3.5 Stars. 
 How do you honor one of the best crime series of the decade? I had my doubts about Lagercrantz, especially once I heard that much of the story would involve the US and the NSA, but he's proved me wrong. I think this works because Lagercrantz doesn't try to be Larsson -- he pays respect to him while still making this book his own. It's not a easy task to breathe new life into such beloved characters like Salander and Blomkvist, but I think readers will happy with the results. 
 Like the previous novels in the series, a series of seemingly unrelated characters and events are tied together intricately. The plot is complex, well-thought out and has the impressive touch of an expert, even if gets a bit over the top at times. All of the business with the NSA intertwines with all of the Swedish conspiracies and politics quite nicely, it also adds another layer of relevancy considering how often the security organization makes headlines. 
 Yes, readers read these books for the twisty mysteries and enticing Blomkvist, but we're all really just here for Salander. Lisbeth is just as fucking amazing as one would expect, there's a reason why she's the "girl" who's featured in the titles. Salander has always been somewhat of a mystery and Lagercrantz gives readers a peek into her childhood with Zala, illuminating little details that paint a better picture of our favorite heroine. Though it does destroy partially some of that air of mystery she carries around her, it also makes readers want to cheer her on even more. 
 Mikael Blomkvist is just as stubborn, obsessive and horny as readers remember and reading about him for the first time in ages felt like getting reacquainted with an old friend. It was interesting to see how Blomkvist and Millennium try to adjust to the more digital age and attempt to stay relevant. It's clear that our journalist hasn't lost his touch and still is just as engaging as readers remember. 
 I was worried that this book would be just glorified fan-fiction, but it's clear that Lagercrantz really cares about Salander, Millennium and Larsson's novels. I'm eagerly awaiting the inevitable sequel and all I really want is just more Lisbeth kicking ass. I don't think that's too much to ask for.