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alesia_charles's review
emotional
hopeful
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality
ehmannky's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am of the opinion that each installment of the Kingston Cycle is better than the last, and this is an absolutely beautiful ending for this trilogy.
I deeply admire that this is a book that explicitly makes clear that those who are descended from those who perpetuated generational harm are explicitly responsible for making amends, even if they themselves did not do the harm. So few stories, especially fantasy stories, have this premise (the only other one I can think of is the ending of the Earthsea books?).
I also loved, loved Robin's perspective. I felt that Polk integrates both Miles and Grace from the pervious installments into the story while continuing their character growth while centering Robin. I know that some people don't like that Grace got her own book and a redemption arc, but I think Polk uses it as an example of what a real apology and effort to repair harm that you personally have done looks like. And having her be such an upfront support for Robin and her group's pursuit of justice while expecting nothing in return just furthers that development. Robin is such a fantastic character, I am so, so glad that we end this series with her front and center. Also Robin and Zelind are such a good couple, and I loved that their arc of healing as a couple worked alongside the narrative of healing as a nation. Also, the casual integration of Zelind as a nonbinary character and the use of the pronoun kher was so wonderful. It's never remarked upon as strange or other by any character, it just is. I could gush on forever about these books.
Also, the ending had me in tears, it was so beautiful. Polk is amazing, I will be reading all future books by them.
I deeply admire that this is a book that explicitly makes clear that those who are descended from those who perpetuated generational harm are explicitly responsible for making amends, even if they themselves did not do the harm. So few stories, especially fantasy stories, have this premise (the only other one I can think of is the ending of the Earthsea books?).
I also loved, loved Robin's perspective. I felt that Polk integrates both Miles and Grace from the pervious installments into the story while continuing their character growth while centering Robin. I know that some people don't like that Grace got her own book and a redemption arc, but I think Polk uses it as an example of what a real apology and effort to repair harm that you personally have done looks like. And having her be such an upfront support for Robin and her group's pursuit of justice while expecting nothing in return just furthers that development. Robin is such a fantastic character, I am so, so glad that we end this series with her front and center. Also Robin and Zelind are such a good couple, and I loved that their arc of healing as a couple worked alongside the narrative of healing as a nation. Also, the casual integration of Zelind as a nonbinary character and the use of the pronoun kher was so wonderful. It's never remarked upon as strange or other by any character, it just is. I could gush on forever about these books.
Also, the ending had me in tears, it was so beautiful. Polk is amazing, I will be reading all future books by them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Blood, Slavery, Police brutality, Medical content, Grief, and Forced institutionalization
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