“Series” can mean a number of things, from stand-alone complete-in-themselves novels set in the same universe to one long story that extends over several volumes. Recently I listened to an interview with Peter Jackson in which he discussed the decision to not put a recap at the beginning of The Two Towers, the second part of The Lord of the Rings. He felt that one year between film was a short enough time for viewers (those few not intimately familiar with the books) to remember and anyone who went to see it without having seen or read The Fellowship of the Ring, oh well… I admit to not being as careful as I might about checking to see if a book is a sequel, so I rely on the skill of the author to furnish necessary backstory without inundating me with it, and to draw me into the story so that even if I have to work a little harder to figure out what has gone before, I’m already hooked.

I loved Vic James's Gilded Cage, so I requested Bright Ruin, not realizing it was the third book, not a direct sequel. Alas, even though I had read the first volume, I was utterly lost by the plethora of unfamiliar characters and a desperate but utterly baffling opening situation. I read on for a bit, hoping that the story would settle in my mind, but it was too much content bereft of context. I've set it aside for some future time after I've read the second part. James is such a skillful storyteller, I'm confident it will all come together once I've read the books in the proper order. I've given it a 5-star review based on Gilded Cage.

4.5 stars

This was one of my most anticipated reads and I have been dying to get my hands on it! Vic James has taken readers on an emotional journey with a cast of characters that will have you cheering one minute and then angry and crying the next. Bright Ruin is the third book in the Dark Gifts trilogy and is not a standalone.

I was really conflicted reading this one. On the one hand, I couldn't read it fast enough, but on the other, I wanted it to last forever. I will apologize in advance for the vagueness of this review, but I don't want to give anything away. Just know that there are plenty of magical moments (some because of Skill and others not), as well as some painful endings and outcomes. I have grown to love these characters and yes, some definitely got theirs in the end, but the hardest lesson I learned over and over again, was that "you don't get to save everybody." That "nobody is safe" kind of dark cloud kept the momentum going in this story and kept me on my toes. Some of the goodbyes were so abrupt that one sentence the person would be alive and well, and the next, BAM!, dead as a doornail.

I think the characters that I loved and surprised me most were Silyen and Gavar. They were both in this morally grey zone that had me both hating and loving them. Both characters evolved and changed throughout the series, but I felt that throughout their journeys, they remained true to who they inherently were - for better and for worse. That unapologetic, take no prisoners attitude, actually made them more endearing to me. Though things wrapped up very quickly at the end of the book, I liked that there was a certain amount that was left open ended for the reader. I'm really hoping that this opens the door (pun intended) to a future spin off.

Overall, a fantastic series that I'm sad has come to its epic conclusion.

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*

I received a copy of this from Netgalley, Del Rey and Vic James in exchange of an honest review. I truly enjoyed this series. I spent all 3 books in this series trying to figure out who was good or bad. So many losses. My heart was broken several times. I would have loved to have seen a few romantic endings and the ending was a little confusing,but a great series and a terrific ending!

The ending of this story was very anti-climatic. Taken as a whole, I feel like this trilogy wasn't all that great. It could have been better, the potential was there.

This review is in exchange for a free e-galley from netgalley.com.

I was anxiously waiting for this series finale to drop when I received an ARC for an honest review. Thank you Net galley and Random House Publishing. The Dark Gifts trilogy is a favorite of mine and Bright Ruin did not disappoint.
This is not a standalone book and the series Gilded Cage, Tarnished City and Bright Ruin should be read in order. No spoilers here because this ending has quite a twist. It picks up immediately after the Blood Fair from Tarnished City and the rebellion and intrigue amps up. I must admit I dogged reading this book because I was not ready to let go of these characters. Almost nobody is who they started out to be, from the morally ambiguous Jardine brothers to the righteous Hadleys and in the middle my favorites (sigh) Luke and Silyen. I loved the different PoVs, it helped in character development, and the politics and social structure made for an intriguing alternative Britain. Four star rating because I feel there is more story to tell (and I really want more). In the meantime, read the series and thank me later.

With phenomenal world-building, both loathsome and lovable characters, politics, rebellion, and power struggles, Dark Gifts has been an exceptional and intelligent YA dystopian/fantasy series from beginning to end.

If you're familiar with the term 'book hangover' - that's an adequate description of how I felt upon completing this novel.  Two days later, I was still going back and re-reading parts and mulling them over.  I'm sad to see the series end, but what a satisfying ending it is - no spoilers here.

If I've read other series with such incredible character arcs, they don't immediately come to mind.  Several of these characters will surprise you, and aren't what they initially seem or eventually become.  As with the previous books, the author certainly doesn't balk at putting them through trials and tribulations, heartbreak and heartache, and occasionally death.  

