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kaytland's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
alixcallender's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
mweir710's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely love this series and what a finale! The moving pieces and the greed, love, and hope, or lack thereof, weaves throughout this book creating a tapestry of characters and places that I now hold dear to my heart. I highly recommend this trilogy!
annatherbook's review against another edition
3.0
First of all, I loved this series! This book followed the lead of the other two with great writing, complex characters and an interesting blending of genres, Fantasy and Science fiction, that I have yet to see/read anywhere else. The story and pacing were great and I immensely enjoyed this read.
However! I did have some problems with the conclusion. So if you have not yet read this series or this installment I suggest you do that first. It's gonna be SPOILERS ahead. Beware, you have been warned!
---------
After finishing the last page and putting the book down. I felt very conflicting emotions. But it soon after became clear that I had problems with it. The ending was unsatisfying. My first reaction was: Is this it? This is the solution? Really?
Most of the third book was great. Some things were a little bit dragged out, especially Kelsea’s captivity, and some things I found repetitive but overall I really liked the plot and the character development. Everything was fine and dandy until we reached the point of the final "battle". It felt rushed, it was confusing and I did not like that the major solution was a battle with Row, in the past, through(?) Katie. We don't really know what happened because Katie can't remember anything and Kelsea does not reflect on it upon waking after everything is done.
It begins with Kelsea and her guard trying to get to the Keep while being hunted by Row Finn’s monster-children. They find Father Taylor on the way and Kelase is given his satchel which contains Row’s crown. We also get to witness for afar when Aisa gets killed by one of the Caden. Something I found to be very realistic. It was fast, they did not have time to react let alone mourn but it was still a heart aching. Kelsea who was wearing Rows Sapphire which apparently automatically made her into the worst version of the Queen of Spades we have ever met before, did not care that Asia was killed. Something I thought was weird because some part of Kelsea should feel for the situation. She wears that sapphire in all the second book but is able to feel compassion and loss. I don’t understand why the Queen of Spades suddenly gets so much control.
Finally, they get to the Keep and barricades themselves in a room. It all apexes when Kelsea puts on the crown and is teleported away. I think it's only a mental teleportation but at this point, I can't be sure. She meets William Tear in the cottage and he explains that he also used to see other Tears through the Tear Sapphire. Why Kelsea only could achieve this with both sapphires and the crown I do not know. It would have been interesting if Kelsea could have communicated with her ancestors through the sapphire through the books. It could have given the story another layer.
They talk about time and how past and future are connected etc. etc. Kelsea want to change the past. William Tear doesn't know it that will change anything but she is firm. During their conversation she is aware of what happens in the Keep. Kelsea needs to chose a moment to travel to and she sees Mace and Penn go down. Not really sure how that works. She can see past, present and future as scenes I guess? She chooses the scene with Katie and Jonathan locked in the cellar.
We don't get it explained why she choose that particular moment and why it was important. Why choose this point to change everything? No explanation is given and it is frustrating.
Katie was given Jonathan's sapphire and I guess that's important to why Kelsea is able to go through Katie later on. Katie goes into a trance and suddenly in a fit she kills Jonathan by snapping his neck. Why she does that I don’t know. It makes no sense and we are not given an explanation here either. Katie starts so transform I guess we can call it and all the other guards runs of and leaves her with only a terrified Gavin and Row.
When Kelsea emerges from Katie's body, a very weird scene I might add, she is suddenly super powerful. She looks like Lily, something we haven't really gotten an explanation for either and she confronts Row but we don't get to see what she does to him. When Katie wakes up he is gone. We are only told that there's a puddle with flies and his sapphire. Is he dead? If he is where is his body and if he's not what did Kelsea do with him? Why couldn't she take on Row in her own reality? Why are her powers different in the past than in the present? I guess Row is different and more powerful in her reality. I can accept that how he became that creature is supposed to be a mystery. But that should not affect Kelsea’s abilities. Maybe the crown had something to do with it but still no explanation.
We also don't get to see what happens to all the other characters. I do kind of like that Kelsea alone remember the parallel timeline and that her sacrifice is to bear that burden alone. But there are so many characters that had importance in the other parts of the story and we never know what happens to them. They just disappear from the narrative. I think it goes against Kelsea’s character to just accept it and only go to find Mace. She would want to know where they all were and keep tabs on them to make sure they are okay.
