Book Review - ENGINES OF WAR by R.S. Ford

Engines of War by Richard S. Ford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Description:
War has come to Torwyn.

Though the Guilds have scored a decisive victory against the Ministry, Sanctan Egelrath still holds Torwyn’s capital in his iron grip. Each day the Guild army marches closer, ready to unleash its fury. But the Archlegate has no intention of losing, and even if the Guilds take the Anvil, Sanctan intends to call upon greater powers to secure his final victory.

Beset on all sides, Rosomon Hawkspur is presented with a dark bargain to secure victory – one that carries a heavy price. Faced with the prospect of defeat, she must ask herself: is winning the war worth such sacrifice?

With her children ready to fight alongside her, there is at least some light to dispel the shadow of war. But each of them is much changed, and the path to victory may be more treacherous than any of the Hawkspurs can possibly imagine…


Review:
The Age of Uprising series is definitely one of my favorite fantasy series of the past 25 years. R.S. Ford has penned one of the most ingenious magic systems coupled with incredible characterization. You have it all in this series, airships, dark magic, warring factions who will not hesitate to off anyone who gets in their way, and some of the deepest worldbuilding I've come across in quite some time.

As this is the concluding volume in this trilogy, I will steer away from giving up too much of the plot. Suffice to say Ford delivers the goods in every possible aspect. Honestly, I feel like Ford has gotten progressively better with each series (this is his third by the way) and this one should catapult him into the bigtime right along the giant authors in the genre.

The thing that I love about this final book ENGINES OF WAR is that it not only wraps up all of the storylines in a more than satisfying way, but it leaves you wanting more and sad that it is all over. Too many times we see authors whiff and write a conclusion that doesn't live up to the amazing story leading up to it. Not so with this white knuckle epic fantasy thrill ride of a book.

If you only read one fantasy series this year, grab this one and read them all cover to cover. You won't be disappointed and you will be treated to so many twists and turns that will reinvigorate your love for this genre. A game changer for sure that should make tremendous waves. Absolutely a banger of a story that no one should miss.

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