A strong conclusion to the series. From beginning to end, this was about Talyien struggling to bear the weight of not only the crown, but the extent of her father's expectations for her entire life. It is impossible for one person to hold it all and survive, and it is painful for Tali to learn that. She's not an easy character to love, but her character exploration was so thorough and intimate that I did love her by the end. And I hurt for her. The things she had to do because she didn't really have a choice, in the end. The way she came to realize her what she really meant to her father. I really respect the direction the ending went and think it was satisfying.

I still had issues with the pacing, and I think a lot could have been cut out while retaining (or even deepening) the emotional impact. I think some of the reveals could have been spread out a little more so it wasn't all packed in basically a single chapter. That was a lot to take in. But overall, I'm glad I read this series and am happy with how it ended. This is an easy recommendation for character readers.