Finally, the sweeping conclusion to the Henrietta The Dragon Slayer trilogy! Parted by destiny, the four friends struggle to rejoin forces and face for a final time, the ruthless sorcerer intent on destroying them all.
In the biggest challenge of her life, Henrietta the legendary Dragon Slayer of Bleuve must lead her people into a battle that may end life as they know it. For they face no ordinary army, but the dark forces of a powerful sorcerer bent on overtaking all five kingdoms. And unless she can rescue her dauntless knight Franc, she must do it without his support.
Franc will follow Henrietta anywhere. But on a mission to find allies among the Horse People, he is kidnapped and taken to the worst place possible -- the stronghold of the evil sorcerer Eyvindir. Will he find the strength and courage to survive, and fight again at Henrietta's side?
Paulette, the young fire witch, must stand trial for a murder committed out of desperation. In despair at her imprisonment and betrayal by her dearest friend, Jaxter, she escapes and flees to the frigid, forbidden land of Varangia to find a witch powerful enough to help her finally master fire. But what must she give up to gain the power to aid her friends?
Jaxter, now a king, must come to terms with the heavy responsibilities of ruling the Oro Islands, newly emerged from over 75 years of evil rule. This means doing right, even when it's as difficult as placing someone he loves in a prison cell. Worse, the marauding Varangians press at his borders. He must find a way to defend his home, or none of them will survive.
Will Henrietta and her friends be able to stop the ruthless sorcerer from obliterating her, claiming the Dragon Stone, and ruling over the Five Kingdoms?
Award winning author, Beth Barany writes in several genres including young adult adventure fantasy, paranormal romance, and science fiction mysteries.
Inspired by living abroad in France and Quebec, she loves creating magical tales of romance, mystery, and adventure that empower women and girls to be the heroes of their own lives.
For fun, Beth enjoys walking her neighborhood, gardening on her patio, and watching movies and traveling with her husband, author Ezra Barany.
They live in Oakland, California with a piano, cats, and over 1,000 books.
Beth is also the author of bestselling nonfiction books for authors and aspiring authors and helps novelists through her courses and programs at Barany School of Fiction.
Finally, I have finished this book and the series. This has been in my TBR for quite a while and I feel relieved that I can now cross this off my list.
This is the third and final book of the series. Henrietta is about to face the one person who has been taunting her. The magician who wanted to destroy the whole five kingdoms and rule it. Will she succeed?
This story wraps up the whole adventure of Henrietta and her friends--Jaxter who was not just a jester but rather an heir to a kingdom; Frank the knight who proved to be more than a loyal friend to Henri, and Paulette who was destined to become a powerful sorcerer who wields fire. These characters were present through the four books (including the prequel) and they have helped Henri throughout all her struggles and self-doubt. These friends had helped her find her self again and realize what she is destined to do. In this third and final installment, Henri met a few more friends who would help in her quest to finally end the evil and darkness that has gripped the Five Kingdoms for years. She will have to reunite the four kingdoms in order to beat this formidable enemy with magic.
I like the character of Rimah. She is a wise, brave and strong girl for her age. She complements Henri's character. And she proved to be a very good friend for Henri. She brings balance and eases the confusion and doubts running amok in Henri. These two would make a really good team. I also liked that she gives Henri new names.
What I was not comfortable with the story was how the events were relayed like they were separate events one after the other instead of being more cohesive. For example, the story started with Paulette and at first, it was confusing because I was pretty sure that scene was part of book two. It turned out, it was replaying or looking back to what happened previously. It seemed to me like it was not clearly done and I was under the impression that how the story should start was not properly outlined. I didn't like how the sequence of events were detailed. Instead of showing what Jaxter, Paulette, Franc and Henri were doing during one time, it seemed to be showing what happened to one character for a prolong period. And then, it goes back to that same period and then talks about another character. I just wished the flow was more fluid. Though, the chapters nearing the end were getting more connected and the flow of the story was a bit more solid.
I give the book 4/5 horses with spots. So far, this is the best of the books in the series. I like how each character plays an important part in the whole story and is needed in order to defeat the sorcerer. The story is so detailed and felt like each character's adventure was a little story inside the story. I just wished the sequence of the chapters was done better. Nevertheless, this was a great ending to the trilogy. I would say, I liked Henri now. I liked how her character evolved through the stories and especially in this book, she has shown her full potential and what she is made of. Her strength and her natural ability to lead has fully manifested and she has become wiser and more mature as this story comes to a close. I also liked how the sorcerer was defeated and his final fate. It was fair, judging by the evils and deaths he has spread
That is not the way to grow a warrior, with little worries and fears, nay. - Beth Barany, Henrietta and the Battle of the Horse Mesa -
[I am voluntarily reviewing this book after the author gifted me a copy]
" Shhh. Still the worries of the mind and the regrets of the heart. You cannot let them rule you. You must learn to relax and trust... Trust the earth. Trust love and life itself."
In earlier parts of this story, Jaxter, Henrietta and Franc have struggled as they have grown into their own destinies. Now, it's Paulette's turn, and a great deal of the first part of the book's focus is her own journey to redeem herself and her fire magics. In great detail were watch the trial and error education and patience building that goes into being able to control and understand the gifts she, and her friends were born into as the next generation leaders of a peaceful world.
As she learns focus and patience, Henrietta learns to trust that she was never alone despite what this evil has forced her to do. She and Franc are a couple as Jaxter and Paulette seem to be becoming. By trusting herself, her fears are relieved as she opens to a universe that knows how powerful she is. But does she believe it enough to defeat the powerful evil that, should it win, will destroy everything she has worked for?
