An unassuming hero must move forward after trauma and seek reparations for a historic crime in this emotionally deep, friendship-affirming fantasy mystery. The Tomb of Dragons is the third in Katherine Addison's Cemeteries of Amalo series, set in the universe of her breakout novel, The Goblin Emperor.
Othala Thara Celehar's victory over a dangerous evil in the previous book, The Grief of Stones, came at the price of his power to speak to the dead and therefore his standing as Witness for the Dead. Now he must decide who he is without that title. He continues to follow the calling of his god, "even though I wasn't sure I had one anymore." He will also learn once and for all whether his calling is finished with him when a group of miners forces him to confront a long-dead, vengeful dragon spirit trapped within a mountain. Celehar will have to face down some of the nation's most powerful players to see justice served.
Addison (The Witness for the Dead) continues to flesh out her world, adding new political and economic details along with her own take on dragons. The core of the story reckons with the complexity of healing, whether from a widespread social injustice or a personal crisis. Celehar won't endure his struggles alone; he is supported by friends familiar and new, and fans will be happy to see cameos from the Goblin Emperor, among others. Readers who are up to date on Celehar's earlier ventures will derive the most enjoyment from this installment. Readers new to Addison's world should consider enjoying her highly recommended backlist. --Jaclyn Fulwood, blogger at Infinite Reads