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The Kindom Trilogy #3
This Brutal Moon
The thrilling conclusion to The Kindom Trilogy that began with the Philip K. Dick Award-winning These Burning Stars, the epic space opera novel about revenge, power and the price of legacy.
Violence has erupted across the Treble. The colony that Jun Ironway and Masar Hawks have fought to protect is now woefully compromised, and its people, unwilling to submit to tyranny once more, face a brutal fight for their lives and freedom.
In the midst of upheaval and rebellion, new enemies arise from every corner, including a familiar player who won't let power slip through his fingers again. Not when he has every Kindom Hand under his heel. And whether he will be as bloody minded as his predecessors remains to be seen.
As the quiet ones launch their attack and all hope seems lost, Cleric Chono must turn to unlikely allies to fight a final battle for peace. But one crucial question where is Six?
Five-star reader reviews
I don't think I will ever find the right words to talk about how much I loved this book and overall this series . . . It was so freaking good. The last 30% I did not move from my seat and kept my hand over my mouth, completely freaking riveted' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A brilliant end to a fantastic trilogy' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Flawless. . . It stands as the best quality science fiction ever written, rivalling the works of Ursula Le Guin and James S. A. Corey' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An absolutely fantastic end to one of the best new science fiction series in recent history' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The best ending to a sci-fi series I've seen in a long time' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Final rating? ★★★★★ without hesitation. A must-read for fans of Ann Leckie' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This Brutal Moon is the PERFECT ending to a fantastic trilogy! . . . a WILD ride! From the first page until the last, it keeps you in a choke hold. There were many nights I was up late, just to finish a chapter. PRE-ORDER AND READ THIS BOOK!!!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Violence has erupted across the Treble. The colony that Jun Ironway and Masar Hawks have fought to protect is now woefully compromised, and its people, unwilling to submit to tyranny once more, face a brutal fight for their lives and freedom.
In the midst of upheaval and rebellion, new enemies arise from every corner, including a familiar player who won't let power slip through his fingers again. Not when he has every Kindom Hand under his heel. And whether he will be as bloody minded as his predecessors remains to be seen.
As the quiet ones launch their attack and all hope seems lost, Cleric Chono must turn to unlikely allies to fight a final battle for peace. But one crucial question where is Six?
Five-star reader reviews
I don't think I will ever find the right words to talk about how much I loved this book and overall this series . . . It was so freaking good. The last 30% I did not move from my seat and kept my hand over my mouth, completely freaking riveted' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A brilliant end to a fantastic trilogy' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Flawless. . . It stands as the best quality science fiction ever written, rivalling the works of Ursula Le Guin and James S. A. Corey' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An absolutely fantastic end to one of the best new science fiction series in recent history' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The best ending to a sci-fi series I've seen in a long time' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Final rating? ★★★★★ without hesitation. A must-read for fans of Ann Leckie' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This Brutal Moon is the PERFECT ending to a fantastic trilogy! . . . a WILD ride! From the first page until the last, it keeps you in a choke hold. There were many nights I was up late, just to finish a chapter. PRE-ORDER AND READ THIS BOOK!!!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2025
147 people are currently reading
2297 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 10, 2025
You must read the author’s note at the end.
This is a science fiction that deals with events going on in our current world, but with high tech and in space. Oh, and it’s all fictionalised.
This series makes it clear that there is no one-side to any conflict. That there is no innocent bystander. Awareness and silence are complicity.
Achieving interstellar peace will never be possible because everyone has clashing ideals and cultures. Everyone wants to be on top, even if they don’t want to suppress anyone else.
“Do not love us more than life. Love us more than death!”
This trilogy should be heavy and dark as it is ultimately about genocide. It is both of those things, but it is the characters and their relationships that make this digestible.
This has political intrigue, a unique take on gender and sexuality (think Ann Leckie), and morally grey characters. Not one character is completely good.
Chono’s struggle to accept guilt and seek justice is what drives the development of our own reflections on blame and responsibility.
I think book one remains my favourite, but the author’s note ultimately brought this book to a rounded up four stars.🌟
This is a series that has to be regarded as its whole rather than book by book.
Arc gifted by Orbit.
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This is a science fiction that deals with events going on in our current world, but with high tech and in space. Oh, and it’s all fictionalised.
This series makes it clear that there is no one-side to any conflict. That there is no innocent bystander. Awareness and silence are complicity.
Achieving interstellar peace will never be possible because everyone has clashing ideals and cultures. Everyone wants to be on top, even if they don’t want to suppress anyone else.
“Do not love us more than life. Love us more than death!”
This trilogy should be heavy and dark as it is ultimately about genocide. It is both of those things, but it is the characters and their relationships that make this digestible.
This has political intrigue, a unique take on gender and sexuality (think Ann Leckie), and morally grey characters. Not one character is completely good.
Chono’s struggle to accept guilt and seek justice is what drives the development of our own reflections on blame and responsibility.
I think book one remains my favourite, but the author’s note ultimately brought this book to a rounded up four stars.🌟
This is a series that has to be regarded as its whole rather than book by book.
Arc gifted by Orbit.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
November 17, 2025
3.5 Stars
This was a solid conclusion to this science fiction trilogy. I generally enjoyed the earlier books and found this one on par for that.
As a piece of science fiction, this one was quite accessible. There were some interesting details in the world building but generally this one was easy to understand and likeable.
I would recommend this one to readers who are trying to get into the genre. However you will want to start back at the beginning with These Burning Stars.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This was a solid conclusion to this science fiction trilogy. I generally enjoyed the earlier books and found this one on par for that.
As a piece of science fiction, this one was quite accessible. There were some interesting details in the world building but generally this one was easy to understand and likeable.
I would recommend this one to readers who are trying to get into the genre. However you will want to start back at the beginning with These Burning Stars.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
October 4, 2025
4.5⭐️
I love this series and while I’m sad that my time with these characters is it at its end, it was a satisfying conclusion to one of the best space opera and political scifi trilogies I have read.
My fave of the series is still the first book, but this book was absolutely needed to complete the storyline. And it hit the spot.
The authors note at the end of the book really got me in my feels and made me appreciate the book more. It reminded me why I love science fiction — the reality of today’s oppression and genocide can feel insurmountable like there’s nothing we can do, fighting feels futile and everything feels hopeless. But this book reminded me that we will always strive for a better world.
Thanks to @orbitbooks_us for the complimentary digital review copy 🩵🌙
I love this series and while I’m sad that my time with these characters is it at its end, it was a satisfying conclusion to one of the best space opera and political scifi trilogies I have read.
My fave of the series is still the first book, but this book was absolutely needed to complete the storyline. And it hit the spot.
The authors note at the end of the book really got me in my feels and made me appreciate the book more. It reminded me why I love science fiction — the reality of today’s oppression and genocide can feel insurmountable like there’s nothing we can do, fighting feels futile and everything feels hopeless. But this book reminded me that we will always strive for a better world.
Thanks to @orbitbooks_us for the complimentary digital review copy 🩵🌙
November 19, 2025
This was SUCH a good fucking series.
Though the first half of this book is a lot of lead-up, the second half felt like a rollercoaster. I love feeling genuine fear about what's going to happen to my favorite characters (Liis Konye!!) and having no clue how things are going to shake out. I kind of wished for more Chono and less Drae, but that's just me. I'm not someone who feels compelled to finish a whole series if the first book doesn't grab me, so the fact that I read all three of these basically as soon as I could get my hands on each one really shows you how much they affected me. These books are seriously fantastic.
Though the first half of this book is a lot of lead-up, the second half felt like a rollercoaster. I love feeling genuine fear about what's going to happen to my favorite characters (Liis Konye!!) and having no clue how things are going to shake out. I kind of wished for more Chono and less Drae, but that's just me. I'm not someone who feels compelled to finish a whole series if the first book doesn't grab me, so the fact that I read all three of these basically as soon as I could get my hands on each one really shows you how much they affected me. These books are seriously fantastic.
November 23, 2025
Bringing a long and complex science fiction trilogy down for a landing is such a highwire act, and Jacobs’ long awaited Finale to This Brutal Moon is a very satisfying ending to one of my favorite currently running trilogies, despite some occasional pacing weirdness in certain places.
I don’t want to spoil any of the stellar first two entries in this series, so I’ll keep my plot notes brief and general--we pick up right where we left off with Six and Chono, and once the hits start coming, well in the words of Smash Mouth, they don’t stop coming. If you’ve been enjoying the ride of the Kingdom trilogy so far, I think you’ll also enjoy this one. The first half is a bit of set up, but the back half rolls along quite nicely, until it runs straight into the “Return of the King” problem, where the main conflict is resolved 87% of the way through the 500+ page book and then we get six different endings as Jacobs ties up all the loose ends, which is a pretty minor complaint, all things considered. My only other note is that as a prolific reader of science fiction and a deep familiarity with the tropes involved, I did see most of the twists and plot beats coming a mile away, but if you read less or can turn that part of your brain off, your mileage may vary.
As for those of you who have been living under a rock and haven’t heard about the Kingdom Trilogy--my pitch for the first one is that it’s The Count of Monte Christo, but in space. My other pitch for it is “good, old fashioned space opera” but with the caveat that while in the stylistic mode of old fashioned epic space operas like Starwars, the themes and characters feel very modern. I look forward to seeing what other worlds Jacobs will create.
I received an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
I don’t want to spoil any of the stellar first two entries in this series, so I’ll keep my plot notes brief and general--we pick up right where we left off with Six and Chono, and once the hits start coming, well in the words of Smash Mouth, they don’t stop coming. If you’ve been enjoying the ride of the Kingdom trilogy so far, I think you’ll also enjoy this one. The first half is a bit of set up, but the back half rolls along quite nicely, until it runs straight into the “Return of the King” problem, where the main conflict is resolved 87% of the way through the 500+ page book and then we get six different endings as Jacobs ties up all the loose ends, which is a pretty minor complaint, all things considered. My only other note is that as a prolific reader of science fiction and a deep familiarity with the tropes involved, I did see most of the twists and plot beats coming a mile away, but if you read less or can turn that part of your brain off, your mileage may vary.
