Let me tell you a story. It's a romance of two lovers, born in different times and different places, who meet when one is mad from heartbreak and the other is on assignment.

They don't fall in love immediately. They don't get along or trade coy looks or veiled compliments. She who was a Queen, who left her heart behind with her Crown because it saved the land that claimed her and which she claimed in return. He who lost everyone he loved, who was betrayed by someone he considered close, who felt the weight of obligation and duty to save others.

Admiration of the other's strength of will turns to admiration of form. Faith in the other's individual martial strength turns to faith in their ability together. Respect turns to love turns to fierce protection and possession.

Through many worlds, many times and many trials they fight. For each other, for the ones they love, for the ones they left behind and the ones that need them going forward. The story of Huckleberry Finn Van Brunt and Her Majesty the Queen of Diamonds Alice Liddell is a story full of romance, fury and passion. It's a fairy tale who's moral is to never underestimate love. Its an acknowledgement that sometimes love can be--will be--enough if one is willing to be open to the sacrifices it can make.

In the end THE LOST CODEX is everything and more that I wanted for their story's ending. The anxiety I felt over their ending, the grief I felt over fallen comrades, the tears I shed...it's both enough and not enough to explain what this series has meant to me. ( )

"I am the Queen of Diamonds. And I will never forget that again."

This is an incredibly surreal experience that I am sad to see come to an end. Happy endings come with a price, and happiness is subjective -

Inspiring, hopeful, with a brutal body count, this series is a fantastic romance in a world I am sorry to leave. If you haven't started this series yet, you are seriously missing out. ( )