The Brightest Stars - beloved

Brightest Stars #3

by Anna Todd

Das Finale der großen Bestsellerserie

Für Karina ist Kael der einzige Mann, dessen Nähe sie zulassen kann. Der einzige, der sie wirklich versteht. Für Kael ist Karina das Licht, das ihn aus seiner Dunkelheit führt. Immer und immer wieder, wenn die traumatischen Ereignisse seiner Vergangenheit ihn wieder einholen und in den Abgrund zu ziehen drohen. Gemeinsam versuchen sie, sich ein Leben aufzubauen. Doch als jemand unerwartet in ihre Welt eindringt, beginnt ihr Glück zu bröckeln. Und die Fehler der Vergangenheit scheinen sich zu wiederholen. Karina und Kael können nicht miteinander. Ohneeinander jedoch sind sie vollkommen verloren. Wenn sie sich die Zukunft, von der sie schon so lange träumen, aufbauen wollen, müssen sie sich entscheiden, zu kämpfen. Gemeinsam. Doch Kampf erfordert Opfer.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, New Adult

384 pages, Paperback

First published July 23, 2024

About the author

ANNA TODD (writer/producer/influencer) is the New York Times best-selling author of the After series, the Brightest Stars trilogy, The Spring Girls, and the After Graphic novels. The After series has been released in 35 languages and has sold over twelve million copies worldwide—becoming a #1 best-seller in several countries. Always an avid reader, Todd began writing stories on her phone through Wattpad, with After becoming the platform’s most-read series with over two billion reads. She has served as a producer and screenwriter on the film adaptations of After and After We Collided, and in 2017, she founded the entertainment company Frayed Pages Media to produce innovative and creative work across film, television, and publishing. A native of Ohio, she lives with her family in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back with Kael and Karina for a final time.
Book two ended with Elodie's husband suddenly showing up - on the day Karina found out that her brother is in love with Elodie. Whoops.
And of course Kael and Karina's happily ever after is still very far away too.

🥂

Well. I'm kinda glad that this series is over now.
I don't know. It was okay but nothing special.
I wanted a Karina and Kael love story with drama and excitement and all the things. And I got a little bit of that (and then it was way too immature and silly) - but I mostly got Elodie and Austin and Mendoza et cetera. Not that we hate them - but they should've gotten their own books.

I also almost stopped reading when Anna made Karina drive a car completely drunk. What is it with you (book and movie) Americans and your drunk driving?
That is NOT a thing that belongs in a book Anna! That's so dangerous. People will read this and think oh - Anna lets Karina do it, so it's totally okay if I get in the car drunk! Not okay!

Well. The book had a few interesting and moving and sad moments. But over half of it was not about Kael and Karina. So I didn't really care all that much.
I read it. But I pretty much only read the parts where people talked to each other - all the other stuff I raced through - if at all.

As I said before. One single book with a great love story and some drama and whatnot would've been great! But here we are - with three way too long books - with too long to wait between books and too much non-Kael and Karina fillers!
This could've been great but it just wasn't.
But don't get me wrong. It was okay. It was worth reading. But I just hoped for something better. Something just ... more!

Also? The title? What does that even mean? What kind of light does dust have? And why do we need it to have a light? Maybe it was mentioned in the book and I just overlooked it. So weird though!


💜 💜

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting more out of this series. I felt like it focused on everyone except Karina & Kael.

[Alicia Musgrove · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was slightly less disappointed in this final book of the Brightest Stars series. The first 2 books left a lot to be desired for me but this one wasn’t as bad.

I still really couldn’t stand Karina about 90% of the time. She is just so wishy-washy and her inner monologue was just irritating. It felt hypocritical most of the time and then just whiny.

I felt for Kael throughout this one. He was just trying to do the best he could for everyone he cared about and that ended up biting him in the long run. Especially with Karina. He was trying his best to protect her after all the hurt she has had in his life and she refused to see anything from his POV.

In the end, I was left just wanting more resolution. I also could’ve been happy with this book just being about Austin and Elodie 😅

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @annatodd for the advanced arc. It’s been a year in the making but Karina and Kael’s story is finally complete (and I’m emotional 😭)

Karina and Kael’s story has been nothing short of dramatic and complicated so far. Now they must fight for what they really believe in: love. With lies, twists, and revenge all from their closest friends, the two are finding out just how hard fighting will be.

