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.
With phenomenal world-building, both loathsome and lovable characters, political intrigue, 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 to re-reading parts and mull 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 even 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.
Books and Such 
That’s high praise. Thanks for sharing.
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This series has been a standout among YA dystopians for me, Staci. Easily a crossover – such an intelligent plot line.
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Only ten years of servitude to the 1%? I think I’m under a life sentence. Seriously though, you make this series sound wonderful, Teri. It’s great to know that it lived up to expectations throughout the series. Hugs.
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Lol – know what you mean, Teagan. Seems that way to me sometimes also. Hugs!
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It sounds like this one really made an impression on you. I love when books and series linger long after you’ve finished them.
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This one is definitely among my favorites, Mae. I’d love to re-read it again – just finding the time!
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I think I saw this on your books to read list, Teri, and it caught my fancy then. Great review.
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Thanks, Robbie! Maybe you can find time to fit it in your schedule?
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Yes, I have a few reviews that I need to do for a Goodreads promotion and then I will get to this.
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I’m hooked on YA books. They tend to really tug on the heartstrings, don’t they?
Great review, Teri. I’ll have to keep this one in mind.
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Thanks, Jacquie – and I didn’t know you read YA! There are some excellent books in the genre.
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I just finished one by Emma Scott, sooo good!
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WOW Teri! I’ve met Vic James at YALC and if you praise her as a writer I can tell you she is a very sweet woman and really interested in discussing with her readers! She took the time to really chat with everyone waiting in the line.
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That’s awesome! After reading the first book, I mentioned suspicions I had about one character – she saw my review and tweeted, telling me I was on the right track. So cool.
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Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide.
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It sounds amazing.
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Sad to see it end, but such an engrossing series, Deby.
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