Fuck ME this was AMAZING. I’m constantly in awe of Williams’ writing, and how he manages to elevate his craft with each instalment of this series. In my opinion, this was a flawless book. 

**SPOILERS INCOMING** 

The only issue I had with the story was almost completely of my own making, and I don’t think Williams can really be blamed for it. And that was the developing relationship between Nezeru and Morgan. As I progressed through these three books, and put together who Nezeru is, I was expecting more of a family reunion vibe when the two of them met – I’d read so much about their families and how they were interlinked, it seemed inevitable. How wrong I was… This meant that when they first shagged I was completely horrified, until I figured out how distantly related they actually are and realised its not that big of a deal. I think in my head I had been so set on the family reunion idea that it obscured the reality of the situation. 

But my God does this book (and series) smash almost all other fantasy out of the water. It’s so beautifully written, has incredible amounts of depth, and is overall such an amazing and unique read. 

Everything about Utuk’ku dying was fascinating. The Norns will only survive if they change their ways, but their entire existence is based on being fiercely loyal to their ways and never straying. The cognitive dissonance this creates, leading Nezeru and other Norns to essentially deprogramme from their cult was SO interesting. 

Simon’s death was traumatic. I felt like I’d lost a friend. Definitely spiralled a little at that point and almost went into mourning. And his and Miriamele’s Romeo and Juliet death storylines were so beautifully tragic. 

I was also (and still am after reading) utterly fucking terrified over the prospect of Pryrates returning. It’s the most freaked out a character has ever made me, and I read loads of horror. It was truly making me feel sick at points, and every time there was the chance that something was him my heart stopped still. The tunnels, aghhhhh. If Williams ever switches to pure horror novels, I think it might be game over for me. Either Williams is a genius, or I’m putting way too much ‘hope’ into the prospect of a Pryrates return… 

And that God damn ‘battle’ at Asu’a. Holy Christ. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything that could come close to how it made me feel. I was literally there with the characters, close to hyperventilating, tears streaming. I felt the desperations, pain, and abject terror so acutely. I almost never react emotionally during battle scenes, usually only when they’re over, but Williams really got to me, and destroyed me. 

This quote before the Sithi joined the fight really got to me: 

“What can we do?” 

“What can true hearts ever do?" Jiriki asked. "Whatever good they can manage before the end of things." 😭😭😭

So, there we have it. Another masterpiece from Williams. Would give it 100 stars if I could. An amazing series, and one I’m pretty scared to end – the name of it leaves a constant haze of dread over the story, especially when I think ahead to how it may end…