I cried, because I am nothing if not predictable. This was a good ending, but I’m not sure five stars worth? Also, I’m not sure what exactly happened there at the end. Mostly, I’m even more excited to do my full-series re-read in 2022. I did all of these except #4 on audio the first time through (because Jefferson Mays didn’t originally record that one) so I spent 2021 slowly collecting the paperbacks in preparation for my re-read (I also will be purchasing the 10th anniversary special edition of Leviathan Wakes very soon because it is *gorgeous*). I fully anticipate having a different reaction, or maybe a more nuanced understanding of, these last three books when I revisit them.
For now, I am pleased.
It’s not just the title of this book that’s circular. Events are mirrored and reflected from Leviathan Wakes throughout the book, and the Corey duo seem like they had something definite to say about humanity, and I think they said it well. I thought all of these characters got good resolutions, and as mentioned previously, I did cry, and I cried because I hate endings, but also because it was a good ending. They were bittersweet tears, because bittersweet endings always get me like that.
I’m wondering now if my approach to reading this one was wrong. I savored the audio, and listened to it over more than a week. I think this might actually be the kind of book you need to read as fast as possible, to get its full affect. That’s harder to do by audio, but also harder to do when you don’t want to let go.
If you somehow still haven’t read this series, I highly recommend that you do. It’s finished now, so you won’t even have any waiting at all.
[4.5 stars]