The Final Sacrifice

Good ending to a solid series. Obviously, this book shouldn't be read without having read the first two in the series. However, I couldn't remember many of the names, characters, and events from the first two books, so sometimes I struggled with it. I made it through without being overly confused most of the time, so hey, maybe you don't need to read the first two. Is it groundbreaking? No. But it is well written with characters I came to care about and respect. Their This book was entertaining and a pleasure to read. A very good end to a solid series.

Brother Nikos leader of The Learned Brethren arranged for a spell to transfer dying monk Josan's soul into the body of the heir apparent to the Ikarian Empire Prince Lucius. The spell failed when a decade after it was cast, the soul of Lucius returned to his body. Both inhabit the body of the Lucius body and they are both now the emperor. Josan and Lucius may share a body, but they are totally opposite in personalities. The former focuses on just rule of the empire; the latter chooses to ignore responsibility to return to his playboy prince days. Josan concludes the relationship must end with Lucius alone in the body; he starts traveling to Xandropal where the Learned Brethren possess the largest book collection in the Empire. Sendat spy Lady Ysobel knows who he is, but both change their plans when what look like Ikarian ships attack Federation vessels; the assault armada are from Vidrun disguised as Ikarians. Vidrun wants their neighbors at war with each other so they as "neutral" can become the victors. In Ikaria, civil war is imminent as two adversaries want the emperor declared dead. THE FINAL SACRAMENT, the final book in the Ikarian Empire trilogy (see THE SEA CHANGE and THE FIRST BETRAYAL), is a character driven epic that can be read alone. However it behooves newcomers to obtain the previous tales to better understand what led to Josan's current predicament. The action is somewhat limited, as the heart of this entry is Josan a scholar who has become a compassionate ruler caring for his people. Lucius compares unfavorably as he rightfully angry as he lost his body for a decade and now shares what is rightfully his. Josan gives up his goal to right the wrong to Lucius because of a greater need than either of their lives or souls. His willingness to sacrifice himself turns Lady Ysobel from enemy to admirer as she looks at her soul and feels inadequate. Readers who appreciate a deep look at people in charge will relish this entry in a strong saga.