I sit and write this review, still unsure of how I feel about this book. Don't get me wrong. I loved it. But of the three, it was probably my least favorite. For many reasons that primarily are based on personal opinions. It had nothing to do with the plot, the writing, or the author. It was all a line of elements in which I wanted to happen, but didn't, and well sometimes stories don't really end the way we want them to, because they're not supposed to. I will leave spoilers out of the equation, but from the beginning I've had a weird love toward Asher and Cameron, and both for different reasons. Like I said, Cameron is that funny bad boy we all love and can't get enough of, but I've discovered that his character runs deeper than that. Way deeper. And perhaps that is why I sit here on the fence. In one sense, I feel like he claimed Ember first, and if you have read the first book you will understand. He's been there the longest with his eyes set on her, yet in most ways I feel he got shafted. How does one react to seeing the one he loves with someone else. Well, he was far more tolerant than most I must say. And most of his reactions are warranted. Ah, Cameron. I feel he really screwed himself over in book one. Realistically I get why she was always so distant with him. In real life us girls are probably going to stray just like Ember. We tend to want to AVOID getting hurt like the plague, and it seems bad always followed Cameron's games in the beginning, and I think that's what ultimately led to the sinking ship of what his heart wanted. But, with this said, I think he redeemed himself in more ways than one, leaving me with a sigh for him so many times. I'll admit that I really wanted her to sample more from him than what I got, which was also selfless on his part in a twisted way. *heavy heart sigh* Would it have been a little slutty? Not to me. I feel to really be torn with a decision you need to really know what you're dealing with on both sides, and this is where I felt Ember didn't really have all the cards laid out in front of her. How was her choice hard at all? We're all taught to choose good over evil, but when evil offers you something enticing, well, then that's your true hardship. She even said that when she was between the two she felt in balance. And this is one thing I actually agree with. The problem is, he gave up a lot -- to get what in return? More evil he didn't want? I'm so sad for him. But, what's meant to be is meant to be I suppose. I just really hope he gets a story, because that boy truly deserves love probably more than most of the characters. Even amongst everything he is, he was selfless, and that is what makes him truly deserving of happiness.
Asher, the sweet caring one. I did love him throughout the full series, which is why I'm so torn. I was really getting upset toward the end. The mother for one -- like how the hell can she judge Cameron after what she did?!? I wanted to slap her, far worse than any aggravation against Ember. It was really difficult to tolerate her, especially considering what side she was supposed to be on. Still, I don't know. Ugh. I do love the ending, but then, I think my heart is just too heavy for Cameron to know. Overall, 4.5 for me. <<< I never really understood that crap; the .5 in rating, and I never do them, except now, because as much as I loved it, one sad lovable guy got ripped to pieces even in becoming probably the least evil of them all.