3.75 ⭐️I'm sad to say I did not enjoy The Trials of Empire nearly as much as the first 2 books in the series. The first half of the book was very slow and spent a lot of time in and out of dream sequences. The constant question of morality from the characters including Helena towards Vonvalt became repetitive. I loved the second half of the book, the pacing picked up and was written as well as the first 2 books. The ending of the series was very well done. Overall a solid debut and I will absolutely read more from Richard Swan.

Thank you Netgalley and Orbit for the eARC.

I really enjoyed the third and final book in the Empire of the Wolf series. Richard Swan really took the elements that he dabbled with in books 1 and 2 and cranked the volume in regards to the horror and visceral action. The exploration of the more eldritch elements was greatly appreciated, and the climax was very satisfying. The shifting across physical and spiritual planes while our main characters figure out the battle between good and evil, and the twists and turns that come with that provided a great reading experience. The characters and the settings for me were always interesting and kept me engaged.

Swan is definitely an author I'll keep on my list of must-reads from here on out.

If you're even remotely interested in horror, supernatural, darker fantasy, I would recommend this series.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read one of my most anticipated releases of the year.

I feel like I maybe should have reread the second book before jumping into this, because for some reason, I just felt so disconnected from characters that I had LOVED previously this time around. The entire first half of the book honestly felt like a different story to me. Whereas in the first two we had this sort of mystery element, this time there was more horror sprinkled in instead and it just didn't have that same impact on me as the other adventures this unlikely group of allies have had previously.

I will also say that the beginning dragged for me quite a bit. I think that this could have done more with being broken into two books were this one focused on the set up and journey and still gave us what we were used to and included a bit of the horror, so it wouldn't have just felt so thrown in and rushed. Which I know seems contradictory since I just said that it was quite hard for me to get into at first, but I don't really know how else to explain it.

I feel like my rating seems low and harsh especially with how much I loved the first two books in this series and how highly I rated them, but this just didn't keep me as engaged right from the beginning in the same way that they did.

I am definitely sad to see these characters go, but I am looking forward to what comes next for Richard Swan because I will continue to pick up books by this author because I have genuinely enjoyed everything so far.

***Thank you to Orbit Books for providing a copy of The Trials of Empire via NetGalley. My review contains my honest thoughts about my reading experience.***

The Trials of Empire was a solid and satisfying conclusion to the overarching narrative of the series, while also exploring new ground and deepening the world and characters in significant ways. It is going to be so hard to talk about this book without spoiling anything, but I'm going to give it my best. The writing was just as good as I've come to expect from Swan, and the story had everything I could have wanted from an ending, plus more.

That being said, it did take me quite a while to get re-invested in the story of The Trials of Empire. The first half of the book was a slower pace with the characters doing a lot of traveling to rally forces from all over the continent. Personally, the traveling quest is one of my least favorite tropes in fantasy because I tend to get bored with it pretty quick. Swan did a good job with it, though. I liked the additions to the world-building, and there was enough action interspersed throughout the travels that my interest remained piqued even if I wasn't always running to pick the book up.

On the other hand, I DEVOURED the second half of The Trials of Empire. It was more political and philosophical with tons of great commentary on the nature of justice and law. The conversations about these topics, as well as the dangers of populism and religious extremism to a secular society, were pointed and did not mince words. There was so much to think about, and it was paired with some gloriously gruesome action that had me constantly wanting to read just one more chapter. Swan was a master at writing the fight scenes and at making me cringe from the horror of it all. lol.

Speaking of horror, The Trials of Empire doubled down on the supernatural and horror elements when compared to the first two books. Readers got a taste of some of the esoteric monstrosities in the second book, but this one took things to a whole new level. Trips into multiple afterlife realms, demons, angels, possession... You name it, and this book probably had it. I loved all of the additions to the magic and the greater understanding of the arcane and its place in shaping the world. The sheer power provided the perfect opportunity to explore the danger of its corruptive influence, and I loved how the supernatural tussle gave life to the theme of chaos versus order.

