The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson - ESSENTIAL

Pearson, Mary E.  The Beauty of Darkness (Remnant Chronicles, #3), 679 pgs.  Henry Holt and Company, 2016. 

Content: Language: PG-13 (40 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13.  

Lia escaped Venda with the help of Rafe, but as they make their way back to Rafe’s kingdom of Dalbreck, it becomes clear that Rafe and Lia have different priorities.  Kaden is also concerned about Venda’s armies, but more importantly he is worried for Lia.  As the Princess of Morghan, Lia is determined to warn Morghan of Venda’s armies and help them prepare for war.  Rafe is equally as determined to protect his kingdom of Dalbreck, but he has unforeseen obstacles.  In order to fight the larger and more brutal Vendans, everyone will have to work together.  

I love this series.  I love the characters and the setting, I love the way the story line moves quickly and has twists throughout.  Lia is strong and loyal, and Rafe and Kaden are both honorable.  Good read and great characters.  The mature content is some characters sleep together, but it is off page and it describes child birth.  Violence is war violence including attempted rape.  

MS, HS – ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.