There is so much to love about this final book, from the development of the character arcs (especially compared to book one), the love story (more on that later!), to the action and fighting and Arden finally getting their well-deserved happy ending. I had a major book hangover at the end because of just how much I loved it. 

First up, character arcs. Talk about beautifully done! Arden’s growth from Elemental to now was such a joy to read. She’s come into her power and her position in Otherside. She’s learned to trust and rely on other people, which after the abuse she endured from Callista is a feat in itself. Then we have Troy, you know the elf that tried to murder Arden in Elemental? Yeah that one. Holy crap. If you want the definition of someone willing to put in the work to grow and change, look no further. Troy breaks old habits, cuts ties with his toxic family, earns forgiveness (and eventually love) from Arden. I absolutely loved how the two of them grew both separately and together throughout the series. 

This series had probably the best enemies to lovers slow burn I’ve ever read. They deserve their happy ending and then some. They learned to trust and love each other, even though they’ve both been so hurt and betrayed. They listened to each other, helped each other work through problems, took care of each other. In all honesty, god damn look at this healthy relationship. I love seeing those in writing. 

Okay I’ll stop waxing about Arden and Troy (Ardoy?) for a moment because the action WAS WILD. We have the gods forcing their way onto the plane, forcing Arden onto theirs, Callista coming back in for a moment, and of course the battle royale between Otherside and the gods. What. A. Show. That finale was intense but Arden and her allies stood strong and did what needed done. In the end, they turned out victorious, but it was a close call. 

So of course we had all of that up there, but we also had political intrigue, some backstabbing and espionage, more Mundanes butting in where they shouldn’t (because of course!). I could not have fathomed this ending when I first started this series. There are so many twists and turns throughout the books that you are constantly guessing.