The final book of the Black Jewels Trilogy picks up about five years after the previous one ended and takes us through the final confrontation between Kaeleer and Terreille.

This was a wonderful end to the trilogy. It's rather more plot-focused than the past two, but that's to be expected, given all the stuff Bishop needs to wrap up. Still, there are so many moments between the characters that I was more than satisfied. This was an awesome series, full of fantastic characters who move through an engaging setting. Add in more than a few familial issues and a whole bunch of heart-stomping scenes and I am sold.

It's also hella readable. It's been a long time since I came across an author I could just whip on through. Bishop's prose is simple and straightforward and, most importantly, it never get in the way of the story. It's not flashy or intricate, and it's certainly not the sort of work that makes you stop and take notice. It's not the greatest writing out there, but the story is so wonderful that I really don't care.

I most definitely recommend this entire trilogy. I had a fantastic time with the lot of them. I ran out and acquired DREAMS MADE FLESH, TANGLED WEBS and THE INVISIBLE RING before I'd even finished this one. I'd advise you to have them on hand before you even start. You're gonna want more in the worst possible way.

(A slightly different version of this review originally appeared on my blog, Stella Matutina). ( )

The finale where the lines are drawn and the powers clashes. But the game is deadly and hurtful; for the victims and the one performing them.

I love this book, a superb conclusion to this trilogy. The powers stuggles make them alive and human. ( )

As the conclusion to the series it was alright. I think the characterization in this book took a nose dive. All the secondary characters of Jaenelle’s court are confrontational and untrusting which seems out of place following book two. You only get to see what is really going on with Jaenelle through other people’s view points which makes it hard to feel anything at all toward her. Luciver’s sudden change in life status is bewildering and seems to be just thrown in to make the conflict more personal. There are so many people that are now part of the story that at times it is hard to keep everyone straight.
The ending I think was right for the story. The final conflict was a bit rushed though and it would have been more interesting to get more of Jaenelle’s POV, she is Witch after all. And like most stories when you get so invovled with the characters, you are left wondering what happens next. I would have enjoyed an epilogue with the aftermath.
Don’t miss reading the first two books so you get a better understanding of the world and the people. If you enjoy stories which are more male driven then this trilogy I would highly recommend.
There were some bad parts I wish were different, but I can overlook them for the fantastic parts with Daemon and all the action. I’ll be putting her other books of my buy list. ( )

In Book 3 of the Black Jewels Trilogy, The two evil Witches who have wreaked so much havoc in all their lives, Hekatah and Dorthea, continue their scheming to bring down Janelle, the once and future Queen of the Blood, and her kingdom.

Daemon has returned and is finally united with Janelle, as well as her brother Lucivar and all the powerful friends she’s made along the way- including the magical creatures who only bow to her.

The book ends with one climatic battle, fought mostly in the psychic realm of webs and dreams- but not until she almost loses all she holds dear, including the belief and trust of her family, friends and subjects.

This series is just fantastic. If you love high fantasy and intrigue you’ll be hooked just like so many other of us who’ve picked up this series.

5 out of 5 for Queen of the Darkness and for the entire series! ( )

This book provides a very satisfying conclusion to The Black Jewels Trilogy. The ending is rather predictable after having read the first two books, but it is well worth the read. ( )