In true VC Andrews fashion, this book was ridiculous. Somehow it was less ridiculous than earlier books/other VCA which meant it dragged on somewhat and wasn't as fun of a ride as I was hoping for. In other words, the balance of melodrama to "absurd gothic tropes" was skewed in a direction that was almost...dull? It definitely didn't carry the steam that FITA had.

While I'm glad I read it for completionism, I only recommend it if you're familiar with the Dollanganger story/saga and want to see how it all ends (but frankly, the wikipedia plot summary may be enough).