The Blind King’s Wrath

Banker’s dragging final Burnt Empire fantasy (after A Dark Queen Rises) resolves with an epic battle for the future of the eponymous empire. Krushni, princess of Gwannland, seeks vengeance against her father, the demonic outcast Jarsun, for his crimes, using Gwannland’s annual wedding contest to draw both friends and foe to the fight that has been brewing since book one. Kushni will ally with the five children of Shvate—who also wish vengeance upon Jarsun for the murder of their mother—to stop Jarsun’s plans to control the Burning throne. Meanwhile, Guru Dronas, who is also in attendance, seeks to eradicate Gwannland from the map entirely. Now Kushni and her allies will need to outmaneuver a larger and more powerful army to protect their people from further terror. There’s a long road to this final battle, however: Banker’s overwritten, multiple-POV conclusion gives each member of the expansive cast a chance to state their plans and expectations for the coming confrontation before it ever begins. The frequent detours and myriad perspectives stall the inevitable, but devoted fans will be pleased that Banker leaves no loose ends untied. And the fight, when it comes, is well worth it. It’s a slow but satisfying conclusion. (May)