I missed this world so much and I cannot wait for the ending to be out in the world this summer! This is by far my favorite military romance and Anna’s writing is truly something powerful. Yes, I cried at the ending and it was so beautiful to see how the story wraps up.

[Nicole Marinelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel had that same couldn’t put it down quality that I felt when I read the After series for the first time. I flew through it excited to get the answers to the questions that have been building throughout the course of this series.

Anna Todd excels at writing these realistic and flawed characters and I think that’s part of what makes her books so enjoyable. You’re not reading about this perfect couple, with their perfect life and perfect friend group. The topics touched in this novel are raw and real, and you can tell she took her time to carefully craft those characters struggling with PTSD.

And of course, she’s a master at creating a web of drama, secrets and lies. I loved the Phillips/Austin/Elodie storyline and the chaos it caused. However, I didn’t love how it was wrapped up. It was all tell and no show. As a major plot point in the book, I would have liked to see how everything played out in real time. Instead, we never learn the full extent of the events and are given one or two throwaway sentences of dialogue that XYZ happened.

This ended up being a common theme I found throughout. The story tried to wrap up all the loose ends with a neat little bow (which I appreciate) but I was left wondering how exactly we got there, and often times it lead me to more questions than feeling like anything was actually resolved. The entire ending felt rushed as there was a whole two years of details omitted. And while I don’t mind the open-endness of it all, I was confused on the events that led us there.

Overall, I enjoyed this, but it didn’t feel like the final novel in a series. With all the questions I still have, this story feels unfinished.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Randi Beauvais · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted this book to be the key to this series redeeming itself. Unfortunately, it was not that book. Book 2 was just a filler episode for this book. This book was action packed with affairs, true love, blooming relationships, unleashed childhood trauma. I wanted to love it!! Until the last 50 pages.
We never found out why the dad and Kael truly hate eachother for what happened (TELL US WHAT HAPPENED OVER THERE) We never find out what happened to Kaels leg. We find out whose funeral it is, but it is severely underwhelming. I had to go back to even remember who the person was!
The writing my overall was quick and easy to follow, and for once no typos!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more!!

I can't believe that this series is over. I need more of all of it. It is so raw but so beautiful!

[Liliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was honestly disappointed by this book. I loved Kael and Karina's story so much and I feel like this book didn't do them justice. I felt like this book was more about Austin and Elodie. I hated Karina's mom and I don't understand why Anna Todd chose to make her a bad person when in the series is called after her saying. And also, after having read the After series, the Landon series and this one I feel like Anna finishes all her book the same way: the couple break up, spend a few months/years apart and then get back together
Also: are you really telling me that the reason they broke up was that? I mean, the books made it seem like it was something really big and unforgivable and it turned out to be that?!
I'm really sorry this book was not up to my expectations!

[dunjica♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first time I’ve really enjoyed an open ending! All the characters had fantastic development, and I love how it wasn’t entirely about Karina and Kael, yet still focused on them.
And that ending?! The new reset? Yesss!!

[Kayla Maliniemi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Anna Todd so much but…. This series was not what I was expecting at all.

[Yannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so so much 😍Kael’s and Karina’s story is so beautiful

[Ann Folino · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series was good, but I don't understand, what lies did he tell her? He did keep things from her but he really believed he was doing right. I know he should have told her so she could decide for herself.
I did not like the ending, I wanted a little more romance for them at the end of the book.

[Brit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third and final book in the Brighteat Stars trilogy. My first military romance series did not disappoint. Karina and Kael's journey hasn't been easy. They both have trauma they're dealing with and friends & family adding to the chaos. They lean into each other, but when lies are exposed, how do they move past it? Love how Anna ties-in the beginning of the Falling. The ending had me in tears, although I wish there was a tad more to it. But maybe not wrapping it up in a tight bow leaves an opening for a 4th book?

Thanks to Netgalley and Anna Todd for advanced digital copy. Can't wait to get the hard copy in hand later this month.

