Ohhhh, this finale is like a balm to your bleeding heart. I sound like I'm joking, but it really is after the hits you take in the previous books.
Once again, these characters are back to hit you with pain and misery until about the final three chapters. The tense, heart-pounding tone from the previous books continues throughout this one, but Crystal - as always - decided to dial up by a factor of 10,000. As stated before, this series is not for the faint of heart. I will probably end up in an early grave due to the stress these characters put on my heart. The plot-twists are wonderfully brutal, and because you love these characters so much, it only makes it that much worse. Even more sacrifices were made, and at this point, they literally have nothing left to give, yet give they continue to do. Somehow.
Besides the characters, I can't help but love all the loose ends that were tied up. This series has a habit of asking questions, and for the longest time, many don't feel like they'll ever be answered. The ones pertaining specifically to the world and characters finally are given an explanation, and the satisfaction I feel is amazing.
And the settings? Alive and rich, as always.
One thing I'll note is that this book does end on a happier note than I originally thought it would end on, due to reasons I will not spoil. I personally loved the ending because the characters absolutely deserved some happiness after everything they went through, and it is not as if there aren't consequences for their actions. They'll be facing them for many years afterward, but for some, the ending may come off as "too happy". I see that criticism's point, but as I said, I loved the ending, so I disagree.
Overall, it is a great finale to a fantastic series. I recommend every one of these books highly, as they easily make my Top 5 list of best books ever.