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erikariehigano22's review against another edition
5.0
THIS BOOK DESERVES ALL THE 5 AND 10 STARS IT COULD GET!
At the beginning of the book, I was heavily worried that Rho would take on a "suicide mission" approach, with her inside mission to release Opiuchus and chase Nishi on the base of the Tomorrow Party, the Marad and the Master-- Aquarius himself, one of the original 13 Guardians. Additionally, there were spontaneous references throughout the first half that she would "join her brother" Stanton who was recently given a funeral rite that set a historical precedent to be practised by the rest of the Houses in the future. This particular scene of Stanton's last farewell was one of the best in evoking Rho's descend into apathy. Thankfully, the intervention was not too late for Rho's humanity to be restored. As much as it was one of the most cliché things through Hysan's kiss, but it did help us get into the 2nd half of the book?
I honestly wanted to cry during Nishi's death. Just when Rho could not have been given a break from all the death within her circle-- Her father, Deke and her brother as the last death in Black Moon, now it's her bond-sister Nishiko, "her everything". A brief mention to her mother Kassandra who she only recently reconciled with right before they embark on the war front.
The main antagonist of this series all along, Aquarius, was a very interesting character. He is deceiving as to why I am so sceptical on why Rho still felt surprised he betrayed his end of their bargain on infiltrating the top-secrer Ariean base. He is too philosophical that it did felt daunting and impossible to face an enemy who was literally your forefather. On the other hand, Opiuchus turns out to be the advocate and protector of the first humans who escaped from Earth. It does look interest for him to take on a humanised attitude especially during the ritual to close the portal. Now it makes total sense as to why he seemed so serious when he and Rho made the agreement to kill him off back in Wandering Star. I honestly did not expect the romance between these two Stars though. Such a shame they had this bittersweet rivalry, but I do hope they are rekindling alongside their fellow stars.
I love everything that this book has. This might actually be my most favourite throughout the series. I just wished at the least an epilogue was included, especially when there was a prologue. But once again, these guys literally just faced off a war I think they deserve to take a break in restoring their order. But I really do wish Romina produces at least a short story set on the events after this book. I fell in love with this universe and might consider re-reading this book by purchasing my own box set of it, who knows? I am so happy I am able to satisfy my Year 8 self in finishing this series. I'm sure she would have loved the journey and the ending of this series so much.
EDIT: I admit I forgot to add this and was reminded with reading the reviews on its Goodreads page. So basically Rho's character was still weak despite all that tragedy and hardship she had to face. I admit, her deal and approach to Hysan was bad to say the least. And I do get it she has trust issues, but I sincerely hope that she has to let go of that teenage angst of shutting off from everyone else around her with the mere fact she cannot afford to do so, they are in the middle of a war for peep's sake and isolating each other would only do more harm. If you can set aside Rho's deficiencies saying this as someone who now adores to series, you will love this series for its world building and dynamics between the Houses.
EDIT 2.0: APPARENTLY THERE'S AN EPILOGUE THAT'S NOT ON THE HARDCOVER COPY. THAT'S SO UNFAIR SCREW CAPITALIST TENDENCIES
At the beginning of the book, I was heavily worried that Rho would take on a "suicide mission" approach, with her inside mission to release Opiuchus and chase Nishi on the base of the Tomorrow Party, the Marad and the Master-- Aquarius himself, one of the original 13 Guardians. Additionally, there were spontaneous references throughout the first half that she would "join her brother" Stanton who was recently given a funeral rite that set a historical precedent to be practised by the rest of the Houses in the future. This particular scene of Stanton's last farewell was one of the best in evoking Rho's descend into apathy. Thankfully, the intervention was not too late for Rho's humanity to be restored. As much as it was one of the most cliché things through Hysan's kiss, but it did help us get into the 2nd half of the book?
I honestly wanted to cry during Nishi's death. Just when Rho could not have been given a break from all the death within her circle-- Her father, Deke and her brother as the last death in Black Moon, now it's her bond-sister Nishiko, "her everything". A brief mention to her mother Kassandra who she only recently reconciled with right before they embark on the war front.
The main antagonist of this series all along, Aquarius, was a very interesting character. He is deceiving as to why I am so sceptical on why Rho still felt surprised he betrayed his end of their bargain on infiltrating the top-secrer Ariean base. He is too philosophical that it did felt daunting and impossible to face an enemy who was literally your forefather. On the other hand, Opiuchus turns out to be the advocate and protector of the first humans who escaped from Earth. It does look interest for him to take on a humanised attitude especially during the ritual to close the portal. Now it makes total sense as to why he seemed so serious when he and Rho made the agreement to kill him off back in Wandering Star. I honestly did not expect the romance between these two Stars though. Such a shame they had this bittersweet rivalry, but I do hope they are rekindling alongside their fellow stars.
