Endsinger

Cross-posted on Knizhnitsa I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The Lotus War Trilogy is probably one of my favourite book series there is. I am as sad as I am excited to finally find out how the story ends, how all the plotlines draw to a close, how each of the characters reaches the finish line. This is a beautiful and intriguing finale to an exciting and enthralling series. The book takes off where “Kinslayer” left off - Shima is in the state of civil war, with the broken rebellion on one side and the Shogun and the Lotus Guild on the other. Yukiko and Buruu are forced to take leadership of the Kagé and ensure the survival and the success of the rebellion, looking for and joining forces with new allies. On the other side of the fence are the Shogunate and the Guild, with Daimyo Hiro as head of state and Kin who quickly rises through the ranks of the Guild. In the face of a deciding battle, each of the characters has to take their responsibilities and play their role in the war. The Plot This series has one of the most engaging plots the genre has to offer and “Endsinger” does not disappoint. While a bit slow at the beginning, the narrative is quick-paced and saturated with action once the battles (yes! multiple battles!) kick off. “Endsinger” has multiple POVs which sometimes can be too confusing or simply too much for the reader to take in. However, they also turn into a major plus for the novel as they allow for clearer and more complete character arcs. On that note, I am glad that each of the characters receives complete, finished plot lines which let each one of the them to grow and develop. Almost all of the questions are answered and lead to a satisfying ending. However, there are a few points that I find troubling. For starters, Yukiko’s pregnancy is often used as a reason why she should or should not do something - and not in the sense that it might be dangerous for her, but in the sense that it would be dangerous for her unborn children. In a time when women fight so fiercely for their reproductive rights, suggesting that the safety of two barely developed embryos is more important than that of the teenage girl carrying them, leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Talking about body autonomy, Hana losing her powers with her virginity is also a low blow. Why, I ask, a story that presents us with so many interesting and complex female characters - women who lead rebellions, women who fight alongside men, women who decide the fate of entire worlds - their own fate should be decided by men? Why should Hana be punished for being with a man? Why should Yukiko’s every move from now on be determined by her past relationship with Hiro? Why should Ayane suffer for loving Kin and having sexual desire? And more importantly, why are those narratives never explored? Why aren’t the female characters whose autonomy has been transgressed, questioning the social order that is punishing them? I will leave you on this note. I hope that in the future, Jay Kristoff presents us with female characters who are not afraid to seek their freedom and question their fate. The Setting The Lotus War series’ world inspired by the Japanese Shogunate is one of the trilogy’s strongest qualities and the point that truly sets it apart from the rest of the genre. I have to admit that, much to my chagrin, I do not have as deep knowledge of the Japanese culture and history as I would like to. With time (it has been about a year ever since I read the first two books), people started pointing out inaccuracies in the representation of Japanese culture in the series and I understand why a lot of people acquainted with Japan do not enjoy the story as much (I mean, Leigh Bardugo’s misinterpretation of Russian/Slavic culture was a major factor for my negative feelings towards her book series). What I am trying to say is that basing your fiction world of an existing culture is tricky and dangerous and needs a tremendous amount of research and effort to stay respectful to your source. I cannot be the judge for Kristoff’s success when it comes to incorporating Japanese culture into the story, but I know that the Russian-inspired foreigners (especially their names) bothered me quite a bit. However, I hope that we get to experience an expanded view of the Lotus War universe. We are barely introduced to the invading foreign force and much was left to be desired. In that sense, Kristoff’s strongest point is the atmosphere that he manages to create, the overall experience that the setting leaves with the reader. I could clearly imagine myself living in this world; I could clearly feel the despair and the sadness that the cities inspire. The setting is truly an important part of the novel. The Characters I love so many of the characters of this novel, Yukiko and Buruu first and foremost. I previously addressed how the way Yukiko’s pregnancy arc is handled makes me feel. Putting this aside, I think that her character development reached an overall satisfying ending after an interesting and action-packed character development. Same goes for characters such as Kin, Hana, Yoshi, and even Hiro. I liked that all of the characters were presented with the opportunity to redeem themselves. One’s reaction to a chance for redemption, I think, is one of the biggest indicators for their personality. And redemption played a big role in the development of many of those characters. On the other side, I am not pleased with Buruu’s fate. He is a lovable and entertaining character, someone to whom, I am sure, we all grew attached. And while his character arc makes sense, I am allowed to feel saddened by it. In this installment, like in the previous ones, the brightest jewel in the crown is the relationship between Buruu and Yukiko. Their affection for each other is endearing and the most attractive point of the novel. It is rare to see such a strong platonic relationship and I am happy that it is portrayed as the most important relationship in both of their lives. Revolving the narrative around a platonic rather than romantic affection is an important step towards the genre not viewing romance as an inevitable point of the narrative. The Verdict While my rating may be, in a way, affected by the melancholy that this novel leaves in my heart, I have to admit that it is a solid ending of a wonderful series.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 BOOKSTAGRAM You know that moment, when a book hits you so hard you are a blubbering mess of tears and incoherent words on the ground. Not able to express the feels in any way but that. Yah, Jay Kristoff knows how to write an ending. One that brings both a remembrance of why one continuously reads and the heartbreak that comes with it. I mean seriously - is it possible to feel such emotions over characters that don't "exist" in the eyes of the rest of the world....ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY. "Different" he nodded. "Whatever they fight over. It'll have a different name or a different shape - religion or territory or black or white. People will look back on us and say 'we could never be that blind.' People don't learn from history. Not people who count, anyway." - Endsinger, Jay Kristoff You remember my rant in the second book about how everything just did NOT connect - well I was right. Kinslayer was definitely suffering from "second book syndrome". I honestly do not know how I will express this review in enough words but also not make this a novel in doing so. Character Development Wrap-up: This trilogy has truly been a blessing when it came to character development. I have watched Baruu and Yukiko come into their own. Both strong, powerful, and make one of the best duo teams I have ever read. Their "sibling" relationship makes me wish I was closer to my siblings than I currently am. To read such a powerful connection between two very different beings - puts a retch in the heart strings. So many characters but by this final book very well managed. We, the readers, are given such focus with each character - their loves, desires, hates, wants. A bubble of overwhelming feeling takes hold when each character is brought forth. The Slow Burn of Love: There are many that have complained about the "slow" burn love in this trilogy. However, I don't think it is as big of a problem. In fact, if readers truly looked at what the book was like - they most likely would wish for no romance. Sacrifice, friendship, mutual love, and wanting something better for the future. That is what this trilogy is about. How much you would give up to stop your world falling into ruin. I can not recommend this trilogy enough. Actually if I could thrust the books into your hand and lock you in a room...well I would most likely do that. I am an evil woman hahah.

Ouch. That's what I have to say about this book. It hurt. It tore my heart to pieces! Let me just say Jay Kristoff has something in common with George R. R. Martin. Pain! And yet. I loved it! This is definitely one of my favorite series! I don't think I will every be over the destruction this book has left on me!