The Shadow Glass

I am struggling to write this review with tears in my eyes because I can't believe this amazing trilogy is already over and I can't experience it for the first time ever again. I'm so happy and sad to have been a part of this reading journey and I have not felt this emotional and satisfied with a series conclusion in a long while. I have a lot to say, so there will probably be a lot of spoilers for the previous two books but I will try to be as vague as possible for this one, so proceed with caution.

I already knew Rin's writing was spectacular but this book took it to a whole new level. While all of the kingdoms are mentioned throughout the books, I never expected to get the opportunity to travel to all of them but the author ensures we do and this makes for a great journey and an awesome job at more expansive world building - each kingdom unique in its own way. The writing in this book is so layered, each chapter uncovering some manipulation or treachery, the anticipation only building up more because of the way the two timelines are alternately written and surprising us every step of the way. There are liars and traitors in the guise of elders and friends and while I had some doubts, I never could guess their identities confidently. That's why the reveals had a very high impact. The plot also moves much faster in this book because there is a lot riding on Tea's shoulders, and there are even more amazing action sequences than the previous books. I continued to be impressed but the last few chapters really gutted me but it was also so perfectly tied up.


There were also enough hints throughout the books which pointed towards the ancient legends of these kingdoms as the knowledge that Tea is seeking and her quest leaves us with many questions to ponder - How far will people go to alter historical accounts to suit their greed? Do we ever really know the truth about our heroes and legends or is everything just embellishment and manipulation to ensure those in power are always able to control the populace? Are we always sure of the intentions of those we seek to follow and believe in? We get many answers but some of them are best left unanswered so that they make us think. There is also a lot of destruction that happens in this book but again we are left to think about what's the line between good and evil, how much of the havoc that Tea wreaks upon the kingdoms justified because she was compelled to do so - both to protect the truly innocent and also because she doesn't want her dearest ones to die. Whatever happens in this story, it all comes back to love - sibling, romantic, familial, platonic and everything in between - love compels every action, sometimes true and sometimes misguided but ultimately it's love that triumphs and I couldn't be more happier with the way everything wrapped up.

Call her a hero or antihero, Tea is one of the most compelling and complicated main characters I have read in quite a long time and I'm deeply in love with her. She is consumed by guilt and trauma, is lied to and betrayed and blamed by her closest ones but she still remains steadfast in her goals and I really admired her for it. And whatever she does, she really is full of love, ready to sacrifice all of herself for the sake of her dear ones. And seeing her with Kalen was a blessing to read. He is the epitome of loyalty and courage, always standing with her and protecting her and their love for each other made my heart weep with joy. It's definitely a romance for the ages and I just wanted more and more scenes with them together.

We see all the other characters together in this book and that was amazing to read. The relationships that Tea has with each of them precious in its own right and it was very interesting to see how Mykkie, Zoya, Khalad, Kance, Likh and everyone else handled her actions and justifications throughout the story. The Bard is another fascinating character who is unsure about what to make of Tea but is loyal to his task of being a storyteller and brave enough to follow her on her perilous journeys. His actual truth was probably the only one I guess while everything else was quite suspenseful and I had to wait to uncover it all. I also especially like Tea's friendship with Khalad and Likh, because they are always supportive of her even when she is wrongfully accused. Likh has been one of my favorite side characters since the beginning, her innate strength in pursuing what she truly wants in life despite lots of opposition being very commendable. She has always fought for her right to be true to herself, and we see her exploring more of her identity in this book and finally deciding on what pronouns she wants to use. I thought the author did a marvelous job of writing about Likh's transition through the trilogy and the tremendous amount of unconditional support that she gets from all her friends is really very heartwarming. The development of her romance with Khalad was also a joy to read and they had some very cute and hilarious scenes together. We don't get to see more of Zoya and Shadi's romance here but they still are going strong and it's always nice to see two happy young women in love. The other couple that rivals Tea and Kalen in their devotion to each other are Fox and Inessa, stubborn and hotheaded but deeply in love who fight for their right to be together despite all odds. The author really did a tremendous job making us care for every single character and their romances, giving each of them a meaningful arc and I tip my hat off to her.

What can I say that I haven't already said in my reviews of the previous books of this amazing trilogy. This is the kind of fantasy I love - characters I fall deeply in love with, expansive world building with its very own mythology that I can picture in my head, dark and deadly magic system and elaborate action sequences that left me gasping, beautifully written swoon worthy romances and ultimately, an ending that made me weep but also left me tremendously satisfied and glad to have read an amazing series. What more could I have asked for. If you are a lover of YA fantasy and haven't read this trilogy yet, what are you waiting for?

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Shadow Glass

The Faceless seek the power found within shadowglass, and Tea is determined to reach it first. But shadowglass is a double-edged sword. While it will grant power, it will also cause corruption and demand sacrifice. Tea's power will begin to eat away at her sanity and her life. But to Tea, her life is just one more thing to give up in her quest to save those she loves. When she begins to unravel the long told lies of the Asha, she will do everything in her power to bring them to their knees. The world is about to change, but is it for better or for worse?

The magic system in this trilogy is brilliant. While it plays on elemental magic, it takes it to a whole new level. The use of heartsglass and special runic magic puts a creative twist on a favorite. Even after the reader thinks they know everything there is to the magic system, Rin Chupeco throws another twist. The same can be said for the world building, as the history readers have come to know is torn apart and rebuilt.

The Shadow Glass is a dark and thrilling conclusion to a phenomenal series. Rin Chupeco pulls you into the complex relationships she has built with all the characters, tugging on the reader's heartstrings every chance she can. I could not stop listening to this book. The depth of emotion the narrators Emily Woo and Will Damron added to the characters enhanced the experience. You felt everything Tea experienced and rode the wave of emotions each step of the way. I can't wait to read more of Rin Chupeco's books.