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butterflymilkweed's review against another edition
4.25
In the closing act of her trilogy, "The Fate of the Tearling," Erika Johansen presents a tapestry of intrigue and resolution that satisfies while subverting expectations. This final installment plunges readers into the depths of Kelsea Glynn's trials as she grapples with the complexities of ruling a realm torn by conflict.
Kelsea, our resilient protagonist, is further tested as she navigates the turbulent waters of politics and war. Johansen continues to peel back the layers of Kelsea's character, revealing vulnerabilities and strengths in equal measure. As Kelsea confronts the shadows of her own past and the weight of her destiny, she emerges as a fully realized and compelling figure.
The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Pen, whose cunning and resourcefulness add layers of intrigue to the narrative, and the steadfast Mace, whose loyalty to Kelsea is unwavering, each play pivotal roles in the unfolding drama. Johansen deftly explores their motivations and loyalties, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Their interactions with Kelsea are fraught with tension and intrigue, keeping readers guessing until the final page.
At its core, "The Fate of the Tearling" is a meditation on the nature of destiny and choice. Johansen skillfully weaves together themes of fate and free will, challenging readers to consider the implications of their own actions. As Kelsea grapples with the consequences of her decisions, the novel poses thought-provoking questions about power, responsibility, and the nature of leadership.
Johansen's world-building remains a highlight of the series, with vivid descriptions and richly imagined settings that transport readers to the heart of the Tearling. From the bustling streets of the Mort to the ancient forests of the Tear, the world is alive with detail and atmosphere, providing a rich backdrop for the unfolding drama.
While the pacing may falter at times, particularly in the middle sections of the book, the strength of Johansen's storytelling ultimately carries the reader through. As the novel hurtles towards its epic conclusion, the stakes are higher than ever, and the emotional payoff is equally powerful.
In conclusion, "The Fate of the Tearling" is a fitting end to Erika Johansen's trilogy, offering a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion to Kelsea's journey. With its compelling characters, intricate world-building, and gripping narrative, it is a worthy finale that will leave readers eager to revisit the Tearling time and time again. It's unfortunate that plans for a movie adaptation were cancelled, as the richly imagined world of the Tearling would have been captivating on the big screen.
tadhgerman's review against another edition
5.0
A gripping end to the take of the tearling. Many twists and turns and difficult choices but a fitting end that I didn't see coming ans left me feeling satisfied. Highly recommend the series.
blamy's review
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
hannechr90's review against another edition
4.0
I wish I could give this book a 5 stars as I’ve done with the previous two books but the ending ruined everything. Such a good series, and then it just ends abruptly in what I see as a “I don’t know how to write this ending, so I’ll just end it with everything was a dream” kind of way. I get that it’s supposed to be bitter sweet, but it would have been more so if she had ended it in the world that we know, and have been exposed to, rather then some sort of utopia, where everyone is happy except Kelsey...
luminous's review against another edition
5.0
It's a crime that this series isn't more popular. It should be required reading for anyone into epic fantasy. Especially if the reader likes intriguing mysteries and likes certain other fantasy subgenres or neighboring genres. It's so good.
Ending: abrupt. But the journey there was so fantastic I don't even care. Johansen has a talent for effortless writing that tells everything it needs to while never calling attention to itself. (Okay, except in the first book of this trilogy, when we see a lot of Kelsey moping about being "plain." But, like the trilogy's ending, the rest is so wonderful that it hardly matters. It's like kintsugi - the imperfections alert us to the beauty of the whole.)
The ending seems so abrupt because new themes were JUST introduced. This series tackles several weighty themes, and Johansen takes the time to thoroughly explore each of them. I'm fine with the story's direction at the end. I think it's great. But it's also something that, in fiction in general, is rarely explored, and I would so love ve to see Johansen guide us through Kelsey's journey to understand what her new world means for her, and how she will move forward with her life.
This is such a great, readable, New Adult fantasy* series, and I'm not going to explain the asterisk. I'm not a fan of YA and rarely of NA, but this one worked for me because of how not-stupid Kelsey was. Even a seasoned older adult might have made many of her mistakes. It's a joy to experience Kelsey maturing and learning from the past and from her past.
I do wonder WTF William Tear was up to when he got his sapphire tho, lol.
Edit: going through severe withdrawals. Everything I begin to read now seems like crap.
