Mr. Westerfeld's final volume of the Zeroes was, unhappily, not what I had hoped it would be. Following on the heels of Swarm, there was an expectation for new powers, and the possibility for growth among the characters that didn't materialize.

Spoiler

Instead, to use the corruption of the hero's powers themselves felt too easy.

The description remained beautiful, and the introduction of a governmental task force - particularly following the events in Swarm - felt appropriate. The ending itself (the very end) was fantastic, and I praise Mr. Westerfeld for that concept, because it left me with a smile. I just wish the remainder of the book had not felt as weak and so close to a cliche.