[Hannah Lebedyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, as I have loved this series so much. It’s filled with love, emotion, heart break, and second chances. I’m hoping for a fourth book in the future!!

[Laura Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ending to the Brightest Stars trilogy. I enjoyed the character development and was invested in all the storylines. I especially enjoyed the nontraditional ending to the book. Loved the hope and possibilities for Karina and Kael.

[Steffi · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Infinite Light Of Dust • Anna Todd ✨

SPOILERS 🚨

This book was very slow moving. I hardly remember what the first half was about, and then, like, 10 big things suddenly happen at once (including a 3rd act breakup followed by a questionable reunion two years later in the epilogue???). There are so many loose ends - I’m really frustrated honestly. I loved the first two books of this trio 😕

There was a very heavy & unnecessary focus on side characters, it felt like a lot of filler stuff with people who weren’t that important.
There was also still lots of miscommunication & insecurity within the main couple, which shows that they haven’t progressed much from books 1&2. The epilogue had so much potential, but you are just left to wonder about all the characters & where they ended up - including the main couple. Like am I supposed to just assume everything worked out for everyone??

This book could have been twice as long if the author had given some more detail on how things worked out. I have questions for basically every character. Where did they end up?? Elodie, Austin, Mendoza, Gloria, Phillips, Mr. Fischer & his wife???? Like I feel so led on and let down tbh, I was really rooting for Kael & Karina.

I guess they can’t all be good 🥲 I don’t think I’ll pick up another Anna Todd book again to be honest. 1/5 🌟

[McKenzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I CANNOT BELIEVE I just read three books for that terrible ass ending. No epilogue? No nothing??? I legit flipped to the end to see if she had decided to write a fourth book or something of the like. What an entire disappointment.

This book was actually 4 stars for me until the last 80 pages when Karina became absolutely unbearable. People around her are almost DYING and she's in bed upset that her hair got pulled. She is the most self righteous, emotionally immature character I think Todd has ever written. Karina has an internal monologue 200+ pages in where she legitimately lists all the awful things happening to OTHER people, then says SHE'S overwhelmed... please give me a break.

The ending then took this mess from 3 stars to 2 stars. I am legitimately flabbergasted that Todd (of ALL authors!!) is allowing the story to end like this. What a disservice to both readers and the characters that were put through hell for THREE BOOKS. The entire story feels so empty now. I would have rather just read a Fischer/Elodie spin off novel because at least they seem HAPPY.

I am truly just floored by this shit.

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Doesn't give much of Kael and Karina who made us read the books in the first place. The wait after the second one was too long. Dont feel that connected to the characters after the wait.

[Tabitha Beach · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely flew through this book, excited to finally get answers to all the questions that had been building up throughout the series.

One thing Anna Todd does so well is writing characters who feel real. They are flawed, messy, and complicated, and that’s what makes her books so engaging. You’re not reading about a picture-perfect couple with a perfect life and a flawless friend group. Instead, she dives into raw and emotional topics, especially PTSD, and it’s clear she put a lot of care into crafting these characters and their struggles. Of course, she is also the queen of drama, secrets, and chaos, and I loved the Phillips, Austin, and Elodie storyline. The tension and fallout were so good, but I really wish it had been fleshed out more. Instead of letting us experience it firsthand, it was wrapped up with a couple of quick sentences, leaving me wanting so much more. That actually became a pattern throughout the book. I appreciate that loose ends were tied up, but I found myself wondering how we even got there. The entire ending felt rushed, especially with two years of details completely skipped over. I don’t mind an open-ended conclusion, but this one left me feeling more confused than satisfied. It honestly didn’t feel like the final book in a series because there were still so many unanswered questions.

I have to say, I was a little disappointed. I adore Kael and Karina’s story, but this book didn’t do them justice. It felt way more focused on Austin and Elodie. I also didn’t love the way Karina’s mom was portrayed. It felt like such an odd choice, especially since the series is named after something she used to say! And after reading the After series, the Landon series, and now this one, I can’t help but notice a pattern. Every couple breaks up, spends time apart, and then comes back together. And can we talk about the reason they broke up? The books built it up to be this huge, unforgivable thing, and then it turned out to be that? I was expecting so much more drama!

