My first September read was a book intended as the finale to a series I’ve been enjoying for almost a decade.

As the final book in a series where the individual books are quite loosely connected, around 20% of the book takes place years before the main story, connecting the individual books (especially books 3 to 6). I do admit that I was a bit surprised by the scope, though I understand such an approach.

After that, the book follows the events of the (chronologically) fifth and sixth books (as these run in parallel) as Kaori – no longer just a princess – deals with the aftermath of her genocidal mother’s rule. The other powers are wary about completely trusting her, and reforming her own country – which includes putting thousands of people on trial for crimes against humanity – takes time.

Nayeli and Joaquim, major characters in Kaori’s revolt, are also present, getting used to their new roles – Nayeli as Kaori’s advisor and Joaquim as the leader of the downsized air force. Life, however, hands them a surprise they considered impossible.

And, unfortunately, those who suffered and survived those atrocities might be easily disappointed by the slow proceedings, and/or hungry for revenge if they lost everything. Aritek is one such former labor camp prisoner who managed to gain some degree of following in his plans to get a thorough revenge. Taking advantage of the situation, he hijacks the understaffed gunship and levels the UPW senate building before running to plot his true goal – the destruction of the Empire that once forced him into a labor camp.

With the other major factions still licking their wounds, it’s down to Kaori and what’s left of her navy to stop Aritek and his followers, with help from Joaquim and Nayeli. And while they figure out his goals, stopping the Empire’s most advanced gunship might be a tough task. The book gradually picks up its pace as it heads towards the final showdown.

Compared to the longer early part, the wrap-up is then surprisingly short, especially for a book that’s ending a series. Most of the hints for a brighter future were spread through the story, but I would like more information in that aspect (though that’s just personal preference).

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Read date: 7.-14.9.2025
Published: 1.9.2025
Goodreads/Amazon rating unavailable – not yet rated
My rating: 90%
Length: 591 pages (Kindle edition)
My highlights

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Aside from being a good and worthy send-off for the series, the book has some minor formatting issues, especially with chapter headers, and some other minor issues. That said, this series, in my opinion, managed a good combination of high stakes and hopeful atmosphere, which is something I like in stories as a form of escapism.