Crusade

Starred review from June 4, 2018
Ford brings the Paladin trilogy (Ordination, Stillbright) to a triumphant conclusion, wrapping up a memorable tale of duplicitous diplomacy, dangerous magic, and stealthy intrigue. With a costly victory at the Battle of Thornhurst behind them, warrior Allystaire Stillbright and his cohort must now bring together a vulnerable host of squabbling baronies before the malevolent Temple of Braech, while the Sea Dragon assembles forces to destroy the newly returned Goddess and her followers. Allystaire strives to bring peace to a chaotic world, feeling a heavy responsibility to not only earn a reputation for moral strength and honor—becoming far more worthy of respect than the ruthless “landless exile” he once was—but also set an example for others. Creating a fighting force devoted to the Goddess, Allystaire and his companions risk everything to defeat Braech and its minions. Ford’s saga of warring faiths draws the reader into a vivid world brimming with fascinating characters: some good, some bad, and some just determined to survive. This sterling conclusion to an impressive fantasy epic will leave readers cheering.