I can't believe it's over! I feel so sad yet so satisfied. I'm so confused!

I absolutely loved this entire trilogy. From start to finish it's been a fast paced, excited, nail-biting adventure. I'm not sure if any review could do this book justice. It had my heart pounding, had me laughing, crying. It was just amazing and I'm so full of conflicting emotions as I write this. I can't accurately describe how much I love this trilogy.

Setting
Mostly Red London with little bits of White and Grey. I was wondering if we'd ever see Black London, and though we don't actually go to Black London, Black is brought to us. Following the chain of events of the first two books, Red London has been swamped by the dark magic of Osaron, twisting Red London into scary and evil.
I enjoyed the little glimpses of White and Grey London too. Was interesting to see how the events of Red affected Grey.

Characters
I'm in love with every one of them. Kell and Lila, Rhy and Alucard, they're just a pleasure to read. We witness them grow over the course of three books, but ACoL is where I feel we really see who they really are, when all seems lost, we see what they are willing to do and willing give in order to save their city and the one's they love. Alucard is just a dear, and I loved how Kell and Lila's relationship progressed as well. They need each other, they give each other strength they can't find in anyone else. Schwab is always so on point with her developed characters.

Shout out to Holland. His character development throughout the three books has been incredible. To first be a character I hated passionately to becoming the character I possibly have the deepest feels towards is some pretty outstanding writing on V.E. Schwab's part.

Holland's character journey can be summed up quite simply:
ADSoM - Villain
AGoS - Victim
ACoL - Hero

He has well and truly redeemed himself in my eyes and I feel like I've been with him through every step of his journey. Love you long time, Holland.

Plot
It picks up exactly where the last one left off, with Lila racing to find and save Kell (and in turn, save Rhy). From the first page there's action, adventure and intense storytelling. There's a real feeling of desperation and need, of dread, because how can they possibly defeat this new evil in Red London?
But our heroes soon devise a plan to destroy Osaron before he can destroy the city. It's literally a race against time full of fights, unknown threats and unlikely partnerships.

That scene on page 53

Spoiler

where Kell returns and you expect the king and queen to be cold and distant with him like they were through pretty much the entire second book, but actually all they do is hug him hard enough to burst because they're so relieved to see him home safe

was such a touching and needed scene. I didn't even realise how much I wanted that scene to happen until I read it and I got the warm-fuzzies. It was almost like it was a weight off my own shoulders reading it. Within that moment, all the built-up tension from the second book vanished, and it was one of the many stand-out moments for me in this book.

And the ending. What a great ending. As much heart-warming as it was heart-breaking. A satisfying end but open for future adventures, should they ever occur.

Writing Style
I adore Schwab's writing style, as I've stated time and time again. She's just skilled, that's all I can say without repeating everything I say every time I read one of her books. She's one of those few authors who has my complete loyalty. Whatever she writes, whether it be fantasy or not, I would read it, because I know her writing to be consistently good, her characters full of depth, and her worlds and stories to be detailed and fascinating.

Shout out to this awesome piece of dialogue that made me smile:

"What are we drinking to?"
"The living," said Rhy.
"The dead," said Alucard and Lila at the same time.
"We're being thorough," added Rhy.

Damn, I love these characters.

Final Impression
V.E. Schwab deserves a standing ovation for this trilogy. I'm standing, I'm applauding. Well done. You managed to keep me interested through every second of every book. I was emotional when finishing it. I love these characters, and this world, I don't want to let them go. I've been on this amazing, scary, incredible journey with these people and now I feel like I've been left in Grey London, alone, and knowing I won't see them again.

V.E. Schwab, I beseech you, please take us back to Red London one day.
I know it will likely never happen, but I shall live in hope. And until then,
Anoshe, my Red London friends. Anoshe.