As for those of you who have been living under a rock and haven’t heard about the Kingdom Trilogy--my pitch for the first one is that it’s The Count of Monte Christo, but in space. My other pitch for it is “good, old fashioned space opera” but with the caveat that while in the stylistic mode of old fashioned epic space operas like Starwars, the themes and characters feel very modern. I look forward to seeing what other worlds Jacobs will create.
I received an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
November 29, 2025
Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars.
I spent the first two books utterly confused but very much enjoying this intricately woven, politically charged sci-fi. This final book in the trilogy brought everything together in a most satisfying way, and I found it to be a compelling read.
The characters in this series feel so real and flawed but ultimately like they're just trying to do their best.
The world-building is staggering, and I would need to read the whole series again to really appreciate the scope.
The book, and series as a whole, explores real-world issues including genocide, and feels incredibly relevant for the time we find ourselves in.
My favourite book in the trilogy without a doubt.
4.5 stars.
I spent the first two books utterly confused but very much enjoying this intricately woven, politically charged sci-fi. This final book in the trilogy brought everything together in a most satisfying way, and I found it to be a compelling read.
The characters in this series feel so real and flawed but ultimately like they're just trying to do their best.
The world-building is staggering, and I would need to read the whole series again to really appreciate the scope.
The book, and series as a whole, explores real-world issues including genocide, and feels incredibly relevant for the time we find ourselves in.
My favourite book in the trilogy without a doubt.
November 30, 2025
This is probably the best trilogy you're not reading. The Kindom Trilogy is more than a sum of its parts, so while I've rated books 2&3 4 stars, this trilogy is high up in my favourites list.
Effortlessly readable characters who are sometimes good, sometimes monsters, but always page-turning. A plot focussing on the horrors of war, genocide, and systemic injustices. Queer-normative sci-fi setting that reads more like a fantasy plot. The writing does edge a little quipy at points but for the majority, Jacobs deals with the actions and ramifications of her character's actions with the seriousness they deserve.
I will be recommending The Kindom Trilogy a lot moving forward and can't wait to see what comes next from the author!
Effortlessly readable characters who are sometimes good, sometimes monsters, but always page-turning. A plot focussing on the horrors of war, genocide, and systemic injustices. Queer-normative sci-fi setting that reads more like a fantasy plot. The writing does edge a little quipy at points but for the majority, Jacobs deals with the actions and ramifications of her character's actions with the seriousness they deserve.
I will be recommending The Kindom Trilogy a lot moving forward and can't wait to see what comes next from the author!
December 23, 2025
I sighed when I finished this book and not in a good way. I was looking forward to the end of this trilogy and unfortunately it was a disappointment. The pacing felt off and the chapters were muddled.
December 7, 2025
What an awesome conclusion! The fast paced, gripping narrative continues from the first two books but the stakes are even higher. I was on the edge of my seating reading this from start to finish. Final books in series I find really make or break a series for me in how the author handles the big stakes of a massive war but Jacobs managed it beautifully, keeping the focus on the characters and their motivations and not letting them get lost in a plot-heavy story.
Six and Chono have to be two of my favourite ever characters that I’ve read but even this side characters added a lot to the narrative. This is not a book of deep, contemplative character development, but of broken people finding their place and their peace. My one big character gripe is that the villain felt quite one-dimensional with little exploration into their motivations. If that piece had been fleshed out a bit more I think this would’ve been a 5 star read for me.
I also want to comment on how this book grappled with the ‘what comes after’ and the rebuilding of a society after the toppling of a regime. Too many books skip over that or resort to an idealistic solution, but this book takes a very real, hard look at difficult entrenched systems are to upend, the real possibility of how power can corrupt even those with the best of intentions.
Overall a fabulous conclusion to a fabulous trilogy!
Six and Chono have to be two of my favourite ever characters that I’ve read but even this side characters added a lot to the narrative. This is not a book of deep, contemplative character development, but of broken people finding their place and their peace. My one big character gripe is that the villain felt quite one-dimensional with little exploration into their motivations. If that piece had been fleshed out a bit more I think this would’ve been a 5 star read for me.
I also want to comment on how this book grappled with the ‘what comes after’ and the rebuilding of a society after the toppling of a regime. Too many books skip over that or resort to an idealistic solution, but this book takes a very real, hard look at difficult entrenched systems are to upend, the real possibility of how power can corrupt even those with the best of intentions.
Overall a fabulous conclusion to a fabulous trilogy!
December 23, 2025
No surprise that this entire trilogy is a five star series for me.
It’s rare for an epic sci-fi or fantasy book to have me equally compelled by the characters, relationships, and plot but this series sucks you into all of it. In This Brutal Moon specifically, there were so many moments when my stomach swooped at the romance, when my heart went into my throat during the action sequences, I laughed, I teared up. Even though I would die for Chono, Six, and Jun and never wanted to be parted from their povs, I was still moved by the other characters and their perspectives. I don’t want to say goodbye to this world!!
Bethany Jacobs if you’re listening I would absolutely eat up a prequel novel about how Jun and Liis met and fell in love.
It’s rare for an epic sci-fi or fantasy book to have me equally compelled by the characters, relationships, and plot but this series sucks you into all of it. In This Brutal Moon specifically, there were so many moments when my stomach swooped at the romance, when my heart went into my throat during the action sequences, I laughed, I teared up. Even though I would die for Chono, Six, and Jun and never wanted to be parted from their povs, I was still moved by the other characters and their perspectives. I don’t want to say goodbye to this world!!
Bethany Jacobs if you’re listening I would absolutely eat up a prequel novel about how Jun and Liis met and fell in love.
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December 21, 2025Rtc
November 8, 2025
War has broken out across the Kindom. After a violent power grab, rebellions have cropped up all across the Treble to resist the new dictatorship, but they’re too disparate to be effective for long. They need a figurehead, and a reluctant Cleric Chono is the only one who can rally both the First Families and the rebellion faction leaders to a common cause. Meanwhile the security of the secret Jevani safe haven has been breached, and an ultimatum has been issued: Return to slave labor on the mines of the moon or be eradicated. The Jevani will likely be wiped out in one desperate last stand unless hacker Jun Ironway can pull off one last gambit.
THIS BRUTAL MOON delivers a tense finale that avoids putting too neat a bow on the problems of the galaxy. Perhaps the worst thing that can be said about the book is that it doesn’t reach the twisty heights of its predecessors, but that’s understandable for the final book in the series. It’s hard to introduce new surprises when you’re trying to wind a story down. The result is a much more straightforward clash to decide the fate of the Kindom, with a few complications along the way.
Instead, the focus is on the politics of trying to find common ground between the rich elite, the rebellious common people, and the demonized Jevani. They all need to put a stop to the new dictatorship that has arisen, but who will be holding the power when the dust settles? Can the First Families be convinced to give up some of their control? Can the rebels be convinced that completely wiping away the old political structures will cause more chaos than it will fix? And can the entire galaxy be trusted not to turn on the Jevani the first time it would make their lives easier? There’s very little trust between any of the groups, and no one wants to compromise, which causes obvious frustration amongst those trying to address a threat that is bigger than their differences.
This is also a bit of a slower book compared to others, due to the introspective nature of many of the scenes. With a final stand on the horizon, multiple characters are contending with the legacy of their actions. Did they make a difference in the world? And if they did, was it for the better or the worse?
But when they do get to that last stand, there's plenty of tension to be found. The Jevani face overwhelming odds, and even if they pull off a victory, the losses will be devastating. All they can hope for is to slow down their attacks long enough so that at least some survive. Throughout the finale, we get quick snippets as war rages literally across the galaxy. To me, it meant some of the scenes packed a powerful punch in their brevity, while others left me wishing I'd gotten to see more of the events playing out.
In short, THIS BRUTAL MOON may be racing towards an end, but it's also acknowledging that there are plenty of questions that have no perfect answers. As one character points out, there is no way to guarantee a system free of corruption. There will always be bad actors and prejudices to contend with. All we can do is try to move things forward for the better and hope it sticks.
Note: I was provided a free ARC by the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
THIS BRUTAL MOON delivers a tense finale that avoids putting too neat a bow on the problems of the galaxy. Perhaps the worst thing that can be said about the book is that it doesn’t reach the twisty heights of its predecessors, but that’s understandable for the final book in the series. It’s hard to introduce new surprises when you’re trying to wind a story down. The result is a much more straightforward clash to decide the fate of the Kindom, with a few complications along the way.
Instead, the focus is on the politics of trying to find common ground between the rich elite, the rebellious common people, and the demonized Jevani. They all need to put a stop to the new dictatorship that has arisen, but who will be holding the power when the dust settles? Can the First Families be convinced to give up some of their control? Can the rebels be convinced that completely wiping away the old political structures will cause more chaos than it will fix? And can the entire galaxy be trusted not to turn on the Jevani the first time it would make their lives easier? There’s very little trust between any of the groups, and no one wants to compromise, which causes obvious frustration amongst those trying to address a threat that is bigger than their differences.
This is also a bit of a slower book compared to others, due to the introspective nature of many of the scenes. With a final stand on the horizon, multiple characters are contending with the legacy of their actions. Did they make a difference in the world? And if they did, was it for the better or the worse?
But when they do get to that last stand, there's plenty of tension to be found. The Jevani face overwhelming odds, and even if they pull off a victory, the losses will be devastating. All they can hope for is to slow down their attacks long enough so that at least some survive. Throughout the finale, we get quick snippets as war rages literally across the galaxy. To me, it meant some of the scenes packed a powerful punch in their brevity, while others left me wishing I'd gotten to see more of the events playing out.