The characters in The Trials of Empire were as fantastic as ever. I enjoyed seeing how Helena's idealism and Vonvalt's pragmatism caused them to react to the horrors they faced in distinctly different ways. Vonvalt's arc left me on pins and needles waiting to see if he would become the villain that he'd worked so hard to destroy. It allowed for so many interesting ethical discussions about whether the ends justify the means when the means are just as horrible as those you are fighting against. The story also managed to add more depth and understanding to the toxic turns of the relationship between Helena and Vonvalt in the second book, and I was grateful to see their growth.

All in all, The Trials of Empire was a fitting conclusion to the trilogy. It had so many of the elements I loved about the first two books, such as the fascinating ethical discussions about law and riveting action scenes. The story also added so much more to the world-building while taking the characters through the wringer and giving them a compelling end to their journey. I'll definitely be on the lookout for whatever Swan writes next. Therefore, I give The Trials of Empire a rating of 4.25 out of 5 stars and highly recommend the entire trilogy.

Richard Swan's The Trials of Empire serves as a riveting conclusion to the Empire of the Wolf trilogy, seamlessly blending elements of fantasy, horror, and political intrigue into a cohesive and immersive narrative. Following Sir Konrad Vonvalt and Helena as they navigate the Empire's turmoil, readers are thrust into a world besieged by internal strife and external threats. Swan's deft characterization, particularly the dynamic between Vonvalt and Helena, adds depth to the narrative, while the epic showdown between good and evil delivers a climax that is both exhilarating and emotionally resonant. With every plot thread meticulously woven together, Swan crafts a satisfying conclusion that leaves readers eager for more. The Trials of Empire stands as a testament to Swan's storytelling prowess and the enduring power of fantasy literature, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for an eARC of The Trials of Empire.

I really liked the way this book ended. There was a lot of movement in the first half of the book that disengaged me a bit, but the last half was a snowball. I love all the characters, and of course Heinrich is my favorite. I didn’t expect this series to evolve into fantasy horror, but I didn’t mind it, even though I don’t usually like horror. If you haven’t read The Justice of Kings yet, go start it now! You won’t be sorry with this trilogy and it’s ending.

An absolutely brilliant final installment of the Empire of The Wolf, this book was wonderfully written and I’m sad to see it end. But so looking forward to reading more of Mr Swans books in the future!

Swan has done such a neat thing with this series and Trials of Empire was such an experience to read! If you thought book two got dark, strap in and maybe don't read this book before bed, cause Swan fully embraces the horror elements. There's always been a good mix of character work and plotting going on in these books, and while we still get some great character moments and conversations, Trials is definitely more plot-oriented. And wow a lot happens here although I obviously can't say much for plot reasons. There were definitely some twists and turns that I did not expect, and some crazy stuff goes down. And we got a great law scene hallelujah! I have some mixed feelings about the ending, but overall I think it was a good ending for the trilogy.

My favorite part of the book was definitely the philosophical conversations about law and ethics - such wonderfully thought out questions and conclusions here! The main negative for me was that I got a little lost in some of the arcane magik going on and it being so plot heavy, but those were minor negatives for me.

I highly recommend the series and hope more people read it soon!

Thanks to Orbit and to Negalley for an advance eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

“Do you know, Sir Konrad, that you may just be the most offensively insolent man I have ever met?”

The Trials of Empire is the stunning conclusion to the Empire of the Wolf Series. It plunges you back into the heart of the action, seamlessly picking up where The Tyranny of Faith left off. This whole series is so refreshing and unique, that I never knew that I needed to read a medieval horror fantasy with a hefty dose of politics, but I did. The ending of The Trials of Empire is nothing short of masterful. While not all questions are neatly tied up, I found myself surprisingly satisfied with the bittersweet conclusion.