They keep saying that the past it not to be forgotten or hidden because without it we can't learn and change. But everything is solved by Kelsea changing the past. Which goes against what the books have been trying to teach us, or maybe it only me that misunderstood that part. I wanted to see Kelsea rebuild the Tearling and create the better world. I wanted to take part in the process to get there!
So a great series with a not so great ending!
However! I did have some problems with the conclusion. So if you have not yet read this series or this installment I suggest you do that first. It's gonna be SPOILERS ahead. Beware, you have been warned!
---------
After finishing the last page and putting the book down. I felt very conflicting emotions. But it soon after became clear that I had problems with it. The ending was unsatisfying. My first reaction was: Is this it? This is the solution? Really?
Most of the third book was great. Some things were a little bit dragged out, especially Kelsea’s captivity, and some things I found repetitive but overall I really liked the plot and the character development. Everything was fine and dandy until we reached the point of the final "battle". It felt rushed, it was confusing and I did not like that the major solution was a battle with Row, in the past, through(?) Katie. We don't really know what happened because Katie can't remember anything and Kelsea does not reflect on it upon waking after everything is done.
It begins with Kelsea and her guard trying to get to the Keep while being hunted by Row Finn’s monster-children. They find Father Taylor on the way and Kelase is given his satchel which contains Row’s crown. We also get to witness for afar when Aisa gets killed by one of the Caden. Something I found to be very realistic. It was fast, they did not have time to react let alone mourn but it was still a heart aching. Kelsea who was wearing Rows Sapphire which apparently automatically made her into the worst version of the Queen of Spades we have ever met before, did not care that Asia was killed. Something I thought was weird because some part of Kelsea should feel for the situation. She wears that sapphire in all the second book but is able to feel compassion and loss. I don’t understand why the Queen of Spades suddenly gets so much control.
Finally, they get to the Keep and barricades themselves in a room. It all apexes when Kelsea puts on the crown and is teleported away. I think it's only a mental teleportation but at this point, I can't be sure. She meets William Tear in the cottage and he explains that he also used to see other Tears through the Tear Sapphire. Why Kelsea only could achieve this with both sapphires and the crown I do not know. It would have been interesting if Kelsea could have communicated with her ancestors through the sapphire through the books. It could have given the story another layer.
They talk about time and how past and future are connected etc. etc. Kelsea want to change the past. William Tear doesn't know it that will change anything but she is firm. During their conversation she is aware of what happens in the Keep. Kelsea needs to chose a moment to travel to and she sees Mace and Penn go down. Not really sure how that works. She can see past, present and future as scenes I guess? She chooses the scene with Katie and Jonathan locked in the cellar.
We don't get it explained why she choose that particular moment and why it was important. Why choose this point to change everything? No explanation is given and it is frustrating.
Katie was given Jonathan's sapphire and I guess that's important to why Kelsea is able to go through Katie later on. Katie goes into a trance and suddenly in a fit she kills Jonathan by snapping his neck. Why she does that I don’t know. It makes no sense and we are not given an explanation here either. Katie starts so transform I guess we can call it and all the other guards runs of and leaves her with only a terrified Gavin and Row.
When Kelsea emerges from Katie's body, a very weird scene I might add, she is suddenly super powerful. She looks like Lily, something we haven't really gotten an explanation for either and she confronts Row but we don't get to see what she does to him. When Katie wakes up he is gone. We are only told that there's a puddle with flies and his sapphire. Is he dead? If he is where is his body and if he's not what did Kelsea do with him? Why couldn't she take on Row in her own reality? Why are her powers different in the past than in the present? I guess Row is different and more powerful in her reality. I can accept that how he became that creature is supposed to be a mystery. But that should not affect Kelsea’s abilities. Maybe the crown had something to do with it but still no explanation.
We also don't get to see what happens to all the other characters. I do kind of like that Kelsea alone remember the parallel timeline and that her sacrifice is to bear that burden alone. But there are so many characters that had importance in the other parts of the story and we never know what happens to them. They just disappear from the narrative. I think it goes against Kelsea’s character to just accept it and only go to find Mace. She would want to know where they all were and keep tabs on them to make sure they are okay.
They keep saying that the past it not to be forgotten or hidden because without it we can't learn and change. But everything is solved by Kelsea changing the past. Which goes against what the books have been trying to teach us, or maybe it only me that misunderstood that part. I wanted to see Kelsea rebuild the Tearling and create the better world. I wanted to take part in the process to get there!
So a great series with a not so great ending!
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 against another edition
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.