A conclusion that, while well-written, leaves too many plot threads unfinished and mysteries unexplained to be truly great. The Liberation feels rushed, and I came away with more questions than answers.Tregillis has great command over the language, that's without question. He's also created an interesting world. What he hasn't done is answer any of the questions raised in the previous two books, and the result is an unsatisfying final novel. What is quintessence? Why was it made a huge major plot point in books 2 and 3 and then never once explained? The series teases answers on the question of the Clakkers perpetual motion and the nature of the Forge and leaves the reader in the dark while implying the characters have learned the answers. Why are there suddenly a bunch of objects that can rewrite the Clakkers' metagesa? Objects treated as holy grails in the preceding novels are now throwaway baubles. Why do 'alchemical bandages' suddenly exist with no explanation?

We finally get a look into the inner workings of the Guild, and every single member is painted as ineffectual and delusional. Suspension of disbelief can only go so far, and it seems impossible to me that not a single Guild member had taken an interest in the individuality of these machines in the 3 centuries since they were created, yet Berenice was able to figure out their language and alchemical grammar without even living among them?

All in all a disappointing conclusion that feels rushed and lacks internal consistency.