I've gone from hating this series at points, loving it at others, but it wasn't until I actually had to twiddle my thumbs in a show of helpless waiting for this final showdown that I realized I'm terminally in love with this series. Despite our differences, our ups and downs, I'm a character girl and Pike's characters have stitched their way into my heart. I can't forget them, I won't stop loving them, and Destined by Aprilynne Pike, this last story, is my every hope shining back at me within each word. Our emotions are drained until we are left hollow one moment and everything comes waterfalling back in the next, and Pike has one of her talented hands on the faucet knob and the other on the drain plug. Everything is so fast-paced, the action almost instantly begins, and so our moods are a thing of speed and pain, like whiplash. Sobs are covered by quick hands, our eyes mourn too, drowning in a pool of liquid salt, and, for a while, smiling is a ghost with no home, an apparition that taunts our desires for joy, joy for ourselves and for these wonderful characters. Destined by Aprilynne Pike is fatally emotional.

Death cries all around us, the characters, and his black tears wash over so many, soaking our own hearts with surprise and suffering as he stops others. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers in arms or in blood, defend their families, their neighbors, themselves, and battle with crashing tides of near-invincible enemies. Magic and animals rise to surf and cut through them, in a way like we've never seen in the series thus far. Pieces fall from their hiding spots and connect to materialize the truth. Yet so much more is needed. Finding the answers isn't enough. Putting them into action to combat all that lay astray is. Struggling past falling, breathless bodies, dodging poisons and potions designed to kill, Laurel and those she loves hurry against fading daylight to rescue many and refortify Avalon's defenses to arise victorious.

Romance is rightfully assigned the backseat, but hearts entwined are never far out of each other's reach, always worrying, always ready to defend. Friendships are risked with demise around every corner, but friends are indeed necessary to stop what has arrived. Thankfully, personalities brighten the pages and shine truly with all that they are and more. The bond that is forged between each character in this circle of confidants is unshakeable and more pure, despite all the hardships and turmoil of the last three books, than any true friendship can be, full of heart-melting love and deep understanding, a strong tie woven in the midst of endless blood and loss.

The end showers over us and brings us poignant pangs, wide, watery smiles, and a love for this series that is almost boundless, because, fabulous world-building and plot twists aside, the characters are a lovable bunch, a fortified wall of support who can lean on each other in all the troubles of the future yet to come. The ending isn't necessarily over once we hit a special Author's Note explaining that there is one thing for Pike left to share, a bittersweet gift we can choose to accept or return that nonetheless arouses are curiosity enough to gain inspection. After reading those final few pages, the tears come in unstoppable twin rivers of aches and happiness.

Destined by Aprilynne Pike is a vital read for fans, and the perfect incentive for newcomers to the series to get started.