a well-done finish to the series

stuff I liked:

the development of cinder, scarlet and cress in particular
the relationships between the characters
the horror of the lunar gift

stuff I didn't like:

winter was underdeveloped compared to the others, granted she only made a real appearance in the last book but still
jacin also lacks a character arc
the canonically POC leads are somehow deformed/seen as lesser from the beginning (except Kai)

overall I liked this book and the series as a whole, the latter half of which being particularly enjoyable and more whole stories

was shakespeare okay?? like mentally??

The story is far from new, and this novel is far from perfect. Though it illustrates the raw emotions tied with topsy-turvy first loves and change in a way that readers can relate to, I can't help but feel that the characters are too insular and that the references to the world outside the characters' relationships - humanitarian crises, patriarchy etc, - seem somewhat shallow. Though it could be argued that this was intentional since the novel's focus is very much on the relationship between the two main characters. The time jumps allow for quick pacing to the novel's credit as it never falls stagnant, and the exploration of themes such as social class and abuse is done so in a way that hit almost too close to home. Rooney's writing style is not for everyone, and I would've perhaps rather the novel explore the characters' psyche a bit further. Taking all of this into account, the novel offers an interesting way of depicting the woes of first love so I would recommend people to read it, even if these people aren't readers themselves.