But what about the rest of us? What about the nobodies and the nothings, the invisible girls? We learn to hold our heads as if we wear crowns. We learn to wring magic from the ordinary. That was how you survived when you weren't the chosen, when there was no royal blood in your veins.

This book struck me in the best possible way. It was long, but it kept me engaged throughout, something other books it's length haven't been able to do. I loved the character arcs and how deeply engrained we got to know them, making it so intimate and real. The two winners in this book were most definitely the characters and the writing style. This story puts a lense on the lives of teenagers who aren't some special snowflakes here to save the day, but real, gritty, unlikable people that you end up falling head over heels for. I loved them all and that's not an easy feat (okay maybe Inej holds A BIT more love in my heart than the rest...Kaz too)

That plot twist at the end hurts, no doubt, but I'm not bawling my eyes out either. I don't see anything wrong with

Spoiler

killing Matthias, though I hurt for Nina the most

. Honestly, this makes it so much more real, because life is bittersweet and I appreciate authors who stick to their guns (channeling Jesper here) and stay true to what would probably happen in stories like this and so often doesn't.

I'm sad to see the story end and lying if I don't admit I wanted SOME kissing between my favourite couple, but I understand the reasoning behind not doing that too.

The only complaint I have (which is not really a complaint, because I love seeing the pieces come together) was that Kaz's schemes got a little predictable. I already was amused and intrigued by how Bardugo wrapped everything together at the end of Six of Crows and it played the same note a bit too much on this one. Though enough obstacles were put in place to hinder The Dreg's plan that it's forgivable.

One day I'll return to this crew (maybe even sooner depending on what Bardugo has to announce on Monday!) but for now ta-ta ma cherie!