This is the third book of an excellent first trilogy by a new writer in the Fantasy genre. Each book has built on the previous volume, taking both characters and plot to new levels of complexity and realism. Catwin and Miriel (who share the role of protagonists) develop authentically from insecure young teens to strong young women. The first two books Shadowborn (Light & Shadow) (Volume 1) and Shadowforged (Light & Shadow) introduce them (and the reader) to the profoundly unsettling dangers of the court in which they move -- initially as pawns, then gradually with subversive agendas of their own. In this final book of the trilogy, Katson gathers the many threads of her story and weaves them into a psychologically and emotionally challenging conclusion that is satisfying without being simplistic or superficial.Without unpacking the story in too much detail (or spoiling the two startling turns it takes), it is possible to say that every character becomes deeper and more interesting as the reader is introduced to a new backdrop for Miriel and Catwin. Their relationship to each other grows and changes as they move away from the court for a time. But the reader is also invited to participate in the intricate interweaving of the relationships between Miriel, Catwin, the Duke, Marie, Temar, Wilhelm and Roine with appreciation for the inner and outer forces that shape and drive each of them.I am particularly impressed by the care this writer brings to developing even the most peripheral characters. There is no sense that a person exists only to provide some necessary twist in the plot. Rather, the plot unfolds as a direct result of this (large and diverse) group of people coming together in this particular way at this specific time in the history of this nation. There is no feeling that events are being manipulated by the writer. Katson clearly respects her readers as intelligent and thoughtful companions. She doesn't try to trick us nor does she disrespect our time.I am looking forward to what comes next from her pen and fertile imagination.This is an author to watch! I just finished reading Shadow's End by Moira Katson. It is a well-rounded conclusion to the trilogy in which "ah-ha" moments are to be relished!The book picks up where Shadowforged left off: Catwin and Miriel escape the Duke and retreat to the countryside inspiring lay folk into rebellion. Upon returning to court each encounters changes they did not expect. Relationships are challenged and the girls discover that again they are each others' most reliable companion.Again, questions from the text draw us further along. Will Miriel succeed in her task securing the favor of the King? Will Catwin uncover the mystery of Temar's life as a Shadow; how will this help us understand the Duke's intentions? Ultimately, the readers wait for the looming prophecy to unfurl. What or who will bring the ultimate betrayal? Where will power in the kingdom lay "when the balance tips"?"I had the sense... that I could see a vast pattern, beyond the Duke and Temar and Jacces and Garad, stretching across the whole of the earth and all of time. I had always scorned fate and those who believed in it, and yet here we were--and for some reason, when I thought on that, I did not think that we were simply on a cold, muddy field. I had the sense that we were following a path, some direction we could not quite see. It was far beyond my knowledge as yet, but I knew some of the shape of it. Miriel and I were learning what questions to ask, that we might realize what it was we saw." (location 8773 of 12377)Overall a great read. I was not left with too many questions; instead I marveled at how the truth of the story was always present before my eyes. At the conclusion I enjoyed recalling how the mystery appeared on the surface of the story but the undercurrents were clear and consistent. Well done, Katson! Not only do I anticipate her next publication, I am looking into the Mahalia collection which appears to also be available for download on Kindle and Nook :)(cross-posted to Amazon and Barnes and Noble.)
What do You think about Shadow's End (2013)?
An excellent ending to the series. I really enjoy Moira's storytelling style.
—collean
This was an awesome series with a perfect ending!
—hellhath^nofury
