I am so glad that people pushed me to read this. I initially wanted to give this book a 3/5 stars, because it was entertaining but not very special - but then I got so swept up in the story that I legitimately cried at some point, and made very awkward noises at multiple other parts.
The only reason I didn't give this five stars is because I could definitely notice that this was a translation. Some sentences didn't sound right, and many more didn't flow at all, which was a shame. I wish I could've read the original Swedish one!
Okay, now, about the story itself. There were so many twists and turns in the plot that I could hardly keep up with which characters were the 'bad' ones and which one weren't, but that was kind of the point. It was all so confusing, but still everything (and I mean EVERYTHING. All three freaking books!) made sense in the end, and that was very satisfying.
Less satisfying was the fact that they KILLED the freaking dog. Like, dogs are innocent. Animals are innocent. DO NOT UNNECESSARILY KILL ANIMALS IN YOUR BOOKS OR IN ANY OTHER PLACE. It hurts. So yes, this one is for poor Frasse. We love you. *raises three fingers*
On to the next unfair thing. Victor's death broke my heart. Especially the way it was brought - through Minoo's emotionless mind - killed me. Nope. Not okay. And then there's Felix with his beautiful powers.... The moment Walter broke his finger I knew what was up with him and he instantly became one of my favourite characters. His power is very interesting, and becomes even more so when you see what it did to his personality - I wish I could've read more about him.
I could keep on talking about this book, but I'll just highlight one more thing and then stop - I'd like to talk about the Borderland.
At first I quite disliked those chapters - I mean, honestly? My least favourite character DIES and I STILL have to read half the book from her perspective? - but later on I was so happy with how that location fit in with the plot. Those tears I mentioned earlier DEFINITELY started flowing when I read about Elias again. And his meeting with Linnéa... Oh my gosh. The feels. That was beautiful and emotional. Rebecka's small pieces of POV were also very nice to read, and I loved what she said to Minoo about Gustav. (Oh Gustav. You are amazing.)
So yes, basically, read this book. You will have all the feels, but it will be worth it because it is beautiful. And like the characterisations of all the people in Engelsfors, the open ending was realistic, and therefore a real treat!