Ending: abrupt. But the journey there was so fantastic I don't even care. Johansen has a talent for effortless writing that tells everything it needs to while never calling attention to itself. (Okay, except in the first book of this trilogy, when we see a lot of Kelsey moping about being "plain." But, like the trilogy's ending, the rest is so wonderful that it hardly matters. It's like kintsugi - the imperfections alert us to the beauty of the whole.)
The ending seems so abrupt because new themes were JUST introduced. This series tackles several weighty themes, and Johansen takes the time to thoroughly explore each of them. I'm fine with the story's direction at the end. I think it's great. But it's also something that, in fiction in general, is rarely explored, and I would so love ve to see Johansen guide us through Kelsey's journey to understand what her new world means for her, and how she will move forward with her life.
This is such a great, readable, New Adult fantasy* series, and I'm not going to explain the asterisk. I'm not a fan of YA and rarely of NA, but this one worked for me because of how not-stupid Kelsey was. Even a seasoned older adult might have made many of her mistakes. It's a joy to experience Kelsey maturing and learning from the past and from her past.
I do wonder WTF William Tear was up to when he got his sapphire tho, lol.
Edit: going through severe withdrawals. Everything I begin to read now seems like crap.
patriciasjs's review against another edition
challenging
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
The Fate of the Tearling was supposed to be the book that would decide if this series was a hit or a miss for me. And I admit it, I was counting on it to save it… but it didn’t happen.
Even if the second book wasn’t as good as I expected, I was still so invested in this series that I decided to read the last book. Because, let’s be honest, Kelsea’s POV was one of the best, innovative pieces of fantasy that I ever read and Kelsea is probably one of the best characters to ever existed, really. And until the last chapters, I didn’t regret reading this book. Even with that too complicated and too pretentious plot happening in that other POV, that I still don’t get why existed. So what happened?
It’s more what didn’t happen. The end. There was no end. I listened the last three chapters twice to be sure I didn’t lose something. I didn’t. The author just reset everything. Like nothing happened. In the middle of the last scene! And all the storyline, all the characters I loved disappeared like it never existed. I don’t have words for how disappointed and sad I was. I just want to cry when I think about it.
So, yes, that ruined the entire series for me and I will not read anything by this author ever again. I would love you all to met Kelsea but this final is not worth it, at all.
kwagner's review against another edition
3.0
I'm writing this months after reading this book. Luckily the pain is MEMORABLE.
What the actual heck were you thinking. That was the scapegoat of all scapegoats.
Why not just say you weren't sure how to end it???
I wont give details as to what happened but if not for the last couple chapters, this would have been one of my favorite series. It felt unnecessary and like a lazy solution at the end. It minimized and made all the character development worthless.
IF I DIDNT LOVE THE MACE SO MUCH I WOULD ONLY GIVE THIS BOOK ONE STAR.
What the actual heck were you thinking. That was the scapegoat of all scapegoats.
Why not just say you weren't sure how to end it???
I wont give details as to what happened but if not for the last couple chapters, this would have been one of my favorite series. It felt unnecessary and like a lazy solution at the end. It minimized and made all the character development worthless.
IF I DIDNT LOVE THE MACE SO MUCH I WOULD ONLY GIVE THIS BOOK ONE STAR.
shannonoliviaax's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
madistechoxo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.0
I didn’t like the ending :(
allyreadsromance's review against another edition
3.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Even with my disappointment in this last book...well the ending of this last book...I plan on reading it again.
I could not stop reading this last installment.
I loved how the villains became more human, and we finally understood their motives.
There is a distinct moment in the this book when it starts going into a direction that didn't feel natural.
I feel cheated by the conclusion. I suppose I should have expected this type of ending. It is a story of sacrifice and love of a kingdom. Kelsea's mission was to save the Tearling even if it meant losing everything she loved. She succeeded.
Despite its flaws the author mostly answered the questions that I had building up over the 3 books.
Hopefully, when I read the series again I will have an appreciation for how the story unfolds. However, right now this last book has left me a little sad for our heroine. When a story and world is built on magic it's strange to have it disappear.
I could not stop reading this last installment.
I loved how the villains became more human, and we finally understood their motives.
There is a distinct moment in the this book when it starts going into a direction that didn't feel natural.
I feel cheated by the conclusion. I suppose I should have expected this type of ending. It is a story of sacrifice and love of a kingdom. Kelsea's mission was to save the Tearling even if it meant losing everything she loved. She succeeded.
Despite its flaws the author mostly answered the questions that I had building up over the 3 books.
Hopefully, when I read the series again I will have an appreciation for how the story unfolds. However, right now this last book has left me a little sad for our heroine. When a story and world is built on magic it's strange to have it disappear.