Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 11/04/2025
Published by: Bolinda/HarperCollins UK
ISBN: 9780008756956
‘Faithbreaker’ brilliantly combines heart, action, and political intrigue in an epic, high-stakes finale.
Cover:
Writing:
Storyline:
Main character(s):
Secondary characters:
Romance:
Narration & Audio:
The story picks up with an intense start that immediately plunged me back into the fascinating world while seamlessly recapping previous events. Returning to the fierce and compelling main characters was the highlight for me, and I basked in their adorable, found family dynamic. Their motives, fears, flaws, and growth were presented so well that it made it impossible not to be invested in their personal journeys.
Fear and power make people do stupid things
Kissen redeemed herself as my favourite character, and I could not get enough of her straight-talking, clever and caring personality. Her authentic disability representation adds to the considerable representation showcased by the character cast. Inara remained as fierce and stubborn as ever, diving headfirst into complex situations. However, her insecurities and journey of self-discovery made her relatable, and this is the same for Skediceth. Elo also has a nice arc as he grapples with an emotional rollercoaster of grief and frustration.
Kaner’s smooth, vivid writing brought the character-driven storyline to life, and multiple points of view masterfully revealed the epic scope of all the moving pieces. Kit Griffiths’ narration, along with the audio effects, made the listening experience even more immersive. The perfect balance is struck between the characters’ journeys and the political intrigue, ensuring I was hooked from start to finish. Even the climax was satisfying despite some convenient and bittersweet moments.
Only a coward abandons the mess they made.
Complex themes like power, grief, faith, and sacrifice are seamlessly woven into the action-packed narrative, which does not shy away from the brutality of war. On top of this, an impressive blend of previous and new secondary characters enhances the main characters’ journeys and allows for two minor romantic subplots. While I wasn’t entirely convinced by one dynamic, I still devoured the cute moments the romances provided.
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: What are your thoughts on the romance between Kissen and Lessa?
I actually liked this connection, especially with the enemies-to-lovers trope that plays out. The tension and chemistry that came with having these two strong-willed characters shift from loathing to mutual respect and attraction was fantastic. I also wasn’t intensely attached to Kissen and Elo’s connection since they had limited time together after the first book so this romance was an easy pivot.
Q: Did this book shift your view of Arren?
While the story delves further into Arren’s complex motives, his character development seemed inconsistent and at odds with his desires for worship, power, and love, regardless of the cost. As a result, it was hard to move past his previous actions and questionable decisions. However, I appreciated that his sad childhood wasn’t used as a crutch to excuse his actions.
Q: Which do you prefer: Standalones, Duologies, Trilogies, or Longer Series?
I prefer series for fantasy and mystery books, especially when the main characters remain the same throughout. This allows for a more in-depth exploration of the world and characters, which I love. Trilogies, in particular, are the sweet spot for fantasy, as they allow the plot to build to an epic finale without feeling dragged out or repetitive, which can happen with longer series. However, for romance and contemporary books, I usually prefer standalones since series often lose their initial charm.
Q: Do you have any similar recommendations?
I recommend The Ending Fire by Saara El-Arifi. Like this book, it offers an intense and satisfying conclusion to a high-fantasy trilogy with well-crafted characters, intricate world-building and complex themes.
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Q: What are your thoughts on the romance between Elo and Arren?
Q: Which moment did you find most heartbreaking?
Q: Were you satisfied with the ending?
Q: Which part of the story surprised you most?
Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.
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