I like this series a lot

Volume 10 was a mixed bag for me, which I guess is a positive 😅

The first half still suffers from many of the same issues that have frustrated me since volume 7.

That said, I sorta enjoyed where the story ultimately went (albeit with caveats). The major plot developments did feel earned though a bit abrupt and contrived. For the most part, the ending stayed true to the characters in a way that I appreciated. It didn’t completely undo my frustrations, but it did leave me feeling far more at peace with the series than I expected.

Unfortunately, Volume 9 left me feeling much the same as Volume 8, which is frustrated and disappointed.

Once again, the relentless angst and repetitive emotional arcs become exhausting (I feel like this has been my review for a few books now 😭) At this point, the series feels bloated, and that lack of restraint has fully pushed me to emotionally detach. Seriously devastating things happen in this volume, and I barely felt anything. I’m honestly sadder about that than I am about the actual plot developments.

At this point, I’m not sure the ending can satisfy me. I hope that, with some distance, I’ll be able to revisit the earlier volumes and appreciate what I loved about them. Right now, though, I’m just so bummed and disappointed.