The Black Key

I'm often left at the end of reading some of these wondering about what happens next. What will they do with the trauma and will they actually manage to have relationships that aren't shaded by all the shenanigans I have to wonder.
Anyway, Violet is now part of the resistance and they develop a plan for the next surrogate auction when plans go awry because Violet's sister Hazel is imprisoned in the palace of the Lake. It all screams trap and while Violet acknowledges it she still decides to go in and try to save her. Ah, teens and poor impulse control. It was an interesting ride and everything goes well for the heroes. They also learn a bit about how some people survive the society they're in, sometimes in different ways. The whole show more violence to achieve a cause is glanced at but not delved into.
And if I'm honest I'd love the dress on the cover. show less

I really enjoyed this series, but once again Violet annoyed me with her reckless behavior. I don't care if the other characters try to convince her it's not her fault, I still blame her. If she wasn't so stupid and arrogant and actually took a minute to think about her actions, she saw what her reckless behavior cost her in the first book, you'd think she'd learn but no. That girl is as hard headed as a bull. Anyway, this last book is fast-paced and action-packed and I really enjoyed it. Though I want to know why parental figures always get written off in YA books (unless they're the villain). I mean after everything that happened, I couldn't believe neither Hazel, Violet, or Ochre, wanted to go back to the Marsh to see their mom. I can show more understand not wanting to be back in the Marsh (though Violet did finally go back for a bit), but they could have at least sent for their mom to come to them. It's like the minute they left, they stopped caring about their mom. I do wish the ending could have been a bit longer and showed us more of the aftermath of what happened, but overall this was a good series. show less

A good ending to a trilogy which surprised me in its depth, world-building, and complexity. This volume concludes the series, but remains compelling and suspenseful to the last, making it a quick read. Highly recommended for fans of YA dystopias.

Nothing really surprised me in this book. while it seemed to move at a faster pace than the previous, I wasn't enthralled by it either. Violet also started to grate on my nerves a bit with some of her "logic". however, it was a solid conclusion to the series.

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Full Review: http://wp.me/p7hLUw-26i
Actual Rating: 3/5

“These people are the air I breathe and the blood I bleed. They are my courage. I will not let them down.”

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! That was so sweet! I literally finished this in an afternoon because it was so good! And a quick read too!
Favorite Character: Lucien!!!! (Of course, Honey, who else would it be?)

“The people you love make you strong, Violet. They make you brave and fearless. I wish there were some way I could make you see that.”

The end

A good conclusion to this epic tale. Even though the ending was ultimately a happily ever after, the terrible journey to get there is definitely worth reading.

3.5 stars