CW: death, violence, torture, self-harm, attempted suicide, suicide imagery, intrusive thoughts

I had to really think about what to rate this book – more so than usual.

I read TRS (book 2) in 2016 and was rather “meh” about it; for about a year I had no interest in reading this. Then I saw some good reviews and, impressionable as I can sometimes be, decided to give it a try. After all, it could be great! (This is my motto these days when it comes to my tbr. I like to think I have self-control, but I really don’t.)

So I finally read this book, and surprisingly, I enjoyed it. Reading was a bit of a slow process, but I knew almost immediately I’d like it more than its predecessor. It was good, really good, good again, and then came the end... not so good, in my opinion.

I don’t usually like it when significant characters die and come back through some miracle. Violetta was no exception. I liked her character, but I think it would’ve been more meaningful if she stayed dead. I also didn’t like that Adelina died; although she was kind of horrible and I did like that she became a constellation, Magiano deserved better. Just saying.

Magiano is absolutely my favorite character. He was enigmatic but sweet and genuine and I honestly just love him. No one can compete with his brilliance. If he wasn’t in this series, it wouldn’t be as good. There’s just no way. (In case you didn’t catch on, I wanted Adelina to live for Magiano’s sake.)

Other things that should’ve happened:
- Enzo alive, free of his Underworld curse, and with Raffaele.
- Maeve and Lucent’s relationship rekindled. This was implied, but I would’ve liked more details.
- Adelina alive, mourning Violetta but healing alongside Magiano as they rule together. (Or at the very least, give me more details on Violetta’s rule.)

And what did Magiano do, other than go after Adelina’s constellation? When he wasn’t with her overnight? Now that he doesn’t have his mimicry? I want answers!

So, I think that’s everything. I don’t remember the first two books very well, but I think this is my favorite in the trilogy. I wasn’t a fan of the ending, but other elements throughout the story did soften that blow.