This young adult fiction is the third in the Fire Chronicle series. It is very good and uplifting, even when it presents evil and insurmountable odds.

In a fantasy world where races of creatures, usually humanoid, often fight each other, order has come to much of civilization. The Alliance was formed in fire with a great battle where Lord Luminor was badly wounded. He leads this group of people beneficially with powers that have not been equaled until now.

Now there is danger, a new and fearsome evil has begun to invade the Morvians. These people live beyond the Impossible Mountains. Although this does not affect their domain, Luminor must defend these people from the encroaching threat. He forms his largest army yet, combining many groups into a single fighting force. He heads north leaving home behind and the home guarded by a regent and wise elders to protect his domain and his family.

This leaves Espira, Essie familiarly, and Ardientor sitting at home and worrying about their father. As hybrids, combining human and Gaian ancestry, they are the domain’s first and possibly only salvation, but they must overcome sibling rivalry and a confinement spell imposed by their father. When all seems lost, they find a way, especially Spira, to reconcile personalities and powers, first to request help from the Old Kingdom and then to lend their use to the army across the Impossible Mountains.

The danger is real and present. The rivalries run deep and ultimately fatal. Can Espira rise to the occasion and carry on the legacy? Can Ardientor help or fail her older and more powerful sister? Will the Old Kingdoms help save the day?

What is the power of Fire that Spire must control? Is a dragon the key to victory? What are the human-eating giants going to do when they move out of Morvia?

The plot is tried and true, with more than enough twists and turns to hold interest and provide motivation to see it through. The characters are well developed, albeit slowly. The flow of the narrative goes well with clear transitions between the thought and actions of the characters and the story itself.

This series, if this part is any good measure, is a great idea and should be an inspiration to any reader.

Satisfying and comprehensive enough to stand on its own, this book is a great example of good young adult fiction, as well as just plain great writing.

5 stars.