Reviews

Those Who Resist by N.C. Scrimgeour

thomasvd's review

adventurous emotional funny tense 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

4.75

What a great series and what a tremendous ending this was! I loved the characters and the plot. The ending especially was tense and had me on the brink of tears. I need more from this universe!!

danielles_reads's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense 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

4.5

I really enjoyed this final installment to the Waystations trilogy! It was such a fitting ending, and definitely my favorite of the three books. It also ended in a way that could potentially leave room for at least one spin-off story, which I would love to read!

The pacing in this was superb, and a lot more consistent compared to the second book. There was a lot of action, of course, as the final battle built and built, but there was a good amount of slower, smaller scale issues that every POV character dealt with along the way. I love that so many various characters and factions came together to fight the Curators, while also still not totally resolving their own issues—it added an interesting additional layer of tension. I also liked the little amount of romance we got that slowly built over three books for two couples in particular in a very satisfying way. The way the Curators were finally destroyed felt a little too sudden and easy for me, but I liked that accomplishing that actually had serious consequences, which made it feel a little more earned. It was a fitting ending

for Alvera to die finally trying to save everyone. Perfect for her character arc.

Spoiler thoughts:

I'm really glad to see Ridley finally accept herself and assert her own authority. Her being chosen as captain of the Ranger was a little surprising but it does seem to fit her well. I would love to read another book of her trying to find the way back to New Pallas. Her and Halressan were really fucking cute and I'm glad they finally admitted their feelings for each other. I love that Halressan killed Shaw so that Ridley could keep her humanity.

I also like how Niole's arc ended with her finally accepting both sides of her: Idran Var and Legionnaire. Rendar dying was really sad but felt right. It made perfect sense that he wanted Niole to be his successor, so I was a little sad that she didn't accept it, since it doesn't feel right for Serric to have it. I never thought I would ship her and Serric, but honestly I really liked their dynamic. They have an interesting tension that is still obviously full of care and respect. I'm glad they admitted that to each other, though their more open-ended ending was a bit sad.

I feel like the female POV characters have always been more interesting in this series compared to the male ones. Even now, writing this a weekish after finishing, I can barely remember Kojan’s and Rivus' endings lol.

Rivus did have an interesting arc of trying not to be like Tarvin, and I'm glad that he ultimately achieved that, especially in the end by giving up on fighting the Thralls. Kojan didn't have as exciting of an ending (and I think his mom is still out there?? probably dead but still unconfirmed?) but I loved the part of him saving the implant factories for the Iskaath. And it was good to see him ultimately forgive Alvera, since I thought that was a bit dramatic of him.

The main reason this doesn't get 5 stars from me is that I feel like this won't really be memorable over time for me. I've read a lot of space opera, and while this one is great, it doesn't really have much to differentiate it from other space operas. That being said, though, I still had a great time (especially with the audiobooks, which were incredibly narrated and produced!) and would recommend this series to anyone who loves typical space opera tropes but with lovable and nuanced characters.

datakitten's review

adventurous reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

laurajaylive's review

5.0

A great finish to a thrilling trilogy!

This trilogy drew me in from the start, and book three did not disappoint! The characters and intertwining stories were everything I hoped they'd be in this final battle. Relationships built up and tore down, but I was content with how each POV characters story wrapped up. I am sad this story is complete, but am eager to see what N.C. brings us next!

stacieh's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.75

nina_bloodsworn's review

challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

WOW what a ride this final book was. action-packed, tense and full of emotions as well. 
it follows at full speed but with some breathing breaks in between when the final fight comes to a conclusion. had me tear up a few times as well as holding my breath in others. 
the tension was building and building and building until i couldn't hold it anymore .. wow just wow. thats what i call an ending. 
just like a great movie in your mind. phenomenal!

allyens's review against another edition

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

tuftymctavish's review

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I was heavily reminded of video games in this episode, particularly the Reapers from Mass Effect. I did also struggle to separate some of the characters from each other, which is unusual in the 3rd book.

alina_leonova's review

4.0

A satisfying ending of the trilogy with non-stop high-stakes action that provided a thrilling reading experience. The characters put their grievances and differences aside to work together and save the galaxy. The main characters' arcs reached fulfilling conclusions. It's worth your time if you've read the previous books.

You can read the full review on my website.

peterpeter's review

adventurous medium-paced

4.0

Large parts of the first half of this book felt predictable and cliche. But most of the second half was comprised of decisions and turns I didn’t see coming. Not a perfect ride, but a good way to end a trilogy.