One thing I loved was how well Anna captured the emotional toll of war. She didn’t shy away from showing how deeply PTSD affects those who serve, and I thought that aspect of the story was really well done. Phillips’ downward spiral and the chaos he caused were intense, but again, we didn’t see the full impact. The way his storyline was wrapped up felt way too rushed, and I was left wondering what actually happened. The same thing happened with Karina’s father. He was so insistent that she left for Atlanta to avoid a military fallout, but then, nothing ever really came of it. It left me scratching my head.

Overall, I did enjoy parts of this book, but it moved so slowly even with everything that was happening. I honestly think the entire series could have been condensed into one book. There was way too much inner monologue, and so many key moments were told rather than shown. With all the lingering questions I still have, this just didn’t feel like a satisfying ending. I really wanted to love it, but it just didn’t meet my expectations!

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Infinite Light of Dust is a good conclusion to the Brightest Stars trilogy. I've patiently waited to see how everyone near or in Fort Benning would survive all the near misses. The overabundance of secrets and most importantly, the fallout from when those secrets came to light. Karina and Kael never had it easy, not from the first time they met. But I was hopeful they could figure out their issues and finally find the peace they needed when together. However, with Kael's propensity for wanting to protect those he cared for no matter how much it might hurt or anger the other person, his relationship with Karina starts to slowly unravel and I guess I wasn't all that surprised considering how much strife continues to be around them.

I do think Anna Todd portrayed those who were affected deeply by being at war, quite well. She didn't shy away in any of the 3 books about the effects of PTSD and how becoming an Army-trained k!ller would undoubtedly mess with one's brain once home from the dust and mayhem of the Middle Eastern deserts. The focus on Phillips and his out-of-control behavior is a huge part of this segment of the main storyline. All the chaos he causes as he is suddenly sent home and eventually finds out just what his wife Elodie has been up to and with whom deeply affected Karina, in particular, and to me those dangerous actions were what started her downfall with Kael.

This book like the two before it, proceeded very slowly despite all that occurred for our lovers. Honestly, I think overall this could have been one book. There is an overabundance of inner thoughts that at times drags the story down and certain parts could have been fleshed out more if less of what was in Kael and Karina's heads was presented. Considering all that is revealed and all these characters go through, again, the author chose to tell and not show key moments and that just didn't and doesn't sit well with me. In particular, all that happened with Phillips was simply put to rest by a line or two as hearsay. We never really find out all that transpired as he is finally found and dealt with. In addition, Karina's father's plea to Kael to make sure Karina leaves with him to Atlanta is never fully explained either. He was so insistent she not be around for the fallout the Army would have caused and again, that never seemed to happen. A true conundrum all around for me.

However, I'm glad I took a chance on this trilogy. The characters are endearing and very likable. And the author did make me feel as if I was a part of this tight-knit group giving me joy that Karina finally found her people after feeling so lost and unloved for so long. The ending is a bit open as there is hope that Karina and Kael can figure out where they go next but nothing is assured, much like real life itself. But they seem to finally be on the same page and that's something to cheer about.

3 stars.

[Jessica Cerqueira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became an Anna Todd fan after reading the After series. When The Falling and The Burning (The first 2 books in the Brightest Star Trilogy) came out, I purchased them both but didn't read them until just a few days ago because I enjoy reading books back to back when I know they end with a continuation and was lucky enough to get an ARC of the final book, The Infinite Light of Dust.

I read the entire trilogy in 3 days and couldn't put any of them down. You have Kael who is a solider in the Army, back from deployment and waiting on his medical discharge and Karina who is the daughter of an officer in the Army. She has so much anxiety and trauma from her childhood and swears she will never date a solider. Kael is dealing with PTSD along with his battle buddies but is the rock of the group, always doing what he can to protect and help them.

The 2nd book, The Burning, is left off with Karina's twin brother Austin and her best friend Elodie having to face a very difficult situation and picks right back up in this last book. Kael withholds information from Karina multiple times and in her eyes that's as good as lying and she's already forgiven him once before and now feels like she can't continue to live like that, always having to question if he's not telling her everything or if she'll be the last one to find something out. Kael does everything, including withholding certain information, because he truly believes he's doing what's in Karina's best interest and protecting her. She ends the relationship with him because of this.

