A review by amybraunauthor
Age of War by Michael J. Sullivan

5.0

This book broke me. Seriously, I'm completely wrecked right now. I don't think I'll be able to sleep, and even if I do, I'm gonna be haunted for days, let alone wait another year for the next freaking book! I totally agree with Robin in the afterword, and thank the gods she reminded me of something that leads to Riyria otherwise I would have a total meltdown. But don't take these as complaints--they're not. AGE OF WAR IS AMAZING. It pulls no punches and doesn't shy away from serious cost (honestly, I cried so many times and I still can't stop), but it's expertly written and completely addicting. The story is complex and involves a lot more drama and relationships than the previous books (there are at least three major love stories), and every character has their time to shine. The characters are absolutely wonderful and layered, especially the women who make hard choices, struggle with their insecurities, and have their lives irreparably changed, for better or worse. The action is thrilling and intense and had my heart pounding. And that ending... oh my God, that ending, I can't even. The fangirl in me is totally broken, but from a writers perspective, it makes sense and it was so, so SO powerful. There were a couple things that I'd hoped would be different, and maybe they will be in the next books, but right now it's so raw and beautiful and awful and glorious. Oh man, I'm crying again. Seriously folks, this is writing at its absolute best. This was nothing like what I expected and (almost) everything I never knew I wanted. I'm shook and in total awe and completely inspired. I know I sound like I'm building this series on too high a pedestal, but honestly, I'm not. This is writing at its most masterful and finest. AGE OF WAR is the third book in a series that is a must read for everyone who enjoys books, no matter the genre. Just have a box of Kleenex handy. Don't say I didn't warn you.