Darkened Blade by Kelly McCullough

Here we have book six of the Fallen Blade series. I previously reviewed book 5, Drawn Blades, and mentioned that you don't really have to read them in series order but it helps.

Especially to get the context for why it's a big deal to take on the Son of Heaven, which is what (finally!) happens in this book.

Aral Kingslayer is directly charged by the dead goddess Namara to kill the Son of Heaven. But taking on the supreme secular and religious leader is a hugely dangerous undertaking and Aral now has people who depend on him. He decides to reform the order so the rescued novitiates --like his adopted daughter Faran-- can finally become fully invested with Namara's blades, which are unbreakable, bonded to their wielders, and are instantly deadly against the risen dead. Seeing as the Son of Heaven is a new breed of undead himself, that proves to be pretty handy. Aral also has to compromise in his choice of allies, putting his trust in traitors like Kelos Deathwalker and the Signet, the head of the Son of Heaven's magic users.

This is the end of the series and it's a satisfying one. Of course I would love to see more adventures of Aral or maybe some with Faran as the lead now. It would be interesting to get more of her background and particular perspective. I have really enjoyed this series and am looking forward to revisiting them as a whole in a few years.

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