This series had so much potential and some really effective writing and character development. Seldom have I enjoyed a series as much. Never have I been more disappointed with the way the author choose to end things. No rational reason for this ending, and clearly No Balance. What a waste.

I liked this book the least out of the series. I did love the series overall. This book and the last one seemed very preachy and all of the great character development the author had done prior to this point went right out the window and off the rails in my opinion. Didn’t like the ending at all but that is just my opinion. Series was really good up until the last two books. Sad really, this could have been a great ending to a great story but instead was a dud.

I get that so many didn’t like the ending but it was perfect for the character’s arc. Plus if you don’t like the ending, write your own book; don’t poo on someone else’s vision. It takes awhile to get there-nine books-but it’s ultimately a story of hope, of finding a path that lies in harmony with those around you, facing the consequences when you inevitably falter, and learning that that’s part of the path.

...and say “ you need to rewrite this, that’s no way to end a beloved fantasy series.” A lot or trite stuff in this one. Too much self guilt from Atticus and too much of an effort to make Atticus a martyr, while at the same time the message is that he had only himself to blame. Hard to buy into it. Most disappointing book of the series, and as it sits at the end of it, it taints the whole story badly. Often many book series drag on too long and the author stretches them out to the point where good ideas are exhausted and the story begins to feel contrived and out of character. To my view that’s what happened here, which is a pity. I did enjoy the rest of it.

It’s a great book

This last book in the series was disappointing. The world wouldn’t have been saved without his previous actions. Yet he felt guilty about everything even the successes. The decision to protect the future of Druidry in his apprentice was the only logical one considering even the Gods were leaving backups in place. He stood up for what was right with the tools he had. Why were there no consequences for the Norse or Olympians wrongs? Failed plot in my opinion. Detailed sequences of early books were lacking as well. Seemed like a lazy way to wrap up the series.

Unfortunately, this is my least favorite of the Iron Druid Chronicles. I absolutely love the other books but I feel Mr. Hearn tired of his characters at this point and just basically phoned in the entire book. Nothing in the plot is within keeping up the rest of the books, the humor was half-baked at best, and it is obvious he wanted to move on to new worlds and storylines. I was hoping far a truly “triumphant” end to the series - this book isn’t even close. Rats ...

I liked all of these books. And I had no issues with this one - until the ending. I did not care for the ending tied to Atticus. Everyone except him went back on their bargains. Read the book Enjoy it, it was good. But my preference is to wish for a different ending.

I have to agree with the other reviewers. This was a great series with interesting characters nearly ruined by this last book. While I understood the need for the scourging and had no problem with the main characters not walking off into the sunset together, Granuaille’s subplot feels like just an excuse to squeeze in another pantheon and the ending conflict between the main characters is forced and makes them seem petty and self-absorbed. Not this author’s best effort by far.

I have nothing else to say.