I have loved this series from the beginning. I love each of the characters and their arcs. No one is left behind or pushed off to the side. Budding romances, both expected and not expected, flourish in this finale. The final confrontation is here and everyone has to dig deep to fight back the darkness. I do not want to give much away about the ending, but I will say that it was sweet and perfect. While I am sad to see this series end, I will be picking up more of Julie Kagawa's books in the future.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of Night of the Dragon in exchange for an honest review.

When I first began to read this book, I really wasn't expecting much. The second book in this series was a but of a let down and I was expecting to be disappointed in the rest of the series. But, I was very happy with the outcome of this story. I would totally recommend this book to fantasy fans, I personally loved it. The reason I'm not giving it a higher rating, is because the books leading up to this one don't do it justice.

This series got me into anime-like fantasy and remains unlike any other books I've read. They are a wild, intense, fun ride of adventures with characters to root for, root against, and pull at my heart strings. A lot needed to be wrapped up and done in this final book in the trilogy and it manages to meet that ambitious goal. Our two main characters (one of the best slow burn romances in YA fantasy) are finally at the point where they must stop the dragon from being summoned to save the world. High stakes and the finale is a whirlwind of action, almost-misses, and heartbreaking consequences. I felt the first part of the book was slow, probably because I just wanted to get to the ending already. Great series wrap up and one I'd definitely recommend.

An epic conclusion to an amazing series. I absolutely adore the author's writing, and her story-telling throughout this entire series was fantastic. This third book did not disappoint, and I bawled my eyes out as I finished reading it. I never wanted this book to end, and I know I will be thinking about it for a long time to come.

I’m not gonna lie, I totally put off reading this a little bit, because if you read the thing, then the series officially ends. If you don’t read it, then the series never ends. See? Brilliant way to game the system. Ultimately, I had to give in, though, because I needed to know. I’m nosy like that.

Night of the Dragon is a no-holds barred conclusion of a series that will take you on an emotional roller coaster, reveal all the plot twists, and keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.

As far as concluding the series goes, I have such mixed feelings about it! There were definitely moments that felt super cheesy to me and kind of corny in a way that just isn’t my thing. Overall, though, I had so much fun with this series, and I’m really sad to see it end, even if the ending is a satisfactory one.

My Thoughts:

- This book opens with a bang, and once it gets started, a high level of action and emotions carries the reader through the rest of the book. There’s no slow start, no real easing in. The characters are on a deadline by this book, and it shows. This was a pretty quick read, because it grabbed me by the collar right away and just threw me down the path with these characters, and I loved it. I went into this book forewarned that it was going to be emotional, and I thought I was ready, but guys … it got me anyway. =/ I so wasn’t prepared. I held out until almost the end, so I feel like I should get credit for that, but ugh, this book is a constant barrage of your emotions. If you’re a crier (which I’m not, and I still did!), keep tissues close. You’ll need them.

- If you know what’s good for you, you will fear for your favorite characters, and rightly so. Because this is war, folks. War is dirty and ugly and there are always casualties, as the other books have proven. This is the culmination of everything, though, and the author has made it clear over the course of the other books that no one is sacred and war means sacrifices. This book is the culmination of all the character arcs, and gosh, it was so great getting to see them all come into themselves and decide who they want to be! Yumeko’s arc, in particular, is just so well done. I absolutely loved Yumeko in this book. To watch her grow and find strength in her companions was just everything I wanted for this book, and she goes from a passive bystander in book one to freaking owning this one, and it was just everything I came here for.

- As far as the mythology and world is concerned, everything that was set up in the first two books comes to a head in this one, and getting to see all the demons and mythological beasts was really neat. There are some freaking harrowing creatures in Japanese mythology and folklore, and I knew that going in, and I wasn’t disappointed. Kagawa does a great job in not only describing them but making clear just how horrible it would be to stand face-to-face with these things. I shudder every time I think of it.

- The tone and atmosphere of this book is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s tense and harrowing and absolutely suspenseful. Some of the gripes that I had about the first two books (especially Suki) finally came full circle, and okay, yeah, it makes sense why she was there. The whole series is essentially one long ploy, which eventually comes to fruition in this book, and it made the whole thing more than worth it. Everything tied together splendidly, and I enjoyed all the new revelations this book revealed!

- Sweet romance isn’t really my thing, but if it’s your thing, this book has you covered. In this book, the romance between Yumeko and Tatsume is soooo sickly sweet that I’m pretty sure I have a few new cavities. In the end, it was a little too sweet for me, even though I expected it, given how the previous books set it up. So I can’t say I was a huge fan of this or the way it ended, but as I said, romance isn’t really my thing. I think that people who do like romance will love the outcome for this couple, though. I’m definitely not afraid to admit that there were some really powerful lines and scenes between them that even got my shriveled blackened heart. Oof.