In short, THIS BRUTAL MOON may be racing towards an end, but it's also acknowledging that there are plenty of questions that have no perfect answers. As one character points out, there is no way to guarantee a system free of corruption. There will always be bad actors and prejudices to contend with. All we can do is try to move things forward for the better and hope it sticks.
Note: I was provided a free ARC by the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
December 9, 2025
this final installment is more straightforward but just as thoughtful and clever as its predecessors. In wrapping up this trilogy, Jacobs has to tackle difficult questions around how does a revolution end/when is a revolution over? how do you realistically replace a corrupt government? how do you (can you?) keep it from becoming corrupt again? I think people's mileage on how well these are addressed will vary, but I found this to be a very satisfying end.
Also, how lucky are we to have such a smart scifi series that also has an abundance of nuanced, complicated female and nonbinary characters? They're smart, savvy, beautiful, powerful, corrupt, childish, righteous, and morally grey. From Chono and Six, to Esek, Liis, Jun, Effegen, Ujan, and Riiniana, what a range of well developed and complex characters.
Also, how lucky are we to have such a smart scifi series that also has an abundance of nuanced, complicated female and nonbinary characters? They're smart, savvy, beautiful, powerful, corrupt, childish, righteous, and morally grey. From Chono and Six, to Esek, Liis, Jun, Effegen, Ujan, and Riiniana, what a range of well developed and complex characters.
November 29, 2025
Galley provided by publisher
Actual rating 4.5
I don't have a great deal to say about This Brutal Moon that I haven't said about the previous two books. I loved diving back into this world, with the characters again, and I could read any number of books about the Kindom if Bethany Jacobs were to write them. I think the only reason this one is a (rounded from 4.5) 4 stars is because I couldn't read it immediately after the second book. There was a little acclimatising period where I remembered everything I had forgotten, and, honestly, all of the good twists which elevated those books to 5 stars had kind of been used up. That's not to say this wasn't good - some of the best of it, for example, was Six pitted against Seti and Riiniana, though it didn't last long enough for me. It just very much feels like an extension of book two at times, so I'm sure when I inevitably reread the series, I'll come back and change my rating.
Actual rating 4.5
I don't have a great deal to say about This Brutal Moon that I haven't said about the previous two books. I loved diving back into this world, with the characters again, and I could read any number of books about the Kindom if Bethany Jacobs were to write them. I think the only reason this one is a (rounded from 4.5) 4 stars is because I couldn't read it immediately after the second book. There was a little acclimatising period where I remembered everything I had forgotten, and, honestly, all of the good twists which elevated those books to 5 stars had kind of been used up. That's not to say this wasn't good - some of the best of it, for example, was Six pitted against Seti and Riiniana, though it didn't last long enough for me. It just very much feels like an extension of book two at times, so I'm sure when I inevitably reread the series, I'll come back and change my rating.
December 3, 2025
INCREDIBLE finish to this epic series!
I wasn't sure it could be done, but Bethany Jacobs wrapped up the various plots of this space opera in a hugely satisfying way! Sometimes scenes played out like a movie in my mind, and I'm not typically a reader who can do that. The descriptions and characterizations were that good.
Chono really came into her own, and the political machination throughout was so well-done. And Six! Oh my heart. Bethany Jacobs' writing made me savor this story, and even after hundreds of pages, I didn't want to let these characters go.
Absolutely read the author's note at the end.
Thanks to Orbit and NetGalley for this eARC.
I wasn't sure it could be done, but Bethany Jacobs wrapped up the various plots of this space opera in a hugely satisfying way! Sometimes scenes played out like a movie in my mind, and I'm not typically a reader who can do that. The descriptions and characterizations were that good.
Chono really came into her own, and the political machination throughout was so well-done. And Six! Oh my heart. Bethany Jacobs' writing made me savor this story, and even after hundreds of pages, I didn't want to let these characters go.
Absolutely read the author's note at the end.
Thanks to Orbit and NetGalley for this eARC.
December 22, 2025
4.75⭐️
This series deserves sooo much more hype. This final installment picks up immediately after the end of book 2 and it genuinely feels like you are jumping right into the fast lane. The political maneuvering, the character relationships, the plot stress that doesn’t let go… I could go on and on about the excellent elements of this book. Suffice it to say, this trilogy is a standout of science fiction for me, and the conclusion was so incredibly satisfying.
This series deserves sooo much more hype. This final installment picks up immediately after the end of book 2 and it genuinely feels like you are jumping right into the fast lane. The political maneuvering, the character relationships, the plot stress that doesn’t let go… I could go on and on about the excellent elements of this book. Suffice it to say, this trilogy is a standout of science fiction for me, and the conclusion was so incredibly satisfying.
November 18, 2025
A satisfying conclusion to the Kindom Trilogy! The entire series is great :)
December 16, 2025
4.25⭐
"For her own sake, she hoped nothing, except that she could stay awake a little longer. To help, she thought of Haishik, those eyes warm and crinkled with laugh lines at the corners. She thought of Kati, and hoped he was playing somewhere and stretching his fast, fantastic mind to its limits. She thought of her twins as they were born, one after the other, wrinkled wet screaming things, their bodies placed together on her breast where she lay sweat-soaked and bloodied, laughing and sobbing. She thought of her youngest. The last one. 'Oh,' she whispered, picturing them. 'Oh...' There were voices around her, urgent. There were people leaning in and she saw the flash of panicked faces. She closed her eyes. 'By Sajeven's own mercy,' she thought, 'I bless you. May your life have joy. May your death have purpose. More than mine, more than mine.' A voice that was not a voice in the ship said, 'All death is a return.' And Drae's eyes flew open. The voice was true. The voice was answering! She filled with wonder to have heard it, at last, after all this time. She could have laughed. She could have sung. She called out to her children, and her children's children, and all the children in the dark. 'Listen,' she said. 'Listen.' And she was sure they heard it, too."
------------------------------------------------------------
Why do I want to cry, oh my god. This was a MUCH better ending to a series than some of the ones I've read recently, thank GOD. It was still a finale book, though, which, as I've said before, is just bound to always be my least favorite in a series. But this was still soooooo good.
I think my only real qualms with this were the fact that I couldn't keep track of the added characters AT ALL (there were way too many new people that I just didn't care enough about to learn fully and that definitely hurt my ability to understand some of the chapters more focused on political conversations) and the fact that, indeed, a lot of this book was politics and war based because, once again, it's a finale book. The second problem is purely a me problem with final books in fantasy/sci-fi series; of course this book needed to be more focused on the politics and war aspect of the story. However, I always find myself much more spaced out when reading these parts and find it difficult to keep myself focused, so it does hurt my general reading experience regardless.
Otherwise, though, all of the things I loved about the first two books transfer over to this one, THIS SERIES IS SO GOOD! The characters are great, the ships are great (Six and Chono make me SICK, I love them), the plot is great, the social commentary is great. I really appreciated Bethany Jacob's author's note at the end of the book as I feel like it was EXTREMELY important for her to write that considering the themes of genocide in this series. I'm also happy to say that I'm happy with where all of the characters ended up. Sure, there were no huge risks taken, but, honestly, it's a breath of fresh air to not come out of the ending of a series feeling incredibly depressed about it and like I can't fully enjoy the rest of the series anymore. Thank you Bethany Jacobs for that 🙏
As always, I'm disappointed that this series STILL hasn't blown up. EVERYONE SHOULD BE READING THIS! I'll be annoying about this series forever.
------------------------------------------------------------
Bonus quotes (spoilers throughout!) 🌟
"She's not known for tact. She's not known for anything but her mind, which dares to be intelligent and oblivious at the same time."
"'When she came to Principes, she put a curse on me. I feel that the curse extended to you... like an oil spill, spreading out. This person that you are, who kills from necessity but does not want it---I feel that it would never have happened, if not for Esek's curse. And I am sorry. I am so sorry, Chono. I have loved you since we were children, and I would give back every plot and every trophy to spare you what has happened.'"
"'I had a dream,' Chono whispers. 'I've had it more than once.' Six tilts their head a little. 'Tell me.' 'In the dream, you're standing on an edge. You say you've been chasing me your whole life. Except not I think maybe I was the one saying that to you. Then, in the dream, you jump off the edge.' Six's expression cloisters. Chono's throat aches. 'I know that from here on out, you'll want to protect me, even at the cost of yourself. I know I can't change that, but Six, please' ---she swallows--- 'please... don't jump without me.' She sees something in their face that she never saw in Esek's---a softening. A deep, yearning love. Six nods. 'All right.'"
"Six feels that rarest of emotions: shame. Only Chono could do this to them. 'Pathetic,' Esek says. 'Bewitched.' 'Yes,' Six thinks. 'I am bewitched by her. But better her than you.'"
"'Ujan's eyes burn. 'Is this your game? Appeal to our similarity? Both our mentors are dead, so now we have something in common? Your lover is dead, so you know what it's like to hate now?' ... 'We're not the same, Sa Redcore. I don't need to have something in common with a person to try to understand them.'"
"It's unbearable, to feel this much regret, to feel time move you relentlessly forward and away from the moment when you could have changed everything."
"She had looked up at the gods and felt frightened by their stone faces, their watchfulness. But even as a child, she was devoted to the Godfire, and she thought to herself, 'If the gods dislike me, the Godfire will protect me.' What a strange thought to have had, as a child."
"'You could have any face in the Treble, and I would know you.'"
"'I have loved you all my life,' they whisper. She goes to them. This time Six is the one to cradle her face in their hands. She grips the shoulders of their tunic, exhaling roughly. 'And I you. Always. My dear, dear friend...'"
