A review by fairytales
A War of Swallowed Stars by Sangu Mandanna

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-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

4.25

A beautiful conclusion to this trilogy and fantastic audiobook, which should have more popularity than it does.

I loved the Titania arch in this story. The relationship between Esmae and Alexei continues to be fraught and complex in unexpected ways.

The amount of power the gods had while being so flawed lends a uniqueness and complexity to this book though it can also be frustrating at times since it can cause the humans to lose agency, though there are ways—through weapons and boons and decisions where they also exert agency.

This story addresses loss and hurt and harm with such realness. 

I can’t decide how I felt about the ending though, I’ll admit. Like it’s the ending you want for Esmae but also a little too perfect. I think I might have preferred a conclusion that had Esmae living out her life and meeting Max in the next one.