Bertrice Small - Crown of Destiny

I read this book in just over 5 hours, really couldn't stop. A good thing I have the day off today, as it was 1.30 a.m. this morning when I finished it.
The sixth and final book in the World of Hetar series.



A hundred years have passed since the Faerie woman Lara last saved the world of Hetar from the darkness. Her youth and her beauty remain as always. The passing years, however, have taken many of her friends and kin. Her influence has waned. Those who remember her heroism in times of peril are few. Even her great-grandson, Cadarn, Dominus of Terah, denies her strong magic.
And all the while Lara's son, the charming but nefarious Twilight Lord, Kolgrim, waits patiently for his moment. But Kolgrim will not make his father's mistakes by waging war. His way is more subtle, and sinister. Despite Lara's formidable powers she fears there is little to be done. Yet before all is lost she will fulfill the long-ago prophecy of her daughter Anoush to unite the world of Hetar.
And as the darkness falls Lara finds that more than ever she needs the wisdom, the love and the support of the great Shadow Prince, Kaliq. While her youngest daughter, Marzina, will prove to all that she is more than just her mother's daughter. In her greatest trial yet, Lara and Kaliq will finally meet her long foretold destiny together.


As I said, the book kept me captivated. If you want to read this series, you must start with the first book, as the story just continues with Lara's life. Bad things keep happening to her, but always for a good reason, and each book is an ending in itself, so luckily, no cliff hangers. Bertrice Small has been my favourite author for over 25 years now, and I guess she always will be. Her historical novels are more erotic than some erotica I have tried, and well before the genre was this popular.

As is usual for Bertrice Small, there is a lot (too much?) telling what happened before, lots of descriptions of what they are eating and drinking, and wearing. And of course, love scenes. Although the word love doesn't always apply here.

The worlds of Hetar and Thera have mostly forgotten about Lara, their believe in magic is gone. They pursue riches, and pleasures, and not much else. Cruelty in the name of entertainment is highly appreciated. So the time has come for Kolgrim to find his destined bride, and start his reign of darkness over the whole world. And although Lara tries, she cannot stop him this time. So the creatures who are good magic are forced to flee the world, to go to Belmair and other places, or else they will be killed and their magic consumed by Kolgrim.

I liked the ending of this long fantasy series, but not the real end of the book. And now I am wishing there will be more, what happens with Marzina and her fight for good and light. Will the people of Hetar and Thera change? And miss Lara? I would even be pleased with a novella or anthology story about what happens next, when the magic is gone from the world.