Definitely what I was expecting for a final book from Richard Amos! Fast-paced with so many characters and threads suddenly all coalescing into near-constant action and adventure! A wild ride and a worthy finale to the series.



Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Absolutely.


 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: Because of the nature of the plot, we get to see our main duo, Roman and Xavier, in different moments of their lives, which is fascinating, because we get to see how the events that have or have not occurred yet for them have shaped who they are. So getting to see 'Past Xavier' or 'Mean Xavier' depending on which POV we're in, is quite brilliant. Additionally we'll have a moment of meeting a different version of Roman too. What I personally loved about all these versions is that we really get to see the 'through line', or the 'core' of each character, the part that doesn't change within them no matter what. Darcy also has the most screen time in this book compared to the other two, which is always a plus. In the end, we also get the fulfillment of Roman and Xavier fully coming together as partners and lovers, which I adored. I also adored just how loved Darcy is as well, and that his relationship with Roman is considered just as important.




PLOT: The chaos of book two is even more chaotic in book three. Essentially, we have a fast-paced action-packed adventure where our heroes are attempting to succeed while time itself is literally unraveling. Because of these, we have multiple threads of time occurring simultaneously and multiple iterations of our characters interacting with one another. And on top of that, we have the mystery of what exactly are the powers that were created (and tampered with) in Roman's 'heart'. Characters are dying, being sent through time, not dying, becoming ghosts.... everything is messed up because time is dismantling and it's a fascinating and wild ride! And it truly doesn't let up until the very last moment, in which we finally get the meaning behind the name of the series. Although the immediate aftermath and healing is glossed over/blacked out completely, we still have enough denouement to breathe and just enjoy being with these characters after they've succeeded as well.



EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.


3:5/medium. Definitely higher, because everything truly comes to a head in this book, but overall entertaining more than emotionally taxing!



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 

90%. As usual, I'm always wanting my immediate aftermath/healing moments. But we have a wonderful HEA and get to spend time with our characters in their HEA before the book ends. Additionally, the climactic events feel perfectly balanced with the build-up throughout the series.