Spirit's End

A good conclusion to the series. Far different from how it began, but enjoyable all the same. The first books are ones I could revisit, but the latter ones become more complex, less character focused and more world focused. They become less light-hearted as the series progresses. I enjoy the characters she writes, the world is fine but not as appealing.

While I was able to read the previous 4 books fairly quickly I found myself struggling with this one. One of the main things I liked about this series was the arrogance that often presented itself in a rather amusing way with the character the series is named after. While the plot was often simple, I'd enjoy the banter between the trio as they got up to all kinds of mischief. 

In the latter book that started to take a backseat to a more serious storyline and in the last novel here that lightness is all but non-existent. That would be fine if the plot was strong enough to maintain my interest and it was for awhile, but there is one glaring plot hole that presents itself midway into the novel that stuck out like a sore thumb. It completely invalidates the motive for what's happening at that current time and as such the rest of the book itself since everything hinges on that plot line. It killed any motivation I had to continue, but continue I did.

And continued right on along with a character I absolutely hate in Miranda. I dislike characters whose morality is black and white. Who reek of self-righteousness and when met with anything that challenges their worldview they double down on it rather than question anything. This simplistic and troublesome moral outlook can be used for great character development, but here? There are no real consequences and the behavior is rewarded. While I find it infuriating it is admittedly a matter of taste, but these two factors combine did drop the book down from something I enjoyed to something that was ‘meh'. 

In the end it was a decent series with the last book being the weakest of the 5 imo.

Even though the previous book was a major disappointment and just didn't work for me, this book is lovely. I never really considered not finishing the series, but I also never expected to like this book as much as the first three. Parts even more than the first three. (A few, early parts less, too, which is why it didn't rate a five star.)

We're back to focusing our attention where it should be: Eli. With a side of Josef and Nico and Miranda running through it all. But, the fact is, this is Eli's story again. (Which is quite a relief after the way Josef and Miranda took over the last book.) I really like the way the story ends and I especially adore the friendship amongst our main trio. It took them over four books to get there, but they are at a solid, unbreakable friendship finally and it was beautiful to see. (It was also a relief that romance never reared it's ugly head.) All in all, this was a very satisfactory ending to the series.

Excellent finish to the series

To end a successful series is a decision not easily taken. Once you have crossed that line, it still is not easy to deliver a finale that matches up to what's gone by. So Spirit's End is a notch below the previous book but still a pretty good effort for a finale. Purely, because I felt a lot of the explanation was left to the last 50 pages resulting in the disjointed ending. But once cannot rate this book standalone. It brings to an end to an amazing series which delivered grit, determination and the power of human willpower, the power of freedom and a world without prejudice. We met some extremely memorable character and there were some goosebump moments too. But over and above that there were plenty of points where I found myself laughing out loudly much to the consternation of the fellow travelers and this only happens when the world around you is lost and you are living in the writer's world. Job well done Rachel. Cheers!