"For her own sake, she hoped nothing, except that she could stay awake a little longer. To help, she thought of Haishik, those eyes warm and crinkled with laugh lines at the corners. She thought of Kati, and hoped he was playing somewhere and stretching his fast, fantastic mind to its limits. She thought of her twins as they were born, one after the other, wrinkled wet screaming things, their bodies placed together on her breast where she lay sweat-soaked and bloodied, laughing and sobbing. She thought of her youngest. The last one. 'Oh,' she whispered, picturing them. 'Oh...' There were voices around her, urgent. There were people leaning in and she saw the flash of panicked faces. She closed her eyes. 'By Sajeven's own mercy,' she thought, 'I bless you. May your life have joy. May your death have purpose. More than mine, more than mine.' A voice that was not a voice in the ship said, 'All death is a return.' And Drae's eyes flew open. The voice was true. The voice was answering! She filled with wonder to have heard it, at last, after all this time. She could have laughed. She could have sung. She called out to her children, and her children's children, and all the children in the dark. 'Listen,' she said. 'Listen.' And she was sure they heard it, too."
------------------------------------------------------------
Why do I want to cry, oh my god. This was a MUCH better ending to a series than some of the ones I've read recently, thank GOD. It was still a finale book, though, which, as I've said before, is just bound to always be my least favorite in a series. But this was still soooooo good.
I think my only real qualms with this were the fact that I couldn't keep track of the added characters AT ALL (there were way too many new people that I just didn't care enough about to learn fully and that definitely hurt my ability to understand some of the chapters more focused on political conversations) and the fact that, indeed, a lot of this book was politics and war based because, once again, it's a finale book. The second problem is purely a me problem with final books in fantasy/sci-fi series; of course this book needed to be more focused on the politics and war aspect of the story. However, I always find myself much more spaced out when reading these parts and find it difficult to keep myself focused, so it does hurt my general reading experience regardless.
Otherwise, though, all of the things I loved about the first two books transfer over to this one, THIS SERIES IS SO GOOD! The characters are great, the ships are great (Six and Chono make me SICK, I love them), the plot is great, the social commentary is great. I really appreciated Bethany Jacob's author's note at the end of the book as I feel like it was EXTREMELY important for her to write that considering the themes of genocide in this series. I'm also happy to say that I'm happy with where all of the characters ended up. Sure, there were no huge risks taken, but, honestly, it's a breath of fresh air to not come out of the ending of a series feeling incredibly depressed about it and like I can't fully enjoy the rest of the series anymore. Thank you Bethany Jacobs for that 🙏
As always, I'm disappointed that this series STILL hasn't blown up. EVERYONE SHOULD BE READING THIS! I'll be annoying about this series forever.
------------------------------------------------------------
Bonus quotes (spoilers throughout!) 🌟
"She's not known for tact. She's not known for anything but her mind, which dares to be intelligent and oblivious at the same time."
"'When she came to Principes, she put a curse on me. I feel that the curse extended to you... like an oil spill, spreading out. This person that you are, who kills from necessity but does not want it---I feel that it would never have happened, if not for Esek's curse. And I am sorry. I am so sorry, Chono. I have loved you since we were children, and I would give back every plot and every trophy to spare you what has happened.'"
"'I had a dream,' Chono whispers. 'I've had it more than once.' Six tilts their head a little. 'Tell me.' 'In the dream, you're standing on an edge. You say you've been chasing me your whole life. Except not I think maybe I was the one saying that to you. Then, in the dream, you jump off the edge.' Six's expression cloisters. Chono's throat aches. 'I know that from here on out, you'll want to protect me, even at the cost of yourself. I know I can't change that, but Six, please' ---she swallows--- 'please... don't jump without me.' She sees something in their face that she never saw in Esek's---a softening. A deep, yearning love. Six nods. 'All right.'"
"Six feels that rarest of emotions: shame. Only Chono could do this to them. 'Pathetic,' Esek says. 'Bewitched.' 'Yes,' Six thinks. 'I am bewitched by her. But better her than you.'"
"'Ujan's eyes burn. 'Is this your game? Appeal to our similarity? Both our mentors are dead, so now we have something in common? Your lover is dead, so you know what it's like to hate now?' ... 'We're not the same, Sa Redcore. I don't need to have something in common with a person to try to understand them.'"
"It's unbearable, to feel this much regret, to feel time move you relentlessly forward and away from the moment when you could have changed everything."
"She had looked up at the gods and felt frightened by their stone faces, their watchfulness. But even as a child, she was devoted to the Godfire, and she thought to herself, 'If the gods dislike me, the Godfire will protect me.' What a strange thought to have had, as a child."
"'You could have any face in the Treble, and I would know you.'"
"'I have loved you all my life,' they whisper. She goes to them. This time Six is the one to cradle her face in their hands. She grips the shoulders of their tunic, exhaling roughly. 'And I you. Always. My dear, dear friend...'"
November 26, 2025
God, where do I even start with this book?
It's been a very long time since I read a trilogy that has such a strong ending. Bethany Jacobs wields such skill in so many different areas of storytelling. Some of the best action writing I've read for sure. There were a few chapters before the beginning of the climax that were so tense I caught myself not breathing. War and violence is so realistically and brutally portrayed and the loss these characters feel comes through in such an intense way.
Which brings me to the characters. There are so many players in this story and all of them feel so realistic with their own flaws and motivations. I can imagine every single one of them living their own lives outside the plot of this book and that takes tremendous skill to pull off, in my opinion.
It was fascinating to read Drae sen Briit's POV in the flashbacks. All the players in the quorum were so distinct and the conflict between them so complex. Ujan was so unlikable and on the verge of beyond saving but her character was given enough compassion and complexity that you could see exactly why she is the way she is. Something about her teenage-like rage felt so heartbreakingly relatable. And the effect of her actions on her family actually added so much more depth to their relationships. It actually made me like Jun a lot more. That's always been the one character that annoyed me in this series but in this book she started to really grow on me. Riiniana was another fascinating new player and yeah she's evil but she's also so much more than that and once again, the complexity with which these characters are written blows my mind every time.
And then, of course, Chono and Six :,) Chono's character occasionally teetered on holier-than-though righteousness but it never actually tipped over and that's such a precarious balance to keep up. And Six, as always, giving me emotional heart attacks. Six and Chono's relationship here had such an intense emotional payoff (I have chapter 21 bookmarked for when I want to Feel Something) that I had to put down the book and sit in silence staring at the wall for like an hour.
It took me a while to finish this book because of moments like that, needing to pause reading for a day or two to Process TM. Also because I wanted to take my time with it since I was sad it was ending and I would have to say goodbye to the characters and this world.
I genuinely love the way the book ended, however. It felt less like an end and more like an open door you could look through to watch the story of these people continue on without you.
This is a very messy review unfortunately but with books that emotionally affect me this much it's often hard for me to write something comprehensible so this will have to do.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this eARC.
It's been a very long time since I read a trilogy that has such a strong ending. Bethany Jacobs wields such skill in so many different areas of storytelling. Some of the best action writing I've read for sure. There were a few chapters before the beginning of the climax that were so tense I caught myself not breathing. War and violence is so realistically and brutally portrayed and the loss these characters feel comes through in such an intense way.
Which brings me to the characters. There are so many players in this story and all of them feel so realistic with their own flaws and motivations. I can imagine every single one of them living their own lives outside the plot of this book and that takes tremendous skill to pull off, in my opinion.
It was fascinating to read Drae sen Briit's POV in the flashbacks. All the players in the quorum were so distinct and the conflict between them so complex. Ujan was so unlikable and on the verge of beyond saving but her character was given enough compassion and complexity that you could see exactly why she is the way she is. Something about her teenage-like rage felt so heartbreakingly relatable. And the effect of her actions on her family actually added so much more depth to their relationships. It actually made me like Jun a lot more. That's always been the one character that annoyed me in this series but in this book she started to really grow on me. Riiniana was another fascinating new player and yeah she's evil but she's also so much more than that and once again, the complexity with which these characters are written blows my mind every time.
And then, of course, Chono and Six :,) Chono's character occasionally teetered on holier-than-though righteousness but it never actually tipped over and that's such a precarious balance to keep up. And Six, as always, giving me emotional heart attacks. Six and Chono's relationship here had such an intense emotional payoff (I have chapter 21 bookmarked for when I want to Feel Something) that I had to put down the book and sit in silence staring at the wall for like an hour.
It took me a while to finish this book because of moments like that, needing to pause reading for a day or two to Process TM. Also because I wanted to take my time with it since I was sad it was ending and I would have to say goodbye to the characters and this world.
I genuinely love the way the book ended, however. It felt less like an end and more like an open door you could look through to watch the story of these people continue on without you.
This is a very messy review unfortunately but with books that emotionally affect me this much it's often hard for me to write something comprehensible so this will have to do.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this eARC.
December 20, 2025
4.25 Stars
This was a great ending to a fantastic sci-fi series. The politics were multilayered, the battles were intense, and the characters all had interesting arcs. There are a lot of really unique ideas that this series brings to the genre, and if you're looking for a new space opera to pick up, this might be worth your time.
That said, there is something I can't quite put my finger on that keeps it from being a five-star read. I found some characters far more compelling than others, and I don't feel like I ever truly connected with the world-building at large. I had to force myself to read at some points, since I didn't really crave picking it up, and I am unsure of how much staying power the story will have in my thoughts.
Despite these doubts, once I got reading, I absolutely flew through the chapters. I'd feel a slight sense of disappointment when we got to certain POVs, but then I'd get sucked in to their story and be perfectly fine with where it went.
This was a great ending to a fantastic sci-fi series. The politics were multilayered, the battles were intense, and the characters all had interesting arcs. There are a lot of really unique ideas that this series brings to the genre, and if you're looking for a new space opera to pick up, this might be worth your time.
That said, there is something I can't quite put my finger on that keeps it from being a five-star read. I found some characters far more compelling than others, and I don't feel like I ever truly connected with the world-building at large. I had to force myself to read at some points, since I didn't really crave picking it up, and I am unsure of how much staying power the story will have in my thoughts.
