Review Detail

Commander Charlie is no longer the only threat. Now, an alien race from Marden has invaded, taking a large number of the Surface citizens with their arrival. Clementine will have to negotiate with the Mardenites as best as she can if she wants to keep everyone safe and keep the Commander from destroying everything in his ruthless path.

The Mardenities are a fascinating addition to this world, and I love all the interactions Clementine has with them. While everyone else is ready to fight them, she is the only one who sees that the two peoples might need each other. Stephanie Diaz offers a realistic look at the sacrifices people have to make, even for peace, and the edge of danger that comes with working with an unlikely ally.

Diaz shows a new maturity as a writer in this last installment with a plot that has more unexpected twists and turns than previously. The Mardenities shift everything around, and this makes for an excellent break from the typical rebellion/Commander story. The ending wraps up all the loose ends nicely with a little heartache, some destruction, and a large amount of hope that will leave fans of the series very satisfied.

The relationship with Logan is what left me wanting more the most. The reader rarely sees his character in the previous two novels, and little changes in this finale. Logan and Clementine take a step forward in their relationship, but there is a static feel between them that generates a lack of complexity and development. However, readers who enjoy a no-drama romance may prefer a quiet, always forgiving relationship without the angst.

One of the minor antagonists in the series makes a severe change of heart by the end that is poorly supported. His past wrongdoings seem automatically forgiven, though some, including several cases of attempted sexual assault, are quite harsh and never resolved. This is one area of the story that is a bit uncomfortable and is the only part of the story that feels unfinished.

There are still parts of the story I had issues with, but overall, Stephanie Diaz wraps her trilogy up nicely. Fans of the previous works won’t be left disappointed with this final battle of survival between Clementine, the Commander, and the Mardenites.