This is the final book in the Alanna quartet. Alanna is on a quest to find the Dominion Jewel for Jonathan, who is now king of Tortall. The Dominion Jewel allows its user to form a bond with the land that includes the ability to command the land. Jonathan needs all the help he can get since most of Tortall believes his reign is cursed. He mother finally succumbed to sickness after many years and his father had an "accident" that Jonathan believes was really suicide. The worst thing is that Alanna's brother Thom has brought Uncle Roger back from the dead. Even though Alanna exposed Roger's evil plans and killed him in the second book, no one throws a fit about him being back. Alanna's quest takes her high into the mountains at the edge of the world. She also begins a relationship with Liam, the Shang Dragon, even though he doesn't like magic. Along the way she also meets Thayet and Buri fleeing from a war in their country. Thayet is the daughter of the dead king and Alanna believes the perfect match for Jonathan. She just has to get the jewel and everyone back to Corus and stop whatever plot Roger is cooking up.

I thoroughly enjoy this series. There are clearly problems with the pacing and the character develop throughout the series. I am sure if Pierce was writing these today she would do them a bit differently, but they are wonderful stories for kids. I love the fact that Alanna can kick your butt and wipe your tears at the same time. She is a girl and a warrior and doesn't apologize for either. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes strong girls doing what they want to do in a boys' world.