Some Observations Near The End Of A Novel

SM Stirling, Shadows Of Annihilation, Advance Reading Copy, SIXTEEN and EPILOGUE.

Sometimes, a villain is killed by his own weapon, e.g., Ian Fleming's Hugo Drax. Will that happen here? I don't know yet. (But the nature of the weapon makes this possible, even plausible.)

Some characters were introduced earlier because their contribution would be crucial later. Nothing was wasted in the leisurely build-up.

Ciara has a moment of realization. Suddenly there is a clear and present danger. Luz and co must enter a place from which they might not return. Horst, who had receded into the background, becomes once again a formidable opponent. His presence is suspected, then detected, then immediate. But I reveal nothing unexpected by saying that.

Reading a little further, we appreciate the return to a more leisurely pace in the long Epilogue which, of course, includes a menu and also has a surprise viewpoint character. In fact, this has made me check back as to who were the concluding viewpoint characters of Volumes I and II. It turns out that three major characters each get to conclude a Volume. (I notice povs.)

I have had to google a Latin phrase. And there is an apt comment on the nature of loyalty. I can say this:

the Trilogy concludes;
it is implied that there will be no immediate sequel;
however, the way is prepared for at least three very different potential sequels...