"An epic, all-inclusive humdinger of a start to a new fantasy series set on a world where the colour blood you are born with depends on your standing in society."
A debut that sings, in fact roars with strong vibrant themes, beautiful storytelling, and fabulous characters. Three women sit centre stage as the trials begin to find the next rulers of the Empire, each has different coloured blood and were born to very different roles. This is the first in the The Final Strife series, and Author Saara El-Arifi has created the most compelling world with roots in Ghanian folklore and Arabian myths. A vivid energy crackles into life from the start. The sense of place is immense, I saw, I felt, I believed. The three very different young women who lead in the story, in such different ways, have fascinating characters. The story flows through some thought-provoking topics, from oppression and rebellion through to drug addiction. Love can be found in its many guises including friendship as well as romance. While tyranny rules, this in an inclusive land in terms of relationships and diversity. I would say this is definitely not for younger teens due to content, but is suitable for those heading towards their twenties as well as adults. This first book sets up the continuing story rather wonderfully and I can’t wait to see where we head next. A LoveReading Star Book and Liz Pick of the Month, The Final Strife, so very clever, bold and provocative has set aflame a new world that promises much, highly recommended.
The Empire rules by blood
Red is the blood of the elite, of magic, of control.
Blue is the blood of the poor, of workers, of the resistance.
Clear is the blood of the servants, of the crushed, of the invisible.
The Aktibar - a set of trials held every ten years to find the next Ember rulers of the Empire - is about to begin.
All can join but not just anyone can win; it requires great skill and ingenuity to become the future wardens of Strength, Knowledge, Truth and Duty.
Sylah was destined to win the trials and be crowned Warden of Strength. Stolen by blue-blooded rebels she was raised with a Duster's heart; forged as a weapon to bring down from within the red-blooded Embers' regime of cruelty. But when her adopted family were brutally murdered those dreams of a better future turned to dust.
However, the flame of hope may yet be rekindled because Sylah wasn't made to sparkle, she was born to burn.
And it's up to her whether she rules the empire or destroys it.
The Final Strife features in the following genres: Audiobooks of the Month, Debut Books of the Month, Debuts, Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, Dystopian and utopian fiction, Fantasy, Romance / Relationship Stories, Science Fiction, Sharing Diverse Voices, Epic fantasy / heroic fantasy, Historical fantasy, Dark fantasy, Fantasy romance, Urban fantasy, Narrative theme: Social issues, Narrative theme: Identity / belonging, Relating to LGBTQ+ people, Fiction, Speculative fiction, Fiction: narrative themes, Relating to specific groups and cultures or social and cultural interests, Interest qualifiers, LGBTQ+ Fiction
The Final Strife is available in Paperback, Hardback, Audiobook
The Final Strife was written by Saara El-Arifi and published by HarperVoyager an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
The Final Strife has 480 pages
Yes it is part of The Ending Fire series
£8.99
