4.75 Stars

Cover **** while the new covers are absolutely stunning, I have to somewhat base this off of the original covers that I just don't love. The new ones give you the perfect idea of what to expect from the book and I love that about it. Plus the coloring is great!

Characters ***** This book stays SO TRUE to the characters. That ending was fucking hard (So damn hard), but I think it was an authentic outcome for the characters. I get that some people aren't fond of Eleanor in the second two books but that's kind of the point. The things that happen to her at the end of the first book and the beginning of the second shape who she is. It also (without throwing straight spoilers at you) gives an outside force some control over her actions and by the Gods, that's the point. She pushes everyone away, including the reader.

Plot **** THE PLOOOOOT. This finale wrapped everything up in ways I had never expected it to. I took issue with a couple of small things but the overall arching plot really worked for me. I had a small discussion with Sooz on twitter (https://twitter.com/jlw_writes/status/1139504933705789440) about the end of the book and how I feel like it is so authentic to the character journey. Even though it destroyed me, it made sense and worked for what had been set up earlier in the series. I feel like if it had ended differently it would have cheapened the story she was telling.

Pace ***** This one just took off straight from where book two ended and it didn't stop. There were so many little plot loops in here it was just one thing after another and I loved it.

Writing ***** Sooz' writing is always so, so good and this did not differ. I love the way that she builds characters and plot and her writing style in general. It is definitely a style I vibe with.

Enjoyment ***** Was there any question here? OF COURSE, I gave this 5 stars. There was no other option. I loved this book. I enjoyed every moment of it. Well, maybe not EVERY moment but we'll talk about that next.

Crying bonus star * Not only did I cry. I SOBBED. Like, racking sobs with tears and snot and an existential crisis. This ending threw me into such a strong book hangover but it was so wonderful. No matter how devastated I am, when a book hits me this hard, it 100% deserves that extra star.

Overall, I highly recommend this series to EVERYONE. Especially if you like Susan but aren't really into high fantasy like her Witchlands series.