Even though the book is mainly about Karina and Kael, you really get multiple relationships that are all connected. It's about a family made from the men that served together and their lives after coming home from being deployed. There's a lot of PTSD, drinking, backyard cookouts, some fights, family drama and lots of love.

I really wish there was more to the ending because the way it was left off had me saying "THAT'S IT?!." It does wrap it up for all the other characters but as far as Kael and Karina it's more of a "Let's see what happens with us" but it looks like Kael is gonna get his second chance.


Thank you to Anna Todd, Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group and Netgalley

[Erica Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Infinite Light of Dust is the conclusion of The Brightest Stars trilogy. It follows the story of Kael Martin, a soldier just coming back from deployment and getting discharged, and Karina Fischer, the daughter of an Army officer and best friend to his best friend’s wife. This is NOT a standalone. I would suggest reading the first two books back-to-back before this one, so you don’t lose the details. This book picks up immediately after the major revelation at the end of book 2. Karina and Kael have worked past the problems that initially plagued their relationship and are trying desperately to make it work now. They have an undeniable longing for each other but the world around them keeps throwing new things in the way. Although they have worked hard to build this new foundation, stress comes to an all-time high in this book. Secrets, omissions, family/friend drama, struggles with anxiety and PTSD, all come barreling together for these two. I have loved Kael and Karina’s romance from the beginning and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the conclusion to their story. But beyond their romance, I have also grown to care about so many other characters in this series along the way. They have all formed this broken, found family that cares about each other and is just trying to make it through their own struggles. I was a military wife myself so I could absolutely relate to the closeness you form with the families on base around you because sometimes all you have is each other. I really loved most of this book. I have been a fan of Anna Todd’s for a while now. I devoured the After books and Landon’s two companion novels. And I have followed this series from the beginning. It was well written and kept me on the edge of my seat. I will say I was surprised by the ending and left a little confused by it. I wanted another chapter or an epilogue to really feel complete with their story. You can make some assumptions moving forward but I was hoping for something a little more concrete. Maybe that is just me. I still enjoyed it and loved this series as a whole. Thank you Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group, Netgalley, and Anna Todd for a chance to read this ARC!!

[lianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

[arc review]

i feel like it’s so weird to see so much of my own love life in karina but like i did and i might have psychoanalyzed a bit but yk it’s okay. it’s part of the healing process.

we pick up right where we left off in book two with phillip phillips (i’m never getting over this name) returning home early. he’s an ass. i don’t like him and he’s clearly got issues beyond ptsd. he’s also a bit of a misogynist and that gave me an ick. i would very much like to know exactly what happened to him because he just seems to appear then go poof then appear again and then disappear into a puff of smoke again.

kael and karina overall are complicated. they sort of accept that they’re complicated. if we’re only focused on this book, kael definitely needed time to adjust to civilian life. the way his brain works wasn’t going to change overnight and while i understood that, it was also a bit frustrating at times. he wanted to protect karina so he took on all these burdens but at the same time, he kept saying he wanted to do better by her yet continuously lied. he made decisions for her instead of letting her decide for herself. however! karina isn’t perfect either. she’s a little hot headed and she is absolutely the type to fight fire with fire. i saw that a lot. part of me wants to believe that kael kept things from her because he knew how she’d react and her reaction might make the situation worse since she’s the type to react immediately. but again. that’s not his decision to make.

it seems that at the end, karina is a little more level headed and her reactions to things are more controlled and not immediate angry actions, which is good! its growth that she needed. karina will hate me for saying it, but she’s so young, she’s got an entire life ahead of her. she doesn’t want to fall in love again and yk what that’s okay. she’s focused on herself. she’s showing up for HERSELF. that’s all anyone can really ask for.

[Bookxn_belly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meine Erwartungen an dieses Buch waren – ehrlich gesagt – nicht besonders hoch. Die beiden Vorgänger konnten mich schon nicht überzeugen, dennoch wollte ich die Reihe gerne vervollständigt wissen.

