War Storm by Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen, Book 4)

War Storm, the fourth and final book in the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard, is a battle for the future of Norta and the Lakelands, as well as Montfort and Piedmont. Will Cal or Maven be victorious? Will the Reds or the Silvers end up with the crown?

I went into this story with a good dose of frustration from the ending of the last book. Throughout the story, I’ve had issues with Mare and her “all or nothing” approach to Cal. This was a primary focus of the last scene in King’s Cage and in the opening scene in War Storm. Cal has been raised to be King of Norta and she expects him to give it up for her. Cal is certain that that better path is to take up the crown and try to change the system from the inside. He is already sympathetic to the Red cause and is more open to change than any kings before him, but this is not enough for Mare who wants it all and wants it now.

Even as Mare and Cal’s relationship is shattered, they are aware that they must work together to take down Maven and Iris. Cal is able to assemble his Silver allies brought together through their allegiance to his family and those of the Rift gained through his betrothal to Evangeline. Mare and the Scarlet Guard have their Reds and New Bloods throughout the nations. Davidson, the Premier of Montfort, is supportive of the Scarlet Guard’s cause and agrees to supply an army.

The personal relationship between Mare and Cal aside, I enjoyed this book and felt that it was a good end to the series. The story is one long battle as Cal attempts to create a foothold in Norta in which to establish his rule. Once that is accomplished, Cal and his army move on to take Archeon. While the brothers focus on each other, others scheme to take them both down and assume control of Norta.

I have to say that my favorite POVs in this book are those of Evangeline, Iris and Maven. Evangeline has grown on me throughout the series and became one of my favorite characters even as she struggled with her duty to family vs her own desires. Iris was an interesting character both in how she handled Maven and her own background. Maven – poor, broken Maven – never really had a chance after what his mother did to him. Throughout the story, Cal always retained that small hope that his brother could be fixed but that was never going to happen – even Maven knew he was damaged.

Rating: 4 Stars