Reviewed by Eduardo Aduna for Readers' Favorite

C. Craig Coleman’s The Crown of Yesunpov is both an ending and a beginning. We see the culmination of Saxthor’s journey, as well as the setting of the stage for his foray against the darkness that threatens the land. Saxthor’s journey brings him home, but the risks and challenges he will face will be even greater than what he has encountered in the past. With the kingdoms of Powteros in turmoil and with Dreaddrac’s sorcerer-king extending his dominion over the land, Saxthor and his allies must show utmost resilience as they push through and attempt to finish the last stages of their arduous quest.

What stood out for me in the third novel of the Neuyokkasinian Arc of Empire Series was the well-thought-out and highly interesting interactions between the various characters. Aleman and Memlatec, Saxthor and his party, and even Witch Earwig and whomever she’s tormenting at the moment, all exhibit vivid interactions and detailed dialogue that showcase the uniqueness of each character as well as their own role in the Neuyokkasinian Arc of Empire universe. Reader immersion through vivid character dialogue is one of the hardest things fantasy writers can hope to achieve, and C. Craig Coleman pulls it off with remarkable ease. The scope of the novel is greatly expanded, as compared to the previous two installments, and geopolitics play a more critical role in the story’s resolution. Still, small unit tactics drive the storyline, with Saxthor becoming more and more proficient in issuing squad level orders; valuable training for his eventual expanded role in the kingdom’s fate. Twists and turns are evenly placed throughout the novel, driving instead of detracting from the main storyline. Indeed, scenes seesaw from poignant goodbyes to action-filled skirmishes, giving readers an intriguing ride.

This novel shows us a significant milestone in Saxthor’s destiny, while providing a launch pad for future events set in C. Craig Coleman’s fascinating world. As this chapter of C. Craig Coleman’s vision comes to a close, I have high hopes that the next books set in this world will continue to attract the interest of epic fantasy enthusiasts everywhere, and open their eyes to the great potential the author has in being able to carve his own niche amidst the sea of big names already thriving in this genre.