Disappointingly, this third volume in the Ink & Sigil series is the last one. Much better than then the second volume Paper & Blood, although that isn't saying much, but still not as good as the initial volume, Ink & Sigil. Set in the same world as the authors popular Iron Druid series, we have minimal crossover this time, unlike in Paper & Blood. The subplot of the Morrigan becoming more human and her foray into dating was unwelcome and somewhat boring. As was Al's hobgoblin Buck Foi's attempts to establish his own identity. My biggest frustration with this trilogy was that it didn't focus enough on it's central character Al enough. The author created a unique and fascinating new style of "magic" but never really leaned into it, instead constantly going off on tangents with other characters. We do finally solve the mystery of Al's curses and his future, so there's that. But ultimately it seems like there was so much missed opportunity with the story of the Sigil Agents and their adventures. Here's hoping the author revisits them at some point down the road.

Aloysius “Al” MacBharrais is a Sigil Agent. Only five such people in the world exist and it is their ability to create sigils from special ink that makes them special. These sigils work like magic spells and can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes and even for more mundane reasons. Al is tasked with maintaining order among all the gods in his vast territory, from all the pantheons, that live amongst us in our world. But many years ago, somebody cast two separate curses on him: one that killed off each of his apprentices and a second that makes anybody who loves him leave if they hear him speak.

This is the third and final novel in a trilogy and takes place in the same universe as the author’s Iron Druid Chronicles (although it’s important to note that it is not necessary to have read those books in order to enjoy this series). The above-mentioned curses have plagued Al since the very first book but resolving those issues has always taken a backseat to other requirements of his job. Now, in this final book, he still has plenty of job-related tasks to perform but his curses finally get their due diligence. I was pleased to see that we get to learn more about the backgrounds of other major characters, particularly his hobgoblin sidekick, Buck Foi. Atticus O'Sullivan, the Iron Druid himself, does make a cameo appearance in this one (just as he does in the first two books) , along with his loyal dog companion Oberon.

This book does have a fair bit of dialog that reflects unique Scottish terminology and accents (specifically Glaswegian, or “Weegie"). When I read that in the author’s note at the beginning of the book along with a pronunciation guide, I was plenty worried. That sort of thing often yanks me out of any kind of immersive storytelling experience. But here, it didn’t bother me at all. In fact, I think it helped me see and hear these people better.

There is also quite a bit of humor in the novel. Most of it is witty and clever but it does occasionally dip into the silly. Sometimes it was just too much and seemed to become the focus at the expense of the plot. But those that have read the first two novels will already expect this.

Speaking of that, I do highly recommend reading the first two books before this one. Many trilogy finales provide summaries of prior happenings but this one jumps right in and I worry newbies will be lost.

I love much of this author's work, and I quite enjoyed how he chose to end this series. I can relate to the main character being within a decade of retirement age myself. There are some writing choices that I do not understand, for example, what are the "interludes" supposed to accomplish? I would prefer if these sections were just part of the chapters. I will probably read this again to enjoy seeing these characters again, however. Their "endings" are mostly happy and the bad guys are dealt with. So mostly HAE.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for this amazing ARC.

I'm torn between unfettered joy and debilitating misery. I loved this book. I'm upset it's the last of the series. We get to see just about everyone again. Al and Buck tear things up, there's a suitcase laced with raw chicken, murderous mushroom sigils, Lhurnog and a sneaky Paul Simon quote!!

Tell your friends!

Chris, my husband, occasionally picks books for me. Something by himself as a gift for me and sometimes when I've walked past a book 40 times and he just says omfg buy it.

The Ink & Sigil series is one of the former and one that I will love him forever for picking because it has been such a wonderfully hilarious ride.

This is the last book in this Trilogy and while I expected to be annoyed that Hearne decided to end our time with Al, Buck, Nadia, and Gladys Who Has Seen Some Shite, this is probably the best of the three books. While it is clear that Hearne is winding everything down from pretty much page one he also drives home that Hearne and Al and Buck and Nadia are sick of the world's shite. With the help of myths and gods our heroes end a human trafficking ring, rescue a Blue, Pink, and White Dragon, create a whole new God who eats assholes, and sees The Morrigan do what she was always meant to do. And while we do not get anymore stories of how the Hobgoblins invent Truck Nuts we do get to see Ares get devoured which while yes is a bit of a spoiler was genuinely the funniest godsdamned thing I've read in awhile.

Ares is the second reason you should read it though. Because the first is that it is just so positive, so welcoming, so loving, hell it's even a bit healing, especially when we get to Buck's side story, that you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not reading it. Al is genuinely the grandfather we all deserve and Buck and Nadia are the friends we should all aspire to be.

I normally don't do this in a review but Kevin Hearne deserves all the very best for bringing Al into our lives.

As always thanks to Random House Publishing-Ballatine and NetGalley for the eArc!

I may or may not have had tears in my eyes as I finished the last charter. Saying goodbye to this series is like saying goodbye to an old friend, and I know I’ll take comfort from rereads.

Without giving any spoilers, Al, Buck, Nadia, and Roxanne are all given satisfying character arcs that do them justice. Speaking of justice, I truly appreciated the running thread of social justice and equity in this novel. It gives me hope that the world can be a better place.

I’m eternally grateful to Hearne for creating this world. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This book will be featured in the Books Are Magical podcast upon publication.

I am so sad to come to the end of the trilogy. The wrap up of the series was phenomenal! I love the characters, the obvious research that goes into each story, the overall arch and each individual book. Start at Hounded, The Iron Druid Chronicles and read them al.

Sad that this trilogy is now over. I really enjoyed this series; in fact, it could've gone to four imo since this book has a few long plots filled in with vignettes and mini adventures. I wish we spent more time in a few places actually! Anyway these are fun and good reads for those who enough urban fantasy