All the Kings Fall ♦ A.M. Dunnewin | Review

All the Kings Fall is a stunning conclusion to the All the Dark Souls trilogy

A.M. Dunnewin’s All the Kings Fall is the dramatic climax to the enthralling All the Dark Souls trilogy, and it had my attention from beginning to end. This last installment more than lives up to its predecessors‘ promises, weaving a tapestry of intrigue, treachery, and redemption that will linger with me long after I’ve turned the last page.

All the Kings Fall by A.M. Dunnewin
Series: All the Dark Souls #3
Published: 28. November 2023 by Dark Hour Press
217 pages
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Death, Gothic, Romance
Audience: Adult
Shelve: Read 2024
Link to Goodreads
Rating:

Still reeling from their journey, Joss Brevyn—along with her assistant, Henrik, and the lost prince, Callan Ronen—have finally made it to Aselian. But what should have been a celebrated homecoming has been marred with tension, not knowing who to trust ever since learning that the Mask and his henchmen are rooted in Callan’s past. While getting inside the city walls may be easy, it’s reaching the royal family that proves to be difficult since the Mask has remained one step ahead of them. Truths will be revealed, new betrayals will surface, and a fight for the crown will begin, destroying more in its path than anyone expected.

Aric Kayden, however, is glad to be home… until he realizes that he, too, has been betrayed. With a plot to kill him underway, Aric has a battle of his own that takes him all the way underneath the city’s streets. While it was never his intention to fight for the crown, Aric soon learns that he may have no choice if he wants to protect the woman that he loves.

Bound in a final battle to save the prince, both Joss and Aric are forced to confront their fate, which may bring deadlier consequences than intended. Because Aselian has a threat hiding inside its walls—one that endangers not only them but the entirety of the realm.

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Opinion

As Joss, Henrik, and Callen enter Aselian, the stage is set for an epic clash. Assisted by Aric, who arrives via his own mysterious method, the party sets out to investigate the truth behind the kingdom’s string of attacks on their lives. With each page flipped, the suspense grows to terrible proportions, keeping me on the edge of my seat as I impatiently awaited the reveal of the mastermind behind the scheme.

One of the most amazing parts of All the Kings Fall is its narrative structure, which effortlessly switches perspectives between our three protagonists, the mysterious Aric, and Callan’s steadfast wife. This comprehensive approach not only adds layers of depth to the plot, but also instills a genuine feeling of urgency in each twist and turn.

Speaking of twists and turns, Dunnewin goes all out in this last part, delivering a sequence of jaw-dropping revelations that had me reeling. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the author cleverly subverts my assumptions, leaving me guessing till the very end.

But perhaps the actual genius of All the Kings Fall is found in its characters. From the conflicted souls of Joss, Henrik, and Callen to the enigmatic presence of Aric, each character is thoughtfully constructed and endowed with a complexity that makes them feel completely real. As their fortunes intertwine and their destiny collide, I became profoundly immersed in their struggles, cheering for their victories and lamenting their losses.

What a triumph it is. The climax of All the Kings Fall is nothing short of amazing, tying together all the story’s threads in a grand finale that left me breathless. While the ending is quieter than expected, it is a suitable conclusion for our cherished characters, providing a sense of satisfaction and bitter-sweetness.

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Conclusion

Finally, All the Kings Fall is a masterful work of epic dark fantasy fiction that merits every honor it earns. It is a book that will engage readers from start to finish, thanks to its beautifully portrayed characters, sophisticated narrative twists, and heart-pounding action. A.M. Dunnewin has completely excelled herself with this stunning climax to the All the Dark Souls trilogy, which I can’t recommend enough.

About A.M. Dunnewin

A.M. Dunnewin grew up with a taste for mysteries and thrillers, inherited ever so lovingly from her family. An affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association, A.M.’s own stories cover a wide range of genres that tend to take a dark turn when least expected. With a B.A. in Psychology, she’s a gambler of words, obsessed with chai tea, and addicted to books – everything from classical literature to graphic novels. Other hobbies include art, history, music, equestrianism, and a good classic film. She currently dwells in Northern California.

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