I can't praise Swan's writing enough. The decision to tell Vonvalt's story through Helena Sedanka's perspective was pure brilliance, adding layers of emotional depth to the narrative that linger long after the final page. I'll miss all of these characters really dearly. The climax sequences in this book are a testament to his skill, delivering one of the most finely crafted endings I've encountered in fantasy literature. Every skirmish and battle leads inexorably to a moment of breathtaking action that brings the story to a perfect close.

However, it's not without its flaws. The beginning of the book felt somewhat disjointed, like a series of side-quests before the main plot truly kicks in halfway through. Additionally, considering the depth and complexity of the story, I can't shake the feeling that this series could have benefited from an extra book. The final battle with Claver, in particular, felt slightly rushed given the extensive buildup over three books.

Richard Swan has created something really special here and is on my radar for years to come.

Book 3 of the Empire of the Wolf series did not disappoint. I wasn't sure how the author could top Tryanny of Faith, but the Trials of empire absolutely exceeded my expectations and got better with each page. I was so engrossed while tittering on the edges of excitement and dred for the well being of our protagonists! If you've ever look for a series that focuses on the concept of law and order, versus the ramifications of justice on the populace, versus dominant religion and its influence on the State, all wrapped up in a high stakes fantasy with a mystery and horror element, then thianisnthe one for you!!! The Trials of Empire, and by extention the entire series, is very unique and easily joins the ranks of my all time favorite series. The power struggle between the different sects are so nuanced and compelling that found myself switching sides and debating with myself about who I wanted to root for at various points of the novel. By the end, I was left feeling fulfilled and simultaneously wanting more. Using Helena as such a fantastic storyteller with great intricate insights on Vonvalt, herself, Sir Radimir, Claver, et al. as they evolved throughout the pages was so clever. Richard Swan is an absolutely skilled author and has now become and auto author for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbits Books for the opportunity to read and review this Arc!!

Richard Swan’s Empire of the Wolf series caught my attention almost immediately when I first saw the cover of The Justice of Kings. It’s hard to miss a cover like that when you’re 1.) a fantasy fan and 2.) a library employee. I picked up the audio books via Libby last summer, when I realized that a second book was out, and now I’ve had the immense privilege of returning once again to the Sovan Empire with book #3.

The Empire of the Wolf is told from the perspective of Helena Sedanka, an orphan who was been taken in and trained by Sir Konrad Vonvalt, an Emperor’s Justice. In that position, he serves as travelling judge, jury, and when needed, executioner, carrying out the will of the courts wherever he may be. Helena acts as his legal clerk and apprentice, producing documentation of their efforts and learning the intricacies of the Sovan legal system along the way. For some time, they were both content to travel the northern reaches of the empire, but an encounter with a zealous church official, Patria Bartholomew Claver, changed everything.

Claver sought a return to the days when the Church of Nema controlled the powers now held by the Order of Justices: ancient magics that could be used to compel action, the ability to confer with the dead, command over wildlife. All of these and more had once officially been the exclusive realm of the church, but they had been taught to the Justices to aid their work. Frustrated by the lack of action from the majority of the Church, Claver found his way to darker places, making bargains with powers that he didn’t truly understand in order to bring about the change he desired. Now, he seems to have set his sights on control of the Empire itself, no matter what demon or deity he has to bargain with to make it happen. He sits at the head of an army of Templars poised to strike down the Emperor, ostensibly in Nema’s name.

Now, Vonvalt’s own unshakable faith in the Common Law is beginning to break. In his attempts to thwart Claver, he has become persona non grata, believed to be responsible for the death of the Emperor’s grandson. A rebellion against the Magistratum has reached its zenith, and the justices are by and large disbanded or dead. Vonvalt will find no safe haven in the capital. What he and Helena need most are more allies who can withstand Claver’s burgeoning Templar army. A journey far beyond the borders of Sova might be able to accomplish just that, but acquiring the aid they need may prove deadly. Such travels will need to be made not only on the material plane but in the various realms accessible only through the ancient magics. Helena and Vonvalt will place their lives and their souls on the line in order to defeat Claver, but it might not be enough to save the empire. Loyalties will be questioned, near-death experiences will be had, and trickster gods will play their hands at last. It’s going to be messy.