I can't recommend this series enough, and it's easily a crossover for adults who are skeptical about reading YA.  If you're a fan of complicated and intricate storylines with remarkable world-building and character development, this series is for you.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.

I am so sad that this trilogy is at an end. The ending is stunning and the characters really came to life in this final book. Britain is ruled by magically gifted masters who, of course, are extremely wealthy. The rest of the population must give ten years service to the masters. Luke and Abi are from an ordinery family who are all in service. As it becomes obvious that it is time to revolt, Luke and Abi play a big part in the fight to obtain freedom.

First line: The Snubbing Post, down by the river in Vauxhall, was a useful sort of place when the whole of London was looking for you.

Summary: In the third book of the Dark Gifts trilogy, we see the aftermath of the Blood Fair. Midsummer Zelston and her band of rebels plan to force the end of the Slave Days. Abigail Hadley is running from the Equal authorities. Luke Hadley is hiding away with Silyen Jardine trying to solve the mystery of the Wonder King. The country is in turmoil and the future is in the balance. Will the Equals stop the rebellion or will they be brought down?

Highlights: I have liked the character of Silyen from the very beginning. He was in the background and a little bit mysterious. I was happy to get to see more of him in this book and start to understand him better. He never seemed to be a part of the main storyline. He had his own story intermixed. It gave more insight into what Skill is and how it works.
That kiss! Holy cow. I did not know I wanted it until I read it. You will know which one when you read it. Whew.
But we must talk about that ending. Everything happened so fast and completely. The last few pages just sped by and I was sad when I reached the end. I loved how the author left it open for more. At least I hope so. The last line was just so perfect and left me wanting more. Great job!

Lowlights: The beginning was a little slow but it could be that I had to try and remember what happened in the previous book. There was a lot of building and conversation leading to the climax. However, once the pace picks up it is very hard to put down.

FYI: This is book three in the trilogy. Perfect for fans of Divergent and Hunger Games.

If this series is ever made into a TV show, it's going to be on HBO. It is extremely violent, filled with torture, mob action, and many many deaths. My favorite two characters died in the last book, so I was not very invested in this, the finale. I really had to force myself to plow through to the end.

Being vague so as not to spoil anything, a fantastical element was introduced in the middle that seemed out of place, and that element turned out to be critical to the book's ending. It's not quite a deus ex machina but close enough that it seemed like a cheat to me. The ending left me pretty unsatisfied.

Also, did the world get more technical in this book than it was in the previous two books?

I'm not sorry I read the series but I'm not sure I'd recommend it. The later two books didn't quite live up to the promise of the first.

I read an advance reader copy of Bright Ruin provided by Netgalley.

The thrilling conclusion to Vic James brilliant trilogy brings us back together with Characters we have come to love , hate and have symphaty for. Filled with , magic ,conspiracies , spies and relationships this wraps up the story of the the slaves and equals in future Britain . Do not miss one page of this fabulous, timely , satisfying saga. One of the best of the year . Infinity number of stars

"History only appeared inevitable because it was written in a world where it had already happened."

A stunning conclusion to an overall fantastic series. Filled with politics, intrigue, family and morally gray characters this book manages to keep us guessing from start to finish. I don't say this often, but I honestly wish it was longer.

Absolutely fantastic conclusion to an enthralling trilogy! "Bright Ruin" continues the dark, twisty and completely epic YA fantasy trilogy of Dark Gifts. In this alternate world, certain individuals have what is called Skill, which is a sort of X-Men-like power. They are known as Equals and rule over the United Kingdom with all the power and wealth. The vast majority of people are Skilless and just normal people- they must serve "slavedays" which is 10 years of unpaid labor to the Equals supposedly in exchange for the Skilled using their powers to protect them. The slavedays are a terrible time with appalling conditions, and often, if you make it out alive, your life is forever changed.

"We are what life makes us."

This book picks up right after the last one ended, and I would recommend reading all three close in time. There is no recap, and this one goes straight into the action. I had a hard time remembering the past book and so looked up spoilers online to remind myself of what happened. Once I did that, it was easy to follow along and remember the characters. Like the other books, this one is told from several third person limited perspectives, which, because of the use of third person, does make it easy to follow. I like getting all the perspectives. The main people we follow in this book are Abi, who is really confronting all her beliefs and anger, Luke, who is struggling to come to terms with all that has happened, Silyen, who is maturing but still learning about skill, and Gavar, who is torn between what his father and wife (Bouda also gets her own scenes) want to make him and his love for his Skilless daughter/what is right.

"The thing about fear that no one tells you how big it is. How hungry. Two things have the power to eat you alive. To swallow up everything else, until you're just scraps and leftovers: love and fear."

The rebellion is at the heart of it all. Now, Midsummer is the only Equal left on the side of the common folk, and she is trying to make it work with little bloodshed. However, with traitors on every side, this is no easy task. Abi is working closely in the camp, but life has taught her that peace will get you no where, and she has different ideas for how she would like to see things play out.

