I was super wary going into this, but I think this book tied up the series really well while also just being an enjoyable read on its own.

This novel honestly just reads like a very long conclusion, and honestly, that's pretty much what it is. Everything that's been building up the past few books is finally coming together, all Aelin's scheming, plotting, and manipulating is finally all coming to fruition. It was honestly great to see all the allies coming together especially, even if I've forgotten most of the particulars of how Aelin met them/got them on board in the first place. The book also spends enough time remembering past events for readers that didn't reread the entire series recently (like me), so even though I may not remember everything clearly myself, the book reminded me in subtle ways to make the ending just as hard-hitting.

Honestly, I loved this. It was a good combination of hard times and miracles, of sacrifice and victory, and it kept me hooked the entire time (even though this book is so LONG). There were a few issues I had with the romance, mainly at the end, because once everyone's kinda paired off, the dynamics within all the relationships kinda became all the same. But honestly, I still loved reading it all and seeing everyone (friends and lovers) finally come together again one last time.

ACOWAR and ACOFAS made me quite way of Maas's "endings," but I can tell that KOA only strengthened my love for these characters rather than killed it. I've been reading these books since I was 13, and if I'm being truthful, I'm super sad to see them go :( I am glad Maas ended it here though, a further extension would have only weakened this strong ending.