With all this suffering, the ending is not to be considered to be a happy ending too.
True, but at least they have peace with themselves and the war is over.
spoiler
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I think the ending is perfect and realistic at the same time. Both Maxi and riftan will learn to deal with their insecurities in the 2 books and book two riftan finally accepts and introduces maxi as an official remdragon mage. also after a few wars, riftan dedicates all his energy and work to making sure war won't happen with the exact same thought that as long as his beloved is safe and happy he would do anything to maintain that. it's definitely a bumpy road till they get there but they get there.
That woman (Maxi) lived in a castle all her life, she was tortured and her self-esteem was destroyed. She was married to an overprotective man who went crazy every time she went out the castle gate.
This is Maxi's only chance to be free and learn, as the situation forces Riftan to give in. Be patient
I actually enjoyed Maxi's slow and more realistic development, rather than the story where with a few months of training she suddenly all ready and become great.
If you are not patience enough with Maxi's situation or Riftan's attitude, then this is not the read for you, their story is still long and both of them are hard with their own trauma, you won't see a happy ending or rapid development anytime soon