Spoil Review:

​​​Characters and Plot

BEST BOOK IN THE TRILOGY HANDS DOWN!!! I'm going to start with the thing I love first, which is the plot and Niko's character arc. The plot in this was significantly better paced than the last one, more showing, and despite it spanning over 20 years, it comes together so well. I was not bored a single moment; every scene hit home and just added so much more layers to the story.

 

Now Niko, my precious baby, can't believe he was just 8 years old at the beginning, then turned 27 at the end, and became the new Pillar... wild. Niko deciding that he needs to be away from the Clan to touch some grass for a while was the realist thing, and he came back stronger, smarter, with more common sense (the Kaul sometimes need that). He also managed to drop the most SAVAGE LINE TO BERO, HUMBLE HIM SO BAD, AND MADE BERO SETTLE DOWN AND BECOME A TAXI DRIVER, KING BEHAVIOR. Niko says he killed Bero, and Bero should just kill himself if he wanted to die, literally brutal. That one time, he refused a clean blade because he was tired and just got off a 9-hour shift, mood, like Niko said, "it's not that deep, so leave me alone". He is just out here destroying everyone's pride and ego by not giving a fuck, bro didn't even bother to show up and meet Ayt Mada. 

 

Anden is the GOAT in this book. Shae will always be my favorite character, but Anden out here giving Hilo a reality check was my favorite thing. His calling out Hilo for almost disowning Niko because Niko didn't fit the expectations that Hilo had for him, and never giving Niko the choice was amazing. I was on, Niko said the entire time, and was angry at Hilo and Wen for treating him so poorly for that.   

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Maik Tar... STOP. I WAS BAWLING MY EYES OUT FOR HIM. I didn't even care bout him in books 1 and 2, but in book 3, how they tied had turned. His whole arc was just so tragic, and that Hilo had to ask him one last thing, which was to live, I'm not ok. Love how the author builds up his story so well. 

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I had hated Hilo in book 2, but in book 3, I liked him. Hilo character development in book 3 was the best thing ever, the way he realizes that having Jade isn't everything, being glad that Anden didn't become a Fist, and finding a way to support Niko even though he didn't initially agree with Niko's decision. I love how the author gave Hilo time to develop, having him being called out by other characters and being constantly challenged, facing consequences for his beliefs and actions, and growing from it. It is organic, well thought out, and earned. 

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Wen though... WHAT HAPPENED TO HER??? Girl was an icon in book 2, but in book 3... she was a downright terrible mom. The way she didn't try to understand Niko's decision, yes, Hilo was aggressive at first, but he did end up accepting Niko before Niko went away. Wen didn't even want to ask where Niko was, but then turn around and slap Niko for not calling and reaching out in 3 years, which was really hypocritical of her. The way she admits to "begrudging Ru" for not being the heir she wants because he's a stone eye, and thinks that Niko was there to make up for her mistake, so he basically failed her by running away. Someone tell Wen that your children aren't a symbol or your trophy for your pride and ego.

 

Look, I understand that Wen had tried so hard for years to be respected as a clan member, so it makes sense that she would feel guilty that her kid didn't turn out to be how she wanted. However, that does not make it right, nor is it an excuse for her emotional neglect and failure to understand her kids. The worst part was that Wen never realized how toxic her views were, no one called her out for it, and we barely got any chapters of insight into what she was really thinking. I know some people are going to say, but in the end, she hugged Niko and reached out to him. Well, that moment seem heartwarming on surface level, but if we break it down, it's awfully shallow of Wen, IT TOOK HILO DEATH FOR WEN TO REALIZE THAT HEY,.... "maybe my kids need me, like emotionally available for them" if you are a good mom IT SHOULD NOT TAKE THAT LEVEL FOR YOU TO REACH OUT TO YOUR KID. 

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Conclusion

But despite some critique on Wen's character arc there, the third book was an amazing conclusion to this epic series. It hits all the emotional spots, the action, and the stakes. It was so satisfying to see how every character arc weaves and connects. If you love political fantasy that centers around family love, expectations, amazing world-building, and a gripping plot. Please do read the Green Bone Saga. ​

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