Leaf and Flame is the fourth and concluding novel in the Coin of Rulve Series by Veronica Dale. The story of twin brothers Teller and Sheft continues as they try to make sense of what they are called to do. Sheft and Teller have reunited, but their job is not done yet. As the power of the Lord of Shunder is about to be unleashed on the world, the brothers do everything they can to stop him. With the burden of a dire prophecy looming over their heads, they leave their loved ones behind and embark on a final journey that might end with the demise of one of them. While Teller is trying his best to overcome the powerful lord, Sheft is afraid that whatever he does is only going to make it easier for that lord to fulfill his disgusting plans. Both brothers have their fears, but they aren’t letting those fears stop them. Can they beat the evil that is testing them beyond what they can bear? Or will it be the last call for them?

Leaf and Flame is a stunning conclusion to this brilliant series. What a fitting end to an incredible epic fantasy! Teller and Sheft have grown so much. They are looking at a bigger picture and understand that they can’t allow past failures to stop them from achieving the Creator Rulve’s plan. They would never think of themselves as heroes, but are portrayed as mere humans called to do a hero’s job. The Lord of Shunder is despicable, but he is a worthy adversary to Teller and Sheft. The brothers have become well-rounded characters who are now working together to achieve their redemptive goal. The plot is, once again, incredibly rich, complex and well-woven. The descriptions are vivid and the atmosphere was just perfect. I will miss these characters!

In Leaf and Flame by Veronica Dale, Teller and Sheft have a calling, a divine purpose guided by Creator Rulve. When Mariat was taken from them, Teller fears he can never be forgiven by his brother for failing to protect his wife and his role in how this came to pass. With barely enough time to recover, they continue their journey to stop the Lord of Shunder. Conditions in Shunder were desperate. The Spider-king had devastated the land, dammed the river, and ruined the soil, and with debts to pay and rising taxes children were thrust into slavery to pay debts. Sheft and Teller were meant to be the heroes of prophecy, to stand against the threat, but there is more expected of them; danger and desperation will be their companions as they try to fulfill their destiny.

Veronica Dale's Leaf and Flame is the final book in the Coin of Rulve series. Not having read the previous books, I was a bit lost in places, but I was still able to thoroughly enjoy the story. Clear attention has been paid to the world-building, from its design and religion, to the depiction of a wide array of different classes and races, and to how different places measure the passage of time. Teller begins to learn the reality behind his twisted memories and also accepts responsibility for the betrayal and consequences that are his to bear. There are some powerful, beautiful, and impactful lines that add to the complex plot. I enjoyed the internal struggles of acceptance and truth and how events are manipulated to force enemies to unite against a common goal. I enjoyed the character interaction, the plot surprises, and the sometimes heartbreaking moments that brought the story to life. I may not have read the whole series, but it was certainly a satisfying conclusion.

I did my best, and I'm glad the reviewer agrees with me!