Lady Liege is a work of fiction in the fantasy and adventure subgenres and serves as the third installment of the Serving Magic book series. It is intended for both young adult and adult readers to enjoy and was penned by author Toni Cabell. As this magical and enthralling series continues, we once again find ourselves with protagonist Linden as the threat of attack looms over her home nation in the form of the dreaded Mordahn. However, the undead army is not her only threat, as arguments from those who don’t believe in Linden’s destiny shake her confidence. What results is a powerful coming-of-age tale where one young woman must take up the mantle and plunge herself headfirst into darkness.

I always enjoy fantasy adventure works most when they successfully interweave those subgenres which give us an emotional link to the tale, such as romance, coming of age, and social issues, and Lady Liege is a novel that delivers all of that in a truly magical package. I really liked the way Linden clashed with some of the characters, particularly the chief, of course, and how she learned from those experiences to thicken her own skin and stay on course. Author Toni Cabell offers a great role model and a strong central message of self-belief that enhances the exciting plot twists and the tense, atmospheric setting all the more. Overall, I would highly recommend Lady Liege to fans of the existing series, and the series in general for fantasy fans seeking thrills and excitement, but also depth and edge-of-your-seat suspense.

Lady Liege is the third book in The Serving Magic Series by Toni Cabell. Linden is done with Mordahn and his army’s attacks on her people. As the Liege of Faynwood, the responsibility of ending the terror of Mordahn falls on Linden’s shoulders. She believes the time for waiting is over, and they need to take the fight to Mordahn before he wreaks more havoc in the lives of innocent people and beings. Everyone agrees, except for the Chief of Arrowood. Will Linden let the arrogant man dictate how she follows her destiny? Absolutely not. She will end the terror reign of Mordahn once and for all, regardless of the consequences. Will she succeed? Or is the Chief of Arrowood right? Can Linden and Corbahn end the rift between Arrowood and Faynwood?

Oh wow, how did I miss this series? This series has everything I love in a good Young Adult fantasy novel. It has a powerful protagonist, a strong plot, dry humor, character names that I can actually pronounce, a romantic interest that our protagonist resists, and rich details that transported me right into the story. Linden is the kind of protagonist you root for. Her brand of sarcasm had me laughing out loud. I loved the banter between Linden and Corbahn. I loved how they resisted, but duty always comes first. Although reluctant to take on the responsibilities, Linden takes those responsibilities seriously and plans on succeeding. The action never dies in Lady Liege, which is perhaps why I completed it in a single sitting. Toni Cabell writes with the ease of an author who is enjoying the ride. The pace is perfect, the action gets a place of honor in the story, and the characters drive the action forward with their growth. I loved this story more than I can express and would highly recommend it!