I was surprised at the direction this book took with the co-lead protagonists and because of it some of the magic was missing. The plot still dealt with serious and gritty subject matter but the book seemed too short to handle the weight and severity in a fulfilling way. The book was still quite good and the characters were intriguing as always. I have always respected the way this series doesn't end on a bright and shiny note for all the characters, it realistically deals with the consequences of action and inaction and it lets the readers know that there is healing to be done, damage that will never be undone and broken lives that need to find a way back to whole.