Despite these doubts, once I got reading, I absolutely flew through the chapters. I'd feel a slight sense of disappointment when we got to certain POVs, but then I'd get sucked in to their story and be perfectly fine with where it went.
December 24, 2025
A very good end to one of the best space opera trilogies of the past few years. If it lacks a little of the narrative power and focus of the previous two books, it makes up for it with a realistic but never cynical look at the politics of oppression and murder, and how they can be, at least for a while, overcome.
December 10, 2025
A great conclusion to a fantastic series!
Full RTC
Full RTC
December 15, 2025
ah yes, another sapphic sci-fi that broke my heart. 5 stars. no notes.
Want to read
September 3, 2025Oh man, Six is lost again 🙃
November 10, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book to review.
This Brutal Moon is the final book in The Kindom Trilogy, a space opera series filled with commentary on colonialism, genocide, and political and religious institutes. Throughout this story we have followed our main trio of characters, Cleric Chono, Jun Ironway, and the mysterious Six, as well as their allies, as they try to tackle the tyranny of the Hands of the Kindom, save the Jeveni people from inequality and slavery, and battle with their own desires for revenge on different parties.
Going into this book I was cautious with how it would hold up to expectations, especially after the fantastic twist from the first book that elevated the series as a whole for me. While the second didn’t quite reach the heights of the first book in my opinion, I was eager to see how the trilogy would be wrapped up, and whether Jacobs would be able to handle the subject matter that is so culturally relevant to our current climate. With the book opening up with a historical figure, promising insight into how our story of genocide was first brought about, I felt far more comfortable in my expectations. I do think this book shined with it’s depiction of the Jeveni people and their struggle. There were certain lines halfway through the book, where their fight was starting to feel hopeless, that left me teary. I was surprised by a chapter late into the book as I didn’t believe Jacobs would actually depict a certain part of their history, but I’m really glad she did. Having seen plenty images and videos online of the Palestinian genocide we have been witnessing for the past two years, it is difficult not to see the similarities in the writing. It can be gut wrenching to read, when facing a real world counterpart, but I think it’s also important to bring any awareness to these issues, even in fiction. Jacobs’ author’s note at the end is also particularly harrowing following the book, but ultimately I feel it, as well as the story itself, is hopeful. Hopeful for change, for the good and heart of the people, and a reminder that we must keep constantly working to not allow these powers to strangle us out of our humanity.
One of my only shortcomings with this book came in the form of our POV’s. Having had three point of views in the first book, which grew in the second, I was somewhat annoyed to see that we had even more coming within this final book. I was already attached to our original characters, I wanted to see more of them, and so finding we were looking through more sets of eyes felt almost aggravating when we were so close to the end. However, I had to eat my own words as the story went on, because I could not say how these parts of the book could possibly be depicted through the characters we already knew. It’s a testament to Jacobs’ writing that despite my own grievances with that writing choice, I found myself swallowed up by the writing. Even late into the book with a handful of single chapters for certain characters, it just felt right that we would see it from their eyes. It was captivating. For the majority of the second half of the book we also find ourselves in a constant flow of switching between action moments as the fight for survival comes to it’s climax. It’s stressful to read as we worry for the outcome of so many characters, and we switch away too quickly before we get our answer. It creates want to keep going, to see your favourite character again, and to finally see the plan unfold that we as the reader are kept in the dark on. From the first book in this trilogy I have been impressed with Jacobs’ action packed writing, taking many of my favourite chapters with it, and so I was thrilled that the back half of this book could keep us on our feet while never once lingering too long to feel a drag.
Of course, I could not review this book without looking to the characters themselves. From the first book I was enthralled by the characters of Six and Chono, and they stayed as my favourites throughout the entire series. We go on a whirlwind ride with them throughout this final chapter of their story. Six especially has a clutch over my heart, their witty humour and vicious tendencies such an interesting combination to read within their character. This book dives deep into themes of their bodily autonomy and their lack of identity with their kin people, both very interesting angles for this character that still has me feeling sorrow for them. I hurt for Six in so many ways, and I feel even at the end of this series there are so many threads we can pull on that character. Chono as well is forced to struggle with what she wants and what she must do for the duty of her people. Though she longs to search for Six who she was separated from at the end of the last book, she acknowledges that she must play her role within the rebellion against the Brutal Hand and the institution she has been a part of since she was a child. Chono constantly has to make difficult decisions, including trying to work with people she has personal grievances with as well as clashing with on moral ideals. How can she possibly save the Treble when so many parties are searching for different outcomes? We are blessed with seeing Chono from the perspective of other characters within this book, witnessing her, quiet and terrible, as she struggles with being pulled in multiple directions. I find Chono and Six to be the most interesting of characters in this story, and their relationship which cannot be named being a central focus that is held over their heads throughout the book. It leads to the most entertaining parts of the writing for me, which doesn’t stop until the very end of the book. The rest of the cast in this book are also highlights, such as Jun Ironway, Liis Konye, Effegen ten Crost, Drae sen Briit, as well Esek Nightfoot being her terrible self. I cannot get enough of these characters, and would love nothing more than to read another trilogy of them all.
What else is there to say, other than that the ending of this book has devastated me. It will live with me for a long time coming, left with the hopeful tones of working for a better world, and for building better versions of ourselves. It has felt like I have lived ten thousand lifetimes reading through these books, and seeing how these characters began versus how they have ended is a wound too fresh to move on from. I’m not sure I will ever emotionally recover from what Jacobs has put me through, but is that not the best sign of how stories can affect us?
This Brutal Moon is the final book in The Kindom Trilogy, a space opera series filled with commentary on colonialism, genocide, and political and religious institutes. Throughout this story we have followed our main trio of characters, Cleric Chono, Jun Ironway, and the mysterious Six, as well as their allies, as they try to tackle the tyranny of the Hands of the Kindom, save the Jeveni people from inequality and slavery, and battle with their own desires for revenge on different parties.
Going into this book I was cautious with how it would hold up to expectations, especially after the fantastic twist from the first book that elevated the series as a whole for me. While the second didn’t quite reach the heights of the first book in my opinion, I was eager to see how the trilogy would be wrapped up, and whether Jacobs would be able to handle the subject matter that is so culturally relevant to our current climate. With the book opening up with a historical figure, promising insight into how our story of genocide was first brought about, I felt far more comfortable in my expectations. I do think this book shined with it’s depiction of the Jeveni people and their struggle. There were certain lines halfway through the book, where their fight was starting to feel hopeless, that left me teary. I was surprised by a chapter late into the book as I didn’t believe Jacobs would actually depict a certain part of their history, but I’m really glad she did. Having seen plenty images and videos online of the Palestinian genocide we have been witnessing for the past two years, it is difficult not to see the similarities in the writing. It can be gut wrenching to read, when facing a real world counterpart, but I think it’s also important to bring any awareness to these issues, even in fiction. Jacobs’ author’s note at the end is also particularly harrowing following the book, but ultimately I feel it, as well as the story itself, is hopeful. Hopeful for change, for the good and heart of the people, and a reminder that we must keep constantly working to not allow these powers to strangle us out of our humanity.
One of my only shortcomings with this book came in the form of our POV’s. Having had three point of views in the first book, which grew in the second, I was somewhat annoyed to see that we had even more coming within this final book. I was already attached to our original characters, I wanted to see more of them, and so finding we were looking through more sets of eyes felt almost aggravating when we were so close to the end. However, I had to eat my own words as the story went on, because I could not say how these parts of the book could possibly be depicted through the characters we already knew. It’s a testament to Jacobs’ writing that despite my own grievances with that writing choice, I found myself swallowed up by the writing. Even late into the book with a handful of single chapters for certain characters, it just felt right that we would see it from their eyes. It was captivating. For the majority of the second half of the book we also find ourselves in a constant flow of switching between action moments as the fight for survival comes to it’s climax. It’s stressful to read as we worry for the outcome of so many characters, and we switch away too quickly before we get our answer. It creates want to keep going, to see your favourite character again, and to finally see the plan unfold that we as the reader are kept in the dark on. From the first book in this trilogy I have been impressed with Jacobs’ action packed writing, taking many of my favourite chapters with it, and so I was thrilled that the back half of this book could keep us on our feet while never once lingering too long to feel a drag.
Of course, I could not review this book without looking to the characters themselves. From the first book I was enthralled by the characters of Six and Chono, and they stayed as my favourites throughout the entire series. We go on a whirlwind ride with them throughout this final chapter of their story. Six especially has a clutch over my heart, their witty humour and vicious tendencies such an interesting combination to read within their character. This book dives deep into themes of their bodily autonomy and their lack of identity with their kin people, both very interesting angles for this character that still has me feeling sorrow for them. I hurt for Six in so many ways, and I feel even at the end of this series there are so many threads we can pull on that character. Chono as well is forced to struggle with what she wants and what she must do for the duty of her people. Though she longs to search for Six who she was separated from at the end of the last book, she acknowledges that she must play her role within the rebellion against the Brutal Hand and the institution she has been a part of since she was a child. Chono constantly has to make difficult decisions, including trying to work with people she has personal grievances with as well as clashing with on moral ideals. How can she possibly save the Treble when so many parties are searching for different outcomes? We are blessed with seeing Chono from the perspective of other characters within this book, witnessing her, quiet and terrible, as she struggles with being pulled in multiple directions. I find Chono and Six to be the most interesting of characters in this story, and their relationship which cannot be named being a central focus that is held over their heads throughout the book. It leads to the most entertaining parts of the writing for me, which doesn’t stop until the very end of the book. The rest of the cast in this book are also highlights, such as Jun Ironway, Liis Konye, Effegen ten Crost, Drae sen Briit, as well Esek Nightfoot being her terrible self. I cannot get enough of these characters, and would love nothing more than to read another trilogy of them all.
