This is the third and last book of The Deed of Paksenarrion. It’s revealed that Paks has been crushed and driven into the dirt just to show how strong-willed and awesome she is in climbing out. She doesn’t just have talent and barbarian strength—she can make it without those. She isn’t just a Paladin chosen by the church—God picked her out personally and she can make it without the church, even over their opposition. It’s a nicely resonant ending to the trilogy. Sheepfarmer’s Daughter stands alone, but this book justifies Divided Alleigiance.

Books read this year: 42