I love everything that this book has. This might actually be my most favourite throughout the series. I just wished at the least an epilogue was included, especially when there was a prologue. But once again, these guys literally just faced off a war I think they deserve to take a break in restoring their order. But I really do wish Romina produces at least a short story set on the events after this book. I fell in love with this universe and might consider re-reading this book by purchasing my own box set of it, who knows? I am so happy I am able to satisfy my Year 8 self in finishing this series. I'm sure she would have loved the journey and the ending of this series so much.
EDIT: I admit I forgot to add this and was reminded with reading the reviews on its Goodreads page. So basically Rho's character was still weak despite all that tragedy and hardship she had to face. I admit, her deal and approach to Hysan was bad to say the least. And I do get it she has trust issues, but I sincerely hope that she has to let go of that teenage angst of shutting off from everyone else around her with the mere fact she cannot afford to do so, they are in the middle of a war for peep's sake and isolating each other would only do more harm. If you can set aside Rho's deficiencies saying this as someone who now adores to series, you will love this series for its world building and dynamics between the Houses.
EDIT 2.0: APPARENTLY THERE'S AN EPILOGUE THAT'S NOT ON THE HARDCOVER COPY. THAT'S SO UNFAIR SCREW CAPITALIST TENDENCIES
squidinator's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
squeakster's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I haven’t sobbed so hard in such a long time.
abbyl819's review against another edition
3.0
I did not enjoy this book as much as the others in the series. It is by far my least favorite. This could be due to the fact that it has been awhile since I had read Black Moon, so I have it been immersed in this world for about a year while waiting for this book to come out and then get around to reading it. The romance in this book really bothered, way more than in the other books. I didn’t want her to end up with either of them because they were both so annoying to her and she deserves better than both either. I especially did not like Hysan in this book. I also thought she made really stupid decisions and we did not get to see as much of the thought process that went into making them as I would have liked. The plot was slower in this book than any of the three before it. It seemed like characters were killed off at random just to move the plot forward, and that really separated me from actually caring when someone did die. The beginning of this book was very interesting. When Rho was shot by the Sumber and is in the nightmare world, it is very confusing at first, and takes awhile to realize what is happening. I got very frustrated with this after a few mightmares, but once I figured it out I didn’t mind, although it was rather convenient for her to just so happen to stumble across Nishi while in this infinite nonexistent universe.
aforlini's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rbjennings's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Death, Death of parent, and Xenophobia
emilylovesgoodbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
4.0
tmholsman_1994's review against another edition
5.0
Although it took me a few chapters to really get into this book because it was the final book in this series. Reading about all the loss that Rho went through to see her become this heartless person was hard to wrap my head around because for three previous books she was this young headstrong girl trying to save the rest of her home. Now she is heartless and keeping secrets from her friends and doesn't want to reconnect with her mom or get to know her half-sister. But by the end of the story she is herself and is helping piece back together her home.
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
This ending was... I have no words. This was one of the most spectacular endings I've read in a while. Don't let the bright colours on the cover deceive you. This finale is DARK. Everything from the characters to the story itself to the action and the sacrifices/deaths that occur. Author Romina Russell does not hold back with this one. I had tears in my eyes at more than one occasion, and I was constantly rooting for something to go right for a change!
I was very invested in the story and how closely it was tied to Rho's internal struggle. The depth of Rho's character development, though very, very dark, was investing and exciting. She carried the story and while I did sympathize with everything she had gone through, the way she changed really surprised me.
Still, interspersed with the action and drama, this was an excellent finale where everyone's arcs came to a close and the moral of the story was very strong. By far my favourite in this four book series, and because of this excellent finale, I can wholeheartedly recommend the entire series. It truly does pay off at the end, and I will miss this unique concept, characters, and world. A must read for YA asci-fi lovers!
I was very invested in the story and how closely it was tied to Rho's internal struggle. The depth of Rho's character development, though very, very dark, was investing and exciting. She carried the story and while I did sympathize with everything she had gone through, the way she changed really surprised me.
Still, interspersed with the action and drama, this was an excellent finale where everyone's arcs came to a close and the moral of the story was very strong. By far my favourite in this four book series, and because of this excellent finale, I can wholeheartedly recommend the entire series. It truly does pay off at the end, and I will miss this unique concept, characters, and world. A must read for YA asci-fi lovers!
frekinney's review against another edition
5.0
Honestly, the ending felt rushed. The battle scenes were a little flat, especially the dialogue. It tied everything up nicely though. The depression arc the main character goes through was way too real. Russell really didn't pull any punches with the deaths, which made it realistic, but seemed redundant by the end. The relationship drama between the main character and her love interest was very compelling though. The drama in these books was better than the action, even if the plot line had a good concept, the execution wasn't the best. It was still a very good book.