The Beauty of Darkness

The Beauty of Darkness, the final book in Mary E. Pearson’s trilogy, delivers everything you’d hope for in a conclusion—high stakes, emotional confrontations, and satisfying resolutions for each character’s journey. It wraps up the story with all the intensity and drama expected from a romantasy finale, giving fans closure on the series’ major conflicts.

However, while it fulfilled my expectations, this was my least favorite in the trilogy. The start of the series was so fresh and unique, especially with Pearson’s intriguing writing style and the mystery of not knowing who was who. That unpredictability added an unforgettable element to the first book, making it stand out in the YA fantasy landscape. By contrast, The Beauty of Darkness falls into the more familiar patterns of romantasy finales, wrapping up with the classic tropes and narrative beats often seen in the genre. Although it’s a fitting end, it doesn’t quite recapture the originality and mystery that made the beginning so special. Despite this, it’s a solid and fulfilling conclusion to an incredible journey.