What else is there to say, other than that the ending of this book has devastated me. It will live with me for a long time coming, left with the hopeful tones of working for a better world, and for building better versions of ourselves. It has felt like I have lived ten thousand lifetimes reading through these books, and seeing how these characters began versus how they have ended is a wound too fresh to move on from. I’m not sure I will ever emotionally recover from what Jacobs has put me through, but is that not the best sign of how stories can affect us?
November 16, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
The final battle for the fate of the Jeveni against the might of the brutal, ruthless Kindom is here, and I think I will let the Star Effegen give the opening remarks for the theme of this fitting and beautiful end to the trilogy:
Because that's the theme of this novel and the trilogy as a whole--that movements and societies and governments can only be changed through collective effort, not through just lone wolf action.
as the former River of the Jeveni put it:
You see it with all the characters banding together to fight and plot against the Kindom, and none moreso can you see this development than in Jun, who in book 1 was such a lone wolf, and has truly blossomed in this novel and gets one of the best scenes ever here.
The novel grapples with the idea of genocide and what response should be taken against that.
Definitely read the author's note at the end of the novel to get more of her thoughts on that and what she was trying to do here, but I think it came across very well.
But let's back up and get into the characters and where they are: there are way more POV's this novel than in any other of the trilogy, but they all provide key insights, so I found them quite illuminating. A special one is that of Drae sen Briit, Six's erstwhile Jeveni ancestor. Her flashbacks show a hard woman, devoted to the Jeveni people, and all that entails, while also ultimately setting up for the endgame of the novel itself:
Duty vs. love is also a major theme of this novel, maybe even more so than in the previous books, with Effegen struggling with her role as Star vs protecting the people she loves.
Effegen, Bene, and Masar are still here with their complicated relationship, especially after Bene's betrayal in the last book, and they pull at the heart strings, but of course, for me the heart of the novel is Six and Chono.
A major thing that I really appreciated about this novel was the fact that it acknowledges that it's not like you can just take out one bad guy, and the entire system changes; it requires systematic changes and constant upkeep.
As Liis so wisely puts it:
So, I do think this is the best ending to a scifi series I've seen in a long time. I heavily recommend everyone read both this book and the series as a whole!
OUR HOME SHALL BE OUR SANCTUARY. AND OUR WEAPON.
The final battle for the fate of the Jeveni against the might of the brutal, ruthless Kindom is here, and I think I will let the Star Effegen give the opening remarks for the theme of this fitting and beautiful end to the trilogy:
"To all the people of Farren Eyce. If you have come to fight, I bless you. If you are sheltering from harm, I bless you. If you are afraid, I bless you. If you are Jeveni, I bless you, and if you are not Jeveni, nor are you a stranger, and I bless you. Across the Treble, brave saan are risking their lives to topple a tyrant. We are among mighty company, and we are the ones who have survived everything, who will survive anything, even this. I swear to you, whatever happens, I will not leave you. I will stand by you. You are my kin."
Because that's the theme of this novel and the trilogy as a whole--that movements and societies and governments can only be changed through collective effort, not through just lone wolf action.
as the former River of the Jeveni put it:
"It's that self-interest that makes them weak. But we--our glory is in each other. That's why the Jeveni will always survive. That's why our office, yours and mine, is holy."
You see it with all the characters banding together to fight and plot against the Kindom, and none moreso can you see this development than in Jun, who in book 1 was such a lone wolf, and has truly blossomed in this novel and gets one of the best scenes ever here.
The novel grapples with the idea of genocide and what response should be taken against that.
The point was to kill what it means to be Jeveni, to kill everything the Jeveni are. Seti Kess will do the same. He won't let them have isolationist villages. He won't let them worship their goddess or speak their language. He won't give them a moon to themselves. They will be like that meeting hut, their very identities burned alive.
"I can't surrender," she whispers.
Definitely read the author's note at the end of the novel to get more of her thoughts on that and what she was trying to do here, but I think it came across very well.
But let's back up and get into the characters and where they are: there are way more POV's this novel than in any other of the trilogy, but they all provide key insights, so I found them quite illuminating. A special one is that of Drae sen Briit, Six's erstwhile Jeveni ancestor. Her flashbacks show a hard woman, devoted to the Jeveni people, and all that entails, while also ultimately setting up for the endgame of the novel itself:
Her relationships were all calculated, interactions and decisions designed to give people enough of what they needed from her that they would trust her and give her what she needed in return. Of course she loved her people. She loved Gus and Dimon and the Wheel. But her actions were always about more than love.
Duty vs. love is also a major theme of this novel, maybe even more so than in the previous books, with Effegen struggling with her role as Star vs protecting the people she loves.
Am I not this colony's sword and shield? he had asked her, and she wanted to scream at him, No. You are my lover. You are the one who hasn't been torn from me yet. Don't make me do this. But she had done it. Duty compelled her to do it.
Effegen, Bene, and Masar are still here with their complicated relationship, especially after Bene's betrayal in the last book, and they pull at the heart strings, but of course, for me the heart of the novel is Six and Chono.
"You could have any face in the Treble, and I would know you."and
"You're so obsessed with protecting me. Does it ever occur to you that I want to protect you too? Or what it does to me, when I can't?"
A major thing that I really appreciated about this novel was the fact that it acknowledges that it's not like you can just take out one bad guy, and the entire system changes; it requires systematic changes and constant upkeep.
As Liis so wisely puts it:
There is no such thing as an incorruptible governemnt. There is no such thing as an incorruptible military, or an incorruptible person. We should all be realistic about what we're saying today...You hope that the long arc of history will see more good than bad come from what you do. It's the only route forward.
So, I do think this is the best ending to a scifi series I've seen in a long time. I heavily recommend everyone read both this book and the series as a whole!
December 9, 2025
Read this review and more on my Medium page: Distorted Visions
Score: 3.25/5
Since this is an ARC, the review aims to be as Spoiler-free as possible.
The Kindom trilogy makes its climactic last stand with This Brutal Moon, a sprawling tale of personal vengeance, internal and external conflict, the power of revolution, and the mechanisms of power. A tight space-opera trilogy that needs a wider audience.
Picking up the first entry, These Burning Stars on a vim, feeling the dearth of sprawling space opera series, I was treated to a fresh and exhilarating novel, with startlingly well-crafted characters, carrying forth a dense and nuanced plot. A winning package. The sequel, On Vicious Worlds expanded the scope of the world of the Kindom trilogy, giving more heft to the expanded cast of characters, and deepening the motivations, plotlines, and themes of this series. While a solid extension, On Vicious Worlds, caved under the high expectations laid forth with These Burning Stars.
The stage was set for the final entry, This Brutal Moon, the final entry, the culmination of the Kindom.
This Brutal Moon is the final showdown between the oppressed Jeveni people — outcasts, rebels, liberated serfs, as they attempt to protect their secret colony planet, established during the events of On Vicious Worlds, from impending invasion and threat of utter destruction at the hands of the aristocratic Kindom. This final entry is also told in two main narrative sections, although they are much more blended together, as is to be expected from a final book in a series. The colony arc focuses on the Jeveni defense by the crippled Jeveni people, holding onto their last hope under their stoic leader, the charismatic Star, Effegen dan Crost, along with the steadfast Masar Hawks. These characters have to navigate not only their suicidal last stand against the overwhelming threat of the Kindom invasion, but also recover from the devastating betrayal during the events of On Vicious Worlds. Fortunately, they are assisted by the elite hacker, the notorious Sunstep, Jun Ironway, and her trusted partner, the defector assassin, Liis Konye.
In the other arc, we continue following the Burning One, the cleric Chono and the mysterious Six (wearing the skin of the nefarious Esek Nightfoot) as they try to rally support among the aristocratic families to support the Jeveni cause against the tyrant of the Kindom, Seti Moonback. These sections are mostly “palace” (station?) intrigue with interspersed action setpieces.
An aspect of This Brutal Moon that I enjoyed were the interludes to the past, where the foundations of the daring plan to secret away the Jeveni people to the new moon. The subtly bombastic chutzpah of the masterplan is shown through the altruistic ruthlessness of Drae sen Briit, as she places the safety of Jeveni people over all, leveraging her own Machiavellian mind towards the greater good. (Remind you of anyone else in this story?). I also enjoyed Jun’s journey to unraveling Drae’s narrative as she wages her own cyber warfare against the Kindom. Alas, Liis on the other hand was reduced to a mere jobber, a mouthy muscle, a heavy downgrade from her potential laid in the previous books.
Unfortunately, my issues with On Vicious Worlds were not assuaged This Brutal Moon. The broadening of the scope from tight action-espionage-thriller with blistering character work towards a full-blown space opera, with stereotypical hyperspace jumpgates, and starship battles, took much away from what made this series special. Author Jacobs has always excelled at writing dense characters, with complex motivations, and pushed trauma-response to the forefront, showcasing very real impacts of tragic events on the decision-making of usually adept protagonists. These ideals were the foundation upon which the Kindom trilogy stood tall. While these elements are still present in this final novel, it gives way to a more traditional space-opera finale, with predictable action sequences.
The characters and their conflicts are still at the forefront of this novel, and Effegen, Jun, Liis, and Drae carry this novel on their shoulders. In contrast, the stellar characters of previous novels, Masar, Chono, and Six feel underbaked and merely an extension rather than a deepening of their journeys. I truly miss the wry, devilish Esek Nightfoot and Six-as-Esek pales in comparison. While she is tormented by the internal hauntings of Esek, they never truly affect Six’s abilities during the events of this story. The current head of the dreaded Nightfoot clan, the petite-but-deadly Riiniana Nightfoot, also feels like a discounted version of Esek, and is more talk than walk.
