This was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I’m glad it was open ended and not a complete “happily ever after”. I prefer stories that end like this where there are consequences to things such as war and governmental reformation. Things like that in real life take time, years, if not decades to get better and this last book did a pretty good job of showing that. We are able to get a time skip as to what happens to the government as well as the character we followed up until now. June is shown moving on with her life and attempting to move on from Day. It’s a realistic approach to what would have happened after she decided to separate from him. She established a relationship with Anden which after a while both of them realized would not work due to her lingering feelings for another person. Again, a very valid and mature reason to end an adult relationship that is a decision I wouldn’t have expected June to make as a teenager, but it is something that Anden and her both opt to do as adults. Day took years to recover his memories as would have been medically expected, and it’s clear he does not have all his memories back by the end.

Overall, the ending is hopeful and shows the growth that both June and Day have gone through as well as the steps the government has taken towards reform. June was never made out to be a politician and I couldn’t agree with her decision to not become Anden’s Princep, regardless of their relationship status. It was never in character for her to remain in politics and it makes sense that she stepped down. I think I am done exploring this world for now. A great introductory series for dystopian young adult, but I think I’ve had my fill. I do hope that those who pick up Rebel have a good time like I did.