An excellent end to the series. Though we later see Alanna and her friends in the other Tortall series, it was excellent to have this reference.

I liked how fast paced this book was. All the loose ends were tied up nicely. And even though in the end there were some heartbreaking losses, I liked it a lot. Alanna truly became the hero she set out to be and she didn't compromise for it. She found a balance between a need for love and family and her need to have adventures.

I also really enjoy that Pierce does not constantly remind the reader of what happened in previous books. These books were made to be read together and the entire series is an easy transition.