This is a solid YA fantasy finale for readers who've invested in the trilogy and can handle the darkness. The violence and death count are real—Common Sense Media doesn't mince words about 'many deaths'—but it's contextually appropriate for the story being told.
The good: healthy relationships, strong character growth, and themes about reclaiming power after trauma. Kid reviewers loved the non-possessive romance and friendships. The bad: it's the weakest book in the series according to Goodreads readers, with some finding it predictable and flat.
Bottom line: if your teen loved books 1 and 2, they'll want to finish this. If they haven't started the series, maybe wait to see if they're truly into darker fantasy first. This isn't cozy reading—it's war, betrayal, and a lot of people dying. But for the right reader at the right age, it delivers on what it promises.