So many good series stumble on the last book, failing to both remain interesting and wrap things up in a satisfying, yet realistic manner. This book, thankfully, did exactly that.

This book flew by yet never felt rushed (like all the other books of this series) and I honestly can't praise that aspect of this series enough. Somehow, Holly has managed to get us so incredibly invested in this series, these characters, this romance, without needing 500+ pages a book to do it. It's honestly astounding, and I'm super thankful for it. Sometimes I just need a good, short book! And those can be rare.

I also just loved how this series wrapped up. There was seriously so many ways for it all to go at the end of The Cruel Prince and even more after , and yet I love the path Holly took for the ending. It was fulfilling yet not unrealistic, and there was enough loss and consequence (and tension) without the book feeling hopeless. Everything was just honestly balanced so well.

Also the characters shined even more in this one. I've always loved Jude and Cardan's dynamic and seeing it flourish, and become more 'healthy', was honestly great. I also love how things were left with a variety of other characters, like Taryn and Madoc. Holly did no wrong here, in my opinion.

Sure, I felt like there were less twists/gasp-worthy moments in this book, but it also made sense. I still enjoyed this book as much as the others all the same, if for slightly different reasons.

All in all, I'm so happy with how this series turned out yet sad to see it end. Holly has a habit of cameos though... so maybe we see Jude and Cardan again in the future?