I really liked how Sanderson played with religion in this book, but other than that highlight I struggled to really feel invested or care about the plot as much as book 1. I do think the ending hooks you back in though.

3.75/5 

Ended with a bang, excited to see where this goes!!

The lead up was not as fantastic as other Sanderson books and I didn’t find myself fully invested until the butler incident which is why it is a 3.75 for me. 

This was like a more fun and light hearted project Hail Mary! I loved it and had so much fun. 

This one took a second to get into because it starts a little slower and the “magic” system was a little confusing at first. The training sections were just okay for me, but by the time Vis is in the academy I’m fully bought in and want to know what’s happening!

Shout out to animal saving your life plot line because I loved it. 

4.5

A novel about wanting, wanting a better life, wanting to be oneself, wanting to be free, wanting your person. This is where this novel shines. The desires Bardugo weaves into this story make this story beautiful. 

I think shockingly my favorite character in the end was Valentina, I loved her development and growth. Her ending was the one that made me smile. 

Ugh, wtf was that 

You know the tiktok sound “we’re all safe and gonna have a good time *explosion* what the Jesus Christ was that?”… that’s the conclusion of these 3 books. 

Book 1 is a fun and entertaining adventure, book 2 is a bit more serious and deep but still very good… and 3, 3 just exists. How many times can you “conclude” the story, for Tolkien clearly the answer is never enough. Between the ring, Aragorn and Arwen, returning to the shire, Sam’s marriage, leaving the shire, and seeing Bilbo again; it all read like a bunch of small stories thrown back together for the conclusion(s). 

I have high hopes the movie is much better than whatever the hell that was. (I’ve been watching them as I read and my general impression is the movies just enhance the story so much and make it better).