Ever since picking up a copy of Brett’s “The Warded Man” back in 2010, I have loved this series. “The Skull Throne” does not disappoint. I would be lying if I did not say there have been ups and downs with this series. Some of the books are better than others. Brett brought a dose of fresh air to fantasy with “The Warded Man.” In my opinion, the original book is the best in the series. Not because it is written better, because it set-up an intriguing post-apocalyptic story the likes of which I had never read. The characters are well thought out. The magical system Brett introduces his readers is unique to anything I have read.

If you have not read any of the previous novels, then you are about to encounter spoilers. “The Skull Throne” picks up after Arlen and Jardir’s jaw dropping deaths as their battle took them over a cliff in “The Daylight War.” The two-sides are searching for these two “Deliverers.” We find out early in the book what really happened, and if these two former friends but now bitter rivals can work together to save humanity.

While I hate to use the term “soap opera,” this series definitely takes on the tones of a soap. There are ups and downs in this story. We lose some fan favorite characters. One notable character that we have been with for most of the series, but thanks to the “hora” magic, we had foreshadowing of his death. Betrayal and intrigue follow the characters in “The Skull Throne.” With the death of Jardir, much of the intrigue revolves around who will sit the Skull Throne. We cannot forget the importance of Leesha and the secret surrounding who is the father of her child. Then there is Rojer and his growing harem. Can Abban and Inevera work together without Jardir?

This was a worthy sequel, and was definitely a book I found hard to put down.

Note: ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.