Sticking Points:

- The Big Bad™ fell flat for me, given how long it’s taken to get to this moment and how much effort they’ve put into things. I just had absolutely no sense of him. I knew what he wanted, sure, but it felt like there was no real nuance or depth to him. He was evil Just Because™, which is my least favorite type of villain. I mean, I love villains, so it was kind of disappointing that I didn’t feel a good sense of his character or motivations.

- There are deus ex machinas and cliches galore in this book. On the one hand, it leads to some really sweet moments, which I can see people loving. On the other … I was hoping for something a little more, because there were scenes that were so predictable and convenient that I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Especially when this happened during the big, ultimate climax, which is the point that I least want to run into eye-roll-worthy plot devices. Some of these were absolutely emotional ploys that I think readers will enjoy just for the emotion of it. But it ended up being more of a miss for me, personally.

This was a beautiful book. It was a perfect wrap up. Sure it was heartbreaking but the sadness fit with the genre. The japanese mythology was new to me and I loved learning about their magical world

This is probably one of my most anticipated books. And I really enjoyed it. The world was just as beautiful, the characters were just as interesting and the ending was absolutely phenomenal. I liked how the ending was very realistic and it wasn’t this perfect ending with a nice pretty bow on. My only gripe is I think the book was too short, I think the beginning was a little rushed and the romance between the two main characters felt rushed because the author wanted the romance to be concluded before going into the final battle. The romance just did not seem organic in the beginning.
The battle scenes were so well written that I couldn’t read fast enough. I loved how the plot and story ended. Just think it should have been longer.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. HOLY COW! The Shadow Fox trilogy is beyond action packed, its everything you want and things you didn't know you wanted lol. World-building is something that is crucial in fantasy, Kagawa respects that, then exceeds any standard currently set. The depth of characters will have you grieving, even for the enemies. Kagawa does not show any mercy on our favorite Kitsune, as she is bombarded with setback after setback, and loss after loss. Perhaps that's what endears us to her throughout the story, her constant ability to learn and grow from these relentless battles. Kagawa wrote us one hell of a story with this trilogy and this is by far the most satisfying ending I've had in a long time, leaving me at once destroyed and renewed. sigh.... Excellence!

We all know series enders are tough and Julie Kagawa knocked this one out of the park. It was truly everything I hoped it would be and more. Each of the characters, romantic relationships, and friendships between them all have grown so much with every passing book. I loved picking up Night of the Dragon and seeing them at their very best, even as they faced down the enemy they've been working towards since book 1. And although kitsune Yumeko gave up the final piece of the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers to save everyone she loves, she and her companions continue on to make a last-ditch effort to stop the Master of Demons from calling on the Great Kami dragon. As always, I swooned over Yumeko and Tatsumi (even more so!), laughed at the dynamic between everyone and at one point was moved to tears because things get intense. If you've been a fan of the series all along, you won't be disappointed.

What an ending!
I read this one a little while ago but forgot to add a review for it. I don't want to spoil too much, but if you loved the first two books this will not disappoint.

JULIE KAGAWA CAN DO NO WRONG
Kitsunes are one of my all time favorite subjects to read about, and holy shiz did Kagawa Deliver. This book wrapped up the story so perfectly, I'm still reeling from the ending... I personally feel like I've grown so close to these character over the past two years and I am so so so happy to be able to see their stories till the end.
I do hope Kagawa writes another Kitsune book in the future because the way she writes Japanese mythology is phenomenal.
I can definitely see myself rereading this series in the future.

Fox shifter Yumeko had given up her piece of the Dragon scroll to save everyone's lives. Master of Demons Genno now has all three pieces of the scroll, and is ready to summon the Great Kami Dragon on the night of the Wish. Yumeko and her companions have to stop Genno from completing the ritual and sending the entire empire into chaos. There is yet another player in this game, however, and he's about to make his move.

This is the third book in the Shadow of the Fox series, and I had missed the first two books. That meant I had a bit of catching up to do in figuring out who was who and what the relationships were. It didn't take me long to figure it out, because the relevant information from the prior two books was woven into the conversations as we switched from Yumeko's POV chapters to Shadow clan assassin Kage Tatsum's chapters. It probably also helped that some of the terms were familiar to me, in the weapons and roles that characters played. I watch enough anime to know about yokai, fox spirits, shrine maidens and their talisman magic, or how ninjas move and attack. That familiarity helped me catch up and focus on the plot, rather than who the characters were.

