A powerful continuation of the Paths of Lantistyne series, which brings us once again to an empire in the midst of an epic battle for salvation.

The final book in Isabelle Steiger’s epic fantasy series, which weaves together the lives of the haves and the have-nots–both desperately fighting to reassemble the remains of a fallen empire.

Imperator Elgar’s dire strategy for conquering the continent has finally been laid bare, and those who would stop him must prepare to make their final stand. But though Valyanrend’s rebels and thieves have made common cause for the first time in centuries, they form only half of the resistance necessary to challenge Elgar’s dominance. For the other half, they must look to the continent’s remaining royals for a foreign army.

However, most of Lantistyne’s royals have seen better days. And so it is on Issamira and Queen Adora, long neutral in this conflict, that the burden of the war now rests. Adora has reclaimed her crown and found her conviction, but struggles to keep her army on a just path amidst the violence she abhors. Together, she and Arianrod have already toppled one power-hungry usurper, but the two of them are separated when a reckless sacrifice puts the marquise in more danger than she has ever been before. And the ancient spirits of Lantistyne, whose subtle machinations helped Adora survive to gain her throne, are ready to make their will known at last.

The Risen City is another example of Isabelle Steiger’s powerful writing, full of intricate characters and complex world-building.