I’ve finally made it to the end of this series– and *wow* this was quite the journey. Wading deeper than ever into the Misery, Galharrow grows closer to it than ever before, and, I’d go as far as to say, becomes addicted to it. With ghosts and impending doom looming, it’s quite possible to say the world building was even darker than its predecessors.
Indeed, in many ways this is a story of struggling with depression and moving through a melancholy mood. In this, it becomes a struggle to hold onto one’s humanity and that’s the real crux of the issue. It’s safe to say, there’s a lot more meaning to this series than meets the eye.
As well written as ever, Crowfall was packed with plot twists and betrayals and intense action. It’s the kind of book that will grab your attention and not let it go. It’s the kind of story that rises and falls with the action- though the falls are perhaps more frequent before you can reach the end.
Yet while in some senses it’s a grimmer grimdark than many others, there’s also a deep heart to this story. In this final instalment, we get the moving reveal what Galharrow gave up his freedom for and it’s heartbreaking. This isn’t your usual stabby-stabby fantasy- this is the kind that has a more human story to tell. It is a farewell to lost love; it is about trying to move on.
What I liked most about it was how it showed the light shining in the darkness- there is a poignancy and beauty to the narrative that gives you hope. Yes, there are parts that are hard to trudge through, but once you get to the other side, this is truly an uplifting read.
Rating: 5/5 bananas
So, have you read this series? Do you plan to? Let me know in the comments!
Just what I need … another super promising and amazing looking series on my TBR. (This is such a first world problem 😉 )
LikeLiked by 2 people
hehehehe!! I understand your struggle 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve got this trilogy on my tbr, so maybe in the next year or two I’ll get around to it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I’m really curious to hear your thoughts on it! It is grimdark (which I know you don’t tend to read), but it’s not as dark as a lot of grimdark 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, I’m diving into the world of Grimdark once again! If I come away unscathed, then Lawrence’s Holy Sister trilogy has a shot at getting read too.
We’ll see though because you are totally correct, I DON’T deal well with what makes grimdark, well, grim and dark 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great! (I will say that holy sister is more high fantasy, if that helps! 😀 )
I completely get that- it’s not for everyone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Did not fall short” … I see what you did there!
Now I have to read this too. Which means I will have to read the rest of the series first.
Your description of light in the darkness is exactly what sucked me in to the Emberverse series: It was described as an apocalyptic series with an “unusual thread of hope” or something like that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
hehehe 😉
Oh wonderful! Now I’m really curious about that! That sounds like exactly my kind of thing- I’m going to have to add that to my list! 😀
LikeLike
Glad you enjoyed it so much! It’s one of the best recent fantasy series out there, imo. I do hope McDonald will return to this world soon! 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! I totally agree!! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
After Six of Crows, anything with the word ‘Crows’ on it interests me 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
hehehe well I’m glad to hear it! It’s quite different to that- grimdark and adult- but equally awesome! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow this sounds intriguing. I’m glad that there’s light shining in the darkness – if it was just grimdark all the way… I would probably not want to read this, but the hope makes me think I can read this
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can totally understand that- I think it’s really tough reading something that’s nothing but dark- however this did a really beautiful job of balancing that out 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad it was such a strong conclusion to the trilogy – I still need to read it, but it’s looking like it’ll have to wait until next year. I do want to finish the series though, the first two books were awesome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It definitely was! Ah that’s great to hear- really hope you enjoy the ending! 😀
LikeLike
Looks like it defines dark fantasy perfectly. great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really does- that’s a great way to put it! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t read this series yet but I’m glad to hear that the finale met all of your expectations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really did- thank you! 😀
LikeLike
Super glad that you enjoyed this! It’s definitely on my list for all-time favourite trilogy. It was such a captivating and beautiful series! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I really did!! That’s brilliant! Totally agree! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lashaan loved on this series too so it’s on my TBR. I wish I’d gotten the first on arc because I’d have read it by now. I love emotional roller coasters so I hope I love it too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes- he’s the one who reminded me to hurry up and read the finale 😉 Ah I get what you mean- I was just lucky there. Oh I totally hear you!! Really hope you like it!
LikeLiked by 1 person