A review by booksblabbering
Stormcaster by Cinda Williams Chima

3.5

This switches up perspectives yet again to Destin Karn (what a name!) and the stormmage Evan. 

This sees them forming an alliance to sail the high seas. 

He wanted to tell Evan Strang-ward that the last thing he should do is trust Destin Karn.

It will get you killed, Pirate. It will break your heart.

This had the sweetest LGBTQ relationship, with both unsure and tentative of their feelings. This is emphasised by their lack of experience and young age. This is always refreshing to see, as it isn’t always seasoned young adults who suddenly have to uncover their identity, normally it occurs when we are much younger and unsure. 

”Killing is always personal, Evan said, looking the handsome soldier in the eye. "It's the second-most-intimate thing that can happen between two people."

Then, we jump a few years ahead and all of our characters from previous books start to reappear and interacting with each other. Most importantly, Adrian, the lost Prince, returns home.

More is revealed about Empress Celestine’s interest in the Mage marked, speaking of a wider, bloodier, and more brutal war. 

“You carry Nazari blood- -the heartsblood of the empire. You have a magical heritage that goes back centuries.”

One gripe with this series - I hate that it feels like every character has to be paired up romantically. Surprisingly, not everyone is immediately drawn to their sworn enemy.