Mike Shackle's The Last War series is Epic Fantasy at its finest, in my humble opinion.

     

     Got to love a series in which the "Bad Guys" are evil in the true meaning of the word. The Last War series does not fool around with grey moral characters save for a few. But as a rule, you are going to love the good guys & gals and hate the bad guys & gals. Which give this series an "Old School Epic Fantasy Vibe." Mike Shackle's worldbuilding and magic system are well fleshed out. 

     The country of Jia is a flawed society. The Military Class, the Shulka, lords over the populace.  The Shulka have achieved this special status by being a protector against the Northern tribe, the Egril. The Egril have been united by Raaku who has declared himself a son of a god and Emperor. Never a good combo. So, when the Egrils attacked, the Shulkas were overrun and Jia was completely conquered in six days. The first book in                                                    the series, We Are The Dead, introduce the POVs as the Jains start to                                                        fight back against the invaders.                                                

The second book in the Last War series continued its Good vs. Evil theme. Again, multiple POVs tell this great, fast paced tale. Read this rather quickly as the first book sets everything up so nicely. Nice plot twist about midpoint of this second book. Sometimes the second book in the series can be a bit of a drag as its purpose is to get the characters into place for the final battle. No such problems with this novel. It jumps between the POVs and leaves to wanting more from each. I continue to enjoy the fabulous worldbuilding and magic system.  

 

The final book in the series was very satisfying. The good guy prevailed and the Bad guys got what was coming to them after 3 volumes of mostly getting their way save for a few setbacks. Every now and then I need break from the morally grey characters and need some straight up Good Vs Evil shit to feel better.