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asreadbykat's review
4.0
True Rating: 3.95/5 Stars
Content/Trigger Warnings: Discussion of rituals, mention of a character committing magic-induced suicide, discussions of death
My Thoughts
This is a great conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. It ties up the mysteries of Winterhouse nicely, while indicating that the magic isn't over by far. The characters also continue to change and grow, which is always nice to see.
However, as much as I enjoyed this novel, it does suffer from what many ending novels do: high expectations.
I knew going in that this was the final book, so it would be the final confrontation with our ultimate antagonist, Gracella. And while Elizabeth's "battles" with her in the last two books weren't particularly high stakes compared to other novels, they still held far more tension than this one did. I feel that in this one the author had the book so full of tension that his intended final confrontation didn't feel as tense as the previous novels. The conclusion of the interaction was satisfying and matched one of the main messages of the series, but the lack of tension just made it feel underwhelming.
Another reason I don't rate this installment as highly as the others is that certain things are brushed aside. Throughout the trilogy, Elizabeth has suffered from wanting to control her powers, and her quick temper. These two things reach a crescendo in this finale, as she and Norbridge butt heads over her powers and her own feelings. My big problem with this is that, in the end, it's brushed aside. There's no real discussion of these feelings, no talking it out, no mention of how her powers are to be used from then on. It's just...not mentioned after a certain point, so the "growth" Elizabeth seems to have at the very end doesn't feel real or earned.
Despite these problems, the novel is still highly enjoyable. It's still filled with beautiful descriptions of snow and winter, interesting characters new and old, interesting mysteries that may stupefy even adult readers, and puzzles galore.
While "The Winterhouse Mysteries" isn't the most satisfying conclusion I've ever read, it does still manage to keep the core of the series and entertains the reader. I'm confident in stating that this is easily one of my favorite middle grade series, and I will be recommending it to many people.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Discussion of rituals, mention of a character committing magic-induced suicide, discussions of death
My Thoughts
This is a great conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. It ties up the mysteries of Winterhouse nicely, while indicating that the magic isn't over by far. The characters also continue to change and grow, which is always nice to see.
However, as much as I enjoyed this novel, it does suffer from what many ending novels do: high expectations.
I knew going in that this was the final book, so it would be the final confrontation with our ultimate antagonist, Gracella. And while Elizabeth's "battles" with her in the last two books weren't particularly high stakes compared to other novels, they still held far more tension than this one did. I feel that in this one the author had the book so full of tension that his intended final confrontation didn't feel as tense as the previous novels. The conclusion of the interaction was satisfying and matched one of the main messages of the series, but the lack of tension just made it feel underwhelming.
Another reason I don't rate this installment as highly as the others is that certain things are brushed aside. Throughout the trilogy, Elizabeth has suffered from wanting to control her powers, and her quick temper. These two things reach a crescendo in this finale, as she and Norbridge butt heads over her powers and her own feelings. My big problem with this is that, in the end, it's brushed aside. There's no real discussion of these feelings, no talking it out, no mention of how her powers are to be used from then on. It's just...not mentioned after a certain point, so the "growth" Elizabeth seems to have at the very end doesn't feel real or earned.
Despite these problems, the novel is still highly enjoyable. It's still filled with beautiful descriptions of snow and winter, interesting characters new and old, interesting mysteries that may stupefy even adult readers, and puzzles galore.
While "The Winterhouse Mysteries" isn't the most satisfying conclusion I've ever read, it does still manage to keep the core of the series and entertains the reader. I'm confident in stating that this is easily one of my favorite middle grade series, and I will be recommending it to many people.
susrutha_sam's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A great journey and a great end for a good series! Heart warming and adventurous!
rjdenney's review
4.0
I'm so happy to have finished this awesome trilogy. It's a little sad to say goodbye to these characters, but these three books were so much fun to read. I will say that this final installment was a little lackluster, but in the end it worked itself out and was a great conclusion to Elizabeth's story. Highly recommend this trilogy if you're looking for a something thrilling and magical. :)
blueyedwonder's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
aubrey_the_explorer's review against another edition
5.0
This might be the best book in the series! The new characters in this book are very interested and there are several developments and changes that take place. It took some unexpected turns. I don't want to give anything away, but it's a fun read!
monstera_99_'s review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
debyik's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The characters are all so much fun and I love the puzzles throughout the book. A great popcorn read!
hollybolly's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
3.25
thebookishunicorn's review
4.0
"There was once a girl so intrigued by magic and spells and all sorts of hidden things, she decided to become a witch."
Wonderful end to this series!
Wonderful end to this series!