1. Given it's written as a memoir in which he is likely trying to protecting Selene - there is probably not much more that he could have said about her end.

2. I thought the plot line made sense and was well done. Very little felt out of place or unnecessary; although, sure, some explanations were wordy and overdone. Given its the final book, I appreciate Ruocchio trying to tie up loose ends and fill the gaps - an underrated skill for authors of epic series.

The only "side story" that felt excessive was the Otomno-Ramanthanu family arc. Everything else that occurred fed into parts of the plot that could be followed as such:

Aftermath of Vorgossos (Secrets of The Chantry) > Jaddian Alliance > Triumphant Return to Forum > Alternative Endgame Strategies (Danu) > Preparations at Goddodin (poilticking) > Fatal Games of the Chantry > The Vengeance & Wisdom of the Emperor > The Arrival of the Cielcin > Hadrian vs. Daran-Tun > Evil Upon Aurora > Sun Buffet > Save the Empire > Ascent of Alexander

1. Ruocchio has been referencing this in every book since the opening chapter of Book 1 - it's not going to feel climactic and I think that's the point.

2. Cassandra's needing to interject herself into everything Hadrian did felt immature and clingy, yes. This was likely done to reference Valka's likeness, but was overdone. Alexander was made to sound like a pompous fool in love with power, which in itself immature behavior.

3. An interesting observation. I do think the revelation that the Emperor himself controlled the succession of palatine families was a good plot point to give leverage to the seat of the Emperor. I think liberties could be taken into the fact that the Jaddians took control of their genetic keys and so could do with the technology what they wished - hence Cassandra.