By: Jamie Steinberg
When we first met Conrad of Elise he was a sixteen year old who was born into a prestigious family on the island of Holmstead. When he refused to become the heir, he was cast out with his sick mother to live a life as a “Low” (low-class). He was desperate to protect his sister so he struck a deal with his evil uncle to look after her. Almost two years later we find Conrad still fighting for his life as his uncle looks to put him down for good, still hoping he can save the Skylands from his tyranny. Downfall is the final chapter in this saga and a wonderful way to sail off into the sunset.
At a daunting 500+ pages, we find Conrad, his sister Ella and his friends still looking to end the reign of his malevolent uncle. They are currently aboard his uncle’s ship and hoping their current plan to take him down will work. Unfortunately, it doesn’t and thus begins a downward spiral that leaves Conrad – again – fighting from the bottom of the barrel (or lands as it were) to be worthy in the eyes of society of stopping his uncle and his wicked ways. I could go into detail about the many adventures that it takes to get Conrad in fighting shape, but really it’s worth the read to find out for yourself.
Author Marc J. Gregson brings an end to the Sky’s End saga with Downfall in a very grandiose way. What could have been broken down into two separate final tales, (it’s a heavy book and a lot of storyline) still fascinates and makes this worth turning page after page (after page). You desperately want Conrad and his friends to succeed as each and every person has become a beloved character – even Pound. Gregson’s talents for sci-fi/fantasy writing excels with this read and I look forward to many more exciting reads in the future.
Downfall captivates with the final battle for good to conquer evil. What starts out as a daunting, heavy read quickly becomes a tale that will leave readers eagerly wanting to see if and how Conrad and his crew put things right for the Skylands. Sci-fi/fantasy lovers, even if you haven’t read the other two books ahead of Downfall, you will certainly enjoy this story.