** spoiler alert ** 
 4.5 stars. 
 I am in love! Leigh Bardugo, you are my queen. Never once have any of these books disappointed me, each one is as enthralling and engaging as the last. While the plot was lacking towards the middle, the character development was what sold me. I loved everything about these characters, from the mysterious Darkling, to seemingly ordinary Mal, to Alina, who was brave and strong no matter what. Genya and David were my absolute favorites! They are adorable together, but each one has a talented and truly unbreakable personality. Also, can we talk about Tamar and Nadia? Because I am HERE for representation. Most importantly, the ending. Unpopular opinion - I loved it. While Alina losing her powers was upsetting, it was an essential part of her character. She never wanted this power, this attention. She just wanted a normal, happy life with Mal. And that was what she got. Now, time to rant: 
 Mal: I don't understand the hate towards Mal. He is kind, selfless, and respectful towards everyone. While I was skeptical of his actions in Siege and Storm, he more than proved himself in this book. His unwavering love and loyalty to Alina was incredible. Even though her power was a point of conflict between them, Mal still saw her as his best friend, the girl he grew up with who saved him so many times. And in the end, they accepted each other for who they turned out to be. "They had an ordinary life, full of ordinary things, if love can ever be called that." 
 The Darkling: Aleksander was one of the most fascinating villains I have ever read, because deep down, he was not actually a villain, he was just a lonely boy. I cried when he died, not because he didn't deserve it, but because he could have been so different and not had this burden. 
 Alina: My favorite thing about Alina is her flaws, and how she is by no means a perfect heroine. So often today, female characters have to be perfect, and stunningly beautiful. Despite not being as beautiful as Zoya (who I love btw), or as confident as Genya, Alina owns who she is and does what is right for Ravka and her friends. And that is so, so important. 
 Nikolai: I wish he got more page time in this book! He is funny, sassy, and confident, and supports Alina no matter what, even if she chose Mal. If they eventually got together I would have been happy, but it was always Mal who would win her heart. A romantic relationship between them would have been overkill, in my opinion, as the "ordinary girl falls in love with the prince" is way to popular of a trope. Just being friends is perfect. 
 Anyway, I'm so pleased with this series. It certainly left me satisfied, but hungry for more. Also, on another important note, I loved Baghra and I was so sad when she died. Plus Misha is adorable. [?]