The Kingmakers (Vampire Empire #3) by Clay and Susan Griffith

A war to the death. 

Empress Adele has launched a grand crusade against the vampire clans of the north. Prince Gareth, the vampire lord of Scotland, serves the Equatorian cause, fighting in the bloody trenches of France in his guise as the dashing Greyfriar. But the human armies are pinned down, battered by harsh weather and merciless attacks from vampire packs. 

To even the odds, Adele unleashes the power of her geomancy, a fearsome weapon capable of slaughtering vampires in vast numbers. However, the power she expends threatens her own life even as she questions the morality of such a weapon. 

As the war turns ever bloodier and Adele is threatened by betrayal, Gareth faces a terrible choice. Their only hope is a desperate strike against the lord of the vampire clans—Gareth’s brother, Cesare. It is a gamble that could win the war or signal the final days of the Greyfriar. 

The Vampire Empire trilogy rushes to a heart-wrenching conclusion of honor and love, hatred and vengeance, sacrifice and loss.

I was so excited when this came in the mail for review. And with the anticipation, the book opens up with a bang. The war is on and Adele is leading the campaign against Cesare and his packs. In fact most of the book is about the war and Adele's growing power. The action is intense and the war has everything you expect... including political intrigue on both sides.

Since this was the last book of the trilogy I had to be curious as to how it would end. How would our couple, who is of a completely different species, who's nature is anathema to the other, work out? Would it? Yes, that question is answered and more. However, this brings me to my criticisms. The couple's tension seems to still be there, but the relationship to me just seemed to not hold the same intensity. The how question was answered too easily for what had gone on previously. Also, within Gareth and Greyfriar there was a lot of growth in this area, but the conclusion to his story just didn't match the ending. I was a bit confused by that and he just seemed fickle in the end when he was so certain not too long before. I have to admit, I was not a fan of the conclusion. Mostly because it created more questions and I wouldn't get those answers.

I give this book 3 stars. I do love this trilogy and despite my criticisms I would not have missed this last book for anything. I am curious as to where these authors will venture next. I would love to read it. Not only do I recommend this book to the people who love this trilogy, but I recommend the books to those that love fantasy, steampunk and a sweeping romance. Yep, both men and women should enjoy the stories here.

I was given this ARC by pyr and no compensation for my review was given.