Week 12 Reviews: The Battle Drum, The Ending Fire

From Goodreads:

Murder. Secrets. Sacrifice: Three women seek the truth of the empire's past. And the truth they find has the power to ignite a war in the sequel to The Final Strife, the continuation of a visionary fantasy trilogy inspired by Africa and Arabia.

Anoor is the first blue-blooded ruler of the Wardens' Empire. But when she is accused of a murder she didn't commit, her reign is thrown into turmoil. She must solve the mystery and clear her name without the support of her beloved, Sylah.

Sylah braves new lands to find a solution for the hurricane that threatens to destroy her home. But in finding answers, she must make a decision, does she sacrifice her old life in order to raise up her sword once more?

Hassa's web of secrets grows ever thicker as she finds herself on a trail of crimes in the city. Her searching uncovers the extent of the atrocities of the empire's past and present. Now, she must guard both her heart and her land.

The three women find their answers, but they're not the answers they wanted. The drumbeat of change thrums throughout the world.

And it sings a song of war.

Ready we will be, when the Ending Fire comes,

When the Child of fire brings the Battle Drum,

The Battle Drum,

The Battle Drum.

Ready we will be, for war will come.

From Goodreads:

Rebellions are like fires—something needs to burn to make a flame. Return to the Wardens' Empire in this riveting conclusion to the visionary fantasy trilogy inspired by the mythology of Africa and Arabia.

The Wardens' Empire is falling. A vigilante known only as the Truthsayer is raising an army against the wardens. Sylah and Hassa must navigate the politics of this new world, all the while searching for Anoor.

Across the sea, the Blood Forged prepare for war, requesting aid from other governments. Jond's role as major general sees him training soldiers for combat, but matters of the heart will prove to be the hardest battlefield.

The Zalaam celebrate the arrival of the Child of Fire, heralding the start of the final battle. Anoor's doubts are eclipsed by the powers of her new god. Soon the Zalaam will set off on their last voyage—and few expect to return.

Do you feel it? Cresting the horizon? The darkness drawing in, the shadows elongating . . .

The Ending Fire comes.

My Review:
I absolutely loved reading these books! I really enjoyed the first one, and I was so excited to see where the rest of the trilogy would go! I really came to love these characters, and following along on their continued adventure was amazing! 

The first book set up the world, but it also told us how it was lying. I wasn't sure if there weren't going to be more lies hidden that hadn't come to light yet, but I was eager to find out, not to mention to see the results after the truth came out to some.

Loved reading these books, and I can't wait to read more by Saara El-Arifi! 

Author: Saara El-Arifi
Series: The Ending Fire Trilogy #2, 3
Read: March 15th, 16th, 2025
Source: Bought, Ebook.bike 
Reason Why: Love her writing and this series, and they're Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2025 Books, and The Ending Fire is a End of Series 2025 Book! 
Publisher: Del Rey
Published: May 23rd 2023, September 10th 2024

The Battle Drum:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

The Ending Fire:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars