Shadowrealm by Paul S. Kemp is the third, and final, novel in the Twilight War Trilogy. The first two books are; Shadowbred and Shadowstorm. If you have read the first two novels in this trilogy I also suggest that you read the short story “Continuum” by Mr. Kemp that is in the Realms of War anthology. While technically you need not have read it to understand anything that goes on in this story, there are a few side stories that are greatly enhanced by reading the short story. Plus, it’s a great short story. Fans have watched, or should I say read, about Erevis Cale since the anthology Halls of Stormweather in July, 2000. The Twilight War trilogy is a continuation of the story of what a mere butler can become.

The plot of this novel picks up right where Shadowstorm left off. The Shadowstorm is spreading across Sembia and Cale and Riven are trying to stop it. The Shadowstorm is of course the main plot line. How much damge will it do, what will it swallow up before it is stopped, or will it be stopped at all. There are also numerous sub plots scattered throughout the book. Sub plots such as the political situation in Sembia, who is really in control of the area. There is the sub plot of the Shadovar seeking to gain control of the region through less than honest means. Mag’s continued spiral into madness. There is also the deal that Cale made to the devil Mephistopheles and the consequences of that deal. There are a couple more sub plots that I can not really talk about due to spoiler material. If all of the above seems like a lot to be packed into one book, you would be correct. Much like Shadowstorm, Mr. Kemp successfully weaves together multi-layered plot lines with deft precission. Some of what occurs within this book attentive readers may guess, other things are beyond comprehension. No matter, this book is a stunning conclusion to the trilogy.

The characters, as can be expected for a third book in a trilogy, are largely carry-overs from the first two books. Familiar names such as Cale, Riven, Mags, Abelar, Rivalen, Tamlin, and Kesson Rel to name a few. There is a great deal of character development with these characters and a few others. Many of the questions that readers will have after the first two novels are answered in this novel. Things such as Cale and Riven’s relationship with Mask, Abelar’s fall from Lathander’s light is expounded upon, Kesson Rel’s plan is explained and many more. There is so much going on in this novel it is really hard to pin things down to write about and not write something that would be a spoiler. If you are a fan of these characters, and really enjoy character development then I have little doubt that you will thoroughly enjoy this novel. As with past Kemp novel, the characters are simply outstanding.

The only criticism I can think of for this novel is that maybe, just maybe, there was to much happening in the novel. Later on in the novel there are some scenes that jump back and forth between a multitude of perspectives. I found myself having to really slow my reading so I could make doubly sure I was following everything that was going on. It just seemed a little odd that I had to slow my reading down when I came to the climax of the story. This could have very well been me wanting to know so badly what happened that to slow down seemed wrong.

Some things I really enjoyed about this novel:

1 – The character development. I have read many novels that only one character really developed. That is not the case with this book. There are no less than half a dozen characters that have significant character development. It is a fine line to walk between giving the reader too much and not giving them enough, Mr. Kemp toes the line perfectly and will leave readers satisfied and still wanting more.

2 – The prose and pacing of the novel. It has been an absolute joy to read Mr. Kemp’s novels and watch him grow as an author. This novel is, in my opinion, his best yet. It’s tight, succinct, and the pacing is full throttle. It is almost as though he is challenging the reader to dare and put the book down.

3 – The ending. That’s all I will say about that. Wow. Loved it.

Fans of the Forgotten Realms need to read this book. There are several things that occur within the pages that will have wide reaching implications not only with this particular story arc, but the Forgotten Realms as well. I highly doubt readers will be disappointed with this novel. If you enjoyed the Erevis Cale Trilogy, if you enjoyed the first two novels of the Twilight War trilogy then you know exactly what to expect here. A tight storyline with fantastic characters. The ending may very well leave you slack-jawed. This is a novel, and series, that I would have absolutely no reservations about recommending it to anyone. I simply can not wait to see what Mr. Kemp has in store for his next novel.