rachel8896's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
katetheardent's review against another edition
4.0
Overall I enjoyed this series, however, the climatic ending was lacking the climatic part.
creeker868's review against another edition
3.0
Conclusion of the story involving resistance/revolution in an alternate Britain. Involving the privileged elite who have "skill" and the ordinary people who must complete 10 years of slavery before they become full citizens. Key characters are Abby Luke, Gavar, Silyen and Bouda. I didn't love the ending while it was well done and did fit. Would have liked more information and the fate of Luke and Silyen are only implied and I don't like how Bouda is still a person of influence.
lazygal's review against another edition
5.0
This is rounded up from 4.5 stars because it really will make no sense to anyone who hasn't read the first two books (Gilded Cage and Tarnished City) but if you have read them, this is a great ending to the trilogy.
The political aspects of life between the Equals/Skilled houses (who rules? who succeeds whom? what makes you eligible to he Heir) all come to a head in this book. The revolt by the unskilled against them ramps up, still led by several Equals. And then there's the soap opera stuff about the Hadley family: will they ever be together again? will Luke find Abi? Best of all, we get Silyen's side and learn more about this enigmatic, "most powerful" Equal in perhaps ever.
I won't spoil things, so let me just say that until the last few chapters I didn't know whether James could actually tie all the ends up together and then she did. Reading other comments it's clear that some feel that the ending wasn't satisfying but for me, it very much was.
ARC provided by publisher.
The political aspects of life between the Equals/Skilled houses (who rules? who succeeds whom? what makes you eligible to he Heir) all come to a head in this book. The revolt by the unskilled against them ramps up, still led by several Equals. And then there's the soap opera stuff about the Hadley family: will they ever be together again? will Luke find Abi? Best of all, we get Silyen's side and learn more about this enigmatic, "most powerful" Equal in perhaps ever.
I won't spoil things, so let me just say that until the last few chapters I didn't know whether James could actually tie all the ends up together and then she did. Reading other comments it's clear that some feel that the ending wasn't satisfying but for me, it very much was.
ARC provided by publisher.
knit_and_purl's review against another edition
3.0
This was a disappointing end for me. Unfortunately, any momentum I'd had with the trilogy petered out at some point and I had trouble remembering events from the last book. I had to pick it up and skim it again. Although I thought Silyen was the most in-depth and rounded character (including his relationship with Luke), the rest of the story fell flat. The last bit with the riot seemed convenient and wrapped things up too nicely. I'd hoped for more sign this book.
bookish_babe's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written with dynamic characters and a unique and thrilling world. Bright Ruin is the third book in the Dark Gifts trilogy. I'll admit I got lost from time to time having not read the earlier installments in the series but that didn't detract from the draw the characters had or the high stakes they were fighting against. Full of twists and turns, Bright Ruin definitely kept me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. Fans of Young Adult fiction will love this series. And the conclusion is both compelling and triumphant.
lgiegerich's review
4.0
Excellent conclusion to the trilogy- interesting myth-making, some stuff that may be a little fan-servicey, but whatever. Although I wanted a more concrete ending- it’s YA, come on! But still, excellent World-building, excellent characters, although I could have done with more of some (Silyen, Luke) & less of others (Abi, although a strong female character, just sort of became bland by the end).
nightresplendent's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
Review for trilogy posted to https://www.instagram.com/nightresplendent and will update here later.
Review for trilogy posted to https://www.instagram.com/nightresplendent and will update here later.
aballestro's review against another edition
5.0
Am I crying? Yes. Did this book have a few plot holes and unexplained things that would make me kinda mad if I didn’t love the story and how it ended? Yeah. I’m shocked at how fantasy-esc this book turned out for an urban fantasy which is great because yah girl loves fantasy. Great trilogy would recommend. Still crying from the ending, which is great as it is, but I don’t want to let the characters go therefore I want another book. It is what it is I guess.
bethjkdixon's review
5.0
"There'd be no more hiding, and no more running. Now was for fighting.
Lord Jardine and Bouda would subject this whole country to a Blood Fair, if they could. Britain itself, pinned down and torn at by the Equals for their sport.
Time to smash the country's chains and set it free."
As the last book in the trilogy there was a lot to wrap up in Bright Ruin, I had no idea where the story was going to go or how it could all be wrapped up given the state we left everything at the end of Tarnished City. Bright Ruin has more of an open ending than a happy one, and while I was satisfied with where things ended for the characters I would love to see more from this world.
Full review available on my blog Reading Every Night.