"I think a lot of people would find if they looked, really looked, inside themselves, that they're more than they imagine."

Luke and Silyen are on a different journey that ultimately collides with everyone else's. Luke wishes to return to Eilean Dochais to help set Coira free. Silyen wishes to return to learn more about the exit and what he saw in Luke's mindscape. Silyen really grows as a character and matures a lot in the book- the scenes between Luke, Silyen, and Dog, who is also traveling with them, were the best parts of this book. They also raise some big questions about what is power, the potential for corruption, and the value of history. I was absolutely fascinated by their journeys, and I actually think this would make a great spin-off series, as we are left with some questions here to which I would like to explore potential answers further.

"Like her fear, her courage was a wild animal. She could feed it with fury or starve it with grief."

Ultimately, this continues the dark context of the previous book in true revolt style. There are many major character deaths, but I honestly wouldn't change any of it- everything seemed to happen just as it needed to. This book is just as easy to devour as its predecessors and will have you staying up late thinking just one more chapter. It was a great conclusion to the trilogy, but I am hoping not the end of this world- I would definitely like to read more on this. I am definitely left with all the feelings, and I highly recommend this YA fantasy trilogy to older teens and adults who are up for a fantastic journey.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

OH MY GOODNESS!! I LOVED this series, and while I'm sorry to see it end, am delighted at how it all came together AND at how the excessively talented Vic James managed to curtail any desire to drag things out (surely such desire must have been present - this is a gloriously imagined world and I too found it difficult to leave, and it wasn't even my own!)... This was the perfect wrap up to a taut, beautifully-crafted series - there was high drama, a ton of action, and enough resolution to bring the story lines full-circle without feeling forced, drawn out, or over-done. The characters practically leapt off the pages, as did the action/adventure/drama/intrigue/duplicity. The world was marvelous, full of the perfect amount of detail to allow my imagination to engage vividly and actively, picturing everyone and everything surrounding the Equals and rebels in their struggle for control. This is an excellent trilogy and I hope James has plans for more in the future, because I thoroughly enjoy her writing...

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Vic James has created a fantastic world, well plotted and filled with deep, complicated, flawed characters. It's hard to believe that this trilogy is her debut into the realm of published novels, because she's excelled from start to finish. This is by far one of the best YA series I've read, and I read a lot!

I don't want to give away too much, but the fallout of the end of the last book has left our set of main characters reeling and split, and this book picks up right away, finding loose ends and tying them together like Silyen and his Skill-weaving at the walls of Far Carr.

Honestly, she's left enough open for an amazing adventure to follow, and I sincerely hope we get to read more, because I will be truly sad for this world to be over and done -- but I will also be rereading these in the future, absolutely!

Set in modern-day Britain, magic rules everything. This is book three in the Dark Gifts trilogy. Set in modern-day Britain, magic users control everything. If you're not one of them, you owe them ten years of service. Political machinations, cruelty, and magic aplenty, but the heart of this tale is the price of freedom and how it’s often just a word without hope. It is a complex story with nuanced characters, and that has lots of parallels with the world we live in.

Super ending for this trilogy! I couldn’t put this one down. Masterful world building and details.

Magically gifted aristocrats rule--and commoners are doomed to serve. But a rebellion threatens the old order. The dystopian trilogy that began with Gilded Cage and Tarnished City concludes.

In a world where the lower classes must endure ten years of forced service to unfairly advantaged, magically powered rulers, a teenage boy dreams of rebellion, his older sister yearns for love and knowledge, and a dangerous young aristocrat seeks to remake the world with his dark gifts. In Bright Ruin, the final book in the trilogy set in modern-day England, our heroes will lead a revolution that will transform--or destroy--the world.

WOW, every book in this trilogy has been amazing, but Bright Ruin definitely takes the cake for the best book of the series, in this humble book lover's opinion. In today's political landscape, the storyline of the oppressive, magical Equals against the lowly commoners forced into slave labor becomes all the more terrifyingly real.

I particularly appreciate that Vic James has incorporated all viewpoints into this trilogy. We don't only hear from the enslaved commoners. We also get the inner thoughts of the commoners who support and admire the Equals, the Equals who would give their own lives to abolish the slave days, the Equals who relish their power over England, and even those who fall somewhere between these vastly different opinions.

Even in the last installment, Vic James continued to surprise and delight with plot twists I never saw coming - even until the very end of the series. Bright Ruin doesn't go out with a bang, rather it was a slow smolder of a story that will stay with any reader long past the end of the series. I truly can't wait to read what Vic James dreams up next!

This is why I usually avoid Trilogies. It happened with the Hunger Games, and it happened again here. I really enjoyed the first two books in this series. This one? Not so much. I'm left with so many unanswered questions, and one really BIG one (that I can't ask here without giving away a part of the ending). I guess I can say...How did Silyen doing what he did at the end make what happened happen?

