The Ghost's Gambit by Stephanie Cotta

I'm excited to dive into today's review, since it's the last in one of the very rare series that I follow completely. So far, it's been a tightly woven tale with tons of action and character depth, too. I'm expecting that won't change in this lastest tale. 

So, off we go to this magical world and see where everything is headed!

THE GHOST'S GAMBIT

The Iron Kingdom Series, Book 3

by Stephanie Cotta

Monarch Educational Services, LLC

YA Fantasy

430 pages

After the raid on his garrison, the Enforcer is on the hunt-and he won't stop until the Wraiths hang from the gallows. Rowan, Tahira, and Akaran are caught in the Enforcer's merciless pursuit and forced to flee across the wilderness in their struggle to stay one step ahead of this cutthroat soldier.

As new leaders of an underground rebellion, Rowan and Tahira fight to keep the resistance alive. Yet the cost of staying hidden grows heavier as the Enforcer and his soldiers terrorize Arjun. The body count rises, and the guilt sharpens with each brutal execution. But when the Enforcer threatens the very home they've sworn to protect, Rowan and Tahira must confront a painful truth-they may not have the power to stop him.

Meanwhile, Akaran and Marah stake their lives on a dangerous mission to undermine the Enforcer's iron grip on their homeland. In their quest, they stumble upon a dark secret that could change everything, but only if they escape the enemy's snare alive.

As tensions among the Wraiths mount, and with the weight of an oppressed kingdom on their shoulders, Rowan, Tahira, and Akaran will have to decide what they're willing to sacrifice for their people-and for each other.

The Ghost's Gambit is a gripping, pulse-pounding tale of rebellion, loyalty, and the high cost of defying a brutal empire.

AMAZON    /    GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

The Wraiths are back, and nothing is going to stop them from holding to what they know is right.

This is the third installment in the series, and it packs a punch. While the plot has been mounting from one book to the next, this one not only steps up but seems to make the growth even richer. The very first page already dives straight into tension, action, and emotions pure as the Enforcer wraps up a bloody attack and lets his callous attitude hit with full force. The Wraiths slide right in with the atmosphere that always accompanies their constant struggle: a bit of win but not without a toll.  And this sets the stage wonderfully for the rest of the read.

The author has woven a very intricate world with tons of depth. While the Enforcer is easy to dislike and cruel, the reader gets a little insight, this time, into some of his reasoning...which simply makes the story that much better. We have Tahira shining more and more as she continues to refine her skills but manages to keep the same touching qualities which make her so enjoyable to root for. Her relationship with Rowan also isn't forgotten to add a touch of romance without overpowering the main theme as their connection deepens. But then, the battle against the Enforcer is never to be taken lightly, which keeps everyone on their toes. The side characters have also earned their places in the spotlight and continue to round off the group with grit, heart, and necessary edge. 

The pacing, as in the other books, remains high the entire way through as the Enforcer's actions grow more and more deadly and threatening. There are moments to cheer and painful ones to cut the heart. All along the world never looses richness and keeps the reader in the pages. It's definitely a series fantasy fans will want to take a peek at.