The book proceeded rapidly, and it didn't feel like a long read at all. I was able to race through it until the end, and I was shocked by a lot of the twists along the way. Maybe they would have been telegraphed better if I had read the first two novels, but I was still attached enough to the characters to feel the shock and loss along with them. The ending was bittersweet, and the epilogue definitely helped to make it better. I really enjoyed reading this book, and the epic level dangers involved.

The third book in the trilogy picks up right after the events of book 2, where the characters are devastated after the battle at the temple, having no idea how to face the ultimate evil that is heading to destroy the world. Bonds are tested, lies and betrayals revealed, love admitted and lives lost as my favorite kitsune quests to save the world.

Overall this was a really good conclusion to the series, so many things were tied up and I feel satisfied with everything. That being said, this was probably my least favorite book in the series, full of non-stop terrible heartbreak that for some unknown reason, I didn't see coming. Gawd, this was rough! Keep in mind, no character was safe so say your goodbyes at the beginning of the book to this ragtag, wonderful cast of heroes. The book was action packed, scary and tense, basically one deadly battle after another until the surprising end. Expect heroics, heartfelt words, shocks, intense scenes and lots of magic. This series is the perfect adventure for anyone who likes tricksy kitsune, Japanese culture, epic tasks and romance that spans lifetimes.

This is absolutely an epic finale. There was so much action and drama. It was exactly what I wanted from this series.

I would like to preface this review by saying this is the first time I’ve read anything by Julie Kagawa. I KNOW! How can I call myself a YA reader? Thanks to Inkyard Press and Netgalley for the ARC. To give this trilogy the attention it deserves, I picked up the first books in the series and read it. I find that this tends to help with trilogies with a unique cast of characters. The first two books were amazing, and I’ll post their reviews at a later date. If you’re a fan of fantasy set in a realm of Japanese mythology, action, adventure, and loveable characters, Julie Kagawa is just for you! The banter between Yumeko, Tatsumi, Okame, Daisuke, and Reika is funny and gives off warm-feeling vibes. One of the best things about Julie’s writing was how the relationships between all the characters formed. The romance between Yumeko and Tatsumi felt more natural because it slowly developed over time. After devouring the first two books in the series, I was hesitant to begin reading this book. I didn’t want Yumeko and the gang’s story to end. In the beginning, I didn’t connect with Yumeko at first, but over time she grew on me. Her character development was well-paced and wove into the plotline well. Tears were shed and I have to say that the ending was just right. I’m glad I picked up this trilogy and will definitely read Julie’s backlist of books. FINAL RATING: 4.5 STARS

The perfect ending to this series. All looming questions were answered, all secrets revealed. It wasn't sappy. The journey was dangerous and casualties were unavoidable. But death being another beginning was a beautiful was to say goodbye to beloved characters. The last scene was perfection. I'm sorry that their story is over, Maybe will get something else in this universe. Either way I eagerly look forward to what's next from Ms. Kagawa.

I loved this ending! Of course, I am sad to see the story end but it was a fantastic ending!Thank you for not leaving loose endings, wrapping up everything perfectly makes me love the story all the more

Okay, wow. Who gave Kagawa the permission to hurt us like that? Because I most certainly did not! Please excuse me while I pick up the pieces of my heart while you read this review.

Night of the Dragon is the final book in this epic trilogy. We left Yomeko and her friends battered and bruised in Soul of the Sword, but they had successfully helped Tatsumi gain control of the demon with him.

So much more happened. I am always weary when it comes to trilogies, though I love them, because I’m usually let down by one book. Typically it’s the last book, but this one exceeded all of my expectations. Unlike many endings, this one was not rushed and had a sweet wrap up.

So remember when I said it’ll break your heart? Yeah, be prepared for death and a lot of it. None of your favorite characters are safe. This is straight up game of thrones in here, so have tissues in reach.

My only criticism is I felt there was an excessive amounts of fighting. I understand that the group is trying to defeat the demons and it’s basically all out war, but there were too many fighting scenes. It lost some of its appeal.

Overall, this was a great series and I would high recommend it to anyone.

I sobbed. I am wrecked. I needed a better ending than that!

What an emotional roller coaster, here I was hoping for a happier end to this rag tag team of weirdos.

And here I am, sobbing in my bedroom. Because this ending was brutal, and painful with just a sliver of happiness and even more BUT WE NEED MORE!

I loved what happened to my favorite kitsune and the journey she went through, Yumeko and Tatsumi growing closer and closer had to be my favorite watching that emotionless swordsman love was like watching a flower bloom.

The finale to this wonderful series was everything I hoped it would be *happy sigh*. I wish there was more to this story, or maybe just more stories with Japanese lore about ghosts, spirits... a certain kitsune :)