dosxhime's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
DO I NEED A BOX OF TISSUES BECAUSE OF THE END???? YES, YES I DO. THIS BOOK HAD EVERYTHING THAT I WANTED. CHARACTER INTERACTIONS, BATTLES, GORE, SADNESS.
The End ties in all the books together. Would I say neatly? Not particularly, but all the books do tie in with how the kids won. The final battle with St. George was brutal and harsh, but it was so heart pounding and emotional that I had a few tears in my eyes at the thought of Ed finally getting his catharsis after a trauamtic year. The action scenes (ALL OF THEM) had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. Higson spared no details (or characters) on how traumatic and hell-ish the situation is for these kids.
The urban fantasy element played well because it felt realistic, such as the Hunters barricading the building immediately and searching for any sickos. Absolutely brilliant. My favorite survivor group (also with the least amount of content and I'm just so salty that I don't get a Ryan/Hunters origin story so fuck) are so goddamn smart, I love them.
The Enemy's bread and butter are the characters and their relationships, which is promiently shown between Akkie/Paddy/Skinner. I felt so bad for him and I honestly wish that he got happiness after everyone that he lost. I love his growth and character arc in this novel and I am certain that I can never read about another asshole like Akkie.
My favorite part of the novel has got to be after St George dies as it discusses how the kids will start moving on. Malik's dialogue about hell and war as well as Jordan's determination to make a better world stuck out the most to me as it shows how deeply scarred they became over the past year. They're vastly different ways to manifest their conviction to live and move forward, speaking to how unique each of Higson's characters are. God, can you tell how much I love this series?
I would love some more follow up with what happened to the Palace kids + squatters as well as Shadowman reuniting with Go-Girl. That kid honestly needs a break and some friends that are still alive.
I will miss this series so much, honestly. I didn't want this crazy ride to end so I procrastinated on finishing. But I am so glad that I did and I will eagerly await re-reading this entire thing.
5/5 A+
The End ties in all the books together. Would I say neatly? Not particularly, but all the books do tie in with how the kids won. The final battle with St. George was brutal and harsh, but it was so heart pounding and emotional that I had a few tears in my eyes at the thought of Ed finally getting his catharsis after a trauamtic year. The action scenes (ALL OF THEM) had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. Higson spared no details (or characters) on how traumatic and hell-ish the situation is for these kids.
The urban fantasy element played well because it felt realistic, such as the Hunters barricading the building immediately and searching for any sickos. Absolutely brilliant. My favorite survivor group (also with the least amount of content and I'm just so salty that I don't get a Ryan/Hunters origin story so fuck) are so goddamn smart, I love them.
The Enemy's bread and butter are the characters and their relationships, which is promiently shown between Akkie/Paddy/Skinner. I felt so bad for him and I honestly wish that he got happiness after everyone that he lost. I love his growth and character arc in this novel and I am certain that I can never read about another asshole like Akkie.
My favorite part of the novel has got to be after St George dies as it discusses how the kids will start moving on. Malik's dialogue about hell and war as well as Jordan's determination to make a better world stuck out the most to me as it shows how deeply scarred they became over the past year. They're vastly different ways to manifest their conviction to live and move forward, speaking to how unique each of Higson's characters are. God, can you tell how much I love this series?
I would love some more follow up with what happened to the Palace kids + squatters as well as Shadowman reuniting with Go-Girl. That kid honestly needs a break and some friends that are still alive.
I will miss this series so much, honestly. I didn't want this crazy ride to end so I procrastinated on finishing. But I am so glad that I did and I will eagerly await re-reading this entire thing.
5/5 A+
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, and War
More...