"The Sky-Blue Wolves" by S.M. Stirling delivers a gripping conclusion to the Change series, blending post-apocalyptic turmoil with epic fantasy elements. Crown Princess Órlaith grapples with the challenges of maintaining peace in a world reshaped by the Change. Joined by allies like Empress Reiko, she confronts the sinister forces threatening her kingdom, including the enigmatic Yellow Raja. As the Sky-Blue Wolves of Mongolia rise again, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown that spans continents. Stirling's masterful storytelling and richly imagined world make this a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and post-apocalyptic fiction alike.

I was a big fan of the books in the beginning of this series but having missed the last 4 or 5 this was not the place to resume reading the series. Lots happens as the next generation prepares to take the reins, we have battles and politics and intrigue. Even without being sure who was who I enjoyed the book. Fans of the series will find this a satisfying read that may, or may not, be the end of our adventures in the Changed world.

Stirling delivers a first rate story! Who else could write such a gripping girl warrior buddy road movie that drives through History?

"The Blue Sky Wolves" eBook was published in 2018 (November) and was written by S. M. Stirling (https://smstirling.com). Mr. Stirling has published more than 55 novels. This is the fifth novel in his "Emberverse V Rudi's Children" series of alternative history novels. 

I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Language. The story is set nearly 50 years after 'The Change' with the second generation living on the altered Earth. 

Crown Princess Órlaith and Japanese Empress Reiko first lead their forces in the freeing of the Hawaiian islands. Then they lead the armies of Montival and Japan respectively to Korea in a final confrontation with the occult power that was behind the Yellow Raja. Once they have landed in Korea, they meet unexpected allies there, the descendants of Genghis Khan now rising as a force to be reckoned with in Mongolia. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the 11 hours I spent reading this 352-page alternative history fantasy. I have read most of the novels in the Emberverse series and have found them all enjoyable. I like the characters of Órlaith, Reiko, and their comrades. I think that Stirling has done a great job both with the plot for this series as well as with creating interesting leaders in a broken world. While this novel was filled with battles between the forces of Montival and her allies, the end seemed too easy and simple for the conclusion of this part of the series.  I do like the cover art selected for this novel. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.

Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/. 

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).