This is the third, and cumulative book in the Henrietta saga that Ms. Barany- the author-took twelve years to write to its conclusion.Barany has woven a little bit Jean Audi, a little bit Tolkien with an addition of Rick Riordan and J K Rowling, into a fitting conclusion that was read as a stand alone by this reviewer. And, bottom line, I can see why Henrietta has the following she does. A young woman forced by circumstance to do things and make decisions far beyond her ken, she has strength, compassion and bravery. Add friendship, openness and trust to the mix and you find a heroine who never really, by her own admission, really wanted the role as leader. She and her three friends together are a force to be reckoned with. Ethically and morally good, they start out separate but must be reunited to end the oppression caused by the pure evil out to rule the Five Kingdoms as they grown into their own power and understanding. A rollicking good read for anyone into deep fantasy. 5 stars
This is an exciting, magical fantasy epic not to be missed. Full of relationships between friends, tribes, warrior companions and learning more about self. Download the free prequel to get a taste and you'll be hooked!
Not kindle unlimited, read the prequel {listed at bottom of all this} and then found had the #1 book, then #2 was asked if wanted to keep on reading {for possible review etc} so did and now at #3. The ending may or may not have been an ending, well in total anyway, but no spoilers, you'll see eventually I'm sure and so will I.
What if all those you loved were threatened by a force you couldn't see or fight? Henrietta the legendary ass kicking dragon slayer wants to return to her village for a heroes’ welcome. But an unknown sorcerer rides after her and her Dragon Stone, and aims to destroy everyone she cares about. Can she claim her newfound powers sparked by the Dragon Stone and keep her loved ones safe, especially her more-than-friend, and her stalwart bodyguard, before the sorcerer destroys her and everything in his path?A medieval-set world with magic and magical creatures.
{Also has Henrietta the Dragon Slayer: A very short PREQUEL} Updated edition! Henrietta Dragon Slayer series Henrietta The Dragon Slayer, Book 1 Henrietta and the Dragon Stone, Book 2 Henrietta and the Battle of the Horse Mesa, Book 3
This is the epic conclusion of Henrietta The Dragon Slayer triology! Will Henrietta and her friends be able to stop the ruthless sorcerer from obliterating her, claiming the Dragon Stone, and ruling over the Five Kingdoms? A YA Fantasy / Paranormal romance infused with magic, mystical creatures including dragons & suspense. Henrietta's character is brilliant, fierce, & saucey. With a sheer cast of supporting characters Franc, the heroic, chauvinistic knight, Jaxster, the storytelling jester, & Paulette, quiet & mischievous fire witch that accentuate the story. A perfect summertime read that is intriguing & jam packed with suspense. I volunteerly reviewed an advanced reading copy of this book.
Fabulous conclusion to the series! Fast paced, action packed and a most satisfying ending. Each of our four heroes (heroines included) have to find their own path to the final battle. Whether it is learning to use their magic or how to deal with life and trust. The characters have blossomed into full heroes and the interaction between them and their actions is a delight. A wonderful plot full of magic and a deep understanding of human nature. Just a bit disappointed that one couple did not appear to be able to close the gap between them. A truly great read. I received a free copy for a honest review.
4/5 STARS! Yes! What an epic conclusion to a great trilogy. I loved reading how it all played out & the writing style was so easy to read. The different povs between the characters made this flow so well, & built the battle up in such an exciting way. I loved all the characters in this, & would recommend to anyone looking for a fun fantasy read that never gets boring. Only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars was a slight error in editing, but even that wasn't enough to keep this from being anything other than epic. What a fantastic trilogy, with the perfect ending.
4.5 stars (review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
The gang is all here for the third and final novel in the Henrietta The Dragon Slayer series. While all the familiar faces are present, they each have a quest that keeps them separate but eventually reunites them for the final battle.
Paulette: searches for a way to control her firepower.
Henrietta: She has too many missions to list. 🙂
Jaxter: He’s searching for Paulette. He’s also working on another item but revealing it would spoil his big reveal, so MUMS THE WORD.
Franc: He’s mission hasn’t wavered since the last book — protect Henrietta and find the magical villain.
Antoine: Return home and show he’s no longer a scared child.
Eyvindir (villain): His evil intentions have stayed constant – get the stone by any means possible!
So many storylines happening = never a dull moment.
With numerous battles, I can understand why Henrietta is always bone-tired and hungry. She’s riding high on adrenaline!
Beth (the author) did a marvelous job depicting the characters’ individual quests and then merging them at the end for the final showdown. I only wish this wasn’t the end of the series.
Paulette’s story was just heating up, and I believe Jaxter has many tales to tell.
Beth, great job at leaving this reader wanting more. MUCH MORE!
Henrietta and the Battle of the Horse Mesa is book #3 in the Henrietta The Dragon Slayer series. This book brings this trilogy to an end. I loved this book and am a fan of the whole series. Beth Barany has created such an engrossing magical world and populated it with interesting creatures and characters that you can really care about. One of the best things about this series is that it's lead character is a smart, strong and brave female. This is not unheard of but to me it is rare and refreshing. Added to this is a strong cast of supporting characters that bring their own issues into the mix. Over the course of the trilogy friendship has grown, romance has bloomed, adventures have been taken and good has battled evil. Now at the end our friends are separated and we are left to wonder if they will be find each other again before Henrietta must face the powerful and ruthless Sorcerer and his quest to take over the Five Kingdoms.