Dieses Buch hätte bereits vor rund 4 Jahren erscheinen sollen, doch das Erscheinungsdatum wurde immer wieder verschoben. Zusätzlich wurde ich als Leserin auch noch mit einer ordentlichen Preisanpassung von ursprünglich angegebenen 9,99€ auf 14,00€ überrascht. Meine Vorfreude auf das Buch war daher schon etwas getrübt.

Positiv überrascht war ich allerdings davon, dass die letzten beiden Kapitel aus Band 2 noch einmal vorangestellt wurden. Das hat mir den Wiedereinstieg nach so langer Zeit wirklich erleichtert und half, wieder in die Geschichte hineinzufinden.

Mit Karina als Hauptfigur konnte ich leider auch in diesem Band nicht so richtig warm werden. Kael hingegen mochte ich weiterhin, ebenso wie Elodie, die für mich einer der sympathischsten Charaktere der Reihe bleibt. Zwischenzeitlich hatte ich sogar das Gefühl, dass die Geschichte eher Elodie und ihrem Bruder Austin gilt als Karina und Kael.

Inhaltlich war mir das Buch allerdings zu überladen. Es wurden so viele Themen angerissen und verarbeitet, dass ich manchmal schlicht das Gefühl hatte, es sei „zu viel des Guten“. Weniger wäre hier vielleicht mehr gewesen. Trotz allem fand ich das Grundthema – das Leben mit dem Militär und all den Sorgen, die damit einhergehen – weiterhin spannend und gelungen umgesetzt.

Das Cover gefällt mir sehr gut und passt optisch perfekt zu den vorherigen Bänden – ein stimmiger Abschluss also im Regal.

Am Ende blieben aber noch einige Fragen offen, die ich gerne beantwortet hätte. Dennoch würde ich sagen: Dieses Buch ist für mich das beste der drei, auch wenn noch immer reichlich Luft nach oben bleibt. Es ließ sich leicht lesen, hatte diesmal mehr Inhalt und war insgesamt runder als seine Vorgänger – auch wenn der Funke wieder nicht übergesprungen ist.

[Buch Versum · Rating 5 out of 5]

berührend, dramatisch & voller Stärke…

Ich muss gestehen, die beiden vorherigen Bände sind leider nicht so intensiv in Erinnerung geblieben. Das Werk hat nämlich etwas länger bis zur Veröffentlichung gebraucht.
Nichtsdestotrotz habe ich mit viel Vorfreude zu dem Finale gegriffen.

Karina und Kael können durch das positive Ende des vorherigen Bandes bedauerlicherweise nicht lange in ihrem Glück schwelgen. Neue Herausforderungen scheinen alles in Gefahr zu bringen. Besonders die schockierenden Wendepunkte zerren daran und scheinen unausweichlich beide in die Verzweiflung zu stürzen.

Lest selbst, versinkt in dem packenden und emotionalen, ab und an sehr düsteren Werk, wo man das Buch nicht mehr aus der Hand legen kann, um endlich das Happy End zu erleben.

Dieses war hier für mich sehr emotional und berührend, denn die Persönlichkeiten wachsen immer wieder über sich hinaus. Trotz aller Begebenheiten präsentieren sie sich mit ihrer starken Liebe, besonders wo der Weg mit viel Gefahr und Dramatik belastet wird.
Ich war definitiv Feuer und Flamme, zwischendurch entsetzt und doch voller Hoffnung.

Ein gelungenes Finale, das zu Herzen geht, über die Wendepunkte nervenaufreibend involviert und von der Stärke der Charaktere beflügelt wird.
Ich bleibe daher begeistert, berührt, verzückt über den Ausgang und sehr eingenommen von dem Werk zurück. Herausstechend ist übrigens der Anteil des militärischen Hintergrunds, der autobiografisch ist und das Leben und die Denkweise der Autorin etwas näher bringt.

[Thindbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the third and final book of the series. This book picks up after book 2 where Karina and Kael try to make it work but there are problems that arise. This was a fast paced story and a quick read. I have to say that this book was kind of different compared to books 1 & 2. I felt that the author was a bit disconnected with the story in the way that the story didn’t reflect the main characters but the side characters. It was like the author had a story planned out in the beginning but scrapped it and wrote this instead. This book is written from both Kael and Karina’s pov.