Indeed, Jacobs’ message of revolution against oppression, the plight of a displaced people, forced into economic servitude, and the ever-increasing threat of cultural (and actual) genocide is ever present in the Kindom trilogy, and is highlighted during key events in This Brutal Moon. However, these elements feel too on-the-nose, especially in light of real world events, and come off more preachy than nuanced.
In solidifying her underlying message, This Brutal Moon felt like a half-hearted conclusion to a series that started very strong, showed promise, but ultimately crumbled under its own weight.
Advanced Review Copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley
Score: 3.25/5
Since this is an ARC, the review aims to be as Spoiler-free as possible.
The Kindom trilogy makes its climactic last stand with This Brutal Moon, a sprawling tale of personal vengeance, internal and external conflict, the power of revolution, and the mechanisms of power. A tight space-opera trilogy that needs a wider audience.
Picking up the first entry, These Burning Stars on a vim, feeling the dearth of sprawling space opera series, I was treated to a fresh and exhilarating novel, with startlingly well-crafted characters, carrying forth a dense and nuanced plot. A winning package. The sequel, On Vicious Worlds expanded the scope of the world of the Kindom trilogy, giving more heft to the expanded cast of characters, and deepening the motivations, plotlines, and themes of this series. While a solid extension, On Vicious Worlds, caved under the high expectations laid forth with These Burning Stars.
The stage was set for the final entry, This Brutal Moon, the final entry, the culmination of the Kindom.
This Brutal Moon is the final showdown between the oppressed Jeveni people — outcasts, rebels, liberated serfs, as they attempt to protect their secret colony planet, established during the events of On Vicious Worlds, from impending invasion and threat of utter destruction at the hands of the aristocratic Kindom. This final entry is also told in two main narrative sections, although they are much more blended together, as is to be expected from a final book in a series. The colony arc focuses on the Jeveni defense by the crippled Jeveni people, holding onto their last hope under their stoic leader, the charismatic Star, Effegen dan Crost, along with the steadfast Masar Hawks. These characters have to navigate not only their suicidal last stand against the overwhelming threat of the Kindom invasion, but also recover from the devastating betrayal during the events of On Vicious Worlds. Fortunately, they are assisted by the elite hacker, the notorious Sunstep, Jun Ironway, and her trusted partner, the defector assassin, Liis Konye.
In the other arc, we continue following the Burning One, the cleric Chono and the mysterious Six (wearing the skin of the nefarious Esek Nightfoot) as they try to rally support among the aristocratic families to support the Jeveni cause against the tyrant of the Kindom, Seti Moonback. These sections are mostly “palace” (station?) intrigue with interspersed action setpieces.
An aspect of This Brutal Moon that I enjoyed were the interludes to the past, where the foundations of the daring plan to secret away the Jeveni people to the new moon. The subtly bombastic chutzpah of the masterplan is shown through the altruistic ruthlessness of Drae sen Briit, as she places the safety of Jeveni people over all, leveraging her own Machiavellian mind towards the greater good. (Remind you of anyone else in this story?). I also enjoyed Jun’s journey to unraveling Drae’s narrative as she wages her own cyber warfare against the Kindom. Alas, Liis on the other hand was reduced to a mere jobber, a mouthy muscle, a heavy downgrade from her potential laid in the previous books.
Unfortunately, my issues with On Vicious Worlds were not assuaged This Brutal Moon. The broadening of the scope from tight action-espionage-thriller with blistering character work towards a full-blown space opera, with stereotypical hyperspace jumpgates, and starship battles, took much away from what made this series special. Author Jacobs has always excelled at writing dense characters, with complex motivations, and pushed trauma-response to the forefront, showcasing very real impacts of tragic events on the decision-making of usually adept protagonists. These ideals were the foundation upon which the Kindom trilogy stood tall. While these elements are still present in this final novel, it gives way to a more traditional space-opera finale, with predictable action sequences.
The characters and their conflicts are still at the forefront of this novel, and Effegen, Jun, Liis, and Drae carry this novel on their shoulders. In contrast, the stellar characters of previous novels, Masar, Chono, and Six feel underbaked and merely an extension rather than a deepening of their journeys. I truly miss the wry, devilish Esek Nightfoot and Six-as-Esek pales in comparison. While she is tormented by the internal hauntings of Esek, they never truly affect Six’s abilities during the events of this story. The current head of the dreaded Nightfoot clan, the petite-but-deadly Riiniana Nightfoot, also feels like a discounted version of Esek, and is more talk than walk.
Indeed, Jacobs’ message of revolution against oppression, the plight of a displaced people, forced into economic servitude, and the ever-increasing threat of cultural (and actual) genocide is ever present in the Kindom trilogy, and is highlighted during key events in This Brutal Moon. However, these elements feel too on-the-nose, especially in light of real world events, and come off more preachy than nuanced.
In solidifying her underlying message, This Brutal Moon felt like a half-hearted conclusion to a series that started very strong, showed promise, but ultimately crumbled under its own weight.
Advanced Review Copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley
November 11, 2025
This Brutal Moon by Bethany Jacobs
Huge thanks to Orbit Books for the gifted ARC. Y’all really said, “Here, cry in space,” and I did.
Let’s get one thing clear right off the bat: This Brutal Moon isn’t just the third book in The Kindom Trilogy—it’s a full-blown reckoning. A mic drop of a finale. Bethany Jacobs doesn’t just wrap things up neatly. She shreds the blueprint, stomps on your expectations, and builds something brutal, beautiful, and devastating in its honesty. The title isn’t just dramatic flair—it’s a warning.
This trilogy started with fire (These Burning Stars), escalated into chaos (On Vicious Worlds), and now ends in scorched earth, political upheaval, and emotional carnage. You’d think I’d be prepared. I was not. No one is.
The Treble is in absolute freefall. The Jevani are one breath away from genocide—again. The Hands of the Kindom are playing god with entire populations. And in the middle of it all, you have Jun Ironway coding like her life depends on it (because it literally does), Cleric Chono playing political Tetris with the rebellion factions, and Six—our chaotic enigma—missing. And when Six is gone? The balance is off. The tension in every scene is dialed to eleven, because you’re waiting. Hoping. Dreading. You know the moment they reappear, all hell will follow.
Bethany Jacobs doesn’t do simple good vs. evil. No white hats, no clean hands. Every character here is drowning in consequence. And that’s what makes it all hit so hard. You care. Deeply. Painfully. Even when you don’t want to. Even when you’re begging them to stop making the worst possible choices. (Looking at you, Chono. You exhausting, morally complex legend.)
Let’s talk structure for a second. Jacobs made the bold choice to expand the POV cast again, and I’ll be honest: I rolled my eyes at first. I wanted more Jun, more Chono, more Six. But Jacobs knew what she was doing. These new perspectives are the scalpel that opens the heart of the story even wider. They give us context, give us stakes, give us the horrifying breadth of what’s at risk. Every one of these side characters, even the ones with just a chapter or two, brings something vital. Some of them are walking heartaches. Others are lightning rods of fury. But none are filler. None are forgettable.
As the book barrels toward its climax, you start to feel that dread. That pounding in your chest. The way the action cuts between fronts like you’re watching a war report in real-time. Chapters end on knife edges. Some are so short they’re like gasps—just long enough to make you worry and then snatch you away before you get answers. It’s chaos, but it’s crafted chaos. The kind that only a skilled author can pull off.
Thematically, this book is a lot. Genocide. Oppression. Colonialism. Political manipulation. Religious trauma. Bodily autonomy. If you’re not ready for heavy, don’t come knocking. But somehow, Jacobs threads it with just enough hope—just enough humanity—to keep it from collapsing under its own weight. It never preaches. It never simplifies. It just shows. Shows us what systems do to people. Shows us what survival costs. And maybe most painfully—what people do to each other when survival is the only goal left.
There’s a line I highlighted and circled and yelled about:
“Do not love us more than life. Love us more than death.”
That quote gutted me. It’s everything this book is about. Love as resistance. Love as survival. Love as sacrifice.
Six, in particular, continues to be the emotional earthquake of the series. That mix of defiance, humor, and pain? Iconic. We dig deeper into their trauma and identity here, and it’s raw. It’s ugly. It’s gorgeous. And Chono’s arc? Don’t even get me started. Her journey from indoctrinated cleric to someone who must hold peace, rebellion, and grief in the same hand… it’s masterful. Their relationship isn’t romantic in the traditional sense, but it is absolutely one of the most emotionally intimate dynamics I’ve read in sci-fi. It lingers.
By the time I reached the last chapter, I was emotionally concussed. Not everything gets tied up with a bow—and that’s exactly right. Real revolutions don’t end with credits rolling. They leave scars. They leave ghosts. But This Brutal Moon ends with a sliver of hope, and sometimes, that’s more powerful than a perfect victory.
If this trilogy had a mission, it was this: challenge everything. Every assumption, every system, every easy answer. Bethany Jacobs didn’t just write a space opera. She gave us a war story, a political treatise, and a meditation on identity and power—all wrapped in tight prose and unforgettable characters.
Final rating? ★★★★★ without hesitation.
A must-read for fans of Ann Leckie, N.K. Jemisin, and anyone who likes their sci-fi with emotional meat on its bones.
#ThisBrutalMoon #BethanyJacobs #KindomTrilogy #OrbitBooks #NetGalley #SciFiReview #QueerSciFi #SpaceOpera #Bookstagram #BookTok #GalacticResistance #FoundFamilyInSpace #SpeculativeFiction #EpicSciFi #BooksThatHurt #SciFiFinale
Huge thanks to Orbit Books for the gifted ARC. Y’all really said, “Here, cry in space,” and I did.
Let’s get one thing clear right off the bat: This Brutal Moon isn’t just the third book in The Kindom Trilogy—it’s a full-blown reckoning. A mic drop of a finale. Bethany Jacobs doesn’t just wrap things up neatly. She shreds the blueprint, stomps on your expectations, and builds something brutal, beautiful, and devastating in its honesty. The title isn’t just dramatic flair—it’s a warning.
