In the magic system of this series, there is deiat, the power of creation, which may only be wielded by the Chosen. And there is dhaka, the power of biology, which is wielded by ghouls. Select humans are able to wield one or the other. In Emperor of Ruin, we learn what started the wat between Chosen and ghouls. The stories left by the extinct Chosen to their human heirs, leave out key truths.

However, when I look at how it all ties together, a fair amount just doesn't make sense. It doesn't ruin the story for me, but after finishing i have so many "but why would you do that?" questions.

Maya's and Gyre's and their friend's stories all wrap up satisfyingly, though never with a sense that it could all go wrong. There are a lot of side quests to collect almost everyone and everything for the final battles. The author did not want to leave any character behind, even those that play little part in the end.

Tantalizingly, there's options for continuing new chapters in the world in future stories.