A thrilling conclusion? Not quite. There are some... not lengths, but distractions in there, that draw attention from the action. Lots of touchy-feely stuff that's supposed to show the heroes as all-too-human but mostly just slows things down unnecessarily. ( )

I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

A Curse of Krakens completes Hearne's intricate high fantasy trilogy. I won't delve into spoilers, and hence will avoid a full recap of events. What I will say: read the series from the start. Fall in love with everyone's favorite mustard-loving scholar. Boggle at the uniqueness of the magic systems (I especially love the mad skills of bards). Enjoy how Hearne focuses on positivity through his broad cast of characters. These books, despite the honest depictions of war and loss, lean into hope, and through the end, a sense of idealism. That feel really sets this trilogy apart. ( )