because I read all these books in such close succession, I don't have all the stuff blocked out in my head and I can't necessarily tell which book is which. So I'm just gonna make some sweeping generalisations about the series in this one.

1) I don't think the amplifier storyline makes a lot of sense. I think, especially in the second book, it takes them like two seconds to find the amplifier. and then in the third book most of the plot is dedicated to them trying to find it. also this is massive spoilers but I just don't understand how the whole 'Mal is the amplifier' thing works. Because the whole thing is that he's a descendant of baghra's sister but once he's killed, there is no more (merzost-made) amplifiers. but like, are there really no more VERY LOOSE descendants of baghra's sister? this was like hundreds and hundreds of years ago too, was none of these many descendants ever killed by a grisha? not in the sense that they realised that the person was an amplifier, but surely if a grisha killed mal's great grandfather for example, wouldn't it mean that that grisha would get the power and then there would be no more amplifier???? I'm confused. also the resurrection was so boring oh my god. have guts and kill off your main characters! (although one thing I do admire about leigh bardugo was that she did kill a lot of characters!! good for you, leigh)

2) I hate when people reduce stories to only the romance but I'm afraid I'm going to do that right now. I do not understand how anyone can leave this book NOT being a full on nikolina shipper. cause what do you even mean. chemistry is off the charts!! they understand each other like no one else!!! (in a healthy way too!! not a darkling type of way!!), their relationship just makes so much sense for the characters and for ravka as well!! I was so so so surprised to see that there is not a big fan community for this pairing, they are perfect for each other??? and I love them??

3) I am just so so proud of leigh bardugo! she is def one of my favourite authors (maybe THE favourite?? when I read ninth house and the familar I will update) it is so cool to see her writing improve in each project. these books are great but they're even better because I know where it's leading to! I read the spin off duology immediately after finishing this series so I'll touch more on this in my next reviews but I got genuinely so so sad when I finished everything in this universe 😭😭 I love this world so so much and I'm so glad it exists! 3.5 stars