Wow. Okay, so, I didn't know what I expected from this book being the last of the trilogy, but now that I've finished it, I can't think of a more proper ending.

This was so, so good. Again, I applaud Leigh Bardugo for her story-telling/writing skills. I'm so hooked with every chapter, of every book, every character, every plot twist. This book left me breathless and wistful.
I couldn't think of a better ending because those three books were packed with so much rush, action, romance, and mystery, and the peaceful ending was a nice contrast to everything that happened beforehand. I feel like it's what Alina deserves after being used, deceived, almost gotten killed, and anything else that happened to her. She and Mal deserves that solemn, tear-jerking ending, I swear. *wipes tears*

"And yet, lying there, I realized I wasn't afraid. After all I've been through, there was no fear left in me—sadness, gratitude, maybe even hope, but the fear had been eaten up by pain and challenge."

The characters were amazing yet again! Even Zoya started growing on me, even just a little bit! Harshaw and his Oncat were a fave as well! (Well I happen to be a sucker for cats, so it's no surprise that I loved Oncat haha!) And Nikolai, oh Nikolai just keeps getting more charming and charming. I was so heartbroken when I got to that part where he was a victim of the Darkling. I'm so glad he didn't die, but at the same time I can feel that the incident turned something melancholic about him.

Also the plot twists in this book was AMAZING. I've had my suspicion and own theory about Baghra's real connection to Morozova. And I was almost right! ALMOST.
The plot twist about the amplifiers though, now, I didn't see that one coming. And when I read about that part, the clues and foreshadowing was always there all along. I just didn't notice it. (Again this made me applaud Bardugo! That was so brilliantly written!)

Again, wow. Such a nice conclusion to a whirlwind of a story. This trilogy is now one of my favorites. And Leigh Bardugo just became one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to read her other books!

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Thoughts on my second read:

I don't know why, but I appreciate this book more now? Must be because Nikolai's character just keep getting better and better and now I'm so excited for his own book. Or maybe because my heart aches for Mal and Alina as I realized they were so willing to set their love aside for the future of Ravka (Mal was so willing to let her go, and Alina was starting to accept the fact that Nikolai wants her to rule with him). Or maybe because I really saw how great of a villain The Darkling is (he's an intriguing and complex character, and I applaud Leigh for writing such a good character). Or maybe because, though I liked the ending, it still made me sad. Sad and satisfied (if there's anything like that.)

Anyway, love this book and the conclusion of the story! (Also, I read this under 24 hours this time? Whaaatttt)