This is the final installment of the four-book “The Dreamers” series by David and Leigh Eddings.

The Vlagh, a bug-like immortal, is desperate to invade the god Aracia’s territory to ensure the survival of her children. Meanwhile the other gods are assembling their forces to help save their sister’s lands. However, as the younger gods’ period of dominance approaches and the elder gods prepare for their time of sleep, Aracia begins to plot to destroy the younger god of her domain.  Now Aracia’s immortal brothers and sister not only have to save her domain from the Vlagh, but Aracia from herself.

Once again, David and Leigh Eddings create a world of complex beauty and magic with their vivid descriptions.  Every character is well drawn, and each has their own wit and idiosyncrasies, which makes the pace of the book speed along to the end.

Most welcome is the focus on the development of the current main characters.  In Books Two and Three, many new main characters were introduced into the plot and, as engaging as they become, their insertion was a bit disruptive. However, in this installment, the characters we already know are the focus, as well as their final battle with the Vlagh.  Because of this, the Eddings’ characters really shine as they work to find understanding amongst themselves and develop engaging and touching friendships.  Unfortunately, because of the attachment readers will feel to these characters, some might be unsettled by how the ending affects their favorites.  Still, this well-written conclusion to “The Dreamers” series will leave everyone hoping this isn’t really the end.

Reviewed by Joelle Charbonneau-Blanco
6/19/2006

Previous Books in "The Dreamers" Series, in order:

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