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gwyyy's review
3.0
Still good but a bit underwhelming...
The previous books set the bar high that the events in Realm of Ashes leading to the defeat of Unseelie is just so meh. Half the time the characters spent reading books and researching to seek answers on how to stop Glencora from Cleaving the World. I expected more action, more intense and heart-stopping action, since this book served as the series' conclusion. However, no matter the time they spent on their neverending "researching" and planning, Glencora seemed to have no problem beating them to a pulp. She was always two steps ahead of them which was achingly frustrating. The vital characters from the first two books had become non-existent here—Thane and Mariel. And what's more? The humans didn't prove to be a threat. I barely felt their presence and they had no effect to the plot at all. As I said, the characters spent more time planning and chasing down the enemy than have two armies clashing. The presence of the Fomorians in Tir Na Nog brought no effect at all that I wonder if it was really necessary for them to be there. I wonder if Lorcan had not distracted Glencora, would Reyna ever defeat her? Glencora's defeat was so unsatisfying. Reyna just killed her own sister and I barely felt any emotion—grief and remorse—from her and Eislyn. How did Nollaig take the death of one of her daughters?
Another odd decision done by the author. Pairing Thane with Mariel in the latter part of the book. It was just so out of the blue. I see no reason for them to be together. I mean, where's the development?
Still, this was a wonderful ride and I’m sad it’s over, but it ended wonderfully! I loved Reyna and Lorcan, as usual. I did get tired of the Reyna pity party that ran rampant through the last few books though. It was important for Reyna to experience self doubt and to overcome it, but every time something happened she threw herself a pity party and it just got a little old, especially in this final book. As Lorcan said, betrayal happens to everyone and often, but Reyna was at a point that she should’ve been able to not internalize the betrayal. She had been through too much by this point and reverting to pitying herself was frustrating. But she did overcome and that was important. I also didn’t like how little Thane mattered in the end. I agree with Eislyn, who said, “He deserves more than what this world has given him.” I wanted more from and for him.
Their journey has finally ended. Reading this series has been a wonderful ride and it's time to part with these characters. And no, I'm not crying
The previous books set the bar high that the events in Realm of Ashes leading to the defeat of Unseelie is just so meh. Half the time the characters spent reading books and researching to seek answers on how to stop Glencora from Cleaving the World. I expected more action, more intense and heart-stopping action, since this book served as the series' conclusion. However, no matter the time they spent on their neverending "researching" and planning, Glencora seemed to have no problem beating them to a pulp. She was always two steps ahead of them which was achingly frustrating. The vital characters from the first two books had become non-existent here—Thane and Mariel. And what's more? The humans didn't prove to be a threat. I barely felt their presence and they had no effect to the plot at all. As I said, the characters spent more time planning and chasing down the enemy than have two armies clashing. The presence of the Fomorians in Tir Na Nog brought no effect at all that I wonder if it was really necessary for them to be there. I wonder if Lorcan had not distracted Glencora, would Reyna ever defeat her? Glencora's defeat was so unsatisfying. Reyna just killed her own sister and I barely felt any emotion—grief and remorse—from her and Eislyn. How did Nollaig take the death of one of her daughters?
“He’ll be all right. I think he’s looking forward to living a peaceful life in the Thousand Islands. With Mariel by his side, oddly enough. He was never meant for courtly life.”
Another odd decision done by the author. Pairing Thane with Mariel in the latter part of the book. It was just so out of the blue. I see no reason for them to be together. I mean, where's the development?
Still, this was a wonderful ride and I’m sad it’s over, but it ended wonderfully! I loved Reyna and Lorcan, as usual. I did get tired of the Reyna pity party that ran rampant through the last few books though. It was important for Reyna to experience self doubt and to overcome it, but every time something happened she threw herself a pity party and it just got a little old, especially in this final book. As Lorcan said, betrayal happens to everyone and often, but Reyna was at a point that she should’ve been able to not internalize the betrayal. She had been through too much by this point and reverting to pitying herself was frustrating. But she did overcome and that was important. I also didn’t like how little Thane mattered in the end. I agree with Eislyn, who said, “He deserves more than what this world has given him.” I wanted more from and for him.
The weight of her reign had never felt lighter. No matter what happened, they would take the future on together. She no longer needed the ice to feel alive. She was home.
Their journey has finally ended. Reading this series has been a wonderful ride and it's time to part with these characters. And no, I'm not crying
mayaharp's review
3.0
this book was honestly a bit too long and it got so repetitive and boring at times but i still could not put it down. I NEEDED to know how the story would end. The epilogue was really cute
wildfaeriecaps's review
4.0
Interesting end to an interesting series. Can't say much without spoilers, though. Was satisfying enough. Some bits wrapped up a little *too* neatly, but it's fantasy and I can suspend my disbelief a little farther.
nisey429's review
4.0
This was a great ending to this series. I liked the story the only thing taking away from a 5 star is the fact that I felt it did get confusing in a couple of places.
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