Wow, where do I even start?! Adelaide does it again, delivering a book that will give you ALL THE FEELS, but also leave you with a lot of food for thought, (as the saying goes.) Apparently my reviews for Ads' books are LONG so I'll try not to gush too much, but, *ahem* we shall see!
This book is just a smidge unlike her other two. It's fast paced from the get-go, packs a punch, and rarely lets up. There's also a good smattering of memory-hopping. (If you don't know what the means, then you haven't read the first two, and if you haven't read the first two, everything I'm saying is spoilery so for heaven's sakes, GO READ THEM!) It's so neat to see things play out from other character's POV, but also terrifying? Because *sound cut due to spoilers*
This book FINALLY answers every single question you've had since the beginning. (Unless you wanted to know what is Ella's favorite color of Converse. Or if she even wears Converse. Also why is that important in a world where everyone wears combat boots???) You get backstory, flashbacks, explanations, and of course, a wild ending that is both bittersweet and satisfactory. If you've read the book blurb, you know this book talks about a "cost". So...no, it's not a spoiler to say it has a bittersweet ending. It's not a happy-go-lucky Disney movie where everything is perfect in the end and everyone gets a happily ever after. Yeah, it's YA, but it breaks the YA mold in so. many. ways. and the ending proves it yet again.
I'm STILL internally screaming over what happens to a certain character (Ads, you know who I'm talking about,) and I don't think I'll ever forgive her for...well...what happens. Apparently his fate was decided in honor of me, and I'm not quite sure how to feel like that? I mean, honored, I suppose, but also, like, WHAT THE BLOODY HECK, ADS?! *violent sobbing*
*gets composure and takes a deep breath* I said I'd try to keep this short, so here goes: if you're expecting your favorite characters to get more screen time, THEY DO! If you wanted to see the other side of the Grifters, a side that's almost human, YOU DO! If you want to scream and laugh and cry and throw the book and then hug it, YOU WILL! Themes of family, friendship, and sacrifice are heavy and beautiful, and it warms my heart and tears my soul. We really need more books like this.
#Ethella is explored more, Vires steals the heart even more than in the other books, McFarland moves into one of the top spots, and Burnette...yeah, she's not so bad. ;) *refrains from elaborating 'cause SPOILERS* I could rant about these characters forever - they're so well written and fleshed out! Agent Walker really takes the spotlight in this book, and trust me, you'll be thanking Ads he's not just another side character. And of course there's Jimmy. Jimmy Daniels. Jimmy Banks. Ah, Jimmy...who knew what your author had in store for you...
I'll quit gushing your ear off, but seriously, you need this book in your life. This book, this series, this story. It has touched me in so many ways, and is truly a beautiful story that derails prejudice, upholds the importance of family and friends, and paints sacrifice and love in beautiful, gut-wrenching detail. It's also squeaky clean, and VERY uncliche. Please, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.
Am I sad this series has come to an end? Yes... but oh! what an ending. Thank you, Adelaide, for the ride. Thank you for this story. Thank you for the characters. Thank you for this ending (with the exception of you-know-who. xD )
Seriously, thank you. 😭💙 Farewell, Whitewashed...