Richard Swan brings his fantasy trilogy to a powerful conclusion in The Trials of Empire. His strength in blending traditional elements of western fantasy with jurisprudence makes for compelling reading, especially for someone raised on Lord of the Rings and John Grisham like me. The Empire of the Wolf hews far closer to A Song of Ice and Fire than to LOTR, but the comparison stands. I have enjoyed this series more with each book, and I’m thrilled to say that The Trials of Empire is out on shelves today. You should check it out.

My utmost thanks to Orbit Books and NetGalley for an eARC of The Trials of Empire in exchange for a fair review.

This review originally appeared here: https://swordsoftheancients.com/2024/02/06/the-trials-of-empire-a-review/

"Rough deeds await" a line that was not wrong. Another series concluded, once again I was privileged to help throw this one in folk's faces for the last few years. But it is time for for the final chapters of Empire of the Wolf. It goes out with a bang.

"The Trials of Empire" by Richard Swan puts everything on the table. Claver's army of zealots is on the move, though their powers are slightly limited due to the remove of certain tomes. But a force of hopped up nut jobs thinking they are on a divine mission be bolstered by infernal magics is still a bit of a threat. Sir Konrad Vonvalt and Helena aren't going to take this laying down, because the Empire is better than the hellscape Claver would impose. They must rally forces that would ordinarily slaughter each other must put aside their grievances to defend the mortal plane. While contending with things humans probably should not see in the not-mortal realms. Pebbles that were cast ages ago are now boulders flying left, right, and center; what will be left in the rubble?

Once again thank you to the folks at Orbit and Richard Swan for helping me nudge this one into your brain space. Think I want to try a long form video on the series after a reread.

Reasons to read:
-Me certified conclusion, fantastic
-The return of the goodest boy who eats faces
-We get answers to what's going on behind the Veil and I'm definitely not having nightmares about thinks my brain conjured
-Some really great lines that (unfortunately) can be applicable to events of the modern age
-Bravo to Helen's arc over the course of the series
-Oh the mad lad did it, didn't think it was going to be in this book but I'm so happy it is
-Learn a bit about a specific culture
-How do people act when they find out the afterlife is almost a dice roll about where you end up?
-A fall from grace with a glimmer of hope

Cons:
-I was unprepared for the emotional reaction I had to such a good book series being done. That really surprised me

The landing was stuck. I repeat, the landing was stuck!!

Final journey apparently :) with Sir Konrad and his conscience Helena. We get to experience the conclusion of all the planted seeds and story lines established in previous books of the trilogy and get to finally arrive at the future we have been given glimpses into.

Action, twists, the exploration of the nature of humanities hunger for knowledge and power and our ability to package our limited information as a fountain of knowledge, the moral quandary of how far one can justifiably go in pursuit of their goal to defeat a clear evil all blend together to form an amazing cocktail that would leave you satisfied despite some of its roughness.

Thank you Sir Konrad! Thank you Helena!! And for being a completely deranged villain I feel I also have to squeeze in a thank you to Claver too :)

Normally, I'm not a fan of final books in a series. The often fall flat, leaving plot points unfinished, or present characters doing things seemingly out of character for the sake of finishing off a plot. That's not the case in The Trials of Empire, Richard Swan's phenomenal conclusion to The Empire of the Wolf series. Swan continues to build upon the horrors, both physical and spiritual, unleashed in book two, while remaining true to the characters he's created. The legal theory and philosophy that built such a strong world in the first two books returns, with even higher stakes. This book is an easy five stars for me, and I can't wait to see where Swan's career goes from here.

Ahoy there me mateys!  Minor spoilers ahead. This was an immensely enjoyable ending to the trilogy.  Helena is back to finish the story of the decline of the empire.  The book picks up where the second book ended.  Where the first two books had more mystery elements to them, this went in a different direction with more action and horror.