In this book, we get more of Kael’s story and learn about his family and PTSD. I liked that we got more information about him. Karina on the other hand didn’t develop and was just there in the story. Now for the side characters, they shined more in this book compared to the MCs. The book was more their book than the MCs. Elodie and Austin are in love and try to navigate it. I loved exploring their romance and seeing them figuire it out. The romance was okay for the most part but I liked Elodie and Austin’s story more.

The ending was okay and not what I was expecting especially for how far these characters came. I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if the book focused on the MCs. I loved the After series and the Spring sisters but this trilogy fell flat for me. I know many will enjoy it but it was not for me.

*this arc was sent to me by the publishing house to give an honest review in return*

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Possible spoilers!!!!! Discusses plot and ending!!!
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Why Anna! Why?!?!? L really liked the complicated characters of the After series but with this series of Kael and Karina - I feel like it fell flat. All the build up, splitting up and getting together again- I knew there were some obstacles for each but I wanted an HEA, at least!?!? I feel like the ending was so open ended and left up the reader- which is fine for most people-I have no issue really…but….why not wrap up the story for both mc’s, give them some closure. Ugh! I wish I wish I wish the ending was different. I felt so strung along as a reader and to not have closure for both mc’s is frustrating. Esp since Karina expressed her feelings of distrust etc in the epilogue but then suddenly change her mind at the very last paragraph—-doesn’t make sense. I kind of felt like my time was wasted a bit (I did the audio follow along as well as read the book too) All in all: I liked the characters, the storyline kept me pulled in, but not happy with the wrap up.

[Elora · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to like it so badly but I have so many unanswered questions. I re-read the last couple of chapters just to make sure I wasn’t crazy and missed something major. Honestly, pretty frustrated with this series was wrapped up.
Why even have the mom come back? What did she want from the dad? What ominous thing was the dad afraid of happening that he wanted his kids out of Benning? Why did Austin need to lend their mom money? Why even introduce the mom if she wasn’t going to dive into why the mother seemed indifferent to Karina, but caring of Austin?! What happened to Phillips? And biggest undeveloped plot line: what actually happened during the 2 years? Why did they meet for coffee before the funeral? Why was Karina continuing to visit Kael’s mom after they broke up? Why wasn’t Kael invited to the dinner with his mom, Karina, Elodie and Austin? WHAT DID KAEL DO THAT WAS THE LAST STRAW that everyone, including his mom, seems to understand, but never actually acknowledge or verbalize (to the readers)??

Sooo many unanswered questions.

[Natalie White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling third book in the series. I was eager to see how Kael and Karina's story ended. Anna Todd has woven a plot of PTSD, military secrets, family drama, and relationship intrigue through themes of trust, love, and second chances. Karina continues to push her feelings aside and work through the pain while Kael does everything- and sometimes too much- to protect her from the things he knows will hurt. Meanwhile, Karina's brother Austin (who, at the end of book two was caught in an affair with Karina's pregnant best friend Elodie) prepares to leave for basic training and keep himself out of trouble. Near the end of the story, Karina wishes she could just "be a normal 21 year old" which made me internally cringe. Some of the big life questions Karina and Kael suddenly seemed a little too implausible. It was a satisfying conclusion nonetheless, and if their story continued into a fourth book, I would be eager to read that, too.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

I’m really glad I reread the first two books before this one, because it definitely helped me remember the story and characters — but even so, The Infinite Light of Dust left me feeling a little unsure.

I found it interesting and emotional, and I liked seeing where the characters ended up, but some of the time jumps and off-page developments left me confused. The two-year gap created a real emotional shift, and I struggled to understand why there was suddenly so much anger and distance. It felt like I missed something important.

The book still has some lovely moments and heartfelt writing, but the pacing felt uneven — big things were told rather than shown, and the ending felt a little rushed. I wanted more time with the main characters instead of focusing so much on the side stories.

Overall, it was good to finally finish the trilogy, but it didn’t quite land as strongly as I hoped.