Welcome to my “Books With Bittersweet Endings” post. The title should explain this very well. Now, this post definitely would get you to come across some major spoilers. So I have the reasons, the Why to be separated into two parts: Non-spoiler and spoiler. If you do not plan on reading the series and don’t mind spoiling, go ahead. But if you don’t want to be spoiled…close your eyes when you come across the spoilers part.
You have been warned.
The Young Elites by Marie Lu
Non-spoiler version:
Someone very important dies. It was horrible. *Cough* Veronica Roth *Cough*
I had a slow reaction to this. I read Midnight Star three months ago, and I thought about it again three months later and I still sobbed. And it did not help that at the same time, I was just finishing up Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas.
Let’s just say I was not the most environmentally friendly person that day.
Spoiler Version (Close your eyes on this part if you don’t want to be spoiled):
The main character dies.
Adelina dies.
It. Was. Horrible.
And when Magiano just broke down sobbing…
I STILL CRIED THREE MONTHS LATER.
Just avoid this book at all costs if you don’t want to die inside.
Legend by Marie Lu
Non-spoiler version:
It’s more of a bittersweet ending, but the ending is similar to the Fallen series, and someone loses their memory.
Spoiler Version (Close your eyes on this part if you don’t want to be spoiled):
Day lost his bloody memory.
You know, at this point I already realized to avoid Marie Lu’s book at all cost. I learned it the hard way.
Don’t make the same mistakes I made.
This was actually one of my first bittersweet ending books. And it’s also one of the books that made me realize I can’t live with HEAs. And how happily ever afters are not cliches, but a vital source of survival and happiness.
Let’s just say I learned the hard way.
Fallen by Lauren Kate
Non-spoiler version:
Non-spoiler version:
A bittersweet ending, just like Legend series.
Spoiler Version (Close your eyes on this part if you don’t want to be spoiled):
Along with Legend, this series was one of the first-ever bittersweet endings I’ve ever encountered. Lucinda and Daniel gave up their immoralities to be mortal so they can be together just once, without obstacles. They both lose their memories, but at least meet and fall in love again.
Anyway, bloody bittersweet ending.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Non-spoiler version:
YOUNG ELITES ENDING. NEED I SAY MORE.
Spoiler Version (Close your eyes on this part if you don’t want to be spoiled):
Beatrice dies.
Like, what the actual f**k.
I genuinely avoided the series altogether after I realized that ending.
Yeah, like, no.
For once, I’m glad a series was spoiled for me before I ever had the chance to read it.
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia
Non-spoiler version:
Something horrible happens to the heroine or the hero.
You can say whatever you want about the book and the series in general, but the last book is a severe tearjerker.
Spoiler Version (Close your eyes on this part if you don’t want to be spoiled):
Ethan sacrifices himself to save Lena. And at the end of the last book he just goes around, visiting people he loves to say goodbye…
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Non-spoiler version:
This is not the book for happy endings. It is a beautiful, realistic teenage contemporary love story, but it’s realistic. And it’s John Green.
Spoiler Version (Close your eyes on this part if you don’t want to be spoiled):
It’s realistic. They’re sick. They have cancer. They are in love. It’s John Green.
First Year by Rachel E. Carter
Non-spoiler version:
This, unlike Air Awakens, is a legitimate bittersweet ending. WHY. So sad since it’s one of the best enemies to lovers I’ve ever read.
Spoiler Version (Close your eyes on this part if you don’t want to be spoiled):
Listen, I understand perfectly that some authors loved to put twists and bittersweet, horrible endings, but can it please not be in my favourite series. I’m begging you.
Darren and Ryiah lost their magic, and PRISCILLA BECOMES QUEEN. Literally the evil villainous female second lead.
Rachel I love you, but I hate you so much right now ?
Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal by Chris Colfer
Non-spoiler version:
It was an unexpected ending, and hint: the title is there for a reason.
Spoiler Version (Close your eyes on this part if you don’t want to be spoiled):
My reaction when I saw the ending.
Seriously?! Dead by struck by lightning? Seriously?
Air Awakens by Elise Kova
Non-spoiler version:
It was actually one of the least bittersweet endings on this list, but IT’S STILL NOW PERFECT.
Spoiler Version (Close your eyes on this part if you don’t want to be spoiled):
Even though the author tried to make it better by letting them have twins, and Aldrik and Vhalla still successfully got together and became empress and emperor of the empire, THEY STILL HAVE TO GIVE UP A CHILD TO THE NORTH.
Again, not perfect. And at least can endings like this did not appear in one of my favorite series of all time, like, please. And also their bond is broken. Even though she gets her powers back, I love their magical bond I think it adds so much to their relationship. Really sad it was never restored after it was broken.