Hi everyone
I just finished The Tomb of Dragons, the third and (sadly) final book in The Cemeteries of Amalo series by Katherine Addison. Like the other books in the series, this one has a gorgeous cover that immediately draws you in. This is actually the third book in the series but it's also the fourth book in the larger, overarching series, namely The Chronicles of Osreth.
I got my copy from Bol.
"Thara Celehar has lost his ability to speak with the dead. When that title of Witness for the Dead is gone, what defines him?
While
his title may be gone, his duties are not. Celehar contends with a
municipal cemetery with fifty years of secrets, the damage of a
revethavar he’s terrified to remember, and a group of miners who are
more than willing to trade Celehar’s life for a chance at what they feel
they’re owed.
Celehar does not have to face these impossible
tasks alone. Joining him are his mentee Velhiro Tomasaran, still finding
her footing with the investigative nature of their job; Iäna
Pel-Thenhior, his beloved opera director friend and avid supporter; and
the valiant guard captain Hanu Olgarezh.
Amidst the backdrop of a
murder and a brewing political uprising, Celehar must seek justice for
those who cannot find it themselves under a tense political system. The
repercussions of his quest are never as simple they seem, and Celehar’s
own life and happiness hang in the balance."
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes this series so comforting to read. The maincharacter, Thara Celehar, isn’t exactly exciting, (he’s actually rather boring) but in the best possible way. He’s honest, always striving to be the best person he can be and to do the best he can. I find him incredibly likable because I can relate to him so much: his introverted nature, his love for reading, tea, and long walks, his insomnia, and his small circle of close friends. His friends, too, are such lovely, warm people that you can’t help but adore them.
The names of places and people are challenging to remember and keep apart because they are so different from ours. But Addison's worldbuilding is amazing, the people feel real, the "magic" is fascinating, and the plot, while simple, is also effective and engrossing. The entire setting is so unique and different from anything else I’ve read.
The story itself is heartwarming in the best way. It’s about learning to rely on others, discovering the value of friendship, opening your heart to love again, and questioning yourself. It’s charming, heartwarming, sad, bittersweet, lovely, and moving; all at the same time.
The Tomb of Dragons is the last book in The Cemeteries of Amalo series but I truly hope and wish for other books in this world of The Chronicles of Osreth. There’s so much more to explore, and I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters just yet.
Have you read The Tomb of Dragons or any of the other books in this series? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy reading!
Helena
