The final war between Speica and Arnhem draws to an end as allies are gained, lines are crossed, people die, and a mage and selkie struggle to make their love work as Lucifer attempts to bring about the Apocalypse before its time.
The Mystical Conch Shell of the Sea has been stolen, and it's up to Selliki, the selkie, to get it back. Selliki sets across the continent of Alethereia to find Arnhem, and Gabrael, the mage she loves. Selliki knows that no union between a selkie and a human have ever had a happy ending, but neither can ignore their feelings. Each night, they experience terrible, real dreams that show how doomed their love is.
The final war between Speica and Arnhem is threatening the entire world. Lucifer has aligned himself with Speica and wants nothing less than to bring about the Apocalypse before its time. In the last battle, cowardice is revealed, promises are broken, and many people die. Trolls fight icthyocentaurs, dwarves armed up against the Drow, angels against demons. Only one kingdom will prevail; that is, if the world doesn't end.
Excerpt
Varun fixed her with a stern stare but did not argue the point.
I hope the Speicans will not know how to use the Conch Shell.
Varun shook his head. I'm afraid with their evil and treacherous ways, they will figure out a way to harness its power. But on to other matters, what did you learn from Tara'zai? Did you locate her brother? Naida thought she saw him the other day.
Tara'zai and Ven'jo are missing. I spoke with Mika'la instead.
The selkie leader closed his dark eyes. Then the Conch Shell might not even be somewhere within the ocean. He swam in a tight circle and then shored up beside her. You must go. Join the war, find the Conch Shell. I trust you to find it if it is on land. The rest of us shall remain, rebuilding our city, readying our army, and searching for the Conch Shell down here.
But...
Isn't this what you always wanted? A chance to see if you and that magical man could ever work out?
Selliki stared at the broken sand tower a few feet away. Marriages between selkies and anyone but their own kind ended disastrously. No female selkie had ever been able to give up her true nature to live with complete happiness on two legs. Not without constantly yearning for the sea. In every case, the selkie spouse abandoned their marriage and returned to the sea. In every case. Selliki knew the risk, but she also knew the calling of her heart, and she loved Gabrael. Even so, she shivered. This task would require her to be away from the water for much longer than she had ever been before. She fixed her gaze upon her leader. I will do as you wish.
Good. May the water be gentle in your passing.
And let the water save you from our troubles. Selliki flipped on her fins and swam away. She approached Naida, one of her closest friends. I have to go. Varun has a mission for me.
Compassion swam in Naida's eyes. Will you be able to see Gabrael at least?
Yes, but I must leave now. Tell everyone I'll be back as soon as I can.
I will, and be safe, Selliki. Naida used her strong tail to lift a portion of the broken sand wall.
Selliki watched the other selkies, her people, work to rebuild their underwater domain. Her entire body screamed to help them, but she had no choice. She had to do as Varun bid her. She ignored the confused looks some of the other selkies threw at her and swam toward the surface.
Professional Reviews
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/164552943
In Woman of Honor, Ms. Zoltack focuses more on the historical aspects of knighthood. In Knight of Glory, Ms. Zoltack focuses more on the fantasy bits, and in Champion of Valor, the fantasy aspects are more prominent then ever.
This was probably my favorite of the three books in this series. It was just as action packed and entertaining as the books before, but it had a whole lot more feeling to it, and the relationships were strong. Ms. Zoltack created really strong characters in this book, and I felt like I got to know each and every person in here really well during the novel.
Enthralling and exciting, the third installment to the Kingdom of Arnhem series was a page turner. For all fantasy, historical fiction, and romance lovers alike, this book's the book for you :)
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2J65EVA0XAXNE/ref=cm_cr_dp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B004YTFGLQ&nodeID=133140011&tag=&linkCode=
Every book left me craving more and I'm so glad this one continued the hook. Kingdom of Arnhem exceeded my expectations!
When Sophie Bayles inadvertently ruins a young man’s chance for employment, she sets out to find him a new position. Even though he doesn’t want her to.
