Reddit mentions of The Bitter Kingdom (Girl of Fire and Thorns Book 3)

Satisfying endings? Damn it, I am coming up short on examples. A lot of the books I've read recently have had unsatisfying endings, either because they're rushed or don't address all plot points or don't quite fit with the tone of the books.

One ending/epilogue that made a huge impression on me was the continuation of Aragorn and Arwen's story in The Lord of the Rings. That still ranks as one of the most depressing things I've ever read.

I'm still coming up short on satisfaction. I have definitely read plenty of 'first in a trilogy' books where I've gone on to read the second (and usually third) for one reason or another, but I think that's because I give so much leeway to the second book in a trilogy. I already know the characters, so I'm less critical of character development. I've read the first book, so I know the tone and writing quality ahead of time and can usually pick it up in the right mood. The series isn't 'finished' yet, so I can let bad science and plot holes slide on the assumption that they'll be addressed in the third and final volume... I am often sadly disappointed by the third's finale.

Hmm, maybe Rae Carson's The Bitter Kingdom would rank as a wholly satisfying ending? The book kept up with the previous books and addressed the major plot and subplots as it ended. However, there was a certain amount of ambiguity about politics and relationships (not "These two got married and lived happily ever after") to fuel fanfiction or speculation or give a backdrop to a related series, and a minor character (Mula Red Sparkle Stone) was propped up to take the reins on a sequel by hinting that she's going to do something big and has something to do with an enduring origin mystery.

Maybe I am just a fan of ambiguity in endings in general. Going through my list, I have decided that Eleanor & Park, Fangirl, Two Boys Kissing, and The Girl With All The Gifts claim the accolades for having wholly satisfying endings, and the unifying theme there was that they were all low-key and somewhat ambiguous. You know how the Climax was addressed, but not whether the Solution actually works out or not. You're left still thinking about the books and what would logically happen to each character.

As for the last question... When I officially finish, I'll let you know about the celebrations. I'll assume it will involve beer and bragging on the internet. And kudos from the two real-life people who care.