Age of Death

Wow, the fifth installment of the "Legends of the First Empire" - series blew my scope of imgination and I was whisked away into an underworld without comparison. As this book is very much character-driven, we get a lot of additional information and character growth from each and every chapter. I personally enjoyed this to the fullest because after five books, these characters seem like family and friends. To see them thrive and surpass themselves is a true gift and I could literally feel off the pages how much love and care Michael J. Sullivan put in each and everyone of his characters. The setting of this book expands hugely and moves the story into Elan's underworld, opening up a parallel dimenson to the one in which Suri's mission progresses. More than once, I had to ask myself who of my dear friends is still alive and who is actually dead. Needless to say, the cliffhanger at the end is absolutely brutal and perfectly worked up to in order to get ready for the last and final round in "Age of Empyre". What a ride, what an author and what an outstanding series.