The High King's Tomb

In the third book of Kristen Britain's fantasy series there are definite signs of succumbing to endless trilogy syndrome. If it wasn't for the engaging characters which I'm already fairly invested in I think this might have slipped down to a lower rating.

Basically the book meanders. There is a plot and it does show up... eventually. But we spend a lot of time following unconnected story elements before it is finally somewhat tied together. And the conclusion is undeniably just a set up for the next book in the series.

The writing remains competent if essentially unoriginal and as usual for this series the Tolkien influences are worn obviously. It is increasingly hard to see the central character Karigan as anything other than a Mary Sue. Particularly given that she is important in multiple spiritual ways and also apparently a figure of either attraction or admiration for everyone she meets.

At this point in the series I was really far more interested in the other characters who get viewpoint time. Unfortunately they really don't get enough for their own sub-plots to develop very much. The series, like the world, revolves around Karigan.

There are also weird bits that don't really seem to be fully developed or relate to anything. Like Karigan's discovery that her father has apparently frequented brothels. She's upset about this, but its never addressed or resolved after it is revealed. So why reveal it then? It seems to serve no function in the plot or in actual character development. It mainly just makes her look a bit naive and judgmental.

I'm hoping the whole thing gets wrapped up in the next book and provides some conclusion. Otherwise I think it's basically just turning into another endless fantasy series and I'm rapidly losing interest.