I basically gobbled this up in one day.  The major issue I had with this novel is mostly a me problem.  I didn't love the fighting taking place on the spiritual plane and felt those sections were the least interesting.  There were also a lot of questions about the spiritual realm that really don't get dealt with much.  Because the action is seen through the lens of Helena's perspective, this works but I personally could have done without a lot of it.  I am in the minority in this though.

While I enjoyed the novel, the climax and how the empire ultimately ended absolutely delighted me.  It brought me overall score up in the end.  I loved the end battle and how difficult it was to fight Claver's army.  I loved how the issue of Claver was resolved.  I loved more monster dog.  I loved Justice Konrad Vonvalt's actions after the empire ends.  I loved the insight into what happens to the other members of Vonvalt's party.  I can't say for sure whether the dissolution of the Empire is good overall or not.  Life goes on regardless.  It has been a while since the ending of a series was just so satisfying.  I think I would reread this series someday to see the difference now that I know the conclusion.

If ye haven't picked up this series, I highly recommend it.  Excellent characters, good world building, and lovely writing.  Arrrr!

The last paragraph of this book leaves hope that we might get more in this world. More of Helena, even if it does not include Vonvalt or Radomir. Though I sure as hell hope it includes Heinrich.

The Empire of the Wolf trilogy is such an amazing read and one that I will recommend for years to come. Trials of the Empire, while not perfect, is a strong conclusion to an incredible journey. Unlike the first two, Trials of the Empire veers more into horror than murder mystery. While I missed the investigative aspect, I found myself greatly enjoying the horror.

Trials of the Empire does suffer from what I find a lot of fantasy (whether it be video games or novel) stories do. The desire to do, and conclude, so much, with not enough time or pages to do so. I almost think Empire of the Wolf would have benefited from being a quartet instead of a trilogy. The first half of the book is slow, especially with this introduction to horror. I don't mind it. I greatly enjoy Swan's writing, however, the chase for Claver felt almost non existent? We've also been introduced to a lot of characters at this point and as a result some just drop off the pages/are forgotten until the giant conclusion at the end.

That being said, Trials of the Empire will not leave you unsatisfied. Swan has done an amazing job wrapping up the story and relationships (you know which one I'm referring to the most). After three books I still found Helena's POV to be unique and refreshing. I really looked forward to the release of each installment over the past couple of years and am sad to see it end.

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wow! What an epic ending to the Empire of the Wolf trilogy!

Richard Swan has crafted an incredible trilogy with Sir Konrad Vonvalt and Helena at the helm. The empire is on the brink of collapse, our heroes have lost their way, and the enemy is consorting with demons.

This instalment definitely had a lot more aspects of horror, but it fit so well with with the story. Things have gotten darker, gods/demons/tricksters are involved, and we see a darker side of the empire.

I don’t want to say too much, as if you’ve made it this far in this series, you know the characters and plot and I wouldn’t want to ruin anything. Simply know that this finale is expertly executed and won’t leave you disappointed!

Wonderful characters, incredible stakes, and an EXQUISITE dog (Heinrich I love you!!). The Empire of the Wolf should go down as a modern fantasy classic!

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. This is the kind of three stars where I have OPINIONS. On one hand the lore and magic are just awesome. Like judeo-Christian entities with an eldritch horror flare, infernal spells that make the user bleed from their mouth as they speak them, awesome battles. But on the other hand many of the main plot beats felt kind of cliche, and the story focused much more on the human than the awesome supernatural elements. I can see that really clicking with some readers, but if you are like me and want to really since your teeth into the awesome lore the author created, that is never a focus in this series. The end overall was also a little neat for how gnarly and dark the events were. Overall I would highly recommend if you want a kind of classic medieval fantasy world with strong horror elements (particularly in how the magic works) and a plot full of political intrigue.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

ARC provided by the publisher—Orbit Books—in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5 stars

The Trials of Empire bestowed readers with a different direction and satisfying ending to Empire of the Wolf trilogy.

