Synopsis – A conflict of ideals: magic versus fire-powered weapons. The fate of Issalia hangs in the balance.A new Empire has risen to power. Already in control of the east coast, the Imperial Army sets its sights on Issalia’s western kingdoms. Tensions rise as both sides prepare for war.

What deadly weapon will the Empire develop next?
Brandt and Quinn are espions – part spy, part thief, part assassin. Under false identities, these spies find themselves deeply entrenched within Empire headquarters. There, they gather information, seeking a means to foil the Empire’s plans for conquest.
One misstep by either warden could result in death – their own and thousands of others.

They are joined by a small squad of fellow wardens:
Wildcats – warriors trained to fight while powered by magic  Rangers – experts in nature, these archers scout enemy forces  Gadgeteers – engineers who invent magic-powered machines and weapons  Arcanists – those who can wield Chaos – a destructive, rune-based magic  Driven by the core belief that Chaos magic is evil, the Empire seeks to stamp out this scourge. If victorious, Chaos will be outlawed. Those who can wield it…will be executed.
The wardens must stop this Imperial gambit.

An Imperial Gambit is the third book in the Warden’s of Issalia series. When I reviewed The Arcane Ward one of the issues I had with it was the pacing and the story due to the introduction of Brandt and Cassilyn.

Upon starting to read An Imperial Gambit its clear to see Jeffrey L. Kohaneks choice to flesh out and evolve Brandt and Cassilyn in the The Arcane Ward was certainly the right choice, it allows this book to have a very strong opening and it continues on a strong footing throughout the book.

Due to this I think the story is now becoming a lot stronger and the pacing overall seems more consistent.

One aspect of this series I am starting to enjoying the most is seeing the political aspects of the war and how it not only impact the overall story but certain characters. One pivotal moment in particular shook me to my core as I was concerned not only how this would effect the story on a bigger level but the people who it would hurt the most.

Its moments like this that make me truly enjoy Jeffrey L. Kohaneks books set in the world of Issalia. Not only does he create a great and vast world but at the same time he still manages to absorb you into the world while making you emotional drawn towards it.

When I started reading the Wardens of Issalia series I was a little uncertain as to how much I would enjoy this series due to how much I liked the previous trilogy, The Runes of Issalia. However as the series progresses I am starting to really enjoy it and what its bring to the world but I don’t think I will ever like the characters in this series as much as I didn’t in the previous trilogy.

An Imperial Gambit is certainly a great addition to The Wardens of Issalia series and I think the books in series are certainly getting better as they go along so I am looking forward to see how the characters and story progress in the next book.

With this being the third book in the series we are starting to see all the different aspects combine towards something I think that will make an epic conclusion and I am truly excited to see how this will come about.