The island world of Meriel faces an old adversary and a new danger. Will the reformed Order die before it has a chance to blossom? Storm clouds loom on the horizon as Carya and Brantley struggle to overcome wounds of the past and build a future together. The fragile new Order is on shaky ground, with too few dancers and sparse resources. Then trouble erupts--and now an insidious rebellion and a new foe threaten their entire world. When she uncovers an old enemy behind all the destruction, Carya realizes the past is not done with her. With conflict tearing apart the dancers and villages, rimmers are soon overrun, and Carya must unite her people by leading the battle to protect the very heart of her world ... or lose it all.
This third book in the Dancing Realms series is the first Sharon Hinck book for me and I really enjoyed it. I can't believe that it took me this long to finally pick up a book by this acclaimed author and that I chose the third (the last?) book in this particular series to start reading her books. I think reading this series in order will help with understanding and empathizing with Carya and Brantley's relationship, given their hurts, pains, and adventures in the past. The island world of Meriel created by the author is fascinating to explore and the other worlds that they encounter are equally intriguing.
Carya's first person voice is compassionate, kind, loving and faithful though surprisingly naive, since she battled the established government and braved a new world prior to her battles here. But perhaps that innocence is what keeps her eyes firmly on her Maker as she tries to help her old world and the new world see and accept the Maker's love. Brantley has a small role in this book but does team up with his wife to fulfill a legacy. The dancing is spectacular and you can see and feel the intensity and purpose of the dances throughout the story. Carya must fight old foes and new ones, even as she is called to unite all those around her. The spiritual aspect felt a bit preachy but Carya needed a lot of reminders and encouragements through this journey, as we often do as well.
Those who enjoy YA fantasy would enjoy this book and series. I received the book from Enclave Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
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