Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Through Ashes and War by R.M. Schultz is the third book in The Forged and The Fallen fantasy series. In book one, the Dragon Queen of Murgare seeks revenge for her murdered king, targeting Nevergrace. Cyran Orendain forms an alliance with the dragon Eidelmere, gaining magic and weapon skills. His sister, Jaslin, discovers a mysterious power to lead their people, and dragon thief Pravon serves a hidden employer with influence on the war's outcome. In book two, Cyran searches for the Queen's remains, facing Murgare's retaliation. Jaslin seeks answers about the murder in Galvenstone while Pravon follows an assassin hunting emissaries to prevent peace, and dark forces gather. Now, Cyran secures his kingdom’s victory in the second Dragon Wars, but darkness looms. The Queen is confined, and his past, the king, dragons, and a newly hatched creature threaten the world. Jaslin seeks to share vital knowledge, while Pravon pursues Cyran as the Cimerenden hordes advance.

R.M. Schultz's Through Ashes and War is a fantastically and intricately created fantasy world that has been built over the past two books, and explodes in this third installment. Schultz continues to build on an abundant magic system, harnessing elements like the neblír, spirits, and threads that are attached to a unique ethereal dimension within the story. This extraordinary backdrop elevates the ongoing conflicts, particularly Cyran’s battles against both physical and magical forces. As a female reader, I appreciate Schultz’s intentional inclusion of deep-seated gender and power, with Jaslin being the standout here as she defies societal expectations and tears down barriers in a world where magic and intellect are often viewed as gendered. And then, of course, there are the dragons! Each has their abilities, ranging from healing rose dragons to storm-breathers, and they are exceptional. Schultz’s writing melds together this and so much more, and gifts us with a gorgeous reading experience. Very highly recommended.