Genres: Romantic Fantasy, NA Fantasy, Epic Fantasy | Release Date: 8 August 2026 | Series: The Grail Cycle | Series Book: #4 | Pages: 539 | Indie Author | Review
“How do you outrun fate?”
Kate Schumacher
Overview:
A big thank you goes to the lovely Kate Schumacher, for letting me read an e-ARC of To Rule a Kingdom — and not minding when life threw some chaos into the mix! This is the finale to The Grail Cycle series, and it has been an enormous joy to revisit such a strong fantasy world. If you haven’t seen my reviews for the first three instalments? You can see them here. But for now, let’s give you some insight into this epic conclusion…
Now that Arthur, Jenyfer and Ordes can wield the Treasures of the Gods, their attention must turn to locating the Grail. But with Mordred intent on waging war against his cousin, the world is teetering on a knife’s edge—and not everyone will survive. To defeat the darkness threatening to overwhelm the realm, they must also reconcile with their pasts… The broken son, the accursed woman, and the man always caught between powerful forces. Can Arthur, Jenyfer and Ordes save the world before Mordred sets it alight? How will Lamorna fare, knowing her sister and her lover are on opposing sides? And when the land demands a sacrifice… Who will walk towards their doom, rather than away from it?
And good news, with this being the finale? You can binge-read the entire series!
Happiness Boost:
One of the facets I love most about Kate’s writing? Her ability to empower women through her stories; the women within To Rule a Kingdom are truly incredible, but never in an unrealistic way, which is probably what I love most about them! Morally grey has nothing on these women, and it is through their choices, their rage, that the world truly begins to shift. Were their actions always loud? No. But they didn’t need to be. I’m so in love with how women’s agency and power has been reflected here. Give me this fire. Give me this determination and burning desire to have a voice on what the future will look like. I devoured this and would like to ask for seconds (and thirds).
This reimagining is, hands down, truly the best tale I’ve ever read about King Arthur. And if I’m being honest? It’s one of the best reimaginings I’ve ever read for *any* legend or mythology. The fact that we can feel the weight of the world on Arthur’s shoulders, and the devastating truths hitting the hearts of Ordes and Jenyfer? Even the broken moral compass of Mordred, who has, it seems, never felt truly seen? I don’t know how Kate does this. I really don’t. But I am so grateful for the magic she can create.
To Rule a Kingdom is an epic conclusion to The Grail Cycle series, and my heart isn’t quite sure how to cope, now that I’ve reached the end. I am going to miss these characters, more than I can adequately convey here… Because with every page, every single word, Kate transported me to a realm where victory was never guaranteed – but good people fought for it regardless. And I take a lot of courage from that.
Downside:
This was absolutely incredible, I have no downside.
Final Thoughts:
To Rule a Kingdom by Kate Schumacher is a riveting finale to this Arthurian reimagining, and I wish it never had to end. I’m so grateful that I ran to pre-order a hardcover from Kate, so that this gorgeous book can take pride of place on my bookshelf alongside the rest of this series. If you want morally grey characters and legends coming to life? Or feminine rage that could unite or break a realm depending on how fate feels on any given day? Get this. Read it. Love it. Because I promise you will. If you like the sound of this finale? Just click on any of the links below to order your copy! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can order To Rule a Kingdom via these links:
