I really enjoy this series. The first book was a solid 5 stars. The world that the author created was so atmospheric and engrossing. The characters were flawed and wonderful. This series had the potential to be one of my most favorite series of all time.
Unfortunately, I don't know if the subsequent novels quite lived up to what I wanted it to be. I felt like this last book in particular felt a little underwhelming. There were so many storylines that needed to be wrapped up and new subplots added halfway through the book that when it did wrap up it felt a little rushed.
The pacing was weird for me in this book. I felt like it was really slow for the first half to two-thirds of the book. Then everything speeds up to the end, but not in a way that was altogether satisfying, in my opinion.
I also felt like this last book just had so many different threads and characters that it kept jumping between that it didn't keep my attention. The first book was just Gansey, Ronan, Adam, Blue, and occasionally the ladies of 300 Fox Way. This book had POV's from nine additional characters that I can think of just off the top of my head, three of whom were new characters in this book (actually, two were entirely new characters. One was a very minor character previously who ended up having a huge amount to do with this book).
I wish that the core group had been working together more throughout this book. Their dynamic as a group is one of my favorite things about this series, and this book hardly explored that at all.
The ending was a little underwhelming for me as well. I think it's because after all the buildup over the last four books I just wanted something...more. I can't really explain it, but it just didn't have the emotional impact I was expecting.
All that being said, I really love Stiefvater's writing. Her structure and style is just beautiful. I love these characters and this story. I will definitely pick up her other work in the future.