The Bitter Kingdom

yup. this was just as addictive as the second. I really enjoyed Hector's pov every few chapters. he's definitely one of my favorite characters so it was nice to see some of the story from his eyes. when I started this series, I didn't know what to expect, mostly because I was uncertain about a lot. but this is going down as one of my favorite series. I don't think there's anything I didn't like about this series. Elisa was so much more powerful in this book and I found myself rooting for her every chance I got. The side characters were also very enjoyable. this series went by too fast and I'm just glad I get to reread it whenever I want. it will always be dear to my heart ☺️

This was a much anticipated finale, especially after the ending of The Crown of Embers. And I have to say, this starts off with a bang. Elisa has friends with her but none to guide her anymore. She is the one they look up to and she uses all her intelligence and smarts to make plan after plan to find Hector. We get a few chapters with Hector's POV and I loved knowing how he thinks and strategizes. I really understood what they meant to each other and how they were so perfect together. Elisa becomes a formidable Queen and Hector is her perfect partner, not at all intimidated at being her subject and trusting her implicitly. The revelations of Storm's history and his growth here is tremendous. He and Elisa become friends and partners in magic and it was great to see them help and save each other.

There was a lot of action, the plot was very engaging and very fast paced. The ending felt a little rushed but it was still the exact ending I wanted for Elisa and all her friends. This has been a great series with wonderful storytelling but I will remember it most for its fierce heroine who doesn't need anyone to save her – she is the one doing the saving – and the healthy relationships throughout of all kinds – Love, female friendships and also male female platonic friendship. There are very very few YA books that handle all relationships so well. I definitely recommend this series to anyone interested in YA fantasy.

Wow! What a ride! This 3rd and final volume just had so much packed into it. A quest-like adventure, political maneuverings, romance - oh the romance - and a finale that had me in happy tears for the last ten pages. Elisa has throughout been my favourite part of these books, she is SO relatable and uses her wits to wonderful effect. In her own words her greatest power is her mind and it's put on full display in this final book. I love the fact that Rae Carson not only created a character who struggled with weight, but learned to love herself despite it, to love the other things she excels at and have other characters recognize that too. What an inspiring message to anyone, no matter your body type, and what a refreshingly positive outlook.
The other characters, of course, Weaselled their way into my heart as well, especially Hector, Mara, Red, Belen and even Storm.
In closing all I can say is that I loved this entire trilogy and highly, highly recommend it!

This is my least favorite of the author's books. Is still good but a let down compared to the others. I love the evolution of the characters. Elise has some depth but I'd like to see more depth in the other characters.

4.5 i guess. not comfortable with renowned main characters dying. but i'm glad the main-main characters didn't die. that would just be annoying. all in all, a pretty good ending. :D but there is still one thing i'm unsatisfied with...THERE'S NO CONTINUATION. WAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH MY LIFE. TT^TT