Oh, I just loved this duology. I think I'll think about these characters and this heart racing plot forever! And if it wasn't said enough times already, this series is perfectly hyped and it should absolutely be required reading for fantasy and romance lovers alike!

I was nervous going into this book--I didn't want middle book syndrome to hit in the finale where everything needed tying up. I'll be honest: I didn't know where the author was going when introducing multiple pov's, in particular, Elm. It's not that I didn't care for him per say... I understood his ambitions well enough in book 1. But there was something about him that left a bad taste in my mouth regardless. I think it's safe to say most people felt that way too and I feel like that was by design. Because the character development and attention to Elm in this book was the perfect cure to my, and hopefully others,  worries. His perspective lent the reader a close glimpse at the trauma he carries from his equally abusive father and older brother. It was heartbreaking but also deeply reflective; I don't think I could've understood Elm's mannerisms or his surly moods without knowing in detail how he survived his childhood. I came to really appreciate Elm's perspective, even if it interrupted some of the most "wait, what just happened?!" moments in the book, LOL! I loved reading about the blooming love between him and Ione. At first I thought it was a bit forced but I gave it a chance and I realized how perfectly tailored they were to one another.

As for my favorite pairing, Elspeth and the Nightmare, I cried like a baby during the last leg of this book. It was truly like seeing a father and daughter separate for the final time </3 It was inevitable so it wasn't a shock at all, it was just truly something to be able to read about their extremely complicated relationship. You start out with the premise of the Nightmare being a plague upon Elspeth, something to be rid of. But then you start to root for this unlikely duo to succeed at all costs! It was quite the rollercoaster! I'm just glad he's finally at rest knowing Blunder is free from Rowan tryanny and the Mist. Hopefully he can make up for lost time with his children and wife, across the Veil.

The ending of this book was supremely satisfying in every way. I have very little complaints about this series! The epilogue ends in such a hopeful and beautiful way, supremely different to the beginning of One Dark Window (which is obviously the point, but still!). I can't wait for whatever else Rachel Gilling has in store for us!