Great conclusion to a well-written grimdark fantasy series. In the moment of reading the final 50 pages or so, I had thought Tomas's schemes were coming together perhaps too easily. And I partially maintain that perspective. However, in reflection, this book is simply more about spotlighting who Tomas Piety is revealed to be at his core. It's really about what people are willing to do for authority and power, and the cost of that. He's a very well-written, incredibly flawed character.

I had a great time with Tomas's memoirs. The final page wrapped the series up in such a beautifully tragic manner. I'm really going to miss McLean's vivid atmosphere and his perfected, distinct narrative voice for Tomas Piety. Fantastic stuff.