Realize that I was there. I was completely invested from the first two books. Yet somehow, I still can't figure how, I was alienated from El, the main character, right in the beginning of this book. I couldn't understand her choices and I didn't get what she was feeling. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to connect with her as the story proceeded.

That said, I finished it because the plot was wonderful. It brought together very complex magic and lore to a cohesive end. Yet, I felt like I'd already lost a friend. Very frustrating.