I can't remember the last time I finished a book this quickly or this promptly, but I absolutely could not bear the thought of having it spoiled so here we are.

As someone who is all too often let down by series finales, let me tell you that this one exceeded my wildest hopes. (It probably helped that there was no

Spoiler

Big Boss Battle of the kind that tends to appear at the climax of these finales,

of which I have never been a fan!)

Where to even start? Holly Black has done it again: brilliant characters with sharp weapons and wits, strategic and moral dilemmas, a masterfully woven plot that keeps characters and readers alike on their toes. It's so satisfying to watch all the threads coming together, long-term plans bearing fruit, characters and relationships transforming before your eyes — a fittingly high reward for the high risk that is emotional investment in this series.

(I could wax poetic about this book for much longer, but I think I'm just going to reread a few favorite scenes and bask in its awesomeness. As you do.)

content warnings:

Spoiler

child negligence, child abuse (physical/psychological), physical mutilation, some violence, blood, non-graphic/explicit on-page sex,

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CONVERSION: 13.67 / 15 = 5 stars

Prose: 8 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 10 / 10
Emotional Impact: 8 / 10
Development / Flow: 9 / 10
Setting: 10 / 10

Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: N/A
Originality / Trope Execution: 5 / 5
Rereadability: 4 / 5
Memorability: 5 / 5