This trilogy started with fire (These Burning Stars), escalated into chaos (On Vicious Worlds), and now ends in scorched earth, political upheaval, and emotional carnage. You’d think I’d be prepared. I was not. No one is.
The Treble is in absolute freefall. The Jevani are one breath away from genocide—again. The Hands of the Kindom are playing god with entire populations. And in the middle of it all, you have Jun Ironway coding like her life depends on it (because it literally does), Cleric Chono playing political Tetris with the rebellion factions, and Six—our chaotic enigma—missing. And when Six is gone? The balance is off. The tension in every scene is dialed to eleven, because you’re waiting. Hoping. Dreading. You know the moment they reappear, all hell will follow.
Bethany Jacobs doesn’t do simple good vs. evil. No white hats, no clean hands. Every character here is drowning in consequence. And that’s what makes it all hit so hard. You care. Deeply. Painfully. Even when you don’t want to. Even when you’re begging them to stop making the worst possible choices. (Looking at you, Chono. You exhausting, morally complex legend.)
Let’s talk structure for a second. Jacobs made the bold choice to expand the POV cast again, and I’ll be honest: I rolled my eyes at first. I wanted more Jun, more Chono, more Six. But Jacobs knew what she was doing. These new perspectives are the scalpel that opens the heart of the story even wider. They give us context, give us stakes, give us the horrifying breadth of what’s at risk. Every one of these side characters, even the ones with just a chapter or two, brings something vital. Some of them are walking heartaches. Others are lightning rods of fury. But none are filler. None are forgettable.
As the book barrels toward its climax, you start to feel that dread. That pounding in your chest. The way the action cuts between fronts like you’re watching a war report in real-time. Chapters end on knife edges. Some are so short they’re like gasps—just long enough to make you worry and then snatch you away before you get answers. It’s chaos, but it’s crafted chaos. The kind that only a skilled author can pull off.
Thematically, this book is a lot. Genocide. Oppression. Colonialism. Political manipulation. Religious trauma. Bodily autonomy. If you’re not ready for heavy, don’t come knocking. But somehow, Jacobs threads it with just enough hope—just enough humanity—to keep it from collapsing under its own weight. It never preaches. It never simplifies. It just shows. Shows us what systems do to people. Shows us what survival costs. And maybe most painfully—what people do to each other when survival is the only goal left.
There’s a line I highlighted and circled and yelled about:
“Do not love us more than life. Love us more than death.”
That quote gutted me. It’s everything this book is about. Love as resistance. Love as survival. Love as sacrifice.
Six, in particular, continues to be the emotional earthquake of the series. That mix of defiance, humor, and pain? Iconic. We dig deeper into their trauma and identity here, and it’s raw. It’s ugly. It’s gorgeous. And Chono’s arc? Don’t even get me started. Her journey from indoctrinated cleric to someone who must hold peace, rebellion, and grief in the same hand… it’s masterful. Their relationship isn’t romantic in the traditional sense, but it is absolutely one of the most emotionally intimate dynamics I’ve read in sci-fi. It lingers.
By the time I reached the last chapter, I was emotionally concussed. Not everything gets tied up with a bow—and that’s exactly right. Real revolutions don’t end with credits rolling. They leave scars. They leave ghosts. But This Brutal Moon ends with a sliver of hope, and sometimes, that’s more powerful than a perfect victory.
If this trilogy had a mission, it was this: challenge everything. Every assumption, every system, every easy answer. Bethany Jacobs didn’t just write a space opera. She gave us a war story, a political treatise, and a meditation on identity and power—all wrapped in tight prose and unforgettable characters.
Final rating? ★★★★★ without hesitation.
A must-read for fans of Ann Leckie, N.K. Jemisin, and anyone who likes their sci-fi with emotional meat on its bones.
#ThisBrutalMoon #BethanyJacobs #KindomTrilogy #OrbitBooks #NetGalley #SciFiReview #QueerSciFi #SpaceOpera #Bookstagram #BookTok #GalacticResistance #FoundFamilyInSpace #SpeculativeFiction #EpicSciFi #BooksThatHurt #SciFiFinale
November 16, 2025
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC!
My favorite day of this year was receiving this book. Bethany Jacobs accomplished an incredible feat by completing the Kingdom Trilogy in a flawless manner. It stands as the best quality science fiction ever written, rivaling the works of Ursula Le Guin and S.A. Corey.
The third book begins immediately after the second one concludes. Our beloved characters are scattered throughout the universe, each with their own duties and plans.
The political situation in Treble has reached its zenith, characterized by intense internal strife and imbalance. The families that once held power and control are in ruins, struggling to regain their authority. They are unable to trust their kin, face rebels, and endure the brutal hand of the government. The religious orders have been decimated, with cloaksann demolishing clerics and secretaries, setting the universe on the brink of war. Everyone is vying for control of Esek and Chono, blaming them for the current predicament. Jevenis are on the verge of destruction, just like it has been before. The political balance is precarious, with the powers at play manipulating events and swayed by emotions. The unique situation presents an ideal scenario for any epic political game mastermind.
My beloved characters, all women, are so different from each other and are perfectly realistically written. From Esek, the most conniving, resentful, and universally disliked, to Six, who is striving to find her own self. Riianiana, immature but brilliant and devious in her plotting, contrasts with Effegen, as young as she is but already thoughtful, sagacious, and wise. Both are responsible for the lives of thousands. From broken and indignant Ujan to desperate and heartbroken Jun, each character is entwined in family struggles. Liis and Chono face their nightmares from their pasts in two distinct ways, and I’m introduced to my new favorite, Drae sen Briit, whose choices no one wishes to face but everyone wishes to be as brave as her. Not all of them are beautiful or physically strong, but even in their hatred of each other and competition for the sake of the universe, they admire each other’s strengths and acknowledge their hard work and suffering. They represent a varied selection of personalities, experiences, and paths of life, all with possibilities, hopes, desires, and futures.
The pacing is an utter perfection. The exact 30-60-90% marks hit the spot. The previous books’ plots are gently woven into the first few chapters, reminding the reader of where they’re starting and then setting up the stakes and the plot for the conclusion to this epic battle. The second act intertwines the cases, contributing chaos and adding hidden agendas. There are crumbs of potential ultimate solutions sprinkled throughout, just enough to give us an idea of what we think will happen but not getting a taste yet. By the time the true fighting begins, the action is spinning fast, pushing all our favorite people past their limits. There is no stopping, no respite, as one by one, they fall off the cliff. Loss, pain, sacrifices, acts of terror and love, are all part of the story until we finally get the solution, and the Treble is trying to reset and rewrite their political sphere.
There are no easy solutions; there is only blood, sweat, and death, all tinged with betrayal and underlined with covert agendas. It’s a perfect conclusion to a perfect trilogy. No one book stands stronger than the others; the highest level is evenly maintained throughout the entire story arc.
I am eagerly anticipating any new book that Bethany Jacobs writes, knowing that it will only set the stakes higher.
My favorite day of this year was receiving this book. Bethany Jacobs accomplished an incredible feat by completing the Kingdom Trilogy in a flawless manner. It stands as the best quality science fiction ever written, rivaling the works of Ursula Le Guin and S.A. Corey.
The third book begins immediately after the second one concludes. Our beloved characters are scattered throughout the universe, each with their own duties and plans.
The political situation in Treble has reached its zenith, characterized by intense internal strife and imbalance. The families that once held power and control are in ruins, struggling to regain their authority. They are unable to trust their kin, face rebels, and endure the brutal hand of the government. The religious orders have been decimated, with cloaksann demolishing clerics and secretaries, setting the universe on the brink of war. Everyone is vying for control of Esek and Chono, blaming them for the current predicament. Jevenis are on the verge of destruction, just like it has been before. The political balance is precarious, with the powers at play manipulating events and swayed by emotions. The unique situation presents an ideal scenario for any epic political game mastermind.
My beloved characters, all women, are so different from each other and are perfectly realistically written. From Esek, the most conniving, resentful, and universally disliked, to Six, who is striving to find her own self. Riianiana, immature but brilliant and devious in her plotting, contrasts with Effegen, as young as she is but already thoughtful, sagacious, and wise. Both are responsible for the lives of thousands. From broken and indignant Ujan to desperate and heartbroken Jun, each character is entwined in family struggles. Liis and Chono face their nightmares from their pasts in two distinct ways, and I’m introduced to my new favorite, Drae sen Briit, whose choices no one wishes to face but everyone wishes to be as brave as her. Not all of them are beautiful or physically strong, but even in their hatred of each other and competition for the sake of the universe, they admire each other’s strengths and acknowledge their hard work and suffering. They represent a varied selection of personalities, experiences, and paths of life, all with possibilities, hopes, desires, and futures.
The pacing is an utter perfection. The exact 30-60-90% marks hit the spot. The previous books’ plots are gently woven into the first few chapters, reminding the reader of where they’re starting and then setting up the stakes and the plot for the conclusion to this epic battle. The second act intertwines the cases, contributing chaos and adding hidden agendas. There are crumbs of potential ultimate solutions sprinkled throughout, just enough to give us an idea of what we think will happen but not getting a taste yet. By the time the true fighting begins, the action is spinning fast, pushing all our favorite people past their limits. There is no stopping, no respite, as one by one, they fall off the cliff. Loss, pain, sacrifices, acts of terror and love, are all part of the story until we finally get the solution, and the Treble is trying to reset and rewrite their political sphere.
There are no easy solutions; there is only blood, sweat, and death, all tinged with betrayal and underlined with covert agendas. It’s a perfect conclusion to a perfect trilogy. No one book stands stronger than the others; the highest level is evenly maintained throughout the entire story arc.
I am eagerly anticipating any new book that Bethany Jacobs writes, knowing that it will only set the stakes higher.
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