“One of the greatest feats of human cognisance is to realise and accept that every being capable of thought has a life as complex as one’s own.”


The time of judgment is at hand. It is time to judge The Trials of Empire and Empire of the Wolf trilogy in its entirety. It is also time to say goodbye to Helena Sedanka and Konrad Vonvalt. I can’t deny it feels bittersweet to part ways with these characters and the world. As some of you might recall, the first two books in Empire of the Wolf trilogy, The Justice of Kings and The Tyranny of Faith, are in my list of favorite books of the year when they were released. With the continuing streak of gorgeous cover art illustrated by Martina Fackova and designed by Lauren Panepinto, The Trials of Empire was one of my most anticipated books of this year. And I would be lying if I said I (overall) loved this final installment as much as the previous two books in the trilogy, which has a set high bar of quality for the series itself. But at the same time, I believe this roughly 164,000 words long novel did conclude the Empire of the Wolf trilogy satisfyingly.

“Sometimes we must act outside the bounds of the law to safeguard it. You are right that Claver is a deceitful and wretched man, but you are wrong to say that I am no better than him. I am better than him. I will always be better than him. Claver breaks the law to see that it remains broken; I break it only so that it may be saved. The time for high-minded ideals is gone. We have dark deeds ahead of us. If you have not the stomach for it, leave now.”


After the intense and explosive ending of The Tyranny of Faith, The Empire of Wolf is on its knees. And it is still not safe from the danger and threats Claver poses. To save the empire, Konrad Vonvalt and Helena Sedanka must venture beyond its border for allies—to the wolfmen of the southern plains and the pagan clans in the north. But old grievances run deep, and both factions would benefit from the fall of Sova. Can they achieve an alliance with these factions? And will they be enough to stop the zealot Bartholomew Claver, who now wields infernal power to destroy his enemies? The final reckoning is here. Konrad Vonvalt and Helena Sedanka must be willing to sacrifice and go through hell to be victorious from their most challenging ordeals yet.

“That was our sacrifice. We compromised our souls so that others could see the world through eyes unclouded by moral failure.”


From that premise, it is not far-fetched to say there were two distinct parts in The Trials of Empire. The first half and the second half. Typical and similar to many other fantasy books, the first half of The Trials of Empire is centered on the main characters going out of their way to form allegiances before the final battle commences. And this is, unfortunately, where I struggled with The Trials of Empire. The first half felt like it tried to do too much as quickly as possible. And in a different direction. One of the best aspects of the first two books was the investigations into a mystery and the discussions on morality and justice. The latter is still, thankfully, evident in the narrative, especially in the second half. I will get into that later. But because The Trials of Empire tried to do too much—without enough development—by shifting the genre into horror fantasy, not to mention the traveling montage and the surprisingly descriptive writing on landscape and setting, the pacing in the first half felt sluggish for me to read. Additionally, Claver is the goal here. You know how in role-playing games, the final boss tends to patiently wait for us gamers to spend hours leveling up and gathering every piece of rare equipment and magic we have to cheese them dead in the final confrontation? This felt like that. The first half is like sidequests before the final storyline truly begins.

“No one is entitled to success. Sometimes the just fail and the unjust triumph. That is why complacency is the most unforgivable of sins.”


This is why I cannot help but feel the Empire of the Wolf trilogy needed another book, not because it did not end powerfully, but because there is a good chance it would improve the many ideas and development in the first half better; bridging it to the second half in a more gradual and organic fashion while strengthening the core of the narrative. It took me a week to read through the first half of The Trials of Empire and one day to read through the second half. Yes, let that sink in. If you know my reading journey by now, then you should know my investment and connection to a book can be measured by how fast I can and am willing to go through a book. An uninteresting or boring one would make me prefer doing something else rather than reading. A working and compelling narrative will absolutely push me to read through a book quicker, no matter how busy I am. And fortunately, that was achieved in the second half of The Trials of Empire as everything came to its inevitable destructive confrontation. I couldn't put down everything that happened in the second half of The Trials of Empire.

