Can I just say my heart nearly leaped out of my throat during this book. I almost cried and I think you all know why I almost cried! This book was a roller coaster of emotions for me, but I still loved it so so much. I loved how Dusty and Lance were getting along well in the this book because in the first two I wanted to punch his lights out. I still loath Paul so very much Dusty should have never trusted the asshole after the first book! Eli was right in every aspect of him. Anyway Mindee killed it once again and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!

Wow, we’ve come a really long way and I’m actually kind of sad that I’ve finally finished the series.

From their *humble* beginning hunting down a lone murderer to taking down the Red Warlock multiple times and foiling his various plots, I’ve always loved how unique this series has been. Seriously though, the story arc of the whole series is planned out very well and the way that this book culminates, though a bit rushed imo, is magnificent.

Dusty spends this book sorting out problems from multiple fronts and at times all of her relationships seem to be falling apart and she has no idea who she can trust. But she braves her way through it all in her good ‘ol “screw the rules” fashion sneaking in illicit meetings with Eli and slipping off campus to do some investigative work of her own. That’s not to say that Dusty is fielding the brunt of the work in this book. No, her friends are all there to back her up which is another great reason to read this whole series if you haven’t already!

There’s Eli who is the loyal, if not somewhat overprotective, boyfriend but hey, who can blame him. There’s this scene about ⅔ through that really puts Eli’s mindset into perspective and then the very last chapter with him and Dusty is just so cute. Truly, their relationship has come so far. Remember in the first book where they low-key hated each other? Well I’m so glad that they’re trying to sneak in kisses all the time in this book!

Then there’s Selene and her boyfriend Lance who are also a pair to contend with. Together, all four of these characters are the “Dream Team” (kind of literal in its name too!) and I’m pretty sure there’s nothing they can’t do. They each bring different aspects to the team - not just types of magic but also in personality - and together, keeping in mind that they’re just teens, they literally take down the worst magikind to ever live. And they don’t even come across as OP doing it, like it’s as realistic as a magic battle can be and ugh that final battle scene is so satisfying when together, the Dream Team takes down the bad guys.

Speaking of the bad guys, they’re truly terrifying in this book. Not only the villains, but just the overall feel of the book was really creepy, good considering that each book literally has “Nightmare” in it. I read the bulk of this on a train ride and even with all the people around me and the noise of the train, I was pretty freaked out at some points while reading! You can say “atmosphere” all you want, but I think the mark of a good writing is when emotion and setting can come through.

My one complaint is that the characters act a bit too sappily at points, like “reach in and slap them out of it” level melodramatic. In those moments, I considered rating this book lower but then something afterwards will be written so well that I just can’t rate the Nightmare Charade poorly.

Besides, it’s a last book and though I think it would have been better for it to end a la Girl of Nightmares, I still felt at once sad and happy for the characters and my reading journey. All in all, a satisfying conclusion to this refreshing and well crafted series.

I skimmed this one - my heart just wasn't in it.

Okay I'm going to admit outright that this probably should have been a five stars instead of a four but I'm pouting because she says in the beginning right before the book even begins that this is the last story in the series and it doesn't really feel done to me. I'm not ready to let go of Dusty and Eli and I don't feel I should have to.

**Spoiler (sort of) **
Sure the initial love story obstacles and the initial villain present have been defeated in this trilogy so it probably wouldn't work as a continued YA series because I think the couple has been through enough but honestly you've got a dream psychic couple and a world that's almost always on the verge of war because of elitist groups plus the main characters outright admit Marrow's supporters are still out there. That really doesn't feel like a finished series to me. I'll admit continuing on might not fit with the expectations of the age category/genre combination but this pair and this world could make an AWESOME urban fantasy series that I really want to read. So it would be greatly appreciated if Arnett would WRITE it.
**End Spoiler/Rant**

Despite practically wanting to tantrum that this is the end of the series I really enjoyed the final book in the Arkwell Academy Trilogy. The story was extremely fast paced and I'll admit I would have liked a bit more time to indulge in this well constructed amazingly imaginative world. Dusty's newfound strength and confidence despite her many social, magical, and romantic struggles was a delight to read. She's grown so much as a character since the first novel it's would be hard not to be proud of her as a character. Each of the main characters - Dusty, Eli, Selena and Lance have grown as a characters, grown as "people" the way teens do as they're coming into their own person and forging who they're going to be and that was a delight to read.

Learning more about the sword, the phoenix, all of the elements that are an essential cornerstone in the Arkwell Academy world was a pure delight. Overall this novel was a rapidly moving adventure filled with magic, mystery, friendship and love was a delight to read from beginning to end. Highly recommended.

What a satisfying end to an adorable series! It's been a long time since I read the second book, but I was thrilled to jump back into this magical world. I absolutely LOVE the magic in this book!

It seemed like Dusty and Eli's relationship was always difficult. If it wasn't one thing getting in between them, it was another. I loved that they still stayed strong despite it all, though! They didn't give up on each other.

Spoiler

I was glad to see them finally get to be together.

I adore the mystery aspect of this entire series. There's always a mystery to be solved! I did figure out some of it before it happened, but it still took me a while. There were a few things that managed to catch me by surprise (I love that!).

The only complaint I have is that I wasn't as emotionally invested as I'd hoped to be. There was a MAJOR thing that happened toward the end that probably should have upset me, but it didn't.

Spoiler

Honestly, I think the only reason I felt nothing because I didn't believe it for a minute. I knew Eli wasn't going to die.

If you haven't read any of the Arkwell Academy books yet, I definitely recommend picking up these cute and magical books!

This review was originally posted on Novel Heartbeat. To see a breakdown of my assessment, please visit the full review here.

A good ending to a good series that deserves a little more attention.

3.5 stars

4.5 stars