The Cuckoo is a thrilling and masterfully crafted finale to Leo Carew’s Under the Northern Sky trilogy. From the very first page, Carew plunges you into a world teeming with political intrigue, brutal warfare, and morally complex characters. Fans of epic fantasy will find much to love here—especially those who enjoy the dark, gritty tones reminiscent of George R. R. Martin or Joe Abercrombie.What I Loved: • High Stakes and Complex Characters: The intensity never lets up. As alliances shift and betrayals emerge, you’re constantly kept on edge. Characters like Bellamus and Aramilla are ruthlessly ambitious, while Keturah’s journey is both poignant and fierce. The young Black Lord’s struggle to hold his kingdom together amidst looming threats feels authentic and earned. • Immersive World-Building: Albion is brought to life with rich detail and culture, from the frozen landscapes to the political intricacies. Carew has an exceptional ability to build tension and atmosphere, making you feel the weight of every decision, battle, and sacrifice. • Epic Battle Scenes: The action is relentless, visceral, and brutal in the best way. Carew doesn’t shy away from depicting the raw realities of war—each skirmish feels significant, with real consequences for the characters. • A Satisfying Conclusion: Endings are tough to get right, but The Cuckoo delivers. Carew ties up the threads with precision while leaving just enough room for the characters and world to linger in your mind.Overall, The Cuckoo is a powerful conclusion to a deeply engaging trilogy. If you’ve been following the series, this is everything you could hope for and more. Leo Carew has proven himself as a major voice in modern fantasy, delivering a story that is as dark as it is compelling. Highly recommended for anyone craving epic fantasy done right!