Book Discussion 17: Fool's Gold, Part 3 - The Rose of the World by Jude Fisher
1I will admit that my bias for fantasy series if for the story to have a satisfying, happy conclusion. In one sense, the end of the trilogy provides that, but in this book there is so much misery and suffering that the protagonist's victory isn't enough to brightened the mood or tone. The sense of adventure and any sense of hope really dropped off in this book, especially as the protagonists kept failing and never seemed to develop sufficient ability to fight back. Except when it's already too late, that is. I had been enjoying the story for the most part, but in this case the way it ends ruined whatever potential existed in the previous books. At least, that's how it came off to me.
The reviews dip back down to a mediocre level, so I wasn't the only one disheartened by how it ended. Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Rose-World-Book-Three-Fools/dp/0756401879/ref=bseries_primary_1_0756401879