Review of Fate of the Tearling-Erika Johansen

Johansen's first book in the series, The Queen of the Tearling, was a fresh entry in the epic fantasy genre; the world she created was original and her characters well-developed.  Her second book, The Invasion of the Tearling, was as its title suggested: the horror of war as another kingdom invades; this novel was too warlike and gruesome for my taste, especially the torture scenes.  Her final book, The Fate of the Tearling, is less bloody and sends the reader back and forth through time.  Although at times I wished for a spreadsheet to keep all the characters from the past & present straight, I enjoyed this final book for its resolution to a complicated issue.  The ending is surprising but strangely satisfying.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for mature teens and adults