How did he alone control....nope. Can't finish that question, either. "Spoilers"

And Luke? I find it VERY out-of-character and hard to believe that he would have done what he did at the very end of the book. Especially considering the he had just spent three books so concerned about his family. All he wanted was to know his family was safe and to be reunited with them, then he up and does THAT? Abi, Daisy and his mother would be absolutely crushed! I mean, WE know what happened and where he went, but THEY don't!!

I'm giving this 2 stars because, from a political standpoint, this book delivered. For the most part.

I feel like many of the scenes and conflict were just recycled from the second book, but the overall outcome, as far as where the country is headed, was satisfactory.

The majority of this book is Abi, Luke, Bouda and Silyens story. All I really cared about was Luke and Silyen, as their part of the book was FAR more interesting. Abi and Bouda's felt like nothing new. Abi running around in hiding trying to be part of the resistance and planning, and Bouda fighting for the power she feels she deserves. I feel like Gavar was so far on the back burner of this story that when he had is crazy shinning moment towards the end, I was kind of like, "Eh."

I don't know. Overall, this ending was (for me at least) a let-down. I feel like so much was done to bring change, and so many people lost their lives, and for what? An ending with no definitive resolution?

But the worst part of all for me was Luke. That ending went against everything he fought for and believed in. It's like he didn't even care what happened in the 'real' world and just ran away from every one and every thing for such selfish reasons.

Nope. Not buying it.

In the end, I don't discourage anyone from reading this. If you've read the first two, then of COURSE you'll read this one, but everyone is different. You may love it, you may hate it, but you do need to read it either way.

An epic ending to an amazing trilogy. Britain ruled by magic wielding Equals. Non magicals relegated to 10 years of slavery to their "betters". When the commoners rise up with the backing of a few Equals, the end is bloody and satisfying. The vivid imagination of the author in the telling of the origins of Skill, was breathtaking in it's complexity. The tying of the loose ends of this monumental story was satisfying with the exception of Coira. Political machinations, family secrets, mind numbing loss, betrayal. This is a must read trilogy, I highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from Netgalley.

“Parting is such sweet sorrow”, and that's exactly the case with Bright Ruin, the third and final installment in Vic James' phenomenal Dark Gifts trilogy. I've been waiting for this book with equal parts dread and anticipation, and both my dread and my anticipation were well-rewarded. Although one more than another (*wink* ugly cry *wink*).

I fell in love with this series with the first installment, Gilded Cage, and my love and awe has done nothing but grow and grow every time I dive back into this world. In Gilded Cage, James gave readers a hint of the coming revolution, where the current group Unskilled in he slavetowns had finally come to the realization that what the Skilled are doing to the common folk, how the common folk are treated, is cruel, unjust, and just plain unfair. While generations of UnSkilled have thought this way, very few have actually done anything about it. Until now. The uprising was started in book one, and by book three, its reached its crescendo. Its bloody, violent, earth-shattering crescendo. The commoners have the most to gain, as they've had everything taken away from them, but can heart and will and soul prove a tough enough weapon against magic?

Throughout the course of this series, James has taken both her characters and readers on such an incredible journey, putting all involved in hellish and often heartbreaking situations. Everyone loves a story where the good guys win and the bad guys lose, but that's certainly not the case with this entire trilogy, Bright Ruin included. 'Good' surely shines through more often than not, but 'bad' doesn't necessarily always mean what we think it means. Misguided, perhaps. A product of the world they've been brought up in is more apt, and such is the case with several characters I've been quick to judge as 'Bad'. But don't get me wrong -- when the truly bad guys are bad, man are they evil. But the moral of the story is: "You can't save everyone". There's always going to be loss involved in order to win, and that's incredibly and heartbreakingly apparent in this final installment. Which is par for the course, I suppose -- this isn't a happy series, there are no rainbows and kittens or happy endings. It's dark and violent and grim, but it is an exceptional look at what it means to hold all the power in the world and is oftentimes a perfect mirror image of our own world, where the division of classes keeps growing and growing, leaving the ones at the bottom to forge their own way while the ones at the top reap all the benefits.

Bottom line -- I loved everything about this final installment, from the tense and high-stakes storyline to the brilliant and incredible world and characters. Do yourself a favor and read this trilogy from the beginning and get sucked into James' dark and dirty world of power, politics, and revolution. While Bright Ruin may technically be "The End", its definitely not the end for me because I'll definitely be re-reading this series in the future. Probably several times because I adore it so much. Highly recommended, and I'll be waiting not so patiently for whatever Vic James graces readers with next.


*eARC received via NetGalley. (I was also fortunate enough to win a physical arc from Vic James.)