was impressed with the author's skill in winding up most (?) of the storylines (I do feel that some things were left open for more exploration of this world!).

In summary - a fantastic and satisfying fantasy series I will be recommending to others.

A novel that can only be considered an explosive conclusion to the Branded Season filled with action and an epic high fantasy world. Two sisters harness their powers to fight for the people they love. But when those powers are capable of overturning worlds, love can be an uprising. Nara and her twin sister, Osha, have escaped the brutality of the wastelands and the citadel, and arrive in the capital of Reis, home to the wrangler.

A city rife with political power plays, complicated by rumours of a long-awaited prophecy - the coming of a Pure Healer with the ability to heal The Branded. With her healing powers growing even stringer, all eyes are on Osha. But there are those in the city who would kill to control her gifts. If she is to protect her sister, Nara must navigate new allies and old enemies, in this city of shadows.

That’s easier said than done when she’s caught between her first love and the man who’s stolen her heart and betrayed her trust. Worn down by lies and deception, she is forced to question who she truly is and what she an believe. One thing is becoming clear is that she and Osha must learn to wield their powers to gain their freedom. But also fight for what is right. With dark forces taking control across the continued The Branded must rise to survive.

Rife with adventure and betrayal, this is a novel that will have you on the edge of your seat and craving more. Filled with strong female characters, relationship dynamics that will have you swooning, and a world that will leave you dreaming. This is an excellent conclusion to a duology and I would hope to see more from this world and the characters that reside within it. This is for fans of anyone who lives for high stakes, magical abilities and an epic fantasy world that leaves you breathless.