Done - and so sad that it's over. This was a phenomenal wrap up to a phenomenal trilogy. And for my first venture into steampunk, I don't think I could have asked for better. The build up and eventual "fall" was heart-wrenching in its humanity - well written and foreshadowed from the start. Plus the interplay of Flay, Cesare and Gareth was developed nicely. Of course the Adele and Gareth storyline was exactly what a reader wants - and I like that not everything about his survival/her geomantic barrier, etc. is explained, mostly because they don't even know, which I like for the authenticity. Similarly, their plans to move forward and the need to keep Greyfriar's real identity still a secret is just as important to the story authenticity - it is unrealistic to think that people in general will accept Gareth and I'm glad the author's didn't try to make that happen. I was sorry to see Badouin die, but happy to not lose Anhault (and to see the end of Clark!). Also, I was impressed with how the authors gave a sense of an ending, while still making it clear that there is much more to come and that really this story is far from over. Again, the reality they infuse into this "alternate universe" world is something really special. I will say there were a couple things that bothered me a little, as far as pacing and loose ends. I think the ending happened too fast - the deaths of Badouin, Flay, Clark, Cesare, Nzingu, and Mamoru were all too close together and I really didn't have the time I wanted to move from one to the next with all the feeling I felt each deserved. Also, I really would like to hear more now about Simon, King Nsiri, Dr.Goronwy (did he die in the crash/did he survive Adele's cleansing since he was a human?, what did he do to Selkirk?), Selkirk himself, Sanah (that was kind of out of nowhere, Adele's aunt?, and then she just disappeared), and Greyfriar (what will they tell the people about his disappearance/how will his story end?). But overall, the truly entertaining and fun read that I would recommend! What an adventure - I just wish I could keep following A&G through their next adventures as they move forwards with their lives, their "kingdoms," and the human/vampire relationships.