Rating: 4.5 stars General synopsis Alina is in the hunt for the firebird, the last of the three Morozova’s amplifiers in her quest to defeat the Darkling, who reigns in the Ravkan throne after their last encounter. She has to embark on a quest to get the amplifier and defeat the Darkling and erase the Fold once and for all.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed that the stakes were raised, and each confrontation with the Darkling was increasing the tension up to the final battle. I thought the tension of these smaller confrontations was amazing to prepare the actual final battle in the Fold. I adored the entire final battle, the way it was executed and the deaths of some of the characters and how it impacted the fight itself. I also loved the fact that Alina knew the risks and sacrifices of killing the last amplifier, and what it would mean to her emotionally. I also loved how the Darkling was finally defeated, not by Alina herself, but an entire group of Summoners after Alina could not summon anymore. The pacing for that battle was impressive, and the stakes in the battle were amazing.
I liked the expansion of Morozova’s journals and their repercussions on the present events and the character’s journeys. The journals themselves were an insight into his past but also his obsession with the amplifiers he always desired to make. Also, I liked the relationship the journals had with the characters and their own stories, particularly the idea of Morozova’s heir and legacy and the real third amplifier. I loved the surprise of the third amplifier itself, even in the heat of battle with the actual firebird. Even though the creature was massive, Alina and Mal got to the conclusion that the firebird was just a bird, and that the third amplifier was Mal, as Alina always had felt a pull towards him. I loved that twist.
I liked the ending of the book. Compared to other fantasy books I’ve read so far, the heroes stay undercover and better yet, are in oblivion with regards to the general population, who was so infatuated with Alina and the Sun Summoner cult. The idea that the characters pulled out of the final victory and then dressed with peasant clothes really surprised me, even the fact that Alina dyed her hair red in the end. The heroes in this particular story didn’t choose to be heroes but rather thrown into the universe to be heroes, they wanted a much more laid back lifestyle. So, it was quite surprising, but also quite enjoyable to get to this perspective and get the appreciation of a laid back and even normal life.
Overall, this is a perfect ending for the Shadow and Bone trilogy. I loved the fact that the world was still expanding and the characters were still evolving. The characters on this world were dynamic and impressive. They all gave it their all in the battlefield and even if it was too risky, they still were an example of courage and bravery. The ending moved me, and it was one of the most interesting endings to a fantasy book I have ever read.
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