4 STARS! 
 I see what everyone is saying now. It most definitely picks up on book 7 100 fucking percent! 
 I am so enveloped in this world and in the Baudelaire's lives that I physically get angry and curse at the characters when something doesn't work out or Olaf gets his way. And that ending? I'm glad it's taking a different route and shying away from the guardian to guardian borefest it was beginning to become. I'm excited to see what happens in The Hostile Hospital and finally get some answers on V.F.D. and some other tiny mysteries. :) 
 Now on to book 8!! 
 - Richard