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The Unbound Empire

by Melissa Caruso
Orbit: Hachette. (Swords & Fire, Bk. 3). Apr. 2019. 560p. ISBN 9780316466936. pap. $15.99; ebk. ISBN 9780316466943. FANTASY
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The third book in the "Swords and Fire" trilogy finds Amalia and fire warlock Zaira fighting magician Ruthven, who is trying to destroy the empire. Amalia strives to get a law passed that will protect mages from being conscripted into the military and subservient jobs. But providing such freedom may weaken the Kingdom. Ruthven seeks to undermine the empire with strategically placed look-alikes who can enact his plans. The annual masquerade ball is intricately described and perfectly sets the rich political intrigue into motion. Will Amalia and Zaira be able to save the empire?
VERDICT Caruso's worldbuilding is brilliant and complex enough that this work stands on its own, but readers will get more out of the series if they start from the beginning. [See Prepub Alert, 11/19/18.]
Reviewed by Cynde Suite, Bartow Cty. Lib. Syst., Adairsville, GA , Apr 01, 2019
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