Even though I was seriously doubting this book when I started it and feel that the first 100 pages dragged, I wholeheartedly believe it’s the best of the trilogy. Once the story picked up, I didn’t want to put this down—and reading as much as I did on a Sunday? That rarely happens. I was invested, although if we’re being honest, it lowkey felt like I blinked and suddenly I cared 10x more. So that happened.

I liked most of the characters, even Julian, who I found quite obnoxious at first. But he’s really just a big marshmallow and he’s fine. You know who I don’t like? Legend. I don’t understand the hype, y’all!!! He’s the epitome of tall, dark and handsome guys that should’ve been left in 2017, just with magic. Am I missing something here? Am I too gay for this?

Maybe the problem is that I’m too busy suddenly loving Jacks, the apple-sucking demon* that came out of nowhere and stole my heart. He’s so not my type (and no, this isn’t a gay joke) but I just....love him?! And now I understand why people say he deserves better! I’m upset on his behalf!!! Seriously though, despite everything, he’s a disheveled boy with slight gambling issues that needs a hug and also a reminder that apples aren’t the only fruit in the world. Don’t fight me on this.

Anyway, characters aside, this was good. I would’ve liked more details regarding the world-building; the information we got was intriguing and I’d have loved to know more. The magic was eerie in some ways, while fun and whimsical in others. The story, though vastly different from either Caraval or Legendary, was quite entertaining, even if the angst was sometimes excessive.

I definitely wish that the ending had given more insight regarding Jacks—or, to be frank, just more insight in general. It was satisfying, yes, but rather vague. After everything that happened, only a handful of pages are spared to wrap up an entire trilogy? :(( It’s a tiny bit disappointing, not gonna lie.

Overall, despite Jacks getting the shortest end of the stick, Finale was a good conclusion to a magical, one-of-a-kind trilogy. I’m curious to see what Garber does next.

*This is a legitimate phrase in the book. You can really feel Tella’s love for Jacks. I might borrow this phrase in the future.

CW: blood, death & murder, death of a parent, kidnapping, grief