War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

War in Sorcery’s Shadow by Elise Carlson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

War in Sorcery’s Shadow is the third book in the Ruarnon Trilogy of Epic Fantasy. It’s aimed at a YA audience but will appeal to older fantasy lovers as well! This trilogy should definitely be read in order, so begin with Manipulator’s War to get to know the world and the characters, and watch them develop.

I was initially drawn to this series by the non binary protagonist, Ruarnon, who uses they/them pronouns. It’s always a treat to come across non binary characters! Ruarnon’s gender identity is a part of who they are, and influences how they are as a ruler, but there is so much to their character and it is not regularly drawn attention to. I particularly like moments when they note how effortlessly another character uses their pronouns.

Another thing I enjoyed in this book was the focus on neurodiversity. We see it as something that shapes the choices characters make, and their magic. There are examples of characters who have developed magic to help others cope with sensory issues. This is a wonderfully inclusive fantasy world and I’m so here for it!

I’d recommend this series to fantasy lovers who enjoy epic, magical worlds that are inclusive enough they can imagine themselves finding a place there. It gets five stars from me!

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