“An idea is like a pox: it can persist long after its host has died.”


The Trials of Empire can be surmised as the most action-packed novel of the trilogy. Skirmishes and small battles are spread throughout the book, and The Trials of Empire ends with an incredibly well-written climax sequence. I have mentioned that one of the strengths of Swan as an author is to craft an engaging dialogue and thought-provoking discussions or epigraphs on the nature of good and evil. Systems and laws make civilizations. In that sense, language and interaction, too, are a system. The Trials of Empire circulates around the endless and old unanswerable questions. Is it right to abuse or make an exception to a rigid system to accomplish what we deem virtuous? Is it justice to do bad things for the goodness of the many? Is it necessary to get our hands dirty to keep the citizens clean? There were many quotable passages in the epigraphs and narrative on this topic. But other than these, as proven at the end of The Tyranny of Faith and now The Trials of Empire, Swan is totally capable of delivering a frantic and chaotic action sequence as well. And despite the rough start, the second half of The Trials of Empire provided a rewarding and proper ending to the trilogy, with room for more stories to come in the world.

”It is a difficult thing, to have one’s world burned down. It takes a person of special character to see anything except ashes.”


One last positive factor to mention before I end this review. The entire trilogy is told through narration or memoir of Helena Sedanka, Vonvalt’s protégé. I already felt this was a great storytelling decision since The Justice of Kings, and I stand by this notion even stronger now. It felt bittersweet to say goodbye to Helena, Vonvalt, Radomir, and Heinrich. Heinrich is one of the goodest boys in fantasy, and I refuse to hear any conflicting argument. But beyond that, many aspects of the bonds between Helena and Bressinger, Radomir, Heinrich, and especially Vonvalt could work because everything is told through the intimate perspective of Helena. I have no complaints about Helena's friendship with the supporting characters of the Empire of the Wolf trilogy. But I do not think I am alone in saying I dislike whatever cringe or toxic relationship Helena and Vonvalt have for one another. This was the issue I had with The Tyranny of Faith, but fortunately, seeing the events and their relationship development in The Trials of Empire made their attraction to one another more understandable. It was handled more carefully, and like it or not, I think the resolution of Helena and Vonvalt's story felt poignant. And my god, they (especially Helena) have certainly been plunged into unimaginable ordeals and horrors in the context of the trilogy.

"We must make time to indulge our desires. Our humanity. We are not automata. Even in Südenburg, as severe a place as you can exist within the Empire– or rather, without it– we made time for levity, for music and humour, for carnality. A life without these things is no life at all.”


As it stands, despite my initial disconnection with the first half of The Trials of Empire, Swan has successfully transformed Empire of the Wolf trilogy into one of the strongest trilogies recently published. I highly recommend the entire trilogy to fantasy readers looking for a page-turning fantasy series that dives deep into the themes of justice and morality. The series started as a fantasy novel with minimal fantastical components, and for better or worse, depending on each reader, the emergence of the fantastical element in world-building constantly escalated. I have no idea what Swan has in store next, but I definitely will read more books by the author. As the pages of Helena Sedanka’s memoir are closed, it is time for me to move on to other series while I wait for Swan’s newest book.

“There will never be an answer that satisfies you. If our lives are inherently meaningless, then what matters is our actions and how they affect others. There is no world in which everyone lives a life free of suffering and untimely death. All we can do is be the best people we can be.



Series Review:

The Justice of Kings: 4.5/5 stars
The Tyranny of Faith: 4.5/5 stars
The Trials of Empire: 3.5/5 stars

Empire of the Wolf: 12.5/15 stars

You can pre-order this book from: Amazon | Blackwells (Free International shipping)

The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.

You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel

This was fantastic. There isn’t another series quite like this one and I have to say it did not disappoint with this edition.