Title: The Empire of Empty Wars

Author: S.M. Gaither

Pub. Date: April 15, 2020

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Death. Betrayal. Destruction.
This was Alaya’s destiny, written in the stars on the night she was born. She should have been killed because of it.

She wasn’t.

The once crown prince of the highest throne in Sundolia is now the high king, and all of his advisors agree on one thing: He should have destroyed that dangerous Dragon woman when he had the chance.

He didn’t.

Now war spreads like a wildfire from the southern kingdom. The empire is burning. The day of prophecy is arriving. Alaya still lives, her power more dangerous and unpredictable than ever.

And the stars, it seems, told no lies.

Or did they?

This will be a spoiler free review. I listened to the audiobook via Audible. You can check out my reviews for The Queen of Cursed Things – here – and The King of Burning Skies – here – if you’re interested!

Y’all I finished this yesterday and I can’t quite grasp my head around the fact that the trilogy is over. I’m sad. This book was such a satisfying and fulfilling ending. The big epic battle wasn’t a letdown, I wasn’t disappointed in how some characters met their demise – it was actually fucking perfect. Epic and perfect, I loved it. The continuation of Emrys’, Alaya’s and Sade’s journeys are so good and so pleasing – even the hard moments. So much happens in this book and you just keep wanting to turn the page to find out what happens next.

I legit don’t have a bad thing to say about this book. Everything was so cinematic and vivid. The fight scenes between Alaya and Sylven played out like a movie in my head. It was so easy to picture what was happening.

I don’t know why I haven’t mentioned it in any of my other reviews – probably because I was too busy raging about the fucker Sylven, but the magic system in this book! I love it. Plus the whole pantheon of gods that are tied to it!

But back to Sylven, he was WORSE in this book. I didn’t think it was possible, but omfg. The AirPods went flying at work again because anytime he was actually on the page or even just mentioned, I became angry. There were moments that if I had been reading a physical book, I would have legitimately chucked it across the room.

This book was so good, SM Gaither went all out for this finale and it fucking works. Jesse Vilinsky once again just completely knocks it out the park. SM Gaither wrote highly realistic and relatable characters, and Jesse Vilinksky absolutely brought them to life.

I just want to rant (in the best way) and rave about this book but everything I really want to talk about is a massive spoiler! So, I need y’all to read this amazing trilogy and get back to me so we can talk. We can talk about how badass and strong Alaya is and how she’s not without her own vulnerabilities. We can talk about how wonderfully human and kind of protective and a smidge clueless Emrys is. And we can talk about how Sade must have some kind of sixth sense, because that girl shows up at just the right time. And we can talk about how nicely plot points wrap up and how the ending was perfect.

I’d totally be down for a novella just to see what the characters are up to later. Please and thank you.

I’m so incredibly glad that I impulsively gave this trilogy a chance. I went from no expectations to finding a new favorite series and that’s the best feeling ever. If you do check out this trilogy, please, please, PLEASE let me know! I want to know your thoughts and feelings and I really want someone to talk to about it!