This one was epic. Coming at 611 pages, it’s massive and sweeping. With no shortage of Mephi (and a few new tricks) we start to see the seams come apart both for the Empire and the Shardless Few. I can’t help but notice Ragan’s depiction, especially from Nisong is so biting and true. Always the one that feels the world wronged him, always felt owed. Something in that juxtaposition of his poisonous anger and the way Nisong is so desperate to be wanted, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to shake her by her shoulders or offer her comfort and a sympathetic ear. And Jovis. My favorite character of all. How far he had fallen in the two year span, stuck with the one person he hated that controls his every action. Every chapter you just keep hoping he breaks away, finds a loophole, anything to find his way back to where he should be. It’s agonizing to watch him try and fail over and over again. 

This is such a good end to the trilogy. We get to see the history play out, the knowledge that had been kept hidden or unknown, and truly see of Lin has what it takes to keep the empire together. My heart broke for Lin, for Jovis, and even for Nisong. Instead of stomping on my poor heart, Stewart does the impossible and made it soar. Happy, joyous tears at the best possible ending for this trilogy. Sometimes you truly can find your way back.