Premise- (5/5) The conclusion to a series, especially a well-loved series, is daunting to approach, but I was so excited. Nervous, of course, about how everything would end and if everything would be tied up in a way that was satisfying. I'd seen Jess and his friends through a lot, and I was ready to come to the end of this story with them.

Characters- (5/5) Caine did an incredible job with her characters. We got to see so much depth in every single character, including some that I felt like we hadn't quite gotten there with yet (Dario, Glain, Thomas). Everyone had their moments in the spotlight, and those moments were so illuminating. I really felt like Caine managed to showcase all their unique skills and talents, insecurities, fears, and the cores of their characters. We've seen these characters come a long way from Ink and Bone, both as individuals and in their relationships with one another. And I love those relationships. The friendship between Jess and Glain is so unique and important, Dario and Khalila's romance melts my heart, Santi and Wolfe are so wonderful. And I really appreciated the direction Caine chose to take with Jess and Morgan's relationship. Bittersweet, but I think an important lesson about the difference between first love, forever love, and how to understand what's what.

Plot- (4.5/5) The plot wasn't airtight. There were things that were dragged out more than necessary, or added for the drama. But if you can't do it in the series conclusion, when can you? I admire Caine's ability to weave together military, politics, and personal lives. Everything built around the main plot of defending the city from its enemies both within and without, but we got to see that happen in a lot of different ways, from Jess' smuggling connections to Glain's military work to Morgan's magic, Khalila's leadership, Dario's family connections, Thomas' brilliant mechanics. It all fed into the larger story very nicely, and the ending, despite its sorrow, was hopeful in a way that I think we need right now.

World- (5/5) I've always loved the world Caine created, and I loved returning to Alexandria for the final chapter of this story. It felt very fitting. There's a lot I could say about the relevancy of revolution, institutional change, and the fight for justice. But suffice it to say those elements were an important part of this world and its message of hope for the future was definitely balm for the soul.

Writing- (5/5) In some ways, there's nothing super special or memorable about Caine's writing. But Sword and Pen really demonstrated Caine's ability to build characters and a world that totally engaged me, and that is the heart of her excellent writing for me.

Overall- (4.9/5) Rachel Caine's The Great Library series has been a delight from start to finish. Sword and Pen was a fantastic conclusion to a series that has become one of my favorites. It was a finale that delivered amazing character portraits, wrapping them within a plot that built and built to its climax. It was bittersweet to return to Caine's world for this ending, but I have enjoyed my time there so, so much. Watching the characters return to Alexandria was a nice parallel for Ink and Bone and really highlighted the ways the characters grew, which we saw evidence for throughout the novel. Layers of world building, character development, and difficult questions about how we can change the world around us came together perfectly for me in Sword and Pen.  Utterly amazing!