Actual rating 3.5 stars. 
 This is the third and final instalment in the Grisha series. 
 Orphan, Goddess, martyr, Queen: these are just some of the names that have been given to Alina Starkov. But which one will she prove to be? With the Darkling ruling Ravka and her tribe of followers diminished and hiding deep underground, she must decide what she is willing to sacrifice for her country and which side she is truly playing for. 
 Alina Starkov is far more than the shy and deferential orphan she appeared in the first book. Her character has continued to go from strength to strength over the course of the books' narrative and I enjoyed sharing in her journey. 
 Mal, on the other hand, still felt like a cardboard cut-out of a character three books later! For me, he added little to the plot and what he did provide was predictable. 
 Like all three books in this series, I did enjoy them but I can't say I took anything away from reading them. The plot was thrilling but a little generic and I found a lot of the twists I could predetermine. 
 The ending was a sweet and fulfilling conclusion to the book and I closed the final page with a smile on my face, but I don't think this is a series I plan on revisiting.