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ginger_cricket's review against another edition
5.0
I've enjoyed this series so much. While the writing is unexceptional, the world building really drew me in. Deborah Harkness clearly thought through the creatures, their culture, how their lifespans or other traits would influence their perspectives. And, of course, I enjoyed the constant historical easter eggs, which lead to a lot of side research. This book made me think in the way that a good scifi/fantasy novel can.
I wasn't sure how this storyline would end, even halfway through this last book. I get nervous about series like this, where the plot becomes increasingly complicated, because it can be difficult to wrap it up into a cohesive ending. But Harkness pulled it off! I was very pleased with the way pieces came together. It seems she was working from a clear roadmap, and it was a good one.
I wasn't sure how this storyline would end, even halfway through this last book. I get nervous about series like this, where the plot becomes increasingly complicated, because it can be difficult to wrap it up into a cohesive ending. But Harkness pulled it off! I was very pleased with the way pieces came together. It seems she was working from a clear roadmap, and it was a good one.
neilaj's review against another edition
4.0
Confusing at first as it has been a while since I read Shadow Of Night ( and I may need to retread it now). Overall a great,and at times stressful and terrifying, conclusion to a magical and bewitching trilogy about love, family and loyalty.
PS, I loved Gallowglass. I hope he finds. Mate
PS, I loved Gallowglass. I hope he finds. Mate
kittehsaregreat's review against another edition
5.0
Did take a while to get into the story again (who's who ?) and pick up where the last book left off. Other than that another great read, unpredictable and mesmerising. Shame there's no number 4.
wwrawson's review against another edition
2.0
I have mixed feelings about this book. I felt totally unprepared when I started- I didn't remember a lot of characters from the previous two books in the series, and felt like I should have re-read them both before starting this one. There was a lot of imagery- some was overly detailed but some was not explained well enough. (If you have a tree on your spine can you sit down?! Or is it only on surface like a tattoo?! I'm confused.) I'm not even going to go into the one part that was really disturbing and yucky to me- I'm glad it was as late in the book as it was or I may have not finished it. If I could go back and do it again, I think I'd read the first book in the series and pretend it wasn't a trilogy.
libby_libaryon's review against another edition
4.0
I was not prepared for Diana's transformation! And looking back across the series, her character development is really fascinating. I enjoyed the whole book and was stressed during the hard parts! It's a good ending to the series.
knitcookwrite's review against another edition
4.0
Not as enticing as the first two. I also found the ending a tad anti-climatic. And I need to know what happens with Gallowglass. Humph.
ncbrown33's review against another edition
3.0
The story picks up where book 2 left off. There are so many storylines here. The book is over 500 pages and it didn't seem like enough to really tie up all the loose ends. The babies are born and you know very little about them. I was utterly confused as to why Diana became the book of life. I am not sure why it was necessary? It didn't seem to help anyone and how could she live a "normal life" again if her eyes showed words and her skin had the book written on it?
We were not told how Knox and Benjamin became allies. It would have been good to have a chapter devoted to that alliance and why it happened.
Did the blood rage ever get figured out? I am not certain.
It is interesting but it doesn't leave you satisfied as the final book in the series.
We were not told how Knox and Benjamin became allies. It would have been good to have a chapter devoted to that alliance and why it happened.
Did the blood rage ever get figured out? I am not certain.
It is interesting but it doesn't leave you satisfied as the final book in the series.
becs_sw's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
snukes's review against another edition
2.0
Two stars for "meh."
After reading the second book and Meh-ing it, I didn't really mean to read this one, but I needed something long with familiar characters, and this one was available so - meh, why not?
It lived up to expectations, and though I waited too long after reading it to leave a proper review, I know I found it less frustrating than the second book. Still a little frustrating, though, with Diana and Matthew's relationship being a little on the ick side, and some of the plot points being quite predictable, but things tied up well enough that I don't feel ANY compulsion to go seeking out an alleged fourth book.
After reading the second book and Meh-ing it, I didn't really mean to read this one, but I needed something long with familiar characters, and this one was available so - meh, why not?
It lived up to expectations, and though I waited too long after reading it to leave a proper review, I know I found it less frustrating than the second book. Still a little frustrating, though, with Diana and Matthew's relationship being a little on the ick side, and some of the plot points being quite predictable, but things tied up well enough that I don't feel ANY compulsion to go seeking out an alleged fourth book.
nancy_13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0